Michelle Howard's articles from Holistic Health Articleshttp://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:48:53 EDTHolisticHealthArticles.com http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/9255/319/Hot-Stone-Massage-and-The-Many-Benefits-To-Your-Health.html
While the body was created to heal itself, society, culture and the environment has made it difficult to maintain a healthy body Think about the last time you had a headache that seemed like it would never go away It may have been the result of job stress or trouble with your finances Whatever the cause of discomfort, a hot stone massage provides a number of benefits to relax your body and improve your health
Hot Stone Massage ExplainedIn simple terms, a hot stone massage is a deep tissue muscle massage performed with heated stones called basalt stones which are heated to high temperatures in water and then slightly cooled for application on the skin during massage
The Numerous Benefits of Massage Therapy The emotional and physical benefits reported from massage are numerous and heated stones intensify the effects:

Natural pain relief:
A hot stone massage is a safe non-invasive way to address common health conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis A 2007 report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that massage can reduce the incidence and frequency associated with headache, muscular and joint pain from a number of conditions

Deep tissue and muscle relaxation:
The kneading pressure facilitated with the heated stones releases rigid muscles that have been under tension

Toxin release and elimination of waste from the body:
After a good massage, you will need to use the bathroom That's because the pressure applied to your muscles is mashing out the toxins Hot stones intensify the effects and make the massage more productive

Improvement of the lymphatic and central nervous systems:
Responsible for fighting off diseases, infections and germs, the lymph system is improved as waste is eliminated from the body resulting from the hot stone massage This central nervous system processes bodily functions better when the body is relaxed The end result is increased blood flow and improved circulation in the body

Increased flexibility:
Your muscles are loosened and relaxed from the hot stone treatment Therefore, your range of motion is extended

Increase in energy levels:
Muscle tension is released by the acupressure experienced during the massage This stimulates the energy flow throughout the entire body

You can reap a number of benefits I just shared with you just by getting a regularly scheduled hot stone massage From natural pain relief and increased energy to more effective bodily systems, hot stone massage is not just a luxury It's a necessity

Precaution: People prone to getting blood clots, with contagious skin rashes or open wounds should not get a massage Additionally, if you have had a recent surgery or chemotherapy treatment, you should not get a massage It's recommended that you check with your doctor before getting a massage if you have a serious medical condition

Michelle H Smith is a stress and pain management professional, published author and New York Wellness Examiner. Sign up for her information packed
href='http://www.stressreliefbyrv.com/newsletters/subscribe'>Stress Less Newsletter and be kept informed of alternative ways to reduce stress and ease pain without medication. Your subscription also grants you a complimentary health report you don't want to pass up.]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/9255/319/Hot-Stone-Massage-and-The-Many-Benefits-To-Your-Health.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/8928/303/Anti-Benefits-Of-Tea-Tree-Oil-That-Aid-Your-Immune-System.html
It's no secret that we live in a fallen world filled with viruses, bacteria and toxins The world we live in is infected with all sorts of harmful organisms and the rates of illness are increasing Our constantly polluted environment is a huge reason but only one among many In spite of the causes, God has provided an abundant supply of natural resources to assist us with preventing and curing illness You need not always turn to pharmaceuticals for aid Tea Tree Essential Oil is one natural resource you need to pay attention to

Tea Tree Essential Oil has specific properties associated with it that I like to call the "Anti" benefits These benefits are so powerful that they can help boost your immune system by combating and protecting your body from invaders (Side note: The FDA requires me to state that the statements I am about to make have not been proven by their organization However, they have also not been disproven by them )

Tea Tree Oil "Anti" Benefits
Anti-bacterial: Tea Tree Oil inhibits and kills the growth of bacteria Wounds have been treated for centuries with this natural resource and continues to be effective at curing bacterial infections Tea Tree Oil is not often taken orally but it can be done in a diluted form to clear up internal bacterial infections

Anti-fungal: Used to treat fungal infections like Athlete's Foot, oil from the Tea Tree destroys and prevents the growth of fungi which is slightly different from bacteria Fungi are typically multicellular and absorb their food from whatever they grow on while bacteria are single celled organisms that multiply quickly and can live on almost any surface

Antimicrobial: Tea Tree Essential oil can kill certain microbes in the bacteria, protozoa, fungi and algae family It's an excellent source of help while your body's own immune system is doing its own work

Antiseptic: The oil of the Tea Tree is an excellent choice for cleansing wounds that may become infected if not otherwise addressed since it prevents the growth of micro-organisms

Antitoxin: Stimulating your body's sweat glands to increase sweating, Tea Tree Essential Oil helps promote the removal of toxins from the body through the skin, a major detoxifying mechanism

Antiviral: Viruses are simple organisms that need a living host to survive However, once they have invaded their host, they can develop a protect shell called a "cyst" to survive Tea Tree Essential Oil can be used to help rupture this protective cyst and then provide your body with protection from them

It's very important to consider the source and history of any drug, remedy or treatment Tea Tree Oil has been around for decades and isn't going anywhere as long as God is still growing Tea Trees Tea Tree Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves of the Tea Tree by the process of steam distillation and has a very long history of effectiveness treating an extensive number of health problems Some of the health problems resolved by Tea Tree Oil include healing wounds, curing viral infections, prohibiting fungus growth, and easing pain from muscular aches

Scientists manufacture artificial substances that us consumers have no idea where from These particular drugs that are being introduced and approved by the FDA are not always thoroughly tested and many times one does not know until all of the lawsuits pop up that the drug is not safe for human consumption Tea Tree Essential Oil has no potent or life threatening side effects Consider your source

Michelle H Smith is a stress and pain management professional, published author and mom of a child with special needs.

Discover additional natural resources like Tea Tree Oil to improve or protect your health when you visit her online Stress and Pain Management site.]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/8928/303/Anti-Benefits-Of-Tea-Tree-Oil-That-Aid-Your-Immune-System.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/6968/303/Dry-Skin-Remedies-Natural-Sources.html
Determining the best dry skin remedies can be difficult with all of the different products on the market Big manufacturers with deep pockets spend so much on advertising and marketing that you are bombarded with choices

To make things easier, check your ingredient labels Regardless of the brand, true dry skin remedies are nature based Nature provides you with a number of effective ingredients to address dry skin problems The following natural sources hydrate, protect and nourish They are not listed in any particular order, other than my personal preference:

* Shea Butter - Highly effective at softening rough dry patches

* Avocado - Contains natural antioxidants and reduces inflammation while helping to heal dried out, sun damaged skin

* Cocoa Butter - Balances and locks in moisture

* Honey - Helps your skin to retain water, increasing the moisturizing effects

* Milk - Combined with honey, provides the needed moisture while giving you a healthy glow

* Hemp - Protects your skin's moisture barrier, while making it soft and supple

* Goat's Milk - A natural moisturizer loaded with beneficial nutrients Excellent for sensitive skin

* Almond Oil - Softens and helps balance moisture while providing nourishment

* Olive Oil - Lubricates and heals damaged skin; Locks in moisture

* Coconut Oil - Prevents dry, chapped skin while also preventing premature wrinkles

* Sunflower Oil - Rich in essential fatty acids; Helps to retain moisture and fights excessive dryness

* Dead Sea Salt - Eases dryness associated with Eczema and Psoriasis

This is by no means an exhaustive list of ingredients that provide you with natural dry skin remedies However, it is more than a sufficient amount to work with For a true dry skin remedy, save yourself a lot of money and disappointment by looking for these natural ingredients on your body care product labels

Michelle Howard is a natural skin care enthusiast and published author. Women of color can discover how to beautify their skin naturally when subscribing to Michelle's free monthly newsletter that focuses on ethnic and black skin care.

Subscribers receive a complimentary Basically Beautiful Tips Guide.]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/6968/303/Dry-Skin-Remedies-Natural-Sources.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/4348/318/Magnetic-Therapy-for-Fibromyalgia-Alternative-Treatment.html
If you are one of millions of Americans diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, an incurable disease, be encouraged There is a safe form of alternative therapy that can help It's called Magnetic Therapy

While there are pharmaceutical drugs available to help ease chronic pain from Fibromyalgia, wouldn't you rather try a form of treatment that doesn't have the potential side effects caused by medication? Magnetic Therapy for Fibromyalgia is a safe form of alternative therapy that can help ease your chronic pain

Magnetic Therapy Clinical Studies:

Magnetic Therapy is becoming increasingly more popular throughout the United States, especially after a number of clinical studies One such study using Magnetic Therapy for Fybromyalgia took place in Virginia

During a large clinical trial, where a group of patients with Fibromyalgia were instructed to sleep on Magnetic Therapy pads for a duration of time, the result was a much lower level of chronic pain versus hardly any change for the patients who did not use the alternative treatment of Magnetic Therapy

How Magnetic Therapy Can Help You:

Magnetic Therapy is non-invasive Naturally, your body produces a movement of ions throughout the body that causes a electromagnetic field Individuals who have pain from Fibromyalgia may be dealing with an out of balance electromagnetic field

Applying therapeutic grade magnets to painful areas causes the capillary walls surrounding your muscles and connective tissues to relax The result is an increase in the blood flow to the area, putting your body's electromagnetic field back on track which in turn reduces pain and swelling

While Magnetic Therapy for Fibromyalgia is not a guaranteed solution, it can be very effective for many people and is worth trying to fight chronic pain

Note: The US FDA has not approved magnetic therapy for treating any condition Using magnets is an alternative form of therapy

Always consult a doctor prior to using Magnet Therapy, especially if you have pre-existing conditions If you have any type of implanted electronic device, magnetic therapy is not for you

Michelle Howard is a stress and pain management professional, published author and NY Wellness Examiner.

Read the testimonials of magnetic therapy users as well as her own personal experience with Magnetic Therapy.]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/4348/318/Magnetic-Therapy-for-Fibromyalgia-Alternative-Treatment.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/6704/319/Massage-Advantages-13-Physical-and-Emotional-Benefits.html
Let's face it After a long stressful week, you just need to find an effective way to relax and unwind It's also highly unlikely that your body wants to wait until the end of the week to experience the list of massage advantages I'm about to share with you After all, you need some help relaxing after a long stressful day, not week Keep reading

Getting a massage is the ultimate way to relieve stress However, getting massages on a daily basis isn't really practical unless you can afford them or alternatively, you have someone at home able and willing to do them on a regular basis So, for the sake of those who don't have the money to get massages weekly or just have lazy family members not considerate enough to care about our stress (of course they don't have any stress of their own), let's focus on massage advantages - physical and emotional that you will still attain by getting massages weekly

You may have had deadline pressures at work or conflict from strained relationships at home Regardless of what has been responsible for kicking your current stressful status into gear, getting a massage will prove beneficial

For the most effective massage, you will want a professional to administer it Visiting a professional massage therapist is worth its cost because of the many massage advantages experienced However, they don't typically come cheap This is why massages are often viewed as a luxury

While getting a massage is definitely luxurious, there's so much more to it than that There are very real massage advantages to be obtained when a massage is done in the correct manner These advantages can be physical, emotional or a combination of both:

Loosening of stiff sore muscles

Improved balance and posture

Reduced number of headaches

Lowered blood pressure

Release of toxins from the body resulting in a boosted immune system

Improved quality of sleep

Reduction of muscle spasms

Clearer skin (due to the release of toxins stored in the body)

Reduced muscle pain

Improved deep breathing

Release of mental and physical stress

Calming of frazzled emotions

Mental clarity

This is really a short list of the advantages you can expect to receive after getting a good massage Get a massage and you will discover that there are plenty more than these

A massage is very beneficial for your overall health and wellness Your body will be the true witness of how effective regular massages can be Also, the massage advantages are increased when you combine getting a massage with heat or aromatherapy


Michelle Howard Smith is a published author and a true-to-life stress and pain management professional.

Discover a unique line of stress and alternative pain relief products when you visit her shop at www.stressreliefbyrv.com.]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/6704/319/Massage-Advantages-13-Physical-and-Emotional-Benefits.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/5887/384/7-Relaxing-Tips-for-Stress-Relief.html
Horse & buggies and telegrams - those were the days before the information and technology era Now we have SUVs, iPhones and so much more to keep us busy and productive Modern technology has improved our existence right? Or has it?

In today's hectic world, stress levels are higher than ever before People are dropping like flies from heart attacks and other stress related health problems Now more than ever, you must be armed with techniques to help you relax

Below is a list of seven techniques to help you relax Put these into practice any time you need to escape Most of these relaxation tips are free and will help provide you with stress relief at any time:

* Deep Breathing Technique - With your hand on your abdomen, breathe in and out through your nose and mouth respectively Repeat several times and feel the melt away

* Positive Visualization - Close your eyes for approximately 5 minutes and let your mind take you to a peaceful place or a happy moment (ex: a child's birth, a vacation) Reside there for a few moments in time

* Take A Cat Nap - Checking out" for a few is a great way to relax and unwind Find a quiet place to cat nap for 10-15 minutes You may not fall asleep but the simple act of resting your eyes will help relax you

* Give Yourself a Massage - This may sound odd but there are certain reflex points on your hands and feet that will promote relaxation when massaged

* Aromatherapy - Diffuse essential oils a k a aroma oils (ex: lavender, marjoram, lemon) into the air or apply directly to your body (some aroma oils may need to be dissolved with a carrier oil) and unwind with calming scents

* Do Muscle Stretches - Stretching exercises for the neck, back, feet and legs help work out stress tense, muscles

* Tub Soak - Fill your tub with very warm water and just soak Add Epsom Salt or essential oils to the water to Combine positive visualization for an even more relaxing experience

Practice one or more of these seven relaxing tips for stress relief any time you are feeling out of sorts There's no need to stay all wound up Technology may be moving at the speed of light but you don't have to Escape to your own little world and relax


Michelle Howard Smith is a published author and a true-to-life stress and pain management professional. Discover a unique line of stress and alternative pain relief products when you visit her shop at www.stressreliefbyrv.com.]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/5887/384/7-Relaxing-Tips-for-Stress-Relief.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/5671/360/Sleep-Deprivation-How-it-Dangerously-Increases-Your-Stress.html
When it comes to stress, the cold hard fact is that nobody is immune to it All it takes to raise your stress levels is the loss of a job, an illness or the death of a loved one However, these events aren't necessarily within your control Since that's the case, proactively attending to the things that can cause you increased stress and are within your control is of major importance

Reportedly, 40 percent of Americans are sleep deprived This is a serious matter because when you don't get enough sleep, not only is your body deprived of much needed time to be re-energized, it's also deprived of an environment necessary to foster natural healing

Increased stress from sleep deprivation can give birth to a number of physical, mental and emotional symptoms upon awakening These symptoms include but certainly are not confined to:

* An increase in the rate of illness
* Nausea
* Dizziness
* Forgetfulness
* Feeling sluggish
* Poor concentration or fuzzy thinking
* Poor judgment

Having experienced each of the above mentioned symptoms personally, I've discovered that neglecting to get enough snooze time is not only dangerous to your health but also to the health of others One delayed reaction because of increased stress from sleep deprivation can be detrimental

The National Sleep Foundation estimates that sleep deprived drivers are responsible for more than 100,000 automobile accidents each year Getting 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night is recommended and getting that recommended amount of sleep time is not negotiable However, it doesn't stop there

Your quality of sleep is just as important as the length of pillow time (the sleeping kind) you put in If you're used to sleeping from 9pm to 6am, when that schedule is changed and you get to bed much later, you will still wake up feeling not quite rested The reason is that your body was accustomed to start winding down at a certain time and you have now pushed it into overdrive A serious consequence of an erratic sleep schedule is insomnia

Forcing your body to stay awake not only increases stress from sleep deprivation, it also reduces your ability to handle existing and future challenges that lead to stress By simply getting the appropriate amount of sleep, your stress levels will be significantly reduced Your body and mind will be in better shape to respond to stress, thereby helping lower your overall stress levels

Michelle Howard Smith is a published author and a true-to-life stress and pain management professional. Discover a unique line of stress and alternative pain relief products when you visit her shop at www.stressreliefbyrv.com.]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/5671/360/Sleep-Deprivation-How-it-Dangerously-Increases-Your-Stress.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/4090/361/Lower-Back-Pain-5-Causes-of-Lower-Back-Pain.html
Have you ever heard that you should never diagnose your own pain? Well, it's true and while a doctor is the best individual to diagnose lower back pain, it's beneficial to understand the causes of this common problem so that you are well informed and prepared should you need medical treatment Let's examine five of the most common causes of lower back pain:

Back Muscle Strain

Lower back pain can be caused by either pulling a muscle in the back after lifting a heavy object or from over exerting yourself while exercising If you have poor abdominal muscles, your lower back is even more prone to strains

A Herniated Disk

Your lower back has soft disks between the spine and bones which allow for movement in your back As you get older (not necessarily old as this is common amongst 30 and 40 year olds), if your disks are weak or damaged, they can push through a tear in the outer area of the disk causing it to get too cozy up against the surround nerves If you've ever had sciatica, you will know how painful it is to have your nerves pressed upon

A bulging disk can cause chronic pain and is usually not isolated to the lower back but also in the legs depending on which disk is bulging and how far it's bulging out

Kidney Stones

Passing kidney stones is very painful depending on the size of the stone It is very common to have lower back pain as well as a number of other symptoms such as blood in the urine when you have kidney stones

The lower back pain can either be a dull aching pain or an excruciating stabbing pain Many times you will need to see a doctor My daughter's father passed kidney stones twice during our marriage and I think he was more miserable during those moments than when we divorced! That says a lot for me huh?

The Flu

The flu is a miserable virus and can cause terrible aching lower back pain Having the flu can cause aches and pains all over the body After a few days, as the flu virus is attacked by your anti-bodies and you begin to mend, your lower back pain will ease up

Pregnancy

Men, you can skip this one unless you know something I don't? If you are a male, this shouldn't be a problem for you but with modern medicine, only God knows so maybe you can keep reading

Pregnant women commonly get lower back pain from carrying this consistently growing human inside This causes the abdominal muscles and ligaments to stretch which encourage lower back pain

Now you can go to your doctor if necessary, armed with information about lower back pain causes In the meantime, alternating warm compressions and a lower back support pad can be helpful to alleviate lower back pain in most individuals

If your pain does not subside or appears to be getting worst, don't hesitate to see a doctor right away You may need further medical treatment including an x-ray, CT scan or other medical treatment Let's not forget that your doctor can also provide you with medication to help with the pain should you need it

Michelle Howard Smith is a stress and pain management professional. You can grab a subscription to her monthly Stress Less newsletter for oodles of free health related information! ]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/4090/361/Lower-Back-Pain-5-Causes-of-Lower-Back-Pain.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/4121/407/Pilates-Combat-Stress-Therapeutically-or-Preventatively-with-Pilates.html
10 out of 10 people experience stress at some point in their lives and at varying degrees Since you have a 100% chance of experiencing stress, you will need an outlet to help you find stress relief; The more enjoyable the better I'd like to introduce you to the fine and fun art of Pilates

It's been talked about and taught about Exercise has many benefits including alleviating tension and lowering blood pressure Pilates is a form of exercise that's very effective at holistically addressing stress

Pilates not only affects the physical body by increasing flexibility and strength but also has a profound impact on the mind by helping you to gather in wandering thoughts and helping you to focus Pilates can be used as a therapeutic or preventative means for stress relief

Therapeutic Pilates

Consider that when you are feeling the pressures of stress, your body reacts by tensing up muscles, giving you a headache, eye strain, etc Having a Pilates session can help to alleviate that tension This is using Pilates therapeutically to combat stress

Pilates as a Preventative

Regularly participating in Pilates helps to condition your body and mind When your body is in excellent form and your mind is conditioned and focused, you are better prepared to deal with stress when it does come your way and it will come your way, eventually

During Pilates, your body serves as it's own source of resistance and combines the techniques of yoga and martial arts Stretching tensed muscles coupled with deep breathing, your body can adequately release stress and tension

Working with a trained Pilates instructor is recommended initially, in order to learn proper form and technique After some time, you can successfully do Pilates right in your own home with instructional DVDs that can be purchased at your nearest Walmart, Target or online

Do not allow stress to keep you all tense and wound up Learning and regularly participating in Pilates can be a fun way to not only condition your body but also to help you alleviate some of the effects of stress in your life even when the actual stressor is still present

Michelle Howard Smith is a published author and stress & pain management professional offering a wide range of Alternative Pain Relief Products.

Grab a complimentary subscription to Michelle's monthly Stress Less newsletter for alternative health and related information like that found in this article. ]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/4121/407/Pilates-Combat-Stress-Therapeutically-or-Preventatively-with-Pilates.html http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/2464/319/Pregnancy-and-Massage-Combination-for-Relaxation.html
Massage and Pregnancy are usually not two terms that you normally see together because getting massages during pregnancy is usually not advised unless you get your doctor's approval in advance However, after a long day of walking around, getting swollen feet and an aching back, a massage is something that a pregnant woman needs more than the average person Now days there are massage therapists who are specially trained in pregnancy massage also called prenatal massage Let's go on a journey to see how massage and pregnancy can work well together

The Benefits of a Prenatal Massage

The main purpose of getting a pregnancy massage is to promote better circulation in the limbs, provide relief to tense muscles, reduce swelling and to promote overall relaxation The gentle feeling of having your shoulders, back, neck or even feet massaged while you are pregnant feels especially relaxing when your baby has been putting added pressure on your joints all day Oh and let's not forget the fact that your hormones have probably been running a muck so getting a prenatal massage is

Choosing a Pregnancy Massage Therapist

While massages during pregnancy can be beneficial, choosing the right massage therapist is important When choosing a pregnancy massage therapist, an expectant mom should always ask if he or she is certified in pregnancy massage Traditional massage techniques don't work well because they can endanger the baby and mother so it's important to make sure the massage therapist specializes in pregnancy or prenatal massage Once an expectant mother selects the right therapist, she can expect to receive specialized attention when she gets massages during pregnancy Extra pillows and padding will be used for comfort and she will be positioned so that mom and baby are physically comfortable and safe The therapist that specializes in massage and pregnancy will also be aware of the fact that the baby's position can change at any time so extra precautions will be given not to apply too much pressure near the abdomen or closely surrounding areas

The Experience

To set the mood, the lights will be dimmed and music will be playing softly in the background Pregnancy massages don't take place on a traditional massage table so your massage table will be positioned more like a beach chair You'll be covered with towels and will turn from side to side during the massage As you relax, your heart rate and blood pressure will go down slightly and mom and baby will be able to enjoy the relaxing experience

Pregnancy does not have to be a 24-7 strenuous task Take some time to yourself and get a pregnancy massage by a licensed and trained therapist I wish I had done so when I had my three children, or at the very least the last one which was 10 lbs 14 ozs!

Note: Pregnancy massage is not recommended for women with a history of blood clots, preterm labor, and other conditions Always consult with your doctor before engaging in a prenatal pregnancy massage

Michelle Howard is President of Reviyve LLC, an internet based personal care products company. She offers a niche line ofStress Management and Alternative Pain Relief products.]]> http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/2464/319/Pregnancy-and-Massage-Combination-for-Relaxation.html