A guide to the current treatment and ways to cope for those whose sleep and ability to sit quietly are mysteriously stolen every evening.

Although written for the lay public and victims of RLS, it may also be of interest to physicians who are baffled by this rest robber…. More >>

Sleep Thief: Restless Legs Syndrome

Sleep disorders are a highly common medical issue that affects millions of Americans each year. While some people suffer from mild sleeping problems, such as the occasional nightmare, others have extremely severe sleep disorders that can negatively affect their health if left untreated.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and alert during the day Did you know that the average adult needs eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night in order to maintain optimal mental and physical health? Unfortunately, not everyone is able to get the restorative eight hours they need.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, over 40 million Americans a year will suffer from some sort or sleep disorder – many whom will go undiagnosed, or turn to over-the-counter sleep aids for relief. However, ignoring the underlying causes, or covering the symptoms with drugs usually makes the problem worse.

 Read more...

If you are wondering what Reiki is all about, here would be a good place to start.

Imagine that you have gone along to a Natural Healing Exhibition and you are going to sit in on a talk about Reiki. You will find out what Reiki is and where it comes from. You will discover what it is like to give and receive a treatment. You will hear about the effects of Reiki treatments and come to understand how being attuned to Reiki can change your life.

So, get yourself comfortable in your chair, and let’s listen in on the talk.

Hello and welcome to an introductory talk about Reiki. My name is Taggart King, from Reiki Evolution, and I am a Reiki Master, which just means that I can teach Reiki. Over the next half an hour or so, we are going to be talking about lots of different things to do with the ‘Usui system of Natural healing’, as Reiki is also known.  Read more...

For your wedding anniversary this time, you planned a lovely evening, complete with a sumptuous dinner by the Candle light. Though everything went right according to your plans, it were the Candles that spoiled the evening. First, the table got all dirty with burnt wax all over it. Second, the soot and smoke marred the romantic atmosphere.

The ordinary Candles that we get in the market are made out of paraffin. Paraffin is a petroleum-based product and thus results in more soot and smoke when the Candle is burnt. So, if you are using these Candles, be prepared for the unclean burning. However, if you want to avoid these, go for aromatherapy Candles.

Aromatherapy Candles are made from Essential Oils of plants. And lighting the room is only a secondary feature of these Candles; the primary use is in stimulating oneself physiologically and therapeutically. It is well known that aromas and fragrances are effective for evoking mood and emotions. So if you are looking forward to romantic evening, just use aromatherapy Candles and see how your beau says just the right words.  Read more...

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can affect anyone at any time. It usually occurs in adulthood but children are not immune. If your child has been diagnosed with this disease, there are ways that you can help.

The cause of CFS is unknown. Researchers have speculated that it could be the result of a viral or bacterial infection or other illness but there is as yet no proof. For now, doctors are dealing with the symptoms.

Children have also been affected by chronic fatigue syndrome. Because of the developmental stages of children and their unpredictability, it takes a watchful parent to notice that something is wrong. The symptoms of the disease include:

* Pain in the joints
* Tiredness that persists for more than 24 hours
* Headaches
* Problems concentrating
* Sore throat
* Lymph node tenderness in armpits and neck
* Chills
* Diarrhea
* Appetite and weight changes
* Mild fever  Read more...

Like so many New Age practices and beliefs, aromatherapy has ancient roots. The use of Essential Oils to affect mood and well-being can be found far back in Egyptian, Greek and Roman history. In fact, when the three kings of biblical fame brought gifts, including gold, to baby Jesus, their other highly prized offerings were Frankincense and Myrrh resins from these Herbs are still in use today.

While scientific evidence about aromatherapy is scant, its long-standing role in spirituality and healing, along with strong anecdotal support of its benefits, gives Essential Oils an important role as a complementary Alternative Medicine therapy.

Cherie Perez, RN, quality assurance specialist in the department of GU Medical Oncology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, is a strong proponent of aromatherapy, including as an adjunct for Cancer treatment. She teaches monthly classes for patients on the topic. I recently asked Perez to tell me about how aromatherapy can be useful for people who are healthy, as well as those with chronic illnesses.  Read more...

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster?

There are many natural approaches to combating one of the most common pregnancy complaints, morning sickness. Most people have heard of the age-old ginger remedy for upset stomachs and intestinal gas. It is an effective remedy that is cheap to use and has no side effects, which is very important to most expectant

mothers. However, there are many more natural remedies that you can use not only to ease the stomach, but also to ensure a smooth, faster labor. Yes, it is true, say hello to reflexology.

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster? Yes, it is true. Furthermore, women that undergo reflexology treatment during pregnancy also appear to have fewer complications during labor. These benefits are great, but what about the nine-months of uncomfortable, often painful symptoms?  Read more...

Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands!

Many studies have been done in relation to the effectiveness of reflexology. If you are unfamiliar with reflexology, here are the basics. Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the f

eet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. Reflexology is safe and effective for everyone. Furthermore, it can and should be used throughout a lifetime.

So how can reflexology really help you? Research has found that not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, detoxification, recovering from surgery, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.  Read more...

It is basically swishing Sesame Oil or Sunflower Oil around your mouth for 15-20 minutes on an empty stomach. It pulls Toxins from your blood and bacteria from your mouth. At the end of the swishing (pulling) you spit it out, and rinse with warm sea salt water. The reason you do this for 20 minutes is that all the blood in your body filters through the big vein under you tongue every 20 minutes.

It stimulates your liver to produce bile. It increases metabolism.

One of the side effects is much white teeth, fresher breath, and healthy looking gums. Heck, if thats all I got, then great!!

The testimonials I have read are from people with awesome dentists visits, and lessing of deep pockets in gums, allowing them to avoid gum surgery.

Background

F. Karach, M.D., presented a paper before the All-Ukrainian Association. The meeting was attended by oncologists and bacteriologists belonging to the Academy of Science of the USSR. Dr. Karach explained an unusual simple healing process using cold-pressed oils.  Read more...

Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex points on the feet (or hands) to bring about a state of deep relaxation, stimulate the bodys own healing process, and help a person return to a state of balance and well-being.

It is holistic complementary therapy that aims to release blockages and improve the flow of energy in the body by working through body zones (rather like the meridians an acupuncturist or shiatsu practitioner works on). Reflexology has roots in Ancient Egypt, China, Japan and India.

Reflexology can provide relaxation, pain and Stress relief, stimulation of all body systems eg the immune and digestive systems, and balance for the mind, body, emotions and spirit. Most people find Reflexology an enormously comforting and nurturing therapy.

In general, Reflexology has been shown to help relieve a whole host of ailments, including:

* Digestive disorders eg Constipation, Heartburn

* Migraines and Headaches

* Stress and anxiety

* Sleep problems

* PMS and hormone related problems

* Back and joint pain  Read more...

Caution: Take this only once a day (at bedtime, to induce sleep).

Pour 1 pint boiling water over 1 Tsp powdered valerian root. Cover and steep 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Add a pinch of mace as flavoring if desired.

Chamomile is an herb that has been used for thousands of years for many ailments including gas, diarrhea, stomach upset, sleeplessness, and anxiety. It can also be used topically for certain skin lesions. The Chamomile plant has flowering tops and these are what are used for making tea and other herbal remedies that include Chamomile.

When Chamomile tops are stewed and then drained the liquid is a deep yellow color and can be lightly sweetened if preferred. It has a very unique taste to it and many women used to make sure they always had a few baby bottles tucked safely away in the refrigerator in case their baby got gas. It was used before the days of over the counter gas relief drops and although there is no scientific validity to it, it always seemed to make the baby stop wailing and fall fast asleep.  Read more...

A good night’s sleep is more important than you may realise. Those seven to nine hours of rest time affects your entire body for the coming day. If you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, here are ten ideas to turn your rocky night into smooth sailing.

1. Adjust the temperature in your room. You may not have a separate control but the entire household can benefit from a cooler temperature for snoozing. High humidity makes it harder to fall asleep comfortably.

2. Resist the urge to do any work or watch television in bed. When you perform other tasks in the bedroom, your brain doesn’t associate your bed with sleep only. When you turn on the television, the mind revs up instead of slowing down for rest.

3. Play soothing music. Slow, instrumental tunes lull the body and the mind to sleep. It can be a nightly signal that sleep is coming and the body will begin to relax.  Read more...