Curing Acne Naturally

Acne is a problem that affects thousands of people on an annual basis. While in fact this problem tends to be associated more so with teens over other age demographics, it is something that can affect people of all ages, and last throughout a lifetime. Whether a teen has minor outbreaks randomly during the school year and is embarrassed by the blemishes, or a middle aged professional has underlying skin issues as a result, acne is an ailment that can be a big problem when left prolonged.

There are a great deal of treatments available to help in the fight against acne. Popular products that are topical and or ingested can be effective at neutralizing the infections, however, they also come hand in hand with a slew side effects, some of which can be particularly brutal and lead to further problems. As a result of this fact, many people who suffer from acne by no surprise tend to seek alternative solutions before resorting to the more mainstream products.

Fortunately, there are natural, and less extensive ways to help in the fight against acne. Acne is a mixture of many things, some of which include chemical imbalances and toxins within the body. There are newly released and widely accepted treatments that focus on the cause of the problem and help eliminate the toxins through various diet changes and or lifestyle changes. These types of treatments are particularly effective because they are not simply treating the symptoms that come with acne, they are aiming to eliminate the problem completely starting with the root.

In all, the battle against acne is an ongoing battle that can be difficult. However, advances in medicine, and particularly alternative medicines that focus on natural remedies for such ailments will definitely pose as useful tools to help make the battle a bit easier to deal with.

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Chinese Medicine – Herbal Healing

Over the past few years, there have been many advances in the world of medicine; from the seemingly brutal solutions to ailments that were implemented in the middle ages, to the innovative and technological cures being studied today. In conjunction with these leaps and bounds in medicinal advanements, a great deal of emphasis has also been put on natural remedies that exist in nature; as a result of this, Chinese medicine that incorporates herbs has been shoved into the lime light. Herbs that have existed for millions of years, and have been used in the Chinese culture for centuries are now being studied extensively as prospective counter agents to major health provlems including memory loss, chronic energy loss, heart attacks, strokes and obesity.

Ephedra

This herb has played a vital role in the Chinese culture for centures as a weight loss and health sustaining herb. Once it’s potential was discovered, companies in the United States began to distribute this herb as a weight loss solution, delivering it in high doses. As a result of this poor planning and practice, this important herb has recieved a bad reputation initially. However, with proper research and implementation, ephedra is a powerful supplement to utilize for weight loss.

Ginseng

Ginseng is widely known in the United States. This fantastic herb is used as a natural source of energy; as such, there are numerous products on the market today that incorporate this herb. Additionally, this herb is used to boost neurological health and treat conditions pertaining to the nervous system.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has existed for hundreds of millions of years. Extracted from leaves of ginkgo trees, this increasingly important herb is being studied closely in Europe and the United States for it’s wide array of healing properties. Among the most important of these properties includes vast improvements to mental health and prospective potential in assisting in the decline of mental health as a result of age.

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Art Therapy

According to the American Art Therapy Association “art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals …” Art therapists are credentialed professionals who are referred by your doctor. Art therapy is a recognized effective treatment for ADHD, Depression, and bipolar disorder.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder effects between 4% to 8% of children in the United States and this condition continues into adult hood. The inability to maintain concentration and focus makes learning difficult. Medication is the usual route, but sometimes is ineffective, or the side effects are not desired. Dr. Barroqueiro D. Ed. D. who has the condition herself wrote a paper emphasizing the positive aspects of ADHD which involves creativity. Persons able to create and control their environment go on to have very productive lives. One way to facilitate this is using art therapy since it slows down the brain and trains it to concentrate. This allows a person to stabilize and manage their moods.

Depression

Many ailments such as cancer, HIV, and dementia involve treating depression along with the illness. The University of Leipzig Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology did a study where they gathered all the research papers done on cancer and art therapy from 1987 to 2009. There were 56 papers. In general, from those studies there was found a correlation where art therapy made significant decreases in a patient’s anxiety and depression.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes a persons moods or emotions to shift without external cause. Again research showed art provided a natural way to calm and stabilize patients mood. It removed some of the internal triggers such as faulty thinking or perfectionism that tends to destabilize those with the disorder.

If you or someone you love has a disorder of this nature along with the medication you might consider exploring these alternative treatments.

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Energy Healing

Energy healing is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Chinese and others who practice traditional medicine believe that energy healing removes blockages from the energy paths in the body. These energy pathways are known as meridians. Energy healing is used upon the energy centers of the body called Chakras. Areas of the body that correspond with Chakra energy centers include the top of the head, between the eyebrows, the throat and solar plexus, stomach area, heart, and base of the spine. Each of these areas are identified by a specific color.

The Chakra located at the top of the head corresponds with the color purple and is associated with spirituality. Indigo is the color assigned to the Chakra between the eyes. Psychic abilities are associated with this Chakra. The blue Chakra of the throat is associated with communication. The solar plexus Chakra is the center of our emotions and is yellow in color. The Chakra of the stomach area is represented by the color orange and is the center of creativity. The green Chakra area of the heart controls the immune system. The red Chakra at the base of the spine represents security.

The human body is its own energy field. The energy field of the body reacts to the sources of energy surrounding it. In the practice of energy healing, the human hand is the tool used during the healing process. The healers hands will travel the meridian pathways and identify blocked area. The energy force from the hands of the healer will clear the blocked areas and restore balance in the patient.

Energy healing is a good method for healing pain. This type of Chinese medicine is especially effective on pain in the areas of the back and neck. The healing properties also benefit ailments of the internal organs. Phsycological and spiratual issues are also areas that are well addressed by energy healing. When concerned about illness or seeking balance choose energy healing.

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Accupuncture

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, good health is associated with the balance of yin and yang within the body system. Yin is identified with the life force of blood and yang is associated with energy. Disease is believed to be caused by the energy within these systems being blocked or out of balance. The practice of acupuncture uses needles inserted in specific areas of the body. Acupuncture is used to treat illness and provide therapy. Many practitioners support the use of acupuncture for treatment of disease, pain and infertility. The practice of acupuncture is considered an alternative type of medicine.

Acupuncture is based on the belief that blocked or insufficient energy can be unblocked and provided by the placement and manipulation of needles along the meridian path of the body. The energy path of the meridian locations are believed to be the points that are areas for healing using acupuncture. The points chosen along the meridian path are based on mystical Chinese beliefs. The main acupuncture points used are the twelve main meridian pathways and two of the eight extra meridian paths.

A visit to an acupuncturist will include an examination and discussion with the practitioner. Based on the results of the examination the acupuncturist will decide which pressure points to treat. Modern acupuncturists will utilize fine diameter stainless steel needles for the treatment. The depth of insertion will be dependent upon the style of treatment used. Warming an acupuncture point with herbs prior to insertion into a pressure point may be used as a supplement to the treatment. A large majority of areas require acupuncture needles to be sterile, disposable to be used only once and then discarded.

A majority of people beleive that accupuncture is an effective form of treatment and would visit an accupuncturist. A large number of insurance plans cover the cost of acupuncture treatments making it an available option for many.

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Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic therapy is a form of alternative medicine that is used to reduce inflammation and heal injured bones and soft tissue. It is also used to treat pain. Magnetic therapy is considered safe to use for most individuals. Patients that should be cautious with using this type of therapy include pregnant women and individuals who have an implanted electrical devise within their body. The types of magnets used in this type of therapy may be applied directly to specific points of the body or be a part of a bandage type apparatus that is worn by the patient. Some individuals wear a magnetic bracelet as a form of therapy.

The human blood protein that carries oxygen within the body has been reported to be impacted by the use of magnets dependent upon the strength of the magnet used. Studies have reported some positive effect from the use of magnets. There has been no meaningful evidence that proves that magnets possess the healing powers they are presented to have. Even without the proof that justifies the use of magnets they remain highly popular. Purchase of bracelets, earring’s, necklaces, magnetically supplemented mattress pads, and magnetic shoe insoles continue to increase.

With the hope of a cure and the testimony of many magnetic therapy will remain a consideration of an alternative form of health care. Sufferers of pain related to injury and diabetes continue to seek out a cure for their condition and magnetic therapy is often considered and used. Some report a positive effect and others show no signs of improvement.

Research and studies into the effectiveness of magnetic therapy have been inconclusive. In the United States there are regulations that prohibit using medical claims to market magnetic devices. Sales of magnetic therapy devices have exceeded one billion dollars which makes it a very profitable business.

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Yoga and your Health

Yoga is actively practiced by many people. The art of Yoga is used to center those who practice it and provide a proactive approach to healthy living. The practice of Yoga allows the individual to focus on the physical and mental aspects of their well being. Yoga develops strength in an individual and reduces or eliminates pain and mental problems. This activity continues to increase in popularity. The availability to the practice includes information on television and other media as well as numerous yoga classes across the continent.

Yoga therapists are able to assist in the treatment of numerous health problems including arthritis, diabetes, pain and stress. Yoga therapy provides purpose to life and helps to balance emotions. Yoga involves mind and body practices that include breathing exercises meditation and relaxation techniques.

The different types of Yoga are numerous. Hatha yoga is a type of yoga practiced in the west. Ha means sun and tha means moon which represents Hatha yoga as a union of the opposites. Raja yoga includes several steps to the path of enlightenment. Karma yoga is practiced by and individual devoted to selfless action. Mantra yoga involves repetitive sound or words. Jnana yoga is practiced by those seeking knowledge. Bhakti yoga is suited for those who are devoted to prayer. Each of these types of yoga have the ultimate goal of enlightenment.

The practice of yoga will include learning about the bodies chakras and the wheel of light. Knowledge of the energy fields that are along the meridian path within the body is required in order to develop awareness of how yoga creates a positive flow of energy. Yoga will purify, strengthen and energize the physical body. The practice will provide focus and awareness to the mind. The overall benefits of yoga presents a case for integrating this therapy into your life.

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The Yoga Diet

A Yoga approach to diet teaches about the interaction of three qualities called gunas. These qualities are tamas (stasis), sattva (harmony and balance), and rajas (energy). The gunas are represented in everything, including food. Rajas is represented as hot and energetic. Sattva is pure and wholesome. Tamas is cool and sustained. A yoga diet is designed to balance the gunas in the foods that we eat. All three gunas are present in each food type with one of the gunas predominant. An Ayurvedic practitioner will be able to help identify the type of diet that is necessary for a particular personality. Energetic individuals may require sattva and tamasic food in order to achieve balance.

Sattvic foods include grains, fruit, vegetables, cheese, nuts, seeds, honey, herbs and water. Sattvic food promotes balance of the body and mind and produces a positive flow of energy between the two.

Rajasic foods are salty, dry, sour or bitter. These foods include chocolate, eggs, chili peppers, coffee and strong spices. Energetic individuals who eat rajasic foods may become restless. These foods can restore energy in those who are lethargic.

Tamasic foods are often considered products to be avoided. These foods are acidic and dry. Types of tamasic foods include meat, onions, garlic and mushrooms. Alcohol is also considered a tamasic food.

In addition to developing a diet that compliments your personality, there are guidelines that should be considered. Foods that are fresh and in their natural state should be selected. Foods that are treated in order to be preserved longer should be avoided. Processed and fast foods should be eliminated when on a Yoga diet. Foods with additives including coloring should also be removed from the Yoga diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a mainstay of the diet. Following a yoga diet and incorporating the practice of yoga will provide balance to those who practice it.

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Curing Acne The Chinese Way

Acne is widely considered a scourge of the teen years, but some people suffer from it all their lives. Nearly 80% of teenagers have acne in some form or severity, while older acne victims face periodic outbreaks. It is well known that acne is a skin condition characterized by the abnormal functioning of oil glands in the skin. Sebum is prevented from travelling up the hair follicle, and accumulates to form a breeding ground for bacteria. Causes range from heredity to environmental conditions to medications and food habits.

Modern medicine has a variety of treatments for acne, including topical ointments, antibiotics, accutane, corticosteroids, and dermabrasion. Some of these treatments can have severe side effects, and even create new problems of their own. Antibiotics can hinder the effect of other medications, and cause digestive disorders. Accutane is a very controversial mode of treatment, especially for women, since it contributes quite significantly to fetal malformations. Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system and trigger a number of allergies in the user.

Quite understandably, many acne sufferers look for alternative options and health medicines or systems to cure their condition. Traditional Chinese medicine has emerged as a popular choice of treatment for acne. As with all other ailments, Chinese medicine views acne as the result of an internal imbalance. Acne is seen as the outcome of excess heat and toxins in the body, and Chinese therapy tries to cure it by reducing the heat and eliminating toxins.

Treatment is characterized by the search for an underlying factor, as Chinese medicine aims to control the root cause and not the external outcome. Practitioners prescribe herbal medicines in custom doses via pills, tinctures, herbal teas, and powders. This is often supplemented by a controlled diet that aims to eliminate excess heat from the body by cooling the blood. Foods like watermelon, cherries, lettuce, squash, and cabbage are a good supplement to acne medication. When taken in correct doses under supervision, Chinese medicines have virtually no side effects.

Chinese medicine is a good option for anybody seeking a lasting cure from acne, since it promotes a healthy change in lifestyle and food habits.

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Fasting for Health

Fasting is an effective way to cleanse and purify the body. This process also helps to center the mind and body. Fasting provides the opportunity for the digestive system to rest which will provide energy to the body that would normally be used to absorb and process food. Individuals who practice fasting report that the process clears the mind and provides a centered feeling that allows free concentration and meditation. A significant amount of self control is required of those who choose to fast. The act of fasting should only be used to cleanse the body. The results will include a restoration of balance within the individual.

A fast normally lasts between one and three days. The one day fast may provide rest for the digestive system but will not provide a total detoxification. Prior to beginning a fast the body should be prepared by simplifying the diet. Normal meals should be replaced with a lite diet. On fasting days solid food should be eliminated and replaced with a liquid diet of either fruit or vegetable juice. These two food group types should not be mixed. Water should included in the liquid fast along with the juices. A water only fast is possible but should be preceded by consulting a practitioner for advice.

Strenuous activity should be avoided during a fast due to the lack of energy that may be experienced. Your body will spend this time releasing toxins that will be eliminated in many ways. Skin should be kept clean and free of products that may normally be used. These products block the pores of the skin which may prohibit detoxification.

Breaking a fast should be a gradual process that include introducing small amounts of non acidic foods into your diet. Continue to add food items until you are at the point of eating normally.

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