March 31, 2009
sleep
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There is something most uncivilized about living in a civilized world. What is it? It’s hard to get good night’s sleep.
Some of this punishing sleep deprivation is voluntary. Too much to do. Too much to see. Too many responsibilities. Not enough sleep.
For many people, sleep is a desperate need. People toss and turn, but sleep does not come. Others get to sleep only to awaken later in the middle of the night. In the morning, thousands (millions?) head off to work bleary-eyed, trying to be productive. It’s a vicious cycle.
Eventually exhaustion can get bad enough that a person seeks help from their doctor, who obligingly writes a prescription for some pills. At first, they work well and the sleepless person gets some much needed relief.
However, the real nightmare is about to begin. After awhile, the sleeping pills stop working. Unfortunately, by then, the person is addicted. The doctor has been told the drugs are not addictive by the drug manufacturer. Anecdotal evidence, however, suggests drug manufacturers aren’t giving doctors the whole story. There’s big money in having a “non-addictive” sleeping pill. As the saying goes, “Money Talks.”
It turns out that there is another way, but not one health insurance will pay for. Because there are no large drug companies standing behind this alternative, health insurance companies don’t recognize it as a therapeutic choice.
Contrary to what doctors usually are taught both in medical schools and from drug companies, nutrition plays a large role in getting a good night’s sleep. There are a number of vitamins and minerals that support sleep. An internet search for “insomnia vitamins” and “insomnia minerals” provides a wealth of information about these nutritional supports.
Staying away from nicotine, caffeine and alcohol helps in getting a good night’s sleep, as does having a good diet and getting regular exercise
Amino acids are lesser known for their importance in being able to get enough sleep, but they are just as vital. L-Tryptophan, for example, is called “essential” for a reason. People can’t live without it.
Without enough L-Tryptophan, or its easier-to-get cousin, 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy Tryptophan), human beings are not able to calm down. Sound familiar? Usually, about 100 mg of 5-HTP provides enough relaxation that sleep becomes an option for an average adult. Experimentation to discover an appropriate dosage is safe and easy.
Sleep becomes an option with enough L-Tryptophan in the brain. This is where L-Theanine, another commonly available amino acid, comes in. It’s a sleep time amplifier, providing more rest in less time. A dose of 100 mg at bed time is a good starting place.
Finally, GABA (yet another amino acid) works for some people. Most sleeping pills work on the same part of the brain that uses GABA. Unfortunately, for technical reasons, just taking GABA does not always work that well. Trying 200 mg at bed time is a good starting place. It may or may not work.
Anyone having trouble getting a good night’s sleep can leave the sleeping pills in the cabinet. Instead, trying some 5-HTP, L-Theanine and GABA is an inexpensive option. These supplements are a safe and non-addictive alternative.
March 30, 2009
health alternative
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Ultragreen Products Research Team Answers America's Burning Acai …dBusinessNews New York (press release), NY… that is owned entirely by a team of research scientists and doctors, dedicated to the discovery, development and marketing of unique and innovative natural products resourced from various parts of the World to the area of alternative health care. …
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Source:Ultragreen Products Research Team Answers America's Burning Acai … - dBusinessNews New York (press release)
March 29, 2009
health alternative
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US Catholic Bishops Declare Reiki as Unsuitable TreatmentAssociated Content, COUsed alone and with other treatments, Reiki has been revered as a positive and effective treatment by natural and alternative health professionals throughout the United States. Reiki's techniques are unique from other forms of alternative treatment …
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Source:US Catholic Bishops Declare Reiki as Unsuitable Treatment - Associated Content
March 25, 2009
pain relief
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One form of alternative treatment for pain relief that is becoming more and more popular is reflexology. This natural method uses your feet to treat your whole body and is gentle and painless.
Reflexology can be used to achieve good health and balance or to alleviate symptoms from stress, migraines, infertility, back pain, arthritis and injury. It is not a means to cure ailments but rather a method to soothe and ease pain without the side effects of medications. Reflexology can speed the healing process and may be used alongside traditional medicine and medications.
The benefits of reflexology extend past simply relieving pain. This alternative method of healing can also be used to achieve balance and health as well as to maintain good health.
If you are thinking of adding reflexology to your regime, then you must take care when selecting your practitioner. Since reflexology is becoming more and more popular, you should have plenty to pick from in your area. Make sure the practitioner you choose has the appropriate qualifications and is someone that you feel comfortable with. If you do not like your practitioner or they do not have a demeanor that is soothing to you, your sessions could be adversely affected.
Your first session will be mostly a learning session for the practitioner. This is a time for them to get to know about you and your problems so that they can map out the best course of treatment. This is actually the most important part of the therapy as learning about the patient is critical to choosing the treatment that will best suit your needs. You will also receive your first reflexology session using your feet. Plan an hour for each treatment. Once the practitioner zeros in on where your pain is, they will be able to use your feet to treat your inner organs.
After the session, pay particular attention to how you react as this information is important feedback for your practitioner. It is important that you report back your reactions so be sure to write them down and bring the paper to your next session. Everyone responds differently to treatment, but most people report a feeling of total relaxation and well being. Remember, the healing process is different for everyone and can take time so don’t expect miracles on your first visit.
Reflexology is a great alternative method to relieving pain or just maintaining your general well being. It is totally natural, non invasive and has no adverse side effects. Why suffer needlessly from back pain, migraines or any other ailment when you could give reflexology a try?
March 24, 2009
health alternative
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'Cleansing' diets lure celebs, but not health expertsUSA TodayOne of the most talked-about plans is the Master Cleanse, which was created more than 50 years ago by the late alternative-health guru Stanley Burroughs and is promoted by Peter Glickman in his book, Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 …
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Source:'Cleansing' diets lure celebs, but not health experts - USA Today
March 23, 2009
health alternative
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Former "Strongest Woman in the World" Inducted Into National …News from the University of Texas at Austin, TXThe stunning collection contains thousands of rare and valuable items, representing areas as varied as sport, the alternative health movement, the Olympics, the circus and vaudeville, hygiene, school physical education, body building and weight lifting …
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Source:Former "Strongest Woman in the World" Inducted Into National … - News from the University of Texas at Austin
March 22, 2009
health alternative
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Northeast Ohio Health and Medical Consumer NewsThe Plain Dealer - cleveland.com, OHFrom where Nowak sits, Northeast Ohio is a better place than most if you're looking for alternative health practitioners. There are a lot of them here, she says, and they form a pretty close knit community. "I would say 10 years ago, …
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Source:Northeast Ohio Health and Medical Consumer News - The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com
