RThe thyroid gland, a small structure normally weighing only one ounce, has a disproportionately immense influence on the human organism. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is so prevalent in this era that symptoms of nearly every chronic disease are, to varying degrees, linked to abnormal thyroid activity.
Located in front of the trachea, just below the larynx on either side, the thyroid gland produces several hormones, including thyroxin (T3) and triiodothryonine (T4) which help to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, mobilization of fats and synthesis of proteins. Calcitonin, another hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, helps to regulate calcium and phosphate levels and is required for uptake of calcium by the bones. Hypothyroid women are frequently found to have inadequate levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): a thyroid-modulated hormone that initiates maturation of the egg cells in the ovaries. The developing egg cells, in turn, produce estrogen. Hypothyroidism often plays a role in infertility, menstrual disorders and in some cases may be the cause of menopausal hot flashes.
Hypothyroidism and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are closely related disorders. Notably, hypothyroidism may also play a significant role in diabetes (high blood sugar). Also, over time hypothyroidism may cause the adrenal glands to shrink.
Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include: anxiety; nervousness; depression (including post-partum depression); irritability; suspiciousness; anger; introversion; low energy levels; chronic fatigue; hypersensitivity; chilliness; cold hands and/or feet; fluid retention; slow wound healing; mental dullness and failing memory; insomnia; weakened immune system; puffy face and eyelids; devitalized hair, skin and nails; heart palpitations; digestive weakness; poor appetite; constipation; inability to tan; loss of bone mass; muscle soreness; neuralgia; joint pain.
Supporting the Thyroid Gland Using Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System and Alternate Hot/Cold Shower
The Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System
Vital Chi Skin-Brushing can sustain or reestablish the skins functional integrity and youthful glow. The skin is as major an organ as the heart, lungs and kidneys. Its primary functions include: respiration, excretion, blood and lymph circulation, immunity and the conduction of chi. Thus, Vital Chi Skin-Brushing is a particularly powerful therapy which can positively impact the entire body.
Variations of skin-brushing have been practiced for thousands of years. My Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System, which required hundreds of hours of research and experimentation to develop, evolved from my training and teaching experience in anatomy and physiology and various bodywork disciplines as well as the Oriental healing arts. I designed this system to support blood- and lymph circulation, the immune system, the movement of chi along the acupuncture channels, all the major physiological functions of the skin as well as to enhance skin beauty and encourage the breakdown of cellulite. Yet, my system is quick, concise and user-friendly. INTRODUCTION: The Skins Vital Functions Primary Benefits of the Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System: Assists Exfoliation: The outermost layer of skin cells which serve to protect the underlying skin layers are not living cells, thus, they are continuously shed and replaced via the multiplication and upward movement of living skin cells. The most obvious mechanical effect of skin-brushing is the detachment of dead skin cells.
Excites Physiological Functions: Proper skin-brushing supports lymphatic drainage of the skin. Lymph acts as a go-between medium for the transfer of vital materials from the blood to the cells, and for cellular debris away from the intercellular environment into the blood. The drainage of intercellular lymph is one of the most crucial of all bodily functions.
Skin-brushing excites and tonifies the muscles and nerves of the skin, thus, it improves blood circulation in the veins and capillaries. This helps explain the skin-flush and feeling of warmth that skin-brushing imparts.
The skin is impregnated with nerve end-fibers which play an indispensable role in nervous system activity. This is why skin-brushing decreases muscular tension and otherwise has a remarkable relaxing effect.
Strengthens Chi Flow:
Chi, a Chinese term (referred to in traditional naturopathy and homeopathy as vital force), is the fundamental energy which sustains life and is present in the vibratory, biological processes of every cell. Unimpeded chi-flow is essential to the prevention of disease. Since the chi meridians course through the skin, they are readily accessible to the ministrations of skin-brushing.
Benefits Mature Skin:
Decreased sweat- and oil gland functions are features of aging. Proper skin-brushing stimulates both the sweat and oil glands and tonifies the skin-pores, and in this way, contributes to the restoration of moist, supple skin.
Promotes Skin Beauty: Skin-brushing makes a strong impression upon the dermis, the layer of dense connective tissue which lies beneath the epidermis. When the dermis ages, its connective tissue fibers reduce, rigidify and lose resilience, causing the skin support muscles to lose tone and volume and the skin to dehydrate and collapse into sags, wrinkles and lines.
Cellulite is a structural disturbance of fat tissue. Cellulite formation is related, in part, to local vein and lymph congestion. Proper skin-brushing can help to alleviate this condition.
The Alternate Hot/Cold Shower
The Alternate Hot/Cold Shower procedure is one I suggest most commonly as an overall tonic treatment to revitalize circulatory, endocrine, immune, lymphatic, nerve and skin functions. When employed three to four times weekly, this shower (preceded by the Vital Chi Skin-Brushing routine) can be wonderfully restorative.
The hot shower is applied first for 2- to 3-minutes; then, instantly, before the sedative reaction of prolonged heat can take place, a 15- to 20-seconds short, cold shower, is taken (while hand-rubbing the skin throughout this cold-water shower to increase circulation). Next, a second hot shower is used (as above), and the body responds with new vigor to the tonic-stimulant effect of the hot water. Always finish with cold water to ensure that the important warming reaction takes place. This procedure is referred to as contrast treatment during which the heat magnifies the stimulating effect of the cold, and vice versa, providing a powerful gymnastics workout for the blood and lymph systems.
Remember, the greater the temperature differences between hot and cold applications, the greater the effect. Importantly, for maximum personal benefit, the contrast between the two temperature extremes should be to the limits of comfortable tolerance. Otherwise, ones system can be overtaxed. Be conscious of your relative state of vitality on a given day and adjust the temperature of the water and duration of each shower phase accordingly.
Two to three alternations between hot and cold water are used. Excess (more than three) alternations may be depleting and defeat the treatments purpose.
Important Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a prescription. Each person is unique and advised to seek the advice of a qualified health-care practitioner to determine relevance in a given case. Cancer patients are advised to consult on oncologist before beginning a skin-brushing regimen.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Revitalize Mind and Body with Spas
The word spa is related with water treatment or health treatment through water and it has various related meanings like balneotherapy, spa towns or spa resorts which offer these treatment or medication or equipment. It is a best way to treat both body and mind. Basically the term Spa is derived from the name of a town in Belgium. In earlier days the illness caused by iron deficiency was treated by drinking spring water. In England the old Roman ideas of medicinal bathing were put into service in health resorts, but in the beginning they were into water drinking rather than bathing and slowly it was lost when many spas started to offer external remedies.
Spa is meant for overall well being of mind, body and spirit and done by various professional services. This differs from country to country and can be done both traditionally and through modern therapies. To revitalize the body and mind various spa therapies and treatments are being offered which include aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, herbal body glow, shirodhara therapy, Hawaiian massage, Thai massage and Balinese massage. But in many countries they even include Ayurvedic therapies.
Some of the types of Spas are, Club Spa, Cruise Ship Spa, Day Spa, Dental Spa, Destination Spa, Medical Spa, Mineral Springs Spa, Resort or Hotel Spa. Club Spa and Day Spa offer primary fitness services on day use basis through professionals. Cruise Ship Spa provides spa services when people are on the move in cruise ship. Dental Spa offer services with the supervision of a licensed dentist which will include traditional dental treatment. Destination Spa's primary idea is to guide the individual to develop healthy habits. In olden days, this program was done as a seven day stay and it included spa services, physical fitness activities, healthful cuisine and wellness education program. Medical Spas purpose is to give medical and wellness care and also in traditional method. The procedure or service includes both aesthetic or cosmetic and prevention or wellness. Mineral Springs Spa offers hydrotherapy treatments by using natural mineral, thermal or seawater. Resort or Hotel Spa is owned by resorts or hotels where they offer professional spa services, fitness etc. This is useful for the guests who visit to these places.
Even many services have luxury spas, where they have some unique features like lavender scrubs, geranium cream wraps, jasmine bath, chakra head, shoulder massage, honey citrus wrap, almond cleansing scrub, Balinese massage, lavender milk bath, tomato body wrap, the honey and sesame scrub etc. By taking a spa therapy or treatment it helps the body to cool, relax and refresh itself and mainly it relieves the mind from stress. Whatever is done must be done in a relaxed manner, so that it will help the body or mind to refresh quickly. So spa therapies and treatments are an ideal way to relax.
Spa is meant for overall well being of mind, body and spirit and done by various professional services. This differs from country to country and can be done both traditionally and through modern therapies. To revitalize the body and mind various spa therapies and treatments are being offered which include aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, herbal body glow, shirodhara therapy, Hawaiian massage, Thai massage and Balinese massage. But in many countries they even include Ayurvedic therapies.
Some of the types of Spas are, Club Spa, Cruise Ship Spa, Day Spa, Dental Spa, Destination Spa, Medical Spa, Mineral Springs Spa, Resort or Hotel Spa. Club Spa and Day Spa offer primary fitness services on day use basis through professionals. Cruise Ship Spa provides spa services when people are on the move in cruise ship. Dental Spa offer services with the supervision of a licensed dentist which will include traditional dental treatment. Destination Spa's primary idea is to guide the individual to develop healthy habits. In olden days, this program was done as a seven day stay and it included spa services, physical fitness activities, healthful cuisine and wellness education program. Medical Spas purpose is to give medical and wellness care and also in traditional method. The procedure or service includes both aesthetic or cosmetic and prevention or wellness. Mineral Springs Spa offers hydrotherapy treatments by using natural mineral, thermal or seawater. Resort or Hotel Spa is owned by resorts or hotels where they offer professional spa services, fitness etc. This is useful for the guests who visit to these places.
Even many services have luxury spas, where they have some unique features like lavender scrubs, geranium cream wraps, jasmine bath, chakra head, shoulder massage, honey citrus wrap, almond cleansing scrub, Balinese massage, lavender milk bath, tomato body wrap, the honey and sesame scrub etc. By taking a spa therapy or treatment it helps the body to cool, relax and refresh itself and mainly it relieves the mind from stress. Whatever is done must be done in a relaxed manner, so that it will help the body or mind to refresh quickly. So spa therapies and treatments are an ideal way to relax.
Treatments and Prevention
Breast cancer is the number one disease that women in the United States fear the most, and for compelling reasons. It is the leading cause of death among women between 40 and 55 years of age and is the second overall cause of death among women (exceeded only by lung cancer). Unfortunately, it is also on the rise worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, this year about 175,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and about 43,300 deaths from breast cancer will occur among women in the USA.
Breast cancer is a rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both breasts. It is life-threatening because it quickly spreads to vital organs.
The years since World War II have seen a tremendous increase in the incidence of breast cancer, so efforts on identifying its causes often focus on changes in our society that have occurred since then, such as the increased use of pesticides, the advent of birth control pills, changes in diet, and different styles and materials in women’s clothing. Researchers have identified lots of risk factors (such as age, diet, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and family history), but the specific causes of breast cancer remain elusive.
Cancers are divided into different groups, called stages, based on whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive, the size of the tumor, how many lymph nodes are involved, and whether there is spread to other parts of the body. The stages identify tumor types that have a similar outlook and are treated in a similar way. There are five main stages of breast cancer. If breast cancer is detected in its early stages, the 5 year survival rate is greater than 95%.
Breast cancer is more easily treated and often curable if it is found early. Monthly breast self-examinations should begin at age 20. Recommended screening methods include breast self-examination and mammography. A mammogram is the most effective way to find breast cancer early, up to 2 years before the lump is even large enough to feel. Sometimes a doctor will discover a lump in a womans breast during a routine examination or a patient might come to the doctor with questions about a lump she found. If clinical examination and mammography both reveal benign findings, biopsy may be unnecessary.
Treatment for breast cancer usually depends on the type of cancer and whether the cancer has spread outside of the breast to the rest of the body. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and endocrine/anti-hormone therapy. Treatment usually starts with anticancer drugs, or chemotherapy. The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor and whether it is in the breast only or has spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. Its very important to diagnose inflammatory breast cancer quickly so that treatment can begin. After surgery, radiation treatment is used to try to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Possible surgical treatments are either a mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) or breast conserving therapy. Even if a mastectomy is needed (about 30-40% of patients need this), building a new breast, called reconstruction, offers a natural looking breast replacement. Breast-conserving surgery (which removes only some of your breast) often works just as well as a mastectomy (which removes all of your breast).
Mammograms can detect tumors in the earliest stages, however, a standard mammogram can miss 15-20% of cancerous tumors. Heightened awareness of breast cancer risk in the past decades has led to an increase in the number of women undergoing mammography for screening, leading to detection of cancers in earlier stages and a resultant improvement in survival rates.
Research suggests that routine exercise may help prevent breast cancer. No one knows the exact causes of breast cancer, but research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease. Researchers at Stanford University and the National Institutes of Health, for example, found that high concentrations of the IGF-1 hormone stimulate cancer cell growth.
Up to 10 percent of breast cancer patients eventually suffer a recurrence in the other breast. Simple mammograms often miss small tumors, the researchers from the American College of Radiology Imaging Network found, while MRIs rarely miss them.
The cause of breast cancer is unknown. Early detection of breast cancer is therefore vital as it increases the chances of successful treatment. The chance of a woman in her 40s developing breast cancer is about one in 70, whereas the risk of a woman in her 80s developing breast cancer is one in 25. When breast cancer is confined to the breast the five year survival rate is over 95%. For women aged 40-49, the evidence that screening mammography reduces mortality from breast cancer is weaker, and the absolute benefit of mammography is smaller, than it is for older women.
The good news is that breast cancer is a disease that can be treated and cured. More than 90 out of 100 women whose breast cancer is found early will be cured. Cancer found at a later stage, however, may be less likely to be cured. While there is still no cure for the disease, the experts and leading organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Doctors and scientists are working on finding cures for all types of breast cancer. Finding and treating breast cancer early is the best way to increase your chances of survival and cure.
Breast cancer is a rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both breasts. It is life-threatening because it quickly spreads to vital organs.
The years since World War II have seen a tremendous increase in the incidence of breast cancer, so efforts on identifying its causes often focus on changes in our society that have occurred since then, such as the increased use of pesticides, the advent of birth control pills, changes in diet, and different styles and materials in women’s clothing. Researchers have identified lots of risk factors (such as age, diet, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and family history), but the specific causes of breast cancer remain elusive.
Cancers are divided into different groups, called stages, based on whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive, the size of the tumor, how many lymph nodes are involved, and whether there is spread to other parts of the body. The stages identify tumor types that have a similar outlook and are treated in a similar way. There are five main stages of breast cancer. If breast cancer is detected in its early stages, the 5 year survival rate is greater than 95%.
Breast cancer is more easily treated and often curable if it is found early. Monthly breast self-examinations should begin at age 20. Recommended screening methods include breast self-examination and mammography. A mammogram is the most effective way to find breast cancer early, up to 2 years before the lump is even large enough to feel. Sometimes a doctor will discover a lump in a womans breast during a routine examination or a patient might come to the doctor with questions about a lump she found. If clinical examination and mammography both reveal benign findings, biopsy may be unnecessary.
Treatment for breast cancer usually depends on the type of cancer and whether the cancer has spread outside of the breast to the rest of the body. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and endocrine/anti-hormone therapy. Treatment usually starts with anticancer drugs, or chemotherapy. The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor and whether it is in the breast only or has spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. Its very important to diagnose inflammatory breast cancer quickly so that treatment can begin. After surgery, radiation treatment is used to try to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Possible surgical treatments are either a mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) or breast conserving therapy. Even if a mastectomy is needed (about 30-40% of patients need this), building a new breast, called reconstruction, offers a natural looking breast replacement. Breast-conserving surgery (which removes only some of your breast) often works just as well as a mastectomy (which removes all of your breast).
Mammograms can detect tumors in the earliest stages, however, a standard mammogram can miss 15-20% of cancerous tumors. Heightened awareness of breast cancer risk in the past decades has led to an increase in the number of women undergoing mammography for screening, leading to detection of cancers in earlier stages and a resultant improvement in survival rates.
Research suggests that routine exercise may help prevent breast cancer. No one knows the exact causes of breast cancer, but research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease. Researchers at Stanford University and the National Institutes of Health, for example, found that high concentrations of the IGF-1 hormone stimulate cancer cell growth.
Up to 10 percent of breast cancer patients eventually suffer a recurrence in the other breast. Simple mammograms often miss small tumors, the researchers from the American College of Radiology Imaging Network found, while MRIs rarely miss them.
The cause of breast cancer is unknown. Early detection of breast cancer is therefore vital as it increases the chances of successful treatment. The chance of a woman in her 40s developing breast cancer is about one in 70, whereas the risk of a woman in her 80s developing breast cancer is one in 25. When breast cancer is confined to the breast the five year survival rate is over 95%. For women aged 40-49, the evidence that screening mammography reduces mortality from breast cancer is weaker, and the absolute benefit of mammography is smaller, than it is for older women.
The good news is that breast cancer is a disease that can be treated and cured. More than 90 out of 100 women whose breast cancer is found early will be cured. Cancer found at a later stage, however, may be less likely to be cured. While there is still no cure for the disease, the experts and leading organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Doctors and scientists are working on finding cures for all types of breast cancer. Finding and treating breast cancer early is the best way to increase your chances of survival and cure.
What Is Natural Skin Care
Simply put 'natural skin care' is giving care to your skin in a natural and chemical-free way. 'Natural skin care' advocates enabling the skin to take care of itself (without any help from synthetic materials/ chemicals). 'Natural skin care' is about instilling of good habits in the way you lead your day to day life. A lot of natural skin care measures are really the same as those for body care.
So let's see what these natural skin care measures are.
All right the first and the best natural skin care measure is - 'Drink a lot of water'. More or less 8 glasses of water is a essential everyday. Water assists in flushing out the toxins from the body, in a natural way. It aids in the overall care of the body and promotes good health for all organs (not just skin).
General cleanliness is additional affordable way of natural skin care. Regular shower, wearing clean clothes and sleeping on a clean mattress/pillow are all part of general cleanliness. After all, clean skin is the key to keeping the skin problem at bay.
Regular work out is the next thing on the cards. Exercise increases the flow of blood that helps in doing away with body toxins and keeping you fit. Exercise as well helps in beating stress which is one of the worst enemies of good health.
Healthy nutrient and eating habits are as well recommended for natural skin care. A few types of foods (e.g. oily food) are know to cause acne and should be avoided as much as possible. Your diet should be a healthy blend of assorted nutritious supplying foods. Raw fruits and vegetables are best-known to provide freshness to your body and assist in getting rid of body toxins.
A good night sleep is as well helpful in maintaining good health and in beating stress. As a natural skin care measure, a good sleep delays slacking of skin.
Beating stress is another natural skin care therapy. Stress efforts overall harm to body and health. Drinking a lot of water, getting a sound sleep and exercise has already been mentioned as stress busters. Pampering in a warm bubble bath, listening to music and playing your favourite sport are also beneficial ways of beating stress. Yoga is even another way of beating stress; it is fast gaining popularity among the masses.
Avoiding excessive exposure to sun (by wearing long sleeved clothes, hat and umbrella etc), is another natural skin care strategy. Sunscreen lotions are also recommended as essential.
Several traditional and home made natural skin care products/ measures are also known to be really effective. These measures are not only natural and easy-to-follow, but also relatively affordable.
Besides that, a lot of natural skin care products are available in the commercial market. These include things like lavender oil, aloe vera etc., which don't have any side effects.
So let's see what these natural skin care measures are.
All right the first and the best natural skin care measure is - 'Drink a lot of water'. More or less 8 glasses of water is a essential everyday. Water assists in flushing out the toxins from the body, in a natural way. It aids in the overall care of the body and promotes good health for all organs (not just skin).
General cleanliness is additional affordable way of natural skin care. Regular shower, wearing clean clothes and sleeping on a clean mattress/pillow are all part of general cleanliness. After all, clean skin is the key to keeping the skin problem at bay.
Regular work out is the next thing on the cards. Exercise increases the flow of blood that helps in doing away with body toxins and keeping you fit. Exercise as well helps in beating stress which is one of the worst enemies of good health.
Healthy nutrient and eating habits are as well recommended for natural skin care. A few types of foods (e.g. oily food) are know to cause acne and should be avoided as much as possible. Your diet should be a healthy blend of assorted nutritious supplying foods. Raw fruits and vegetables are best-known to provide freshness to your body and assist in getting rid of body toxins.
A good night sleep is as well helpful in maintaining good health and in beating stress. As a natural skin care measure, a good sleep delays slacking of skin.
Beating stress is another natural skin care therapy. Stress efforts overall harm to body and health. Drinking a lot of water, getting a sound sleep and exercise has already been mentioned as stress busters. Pampering in a warm bubble bath, listening to music and playing your favourite sport are also beneficial ways of beating stress. Yoga is even another way of beating stress; it is fast gaining popularity among the masses.
Avoiding excessive exposure to sun (by wearing long sleeved clothes, hat and umbrella etc), is another natural skin care strategy. Sunscreen lotions are also recommended as essential.
Several traditional and home made natural skin care products/ measures are also known to be really effective. These measures are not only natural and easy-to-follow, but also relatively affordable.
Besides that, a lot of natural skin care products are available in the commercial market. These include things like lavender oil, aloe vera etc., which don't have any side effects.
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