Tap on the healing power of a few Holistic remedies
Consider this: You develop a splitting headache, and your first instinct is try a balm before you pop a painkiller.
What is tit about Alternative Medicine, be it Ayurveda, Homoeopathy or Acupuncture, that makes us all believe it’s more benign than conventional medicine? Maybe the reason is that its dispensers generally take a holistic approach to our health. For example, if you have asthma, an alternative practitioner won’t just see constricted airways and give you an inhaler; he’ll see a person whose body isn’t working as it should. He’ll examine your diets, exercise, lifestyle, mental state and so on, to find the root of the problem, and then suggest non invasive remedies such as herbs or massage to solve it. Ultimately he believes your body is able to heal itself.
Of course, along with the draws of Alternative Medicine come many drawbacks. Like few studies support its claims; insurance companies rarely cover it’ the same treatment may work for one person but not another; therapies usually take longer to work than the symptom specific remedies of mainstream medicine; side effects are rarely documented or even conveyed to the user; there are no governing authorities to oversee the dispensation of treatment and to check for malpractice. Etc.
Still, even conventional doctors are beginning to see several merits in Alternative Medicine; and many studies are underway to verify its claims.
Here we present a clutch of Alternative Remedies, some that Science has begun to give Remedies, some that Science has begun to give its nod to, and others that are still in the works, as in research has yet to yield conclusive results. Be warned it’s an assorted collection and by no means a comprehensive one.
Reflexology
By walking barefoot over the open countryside, early man was inadvertently enjoying the benefits form reflexology, a therapeutic form of foot massage. Both ancient Chinese and Egyptian cultures extolled the healing effects of foot reflexology on the entire body. Today, unfortunately, few of us get to enjoy the many benefits of regular foot reflexology. Instead, we jam our toes into tight shoes, which restricts the circulation of the blood and nerve supply. Reflexology aim to correct this basic imbalance.. They believe that specific areas on the feet reflect all the body’s internal systems and organs, which then can be stimulated by applying specific pressure to those points. If an organ, gland or tissue is impaired, the corresponding zone on the foot will be sensitive to external pressure.
Reflex Zones
- RIGHT FOOT
- Head and brain
- Pituitary gland
- Side of the neck
- Throat
- Eye
- Ear
- Parathyroid
- Thyroid
- Shoulder
- Lung
- Solar plexis
- Diaphragm
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Stomach
- Pancreas
- Adrenal gland
- Kidney
- Ascending colon
- Ureter tube
- Ileocecal valve
- Bladder
- Sciatic Nerve
- LEFT FOOT
- Pituitary gland
- Sinus
- Trachea
- Ear
- Bronchial tubes
- Esophagus
- Heart
- Stomach
- Pancreas
- Spleen
- Waist
- Transverse colon
- Descending colon
- Small intestine
- Sigmoid colon
- Rectum
- Sciatic Nerve
Foot Rollers Foot rollers are available in many specialty stores. The ergonomically designed wooden rollers claim to mimic the hands on actions of a skilled reflexologist.
Do a diuretic massage
[1]. Press the soles of both feet with your thumbs, moving form the heel to the toe.
[2]. Then massage the tops of your feet, moving from the toes toward the instep.
[3]. Press with your thumbs on the lymph drainage points. These are located on the area of the foot around the ankle bones.
Improve your circulation
Slowly exert pressure on reflex zones (see illustration) until just before you feel discomfort, then ease up very slightly. The proper amount of pressure you will need to apply may vary greatly among individual massage points. Reflexologists insist that benefits may be felt almost immediately, and a feeling of warmth in the stimulated organ is a sign of increased circulation.
Chamomilla
In folk medicine, the herb chamomile (True chamomile) is also known as the childbed flower or the children’s plant because of its many pediatric uses.
Therapeutic Effect: In its homeopathic from chamomile is used for the treatment of such common childhood ailments as stomach cramps, middle-ear infections and diarrhea. Its antispasmodic actions is believed to be particularly effective against stomachaches, intestinal pain, gallbladder attacks, menstrual cramps, facial neuralgias, teething pain, tension headaches and insomnia.
Lemon-Balm Oil
Also known as Melissa or simple balm, lemon balm originated in the Near East. Benedictine missionaries first brought this herb to the West, planting it in kitchen gardens all over Europe. American colonists used lemon balm as well, both as a medicine and as a flavoring agent. The name “lemon balm” can be attributed to the lemony scent of its leaves. Similarly, its nickname Melissa, which means “honeybee” in Greek, is also a tribute to this distinctive fragrance, which attracts swarms of bees to the plant.
Therapeutic Effect: According to aroma therapists this essential oil has many benefits, ranging, ranging from easing anxiety, insomnia, and depression to treating menstrual complaints. Lemon balm is prescribed to fight infections; relieve spasms and cramps; stimulate liver function; relax the muscles of the airways and make breathing easier, when respiratory passages become tight or congested due to allergic reactions, asthma, coughs, and cold; and reduce pain, fever and flatulence. The oil’s most important active ingredients are citral, citronellal and geraniol.
Usage
A couple of drops of lemon balm oil added to a diffuser is believed to promote relaxation.
2-5 drops of lemon-balm oil is mixed with 30 ml, of base oil, such as sweet almond or wheat germ oil and massaged into the back, on either side of the spine, to reduce stress and anxiety. Or used on stress related skin and facial blemishes.
The same diluted mixture is applied to skin inflammations and insect bites; or rubbed into the lower abdomen to relax muscles and alleviate menstrual cramping.
Note: Many products labeled “lemon-balm oil” do not contain the real lemon-balm, but cheaper substitutes, such as lemon oil or lemongrass. Make sure the term “100 percent lemon-balm oil” is clearly printed on the label.
STRENGTHEN YOUR THYMUS GLAND.
This one belongs to the “may-work, can’t-do any-harm” category. The thymus gland, which is located in the upper part of the chest behind the breastbone, is a nursery for immune-system cells that help fight infection. Unfortunately, this organ shrinks in size as we grow older, and its effectiveness gradually diminishes. According to alternative therapists, there is one quick and easy exercise to stimulate you thymus gland and boost your immune-system health: Every morning, tap on the middle of the breastbone with your fingers for 5 minutes. Sounds too good to be true!
Acupuncture
For over 3,000 years, acupuncture has been practiced in China and today it is still relied upon as a valuable healing tool. In Chinese medicine, no symptom or complaint is viewed in isolation. Rather, the body, mind and soul are evaluated together. The goal of acupuncture is to create harmony within the body by restoring the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the life force involved in all body functions breathing, heartbeat, metabolism and even emotions. Qi collects in the organs and travels through energy channels in the body called meridians. The Chinese believed that diseases occur when the circulation of Qi is halted, whether by injuries, heat, cold or other influences. By redirecting the flow of Qi, they say, acupuncture can help cure diseases, prevent illness and restore harmony.
What Science says According to the World Health Organisation, acupuncture may help more than 40 disorders, including allergies; skin and respiratory diseases; gynecological disturbances; and urinary tract complaints. How acupuncture works is the subject of many studies and several theories exist. One suggestion is that the needle insertion may stimulate the production of endorphins natural protein substances with a pain-killing effect manufactured by the brain. Another theory proposes that the stimulation of the acupuncture points prevents pain impulses from reaching the brain.
When you can expect: Acupuncture needles are inserted at various points along the meridians, de[ending on the health problem.
During treatment, the patient lies down or takes a relaxed sitting or standing position. The insertion of the needless is rapid and virtually painless. Depending on the desired effect stimulating or tranquilizing the needles are inserted either perpendicularly or obliquely, and may then be twirled or moved in a back-and-forth motion. Sometimes electrical stimulation is used. Most people need one to three sessions per week, but chronic complaints may require 10-30 sessions in total. Each treatment lasts 10-30 minutes.
Nettle Tea
Nettle Urtica dioica gives a sting to those who brush against its dark green leaves, but the irritating toxin produced by the nettle plant is believed to be responsible for its so-called healing properties.
Therapeutic Effect: Herb-alists prescribe nettle for people suffering from arthritis, gout or other rheumatic ailments to relieve pain.
By rubbing stinging springs of nettle directly on aching joints, the treated areas become flushed with blood, which acts to relieve the pain, they say. In addition the leaves and roots of the herb are brewed as diuretic tea, and used to bring relief in prostates. Nettles are a good source of iron and silica, which are important for healthy blood formation.
Chives
A part of the same botanical family as onions, scallions and garlic, chives (Allium schoenoprasum ) grow form small bulbs and have a long history of culinary and medicinal uses. In the Middle Ages, chives were promoted as a care for melancholy and believed to drive away evil spirits. Today, we know that chives and chive flowers are high in vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. This herb’s tangy,, aromatic taste comes from its high concentration of sulfur compounds and other essential oils, which are also partly responsible for its healing properties.
Therapeutic Effect: The medicinal properties of chives are as varied as their uses in the kitchen. Herbalists claim that chives stimulate the appetite the appetite and promote good digestion; ease stomach upset; clear a stuffy nose; reduce flatulence; increase the body’s ability to digest fat; and prevent bad breath. Modern studies have shown that allicin, a sulphur compound present in chives, onions and garlic, may be heart protective. Combined with a low-salt diet, they may also help lower high blood pressure. Plus, chives have a mild diuretic effect, as well as some antibacterial properties.
Kitchen Hints
1. Cut chives just before you are ready to use them to preserve their vitamins, aroma and flavor. Chives are delicate; to prevent the loss of essential oils, snip them with kitchen shears rather than chopping or grinding them.
2. Don’t heat chives or the will lose their valuable vitamin C as well as their digestive properties.
3. Grow chives at home in a pot on the windowsill. Wait until the plant reaches about 6 inches in height before cutting. Harvest the chive leaves frequently to prevent blooming unless you specifically want to use the flowers. Once the plant blooms, the leaves become much less flavorful.
4. Freeze chives for future use. Frozen chives tend to retain more flavor than dried chives. Snip fresh chives into small pieces, then place them in an ice cube try and fill it with water. To thaw, put a chive cube in a strainer.
A Nutrient Storehouse
Chives are values for their many essential minerals, including cardiac-friendly potassium, bone-strengthening calcium and blood-nourishing iron. And unlike most other members of the onion family, chives are high in folic acid (a B vitamin), A and vitamin C. In fact, just 100 gms. Of chives supplies enough vitamin C to meet your daily requirement of 60 mg.
