Essential Oil Blends and Their Use in Aromatherapy
Posted on June 12, 2010
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People who seek aromatherapy treatments generally are looking for either a way to organically treat an emotional disturbance, or a way to enhance another alternative medical treatment. While the use of aromatherapy in conjunction with other alternative medicine therapies is generally overseen by the practitioner of the other therapy (i.e. an acupuncturist or a massage therapist), aromatherapy for emotional disturbance is generally applied at home.
This involves the study and correct use of different essential oils in blends that will help the person achieve the desired effect. Some of the most common blends are those used for energy, anxiety, insomnia and stress. Some stores sell pre-made blends for common ailments like these, and if you don't have a lot of experience in blending oils this might be a good place to start. But for those who are more experienced with oils, blends can be made at home with a basic selection of essential oils.
Aromatherapy: Common Essential Oils
Posted on June 5, 2010
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There has been a huge influx of people interested in aromatherapy over the course of the last five years. The reason for this could be the burgeoning interest in all alternative therapies. But no matter the reason, major retailers have jumped onto the aromatherapy bandwagon and now provide easy access to a number of common essential oils.
Some of the most popular essential oils seen in stores today are those used for emotional wellbeing. These oils are often packaged according to their desired effect and not by what they treat. For example, aromatherapy oils like lavender, which help ease anxiety, are often used in products labeled "relaxation". Rose and ylang ylang are often packaged as "romance" products, though their actual use is to treat stress. Thus it is important for aromatherapy practitioners to be aware of the actual uses of the oils and not just the corporate labels.
Aromatherapy: Stinky and Soothing Smells
Posted on May 28, 2010
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A lot of people like to use different smells in their homes to cover unpleasant odors. In fact, there is a whole retail industry based on the public's desire to eliminate nasty smells from their homes. But plug-in air fresheners, potpourri sprays, and scented candles are not necessarily aromatherapy products. The scents are not meant to sooth; rather they are meant to disguise.
Aromatherapy is actually the practice of using plant oils and extracts to bring about a sense of wellbeing in people. Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with other alternative medicine treatments like massage therapy. There are approximately 90 essential oils commonly used in aromatherapy treatments, and each one has a unique profile and individual purpose. But some essential oils are used together to create an effect that is different than that of the oils when used individually.
Poking and Prodding: The Practice of Acupuncture
Posted on May 20, 2010
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While acupuncture may seem almost barbaric to Western observers, it is in fact more firmly established and much older than any of the Western style medical treatments available today. This 5000 year old medical procedure has had a lot more development and study than any of the most trusted medical treatments in existence.
There are six commonly used types of acupuncture needles. Each of these types varies in size and shape; some have wider shafts, some have differently shaped heads. The needles are inserted at different angles to the skin surface; the different angles produce different effects in the body. The practitioner then applies a special technique to the needle: rotation, raising and thrusting, a combination of these two techniques, or vibration. Like the type of needle, insertion point and angle of insertion, the type of technique used depends on the desired effect.
Yoga and Pregnancy
Posted on May 12, 2010
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Yoga is very helpful for a variety of medical disorders, diseases, and ailments. It is so helpful that it is often prescribed or recommended to patients by traditional medical doctors. This makes it dissimilar from other natural healing practices as most of these do not enjoy acclaim from the medical community.
Pregnancy is one of the times when yoga can be extremely helpful. While the typical yoga poses cannot all be used during pregnancy, prenatal yoga ? which is designed to work with the needs of a pregnant woman's body ? can benefit both mother and baby. The mother's body is strengthened by the physical exertion, and therefore her internal systems are strengthened, which ultimately helps the baby, too. Yoga can also help with labor later on, as well as relieve common complaints of many pregnant women, like back pain.
Yoga and the Mind
Posted on May 4, 2010
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Yoga practice is actually becoming a common practice that is recommended by medical professionals for a variety of illnesses and problems. While not all physical ailments can benefit from yoga, almost all types of mental illnesses can reap some benefit from the practice of yoga.
Psychiatrists and psychologists often recommended yoga to their patients as a way of gaining self-awareness and insight. When a person practices yoga, they calm their minds and focus only on their breathing and poses. This allows for the mind to filter out all that is superfluous and can help the person gain new perspective on their thoughts. Depression and anxiety are often greatly helped by the regular practice of yoga. People with depression often find that they are awakened to the simplicity and beauty in life through yoga. People with anxiety are often calmed and soothed when they practice yoga. It should be stated that before anyone does yoga, they should consult a doctor.
Types of Yoga Practice
Posted on April 26, 2010
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While many people think that there is only one type of yoga practice, there are actually quite a few. Some of these include Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Ashtanga yoga, and Bikram yoga. Each is unique in how they are practiced, though many teachers integrate the techniques of each into classes.
Hatha yoga is the general type of yoga done at a slow pace. If you are a beginner, this is a good place to start. Vinyasa yoga uses poses called sun salutations that are used in conjunction with breathing. Ashtanga yoga is a little more physical in that is uses coordinated patterns of repeating poses that are done in continual movement. Bikram yoga is also called hot yoga because it is performed in a very warm room; this stimulates sweating to cleanse the body and also helps to loosen tense muscles.
The History of Acupuncture
Posted on April 18, 2010
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The father of Chinese medicine, Shen Nung, is thought to be the first person to have theorized about circulation in the human body. These theories were compiled approximately 5000 years ago, and led to the development of acupuncture.
Shen Nung developed the idea of the Qi, an energy force that flows through the human body. This energy travels through channels called Meridians which run all through the body. The theory is that when the Qi is not flowing correctly, the human body experiences illness. This incorrect flow can be caused by blocked Meridians which causes unbalanced Qi. In order to reestablish the flow of Qi, certain points of the body where the Meridians contact the surface of the skin must be manipulated. These points are accessed through the insertion of needles into the skin, a practice known as acupuncture.
Yoga as a Religious Principle
Posted on April 10, 2010
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Yoga is commonly known in the western world as a method of exercise. However, yoga in fact takes its root in a much different place. Yoga actually began as a part of the Hindu religion, one of the major religions practiced in India. India is, of course, where yoga really began. Yoga is defined in the Hindu religion as being closely related to asceticism and meditation. The practice of yoga actually does teach meditation in some form, even in its practice in the west.
In western countries like the United States yoga is more of a forms of exercise than it is a practice of religion. Yoga involves movements and poses that strengthen the body as well as bringing a meditative quality to the mind. There are several different types of yoga commonly practiced in the United States, especially Hatha Yoga.
Rolfing and Yoga: Are There Drawbacks?
Posted on April 2, 2010
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There has always been a lot of controversy over natural healing and alternative medicines. And while some of the criticisms are founded in actual concern for the patient ? such as physicians being concerned that seriously ill people will not seek traditional medical help – other criticisms are not realistic.
There has been almost no research to show that the average person won't reap some kind of benefit from both rolfing and yoga. Be the benefits mental, emotional, physical, or social, almost everyone can count of some type of help from participating in these therapies. Of course, as with any physical activity, a doctor should be consulted before you begin; some people with skeletal deformities and other types of physical problems could have problems with these practices, especially if they are not provided by a trained professional.
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