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Your April Issue of Natural Alternatives March 30, 2023 |
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“The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.” ~Hippocrates
IN THIS ISSUE:
1) WHAT IS REIKI THERAPY? WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM IT? 2) THE POWER OF PEPPERMINT: 15 HEALTH BENEFITS REVEALED 3) HOW TO DRAIN YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND 7 WAYS TO MAKE IT STRONGER 4) UPCOMING NO COST ONLINE EVENTS: CHECK OUT THE LATEST EXCITING OFFERINGS
To transmit energy, Reiki practitioners may move their hands lightly over the body without actually touching it, or they may delicately touch the body. With few to no unwanted side effects, this low- or no-touch therapy can provide important advantages. The fundamental tenet of Reiki therapy is that someone who has little energy is more likely to be ill or worried. However, if it is high, individuals have a greater chance of feeling joyful and healthy. Although a Reiki session cannot treat diseases or cure ailments, it may make your body feel more at ease and serene. Reiki sessions often last 20 to 90 minutes. At the outset, you'll be offered a brief explanation or introduction to the process. You'll be told to lie down on a mat or treatment table. They'll drape a blanket over you. There won't be much talking during the Reiki session, but you are welcome to speak with your practitioner. The therapist will run their hands all around your body. They might give you a little touch or put their hands close to your body. There's a chance your body will become hot or tingly. Some claim to have seen memories or representations of colors or images. Allow whatever happens to pass without attaching too much significance to it. The more reiki you practice, the richer your experiences may become. The practitioner will then lightly place their hands on or over particular limbs, torso, and head regions of the client. Usually, they will hold these positions for three to ten seconds. By addressing the emotional component of pain, reiki therapy may assist in reducing the perception of it. Reiki is intended to relieve emotional discomfort by allowing healing energy to freely flow throughout the body, resulting in relaxation and a decrease in pain and tension throughout the body. Additionally, it can aid in lowering stress and anxiety, which in turn can lessen how painful things feel. Through the practice of reiki meditation, you can achieve mental peace and solitude. It uses symbols and mantras to make meditation easier for you and is regarded as one of the best conventional medical systems. Here’s how to perform Reiki meditation: 1) Straighten your back and sit or lie comfortably on the mat. Try to maintain your composure and relaxation. 2) Breathe in deeply. Imagine taking in all the joy and goodness you require, and then taking a long, cleansing breath out as you visualize any lingering bad feelings like anxiety, fear, or depression leaving your body. 3) Observe how your mind and body become attuned to it and become relaxed after taking a few breaths in this manner. Here are the benefits of Reiki therapy: The relaxation reaction, which practitioners claim activates the body's natural healing mechanism, is the focus of the most extensively researched advantages of reiki. Numerous studies have looked at the effects of reiki on a variety of conditions, such as the reduction of pain following knee surgery, the recovery from caesarean delivery, the management of hypertension, the improvement of rheumatoid arthritis patient quality of life, and patients undergoing various cancer treatments. A therapeutic strategy that includes reiki sessions may be utilized to lessen depression. Researchers examined the effects of reiki therapy on elderly people who were suffering from pain, despair, or anxiety in a short study from 2010. The individuals claimed that their physical symptoms, emotions, and general well-being had improved. Additionally, they reported greater levels of self-care, increased interest, and relaxation. Reiki therapy is frequently administered by practitioners in a calm, quiet setting. Since every person is unique, it's important to avoid having any specific expectations. If you decide to give it a shot, keep an open mind. Since Reiki is energy, it is constantly at work, and the more receptive you are to it, the easier it will be for you to benefit fully from the treatment.
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2) THE POWER OF PEPPERMINT: 15 HEALTH BENEFITS REVEALED
In our continuing effort to educate folks to the vast array of healing agents found in the natural world around us, we are excited to feature peppermint, a member of the aromatic mint family that you may already have squirreled away somewhere in your kitchen cupboard. While most have experienced peppermint as a flavoring agent, or perhaps as a comforting cup of herbal tea, few are aware of its wide range of experimentally confirmed therapeutic properties. The ancients certainly were aware of the mint family's medicinal value, having been used as herbal medicines in ancient Egypt, Greek and Rome thousands of years ago. Dried peppermint leaves have even been found in several Egyptian pyramids carbon dating back to 1,000 BC. Today, modern scientific investigations are revealing an abundance of potential health benefits associated with the use of different components of the peppermint plant, including aromatherapeutic, topical and internal applications. Most of the human research on peppermint performed thus far indicates this plant has great value in treating gastrointestinal disorders, including: Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Since the late 90's it was discovered that enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are safe and effective in the treatment of this increasingly prevalent disorder. This beneficial effect extends to the pediatric community. In one children's trial 75% of those receiving peppermint oil had reduced severity of pain associated with IBS within 2 weeks. Another 2005 trial in adults concluded that "Taking into account the currently available drug treatments for IBS Peppermint oil (1-2 capsules t.i.d. over 24 weeks) may be the drug of first choice in IBS patients with non-serious constipation or diarrhea to alleviate general symptoms and to improve quality of life." In another 2007 trial 75% of patients receiving peppermint oil saw an impressive 50% reduction of "total irritable bowel syndrome score." Most recently, a study published January of this year found that peppermint oil was effective in relieving abdominal pain in diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Colonic spasm - Peppermint oil has been studied as a safe and effective alternative to the drug Buscopan for its ability to reduce spasms during barium enemas. Gastric Emptying Disorders - Peppermint has been found to enhance gastric emptying, suggesting its potential use in a clinical setting for patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Functional dyspepsia - A 2000 study published in the journal Ailment Pharmacology and Therapy found that 90 mg of peppermint oil and 50 mg of caraway oil resulted in 67% of patients reporting "much or very much improved" in their symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Infantile Colic - A 2013 study found that peppermint is at least as effective as the chemical simethicone in the treatment of infantile colic.
Other studied applications include: Breastfeeding Associated Nipple Pain and Damage: A 2007 study found that peppermint water prevented nipple cracks and nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers. Tuberculosis: A 2009 study found that inhaled essential oil of peppermint was able to rapidly regress tuberculous inflammation, leading the authors to conclude: "This procedure may be used to prevent recurrences and exacerbation of pulmonary tuberculosis." Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): A 2001 preclinical study found that extracts of the leaves of peppermint inhibit histamine release indicating it may be clinically effective in alleviating the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Shingles Associated Pain (Post-Herpetic Neuralgia): A 2002 case study found that topical peppermint oil treatment resulted in a near immediate improvement of shingles associated neuropathic pain symptoms; the therapeutic effects persisted throughout the entire 2 months of follow-up treatment. Memory problems: A 2006 study found that the simple aroma of peppermint enhances memory and increases alertness in human subjects. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea: A 2013 study found that peppermint oil was found to be effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea, and at reduced cost versus standard drug-based treatment. Prostate Cancer: Preclinical research indicates that peppermint contains a compound known as menthol which inhibits prostate cancer growth. Radiation Damage: Preclinical research indicates peppermint protects against radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1: Peppermint has been found to have inhibitory activity against acyclovir-resistant Herpes Simplex virus type 1. Dental Caries/Bad Breath: Peppermint oil extract has been found to be superior to the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine inhibiting Streptococus mutans driven biofilm formation associated with dental caries. This may explain why powdered peppermint leaves were used in the Middle Ages to combat halitosis and whiten teeth.
Peppermint is actually a hybridized cross between Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata), the latter of which has also been researched to possess remarkable therapeutic properties, such as the ability to exert significant anti-androgenic effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome and ameliorating the related condition of mild hirsutism, marked by excessive hair growth in females. Like all plant medicines, extreme caution must be exercised when using extracts and especially essential oils. Also, remember that more is not always better. A recent study on the use of rosemary in improving cognitive performance in the elderly found that a lower 'culinary' dose (750 mg) was not only more effective in improving cognition (as measured by memory speed) than a higher dose, but the highest dose (6,000 mg) had a significant memory impairing effect. This illustrates quite nicely how less can be more, and why an occasional nightly cup of peppermint tea may be far superior as preventive strategy than taking large 'heroic' doses of an herb only after a serious health problem sets in.
3) HOW TO DRAIN YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND 7 WAYS TO MAKE IT STRONGER
The lymphatic system is important because it rids your body of unwanted materials. It also transports a fluid called lymph which contains the white blood cells needed to fight infection. When this system isn’t working right, unwanted substances can build up in your body and lead to issues such as inflammation. That’s why it’s important to help your body drain your lymphatic system. Here are seven tips to keep your lymphatic system working at peak performance. 1. Keep Moving For Healthy Lymphatic Systems A sedentary lifestyle keeps your lymphatic system from working. Since your system uses the contraction and relaxation of the joints and muscles to operate, when you exercise you help it work more efficiently. You provide enough oxygen to cells and tissues to send toxins to your liver and kidneys where they can be filtered and removed from your body. Any exercise is good, including laughter. 2. Just Breathe To Stimulate Your Lymphatic System Deep breathing also feeds oxygen to the blood and can improve lymph flow. Take the time to practice deep breathing throughout the day. Breathe in through your nose, hold it for four seconds and then exhale through your mouth for two seconds. You can increase timing to get better results. But take your time and don’t hold your breath too long! Do this two or three times a day. 3. Lymphatic Massage This is a special massage targeting the flow of lymph using pressure and rhythmic circular movements to help move it towards the heart. It allows for the drainage of waste and fluid, but it also feels wonderful. 4. Lymphatic Systems Love Iodine Rich Foods Iodine supports the lymph at a cellular level. Make sure you get enough iodine by taking a supplement or eating iodine-rich foods such as seaweed (nori, dulse, kelp), mushrooms, Himalayan salt, and beets. 5. Dry Brush Your Skin Dry brushing supports lymphatic flow by improving circulation. Doing this before your morning shower for about five to 10 minutes rids your body of toxins that build up overnight. Try to do it at least three to five times a week. Gently brush upwards on your tummy, chest, and neck towards your heart. Just be light-handed as the brush can be rough on delicate skin. 6. Drink Plenty of Water For Your Lymphatic System Chances are you do this already. However, drinking at least 1 liter of warm lemon water each morning and then two more liters throughout the day is a great way to cleanse your body. 7. Enjoy More Red And Green Foods Red foods including beets, pomegranates, berries, cherries, and cranberries provide phytonutrients to stimulate lymph. Green foods, then provide chlorophyll to purify the blood and cleanse the lymphatic system including spinach, kale, dill, cilantro, romaine, parsley, basil, arugula, collards, etc. If you can adopt even a few of these tricks into your daily routine, you can improve your lymphatic system function for improved health.
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********************************************** This newsletter is for educational purposes only. It is your right to educate yourself in health and medical knowledge, to seek helpful information and make use of it for your own benefit, and for that of your family. You are the one responsible for your health. You must educate yourself in order to make decisions in all health matters. My views and advises are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medicine, but simply a help you to make educated changes in order to help your body heal itself. If you have a medical condition or concern you should consult your physician.
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