Aug 3
2007

Arthritis had Mrs. Thompson grounded for years. She had seen several doctors with no permanent solution to the problem. As an alternative medicinal stream, Mrs. Thomson agreed to use aromatherapy. Regular massage with the essential oils of lemon balm, rose, black spruce, tarragon and jasmine was recommended. She testifies to the positive effect aromatherapy had on her condition.

Many people like Mrs. Thompson have found relief in aromatherapy treatment. The system of aromatherapy treatment utilises aromas and scents to heal the human being as a whole. Aromas and scents are derived from several plants and herbs. Research that has been undertaken on plants and herbs from the ancient times until now has helped determine their therapeutic benefits. However, more than a science, aromatherapy is an art and involves a creative approach in making specific blends.

Essential oils have an important role to play in aromatherapy treatment. An essential oil is the essence of plants derived through a process whereby plants are distilled through steam or water. What we get through the process is a concentrated essential oil, of which a few drops are capable of giving the desired effect.

One of the first known discoveries of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils was made by French chemist Ren-Maurice Gattefoss. Gattefoss is also credited with coining the term aromatherapy. When he got a burn on his hand, he accidentally put his hand in a jar full of lavender oil. He was surprised to see that he got immediate relief and the burn left no scars on his hand. Through further research, he established the healing powers of lavender oil.

Some of the common ailments where aromatherapy treatment has been accepted as a potent solution are anxiety, stress or insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, eczema, digestive problems, menstrual or menopausal problems, etc. Therefore, aromatherapy treatments heal physically as well as psychologically.

A common respiratory disorder is asthma. This is caused through contact with allergen, after a tiring exercise session or through infection. An asthmatic person experiences shortness of breath, cough and mucous production as a result of inflammation or contraction of the bronchi. The condition can be treated through aromatherapy reatment. The oils of clove bud and lemongrass have been recognised to have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. These oils along with the oils of lemon, clary sage, and angelica can be very useful for treating asthma.

Aromatherapy products are available in several stores, referred to as aromatherapy stores. These stock preparations made from herbs and plants sourced from different parts of the world; mostly, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and the Africas.

However, the use of aromatherapy treatments must be strictly prescriptive. Toiletries, which use aromas and scents, use a very small amount of essential oils. Therefore, they are not harmful. As said earlier, essential oils are highly concentrated. If a larger dosage of it is taken, then can result in irritation or be poisonous, when used with food or drink.

Did you think essential oils being derived from plants are free from side effects? No, they are not. The common side effects of essential oils are nausea, headaches etc.

Get help from an expert practitioner on the appropriate treatment for ones condition. The person who practices aromatherapy treatment is known as aromatherapist. He either will massage the oil on the skin or would suggest the appropriate method of use. Just as one would check the credentials of a doctor practising in contemporary medicine, it is important to know whether the aromatherapist has been trained in aromatherapy treatment. An aromatherapist proceeds in the same manner as a common doctor. He will first get a detailed medical history of the individual through a series of questions on diet, lifestyle, and health problems. This goes well with the system of aromatherapy healing where the whole rather than one particular ailment is considered for treatment.

About the Author:

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils, essential massage oils, essential oils wholesale visit http://www.ndaroma.com

Written By: Bryan Josling

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Apr 29
2007

Some kinds of exercise cause problems for asthmatics. Activities like climbing and skiing have an additional problem. Not only are there the exercise problems, but the altitude itself can cause an additional challenge of its own.

It is possible that people with asthma are more likely to be affected by altitude sickness. But what is altitude sickness? And why should asthma sufferers be more likely to suffer from it?

Simply put, people who live at lower altitudes can become ill when they visit high areas. They can feel light-headed, suffer from headache, suffer from fatigue, insomnia and palpitations, or experience lack of appetite, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

One of the most acute collections of symptoms is around breathing difficulties; liquid accumulates in the lungs.

Will altitude affect your asthma?

The conditions are high altitudes are often dry and cold, and these conditions tend to worsen or trigger asthma. If your asthma is triggered by cold conditions, you might find that high altitudes are a problem, as the air temperature usually decreases at higher altitudes.

Bear in mid, though, that fit, healthy people with well-controlled asthma should have no problems coping with high altitudes, provided that they go up slowly. Recognise and accept your limitations. Make sure you have all your medicines with you. You may need to adjust your dose, and to plan your intake before, through and after your activity.

But be careful. In freezing conditions, pressurized inhalers may not work properly. They should be warmed (e.g. in the hands) before use.

Take it easy

Climbing and skiing can be very strenuous exercise and may trigger exercise-induced asthma in some people.

Some kinds of asthma may be eased

If your asthma is triggered by house-dust mites, you may even find that your asthma improves. Surprised? Why should this be? Simply because the house-dust mite cannot survive at altitudes higher than ‘the snow line’.

Take time to acclimatize

People with asthma who fly directly into a place that is at high altitude will not have time to acclimatize and may experience problems. So talk to your doctor so that the altitude if you’re flying to a high-altitude destination several weeks before you leave. This will allow you time to work out a personal asthma action plan for the trip.

Your plan might involve increasing your preventer treatment for several weeks before the trip to give the airways extra protection. Or measuring peak flow while away to determine how altitude is affecting your lung function. Or even simple things like ensuring that you have enough medication and backup medication.

Take care when exercising

Make sure you feel right at any particular altitude before going higher. If you start feeling breathless, slow down. Drink plenty of water, and eat small snacks often to prevent altitude sickness. And, do tell your fellow climbers and skiers that you’re asthmatic.

Remember to take everything in stages, talk to your doctor and keep your medicines to hand, and you should have a better time this winter.

About The Author

Copyright 2006 David Drinkall

David Drinkall is a life-long asthma sufferer, and owner of AsthmaExperience.com – http://www.asthmaexperience.com. He can be contacted at enquiries@asthmaexperience.com.

Written By: David Drinkall

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Mar 12
2007

Did you know that the household and beauty products that you purchase at your local store are unhealthy for your family? You probably don’t know this because the chemical and manufacturing industries don’t have to provide us with this information. Of course, many of these chemicals were originally intended to enhance our lifestyles. However, you really need to know that these “life-enhancing” products are actually polluting our health and environment. Your continued good health depends upon knowing this truth. This way you can limit your exposure to these toxic chemicals.

One of the largest indoor pollutants that is found in our homes is formaldehyde which is found in antiperspirants, mouthwash, toothpaste, floor waxes, and furniture polishes and causes allergies, cancer, immune system failings, and asthma.

Another major indoor pollutant are phenols. This pollutant can be absorbed by both your lungs and your skin and result in caustic burns, kidney and liver damage and hyperactivity. Phenols are found in acne medications amd mouthwash.

Some other items that you need to be cautious of include Dawn Dishwashing Detergent which is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning in the USA, Tide which contains lye is the #1 polluter of our homes, and Off bug spray contains DEET which causes seizures. Other products to beware of include Lysol, Fantastik, Formula 409, Pine-Sol, Pledge, Spic & Span, Tilex, Ajax, Speed Stick, Secret, Johnson’s, Joy, Windex, Palmolive, Shout, Spray & Wash, Palmolive, Lever, Irish Spring, Jergens, Crest, Listerine, Arm & Hammer, Colgate, Scope, Old English and Dove. As you can see, these are a lot of major brand cleaners and beauty products.

What exactly do these products do? They can cause a list of symptoms including: a delay in the onset of puberty, cancer, excessive fatigue, heart palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, hormonal imbalances, unusual skin rashes, swollen glands, digestive problems, nausea, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, heart disease, irritability, aggression, impaired memory and concentration, auditory and visual perception, the onset of allergies, asthma, birth defects, and noise intolerance. They can also adversely affect the nervous system reducing emotional well being, mental alertness, coordination and other functions associated with intelligence. Toxic chemicals also increase the symptoms of any existing conditions.

Your home is a toxic waste dump! The average home contains 62 toxic chemicals. Less than 2% of these chemicals have actually been tested for long-term effects. Now that you know the truth, I encourage you to start doing something about it!

About the Author

Brenda Hoffman is a home-based professional from Pennsylvania. She began her adventures in home-based business over 7 years ago after receiving a degree in psychology. Now the mother of 1, she operates a homeopathic health and wellness network (http://your-healthy-family.blogspot.com)providing information for those who are interested in improving their life.
Copyright (c) 2005 All Rights Reserved

Written By: Brenda Hoffman

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