Using Art Therapy for Amazing Stress Relief
One of the more fascinating measures taken for stress relief can be had with an art therapy. With so many different forms of therapy today it's tough to know which are the most effective for which condition, but art therapy enjoys great success in helping people suffering from a collection of conditions that are both physical and mental. If you are looking for an exciting method for relieving stress, art therapy is a good option.
An art therapy session will help you show others how art can lead to self awareness and understanding, as well as how soothing it can be to engage in the creative process. Taking the time to focus on a piece of art alone can make a tremendous difference in how we live and think and can reduce stress amazingly. Art therapy also helps people to discover things about themselves based on what they draw. It is a good tool that psychologists use in assessing their patients.
Receiving art therapy can be done at your own pace if you go about finding places that offer it online. This is great for those who have families and can't change their lives. Art therapy will help you to get a better understanding of yourself and your lifestyle. It is a great way for you to find and get rid of the problems that you may be facing. Many hospitals and doctors offices would recommend art therapy but it can be difficult to find the right place for you so be sure to do your research before signing up with anyone in particular.
If you can imagine all of the artists out there who use their art as a means of expressing themselves, it will be easier for you to see that you can do it too. You don't necessarily have to be a perfect artist to benefit from this type of therapy; however, it helps to use this therapy as a means of expressing yourself. It is a great resource for getting out those feelings which can often be harmful when not expressed. Art has always been used as a way to express oneself so why not make it a part of your stress relief regimen?
If you are having a hard time dealing with your everyday stresses and if you are wondering what you can do to help ease your stresses, you should consider art therapy as a means of helping you. It can't hurt to give it a try. With alternative medicine becoming a preferred way to dealing with life's problems, art therapy is just a drug free method of controlling your stress which can also help to reduce many of your common illnesses. Search online for art therapy classes in your area.
By Abbas Abedi-To make all aspect of life easier you might take a look at my blog Stress Relief
Sep 27, 2008
Using Art Therapy for Amazing Stress Relief
Nov 2, 2007
The Buzz On Bee Venom Therapy For Arthritis
A bee sting can be painful and dangerous, especially if you're allergic to bee venom. But some doctors claim the latter can help people with arthritis who don't respond well to traditional medications.
That's the buzz from Dr. Christopher Kim, medical director of the Monmouth Pain Institute in Red Bank, New Jersey, who has used bee venom therapy or apitherapy on 3,000 patients. Writing in the German medical journal "Rheumatologie," Kim said that apitherapy is safe, effective, and free of serious side effects.
Kim's endorsement of bee venom therapy follows a two-year- study he conducted on 108 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis who were not helped by conventional painkillers. He first gave the subjects twice weekly injections of been venom and gradually increased the shots. After 12 injections, most of the patients showed marked improvement.
Kim is not the only doctor using this controversial technique. Over 50 American physicians report good results using bee venom to treat not only pain but arthritic conditions, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, asthma, hearing loss, and even premenstrual syndrome.
Dr. Lawrence Cohen of Danbury, Connecticut, said one of his patients suffered pain as a result of two hip replacement operations. Louise Chirasello of Brewster, New York, had tried all kinds of painkillers but none helped her.
"I was so sore, you could not touch my hips without me crying out," she recalled.
The 84-year-old widow claims she was cured by a shot of bee venom. She received several injections of bee venom from Cohen weekly until her dose was reduced to one injection every two or three weeks. After a year, she was still pain-free.
At the eighth annual Asian Apicultural Association conference at the University of West Australia, Nepalese entomologist Ratna Thapa said he had a 50 - 60 percent success rate in treating arthritis with bee venom, and a 90 percent success rate when this substance was used to treat lower back and shoulder pain. But the idea is not new.
"Bee venom therapy has been around for thousands of years. Reference to the treatment can be found in ancient Egypt and Greek medical writings. Also known as apitherapy, the technique is more widely used in Eastern Europe, Asia and South America. Treatments supposedly started after beekeepers, who were stung many times, noticed their arthritis pains were relieved. Some practitioners still use live bee stings to deliver the venom," according to Charles Downey of WebMD.
What's the secret behind the success of bee venom? Cohen says it contains mellitin, an anti-inflammatory agent that is a hundred times stronger than cortisone, and adolapin which also fights inflammation and pain. Practitioners believe these ingredients work together and help the body release natural healing compounds that improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
Still, others are not convinced of its efficacy, especially since most of the evidence is anecdotal and there are no double blind studies supporting this therapy. Skeptics warn that one to five percent of the population is allergic to bee venom and the injections or bee stings can be painful.
"Evaluations of most US medical treatments are based on double-blind studies - where neither the subject nor researcher knows who is getting the real medicine or a placebo. Most reports about bee venom therapy are anecdotal. Even those studies looking at more than one patient, such as Kim's, have not included a placebo group for comparison," Downey said.
Until we know for sure whether bee venom is safe and effective, it's best to stick to other tried and true remedies for arthritis. One of them is Flexcerin, a natural supplement that stops arthritis pain and restores joint function so you can be where the action is. For details, go to http://www.flexcerin.com.
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.thearticleinsiders.com
Jun 12, 2007
Massage Therapy Training - What to Expect
By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
While no two massage therapy training courses are identical, typical instruction entails basic studies in anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology - where it goes from there is entirely dependent upon the healing arts school in which one enrolls. For example, if you would like a foundational course in bodywork, then common techniques taught in most massage therapy training programs encompass Swedish massage, sports massage and deep tissue massage. However, if you would like to take more advanced massage therapy training, then a large number of alternative health schools may provide in-depth, practical training a wider assortment of massage modalities.
Some of these massage therapy training programs include fascinating techniques that are steadily gaining in popularity. For instance, reflexology is a unique massage therapy that involves the hands, feet and ears. Other fine examples of stand-alone massage therapy training programs may include practical instruction in Tuina (Chinese medical massage), Shiatsu (a form of acupressure), meridian therapy, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, trigger point therapy, Indian head massage, among others.
Typically, most massage therapy training programs start at 300 hours and go above 1,000 training hours. Depending on the specific healing arts school or vocational college, students can elect to participate in an associate of applied science degree in massage therapy course as well.
In general, students engaged in one of several massage therapy training programs will learn that the majority of States regulate the practice; therefore, future massage therapists must complete some level of education and instruction in order to pass national certification exams and/or State examinations. Also, it is important for prospective students to carefully review potential massage therapy training programs to determine if the course has been accredited, types of massage modalities offered, course curriculum and whether classes meet all standards and requirements in order to become practicing massage therapists.
Because massage therapy is ever-growing in popularity, more and more individuals are turning to this non-invasive, relaxing method of health maintenance. So for students, who are seeking a promising, personally and professionally rewarding career, a massage therapy training course may be the route to take. Today, students who have successfully completed all educational requirements and certification through a massage therapy training program can anticipate earnings averaging about $31/hour.
Overall, massage therapy training programs are excellent for those who desire to provide natural healthcare services to patients and clients, alike. As a worthwhile means of employment, the field of massage therapy is expected to increase faster than average* over the next several years. (*Citation:
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy training, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started!http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm
Massage Therapy Training: What to Expect
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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Therapy Training, Massage Programs, and other Natural Health Schools.
Jun 7, 2007
New Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy
By Steven Zodkoy
Millions of Americans suffer with Peripheral Neuropathy and until recently there was no specific treatment available. Peripheral Neuropathy is often associated with Diabetes, but can occur on its own. Typical treatments in the past included physical therapy, medication and in severe cases even surgery, all of these therapies offer little or no relief. Neurologist, Family Physicians and Podiatrists are now referring their patients for Anodyne Therapy with excellent results.
Anodyne Therapy is the only FDA approved treatment specifically for Peripheral Neuropathy. Anodyne Therapy utilizes the healing power of infrared light to stimulate increased nerve function and blood flow to decrease pain and improve feeling. Anodyne Therapy is completely painless, covered by Medicare and extremely effective. Medical research has shown that patients treated with Anodyne therapy experience the following results:
Significant pain relief : 88% , Increased sensory perception 96%, return to normal sensory perception 60% and an overall 72% increase in daily activity levels. There are no side effects and few contra indications for Anodyne Therapy and because it works on the underlying cause of the problem the results are long lasting.
The symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy usually effect the feet and calves but can also effect the hands and arms. Peripheral Neuropathy can present itself in a number of different ways including; numbness, pain, loss of feeling, weak muscles, difficulty walking and an odd feeling often described as “ a wet sock squeezing the feet.” These symptoms often effect older patients with diabetes and lead to secondary problems including difficulty with walking, balance and the basic activities of daily living.
“A typical patient receiving Anodyne Therapy will receive 24-30 sessions and start to notice results about half way through their treatment plan. A patient is seen three times a week until the therapy is concluded states Maricel Lazo, PT of Monmouth Advanced Medicine in Freehold. She also stated,” Our patients receive Anodyne Therapy, ultrasound, joint mobilizations and strengthening exercises with our physical therapist to insure their long term success. I have seen patients who have been suffering for 20+ years and those requiring walkers return to near normal function in just a couple on months.” Anodyne Therapy is available in only a hand full of clinics in
I welcome any comments or questions. Please email me at szodkoy@hotmail.com
Dr. Steven Zodkoy
Chiropractor
Certified Clinical Nutritionist
Certified Nutritional Specialist
Diplomate American Clinical Board of Nutrition
May 27, 2007
The Truth About Light Therapy for Acne
By Dennis Wilson
Are you frustrated with over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments tha
t don’t work? Well people like you are turning to blue light therapy for acne. But does it work? How can shining a blue light on your face make any difference? Are there any side effects? And what does it cost? This article will answer these questions so you can decide if light therapy is for you.
It’s unbelievable but it’s claimed that shining a blue light on your skin kills the bacteria that cause acne. And red light rejuvenates the skin. So a combination of blue and red is best for treating acne. Of course this isn’t just any old blue or red light. It’s finely tuned to very specific properties, including dose. And it’s been evaluated and approved by the FDA. So it must work… right? Well it does to some extent.
There has been some scientific research that shows blue/red combination light therapy does work for some people. Studies show that on average, there’s a 73% reduction in acne after 8 weeks of treatment rising to 82% reduction after 12 weeks. There’s also anecdotal evidence that it works for some but not for others. This is normally only used for people with mild to moderate acne. Whether it works for you or not, there’s one piece of really good news… there’s absolutely no side effects.
That’s right, not a single reported side effect. That’s most unusual for an acne treatment. The light doesn’t burn or irritate the skin, and there’s no pain or discomfort either. Of course you do have to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes during treatment. There is one problem and that is the cost of treatment.
Professional treatment at a dermatologist typically costs $50 to $150 per session. Typically you might need one or two treatments a week, so the cost quickly mounts up. A cheaper way to go is to buy a home blue/red light box which can be as effective but needs daily use because of the lower power level. This will still set you back around $500. Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing if it will work for you until you try it.
So there you have it. If you have mild to moderate acne and other treatments haven’t worked for you, you can give blue light acne a go. Just so long as you don’t mind forking out some significant cash. But at least there are no adverse side effects to worry about. There are of course other alternatives with higher success rates and lower costs that you could try instead.
About The Author
Dennis Wilson has found the perfect solution for acne. For an acne treatment that gets results fast, visit this link for details:
May 16, 2007
Gleevec Therapy Method For Leukemia
By Groshan Fabiola
The therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia with Gleevec (Imatinib mesylate) began to be used in patients in 2001 and seemed to be real success. Since that time, a clinical study revealed the efficiency of Gleevec in other cancer types as well such as in hypereosinophilic syndrome, another blood cancer.
Gleevec is a targeted drug on abnormal cells of the body and doesn’t attack healthy cells like other chemotherapeutics. Gleevec is efficient against a protein called BCR-ABL from the class of enzymes known as thyrosine kinases which is responsible for the excessive multiplication of mature and immature white blood cells in the chronic myeloid Leukemia.
Most cancer forms are caused by genetic mistakes leading to the production of malfunctioning proteins that send a wrong message to the cells. When the abnormal enzymes are inhibited by chemotherapy, the cancer progression is also stopped. Scientists work to find other similar drugs like Gleevec that have the capacity to inhibit dysfunctional enzymes such as tyrosine kinases.
In normal conditions, tyrosine kinases send different signals to the cells stimulating them to perform different actions. Abnormal enzymes send modified messages to the cells allowing them to multiply particular cells in an abnormal rate and cancer appears. 4500 new cases of CML are discovered every year and Gleevec was firstly used on this type of cancer. Chronic myeloid leukemia is caused by a translocated, genetically modified chromosome called
Many of the chemotherapeutics used to treat leukemia have negative effects on other healthy tissues as well like skin, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal track or hair follicles, and causes injuries to organs like heart, kidneys or lungs. Gleevec is targeted on mutant protein and enzyme cells and only destructs this type of genetically modified tissues. Gleevec also has its side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, skin rashes or fluid retention due to its toxicity but they are far less dangerous for the human body than other drugs.
The drug therapy using Gleevec proved far more efficient than earlier methods and showed real more improvements for the CML patients. It impressively reduces the number of white blood cells and the number of leukemic cells inside the bone marrow. Gleevec can also be used on persons not responding to the Interferon therapy or the ones that proved intolerant to it.
The administration of Gleevec is easier as well as it is available as a pill not as injections like most of the other drugs. This aspect makes the self-administration possible and spares patients from staying in the hospital for long periods of time.
For greater resources about Leukemia please visit these pages http://www.leukemia-guide.com/leukemia-causes.htm or http://www.leukemia-guide.com/chronic-leukemia.htm
How To Practice Color Therapy At Home
By Francesca
These days it seems more and more people are appreciating the value and importance of color therapy. Moreover, there is a growing trend to practice color therapy at home and this has led to an increase in color therapy home study courses from all around the world.
These courses are offered virtually through the Internet, and via the postal service. I've personally experienced both kinds and find that each has pros and cons. For instance, if you are a hands on, touchy-feely kind of person, you will most likely prefer and enjoy the 'correspondence' format.
You'll get materials in the mail, binders, cd-roms and other study matter and when you complete each section you simply return the finished work the same way. It's a lot slower than the Internet, but there is the upside that you can receive actual materials like color swatches and other items.
Alternatively, the Internet based model is very popular today. Immediate access to study materials, interactive and rich media is able to demonstrate core concepts, and depending on the color coach chosen, you may even be able to chat interactively with them over the Net. One thing to note about the Internet model is this, time and distance are not a factor, and more importantly because online storage is so available, there is really no limit to what a coach can share with you.
As indicated, each model has its benefits, however I believe the Internet model is superior because it simply offers a much greater level of responsiveness and opportunity to share. And we've not even touched on the value offered by a useful members only website.
A good home-study color therapy course will show you how to attain at least the following 7 benefits:
(1) How to reduce or eliminate stress from your life
(2) Positive visualization and dream manifestation
(3) Creating fulfilling relationships regardless of your past
(4) Boosting your creativity
(5) Increasing self esteem and confidence
(6) Reducing or stopping worry and learn to enjoy a new lease on life
(7) Better health with an improved outlook on life
Of course this is just a tiny fraction of what a comprehensive home study color therapy course will teach you and like any study, color therapy at home can easily become a life long passion.
ABOUT: Francesca
Apr 25, 2007
12 Step Yoga Therapy, As Easy As Breathing
By
Yoga therapy for better health. This article briefly takes a look at how yoga can be used a a form of therapy. One example of this is the yoga breathing techniques. With regular forms of exercise, breathing does play a part, but not as much as with yoga. You learn to breath the correct way with your yoga practice and this makes all the difference to helping you stay in better health.
Yoga breathing exercises are invaluable and to get the benefits need not take hours of practice a day. You only need a few minutes and this will keep your mind and body healthy. The following is a series of yoga breathing exercises that will only take you about six minutes to complete and yet you will feel an improvement in your energy level. A word of warning, this exercise should not be performed by anyone suffering from cervical problems.
To start your yoga therapy breathing exercises.
1. Start by resting your arms on the sides.
2. Rotate your shoulders, first clockwise and then counterclockwise, five times each.
3. Bend your head as if trying to touch the shoulders.
4. Repeat it five times on each side.
5. Keep the neck erect and, while bending forward, press the chin against the neck.
6. Now close your eyes and let your mind relax.
7. Breathe normally, while remaining conscious to the inhalation and exhalation.
8. Feel the movements of your breathing.
9. Closing your eyes, take deep gentle breaths.
10.Feel the incoming air from the bottom i.e. stomach upwards to the top of the lungs.
11.Now exhale the air, letting it out first from the top and then downward from the stomach.
12.Repeat this ten times, using 'imagination of breathing in fresh oxygen'.
Remember, that a standing position is best for this exercise. This technique is wonderfully de-stressing.
These breathing exercises are so easy to do, take so little time and the benefits to you can be felt for such a long time.
©2007 CTBaird. Carmel Baird invites you to read more of her articles about Yoga at YogaInfo-Online. You will find new articles posted every week at her website, each one dealing with some facet of Yoga. If you want information on locating yoga retreats for your yoga vacation, , Yoga Resources and More could have just what you want.
Apr 24, 2007
Aromatherapy Diffusers - Top Tips
By Toby Russell
In learning to use an aromatherapy diffuser it is important to first understand the theory behind diffusion. This is the process of dispersing essential oils so that the aroma will fill an area with fragrance. There are many different techniques that can be utilized for this purpose. While simple methods do exist for diffusing essential oils in a room without using a special tool, there are also many different aromatherapy diffuser devices that can be used for more elaborate diffusion.
One of the easiest aromatherapy diffusers to utilize is simple facial tissue. By placing a few drops of essential oil of your choice on a tissue and then placing it in the room, you can quickly and easily create a wonderful fragrance in your environment. It should be noted that while this method is very easy to use and be used practically anywhere, this method will only emit a slight amount of fragrance. If you want something more noticeable, it will be necessary to utilize a more elaborate aromatherapy diffuser.
A steam aromatherapy diffuser can also be utilized place a couple of cups of boiled water and adding several drops of the essential oil of your choice into the water. This method can be used for a variety of purposes, such as freshening a room or treating a cold. There are some disadvantages to this method; however. For example, while the aroma is diffused quickly, it does not last particularly long.
Candles also prove to be wonderful aromatherapy diffusers. For this technique any candle will work. Simply light it and allow it to burn for a few minutes and then extinguish it. Place a single drop of essential oil on the melted wax and light the candle once again. The only problem with this method is that you must be extremely careful because essential oils are flammable. You must make sure the oil is placed on the wax and not the wick of the candle.
There are also numerous aromatherapy diffuser products currently on the market that are quite safe and provide long lasting fragrance. One of the best aromatherapy diffuser products currently on the market are lamp rings. These rings can be placed directly on a light bulb to hold essential oil. The heat from the light bulb will heat the oil and diffuse the scent into the room.
Candle aromatherapy diffusers are another inexpensive diffusion option that can offer a nice scent in practically any location. Due to the fact that they do utilize candles; however, caution should be exercised.
A nebulizer is also a good choice if you are looking for an aromatherapy diffuser that will provide a lot of therapeutic benefit in a small space.
Toby Russell brings through his site http://www.benefitwitharomatherapy.com useful, relevant help & advice for those seeking a better understanding of the health benefits of the use of essential oils and aromatherapy.
Hot Tub Therapy - Can Water Therapy Help You Lower Blood Pressure?
By Joann Grant
Of all the natural therapies, the one that has caught the attention of the many is the hot tub therapy. It is popularly known as the hydrotherapy and is believed to be one of the most impeccable ways to improve general health of people.
Apart from treating some common ailments like back pains and joint pains, hypertension or high blood pressure is also known to get cured with the use of hot tubs. Generally, the therapy involving hot tub is used as an assistant treatment to the regular medications that a person suffering from high blood pressure is indulging in.
But the patient is always advised to consult their doctor before trying this therapy to lower their blood pressure. This is because, the therapy initially increases the body’ blood pressure due to increased temperature of the body. Therefore people with high blood pressure should first consult their doctors before using this kind of water therapy.
However, hot water has a very positive effect on your body as it dilates the blood vessels. As the blood vessels dilate, the heart does not have to work hard in pumping blood in the vessels. The lowered activity in the heart provides an over-all relief to the high blood pressure patient. But for some patients such kind of relaxation is not optimal.
The reason because of which the blood vessels dilate when brought in contact with hot water is very simple. When your body comes in touch with hot water, there is reflex that goes to your brain with information that your body temperature has risen from the normal levels. Thus the vessels near the skin, which are in direct touch with the water relaxes and dissipates all heat outside the body. Thus all these developments in the body dilate the vessels. This process in medical terms is known as Vasodilation. In vasodilation more oxygen is transported to all body parts. Oxygen is a very important element for your body as it hastens the process of healing.
Apart from this, the process of vasodilation has another important advantage for the body. It helps the blood in clearing itself from all the waste accumulated in it. With the day in progress, the food you eat and the physical activities that you perform, a lot of waste and harmful chemical substances get deposited in the body. With hot tub treatment and the process of vasodilation, the blood reaches fast to the body parts and thus removes the waste products. This could again help lower your blood pressure.
So talk to your doctor now and find out if hot tubs can help you decrease your blood pressure.
To know more about natural cure for blood pressure and blood pressure and food visit http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/magazine/edition/High-Blood-Pressure.htm
Physical Exercise Home Therapy Program
By
Physical therapy may involve walk training, range of motion, restorative therapy, therapeutic exercises, and home programs to improve strength and independence. Consider a boy named Marc. He injured his knee on a soccer game. He placed a cold icy compress to his injury immediately afterwards but the pain persisted. He visited his doctor and found out that he had torn his Anterior Cruciate Ligament, the tissue that connects the two major bones of the knees. He underwent surgery to treat his injury, yet after which Marc would still need a physical exercise home therapy program for full recovery. This shall help him rebuild his muscle strength and recover the range of motion in his injured knee, and so Marc could heal properly, and completely. Yet how does or should a physical exercise home therapy program work?
First is to look for the right physical therapist. The PT must have a master’s or doctoral degree in physical therapy and must be licensed by your state to practice. You should also know that physical therapists have specializations in different areas. A particular therapist may work mostly with sports injuries, for example, while others may be experts in head injuries, or in children, babies, the elderly, or those with particular illnesses. So you should find one who suits your case. The recommendation of a doctor may not be enough to earn your confidence so you should ask questions to your prospective PT. You should ask about his expertise in such conditions like yours, his therapy plan for you as well as needed physical therapy equipments, also ask how relevant are those in your case or are the equipments necessary to assist implementation of the program; finally ask the exact length of each therapy session and the frequency of the therapy exercises. You can also your school coach for physical therapist recommendations or contact your state’s physical therapy association for names of licensed PT’s in your area.
Now you’re ready for your physical exercise home therapy program, but not so easy. You should remember to stick to the plans of your physical exercise home therapy program. Follow your PT’s directions sternly. Listen to your PT to know your body so you’ll realize how an affected area functions so you can spot problems or avoid further injury in the future. And also talk to your PT; he’s always there to help, and to join you in celebrating your success.
Though recovery can feel frustrating and slow, take a moment to appreciate the difference that a physical exercise home therapy program can make. In time you’ll have increased strength, endurance, flexibility, better postural alignment, pain relief – and confidence.
Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of popular and comprehensive Physical Therapy information site. For more articles and resources on Physical Therapy related topics, Physical Therapy exercises and much more visit his site at:
Physical Therapy And Arthritis: Getting Back What's Been Taken
By Greg Marsh
Physical therapy can do what nothing else can do for your arthritis. Medications can lessen the pain and help to slow the progression of your condition. Surgery can help to fix the severely damaged joint. But, physical therapy can help you to get back what arthritis has taken from you. Most doctors will provide you with a treatment plan that will include some forms of arthritic physical therapy unless your body is beyond that point. While it will not be the only thing that your doctor has you do, it will be a key component to helping to get yourself back on track.
What’s The Goal?
Physical therapy has one goal when it comes to arthritis. That goal is to help you to improve the use of your joint so that you can get back into doing the things that you like and need to do without pain. Since your joints are at a point that they are being attacked, it is important to give your joint the help it needs to strengthen your muscles and to help increase the range of motion you have. The process can include a number of different things, but usually involves working with a practitioner who is skilled in improving those aspects of your joint health. With time and persistence, much of what you’ve lost can come back to you. For most, the need to get this back is well worth the work that it takes to get to that point.
You can benefit from many aspects of physical therapy. For example, if you are overweight, even slightly, with the right physical therapy you can shed the pounds and take stress off your joints by doing so. You’ll increase your body’s chances of dealing with the pain and inflammation better, too, if you are at a healthier weight. In addition to that, you also learn a lot about your arthritis. You get the benefit of being informed so you can make decisions daily that will encourage a healthy lifestyle with arthritis.
You also learn a wide range of techniques that will help you to monitor and improve your pain levels. By doing simple things, such as using your muscles correctly to minimize pain, you can actually lessen the severity of the pain you feel. You also learn how to modify your activities to increase function of your joint or not to hurt it further.
Probably the most important aspect of physical therapy and arthritis is working on your muscles. By increasing the strength of your muscles in the area, you decrease the activity and workload of the joint. Muscles that are stronger can help to compensate for a weaker joint. You also get to improve the amount of movement you have with that joint. By increasing the range of motion you have, you lessen the impact that arthritis has had on your daily life.
Don’t skip the physical therapy. Don’t assume it’s a waste of your time. What it is happens to be one of the most effective ways of treating the arthritis pain and movement loss that’s happened to you.
For important information from Greg about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, click the link.
The Benefit of Music Therapy
By David Z
Music therapy has become immensely popular in modern treatment processes. Music therapy has been implemented on many critically ailing people and it has worked like wonder. It is extensively used as a healing solution to the patients suffering from various diseases.
Music therapy is not only limited to increase personal development, behaviour development, self consciousness of an ailing person, it is even helpful to the intensive care patients. Music therapy can also develop the motor skill, communication skill of a person too.
Music therapy is considered to be a rhythmic entertainment to elderly patients suffering from severe diseases. The use of music as a medication was found in the history
Music therapy not only helps stress busted people, but also helps people suffering from chronic illnesses. In this case, patients are allowed to listen to their favourite music for a specific time period. It has been proved that, these music therapy sessions rejuvenate the patients and bring back the lost confidence in their life. Growing positive mindedness is indeed a very good sign for a patient suffering from chronic diseases over a long period of time.
Since music therapy has a tremendous healing and soothing effect on several critical diseases, it is considered to be a secondary treating element for different diseases along with regular treatment process. It can reduce stress, anxiety, pain and controls blood pressure, respiratory rate, hear rate. Apart from that, patients suffering from post surgical problems, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease get positive result using music therapy.
You may have heard about the negative feedback about music therapy. It is often noticed that, excessive sessions of music therapy can cause harm to intensive care patients. But, music therapy is not at all responsible for that. An intensive care patient suffering over a long period of time often weakens the nervous breakdown system. Usage of music therapy leads a sudden change to the surrounding condition of a patient and may result a worse condition of health.
In a session of music therapy, compact disc players, speakers, or headphones, and a wide selection of compact discs are used. A huge diversified collection of crystal players representing cultural and ethnic community is very effective to use for all the intensive care unit patients.
Music therapy should always be conducted by an expert registered therapist to get maximum benefit out of it. It is of no doubt that music therapy is the most expressive amongst all therapies.
Comprehensive Guide to Music Therapy: Theory, Clinical Practice, Research and Training
Apr 23, 2007
Massage Therapy and a Healthy Heart
By LoriAnn Toplak
An effective way to keep your heart healthy is to reduce your stress
level by relaxing. I know what you’re saying, ‘How can I relax when I have to deal with traffic, deadlines, work 12 hours a day, and live in -20 degree weather?’ My stress level just rose when I wrote that sentence!! Take a deep breath and read on. You’re about to become…..RELAXED.
One of the best methods to help you become relaxed is to receive regular massage therapy sessions. Anyone who has had a massage will tell you that it feels great. After a treatment, the stress, tension, aches and pains (sometimes unknown before the massage) melt away leaving a more relaxed and healthy individual. There are, however, many more reasons to receive a massage treatment.
Benefits of Massage Therapy include but are not limited to the following:
•Helps to prevent injuries, and the build-up of stress and tension
•Helps to improve and maintain your posture
•Strengthens your immune system
•Relieves tension, stress and clears your mind
•Relieves stiff joints, and tired, aching feet
•Relieves sore and stiff muscles and speeds up recovery from injuries
•Strengthens muscles and connective tissue
•Helps to keep muscles flexible and pliable
•Relieves restlessness and insomnia
•Promotes a sense of well-being
•Relieves pain
•Helps with digestion and relaxes abdominal muscles
Keys to making sure you are completely relaxed before, during and after your massage:
1. Leave for your appointment with plenty of time to spare. This means take into account traffic, transit delays, and other last minute details that need to be finished before you head out the door. There is a huge difference in how our body responds when we rush to an appointment, compared to when we take our time and arrive relaxed.
2. Arrive early. When you arrive a few minutes early, you have time to sit down, fill out any necessary forms and breathe before the massage. It makes the session much more enjoyable when you are calm from the start.
3. If there is any area of the body you wish to not have treated, notify your therapist right from the start. This way you won’t have to worry about it and you can just enjoy your massage.
4. Inform your therapist if you are too cool or too warm. Your therapist can adjust the temperature to meet your needs by either removing a blanket, or applying a heating pad or table warmer. It is your session and to make the most of it, you should be comfortable.
5. Inform your therapist if the pressure is too hard, or not deep enough. Don’t be shy. Your therapist will appreciate your request and can easily modify the pressure.
6. Drink plenty of water after the session. Massage therapy increases circulation and flushes out lactic acid and toxins. Water aids in the removal of these toxins from the body.
7. Try to schedule enough time after your appointment to leisurely make your way to your next activity. It is not very relaxing if you have to get dressed and run out the door.
8. Take an Epsom salts bath. Adding 1-2 cups to warm bath water helps you to de-stress and sleep soundly!!
Ahhhhhh. Just thinking about it has allowed you to relax. Your heart thanks you.
Since 1997, LoriAnn Toplak has worked as a registered massage therapist, certified acupuncturist, certified infant massage therapist and Indian head massage therapist. LoriAnn and her husband Alex, a certified reflexologist and hot stone massage practitioner, own 'The Grove Health Clinic in
Health by Massage Therapy - Benefits of Human Touch
By Andrew Exon
In recent years because patients have been dissatisfied with current
conventional methods of medical treatments, they have turned to contemporary forms of treatment to relieve back pain. One such form of contemporary treatment being used is Massage Therapy.
Massage Therapy, the art of human touch, has been around since the beginning of humankind. Couples, friends, and parents have always used human touch to console and ease the anxieties, or pain of loved ones. However, this art has become noticed by the medical world, and some doctors are recommending their patients to seek this alternative form of treatment when conventional methods are no longer aiding their patient’s recovery.
A question a Professional would propose to any person seeking this contemporary form of medical treatment, “Does Massage Therapy have any statistical significance in aiding back pain relief?” Case studies have been performed, and though they have not found any statistical significance relating to Massage Therapy and its affect on back pain, they have recognized that to some degree Massage Therapy has improved the physical symptoms of patients, and the quality of life they experience. In one case study, massage therapy was effective in relieving subacute and chronic back pain.
How many treatments does it take for a person to feel the benefits of Massage Therapy, you might ask? This depends strictly upon the individual requesting the service, their description of symptoms, and their massage professional. Some massage therapists will begin with an interview asking their client to describe their current physical symptoms, and organize a four week plan, with a visit a week, touching each area of tension. Other therapists may ask where it hurts, recognize which muscle is causing the discomfort, and proceed with the treatment and he/she is out in thirty minutes.
In conclusion, Massage Therapy, though not statistically significant, has been shown to reduce the level of pain in a person’s back, and when traditional medical treatments are no longer relieving the symptoms. Some medical professionals are advising their patients to seek avenues of alternative contemporary styles in reducing back pain. Massage Therapy is one treatment they are recommending.
For more information about Massage Therapy go to http://www.free-body-massage.info By Andrew Exon
http://www.free-body-massage.info.
Andrew is a Marriage, Family, and Human Development graduate who enjoys swing dancing, camping, fly-fishing, and other recreational sports which provide physical excercise and relaxation.
Apr 20, 2007
Oxygen Therapy For Weight Loss?
The chemistry sounds very straightforward. Human body fat is a 
combination of three elements - hydrogen, carbon and oxygen molecules (plus other substances that are stored within the fat cells).
Add extra oxygen to the body fat, and in theory it should break down into two well known substances:
1. Hydrogen & oxygen molecules (H2O - water, which enters the blood stream, goes through the kidneys and is then excreted via urination); &
2. Carbon & oxygen molecules (CO2 - carbon dioxide, which is excreted via respiration).
Oxygen or Ozone Therapies are used by a number of alternative medicine practitioners around the world. It is more popular in Europe than in the USA. Practitioners are also found in Canada and Mexico.
Despite being banned in some countries and certainly debunked by large sections of the "conventional" medical profession, there is plenty of evidence that oxygen therapy produces health benefits for many conditions far cheaper, much faster and without the side effects of patent drugs.
Oxygen therapy is usually administered in one of two ways:
1. A facial mask attached to an oxygen tank, so that the patient breaths in oxygen for many hours of the day; or
2. Daily sessions of diluted hydrogen peroxide administered via an intravenous drip.
Given the straightforward chemical composition of body fat discussed above, does Oxygen Therapy actually work for weight loss? I decided to contact a number of practitioners in various parts of the world and ask them if, when treating patients for other ailments using oxygen therapies, weight loss was ever seen as a side-effect of their treatment.
All the doctors who replied responded that no such weight loss factor has ever been observed that they could credit to the oxygen therapy itself, and not the condition they were treating.
It seems that empirical evidence to support the theory that oxygen therapy could reduce body fat into the easily excreted H2O and CO2 is lacking.
Still, not everyone is convinced. The chemistry appears fine on paper, so something is missing in the implementation. Finding that missing factor could be crucial in the battle of the bulge, the quest for weight loss, and conquering obesity.
Books have been written promoting special breathing techniques for weight loss. Although there are sceptics, there are also many people around the world who swear by the success they have achieved in losing weight via these breathing techniques.
The theory behind these breathing techniques is not merely due to the intake of the oxygen, but that the human body's metabolic process expels waste matter, including carbon dioxide, when we breath out. Our air intake is higher in oxygen than what we expire, and we breath out more carbon dioxide than we breath in.
The breathing technique therefore seeks to encourage and maximize the expulsion of carbon dioxide from our bodies - carbon dioxide that is the waste matter created when the oxygen dissolves body fat.
Personally, I must admit to being impressed though not thoroughly convinced. It is quite reasonable to assume that the people who are disciplined enough to follow this breathing technique diligently for several weeks or months are probably motivated enough to also be doing other things (dietary, psychologically, etc.) that will be causing the weight loss.
Still, it fits the basic (unproven) theory that adding oxygen to body fat should result in weight loss. Furthermore, it is harmless, so long as adequate dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals are being consumed. Whether the actual results are from the technique itself or of a more psychosomatic nature is immaterial if it works, is free and available to all, and has no adverse side effects.
By all means, add these deep breathing exercises to your overall toolbox of synergistic weight loss treatments.
Still, there is one more form of oxygen therapy (not usually recognized as such) that even the sceptics would have trouble disputing.
It is more commonly called exercise. More accurately, aerobic exercise. (Aerobic simply means "air breathing".) It is exercise that makes you huff and puff, deepening your breathing. It is and always has been one of the most fundamental parts of any successful weight loss program.
Trevor Johnson is a Masters qualified researcher cum electronic publisher with over twenty years personal experience in the battle against obesity. Objective information and the pros and cons of many types of weight loss therapies is found at his "Weight Loss, Dieting & Obesity" site: http://www.dietwords.com
