How to Treat Asthma With Aromatherapy

How to Treat Asthma With Aromatherapy



Signs and symptoms of someone suffering from asthma can be a dry cough or full blown respiratory distress, prolongation of expiratory phase, nasal flaring, accessory breathing muscles, retractions, irritability or lethargy, the person having an odd color, feeding difficulty, speaking difficulty due to the neck muscles tightening, wheezing or poor air movement, chest tightness or pain, rapid heart rate and sweating. Changes in lifestyle, housing and diet may have contributed to the rise in asthma over the last few decades also. Certain foods including cow's milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, yeast products, nuts, and some food colorings and preservatives, can make symptoms worse. Exercising too much or engaging in certain physical activities can bring on attacks so the amount a person exercises should be monitored. Weather plays a big part in asthma symptoms as a change in temperature, wind, poor air quality and humidity are all known triggers for asthma.







Things You'll Need:





A carrier base for the oils such as water (for a bath) oils or lotion - evening primrose is recommended for asthma as it is an antispasmodic and therefore good for reducing muscular spasms.




Patience to find the right essential oils.




Measuring cup or devices for measuring dilution in your chosen carrier.









1


Choose your carrier oil. If you want to have a bath add only 8-10 drops of essential oils after you have run the bath. If using lotion add 20 drops to 100ml of lotion. If using base oils add 2 drops to every 5mls (for a full body massage you will generally need 15-25mls altog).





2


Essential oils which could help the condition are:

Melissa as it is hypotensive and good for reducing palpitations and asthma,





3


Pine as it is good for infections of the respiratory tract,





4


Benzoin a.k.a Friars Balsalm is recognized as being the most powerful lung tonic and bronchial dilator in aromatherapy world. Important to note that benzoin will stain a plastic bath tub so be aware of this,





5



Basil
as it is antispasmodic and expectorant to reduce muscular spasms and help remove phlegm and catarrh,





6


Cajeput as it is antispasmodic to reduce muscular spasm and expectorant to help remove phlegm and catarrh,





7


Eucalyptus as it is antispasmodic and expectorant to reduce muscular spasm and expectorant to help remove phlegm and catarrh,





8


Lemon as it is antispasmodic and hypotensive to lower blood pressure and reduce muscular spasms,





9


Frankencense as it is anti-inflammatory and expectorant to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure,





10



Lavender
as it is antispasmodic, anticonvulsive and hypotensive to lower blood pressure and control spasms,





11


Majoram as it is antispasmodic, expectorant and hypotensive to reduce spasms, remove phlegm and catarrh and lower blood pressure,





12


Peppermint as it is anti-inflammatory and expectorant to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure,








Tips & Warnings










Certain oils are alot stronger than others so when using oils start with a smaller dilution first. Some oils can affect sensitive skin also so try a skin patch test on the oils of your choice before jumping into a bath full of them. The best place to apply oil for a patch test is behind your ear.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2118969_treat-asthma-aromatherapy.html

How to Treat ADHD Through Biofeedback

How to Treat ADHD Through Biofeedback



Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a difficult childhood condition often misdiagnosed. In reality, ADHD not only affects
children
, but also many adults who may not have been diagnosed as children. Many with ADHD may have been misdiagnosed as being lazy or as having behavioral problems. The fact is, these children (or adults) are wired differently. The characteristic symptoms of attention deficit disorders include trouble engaging in any one activity for any length of time. They often have a great deal of difficulty in school. That's not surprising since some of the other symptoms include impulsivity, disorganization and forgetfullness. Those with ADHD can have trouble following directions and interacting well with peers. In recent years, as more and more children are being diagnosed, schools often turn to parents to have their own children medicated so they can stay in mainstream classrooms. Fortunately, many families are now turning to alternative medicine to find ways to help treat the symptoms of ADHD. Ironically, the hyperactivity component of this disorder is actually caused by slower brain wave activity. Biofeedback gives patients a means to gain control over involuntary body functions such as brain wave activity. Children (and adults) are trained to use visual cues (colors or pictures) to "rev up" their brains, much like driving from first gear at a stoplight and getting to third or fourth gear quickly. Follow these steps to find out more.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Treat ADHD Through Biofeedback




1


Confirm your (or your child's) ADHD diagnosis. There is no one test to determine ADHD. A diagnosis is made after several different professionals, such as teachers, therapists, medical doctors and coaches who regularly observe you or your child, answer questionnaires. Parents are also asked to fill out a survey to confirm diagnosis.





2


Find a good therapist certified in biofeedback protocols used for patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by visiting the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA) Web site(see Resources below).





3


Discuss with your therapist the development of a treatment plan, both short term and long term. Children (or adults) do not outgrow ADHD. They may experience a change in symptoms or be able to minimize their effects; but it is not something that goes away.








Tips & Warnings










ADHD is a life-long condition. Help your child build positive self-esteem. This is a medical condition and not something they can control without help.








The costs of individual biofeedback sessions are relatively inexpensive compared to psychotherapy sessions, but require intense intervention and ongoing follow up.








If your child also takes medication, be alert. Selling Ritalin or other ADHD meds has become the rage in high schools and colleges. For people who do not have ADHD, these stimulants can cause serious health problems, including death. Overdose symptoms include vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, blurred vision and rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these symptoms, go to an emergency room immediately.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033147_treat-adhd-through.html

How to Treat a Urinary Tract Infection With Herbs

How to Treat a Urinary Tract Infection With Herbs



Your mom might have told you when you were young to drink cranberry juice because it wards off urinary tract infections. Well, it's true. Cranberry is one of a few natural remedies for an infection. One out of every 5 women will get at least one urinary tract infection in her lifetime. Women are 20 times more likely to get these as men. Here are suggestions for herbal treatments.









1


Research the history behind cranberries. They contain proanthocyanidins, which are antioxidant compounds.





2


Drink up. Look for cranberry juice with as much juice as possible. A cocktail with only 10 percent juice won't be as effective. Opt for the real deal. If you get urinary tract infections often, try to drink two glasses every day.





3


Consider taking cranberry in pill form instead. In one study, participants took concentrated cranberry extract, containing 400 milligrams of cranberry solids, twice a day.





4


Take goldenseal root. It has a long history of being a strong antimicrobial agent. Take 1,000 milligrams daily in capsule form. Or, make a tea with 1 teaspoon of dried herb per cup water.





5


Turn to uva-ursi. It's been used as a urinary antiseptic for more than 1,000 years and is very effective against the most common cause of urinary tract infections.





6


Buy your supplements at a natural foods store or online. Don't hesitate to ask the salesperson for advice.








Tips & Warnings










Cranberry is safe for nursing and pregnant women.








While taking uva-ursi, avoid acidic foods or supplements.








See your doctor when you get a urinary tract infection.








Uva-ursi can turn your urine a dark green color. It's harmless.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2125230_treat-urinary-tract-infection-herbs.html

How to Take an Ionic Foot Bath

How to Take an Ionic Foot Bath



Ionic foot baths can be used to detox the body and keep it alkaline. Air, water and food are full of pollutants. We constantly come into contact with chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria and viruses. The ionic foot bath pulls these toxic materials out of the body by sending positively charged ions into the body. The ions attach to negatively charged toxic materials, neutralizes them and draws them out of the body through the pores in the soles of the feet. Ionic foot baths, along with exercise, proper diet and other detoxification methods, can work to keep the body healthy. If you're having the foot bath administered to you, there are a few things you can do to prepare.







Things You'll Need:





Water




Vitamins and supplements









1


Don't take medicine before you get your foot bath. The detoxification process will draw all of the medication out of your system.





2


Drink lots of water before taking the foot bath. If you're not well-hydrated during the detox, you might get dizzy or feel lightheaded. This is because the ions draw out minerals and electrolytes.





3


Place your feet on the module to draw from specific reflex zones. The reflex zones are located on the soles of your feet. The module is the unit placed in the water to make it bubble. If you're not familiar with reflex zones, you can ask to see a reflexology chart or study one before you go to your appointment. Targeting reflex zones is important because you can draw from certain problem areas in your body. For example, if you have a chest cold, you can position your feet on the module so it covers the area that corresponds to your lungs. This can help to pull more mucus out of your lungs.





4


Drink water while getting the ionic foot bath. This will help to keep you hydrated and replace the water you'll lose during the detoxification process.





5


Take your medication once the foot bath is over. Also take vitamins and supplements to replenish the vitamins and minerals removed during the detox.





6


Make sure your feet are properly cleaned before putting on socks and shoes.








Tips & Warnings










Health spas, health clubs, salons, homeopathic and holistic clinics and massage therapists are all sources for ionic foot baths. Doctors are now offering the service in their offices as well.








People with low blood sugar should eat before taking an ionic foot bath. If you don't eat, the detoxification process may cause you to become weaker than someone with normal blood sugar. People with normal blood sugar can eat before or after the foot bath.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2128628_ionic-foot-bath.html

How to Take an Ayurveda Dosha Quiz

How to Take an Ayurveda Dosha Quiz



An ancient Hindu medicine, the goals of Ayurveda are to heal the body, maintain good health and reverse the aging process. Practitioners can heal asthma, depression and diabetes among other ailments. This holistic medicine centers on each person's doshas, or mind-body types. Follow these steps to take a quiz to determine your dosha.







Prepare for a Dosha Quiz




1


Know what a dosha is. "Vata," "Pitta" and "Kapha" are the 3 doshas that represent the body-mind type of each person.





2


Understand what to expect. The Ayurveda dosha quiz focuses on your body and mind characteristics as well as your reaction in stressful situations. The quiz questions vary from Web site to Web site; but the goal is the same.





3


Visit the "Jiva Ayurveda" Web site to take a dosha quiz (see Resources below). The quiz is free.





4


Take the quiz to figure out what your dosha is. The quizzes could have as few as 8 questions or as many as 30 questions. No matter how many questions there are, they go fast. They usually offer 3 answer options, 1 for each dosha.





5


Select the answer that applies most to you even though you may identify with more than one.



Understand Your Score




1


Understand the 3 scores given. The dosha with the highest score is your most dominant dosha and therefore your mind-body type.





2


Know that it's possible to have a combination dosha. If two of the doshas have the same score then they're equally prominent. You have a combination mind-body type. Very few people have the same score for all 3 doshas.



Use Your Dosha Knowledge




1


Learn more about your dosha. Learning about the dosha personalities can show you how to balance yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. Other uses for your new dosha knowledge range from learning how to deal with other personalities to
dating
.





2


Enjoy serene moments around Kapha individuals. They're usually calm and caring. Sometimes they can be greedy and possessive. Everything about them is usually thick, including their body build, skin and hair.





3


Expect Pitta individuals to be of average build with light eyes and red hair. They are intellectuals and high achievers but usually fiery.





4


Learn about the Vata dosha. Vata individuals are either petite or tall and thin. They usually have cold extremities due to poor blood circulation. They're mostly creative people. They're often anxious and fearful.





5


Learn more about Ayurveda and the 3 doshas at the AyurBalance Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










See a doctor or go to an emergency room if you suffer symptoms such as dizziness or chest pain.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Keep your doctor informed about anything new you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033073_ayurveda-dosha-quiz.html

How to Wear a Sarong

How to Wear a Sarong



You can tie a sarong in dozens of ways and use it as your only garment, as another layer on top of a dress or pants and a tunic or camisole top or as a scarf. Once you master the two basic techniques below, both of which use a sarong as a layer, you can experiment with your own style.







Things You'll Need:





Sarong, 64 inches by 44 inches







Create a Formal Look




Step
1



Hold the sarong behind you lengthwise, grasping one end of the sarong in each hand.




Step
2



Toss the right side of the sarong over your left shoulder and tuck the left side of the sarong into the fabric under your right arm.




Step
3



Allow the sarong to hang over your left shoulder or, for a different look, tuck the right side of the sarong under the fabric in back.


Create a Flirty Look




Step
1



Hold the sarong behind you, again grasping one end of the sarong in each hand.




Step
2



Pull the sarong further up your body so it's about knee-length, with the sarong fabric immediately under each arm.




Step
3



Bring the right side of the sarong over your left shoulder and the left side over your right shoulder.




Step
4



Tie the ends together behind your neck like a halter top.




Step
5



Open up the front of the sarong to show off the top you're wearing underneath it. Alternately, you can keep it closed for a different look.







Tips & Warnings









You can use this approach to create a top as well, though if you're not wearing a top underneath your sarong, you may want to pin it with a brooch for modesty.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2210290_wear-sarong.html

How to Wear a Sari

How to Wear a Sari



Spelled either "sari" or "saree," this wrapped and draped dress is donned daily by women from India to Africa, in its various incarnations.







Things You'll Need:





Nose Rings



Petticoats



Sandals



Sari



Earrings



Jewelry









Step
1



Put on the
petticoat
and tighten the drawstring.




Step
2



Don your traditional cropped shirt.




Step
3



Beginning at the navel, tuck the inner top edge of the sari into the left side of the petticoat and wrap the sari once completely around the body, ending once more at the left side. Make certain the hem touches the ground.




Step
4



Holding the tucked waist tightly, begin pleating material 5 inches deep with your fingers, keeping folds even and straight.




Step
5



Gather about 1 yard into approximately 7 to 10 pleats. Hold them together so that they fall evenly.




Step
6



Wrap material fully around your waist one more time going from left to right. Bring the remainder up under your right arm and drape over the left shoulder so edge falls to about knee level.




Step
7



Tuck pleats into waistband slightly to the left of your navel.




Step
8



Use a small pin to prevent the end portion, called the pallav, from slipping from the shoulder.




Step
9



Place a small pin wherever you need a little more security.







Tips & Warnings









Experiment with the endless designs and materials available. Also keep in mind that jewelry is especially complementary to the sari.








Practice. It gets increasingly easy with experience.








Read up! The history of the sari is fascinating, and reading about the cultures that wear them adds to the pleasure, too.



http://www.ehow.com/how_5127_wear-sari.html