How to Minimize PMS Symptoms Naturally

How to Minimize PMS Symptoms Naturally



Ask any woman who has experienced PMS each month and she will have no shortage of stories and complaints about the condition. PMS can cause physical discomfort and put you on an emotional roller coaster. Try using these natural remedies whenever you find yourself falling victim to the "monthly curse."







Things You'll Need:





Ginger tea




Borage oil capsules




Kelp or iron tablets









1


Drop 1 or 2 teabags of your favorite ginger tea into a mug of boiled water. You can add honey or any type of sweetener. Ginger contains pain-relieving and anti-cramping compounds that make it a fantastic alternative for those who want to avoid using traditional medicine.





2


Take borage oil capsules as directed on the bottle. Borage oil is available at health food stores and is an excellent source of gamma lineolic acid, which has anti-inflammatory agents with few if any side effects. Like most alternative remedies, it is effective but not instantaneous. To feel the effects it must be taken regularly over time. You will notice its effects four to six weeks after beginning a regimen with it. Benefits include a sharp decrease in cramps, an elevated mood and fewer aches and pains during your period.





3


Every time your body endures a menstrual cycle, you are losing blood which is rich in iron. This is one of the reasons why many women feel weak and lethargic during this time. Replace your lost iron with nutrient-rich kelp or kelp tablets. Take as directed on the bottle. If you aren't a big fan of kelp, try adding iron tablets to your daily regimen.








Tips & Warnings










You can alternate between different sources of gamma lineolic acid (GLA) to see which source works best for you. Evening Primrose Oil and Black Currant Oil are also excellent sources.








Try setting aside fifteen minutes each day for breathing and relaxation exercises. Anything that helps your body relax and puts you in a better frame of mind will help you conquer your PMS.








Always check with your doctor before beginning an alternative therapy regimen, to see if it will interfere with any drugs that you are taking or conditions that you may currently have.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2167623_minimize-pms-symptoms-naturally.html

How to Use Yin and Yang in Chinese Medicine

How to Use Yin and Yang in Chinese Medicine



The concept of the two universal forces of Yin and Yang forms not only the basis of so much of Chinese philosophy, it also underlies the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). They're forever united, forever opposed. By understanding Yin and Yang, you can also understand how Chinese medicine harnesses these powerful forces to treat, heal and prevent illness, pain and disease. TCM utilizes everything from massage to herbs to treat conditions as varied as arthritis and obesity. Follow these steps to learn how to use Yin and Yang to your advantage.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Grasp the Concepts of Yin and Yang




1


Know that Yin and Yang are not mutually exclusive. There is Yin in Yang, and vice-versa. Each supports the other.





2


Understand that, according to the Chinese philosophical concept, Yin and Yang use each other. They cannot exist without each other.





3


Be aware that Yin and Yang are used to achieve balance. So much of TCM is based upon the principle that pain and illness are caused by imbalances within the body. Yin and Yang are the two primary forces used to achieve bodily harmony.





4


Learn more by visiting Washington State University's Chinese philosophy Web page (see Resources below).



Restore Health Through Yin and Yang




1


Speak to a Chinese medicine practitioner. Consultation costs are usually affordable. The practitioner will be able to explain your options for harnessing your Yin and Yang, depending upon your case, condition or symptoms.





2


Learn how proponents believe acupuncture can unlock your body's natural meridians to improve the flow of Yin and Yang to increase your energy and vitality.





3


Educate yourself about traditional Chinese herbal remedies that may correct deficiencies in your balance of Yin and Yang. Your local Chinese herbalist or health food store proprietor can teach you more.





4


Exercise daily. A qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine will help you understand whether you need to increase your Yin or your Yang. He or she can guide you through the use of simple exercises that will help correct your imbalance.





5


Change your diet. Chinese medicine practitioners believe you can use certain foods to raise or lower your Yin as well as your Yang.








Tips & Warnings










If you experience serious symptoms, like severe abdominal pain or impeded breathing, you should seek professional medical attention immediately. Don't ever attempt to self-treat or self-diagnose serious symptoms.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031546_use-yin-yang.html

How to Use the Five Elements in Chinese Medicine

How to Use the Five Elements in Chinese Medicine



The ancient Eastern theory of the Five Elements--wood, air, earth, fire and water--is particularly important to traditional Chinese medicine's use of herbal and dietary treatments for chronic conditions, pain and illnesses. Each of the Five Elements has a special property associated with it that can be found in the corresponding fruits, grains and plants that Chinese medical treatments traditionally use to heal everything from asthma to arthritis. Follow these steps to use the Five Elements in Chinese medicine.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Learn How Chinese Medicine Uses the Five Elements




1


Learn how the Five Elements interact with one another. Each element generates one element and overcomes another. For example, wood is said to "generate" fire and "overcome" earth.





2


Understand how the Five Elements relate to the five taste properties of herbs used in Chinese medicine. Wood is sour; fire is bitter; earth is sweet; metal is spicy; and water is salty.





3


Learn the fruit associated with each element. Wood's fruit is the plum; fire's the apricot; earth's the jujube; metal's the peach; and water's the chestnut. You'll be able to follow your practitioner's advice better. For example, if she or he determines that you aren't receiving enough metal influence in your diet, you need to eat more peaches.





4


Be aware that each element has a corresponding grain, in addition to a fruit. Wood is associated with cannabis, fire with wheat, earth with rice, metal with millet and water with beans.





5


Learn the body parts associated with each element. Eyes are associated with wood, the tongue with fire, the mouth with earth, the nose with metal and the ears with water.





6


Find complete details, including each element's color, emotion, energy pattern and more, by visiting Holistic Online's Five Elements page (see Resources below).





7


Know that each of the Five Elements has a corresponding Yin organ and Yang organ. For example, fire's Yin organ is the heart and its Yang organ is the small intestine.



Treat Symptoms Using the Five Elements




1


Consult a Chinese medicine practitioner. The cost of treatment is moderate. A qualified practitioner will readily be able to determine if the principles of the Five Elements that can be used to treat your condition or symptoms.





2


Alter your diet to correct deficiencies of certain elements. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that eating more wheat and apricots, for example, will introduce a greater degree of fire to your body.





3


Understand how acupuncturists use acupuncture points to facilitate readier absorption of deficient or unbalanced elements. Acupuncturists believe each element corresponds with varying parts of the human body, and manipulating these can inhibit or hasten your body's ability to retain elemental properties.





4


Apply the taste properties of herbs to their corresponding element to understand why bitter herbs, for example, increase your body's supply of elemental fire.





5


Realize that Chinese medicine always aims to achieve balance and harmony within the body. Treatments looking to heighten or decrease the prominence of a particular element are prescribed with this goal in mind.








Tips & Warnings










Persistent gastrointestinal discomfort, indigestion and upset stomach can be symptoms of serious illnesses. Check with your physician if you experience severe or lasting pain of this nature.








Never self-treat or self-diagnose medical conditions. It's unhealthy and potentially dangerous to use treatments that have not been fully explained by a qualified individual.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031547_use-five-elements.html

How to Use Palmtherapy to Treat Depression

How to Use Palmtherapy to Treat Depression



Depression affects millions of people a year with mild to severe feelings of sadness and worthlessness. One alternative way to treat this condition is a holistic approach called Palmtherapy. Naturopathist Moshe Zwang created this discipline, in part, because of a near-death experience. It's felt by practitioners that you can use Palmtherapy to ease conditions like stress and depression through a focused touching of the lines and curves of the palms. Follow these steps to learn how to use Palmtherapy to treat depression.







Things You'll Need:





Reading materials about palmtherapy




Computer with online connection and Adobe Reader







Use Palmtherapy to Lessen Depression




1


Search for a Palmtherapist on the Internet by logging onto the Palmtherapy Web site (see resources below).





2


Select a therapist by clicking on your state. If you cannot find a local practitioner through this site, ask doctors and massage therapists in your area for a referral.





3


Plan on having a few sessions to see marked results. Overall, this therapy is moderately priced; but you may need to have several treatments.





4


Download Moshe Zwang's ebook "Constant Choice," or buy his book "Palm Therapy: Program Your Mind Through Your Palms--A Major Breakthrough in Palmistry" through the Palmtherapy Web site.





5


Study the physical methods involved in Palmtherapy. Learn the proper stimulation skills to use on the lines of your hand that correspond with brain function.





6


Perform techniques on your own that are indicated in the reference books and materials.





7


Use the massage methods described, which will help you relax and ease your mind.



Additional Options to Help Treat Depression




1


Consider seeing a psychologist or other type of counselor whom you could talk to in addition to your Palmtherapy sessions.





2


Seek out others for networking and comfort by joining local support groups to discuss Palmtherapy, treatment issues and methods of healing. Get plenty of exercise by joining a gym or yoga class.





3


Ask your Palmtherapist if he or she knows of any seminars or groups relating to holistic therapy.








Tips & Warnings










Creator Moshe Zwang compares the hand to a computer keyboard; he "types" his treatments on patients' palms.








The length of hand stimulation during Palmtherapy differs from person to person in relation to the extent of the depression.








Palmtherapy can be done anywhere.








Palmtherapy is not a proven treatment for depression. See a medical doctor if you have serious symptoms, like thoughts of suicide.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031508_use-palmtherapy-treat.html

How to Use Palmtherapy to Relieve Stress

How to Use Palmtherapy to Relieve Stress



In the continuing search for a better quality of life, some people are turning to Palmtherapy to relieve stress. Indicators of stress can include: headaches, muscle tension and general anxiety or anger. This alternative medicine technique relies on applying pressure to key areas on the hand that are thought to coincide with brain functions. Therapists say this helps to change patterns of thinking and feeling. Follow these steps to learn how Palmtherapy is also used help lessen feelings of grief and inadequacy.







Things You'll Need:





Reference materials about Palmtherapy




Computer with online connection and movie player







Relieve Stress With Palmtherapy




1


Utilize Palmtherapy materials that can guide you through the process, like illustrations and books. Get more information, or find a provider at the Palmtherapy Web site (see resources below).





2


Examine video clips with interviews about how Palmtherapy helped other patients at the Palmtherapy Web site. View the short clips by clicking on the image. Your computer will recognize the file and then try and open it. If you don't have RealPlayer (or a similar device for viewing images) on your system, you can download one for free.





3


Develop skills in using techniques to relieve stress. Massage key lines of the hand that correlate with your stress indicators and emotional issues. Refer to the books at the Palmtherapy Web site for specific techniques.





4


Seek out professionals who offer advanced Palmtherapy sessions to relieve stress by investigating personnel at local hospitals.





5


Check local hospital directories for psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and other health care professionals who are currently showing an increase in Palmtherapy certification.



Combine Palmtherapy With Natural Treatments




1


Visit the American Association of Naturopathic Medicine (AANM) online to get information about natural treatments and practitioners (see resources below).





2


Order a free brochure available at the association's Web site (see Resources below). It includes the usually-moderate fees for treatment and naturopathic medicines.





3


Locate practitioners who specialize in ways you can relieve stress through natural therapies, such as aromatherapy. Consider combining your Palmtherapy with use of other holistic procedures found at the AANM Web site.





4


Expect methods of treatment such as nutritional evaluation, botanical medication suggestions, mind-body therapy and lifestyle changes.








Tips & Warnings










Use Palmtherapy with or without equipment.








The creator of Palmtherapy, Moshe Zwang, suggests you can use some techniques on your own; but a certified palm therapist should be sought for best results.








If you're experiencing heart palpitations or blurred vision, consult a physician immediately.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031511_use-palmtherapy-relieve.html

How to Use Palmtherapy to Relieve Phobias

How to Use Palmtherapy to Relieve Phobias



Palmtherapy is making headlines for its treatment of everything from depression to low-self esteem. Supporters of Palmtherapy use it to help change patterns of thinking and feeling. It's done through applying pressure and stimulation to key areas of the hand, which are thought to coincide with brain functions. A patient suffering from phobias, or irrational fears, can seek relief by visiting a certified Palmtherapist. Follow these steps to find out how.







Things You'll Need:





Illustrations of key points of the palm




Computer with online connection







Research Information About Phobias and Palmtherapy




1


Study why this method was created and how it works to relieve phobias by buying Moshe Zwang's "Palm Therapy: Program Your Mind Through Your Palms" at the Palmtherapy Web site (see resources below).





2


Perform mild Palmtherapy techniques on yourself, as described in the previously-mentioned book. Use a hand chart and learn thumb pressure techniques.





3


Evaluate types of phobias, which are relentless, unreasonable fears of particular situations or things. This will help you understand your phobia and how it relates to Palmtherapy. You'll find links to articles, history and specific analysis at the Palmtherapy Web site.



Lessen Your Phobia by Visiting a Palm Therapist




1


Seek a palm therapist who has experience treating emotional issues. You can find a list of professionals at the Palmtherapy Web site.





2


Choose a therapist who is certified by the International Palmtherapy Association (IPTA), founded by Moshe Zwang.





3


Ask the therapist if he or she will meet with you beforehand so that you know what to expect for your first visit. Communicate openly with the therapist and get a feel for how he or she responds to you.





4


Plan on spending at least an hour per session, at a mid-range price level. It might take several appointments to relieve your phobia.





5


Visit professional organizations such as the American Holistic Medicine Association to get guidelines for what to look for in a practitioner (see resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Some psychiatrists and therapists practice Palmtherapy techniques.








Palmtherapy can be done with or without specialized equipment.








Don't use Palmtherapy to treat psychotic disorders. If you hear voices or have severe paranoia, please contact a medical physician.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031507_use-palmtherapy-relieve.html

How to Improve Your Relationship With Shopping

How to Improve Your Relationship With Shopping



If asked to name the relationships in your life, you will probably list your lover, friends, family, coworkers, hairdresser and pets. Chances are you wouldn't include an activity such as shopping in that list. We can and do, however, have relationships with inanimate activities throughout our lives. With the Earth's population expanding, economies shifting, climate change and concerns about the health of our environment, it is essential that we become aware of our consumption patterns as individuals and as a society. May these tips plant seeds of suggestion for how you can improve your personal relationship with shopping. Your pocketbook and our planet will thank you for it.









Step
1



Visit the laundromat before the shopping mall. Shopping with a pile full of dirty clothes can be hazardous to your financial health. Your wardrobe is bound to appear lackluster when your favorite pieces are temporarily out of commission. And when you feel bad about your wardrobe you are more likely to make pointless purchases. Nine times out of ten you don't need to buy a new pair of jeans; you simply need to wash the ones you already own.




Step
2



Peruse your closet regularly. What was eagerly purchased yesterday can easily be forgotten tomorrow if you don't keep tabs on your closet. When you know what you've got and what you're missing, you'll avoid the mistake of purchasing something nearly identical to the things you already own.




Step
3



Create a uniform. A sparse wardrobe with a clean look makes getting dressed simple. You can update and add spice with a few well-chosen accessories.




Step
4



Buy local. The importance of purchasing local doesn't only extend to produce from the farmers markets. The further from your home an item was made, the more negative impact it has on the Earth because of all that plane and truck travel it takes to get to you. Not to mention, buying locally improves local economies. Look for locally manufactured clothes, bicycles and
beauty
products, to name a few.




Step
5



Keep a shopping journal. Does looking at pictures of pretty things in magazines and catalogs give you an itch to revamp and redecorate? Instead of hopping online and having items rushed to your doorstep, pull out a pair of scissors and a bottle of glue and create a shopping journal. Snip the pictures of the things you like and paste them together on the pages of an empty notebook. Doing this keeps your hands busy, away from credit cards and helps you hone your tastes. A shopping journal is like a personal blueprint for building a look that is truly you--so when you shop you will have a clear picture of what you want and are more likely to make perfect purchases that will excite you for years to come.




Step
6



When you make a mistake, change your mind. I once walked past my favorite chocolate shop and spotted a box of truffles in a beautifully painted box. When I went to buy it, the salesgirl announced: "That'll be $45." I was too ashamed to admit to her that $45 was way more than I could afford for nine diminutive truffles. Allowing my pride to win over my pocketbook I bought the chocolates, headed home, plopped down on the couch and proceeded to polish off the entire box in an attempt to dull the pains of my overspending. Please, do not repeat my ridiculous mistakes. No matter how nice the salesgirl is, no matter how much she gushes about how the leopard print pants are made just for you, no matter how fiercely you wish you could actually pull off wearing something so wild, if you have any uneasiness about making the purchase, it's best to apply the breaks.




Step
7



Find a new hobby. Shopping gives a high to many people, but its effects are fleeting. At the end of the day, things are just lifeless things.




Step
8



Join a community. There are people across the world who have jumped off the mindless consumption bandwagon and are there to offer support to those longing to do the same. Books like "Not Buying It" by Judith Levine and groups like the Slow Food movement encourage us to be thoughtful not only about what we consume, but why we consume.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2275105_improve-relationship-shopping.html