Category: General

What Is TMJ and How Can You Treat It

1 out of every 12 people in the United States is currently affected by a TMJ disorder. That means that 12% of the population suffers which equals about 35 million people. 

Your temporomandibular joint is an essential part of your everyday life. It is a complex hinge joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It is responsible for:

  • Eating
  • Speaking
  • Chewing

If you have a TMJ disorder, this joint is inflamed and often causes a lot of pain. The pain is debilitating and can often be present in the joints, neck and ear area. When it gets worse, you battle to open your mouth and this will affect your lifestyle. 

Today, we will share with you TMJ symptoms, how you can treat the disorder and what can happen if the disorder goes untreated. 

TMJ symptoms 

Signs and symptoms of TMJ can include but not limited to:

  • Aching facial pain and neck pain
  • Pain or tenderness of your jaw
  • Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
  • Pain in and around your ear,
  • Difficulty chewing or pain whilst you chew
  • Locking of the joint- this makes it difficult for you to open and close your mouth 
  • Headaches 
  • Clicking, grating or popping sounds in the jaw when you open and close your mouth 

What causes TMJ?

There are a few things that can cause TMJ. The joint is covered with cartilage and they are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk. This helps keeps the movement in your jaw smooth. Inflammation and injury can cause discomfort to the joint. Other causes include:

  • The joint’s cartilage is damaged by arthritis
  • Joint damage from an injury 
  • Stress and overusing the joint
  • Disk erodes or moves out of alignment 

How can you treat TMJ

Only about 50-60% of people who suffer will seek treatment. Those who do not, continue to live with painful side effects. It is estimated that those who do not treat the disorder, will develop a chronic TMJ disorder. 

Here are some natural ways in which you can help reduce the symptoms of TMJ.

  1. Avoid overuse of the jaw muscles. This will help the joint and muscles rest and recover. 
  2. Eat soft foods and stay hydrated. 
  3. Stretch the muscle and massage can help. A trained professional like a physiotherapist can show you exercises.
  4. Internet between heat and ice. This will help bring down swelling and help increase the healing time. 

A 2010 study shows that TMJ exercises can increase the mouth opening range more than using a mouthguard. 

Conclusion 

In some cases, TMJ disorders can go away on their own. If the symptoms get worse, you should go see a doctor to help relieve the pain and discomfort. 

It is estimated that for every 100 million working adults in the United States, TMJ disorders contribute to 17.8 million lost workdays annually. It is best that you treat your symptoms as soon as possible so that it does not stop you from doing your daily activities like talking to people, eating and drinking. 

To learn more about natural ways to help with your pain, continuing reading the next article: How To Manage Your Chronic Pain Without Popping Pills.

Everything You Need to Know About How Pesticides Affect Your Body

What are pesticides and how do they affect your body in a negative way

Did you know that there are more than 1 000 different pesticides? They are there to help ensure food is not damaged or destroyed by pests. Each one has different properties as well as toxicological effects on humans. 

Pesticides are potentially toxic to humans. They can have both acute and chronic health effects. The effects depend on the amount of pesticide you are exposed to as well as how you are exposed.

Today, we will look at the effects pesticides have on your body as well as organic and or natural foods that can be consumed to help reduce your pesticide intake. 

How pesticides in food affect humans 

Pesticides can affect people in different ways. Depending on which pesticide is used, will depend on the negative side effect it can have on your body. 

You can get short term effects such as:

  • Stinging eyes
  • Rashes
  • Blisters
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhoea

Some of the chronic long term effects can be: 

  • Cancer
  • Birth defects
  • Complications with your endocrine system 
  • Kidney complications 

Some people are more vulnerable to pesticides than others. Kids and infants can be more susceptible than adults. Farmworkers who use synthetic pesticides on their crops have a higher exposure level than those who only eat the foods without washing them.

If you want to learn more about the pesticide that is being used on the specific food that you are buying, go to: http://npic.orst.edu/ 

You must wash your fruit and vegetables before you ingest them to help limit the number of pesticides you are consuming. 

Pesticide residues in food

Pesticide residue is the product that is leftover on your fruit and vegetables. This is after they have been washed with bleach or sprayed to make them look shiny. Experts recommend rinsing, rubbing and scrubbing your fruits and vegetables at home to help get rid of pesticide residue. 

A study was done at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Researchers suggest soaking food in a solution of baking soda and water. The research found that it took 12-15 minutes in baking soda solutions to completely get rid of the pesticide residue that was left on the items in the study. 

Pesticide-free foods

Unless you are growing your fruit and veggies in your own garden, you will not find pesticide-free foods. With that being said, there are a few fruits and vegetables that you can find on the shelves that have very low levels of pesticide residue. Organic foods have about one-third the number of pesticides than conventional produce. For you to get the best option, learn more about the products that contain the highest amount of pesticides. Try and avoid these foods or eat foods that are certified organic. 

 Here are some of the fruits and vegetables that have the lowest number of pesticides: 

  1. Avocado
    When the USDA tested 360 avocados, they found that fewer than 1% had pesticide residue. This is due to the thick skin that covers the fruit. 
  2. Cabbage
    Did you know, there is a compound in cabbage that repels harmful insects? This is why the vegetable requires less pesticide when it is growing. It has been said that cabbage has little to no pesticide residue once washed correctly. 
  3. Papaya
    The research found that around 80% of papayas tested had no detectable pesticide residues. The flesh was tested, not the skin and seeds. The skin helps shield the flesh from pesticides. 
  4. Asparagus
    90% or so of the asparagus that was examined had no detectable pesticides. They tested the edible parts of the asparagus after it was rinsed under tap water for about 15-20 seconds. 

There are other fruit and vegetables that are on that list. As you can see, the thicker the skin of the fruit or vegetable, the smaller the risk of ingesting pesticides. We are now going to have a look at organic foods and the types of pesticides that they use. 

Are there pesticides in organic foods?

The unfortunate answer to the question is yes. There are pesticides in organic food but that does not mean you need to be scared away from organic produce. 

The USDA manages a list of approved pesticides that are allowed to be used on organic produce. These pesticides are natural or non-synthetic. These substances have been produced or extracted from natural sources such as plants or other living organisms. Turns out, the only chemical changes that happen come from naturally occurring processes such as enzymatic digestion or composting. 

Doctor Rose has said: “In general, pesticides approved for organic production are lower in toxicity than conventional pesticides, and most are derived from naturally occurring substances.”

A 2014 paper looked at 343 studies that found that organic produce had four times less pesticide residue than conventional produce. 

Other research suggests that an organic diet appears to decrease the pesticide levels in our urine as well. 

Conclusion 

Pesticides have been around for a very long time and it is said that they are not going to go away. They are needed in the agricultural industry but WHO says that they aim to make sure all pesticides pass regulations to ensure the health and safety of people. 

Takeaways:

  • Wash your fruit and veg thoroughly before you consume them
  • Eat fruit and veg that contain a hard skin/shell to reduce your exposure
  • Organic foods use pesticides that pass the regulations set out by the board and they are made from natural ingredients. 

If you would like to learn more about healthier lifestyle choices, feel free to subscribe to our emailing services today. 

Tips on How to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

How an eco-friendly lifestyle can positively benefit your health and mental state

Are you concerned about the environment? Most people have already taken small steps to become greener. A study was conducted and:

  • 83.4% of people recycle
  • 57.5% use reusable bags
  •  45.2% avoid using single-use plastics

In that same study, 79% of people believe that it is up to governments to tackle the environmental problems. 

This is not the case. We can make the change as we live on this earth, use its resources and it is time for us to start taking better care of it. 

Today, we will share with you ways in which you can live an eco-friendly lifestyle. 

What is an eco-friendly lifestyle?

An eco-friendly lifestyle is living an environmentally friendly life. 

The aim is to live a life where you are conscious of how your decisions affect the environment. 

How to live an eco-friendly lifestyle 

Before you go on this journey, you need to be open to change and have the willingness to make new changes. Have a positive attitude towards the environment because, in the beginning, it might be hard to adapt. 

The more steps you take, the easier it will become. There is no rush or right or wrong answer. You might start with just changing your toothbrush to bamboo and reusing shopping bags. This is a good start and even though it is small, it will make a difference. 

There are a few key steps that you can take to help live an eco-friendly lifestyle:

  1. Be aware of your resources
    Pay close attention to how much natural resources it is that you waste. By being more away of what you use and what you do not need, you will reduce your carbon footprint. This will help save you money as well as the planet. 
  2. Practice conservation
    Once you are aware of how natural resources are used, you will see that conservation will happen naturally. It is simple things like turning off the lights, fix dripping taps, install solar panels to help run your house and so on. 
  3. Change how you travel
    When you travel, go for fuel-efficient ways. Select routes that are shorter. This will reduce the fuel fumes that you emit into the air. 
  4. Buy local
    An easy way for you to reduce your carbon footprint is to buy products that are grown locally. Not only will you help the environment but you will also help local businesses stay afloat. 
  5. Reduce, reuse, recycle
    Next time you go shopping, use reusable bags and buy items that do not have packaging.
    You can take it one step further. Go out and buy reusable straws, cups, mugs, and takeaway containers to help eliminate the waste thrown away and damaging the environment. 

What are the health benefits of living an eco-friendly lifestyle?

Getting rid of straws all together can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles that are caused by sucking on the straws in the first place. 

A study suggests that people who bike to work instead of drives, feel less stressed once they get to work. 

Research suggests that engagement in environmentally friendly behavior can make you feel good. It boosts your self-image and allows you to see yourself in a positive light. This helps your mental health. 

Conclusion 

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is important. Every action we take makes a difference. An eco-friendly lifestyle can lead to a healthier environment and a better overall lifestyle.  

Would you like to learn more about other ways that can help you lead a healthier, natural lifestyle? Then you can sign up for our emailing services today. 

Everything You Need to Know About Detoxing Your Body

Understanding Detox programs and products that are commonly used to help maintain a healthy gut and organs

Detox is a multibillion-dollar industry. It is estimated that the global detox market was valued at over $51 billion in 2019. Your body has a natural way to detox itself but sometimes, your body needs help to get the detox process rolling once again. We are going to look at ways in which you can help detox your body to aid in weight loss, improve your mood and enhance your overall health. 

This article explains some of the misconceptions about detoxing your body, detox programs as well as detox products that you can get that will help rejuvenate your body’s natural detoxification system. 

What is a detox used for?

People often use a detox process to help eliminate harmful toxins that are in their body. It is believed that these therapies are commonly recommended because of the potential exposure to toxins and chemicals in the environment around you as well as your diet. These toxins can include:

  • Pollutants
  • Synthetic chemicals
  • Heavy metals
  • Harmful compounds 
  • Allergens in food and other substances 

The body has a natural detoxification system which is known as the lymphatic system. This system helps get rid of toxins in the body. The body can cleanse itself through the liver, faeces, urine and sweat. The liver takes the toxins, makes them non-toxic and then expels the toxins through the rest of the lymphatic system. When the body is filled with toxins that are hard to expel such as heavy metals, the lymphatic system can become a bit sluggish and take longer to get rid of the unwanted taste in the body. When this happens, often professionals will suggest a detox program to help move the waste along. 

Who can benefit from a detox?

Most people can benefit from a detox every now and again. Sometimes our systems need a jump start to help get it back on track. Detoxes can help with:

  • Weight loss
  • Water retention
  • Constipation 
  • Dehydration 
  • Muscle cramps and pain
  • Sluggish lymphatic system 
  • Increase vitamin and mineral intake 
  • Improve mood 
  • Helps boost your immune system
  • Increases digestion 

Side effects of detoxing 

There are a few side-effects that can happen when you are going through a detox. Some of the effects include but are not limited to:

  • Low energy 
  • Low blood sugar
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Dizzy or lightheaded
  • Nausea 

If you are experiencing any of these side-effects, it is normal to feel this way for a little bit. If your symptoms get worse, stop the detox right away and seek medical help. 

Different types of detoxes 

What is a detox diet?

According to Healthline, a detox diet is a short-term dietary intervention that is designed to eliminate toxins from your body. A typical detox diet involves a period of fasting, followed by a strict diet of fruit, vegetables, juices and water. Some detox diets might also include herbs, teas, supplements as well as colon cleanses or enemas. These diets claim to clean your blood as well as eliminate harmful toxins that are sitting in your body. 

What does a detox diet include?

Most detox diets include at least one of the following steps:

  • Fast for 1-3 days
  • Drink only fresh fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, water as well as tea
  • Drink specific liquids such as salted water or lemon juice
  • Eliminates food high in heavy metals, contaminants and or allergens from your diet
  • Take supplements or herbs
  • Avoid foods you are sensitive to
  • Use laxatives, colon cleansers and or enemas
  • Exercise 
  • Eliminate alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes/vaping and refined sugar

What is a detox drink?

By definition, a detox drink helps flush out toxins in the body as well as boosts the body’s metabolism. There are three common homemade detox drinks that are used around the world. 

Lemon and ginger 

This is a great detox drink to help you lose weight. Ginger contains gingerol which is known to help prevent stomach problems as well as aids digestion. Lemons are rich in Vitamin C as well as antioxidants which help fight off free radicals. 

Cinnamon and Honey

Cinnamon is a spice that can help curb cravings and honey helps to boost your metabolism. It is a great drink for you to have hot or cold to help with weight loss.

Cucumber and mint

Cucumber and mint are a great combination that not only tastes great but it also helps to relieve an upset stomach due to the anti-inflammatory properties of mint. Cucumber helps fight off free radicals and it is hydrating which helps to move toxins out of your body quicker. 

What is detox tea?

Detox teas are products that are sold on the market to help your body expel toxins. These teas lead to water weight loss because they can be a diuretic and send you to the bathroom more often. The teas do not contain regulated ingredients and often have powerful herbs, medications, laxatives and sometimes illegal ingredients that can cause severe health problems. 

It is strongly advised that you avoid teas and other products that are sold for weight loss purposes. These products are not regulated so you are not always sure what is actually in the product. 

Green tea

Green tea is a common tea that is used for weight loss. It is high in caffeine and most of the teas contain around 80-300 mg of green tea catechins. Research has shown that this amount is safe however, the supplements that are being used can be harmful to your liver. 800mg of green tea catechins has led to higher health risks according to EFSA experts. Drinking lots of green tea has been deemed safe due to the lower concentration of antioxidants. 

What is detox water?

Detox water is made by infusing water with fruits, herbs and or vegetables. You can make your own at home. Detox water has fewer calories than juicing or blending the ingredients because the items are infused in the water and you are not consuming the produce. If you crush or bruise the fruits and herbs, you can help release more flavor into the water. 

Drinking water may help you lose weight. Studies have shown that drinking half a liter of water can increase your metabolic rate by up to 30% per hour. 

Drinking water increases the hydration in your body and can help with your digestion. Water can also help food pass smoothly through your gut and prevent you from becoming constipated. 

Drinking detox water may help you lose weight, have a better digestive system as well as help with your mood. You can get these benefits from drinking regular water as well but if you do not like drinking water, infusing it with the herbs and fruits can make drinking water more exciting. 

What is detox juice?

Detox juice is the nutritious juice that is extracted from fruits and vegetables. This is done by using different methods which include squeezing them with your hands or using a blender. A 3 day juice detox is very popular. You only drink juice and water for a period of time and it is assumed that this will give your liver and digestive system time to detox. 

If you are diabetic or prone to high sugar levels, check with your doctor before you go on a juice detox. Some of the juices are high in sugar and can cause your sugar levels to spike. 

The juices are high in fiber. Studies have shown that consuming high amounts of fiber can decrease your appetite because it helps to slow down the emptying of your stomach which maks you feel fuller for longer. 

What is a detox smoothie?

A detox smoothie blends a variety of fruits, herbs and vegetables to help aid in digestion. When your body is able to digest food correctly, your body is able to get rid of unwanted waste so that it does not sit in your system and cause issues such as bloating, constipation, stomach cramps and so on. 

Another great benefit is that smoothies can help support your immune system. Vitamin C that is present in the smoothies have shown to benefit your immune system when consumed on a regular basis. 

What is a detox bath? 

According to Healthline, a detox bath is considered a natural way to help remove toxins from your body. During a detox bath, ingredients such as epsom salts, essential oils, herbs and roots  are dissolved in water in a bathtub. You can then sit in the bath and soak for 12 minutes to an hour at a time. 

A small study was done on 19 people and it was found that by adding epsom salts to a bath, it raises the body’s magnesium levels. This can help your body get rid of lactic acid, which will help relieve sore and stiff muscles. Please note: Epsom salts can dehydrate you. Make sure that you drink a glass of water before and after your detox bath. Get out of the bath slowly to reduce the risk of feeling dizzy and light headed. 

Conclusion 

Detoxing is said to help eliminate toxins, improve your health and promote weight loss. It is important to keep in mind that a detox does not replace a balanced meal, regular exercise and a healthy mental well-being. 

With that being said, a detox can enhance your body’s natural detoxification process and that can improve your overall health, help you stay hydrated, ensure that you consume less salt as well as get nutrients that are high in antioxidants and vitamins that boost your immune system. 

Takeaways:

  • Stay hydrated when you are detoxing
  • It is not advised that you detox when you are pregnant or lactating 
  • Check with your doctor before you start a detox program
  • Detox teas are not regulated so make your own natural detox teas at home
  • Do not use fruits, vegetables, essential oils or herbs in any of the detox programs that you are allergic to or sensitive. Three common homemade detox drinks are to. 

We have a lot of articles that share with you different natural and alternative ways to help you lose weight, stay healthy and maintain a well balanced lifestyle. To find out more, sign up for our emailing services today.

The Health Benefits of Acupuncture

Understanding what acupuncture is and the studies that prove the health benefits of the practice

In 2012, the Journal of Pain estimated that 25.3 million Americans suffer from pain daily. It was estimated that 14.4 million of those people suffer from level 4 pain which is also known as the highest form of pain. 

Acupuncture has been studied and practised for over 2 500 years. In 2012, it was estimated that 3.5 million Americans use acupuncture to help with their pain. Acupuncture is a natural way to help you with your pain management. People have used it to stop relying on pain pills as often. 

Today, you will learn about acupuncture and the benefits that it can bring to you. It is a natural practice that can help you with your pain management. 

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine-based practise with an approach to treat a variety of conditions by triggering specific points on the skin with needles. Ancient Chinese medicine believes that acupuncture releases any blocked qi or life force that is stuck in your body and is causing you pain. 

Paul Kempisty is a licensed acupuncturist and he has said: “Each acupuncture needle produces a tiny injury at the insertion site, and although it’s slight enough to cause little to no discomfort, it’s enough of a signal to let the body know it needs to respond. This response involves stimulation of the immune system, promoting circulation to the area, wound healing, and pain modulation.”

How does it work?

A trained professional will place needles in your skin on specific areas and trigger points. It is believed that the points stimulate the central nervous system. This system releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord as well as the brain. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

You might feel a bit of discomfort during the treatment but when the trigger points release, you feel the tension leave your body. You leave feeling rejuvenated and the pain can subside. 

The main benefits of acupuncture

There have been reports of acupuncture helping many different types of conditions and illnesses. Some of the proven benefits of acupuncture are as following but are not limited to:

There are a few studies that suggest that acupuncture has been able to help with cancer treatments, however, research for the condition is limited and requires more studies done to prove the effectiveness. 

People have also said that going for acupuncture when undertaking fertility treatments have helped them with the fertility process as well. It has helped them with the stress that comes with the treatment and many doctors believe that acupuncture cannot do much harm so it is worth a try. 

Conclusion 

Robert Downey Jr. is the man who plays Tony Stark in Iron Man. He advocates for traditional medicine. For a couple of years now, acupuncture has been his method of ensuring he is healthy and he says it helps him maintain his overall wellness. He has confessed that acupuncture has helped him a lot in being a more tolerable person.

Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that has science behind the practice to prove that the treatments do help your physical and mental well-being. To find out more about Alternative treatments and how you can help maintain a healthy mind and body through natural therapies, sign up for our emailing service today.

Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils and Their Usage

Who can and can’t use essential oils, the benefits and usage of some of the most popular essential oils and how to choose high-quality oils

The United States essential oil market size was estimated at around $ 4.8 billion back in 2019. It was expected for the market to reach around $ 5.2 billion by 2020. 

Essential oils have been used for hundreds of years in different cultures to help heal the body naturally. Essential oils are not just there to make your room smell pretty but they also have natural healing properties. People use them because of their smell as well as their natural ability to help the body heal. They are easy to use and a professional can mix up oils for you that will help you deal with your current conditions. 

Today, we are going to share with you how you can use oils safely as well as some of the main benefits of the most popular essential oils that are being used around the world today. 

What are essential oils?

According to Healthline, essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oils help to capture the plant’s scent and flavor or their ‘essence’. 

Essential oils are captured through a distillation process. Either the plants are steamed or they go through a mechanical method known as cold press. Once the compounds are extracted, they are often combined with carrier oils to create a product that is ready to be used. 

You must find out how the essential oils are made because if they are done through a chemical process, they are not considered true essential oils and will not give you the full benefit that the oil is meant to give. 

Who can use essential oils?

Anyone can use essential oils. The trick is how you use the oils and when you should not use the oils. 

Essential oils have a few contraindications, which means that you need to check with a qualified aromatherapist or doctor to see if you can use the oils you wish to purchase. There can be components that people are allergic to so if you have a nut allergy, you cannot use essential oils that are extracted from nuts or the plants that produce nuts. 

Young children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the oils. If you wish to apply the oils to your skin, make sure that you dilute the oils with a carrier oil so that it is less potent. Do a patch test and see how the skin reacts after 24 hours. 

You can place essential oils into diffusers for anyone to use. Inhaling the oils does take longer for the benefits to be present but it is a safer option for elderly people and young children. 

Are essential oils safe? 

Essential oils are safe for the most part. Just because they are natural, does not mean they can be used on anyone. 

Using essential oils on your skin or inhaling when they are combined with a carrier oil is safe. There are a few oils that cannot be used if you have certain illnesses or diseases. For example, if you are diabetic, you should not use an oil that has the word ‘sweet’ in the name. 

Some of the side effects can include but are not limited to:

  • Skin irritation 
  • Asthma attacks
  • Headaches
  • Allergic reactions
  • Dizziness 

If you have any side effects, do not panic. Wash the oil off your skin with a cold, clean compress. Turn off your diffuser and open the windows to get fresh air into the room. If the reaction gets worse or does not go away after 24 hours, seek medical help as soon as possible. 

Do not use essential oils if you are pregnant! Professionals are not 100% certain that it is safe to use during pregnancy so rather do not take the chance.  Another thing that you need to remember is that essential oils should not be ingested. Swallowing essential oils is not recommended and can be harmful and in some cases, fatal. If an oil says that you can drink it, it is not pure oil. 

Speak to a professional Aromatherapist to check which oils are safe for you to use with your current conditions and diseases. Some oils like we said before are not safe to use when you have a disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, low blood pressure or hormone imbalances. 

How to choose the right essential oils

Just because a company might tell you that their essential oils are good, does not mean that they have been harvested correctly or that they are pure essential oils. Since essential oils are part of an industry that is not regulated, the quality and composition of the essential oils can vary. 

Here are a few tips you can keep in mind to make sure you are buying the best of the best:

  • Quality
    High-quality oils have been changed the least by the extraction or harvest process. You want to choose a chemical-free oil and that has been extracted through distillation or the cold-press process. 
  • Reputation
    Researching brands will help you see who has the best reputation when it comes to high-quality products. It is always a good idea to go with the brands that the professionals’ trust and use. 
  • Purity
    Pure essential oils contain no additives or synthetic oils. If you look at the labels, pure oils will list the plants’ botanical names such as Lavandula Officinalis and not terms like essential oil for lavender or fragrance. 

Benefits and uses of some of the more popular essential oils

Benefits of lemongrass essential oil 

Lemongrass is a powerful essential oil that is derived from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant. It has a powerful citrus scent. 

Some of the benefits include but are not limited to:

Benefits of vetiver essential oil 

This is a plant and the root is used to make the essential oil.

According to WebMD, Vetiver can be applied directly to the skin to help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety. Professionals use it to help their patients deal with emotional trauma and shock. It is also used to help relieve pain from arthritis, strings as well as burns. It can also be used to help get rid of lice and repel insects. 

You can also inhale the oil to help with nervousness, insomnia as well as joint and muscle pain. 

Benefits of lemon essential oil for the skin

Lemon is another strong citrus smelling oil. When you dilute the oil, you can apply it topically to your skin and it will help kill bacteria that may be trapped in your pores which causes skin breakouts. 

According to Healthline, it can help you clear out your skin as it is an antioxidant and contains Vitamin C. These properties help to exfoliate the skin which will get rid of unwanted dead skin cells that sit on top of your skin and cause the pores to become filled with gunk. 

Benefits of valor essential oil 

Valor is also known as courage in a bottle. It can boost your courage and help you deal with your anxiety. Valor essential oil is a mixture of different oils such as:

  • Rosewood
  • Spruce
  • Frankincense
  • Blue Tansy 

These oils mixed together gives you an ara of different benefits such as:

  • Reduces stiff muscles
  • Relaxes muscles
  • Provides courage
  • Gives you a mood boost
  • Treats burns
  • Helps with anxiety
  • Eases anxiety
  • Relieves headaches

Benefits of nutmeg essential oil 

This oil is extracted from the seeds of the nutmeg tree. It is not safe to use if you have a nut allergy. It has a strong, spicy scent with a musky undertone. 

Some of the benefits include:

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Pain-relieving
  • Antimicrobial
  • Cleansing and energizing 

It is a great oil to use in the morning to help you get up and get going. 

Benefits of birch essential oil 

Birch bark has been proven to accelerate acute wound healing. Further studies need to be done into this oil to see how effective it can be with the wounds associated with diabetes. 

This oil also helps to reduce pain, relieves symptoms of arthritis as well as acts as a skin toner that can be used on all ages. 

Benefits of amber essential oil 

Amber essential oil is used in a lot of natural everyday products but most of us are not aware that it is there. 

Some of the proven benefits include:

Benefits of yarrow essential oil 

Yarrow is a herb that has been used since ancient times. 

It is used for: 

  • Fever
  • Common colds
  • Hay fever
  • Toothache 

It can be applied to the skin to help with wound healing. You can eat the natural herb and it can be used in salads or steeped in hot water and turned into a tea to help with bloating, intestinal gas, mild gastrointestinal cramping as well as other stomach issues. 

Benefits of anise essential oil 

Anise is a herb and the oil comes from the root and leaf to make natural medicines. 

It is used for:

  • An upset stomach
  • Runny nose
  • As a diuretic
  • Insomnia
  • Constipation 
  • Appetite stimulant 

You can diffuse the oil to help with runny noses during the winter seasons. If you want to use it to help with digestive issues, you can eat the herb or you can turn the herb into a natural tea and drink it with a bit of honey. 

Conclusion 

There are a lot of studies out there that prove the benefits of essential oils. Please note that essential oils are not there to heal or to replace modern-day medicine. They are there to help you maintain a holistic approach as well as to help keep your body in a natural and healthy state. You can use them in conjunction with your medication to help your body manage better. You can try using an essential oil such as mint or lavender to help with a mild headache for example before taking a pill. 

Takeaways:

  • Do not use essential oils when pregnant or lactating 
  • Keep oils out of reach from children
  • Always do a patch test before applying oil to your skin
  • If you have a reaction, wash the oil off and seek medical help if the reaction gets worse or does not go away after 24 hours
  • Speak to your doctor or a professional to see which oils are best for you 

If you would like to learn more about natural ways you can help your body, sign up for our emailing services today. 

The Benefits of Keeping a Gratitude Journal

The benefits of a gratitude journal. How to keep up a gratitude journal and the scientific proof of how it helps you

A gratitude journal is simply a tool to help you keep track of the good things in your life. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. It has been reported that 40 million adults in America ages 18 and older suffer from mental illness every year. 

A gratitude journal can help you see the good things in your life. It is a way in which you can remind yourself that there are still positive things in the world even though it seems like the world is falling apart. 

Today, we will share some of the benefits as well as proven studies of what a gratitude journal can offer you. 

The benefits of a gratitude Journal

There are several benefits to writing in a gratitude journal. Some of the benefits include but are not limited to:

  • Feeling calmer at night
  • Gain a new perspective of what important to you
  • Learn to appreciate the good in your life
  • Helps you focus on what matters in life
  • Helps you become more self-aware
  • Gives you a safe place to write down your thoughts and adjust your attitude towards life

Studies that prove the benefits of writing in a gratitude journal 

A 2018 study researched the impact of gratitude on adolescent materialism and generosity. Researchers found that writing in the journal significantly reduced materialism among adolescents and also attenuated materialism’s negative effect on generosity. It was also found that the participants donated 60% more of their earnings to charity compared to those who did not write a gratitude journal. 

A 2018 study found that students who kept the journal ate healthier. There was also some evidence that it can help lower your risk of heart disease as well as lowered symptoms of depression in some cases. 

How to Maintain a gratitude journal 

These are the 5 main steps you should take to keep up with your gratitude journal. 

  1. Plan to write in your journal for 15 minutes every night before you go to bed. You can set an alarm on your phone and put a schedule in your diary on your phone. Doing this at night is easier because you can write down what you are grateful for from the day. 
  2. Keep your gratitude journal by your bed so that you will see it when you climb into bed and be reminded to write in it. 
  3. Write as much or as little as you want into the journal. 
  4. Your journal doesn’t need to be in-depth. You can write that you are grateful for your family or that awesome cup of coffee you had this morning. 
  5. You do not only have to write at night. Write when you feel inspired and if you miss a night or two, that is okay. As long as you go back to it when you feel like you need a pick me up. 

Conclusion 

Sam Khazai is an actor based in New York. He has a gratitude journal and has said, “It helps me feel awake and abundantly joyful, I know it sounds kind of meta, but practising gratitude, it brings me so much gratitude in and of itself.” Sam writes 3 things he is grateful for each day. 

Gratitude journals as well as meditation, work well together. Meditation will help you open your mind to your thoughts and then you can write them down with a clear mind. Read on to learn more about meditation and how it can help you.

How Yoga Can Help You With Chronic Back and Neck Pain

Yoga is a practice that has been around for a very long time. It is used to help stretch and strengthen your muscles. Back pain can be very debilitating and can stop you from partaking in everyday activities. 

Yoga is not a cure but it is a practice that can help you alleviate your pain. It will allow you to manage your chronic pain better and get you off the medication that you are using to treat the pain. 

Elissa Stein is, 53 is a freelance writer for New York City. She suffered from back pain since she was 16 years old. She started yoga and this is what she said:

“It’s terrible when you feel you’re not capable of doing anything except taking a muscle relaxant, yoga offered a “good stretch.” But then she started to realize other benefits, namely, the focus on conscious breathing and meditation.

“Now I’m helping myself, instead of relying on medication,” Stein said.

In this article, we will share with you studies that show the impact yoga has on the different areas of your back and when it is best to seek medical help. 

How Yoga can help with back pain

New research has shown that yoga classes that are designed specifically for back pain can be as safe and effective as physical therapy in easing pain. 

The yoga pose known as Asanas poses is important for you to do because they help to stretch and strengthen important muscles in your back. 

A pose known as a seated spinal twist will allow you to gently twist the muscles in your back resulting in a good stretch. This leaves you feeling like you have restored your back to its healthy and normal positions. 

How Yoga can help with lower back pain

A 2017 study showed that yoga is as effective as standard physical therapy for treating moderate to severe chronic back pain. The study suggests that yoga may be a useful treatment option for people who suffer from lower back pain and issues. 

How yoga can help with upper back pain 

We all suffer from something known as ‘Texting neck’. We are so used to being on our phones and computers, that our necks take huge strain and become stiff. This can cause headaches, trapped nerves and even difficulty seeing. Yoga can help relieve the muscles that are stiff and help prevent headaches and chronic pain. 

A separate study from 2017 was done and it assessed the effects yoga had on people who did yoga for a short time. The results showed a small to moderate decrease in pain intensity. People were less likely to use pain medication after 3 months of doing yoga. 

When is it not a good idea to start yoga? 

Even though recent research suggests that yoga is a great way to treat back pain, there are times when yoga is not appropriate. Doctors say that if you have a slipped disk or broken bones, you should not start yoga. 

Make sure that you check with your doctor before you start yoga or any exercise program. In some cases, yoga can do more harm than good. 

Conclusion 

According to the International Yoga Federation, about 300 million people do yoga worldwide. 1 in every 3 Americans has tried yoga at least once in their lifetime. This goes to show that people believe in the positive effects yoga has on their body. 

To learn more about the benefits of yoga, feel free to read on: Introduction to the Benefits of Yoga.

Or join our emailing services to learn about ways in which you can help maintain your back pain naturally and holistically. 

The Benefits a Sauna Has on Your Body and Skin

Everything there is to know about the benefits of sauna, what it does for your skin and how it can help with weight loss

No one is sure when the first sauna was built but the tradition is thought to originate somewhere in Northern Europe around 2 000 BC. It has remained an important part of cultural life to this day and is now becoming part of the natural ways in which we heal our body and maintain a healthy and natural lifestyle. 

A sauna experience is great because it does not only help to relieve sore muscles, it also helps you relax and destress. This will result in a better mental state of mind so you can tackle your hard days ahead. 

In this article, we will share with you the health benefits sauna sessions can provide for your body as well as share some research on how it can help with weight loss and also give you that glowing, younger-looking skin you have always dreamed of. 

What is a sauna?

A sauna is a small room that is heated to temperatures between 150°F and 195°F. Some of them might include rocks that are heated and water is poured over the rocks to help heat up the room as well. Many different types of saunas can be found around the world. The two main ones are:

  • Finnish saunas- These use dry heat
  • Turkish saunas- These saunas have more moisture. They are the ones that will use the rocks to create the steam in the room. 

Are saunas safe to use?

Generally speaking, a sauna is safe for you to use. With that being said, there are times whereby using a sauna is not recommended. You must keep in mind, your body sweats to help maintain a steady core temperature. The longer you stay in the sauna, the more you will sweat. You need to ensure that you stay hydrated. 

Drink water before and after you go into a sauna to help replenish the liquid that you have lost during your sauna session. 

How to use a sauna safely

To ensure that you get the best health benefits from a sauna, you need to know how to use it correctly. This will help keep you safe and make sure that you get the best benefits. 

  1. Length of time
    Most people recommend that you stay in a sauna for 15 minutes at a time. This length will depend on your comfort zone. You might want to start slow and work your way up to 15 minutes. As soon as you start to feel lightheaded, dizzy or dehydrated, remove yourself from the sauna right away. Drink some water and go sit in a nice cool spot until your body temperature goes back to normal. 
  2. Normal temperature ranges
    The recommended temperature for a dry sauna is between 150°F to 195°F.
  3. Cooling down period
    It is important that you give your body a cooling down period. If you are doing more than one sauna session in a day, you need to ensure that you remember this step. Step out of the sauna after 15 minutes. Sit in a nice cool spot, relax and drink plenty of water before you go back into the sauna for your next session. 

There are a few other things you should follow and be aware of:

  • Check with your doctor to make sure that it is ok for you to have a sauna session.
  • Drink at least a full glass of water before and after your sauna session.
  • Do not drink alcohol before, during or after your session 
  • Do not eat large meals before entering the sauna
  • Do not fall asleep in the sauna
  • Get out of the sauna if you feel dizzy or ill

The benefits of a sauna on the body as well as skin 

There are a lot of studies out there trying to prove the benefits of a sauna and how it can help your bodies physically as well as mentally. Some people believe that a sauna helps with their chronic pain and arthritis but this has not yet been proven. Culturally, people believe that adding essential oils to the sauna helps to cleanse the spirit and soul of the person who is in the sauna. They believe that this will result in their illness going away and their body’s feel rejuvenated and restored back to full health. 

The benefits of infrared sauna

Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas use lamps to warm your body directly. This means that the lamps will heat up your body long before it heats up the room. 

An infrared sauna works at a lower temperature between 120˚F and 140˚F. People who use these saunas say that: “the heat penetrates more deeply than warmed air. This allows you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature”.

Some of the supposed benefits are but not limited to:

  • Clearer and tighter skin
  • Relief from sore muscles
  • Better sleep
  • Aids relaxation
  • Weight loss
  • Improved circulation 
  • People believe that it helps clear their minds and puts them in a better headspace
  • Can help with anti-ageing treatments  
  • Helps people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome

A small study was conducted on people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. The study found that these people benefited from using an infrared sauna as part of their overall treatment. 

The benefits of using a sauna after your workout

Before you use the sauna after a workout, you should take a quick shower to ensure that the sauna stays hygienic throughout the treatment. 

Using a sauna after your workout will enhance the muscle recovery process. The recovery is enhanced because you increase the blood circulation and carry oxygen-rich blood to oxygen-depleted muscles. Heat also helps the muscles to relax more which will relieve any muscle pain and tension that you might be feeling right after your workout. 

A 2007 study was conducted to see the effects the sauna has on endurance abilities in athletes. The study found that the athletes increased their running endurance after 3 weeks on the sauna program. The researchers assume that the increased blood volume from the heat exposure was responsible for the improved endurance. 

The benefits sauna usage has on your skin

Did you know that your skin is the biggest organ in your body? It is important that we look after our skin for numerous reasons, one being that your skin is a barrier between you and unwanted germs. 

When you sweat in the sauna, it has a cleansing effect on your pores and glands. This will help flush out toxins and impurities in the skin. This results in healthier looking skin that is less prone to acne, pimples and blackheads. 

It has been proven that heat enhances collagen production in the skin. This helps to strengthen and rejuvenate your skin. The heat also helps the skin get rid of unwanted dead skin cells and promotes the growth of newer and healthier skin cells. Collagen also helps to slow down the ageing process. You will look younger for longer. 

The benefits of sauna for weight loss 

Many people turn to sauna treatments to help them with their weight loss journey. This does not mean that you can quit the gym and working out altogether. You can use sauna sessions with your workout routine as a way to help you lose weight. 

 When you sweat, you get rid of unwanted toxins in your body and this can help you lose some excess fat and water weight. The sauna can help your body increase its metabolic rate by up to 20%. This will make your body burn more calories and result in weight loss. 

A two-phase sauna weight loss study was conducted using infrared saunas. The study revealed that by increasing the core body temperature, there was a decrease in body fat. The study said that the participants dropped an average of 4% body fat over four months.  

Using a sauna as well as a healthy diet and exercise can result in weight loss that can be maintained. This is a healthy and holistic approach that you can take to help you during your weight loss journey. 

Sauna precautions and safety tips

  • Get up slowly to avoid getting dizzy. If you feel dizzy or faint, sit down and let your body cool down before you try to get up again.
  • Exfoliate after your sauna session to help get rid of unwanted dead skin cells 
  • If you feeling ill, do not go into the sauna
  • If you are pregnant, it is not advised that you use a sauna
  • If you take medications that aid in body temperature control, do not go into a sauna
  • Take a damp towel in with you to help wipe down your body during your session 
  • Do not shave before your sauna treatment 

Conclusion 

Even though there is a lot of evidence that suggests sauna sessions are healthy for you and provide your body with a lot of benefits, you should always consult with your doctor before you start to take on sauna sessions. 

Make sure that you only use facilities that are clean and well-maintained. Drink plenty of water before and after your sauna sessions and remember to relax and concentrate on your breathing when you are in the sauna to get the mental benefits as well as the physical benefits. 

Takeaways:

  • Always drink a lot of water before and after your sessions
  • Check with your doctor before you start using a sauna
  • Shower before and after you enter the sauna 
  • If you start to feel faint, dizzy or unwell, exit the sauna, sit down and let your body cool off

To learn more about natural ways to help heal and maintain a healthy body, skin and mind, feel free to sign up for our emailing services to learn more. 

An Introduction to the Benefits of Yoga

What benefits Yoga has for everyone including children

Did you know that 14 million people who practice yoga are over 50 years old? The number of people who practice yoga has increased by over 50% in the last 4 years. 

There is a stigma around yoga that people believe all you do is breathe and sit around for an hour. This is far from the truth. Yoga can help you strengthen your body, helps with overall balance, and ensure your mind, body, and soul stays healthy and as young as possible. 

In this article, we are going to share with you the overall health benefits of yoga and how it can help women, men and even children. 

The health benefits of Yoga

Yoga helps to improve your strength, balance as well as flexibility 

Yoga is all about slow movements and deep breathing. This will help increase your blood flow, warm up your muscles, and hold a pose for a long time, you will start to strengthen the muscles you are using during the pose. 

Helps relieve back pain 

Moving your body in certain positions will help you stretch out those muscles. Once you stretch out the muscles, you will see that your back pain will start to ease with time. The American College of Physicians, recommend yoga as a treatment plan to help ease chronic lower back pain. 

Yoga can help ease arthritis symptoms 

Johns Hopkins reviewed 11 studies that found that gentle yoga movements have helped to ease some of the discomforts that are present due to tender and swollen joints caused by arthritis. 

Helps you relax and sleep better 

Research has shown that be adding bedtime yoga routines to your daily routine, can help you get into the right mindset and help prepare your body to fall asleep. The research has also shown that nighttime yoga can help you stay asleep. It reduces the number of times you wake up during the night. This results in a good night sleep which leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for your day when you wake up the next morning. 

The benefits of Yoga for women

Did you know that women account for 72% of yoga practitioners? Yoga can help women in a lot of areas in their lives. Some of the benefits include but are not limited to:  

Helps during pregnancy and labor

Yoga can help you with pain throughout your pregnancy as well as your labor. Research was done in 2015 that found not only did yoga help with stress management during labor but it also helped to reduce pelvic pain. It is important to note that in some cases, yoga can cause contractions so please check with your doctor about starting yoga before you do it. 

Improve overall sex life

A study was conducted in India and they found that after a 12-week yoga program, 75% of the participants said that they were more satisfied with their sex life. It was found that yoga helped to improve all 6 sexual functioning areas such as desire, orgasms as well as lubrication. 

Improves PMS Symptoms 

A publication was released in the International Journal of Women’s Health and Reproduction Sciences. Researches found that yoga helped with emotional, behavioural as well as physical symptoms that are associated with PMS. 

The benefits of Yoga for men

Even though more women practice yoga than men, more men are starting the see the benefit of yoga. Between 2012-2016, the number of men who do yoga increased from 4 million to 10 million participants. 

Weight loss

Yoga helps improve your gut health. The stretching, breathing as well as bending help to massage your internal organs. This results in an instant boost in your metabolic rate. Yoga is a mindfulness practice that can translate into awareness of your eating, sleeping and lifestyle habits. 

Injury prevention 

Yoga helps to alleviate the pain in your joints. It also helps to warm up your muscles which reduces the risk of injury. 

Improve sexual performance 

Studies have shown that men of all ages can improve their sexual performance when practising yoga. You will increase your flexibility, lower your stress levels which can lead to better sexual performance. This includes improvements in the sexual areas of: 

  • Performance
  • Confidence
  • Orgasms
  • Erections 

The benefits of Yoga for kids 

Yoga is not just for adults, children can benefit from yoga as well. Some of the benefits include but are not limited to:

Manage anxiety

Being a kid in the times that we are living in can be very stressful. The breathing exercises that are done during a yoga session will help children to learn about stress management. This is a healthy and natural way to help children and in the future, they will be able to manage stressful situations better which will give them a better lifestyle and overall better mental health. 

Improves emotional regulation 

Yoga does not only teach physical lessons, it also teaches emotional lessons as well. It will help children learn how to be in the present whilst learning to relax and gain a peaceful state of mind. This will result in better emotional regulation. 

Increases children’s body awareness and mindfulness 

The different yoga poses will help children learn about their body and the different movements that their body is capable of making. This will also provide kids with an outlet so they will not have outbursts during class. 

Conclusion 

About 36 million Americans practice yoga and due to the benefits that yoga gives you, it is no surprise that it was forecast that over 55 million people would practice yoga by 2020. 

Having a better understanding of the benefits of yoga can help convince you to start looking after your body more holistically. To find out more about yoga and how it can help certain areas of concern, sign up for our emailing services as we are going to be posting more on Yoga and how it can benefit your mind, body as well as soul.