Posts Tagged ‘Anxiety’

Shirodhara -Ayurvedic Head Massage and its various benefits

Shirodhara is an ayurvedic treatment. Shirodhara breaks into two parts. Shiro means head and dhara means flow. It aims in bringing physical and emotional balance by rejuvenating the spirit and preserving health. The duration of the treatment is one to two hour.
In this, oil is poured over head and massage is given on shoulders and head. The oil that is used is warm oil. A metallic pot is hung above the person’s head. There is a thread coming out of the pot from which there is continuous flow of oil. The head is kept at a slightly lower level than rest of the body. The liquids that are used in this treatment are oils, medicated milk, buttermilk, coconut water and plain water. Towards the end of the treatment, moist towels are used to wrap the body so that warmth is kept within the body.

Some forms of Shirodhara can be categorized in tailadhara, ksheeradhara, takradhara and jaladhara.

BENEFITS OF SHIRODHARA TREATMENT
Shirodhara is very cooling and especially beneficial during summers. Shirodhara focuses on eliminating diseases of head and Vata disorders affecting neck, eyes, ears, nose and nervous system.

- It brings the positive energy within the person’s body.
- It relaxes the nervous system.
- It lowers metabolism.
- It increases brain integration.
- Once brain is quiet, flow of nutrients, energy and oxygen becomes more free.
- It provides better nourishment for hair and scalp.
- It helps in overcoming insomnia, anxiety, tension, anger, headaches and asthma.
- It helps in treating depression and mood swings.
- The sensation power increases.
- Detoxify body.
- It induces positive energy flow in the body.
- It gives strength to neck and head.
- It cools down the body.

Shirodhara is very effective in case of mental disorders, sleeplessness, diabetic neuropathy, insomnia, chronic headache, migraine, hair fall, psoriasis, paralysis, anxiety, hypertension due to anxiety.
People having low blood pressure, rashes on forehead or any kind of aversion from oils can face problems in shirodhara. Also, pregnant women can face problems.

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Hands-On Therapies : Massage and Spinal Manipulation

Hands-on therapies work towards more efficient, relaxed movement and proper alignment of the body in order for your body to function properly. Rather than relying on the manipulation of energy, hands-on, or manual, therapies work by applying pysical forces to the body. Hands-on therapies include:
MASSAGE
Research has proven that massage is effective especially for chronic lower back and neck pain. It is defined as hands-on manipulation of soft tissues through touch, movement or pressure, massage therapy ranges from gentle stroking and kneading to deeper, manual techniques. Positive effects that have resulted from massage therapy include easing muscle tension, increasing range of motion, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, lessening depression and anxiety, enhancing sleep and, in some cases, lessening dependence on medication. Massage is often used for tension and anxiety, neuromuscular conditions such as neck or back pain, muscle soreness, fibromyalgia.
Sessions may vary depending on the massage technique used. A massage therapist begins by taking your medical history and discussing health concerns and any goals that you have. Therapy may be done partially or fully unclothed with a towel or sheet covering you. Often, oils or lotions are used to avoid uncomfortable friction on your skin.
Some complications like discomfort for a day or two especially with deep tissue massage. Massage therapy is generally not recommended on areas where you have had recent surgery or fractures or where you have received radiation therapy. Massage therapy is not recommended at an open wound or open skin infection or if you are having acute signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, and cation is advised if you have osteoporosis.

SPINAL MANIPULATION
During spinal manipulation, the practitioner applies a controlled amount of force to a spinal joint, moving it outside of its usual range of motion. Alternatively, a rhythmic force is applied to improve joint motion in the neck, spine and pelvis. The practitioner may use a special table to better help perform adjustments. Evidences show that spinal manipulation can help to cure low back pain, tension headaches and neck pain.
Spinal manipulation is generally considered safe though it is not for everyone. Common side effects are discomfort in the treated area, headache and tiredness. Generally, though these problems clear up within one or two days. Spinal manipulation is most often used for lower back pain, other pain conditions, overall well-being.

Nutmeg herb and spice – Characteristics, Benefits and Advantages

Nutmeg is the dried seed of the nutmeg tree fruit which belongs to the genus Myristica and looks similar to a walnut. This is the only tropical fruit that is the source of two different spices, nutmeg and mace.
The herb is widely cultivated in West Indies, Indonesia, India and French Guyana. It contains many natural substances such as volatile oil, pectin, pectosans, starch and furfural.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NUTMEG HERB

- The nutmeg tree grows very tall and may reach up to seventy feet.
- The fruit when dried gives nutmeg which is the seed and mace which is the covering.
- The fruit splits in half to reveal a net-like, bright red covering over the seed.
- Nutmeg has sweet, spicy and nutty taste, is an essential constituent used in most of the Indian kitchens.
- Nutmeg has a very distinct odor.
- Nutmeg is often used as a food flavoring for baked goods, egg nog, puddings, meats, sausages, sauces, and vegetables.

Therapeutic properties of nutmeg are stimulant, sedative, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and bactericide.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG AND NUTMEG OIL

- Nutmeg oil acts like a stimulator for brain.
- Nutmeg oil reduces stress and mental strain.
- Nutmeg is also good for curing anxiety and depression.
- Nutmeg increases blood circulation.
- Nutmeg is an excellent antidote for cardiovascular systems.
- Nutmeg helps detoxify liver and kidneys.
- Nutmeg oil is added to cough syrups.
- Nutmeg is used to relieve rheumatic pain, muscle pain, neuralgia, sciatica, menstrual cramp, and toothache as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Nutmeg powder heated on the pan with sesame oil until brown is used for this.
- Nutmeg helps in getting rid of diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion and hiccups as well as it improves appetite.
- Nutmeg is very effectual medicine for insomnia.
- Nutmeg oil helps in removing bad breath.
- Nutmeg oil is is used for relief from cramps during menstruation and often provides relief from menstrual irregularities.

PRECAUTION:
- Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe. It is not recommended for people with psychiatric disorders because of its psychoactive properties.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.