Health Tips » Massage

Natural remedies for treating a headache

ashish — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:25:08 +0000

What is a headache?

A headache is a pain felt by a person in the head or upper neck. A headache is also known as cephalalgia. In 2007, the international headache society classified headache as primary headache, secondary headache, cranial neuralgias or facial headache. The most common is tension headache which comes under primary headache. Tension headache is due to stress, anxiety, depression, bad posture etc. Headache can be cured through various medicines available in the market but it can also be cured through some natural remedies. These natural remedies are highle effective, inexpensive and have no side effect on human body.

Check your diet: Every body reacts differently to different foods or the ingredients in the food item. Check your diet and see whether any food item reacts negatively with your body.

Exercise regularly: Its not easy to do during the times of headache but it a good remedy because it increases blood circulation and allows more oxygen to reach the brain. It should be done even when you are not suffering from headache.

Prevent dehydration: Dehydration is also a cause of headache so prevent yourself from it and drink lots of water. Many a times, the headache we feel goes away when we drink enough water.

Take supplements: Take supplement which have both magnesium and calcium in it and if you are not taking supplement then drink orange juice.

Massage: A deep massage relievs you from stress and tension which are the main causes of headache so massage done on face an head is a fast remedial treatment for headache.

Using home products:

Apple: Remove upper rind and the inner hard portion of ripe apple. Take this with salt on empty stomach for about a week.
Lemon: Squeeze lemon and mix this juice in a cup of tea and this should be taken by the patient.
Heena: Heena gives a cooling effect when a person is suffering from headache due to the heat of the sun.
Cinnamon: It provides a relief when a head ache is caused by exposure to cold air. Make a paste of this spice and mix with apply and then apply on the temples and forehead.
Ice: Apply ice pack to the affected area and try placing it on your temples, forehead and back of your neck.

Hot foot bath: Fill the bucket or tub with hot water at the temperature of around 40 to 45 degree C . The patient should dip his foot in this hot water for around 15 to 20 mins for about 3 to 4 weeks.

Yogasanas: Various yogic kriyas like jalneti and kunjal, pranayamas, asanas and shavasanas are helpful in treating headache.

Small nap: A small nap is very helpful in tension headache. If a person is suffering from tension headache he must go to sleep for few hours.

Pressure points: Apply pressure for 2 minutes to the area where the bones of index figure and thumb meets. The area is bit fleshy. This is a very good remedy for treating head ache but is underrated.

What are the health benefits of Bay Leaf (a popular part of Indian cuisine)?

ashish — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 08:45:08 +0000

Bay Leaf is used widely in cuisines (Tej Patta is the common name for bay leaf in Hindi) to enhance the flavor and taste of the cuisine. It belongs to the Lauraceae family of plants. Bay Leaf is produced from the Laurus plant which is scientifically known as Laurus Nobilis. Its origin is from Asia Minor. In ancient times Bay Leaf was known as the tree for the Sun God, and was associated with the Leo celestial sign. Bay leaves are not directly consumed; instead they are added to the food and not eaten, with them just adding flavor and smell to the food. Bay Leaf contains many Vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese. Many of the herbal products are made with some content of bay leaves due to the numerous benefits it provide to the human body.
Some of the benefits of the Bay Leaves are mentioned in this article. The oil extracted from bay leaf is used widely in a massage which in turn acts as a remedy to muscular pains. This oil is also used in a wide variety of perfumes due to its strong fragrance. The bay leaf oil massage also helps in stimulating the blood circulation. The bay leaves are very beneficial for the treatment of diarrhea. Boiling bay leaves in water for 15 minutes and drinking the water after adding salt will help treat diarrhea. The caffeic acid, eugenol, catechins, and quercetin present in bay leaves help the body fight against various cancers. One of the phytonutrients present in bay leaves called parthenolide helps in reducing the growth of angiogenesis tumor and cervical cancer. All the above said components present in the bay leaf are alos essential to reduce the heart attacks and strokes.
Bay leaf is very rich in volatile components like alpha pinene, beta pinene, limonene, mythyl chavicol, neral, linalool, myrcene, geranyl acetate and many more. These volatile components act as antiseptics, anti-oxidants and also help in digestion and also help fight against cancer. The minerals present like potassium present in bay leaf help in maintaining the blood pressure level and also the heart rate. Iron helps in the production of red blood cells. The body uses manganese and copper to behave as a co-factor for superoxide dismutase which is an antioxidant enzyme. It also uses iron to behave as a co-factor for the enzyme like cytochrome oxidases.
Cough, bronchitis, flu and other chest infections can be treated by the use of bay leaves. For this a cloth is soaked in the water in which bay leaves have been boiled and this cloth is placed over the chest. If the bay leaf is infused and then inhaled by a person suffering from cough or chest congestion, he will enjoy a quick relief. It clears up chest congestion, flu and also the symptoms of fever. The women who face problems during menstruation and also suffer from irregular periods may use bay leaf to solve the problem. Drinking bay leaf tea will help them get relief from this problem. Bay leaves are also beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Bay Leaves balance the blood sugar level and also improves the insulin level in the body.
Bay leaf has lauric acid which can act as an insect repellant. The bay leaf infusions can help treat many problems like stomach ulcers, stomach irritation, colic pain and flatulence relief. Bay leaf also has some properties which act as an anti-inflammatory agent. The use of bay leaf strengthens the immune system and helps overcome stress.
Apart from all these health benefits bay leaves are primarily used as a flavoring agent in the dishes. Many dishes like dal, sauces, pickles contain bay leaf to add up to the taste and flavor.

What are causes, symptoms and different ways of reducing swelling in hands and feet?

ashish — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:52:51 +0000

Swelling is a build up of fluid in the body in the small spaces that surround the body tissues and organs. It can affect any part of the body. Common areas are lower legs or hands, abdomen and chest. Causes include such as injury, infection, pregnancy, obesity, allergies, various medications, sodium retention will cause the swelling. Hormone therapy and Poor nutrition in your feet will cause swelling. Blockage of veins or lymph system and malnutrition can also cause swelling. Immobility or prolonged standing and sprains can also cause swelling. Other causes could be arthritis, blood disorders, or any heart disease.

Symptoms of swelling involve:
- Larger feet and lower legs when you sit idle or walk.
- Is there an indentation that stays for a few seconds when you press the swelled part.
- Tightness in the area of swelling.
- Rings get tight.
- Abdomen also swells up.
- Shortness of breath.
- Unexplained weight gain or nausea.

Things that you can do to reduce swelling are:
- Drink lots of water as it removes the toxic materials from the body.
- Do not stand for a long time.
- Elevate your feet as often as possible.
- If swelling occurs during an activity, the patient should stop and rest the wrist or hand.
- Apply cold pack on the affected area.
- Reduce the salt intake when swelling occurs.
- Stretching and strength exercises that move the muscles of the hand and wrist can help to return the excess fluid to the heart.
- Massage to increase blood circulation.
- Eat a well-balanced, nutritional diet. Consume lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Wear pressure socks that provide support.
- Avoid alcohol as it adversely affects the fluid retention in the body.
- As soon as you get up with swollen hands in the morning, and start panicking right away. The moment you realize your hands are swollen, start performing hand stretches, and clench your fingers.

There are many herbal remedies available that can help reduce swelling, which is caused by water retention. Although an over-the-counter diuretic can also be used, most herbal remedies offer more than just reducing fluids in the body. Some herbs include Dandelion Leaf, Green tea, Stinging Nettle, Yarrow.
Even though herbal products are natural, that doesn’t always mean they are safe. If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or any other chronic disease, talk to a doctor before trying an herbal diuretic.

Hands-On Therapies : Massage and Spinal Manipulation

ashish — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:19:26 +0000

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.

Benefits of Full Body Massage

ashish — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:48:12 +0000

Body massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body with the hands for healing, therapeutic, pleasurable and relaxing effects. Massage is a natural cure that can relieve a number of ailments. It has been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, relieve certain types of muscle pain, improve posture, and relieve soreness. A massage also improves circulation and flexibility. Increased circulation of the blood helps you to eliminate toxins, feel great, and promote healthy bodily functions. Body massage is very beneficial to recharge your whole body.

Full body massage gives multiple health benefits. Few important of the many benefits are given below:
* Assists weight loss;
* Improves and increases blood circulation and the flow of tissue fluid (lymph);
* Nourishes the skin (with the right oils);
* Soothes and relaxes nerves;
* Assists in removal of deposits of tissue;
* Releases emotional and mental tension;
* Creates a feeling of well-being;
* Gives pleasure.
* Massage creates a feeling of well being while reducing anxiety. It creates awareness of body-mind connection, enhances a sense of harmony, and increases energy flow at all levels.
Few health disorders regular full body massage can treat effectively:
* Depression
* Infertility
* Eating disorders
* Post-operative recovery
* Autism
* Immune-suppressed systems
* Diabetes
* High blood pressure
* Sleep disorders
* Cancer related fatigue
* Low back pain
* Spinal cord injuries
A regular full body massage helps in:
* Stimulated lymph system
* Stimulated immune system
* Relaxed muscles
* Reduced cramps
* Increased flexibility
* Reduced recovery time
* Released endorphins
* Reduced post-operative scar tissue and edema
* Reduced migraine pain
* Improved range of motion
* Reduced depression
* Shortened labor and delivery in expectant mothers