Indigestion :Causes and Cure

A general term for discomfort brought on by eating. Symptoms include stomach pain, acid in the stomach, nausea, and gas. It is often caused by eating too much ot too quickly,or by eating rich or spicy food. Stress may also be a contributing factor.
DIETARY: Eat small meals regularly
Eat slowly and in a relaxed manner, and chew the food thoroughly
Avoid highly spiced or rich food
Limit fluid intake during meals, but drink plently of water between meals
Replace refined carbohydrates with whole-grain carbohydrates(bread,brown rice,and pasta)
Reduce your sugar intake, eat plenty of green vegetables
Steam or grill food instead of frying,and avoid sauces
Avoid eating fruits with or after meals. Keep it separate.
Aromatherapy: Lie or sit and massage the abdomen with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil containing 1 drop of essential oil of peppermint or ginger(or 2 drops in 2 teaspoons) Always massage in a clock-wise direction.
Relaxation Techniques: set aside a regular time for eating. Do not read or watch television while eating,and try not to think or discuss problems or worries;concentrate on thoroughly chewing and enjoying your meal.
Reflexology: Massage the area relating to the stomach found on both soles of the feet,above the midline in the arch.
Orthodox: Doctors reccomend antacids for temporary relief,but they should not be used for long term. If indigestion lasts for more than a few days and you feel unwell,consult a doctor.

Essential oils -Basil

Basil is primarily a nerve tonic, it alleviates mental fatigue, anxiety and nervous insomnia. It stimulates the appetite, relieves flatulence and also has an expectorant action. Inhaling the essence can restore the scent of smell lost due to chronic catarrh and rhinitis.
Uses: Bronchitis, colds, indigestion, scanty menstrual periods, whopping cough.
Emotional: Sleeplessness due to nervous tensions and anxiety coupled with "cold"feelings. Hysteria, mental fatigue.
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy or if you have sensitive skin.

Lack of sleep

Drink a tea made with one-fourth teaspoonful of nutmeg powder to one cupful of water. Gently massage the soles of the feet with sesame oil: or rub the scalp with the oil, or introduce five to ten drops of warmed oil into each ear. Drink one cup of hot milk with rock candy or honey. Camomile tea is also excellent for inducing sleep(one tablespoonful of camomile in one cupful of water).

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A type of arthritis in which the joints of the body(fingers, wrists, knees and ankles)becomes swollen, painful, stiff and sometimes deformed. This is accompanied by slight fever and fatigue. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
A low-fat diet is required, also a diet which is high in whole grain cereals, vegetables, fiber, low in sugar, animal products, and refined carbohydrates. A vegetarian diet has been shown to reduce inflammation, cook with vegetable oils and margarine instead of animal fats, such as lard and butter. Eat oily fish: mackerel, herring, sardines, and salmon daily. An alternative to eating fish is a daily supplement of cod liver oil. Increase your intake of vitamin E, found in wheat germ, nuts, seeds and seed oils and take a daily supplement of 400-1000 iu. Sometime rheumatoid arthritis can be triggered by food allergies. Tke a supplement of 50-100 mg of selenium, 1 multivitamin and mineral supplement daily.
Gentle self-massage aids circulation and reduces inflammation: use a light cream or oil, lightly stroke the muscles and tissues around the area involved in the direction of the heart. You can also roll a clean tennis or squash ball over the area, exerting pressure. Swimming in a heated pool helps keep joints mobile.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is excellent for headaches. It clears the sinus. It cools and refreshes to enable free breathing. Place a small amount on one hand, rub both palms together and inhale through the nose and mouth for a short time. Later, place the palms on forehead and back of the head. It is very cooling especially in cases of fever. A small amount of peppermint on the finger and rubbed inside the mouth makes the mouth feel refreshed and cool.

Benefits of massage therapy

Massage is a therapy involved with movement of enegry in the body. For the maintenance of health and to create balance among the three humors, vata, pitta and kapha. Ayurveda recommends massage with various oils. The massage process and type of oil depend upon the person's individual constitution.
For an aggravated vata condition, ayurveda suggests massage with sesame oil to calm and balance the body. Stroking against the body hairs facilitates penetration of the oil into the hair follicles. This technique is indicated because vata people have dry skin and closed follicles. Massage for a person of pitta constitution should be done with sunflower or sandalwood oil because these have cooling properties. For kapha constitution, corn oil or calamus root oil or the massage can be given without oil.
Certain techniques apply to specific disorders. For example, for stagnation of blood and poor circulation, massage towards the heart. For muscle spasms, tightness and soreness, massage in the direction of muscle fibers. massage should be done in the morning during kapha time for kapha disorder, in the evening for vata disorders and in the afternoon for pitta. For kapha people, deep massage is beneficial. gentle massage is good for vata and pitta individuals.

High blood pressure

Highh blood pressure occurs when there is an increase in the force of blood against the artery and heart walls. Smoking, obesity, too much alcohol, stress, and heart problems are contributing factors. High blood pressure is known as the silent killer, often has no obvious symptoms. Untreated, the condition can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and sometimes damage to the eyes.

DIET: A vegetarian diet is highly recommended in lowering and even eliminating high blood pressure. Soy products, cooked dried beans, nuts, seeds, and whole-grain cereals can replace the protein found in meat. Reduce the intake of animal fat(meat, eggs, butter, cream) sugar, and salt. Increase your intake of fiber, found in whole-grain breads and cereals,fruits, and vegetables.
Increase your intake of potassium found in orange juice, bananas, avocados, lima beans, tomatoes, apricots, and peaches.
Increase your intake of calcium, found in low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, sesame seeds, chickpeas, spinach, and broccoli.
Increase your intake of magnesium, found in nuts, cooked dried beans and peas, soybeans, dark green leafy vegetables, seafood, and milk.

AROMATHERAPY: Lavender aids relaxation. Add a few drops of lavender in your bath and relax.
MASSAGE: Regular massage is great in relieving stresss. Consult a qualified massage therapist: or teach yourself and a friend or partner to do it, then exchange treatment.

EXERCISE: Regular exercise is vital in treating this condition. Walking, gentle swimming, and cycling are very beneficial. Consult a doctor before you begin any new exercises.

Stress is one of the major causes of high blood pressure. One of the first steps is identifying to cause of it. Find a quiet place each day where you won't be disturbed, lie on a firm surface, close your eyes, allow your breathing to slow, and begin to be aware of how your body feels. Consciously allow each part of your body to relax for at least 10 mins. Yoga is highly recommended.