Thursday, 1 August 2013

Carpal Tunnel syndrome

Carpel tunnel syndrome is pressure on the nerves where it passes from the wrist into the hand via the carpel tunnel, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers, pain when writing, typing, gripping, or other activities that involve repetitive use of the wrists and hands. Symptoms usually get worse at night and may affect one or both hands. This syndrome is commonly caused by repetitive movements like, data entry, working out with weights or chopping vegetables. It can also appear for no reason, typically in middle-aged women, or in women who are pregnant or taking oral contraceptives.
  • Practical advice: Rest the hand as much as possible. Take regular breaks from repetitive hand work. If you are working at a keyboard or machine, try to stop and do listed below every thirty minutes.
  • Dietary - Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to carpel tunnel syndrome. Studies show that taking a daily supplement of 100 ml of vitamin b6, along with a vitamin B-complex supplement, helps relieve symptoms after 6-12 weeks.
  • Hydrotherapy: Place an ice pack on the wrist for 10 minutes, take off for 10 minutes, repeat 4 times. Perform this procedure in morning and night.
  • Exercise: Do the following exercise at least 4 times a day to relieve numbness and tingling. Clench your fists, then spread your fingers out; repeat 20 times. Circle the hands, rotating from the wrist, for about 2 minutes. Do the same exercise with your hands above your head to relieve tension in the arms and neck.
  • Chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture are effective treatments for this condition.
  • In some severe cases doctors may give a cortisone injection, or surgery maybe recommended.

Monday, 15 July 2013

Face pack for "Normal" skin

2 teaspoons natural live yoghurt
1 teaspoon almond oil
1 drop rosemary or lavender
approximately half teaspoonful of oatmeal to bind

Mix the essential oil into the almond oil and stir in the other ingredients to form a paste. Apply to the face and neck, and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

Friday, 5 July 2013

Essential oils and Hormones

Some essential oils contain plant hormones, for example, Fennel which contains a substance very similar in its chemical structure to oestrogen. It is used in aromatherapy to help those suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome, menopausal difficulties and as an anti-wrinkle skin treatment oil.
Plants such as Fennel, Caraway and Fenugreek stimulate the flow of milk, whereas peppermint and sage decrease the flow.
Garlic helps to balance thyroid secretion.
Basil, geranium, pine and rosemary stimulate the adrenal cortex.
Clary sage, lavender and ylang-ylang lower high blood pressure.
Camphor and rosemary raise low blood pressure.
Lemon and hyssop act as regulators of blood pressure: they can raise or lower.
Cypress balances female sex-hormones, which is useful during menopause.
Other oils such as sandalwood, jasmine, rose and neroli acts more on an emotional level.

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Red stone- Ruby

Ruby- red clear-fires up the heart with sparkles. It symbolizes spiritual love and devotion, it is connected to lord Shiva, which is also an aspect of divine fire and purification. The ruby gives positive life force qualities, it activates and vitalizes the whole body through the circulation of the blood stream. It has a heating and stimulating vibration, sometimes it contains inclusions of rutile needles, which gives it a silky lustre and added power.

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

TMJ-Temporomandibular joint syndrome

TMJ: Pain that affects the head, jaw, and face when the temporomandibular joint(connecting the jaw bone to the skulll just below and beside the ear)and its surrounding muscles and ligaments do not function correctly. It is often caused by clenching or grinding the teeth. Symptoms include frequent headaches, pain around the ear, and clicking noises when the mouth is opened or closed.
Hydrotherapy: The first course of treatment is to relax tight muscles in the jaw area by increasing the blood flow. This can be done with hot or cold treatment. Prepare an ice pack, using a bag of ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a kitchen towel, and place it on the painful side of the jaw. Alternatively, use a heating pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Keep the ice pack or hot water bottle in place for about 10 minutes. Repeat several times.
Massage: Lay the tips of your fingers on the jaw muscles. You can locate these by clenching and unclenching the teeth, which activates the jaw muscles. Unclench the teeth and massage the area with small, firm circular movements, gradually easing away the tension.
Acupressure: Place the heels of your hands between the upper and lower jaws, in front of the earlobes, and gradually press inwards. Clench your back teeth-you will feel a muscle pushing out into your hands. Press again on this muscle with the teeth apart for 1 minute, release and alternate to the other side of the jaw.
Chiropractic treatment can be most helpful in this condition. Acupuncture can help relieve spasm and pain.
Muscle relaxant drugs may be recommended to relieve spasm. Orthodontists can prescribe a bite-splint, or cortisone injected directly into the joint can reduce inflamation and reduce symptoms.

Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Oily Skin

Overactivity of the oil-producing glands in the face often occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances. It commonly develops during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives, stress, poor diet, and using the wrong cosmetics can also contribute.
Practical Advise:
Oily skin requires gentle treatment, so avoid using soap. Try washing with a mild lotion cleanser that does not contain drying agents, Rub it onto the skin with your fingers, wipe it off with tissues, then rinse the face with cold water. Use a light moisturizer and water-based cosmetics.
Once a week, make up a face mask with 1 teaspoon of brewer's yeast and enough water or plain natural yogurt to make a paste. Apply the mask after cleansing the face, allow it to dry completely, then rinse with warm water.
Dietary:
Avoid fatty food; eat plenty of fruits, raw and cooked vegetables. Vitamin B-complex is important for healthy skin. It is found in whole-grain cereals and liver. Brewer's yeast is also an excellent source: take 1 tablespoon mixed in a drink 3 times daily. Zinc helps regulate the oil-producing glands.
Aromatherapy:
After cleansing, morning and night, dab the face with a solution made up of the following: 4 drops of essential oil of lavender with 4 drops of bergamot or lemon, well-mixed with one third cup of spring water.

Thursday, 18 April 2013

Dry-Skin

Dry skin usually occurs when the oil glands are inactive as a result of a hormonal imbalance or a nutritional deficiency. It can also be caused by exposure to harsh sun, wind, or cold, indoor heat, or air-conditioning. Crash dieting sometimes results in changes to skin condition.

Treatment
- Practical Advice
Use a moisturizer day and night to protect against water loss. Avoid using detergents on the skin. Use a lotion, not soap.
Add 2 cups of oatmeal to a lukewarm bath, and soak in it to soften the skin. Pat youself dry almost dry, and apply moisturizer to seal in the dampness. Distribute bowls of water around your home and workplace during the winter, or use a humidifier. Keep the temperature in your home as low as possible.

Dietary
Increase your intake of essential fatty acids, found in olive, sunflower or safflower oils. Increase your intake of vitamins A, D and E. Rubbing vitamin E oil on the skin will also help.

Aromatherapy
Essenial oil of geranium added to the bath, or used in a steam bath, helps balance the skin and regulate sebum secretion.