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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Several Factors That Regulate Plastic Surgery Price

By Bill Johnson

There is no fixed reconstructive surgery price because every doctor has his or her own rates. But there are some factors that will aid in finding out how much or how little you end up paying to have your plastic surgery done. Among the more noteworthy of the factors concerned would be matters such as the expertise and experience of the operating surgeon, the length as well as difficulty of the operation and also the type of facilities offered.

Type Of Clinic

Plastic surgery cost's will also vary corresponding to the type of clinic because surgeons that own innovative and technologically advanced clinics will charge more than those whose facilities are drab and out of date. However, irrespective of plastic surgery cost, you need to first of all ascertain that you are able to settle the costs included before going forward with the procedure.

You should be careful that you don't become tempted by appealing plastic surgery costs because these are frequently only offered by those that are looking to victimize customers. You need to, at the very outset, be able to insure that the terms set will cover you for the surgery and anesthesia as well as post-operation examinations and for any corrective procedures that may need to be performed.

Unfortunately, the cost of plastic surgery is normally not handled by insurance with the only exception being in the event of an emergeny where it is viewed as medically required. Nevertheless, you can search around for funding as there are numerous plans available that allow patients to pay back the total plastic surgery cost in payments.

To begin with, when plastic surgery first became known to the world, it was, thanks to the lofty plastic surgery costs demanded, affordable solely to a select few. However, with each new gain in technology, plastic surgery has come to be more affordable and with the lower expenses involved, well-nigh everyone today can afford plastic surgery if they truly desire it.

By And Large, in these modern days, plastic surgery costs can go from between 1500 dollars to as high as 8000 dollars. Breast augmentation and breast lift are the cheapest types of plastic surgery obtainable while lower body lift is probably the most expensive type.

Besides the price of plastic surgery, you will as well need to know how to select the most dependable cosmetic surgery center. Here again elements that will ascertain which center you select include the location, the price they charge as well as the funding choices available and of course, the facilities.

As of today, different plastic surgery procedures involve different plastic surgery prices. An instance of this difference is seen when you look at having a face lift at a cost just below six thousand dollars compared to a reshaping of your nose which will cost you a little less than three thousand nine hundred. No matter which operation you select take all the factors into thought and be an informed shopper. Do not get duped by extraordinary offers and the like because it is your body you are dealing with and the results of your selection will be there all of your life.

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Losing Weight May Now Be Easier With All-Natural Supplements

By Alexander Q. Haynes

Studies show that most people nowadays are finding it hard to stick to a healthy diet. In fact, approximately two - thirds of all the adults in the United States of America suffer from obesity and are overweight. Most diet industries offer solution to this by introducing 'instant' weight loss treatments and supplements. However, fitness supplements that are 'all-natural' can serve as a healthier alternative when it comes to improving overall wellbeing on a long-term basis.

Benefits of Using Stemulite

As an all-natural formula, Stemulite has several powerful ingredients that can enhance sound functioning of body cells and tissues. Acetyl (L carnitine) and alpha lipoic acid are formulas known to boost stem cell functioning particularly on people whose lifestyles are on the active side. Stemulite together with a healthy nutritional program can provide:

Good night's sleep. Stemulite can give a higher quality of sleep because it normally relaxes the body. Aside from the benefits of deep sleep, it also helps in the cell restoration and muscle improvement. Higher energy level and enhanced body endurance. Stemulite advances metabolism of the body by promoting healthy cellular functioning. Once metabolism increases, the body's energy level also goes higher. Improved muscle strength. The daytime and nighttime formula of Stemulite reduces fats stored in the body. As one takes the supplement, the effect is increased metabolism at the cellular level that ultimately results to muscle strength and endurance. Delay in the aging process. Stemulite fights risk associated with oxidative damage and stress. As an outcome of regular intake, the skin becomes healthier and the body increases its verve. Because new cells are developed and renewed, metabolism also heightens that allows weight loss to take place.

Increasing the Metabolism with Stemulite

Nowadays, many people seem to be disheartened to find out that fad diets and weight loss programs do very little in achieving their goal. No matter how much exercise and dieting one goes through sometimes is not enough to shake off those extra pounds. Rebalancing the levels of hormone and blood sugar to a healthier state, on the other hand, plays a critical role in losing weight. It can happen with proper supplementation. Stemulite, for instance, offers the key to former dieters' battle with appetite and unstable blood sugar levels. Aside from a consistently high energy level, Stemulite allows the body to heat up metabolism leading to weight loss the natural way.

Stemulite contains the following essential ingredients that speed up the metabolism:

Alpha lipoic acid. This compound is responsible in protecting the cells from damage. ALA also ensures that metabolism is functioning at an optimal level. L-carnitine. This amino acid derivative acts in regulating and burning fat. Many bodybuilders use L-carnitine to restore cells and tissues after a rigorous workout. Quercitin. An active flavanoid, this ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Quercitin can prevent oxidative stress and muscle damages. According to experts, it also combats diabetes' complications.

The medical community has long recognized that wellness supplements along with healthy diet and regular exercise are important in preventing the possibility of ever-growing waistbands! Supplements help keep blood sugar levels normal, promotes metabolism, and rejuvenates body cells after each workout. These benefits cannot be attained in any other diets. Stemulite supplements can be the solution to the problems of the obese and overweight.

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What a Real Desperate Housewife Can Tell You about Weight Loss

By Dorthy Weatherbush

How do they do it? You know those suburban housewives who have the kids in tow who look better than you managed to look in your early twenties. Their hair is perfect, their clothes are impeccable, and perhaps the most enviable detail their figures are flawless. These ladies have the same stresses that you have, but they have managed to find a way to keep their bodies in top-notch shape. The good news is that you are about to find out the secrets to how these real life housewives keep themselves in glamorous Hollywood starlet form. We have been able to sit down with Mrs. Lajoie, a real life desperate housewife.

As we were beginning to get started with the interview, I could not help but notice how amazingly gorgeous Mrs. Lajoie was. She was not wearing the stereotypical mommy attire, but wore a pair of fitted jeans and a trendy black blazer. Her body showed no sign of having had three children, even though her youngest was just a toddler. My first question to Mrs. Lajoie was how do you do it?

"I am constantly on the move," she replies. She continues to explain that she gets herself walking every day, and especially walking on an incline. "One of the best things that I do is hit the sidewalks in my neighborhood with the stroller. Not only do I get the added benefit of pushing some extra weight due to my kiddos, but my neighborhood is really hilly. Walking up and down those hills really kick starts my bodies fat burning capabilities." From all of that walking Mrs. Lajoie has noticed that her legs have become more toned and strong which is important when you are chasing around a two year old.

At this time, Mrs. Lajoie get a phone call from her husband. She smiles once it's over as she hangs up the phone. I can only notice how she glows after years of marriage. "You're acting like a newlywed," I say " does your husband support your need for 'me' time?" She smiles and giggles a bit before responding. "He definitely does. I mean let's be frank. Men are very visual creatures naturally, so he loves that I look great. But it is so much more than just that. He really loves the confidence that I give off when I have been taking care of myself. The self-confidence makes me feel more attractive, which in turn makes me more attractive to him. Don't get it twisted, there are times that we are both busy and it gets really hard to handle the kids, but they are ours and we love them. We both desire to be strong role models for our kids, both in behavior and health. We therefore try to do alot of outdoor physical activity like roller blading, bike riding, playing at the park, and walking." I ask her, "Has it always been like this?" Mrs. Lajoie takes a moment's pause before continuing. This time she speaks more hesitantly. "Well honestly no. For a long time there, I got into a rut that many women face. I put on weight and stopped taking care of myself because I was unhappy with myself, which made my husband unhappy. It got so bad that I thought he was going to leave me. That was when I knew I had to do something to take back my life."

"How do you keep yourself focused with the stress of running a household?" I ask. "Really, yoga has saved my life. It's a great muscle toning activity, but can be so much more than that. It keeps me calm and centered during the week." She admitted that finding time is a real difficulty for a mother, but it must always be kept as a priority. Taking time for yourself not only benefits you, but is also helps your family in the long-run. "I have to have personal time to recharge my internal battery," she says. "When I get that, I find that my patience and my excitement are better, which is the kind of mother and wife that I want to be for my family? Sometimes it feels like I am being selfish, but I have to remember that by taking time for myself, I'm doing something that makes me a better person."

Mrs. Lajoie glances at the clock and catches me noticing. "Oh excuse me," she smiles. "I'm always keeping track of the time to make sure that I am not missing anything. You have to keep a schedule when you are a busy person, and it must include workouts." Mrs. Lajoie has had her fair share of personal trauma, but she has been able to take control of her life, and now lives the life the many women only dream of. "What we women need to remember is that we are important and we have lots to give. We must take care of ourselves, not only for our sake, but so that we might be able to take care of our families.

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Chemicals in Skincare That May Cause Skin Irritations

By Amy Nutt

As organic skin care grows in popularity, people are starting to realize just how unhealthy mainstream make up, lotions and basic heath items are. With this awareness has come a mounting alarm that these products are not FDA regulated and manufacturers can get away with using a lot of additives that pharmaceutical companies cannot. As a result, potentially life threatening chemicals are being placed in everyday items like baby oil, lotions and creams putting consumers at risk.

Many of these items can create adverse skin reactions and rashes that turn men and women off from the use of these otherwise beneficial items.

Below is a list of some of the things you should look out for when purchasing regular skin care products that may cause irritation or be potentially toxic.

Parabens

Parabens are a collective group of preservatives that have been used by the cosmetic and beauty aid industry to reduce bacterial growth in their products. Many Parabens start with the prefix of methyl, ethyl, butyl, or propyl and are extremely hazardous to health as well as irritating to the skin.

Below is a list of some of these parabens as well as other toxic chemicals that can be aggravating to the largest organ of the human body as well as contribute to a host of ailments.

- Color and Fragrance - both of these substances do not provide anything other than an aesthetic or scent related effect, however, both have properties in them that create skin sensitivity. They are also carcinogenic, meaning that they could cause caner.

- DMDM Hydantoin. Another preservative, this chemical has been attributed to the releases of formaldehyde. This harmful byproduct not only causes skin irritation, it creates allergies and joint pain as well as a long list of hormonal problems.

- Triclosan. This chemical has been categorized by the EPA as a chlorophenol, a high level carcinogen. Just a tiny bit can create major health problems and wreak havoc on the body. The continued use of Triclosan has been linked to hormonal imbalances in both men and women.

- Propylene Glycol (PG) - petroleum based preservative this substance has been cited among the many numerous skin irritants in cosmetic and beauty products. It is also so toxic that handlers have to wear safety gear just to touch it.

- Butylene Glycol - also a petroleum based chemical, both butylene and propylene glycol is dangerous and extremely deadly and some cases. Butylene has been linked to cancer and numerous other chronic disorders.

- Mineral Oil - yet another petroleum product, mineral oil clogs pores creating aggravating break outs and rashes in many users. It also interferes with the skin?s ability to renew and repair itself. This can create a host of problems outside of mere acne issues as the skin needs to function properly for other important organs to work efficiently.

On an even scarier note, most baby oil is made up of 100% Mineral Oil!

There are hundreds more chemicals that can adversely affect the skin or cause illness -- to find out what they are, you should do further, in depth research on the topic.

Other problems associated with mainstream skin care products

Continued use of over the counter, mainstream skin care products can contribute to hormonal imbalances, allergies, severe skin irritations leading to rashes and dermatitis, disorders like CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) headaches, depression, mood swings and hyperactivity.

The answer

Using organic skincare products can alleviate some of the risks commonly associated with the use of mainstream beauty products. Be careful in this regard as many manufacturers may claim something is all natural or organic yet have chemicals in them.

Read all skin care product labels and above all, strive to make sure that you replace harmful chemical based products in your home with truly organic purchases. Though a bit more time consumptive, you will be rewarded with a better health and more luxurious and thankful skin.

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How to Get a Better Brain Development for Your Child

By Michael Byrd

When and how to shape a child's brain development is crucial. Many propose computer programs. But experts have the opinion that it would be useless to do it once the child's brain development has actually stopped.

An excellent time to help with a child's brain development is even before the baby is born up until it reaches three years of age. This is the best time to have the most impact on the child's brain development and its ability to learn for the rest of their life.

It may appear unusual to begin even before a child is able to read, write or reason, but there are studies to back this and it has shown that all these skills begin to develop even before a child goes to kindergarten.

Recently there was a research study conducted that was published in Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology [Vol. 42: 174-181], where doctors used 56 babies as their subject, and they were as young as 5 days old. Their diets were filled with omega 3 fish oil fatty acids and DHA.

Those who were given fish oil supplements proved to have a significantly higher cognitive and motor ability on the "Mental Development Index" as compared to those who were not.

This group of doctors has come to conclude that an early dietary supplement of fish oil with DHA plays a dynamic part in determining great improvement in performance and mental development in full term babies.

Research conducted among premature babies, which was published in the Clinics of Perinatology, [Vol. 22(1):157-75], discovered that even premature babies can also have benefits from fish oil. After they were supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids and DHA, a remarkable improvement was seen in their cognitive and visual development.

These are only a few of the several studies conducted which can give proof that the secret to a child's brain development is getting sufficient amounts of omega 3 with DHA.

DHA is a very abundant long-chain omega 3 in the brain tissue. Around 95% of these lipids are present during birth and grow to be part of the brain tissues while the baby is in the uterus and during the first year of life.

Expectant moms need to take in more fish and get fish oil supplements. This is good to give their baby's brain development a boost from the start and give them a good chance of having a more intelligent baby in the future.

After that, be sure that you breast-feed during the first year. High amounts of omega 3's can be found in breast milk.

Research that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition illustrated that even moderate amounts of dietary fish oil with DHA will radically elevate breast milk content. [Vol. 40, 780-785]

The study on brain development influenced my wife to use fish oil during her pregnancy and nursing and also supplement the diet of our children with salmon oil while they were just six months old.

We would remove the oil from the capsules and place it in spoons then feed it to them. Now, we get comments on how smart they are and their good test scores can prove it.

But the best part is they are happy and healthy children too. Try fish oil on your kids and you will be thankful you did.

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The Quickest And Healthiest Way to Gain Muscle

By Ricardo d Argence

The trend for young people today is keeping a well toned muscular body. This article will tell you a few secrets to build muscles in the fastest and safest way possible, in case you are also one of those who are inspired by the muscular physique of Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone and want to develop a body like them.

But when I say safest and fastest I don't mean esay way. There's no shortcuts when you are talking about healthy muscle building. As they say, there are no shortcuts to success. If you have a goal in mind, you have to put your mind to it and work hard to achieve that goal. It will take hard work and you have to really put your mind to it. But you will get to your goal, if you continue with the routine everyday. There are ways to rapidly build muscles without jepordizing your health.

To give your bodybuilding an adequate boost, it is of great significance that you follow the steps below.

Strong determination and will power, it is the first step to start working on your bodybuilding program. It is very important to have strong will power and determination to build a well toned muscular body. You need to accept the fact that building muscles is not an easy task. It often happens that people feel motivated in the initial days of their bodybuilding program and gradually the motivation fades away when they realize it takes a lot to achieve what they want. This happens to almost everyone and this is where strong determination and will power is required to keep you going.

Routine life is another very important factor that you need to keep in mind. Leading a haphazard life is not going to do you much good in your bodybuilding process. You need to follow a routine life to get the best results out of your bodybuilding program.

You cannot expect your muscles to grow unless and until you follow a proper workout program. Also remember, practicing the wrong workouts is not going to do you much good, so make sure you join a gym and follow the workout program prescribed to you by your instructor.

If you don't give your body the nutrients it needs and rest enough, and think that all you have to do is perform your workout in the gym, you are highly mistaken. A proper and healthy diet is as important as a proper workout program. Confer with your dietician, he is qualified to recommend a precise diet regimen that will assist you in your exercise routine.

Water is important for almost everything that we do in life. It also helps in boosting your bodybuilding process. Drinking 8-9 glasses of water per day is very essential. When you are working out, you tend to sweat a lot, which makes your body dehydrated. Drinking water hydrates your body and helps in its proper functioning.

Sleeping is another factor that you just can't afford to neglect come what may. Your tissues undergo wear and tear while you are working out, therefore, when you are sleeping your body gets the amount of rest that is required for repairing your tissues.

If you follow the above mentioned points you will be happy with the quick muscle growth that you will experience.

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Why A Good Bodybuilding Diet Plan Is Really Important

By Ricardo d Argence

When you become a bodybuilder, you will need strong determination, will power, dedication, change in your routine and lifestyle, daily exercise, and a healthy diet. Bodybuilders have always been the masters of dieting. other than body builders, no other athlete has been able to manipulate their body exactly the way that they want to.

Bodybuilders have a unique talent losing and gaining body weight, just by adjusting their diet the right way. Of course, a proper workout program is important in order to have a perfect V-shape body with bulging muscles, but equally important is your diet. Many people have the idea that not eating will help them lose weight. Though it is true, it is not a healthy way of shedding extra weight.

Surprisingly, eating well can contribute to weight loss. You cant just go out and eat everything and anything you want and expect to loose weight. If you want to shed weight and shape your body, it calls for a proper diet plan.

Whether you wish to keep healthy, or build a Stallone-like physique, you must eat properly to help you boost the process. Now that you know how important a role healthy diet plan plays in the process of bodybuilding, you may be wondering what a bodybuilding diet plan is all about.

A bodybuilder's diet ought to be comprised of nutrient-laden, healthy foods in appropriate quantities. What do I mean with healthy foods? Here's an example of a bodybuilding diet plan to help you build a well-toned healthy muscular body.

For breakfast: 1 cup cooked non-instant oatmeal. Seven scrambled eggs (1 whole+6 or more whites). 1 cup coffee. 1 glass of apple juice.

1st. Snack: 1 protein shake. 1 small glass of water.

Lunch: 1 can tuna fish. 2 slices of wheat bread. 1 spoon of sweet relish. Dash of celery-salt. 1 large glass of water.

Second snack: 1 protein shake. 1 small glass of water

Dinner: 1 baked boneless chicken breast, or salmon steak. 1 serving of brown rice. 1 serving of green beans. 1 large glass of water.

Bed time: 1 protein shake. 1 small glass of water.

You must have noticed that all your meals have one thing in common that is water. This is because water plays a very important role in your bodybuilding diet plan. It is usually recommended to have 8-9 glasses of water every day. Water helps to boost up your body building process, therefore, make sure you have enough water every day.

In conclusion, for a healthy, well toned body, the key element is to follow a good, healthy diet program. If you are considering to work toward building a muscular body then take thought to the above mentioned diet plan along with also having a workout program this is sure to help you in a big way to be successful and reach your goal much faster then you had anticipated.

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Are Hoodia Patches Better Than Hoodia Diet Pills?

By Reagan Miers

If you've ever been in a store or visited a website that sells hoodia patches then you will probably have seen that the company's biggest claim is that their patch works a lot more effectively than the traditional hoodia diet pills. They argue that by wearing a patch you will receive a slow release of hoodia into your bloodstream throughout the day.

They also state that because the hoodia does not have to travel through your stomach, a hoodia patch will suppress your hunger a lot faster than any other capsule or liquid based supplement.

On the surface, this makes total sense but unfortunately there is no scientific evidence to back this theory. There isn't one scientific or clinical study to date on the effectiveness of hoodia patches. In fact, there are very little studies on the effectiveness of hoodia gordonii itself!

The companies who sell hoodia patches often compare them to other patches with a proven track record, such as nicotine patches and birth control patches. People know these products work, so they presume that a hoodia patch will work just as well. Don't be fooled! There are many differences in these products.

Birth control patches require a prescription. Nicotine patches initially required a prescription and only recently have been over the counter. The hoodia patch has never required a prescription. Why is this distinction so important?

Any product that requires a prescription or once did has had to undergo rigorous testing and be subjected to governmental regulations before it can be marketed to the public as being effective. None of the hoodia patches sold today require a prescription. Doesn't that tell you something?

Hoodia gordonii is a cactus like plant which has been grown and harvested in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa by the San tribe for centuries. They use the hoodia plant in order to control their hunger while out on long hunting expeditions.

The original way of taking hoodia that the tribe use is to cut a small section a few inches in length from the plant. They would then peel the skin, and eat it. This would deliver all the hoodia needed to suppress their appetite for several hours. Eating the plant is obviously an effective method of delivery so which method do you think would be most effective: taking a pill which contains ground up hoodia powder, or wearing a patch on the outside of your skin?

So I believe that all the hoodia patches out there are a waste of time, which may make you think that hoodia supplement capsules are the best way forward. This is not true! In fact most studies show that the majority of hoodia products available today are fakes which contain little to no hoodia gordonii. There are only a few hoodia diet pills which do contain genuine hoodia gordonii.

While there are no hoodia patches that work, in my opinion, I would highly recommend that you spend your money on the established and reliable hoodia gordonii diet pills which have been proven to work effectively.

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Getting the Most Out of your Anti Wrinkle Cream

By Joslyn Gayle

As you age, you are going to find that the thing that stands between you looking your age and looking the best that you can is often wrinkle cream. There are so many options out there, though, that you might really be at a loss. Take some time and see how you can make the right choice with this important product.

The first thing that you should consider is always going to be what your skin needs to get out of the treatment. There are plenty of serums, lotions and creams out there, and it can be a little confusing.

For instance, buying a rich and heavy wrinkle cream is something that you want to avoid if you have oily skin, as it may cause break outs. If you have rather dry skin, you are going to find that there are lotions that won't make much difference at all. Figure out if there's a specific product that you need, or if you have a specific problem that you need to address.

If you are looking for the best anti aging treatment for your skin, make sure that you are aware of the few basic scenarios, along with the multiple variations of each one. You may wish to choose a system that has solutions for each individual skin problem that you have, or you may simply need one product that addresses all of the issues that you commonly face. You'll find that taking a look at both of these options is essential towards getting the right kind of result for you.

Looking at Anti Aging Skin Treatment Systems With Many Choices

When you have a system in place that lets you work with many different choices in front of you, this can be become highly customizable. You'll find that you can get involved with this slowly and with few products but as time goes on, this will become a bigger investment. Also remember that the time that it takes to put on each one will accumulate. When you are looking for a great system to use, you will find that this is one that matches people who have a high degree of interest in personalized service.

Single Formula Creams For Best Results

On the other hand, you may be interested in checking out all-in-one formulas that will give you a wide variety of options in a single treatment. Some are great, some fail to live up to your expectations. Remember that finding a good one can allow you to reduce wrinkles, plump up your lips, firm up sagging skin and keeping skin discolorations down to an absolutely minimum.

There are lots of choices that you need to make when you are considering what you can do to get the best anti wrinkle face cream available, and making the right choice can make all the difference. Make sure that you find a quality product with a money back guarantee and you'll know that you are in good hands.

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Lower Your Stress with Aromatherapy's Proven Benefits

By Harriet Jones

Aromatherapy has been around for a long, long time. Humans have been emulsifying, burning, macerating, pressing and distilling plants for their aromas for thousands of years. Only since the dawn of the New Age and modern Western scientific inquiry, however, has the impression of aromatherapy gotten soft. But now, the same scientific institutions are validating the use of essential oils, and their profound anti-anxiety effects. So now, rather than "running for the shelter of mother's little helper" when things get a little hectic, you can bypass the liquor store, the pharmacy and the junk-food isle and head confidently to the natural health market for a little bottle of scented bliss. Maybe not as decadents for everyone, but the majority of mothers and generally health and wellness-conscious folks will appreciate the healthful choice for themselves, their children and their families.

The number of studies investigating the therapeutic actions of essential oils has exploded over the last ten years, as popular interest grows in the areas of natural health and wellness. The efficacy of may 'folk' remedies is being validated, with many of them having benefits at least as potent as their pharmaceutical counterparts, and most having very limited, if any, side effects. This is especially true with the use of essential oils for reducing stress and lessening anxiety. And what's wonderful about the oils is that their readily available and easy to use. A mother with active children can just plug in a diffuser and let it do its thing. A stressed-out commuter can do the same. Feeling a little wound up, but want to keep the aroma a little more personal? Apply a few drops of diluted oil to yourself or loved one wherever you like. What oils have these anti-anxiety effects? Let's have a look...

Lavender has been the most frequently studied of all the essential oils. Its anti-anxiety (or simply 'relaxing') action has been documented both in the laboratory (using stressed-out mice and rats) and in clinical environments with actual human beings. Many, many studies have reported the same thing: inhalation of lavender oil brings calm under a great variety of conditions. At least one study compared Lavender oil aroma to that of Juniper, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine and Frankincense. It was only the Frankincense that had a somewhat similar effect, but not nearly as effective as Lavender. Several studies compared Lavender's effect to diazepam (Valium) with Lavender's aroma having similar (but likely more healthy) calming results. In other studies, Lavender has been shown to improve sleep, decrease conflict between animals, and reduce the amount of pain medication needed by recovering hospital patients.

Sandalwood oil is another well-known stress reducer. For those that may not enjoy the floral aroma of Lavender, Sandalwood could be the oil of choice. Its warm, earthy scent is grounding and centering, being used by some spiritual traditions to enhance relaxed, focused meditative states. The science shows similar results - Sandalwood oil topically applied relaxed the body while stimulating psyche. Studies on sleep/wake cycles using Sandalwood oil topically improved the quality of sleep and lessened waking episodes. A small study using Sandalwood suggested the oil may be helpful in reducing anxiety for palliative care patients. Beyond the scope of Western scientific inquiry, Sandalwood oils and pastes have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of psychological disorders, utilizing its sublime mental-health promoting actions.

While Sandalwood and Lavender have the most data to back them up, many other essential oils have had positive test results. Rose is a standout; it has also been tested alongside Valium (apparently the anti-anxiety gold standard) with better and longer-lasting results. The rose aroma's effect seem to increase over time, where as benzodiazepines' effect will tend to decrease - and the test subjects appeared less confused or sedated. Rose, like Lavender, reduced conflict between test subjects as well. For a little variety, you can mix Rose and Sandalwood together (try a 1:4 ratio)...this is a classic Indian aromatic blend combining two of the world's best known anti-anxiety scents.

Other oils found in research databases include Angelica, Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tagetes and Ylang Ylang. Some oils tested didn't show repeatable results in the laboratory environment, but if you find and oil aroma that you find relaxing, it's more than likely not purely 'in your head'; the olfactory (smell) sense is the one of the five senses most directly wired to the brain's emotional centers. These are, in turn, directly wired to the autonomic nervous system controlling functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure - all of which are closely tied to one's level of stress.

So what to do with these stress relieving wonders? They're really easy to use - one of the great features of aromatherapy. Both topical application and inhalation show repeatable results in laboratory tests. A common method of topical application is to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like Jojoba down to 10% or less. Essential oils tend to pass easily into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, so nearly any technique will do. A few drops of your mixture can be placed on the wrists and rubbed together (this is nice, as you'll smell the aroma as well). For inhalation, there's a great many aromatherapy diffusers available, from little, inexpensive plug in units, to professional models which make a cloud of pure, intense aroma. For anxiety relief, any model where you can smell the aroma will do the job - the higher end diffusers tend to bathe a larger area in your aroma of choice.

Choosing an oil for yourself (or helping your children / family / loved one's decide) is easy. What do you (or they) like to smell? One of the simplest yet most profound aspects of aromatherapy for the psyche is the legitimacy of individual of aroma preference. As uncovered by the laboratory studies, oils of greatly differing aromas can have similar anxiolytic action. While some people love flowery scents, others are drawn towards woods and resins. And it may be that someone who likes the relaxing/stimulating aroma of Rose needs that dual-effect; others loving Sandalwood might be better off with its centering/grounding action. In a word: experiment. Many companies will offer small sizes or even samples. Once you find one or more aromas that suit your needs, play with them - have fun! Whatever way you choose to indulge your senses, health, and wellness with essential oils...you can take comfort in knowing the science of aromatherapy is there to back you up.

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Facts About Aromatherapy Soy Candles

By Ferdinand Mekinsy

Recently, the field of aromatherapy has extended to the manufacturing of different products for the general household freshening or as bug repellent elements. Currently, essential oils are also widely used in the design of cosmetic products such as perfumes, soaps, facial toners and lotions; the natural components make the products a lot more reliable and safer to use.

Aromatherapy candles are ideal for the soothing of headaches, the calming of the irritated sinus or in the treatment of asthma and allergy symptoms. Moreover, natural fragrances have great tension and anxiety releasing properties with applications in every day life. The blends of essential oils are not limited to the making of aromatherapy candles, they are also included in the composition of soaps, sprays, body lotions and bath salts. Simple natural treatments, this is the motto that best describes the extensive usage of aromatherapy candles by people all over the world. How do aromatherapy candles work and how good are they for one's health?

The greatest applications for aromatherapy remedies are those that aim at improving nervous conditions like high irritability, sleeplessness, concentration deficiencies and the like. Depending on how severe the problem is, more or less intense aromatherapy remedies can be used but only at the recommendation of an expert. Thus, candles and herbal bath salts can improve the mood and allow one to develop the relaxation state necessary for a good night' rest. More severe conditions involve the controlled exposure to more complex aromatherapy remedies preferably in a therapeutic professional environment.

Mention must be made that aromatherapy for depression is very often misconstrued and conducted improperly or superficially. Using essential oils at home could be a true relief, however you should also consider the instructions or the recommendations of the therapist; the best results in the use of aromatherapy for depression treatment have been registered with the practice in an organized professional environment. Thus, the therapist has a direct control of the session and the exposure to more concentrated doses of volatile oils triggers a better response on the part of the nervous system. The inhalation of the extracts is often gradual and closely supervised so that no side effects may surface.

Aromatherapy soy candles are made of 100% pure soy wax that ensures a clean-burning period without any dripping or soot formation. Quality aromatherapy soy candles include only herbal colorants, meaning that the shades of green, rose, yellow or blue are the result of mixing natural pigments extracted from different herbs. Moreover, the element that distinguishes these candles from scented products is the all natural presence of essential oils in the composition. Here are a few features of aromatherapy soy candles that you should consider before making a purchase; yet, the products will very much speak for themselves once you try them for yourself.

The processes for procuring essential oils are closely connected with the variety of aromatherapy recipes. Even when made from the same plant, the oils vary in terms of concentration and properties. To start from a basic example, keep in mind the fact that the essential oils can be extracted from blossoms, roots, wood or from the entire plant. The creation of the aromatherapy recipes is just the beginning of a process that starts with the distillation, the maceration, the pressing or the solvent extraction of the essential oils. The specificity of one recipe or another will therefore depend on the manufacturing of the essential oils too.

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Serratiopeptidase: Your Solution for Chronic Pain?

By Stanton Conversier

Chances are, you experience some level of pain - occasionally, chronically or otherwise - and if so, an enzyme known as serratiopeptidase could be what you've been looking for. This is especially true if you have an aversion to, or are experiencing any side effects of, the medication you currently use for pain management. Whether you take prescription or otc painkillers, serratiopeptidase is a safe, natural choice with no known negative results.

Serratiopeptidase, also known as serrapeptase, is a proteolytic (or, if you will, "protein digesting") enzyme which is occurs naturally in the intestines of silkworms. But don't go running for cover just yet - the commercially available variety is produced by the breaking down of plant-based enzymes. Typically, this makes the serrapeptase you'll find on the market to be of such uniform quality that vegetarians can take it with total peace of mind.

Serrapeptase has been dispensed regularly for nearly 40 years in numerous Asian and European countries; in Germany and Austria for instance, it is available strictly by prescription. Fortunately, in the U.S. and elsewhere it is much more readily available. In all honesty, it is so safe, that it can be consumed by children and pregnant/nursing women; even pet owners have reported good results.

Chronic inflammation lies at the heart of a whole host of ailments, including headaches, muscle and joint pain - due to exercise, arthritis, or fibromyalgia, just to name a few. Left untreated, severe inflammation can even develop into life-threatening conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Unlike conventional pain medication (which only relieves the inflammation temporarily) serrapeptase actually breaks down the protein deposits (known as fibrin) which can cause pain and discomfort even after your body has healed from injury or trauma.

As previously stated, serratiopeptidase has no known side effects - unlike naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription NSAIDs. (Acetaminophen, while not considered an NSAID, is a very popular otc pain medication which has also been shown in studies to have undesirable side effects.) These non-prescription analgesics have been known to cause stomach, kidney, liver, and even cardiac problems, particularlyes when taken on a regular basis, and long-term.

Making matters worse, some drugs prescribed by doctors - NSAIDs in particlular - have had even more acute after effects. The news reports in recent years regarding these cases have, in fact, been widespread. The "bad press" (and ensuing litigation) have been largely responsible for the withdrawal from the marketplace of a number of these medications.

Germs and bacteria, for many years, have been responsible for some of the most dreaded diseases in existence; long-term inflammation was simply not considered a significant factor. And while powerful medications - antibiotics included - have successfully combated and even defeated such ailments, these weapons have proven double-edged in many cases. That is, the stronger the meds administered, the more resistant and stubborn some of the diseases have become.

So for the millions who endure pain and rely upon these medications on a regular basis, could serratiopeptidase be the answer? The emergence of this amazing enzyme as a workable choice is certainly a welcome sight, at the very least. In upcoming articles, we will be keeping you abreast of exciting news and developments on this and other "systemic" enzymes.

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