Taking Drugs While Pregnant

Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference!

Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years. However, in most places of the world, natural medicine is the first line of defense against sickness and disease. Even the most technically advanced countries such as China and Japan, appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity of natural medicine. In

fact, we could stand to take some of their knowledge to heart these days. In our society today, one that relies heavily on chemically laden prescription drugs, psychotherapy and surgical procedures to “heal” the sick, there has never been a better time to look into such alternatives. Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference.

Natural medicine and alternative treatments in general is a booming industry. Our society has become very interested in how to help cure us from common problems such as allergies, depression and anxiety. But with so many products claiming to be the next miracle cure, how do you really know which kind of alternative therapy to use? Maybe it is time to skip the pills and give reflexology a try.

If you are unfamiliar with reflexology, here are the basics. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to areas of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears. Reflexologists see the hands and feet as an open door to the bodies systems. Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.

Although reflexologists cannot diagnose or claim to cure a sickness or disease, the results speak for themselves, making it one of the most sought after treatments today. In fact, celebrities pay an arm and a leg for just a few minutes of reflexology. Not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

Quick Reflexology Fact

Many of the techniques are basic and can be learned quite easily. If you want to start out simple, try to get rid of a tension headache. This is the first technique I learned. And not only did it work, it reassured me that I can treat myself.

However, if you do not like the idea of others touching your feet, or you do not have the big bucks to shell out, you can opt to learn basic reflexology yourself. I prefer this method not only because it is free, but also because it is extremely convenient. If you want to dig in and learn the basics, there are many online reflexology courses you can take. (http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/ is the one we recommend)

Moreover, many adult education programs offer weekend reflexology programs. Check with your local school district to find a class near you. Although these weekend seminars will not authorize you to claim yourself as a reflexologist, you will learn enough to effectively treat yourself and your family.

The bottom line is that reflexology has proved to be a therapy that is beneficial for everyone. It is the perfect complimentary medicine whether or not you must take prescription drugs or not. Once you try it you will understand why reflexology has found a permanent place in the health industry.

To learn more about affordable home study courses in Reflexology, go to http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/

Stress is a silent killer. In fact, stress is so commonplace in our society today, that associated behaviors, such as road rage, are becoming just an acceptable part of everyday life. Research has shown that high stress levels not only increase negative hormone levels, the ones responsible for inhibiting sickness and disease, but it also suppresses the immune system. More than ever before in our history, we are in need of a way to unwind, and care for ourselves in an effective manner.

The vast majority of people today are on the go almost constantly. This is only one of the reasons that people are looking for an effective way to escape the stress of daily life. Yet most people simply cannot afford a getaway to a luxury spa every time they feel the need for a time out. Not all of us can be celebrities, and receive the royal treatment every time we need to unwind, that is just not reality for most people.

Reflexology provides an answer to this common problem. Not only is this form of self-help therapy relaxing and provides immediate relief in many cases; moreover it is free of charge and extremely convenient. If you are unfamiliar with reflexology, it is simply the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs.

Just like the teeth, the feet and hands are a map to the health of our entire body. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding areas of the body.

Quick Reflexology Fact

Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years and still do so today. Even the most technically advanced countries such as China and Japan, appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity of natural medicine. So why not try a form of therapy that is effective, yet has no side affects? However, with so many products on the market begging for a sale, where do you begin?

Reflexology is fairly simple to perform and even simpler to incorporate into your daily routine. There are many online guides and diagrams that you can use. Or, if you prefer to have the information at your fingertips, there are many great books you can even get at your local library that will walk you through the process of reflexology treatment.

If you are really serious about learning the techniques, there are numerous online reflexology schools where you can take classes and learn in-depth techniques for more specified sicknesses and diseases.

Try something simple for starters, such as relieving a headache, once you have witnessed the benefits, you may find yourself hooked. I started using reflexology therapy a few years ago just for the purpose of relieving the tension headaches I was experiencing due to stress. I can attest to the fact that it works, as I have been successful at curing my headaches without the use of drugs ever since.

In the fast paced society that we live in today, I highly recommend that you take a time out for yourself each day. Set aside a specific time early in the morning or before you go to bed and practice deep breathing and reflexology techniques. Before long you will notice a big difference in how you see life and that you are able to manage your day so much better.

To learn more about affordable home study courses in Reflexology, go to http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/

Reflexology, or zone therapy, is a complementary therapy, intended for use alongside conventional medical care and not as a replacement. It is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears, in order to encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health.

Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints (contraindications), such as veruccas or fractures, apply.

There is no one fixed theory to explain reflexology. All practitioners believe that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that reflexology assists the self-healing process. Some practitioners believe these zones to reflect the energy (Qi) body, and that blockages of energy in the body are reflected through “grit” or “lumps” on the foot. A therapist will apply pressure in the form of relaxing massage to these areas, in order to stimulate the corresponding area and thereby remove blockages in the energy body.

Contrary to some beliefs, reflexology does not seek to diagnose or cure medical conditions – merely imbalances in the life energy or Qi of the body. There are concerns over the efficacy of this treatment, and about the safety of using such a therapy instead of conventional medicine, which have resulted in some studies to investigate reflexology.

To learn more about affordable home study courses in Reflexology, go to http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster?

There are many natural approaches to combating one of the most common pregnancy complaints, morning sickness. Most people have heard of the age-old ginger remedy for upset stomachs and intestinal gas. It is an effective remedy that is cheap to use and has no side effects, which is very important to most expectant

mothers. However, there are many more natural remedies that you can use not only to ease the stomach, but also to ensure a smooth, faster labor. Yes, it is true, say hello to reflexology.

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster? Yes, it is true. Furthermore, women that undergo reflexology treatment during pregnancy also appear to have fewer complications during labor. These benefits are great, but what about the nine-months of uncomfortable, often painful symptoms?

If you are new to reflexology, here are the basics. Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. And it is not only limited to the feet and hands, although they are the most widely used areas. Reflexology can also be used on the face and the ears as well.

Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. Reflexology has been known to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, stress and anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles and digestive problems such as acid reflux.

Quick Reflexology Fact

The more feet you work on the more success stories you will receive from satisfied, paying customers. In a business like reflexology, this is key to success. The truth of the matter is, one person could be responsible for making or breaking your reputation, but more commonly, it takes many satisfied customers to get a foothold in your community.

Of all of the pregnancy complaints, nausea, or morning sickness is one of the most uncomfortable. Not only can it last all day and can onset in the blink of an eye, but also can lead to problems holding down food if it becomes severe. Here is what I would recommend if you are having trouble with nausea on a regular basis.

* Start a reflexology treatment schedule and stick to it. In a very short time you will feel like you are on top of the world.
* Eat frequent, small meals throughout the day. This is a common recommendation, but one worth mentioning at anytime.
* Do not eliminate your carbs but rather take in complex carbs instead of simple, sugar-laden carbs. They will only make matters worse.
* Because prenatal vitamin contain a lot of iron, that can be a cause for upset stomach. I always got in the habit of taking it later in the day or before bed versus in the morning.
* Another common recommendation, and a good one at that, is to have some saltine crackers on your bedside. When you wake up in the morning, wake up slowly and munch on some before you rise. One sure fire way to get nausea going is to jump up out of bed. Just don’t do it, I learned this the hard way! It is better to be late than to be sick all day!
* Avoid strong odors and smells. If you can’t hack a smell, go out and take a light walk in the fresh air. That will usually do the trick.

To learn more about affordable home study courses in Reflexology, go to http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/

First select a quartz crystal which has a very good polished/smooth single-terminated point.

Then remove socks, tights and/or footwear. Instructions below are for someone giving a crystal reflexology treatment to a ‘client’ – but this method is just as easily administered and just as effective if you are treating yourself. Also keep in mind that stimulating reflexes on the hands will work just as well as using foot reflexes – it is really your preference!

Crystal reflexology treatments may either be done lying on a massage couch or sitting in a comfortable chair. When using the latter method you yourself need to sit on a stool so that you can place your client’s feet upon your lap. Reflexology is basically a foot massage. Or, at least, that is the way that it is normally described!

The principles of reflexology, of course, is that the feet consist of numerous reflex points; all of which relate to specific parts of the physical body.

An ordinary qualified reflexologist will use his/her hands to press into every one of these reflex points and when a health problem is diagnosed the client will often feel a sharp pain and the therapist will detect a small pea-like lump just under the surface of the skin.

In crystal reflexology, however, we do not need to be quite as precise. First, naturally, we must program our healing quartz crystal to re-balance any imbalances which might be discovered in the client’s body as the treatment proceeds.

Using the single-terminated end of the quartz crystal the crystal healer very gently – and without pressing too deep into the skin – starts to rotate the crystal in a clockwise direction just lightly pushing into the skin.

Starting with the soles of the left foot, the crystal is moved slowly around to the sides, lightly touching the skin all the time, and then on to the upper part of the foot. All movements should be both slow and deliberate. Make sure that you cover all the surface of the foot. Then on to the right foot……

Whenever the crystal healer obtains a reaction from the client he or she will spend a few moments directing crystalline healing energy into the appropriate reflex point.

As the crystal reflexology treatment ends the therapist takes the quartz crystal and lightly runs it over the entire surface of the foot; on the soles and on the upper part of both feet.

As a rough time-guide I would suggest that you spend around thirty minutes per foot but naturally this is completely flexible.

Learn more at the Alternative Healing Academy!

Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex points on the feet (or hands) to bring about a state of deep relaxation, stimulate the body’s own healing process, and help a person return to a state of balance and well-being.

It is holistic complementary therapy that aims to release blockages and improve the flow of energy in the body by working through body zones (rather like the meridians an acupuncturist or shiatsu practitioner works on). Reflexology has roots in Ancient Egypt, China, Japan and India.

Reflexology can provide relaxation, pain and stress relief, stimulation of all body systems eg the immune and digestive systems, and balance for the mind, body, emotions and spirit. Most people find reflexology an enormously comforting and nurturing therapy.

In general, reflexology has been shown to help relieve a whole host of ailments, including:

* Digestive disorders eg constipation, heartburn
* Migraines and headaches
* Stress and anxiety
* Sleep problems
* PMS and hormone related problems
* Back and joint pain
* Respiratory disorders eg sinus
* Pregnancy related ailments

Introduction To Maternity Reflexology

Maternity Reflexology can be applied as pre-conceptual care, and care during and beyond pregnancy. The fact that many midwives now incorporate reflexology into their practice speaks for its efficacy. These stages of life bring their own particular challenges, and regular reflexology can help to maintain balance and well-being while tackling associated conditions and ailments. One of the major benefits of reflexology is balancing of the endocrine system – the set of glands that produce the body’s hormones (chemical messengers). Hormones play a key role in fertility and pregnancy.

Pre-Conception

For couples hoping to conceive, it is desirable to treat both partners to balance and relax them, and get them into an optimum state for conception. As well as requiring healthy sperm and ova, there is a need for mental and emotional preparation, as pregnancy can be a rollercoaster for both partners. Creating another person is a hugely significant undertaking, therefore it is best to be well prepared. The couple will want to have a good look at their lifestyle in terms of sleep, diet, stress levels, exercise, smoking, drinking and so on. Reflexology has a good reputation with helping couple to conceive, because of its balancing effects.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings a number of significant changes to the couple, and not just physical ones. Things that seemed to work just fine before don’t appear to work any more! Reflexology can bring balance and harmony when it feels as though your world has been turned on its head. You might find you’re suddenly constipated and bloated, or getting acid reflux, or that you burst into tears when you’re looking at baked beans in Sainsbury’s. You might get all sorts of odd aches and pains that appear from nowhere. It goes without saying that you must seek medical attention for serious complications of pregnancy. However, reflexology can help you to manage ailments such as:

* Constipation
* Heartburn
* Symphysis pubis pain
* Backache
* Rib pain
* Morning sickness
* Leg cramps
* Raised blood pressure
* Headaches
* Tiredness and sleeplessness
* Mood swings

Working with maternity reflexology has shown me how it enhances health and well being as well as creating a wonderful caring environment for the mother and Incoming Soul (a lovely term coined by Susanne Enzer, maternity reflexologist). I enjoy seeing how active the unborn babies become when their mother is treated – and spotting bottoms, heads, feet and other assorted bits of baby zooming around inside the confines of the bump!

Delivery

In a post term situation and with the permission of the obstetric caregiver and client, a skilled reflexology can help to prime labour. Many post term women who are experiencing a problem free pregnancy respond well to this, although ultimately the baby decides when it is ready to come. Not even medical induction is guaranteed to succeed, and this is no different. Reflexologists may attend births to assist their client with pain control, relaxation, and emotional and psychological support.

After Birth

Your reflexologist can be at hand during the post natal period to help the mother, father and newborn. A weekly session can help the mother in particular to adjust after giving birth, and she can hold and feed her baby comfortably during treatment. Reflexology may encourage lactation and help with breast tenderness or mastitis, and can help the body return to normal function following delivery. It can also help the new parents make the emotional and psychological adjustments to parenthood.

Finally, the newborn baby can benefit from reflexology too. Playing with your baby’s feet and toes is a wonderful way of bonding with him or her. Did you know that ‘This Little Piggy’ is a version of a powerful reflexology balancing technique?

You can play before your baby goes to bed, at bath time or perhaps when you’re winding them after a feed. Find a time that’s right for both of you. A reflexologist can show you some simple, comforting moves to help with any problems your baby is having, for example colicky tummy, constipation, poor feeding or distress.

About the author:

Siobhan Forsyth – http://www.at-one.uk.net