Using a Natural Approach to Managing Chronic Headaches

Phyllis Grannis

If you are like most headache sufferers you can describe in great detail what it feels like to HAVE a headache but you cannot describe the signals your body gives you BEFORE you get the headache. Most headache treatment tries to just stop the pain but not stop what caused the headache in the first place. Real lasting relief is beyond your reach unless you learn how to respond to your body differently.

Natural headache relief is possible because you have habits that you are unaware of which trigger your headache pain. These habits occur in two areas. The first is physical. Anything that involves your body: how you hold your jaw, chronic clenching of your teeth and tense shoulder muscles, just to name a few. The second area is in how you respond to life stresses both positive and negative. We know from working with many long time headache sufferers, that your coping mechanisms now involve muscular tension and you no longer have a reference point for deep relaxation. That is what makes medicine so ineffective and a natural headache cure which works to prevent your headaches before they start so effective.

In our private practice we used biofeedback equipment to monitor levels of muscle tension in 6 different muscle groups of the head, neck and shoulders. It was without fail a shock to the headache sufferer, who sat down THINKING they were relaxed only to see from the objective equipment that they weren't. Over time their ability to recognize a truly relaxed state had been seriously impaired and their body had accommodated to what it thought relaxed felt like, but it no longer was. In order to find and experience deep, restorative relaxation a coach is needed to point the way.

So, using a process of natural headache relief means first that you learn to pay close attention to your body signals so that you can change them. For example, once you are aware you are clenching your teeth, you can train yourself to stop. It will require some help to be able to sense how your long-standing habits feel because the sensations you notice seem normal to you.

How do you know a natural headache relief approach will work for you?

1. You have tried "everything"
   
2. Is your life worse because of frequent headaches?
   
3. You have migraine, tension, or mixed headaches more than once a month
   
4. Do you find yourself anticipating headaches?
   
5. Do you still depend on medicine for pain relief?
   
6. Are you searching for a natural headache remedy?
   

Once you remove the behavioral triggers you can stop your headaches because you are eliminating the cause of the problem not just relieving the pain.

LifeMatters.com

Champions for Living Well

Natural Headache Relief Program

http://www.lifematters.com/natural_headache_relief.asp

About The Author

Phyllis Grannis, M.F.T.

Trained in biofeedback and many psychotherapy strategies, she is skilled in coaching people with chronic pain how to successfully manage symptoms and embark on a path to recovery. Empowering individuals with information and techniques that work promotes a positive outcome. She is committed to people obtaining the information they need to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

Calms Forte by Hylands

Herb Mark

Description of Calms Forte



Hyland's Calms Forte provides natural relief of symptoms of
simple nervous tension and sleeplessness. Hyland's Calms Forte
is all natural and works without contraindications or side
effects. Easy to swallow tablets are perfect for daytime or
nighttime use.







Ingredients of Calms Forte Passiflora Incarnata HPUS 1X
Triple Strength (Passion Flower), Avena Sativa HPUS 1X Double
Strength (Oat), Humulus Lupulus HPUS 1X Double Strength (Hops),
Chamomilla HPUS 2X (Chamomile), Calcarea Phosphorica HPUS 3X
(Calcium Phosphate), Ferrum Phosphorica HPUS 3X (Iron
phosphate), Kali Phosphoricum HPUS 3X (Potassium Phosphate),
Natrum Phosphoricum HPUS 3X (Sodium Phosphate), Magnesia
Phosphoricum HPUS 3X (Magnesium Phosphate), In a Base of
Lactose, N.F., Calcium Sulfate, Starch (Corn and Tapioca),
Magnesium Stearate.







Suggested Use for Calms Forte



As a relaxant: Swallow 1 to 2 tablets with water as needed three
times daily, preferably before meals. For insomnia: 1 to 3
tablets 1/2 to 1 hour before retiring. Children: 1/2 adult dose.







Additional Information for Calms Forte



Calms Forté is a homeopathic remedy to soothe and calm irritated
nerves and alleviate edginess while nourishing and strengthening
the nerves, encouraging the body to withstand daily stress and
strain. Provide temporary symptomatic relief of simple nervous
tension and insomnia (sleeplessness). 100% natural, no side
effects and non habit forming. href="http://www.herbmark.com/productdetail.asp?pid=3918">For
more details click here!







About the author:


HerbMark.Com - Alternative Health products, Vitamins,
Supplements, Herbs and Beauty products on discount prices. We
also offers free Shipping.



For more details click
here!

Use Potassium in Prunes to get Constipation Relief

rudy silva

Potassium and prunes are a natural constipation remedy that you can quickly use to help you get constipation relief.



Potassium is needed in your colon walls to insure that peristaltic action occurs. Without potassium, colon walls are weak, lack tone, and unable to respond and contract properly when fecal matter needs to be move.



Potassium in your colon wall tissues brings in more oxygen, which is required for good cell function and elimination of toxins. In addition, potassium creates an alkaline environment inside and outside the cell, which help protect cell walls from bacteria, fungus, and other pathogens.



Potassium is a powerful source when it comes to cleaning, feeding and building your colon walls. Removing the thin layer of buildup – harden mucus, dried fecal matter, waste derby, heavy metals - against your colon wall can be accomplished by eating those foods that are high in potassium.



Excess build up of fecal matter and toxins on your colon walls can cause constipation. This build up can also stop the re-absorption of mineral through the colon walls as is necessary by a normal functioning colon.



Potassium is necessary for reducing anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect peristaltic movements of your colon. Lack of it causes muscles and organs to sag and lack tone.



Potassium, also, draws water out of the body. So when potassium is in your colon it attracts water and pulls it into the fecal matter. This makes your fecal matter softer and easier to move along the colon and thereby preventing constipation.



To get more potassium into your diet make a constipation remedy drink by,



Pouring hot water over dried prunes and waiting 10 minutes. Then eat the prunes and drink the juice Do this on an empty stomach in the morning. You can also soak prunes overnight in the refrigerator and in the morning heat them for 5 minutes before you eat them.



The high concentration of potassium and vitamin A, in prunes, stimulates enzymatic processes. These processes melt down fecal wall wastes and dissolve blockages. They also activate peristaltic action to move this waste out through your rectum.



The best foods to eat that are high in potassium are:



Kale, cabbage, yellow tomatoes, spinach, carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, cauliflower, alfalfa sprouts, goat milk, sesame seeds, wheat germ brewers yeast, flax seed, grapes, green peppers, pineapple, beets, potatoes with skin Blackstrap molasses



If you have any kidney disease, do not take potassium supplements unless directed by your doctor. If you are pregnant, take potassium only under a doctor's direction.



If you are on any type of drugs, do not take potassium unless directed by your doctor.



When you have constipation it is best to take potassium supplements. Once you have your constipation eliminated back off on the potassium you are taking and depend on your potassium dose from the foods you eat. Taking an excess of potassium can be just as harmful as not getting enough potassium in your diet.



My recommended Potassium dose is 1000 – 3000 mg each day taken with meals.


Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a monthly newsletter called "natural-remedies-thatwork.com." More information on constipation is available at : http://www.stop-constipation.com

Urinary Tract Infections Helped with Cranberry Juice

Alfred Jones

Cranberry Juice is very rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients which can help to prevent degenerative illnesses and diseases, particularly those associated with the eyes, it is a well known supplement that is frequently used in overcoming UTIs or Urinary Tract Infections, and it could be called a vitamin that boosts the immune system, by increasing and improving cellular communication within the body.

Cranberries are very popular in the United States, especially around Thanksgiving Day, because it has become traditional to have it as a sauce with the Thanksgiving Turkey. The berries are very tangy and tasty, they are also loaded with Vitamin C, they were often used by sailors in days gone by, to prevent scurvy.

When Cranberry Juice is taken for Urinary Tract Infections, researchers found that patients passed a anti bacterial substance in their urine, which cured the infection. Unfortunately UTI is one of those diseases that is inclined to periodically return and become a chronic condition especially among ladies. More research has found that if taken regularly, it can be very effective in preventing a return of the infection.

Cranberry Juice is thought to attack the infection in two ways, one is through the acidity that is produced in the urine, which attacks the bacteria, secondly the Vitamin C content is an essential element in helping the immune system to do its work, because it is receiving what is needed, for efficient functioning. The immune system is the natural healer of all illnesses and diseases in the body, but of course it must have the required vitamins and nutrition for this purpose.

Cranberry Juice can also help in preventing degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, strokes and certain cancers, Cataracts are a cause for concern among the elderly, with vision impairment or even blindness, it has been know to slow down and even stop the progressive deterioration of cataracts.
It has also been shown to be very beneficial in helping to slow down macular degeneration, and to reduce the blood leakage with diabetic retinopathy.

I am not in the business of selling either Cranberries or Cranberry Juice, there are already plenty of suppliers out there, so there should not be any difficulty in obtaining a quality product, try to go for a good brand, that is as natural as it can possible be, and do not choose the cheapest, as this could be a false economic choice.
The point that I am making, is that this, is an excellent natural remedy for a number of problems. Cranberries are considered safe for everyone, but if you are going to take it for medicinal purposes, Please consult with your physician first, Antibiotics might be considered necessary, first before trying Cranberry Juice.

About the Author

Article by Alfred Jones
We have products that are a:
Vitamin for Boosting the Immune System
http://www.SugarsR4U.com
http://www.RUSweetEnuf.com
http://GojiJuice.atspace.com

Herbs For Natural Sleep - Valerian Root

Donald Saunders

Insomnia, which has been with us for as long as recorded time, affects the lives of literally millions of individuals worldwide causing mild irritation to some people and seriously affecting the quality of life for a substantial proportion of us.

Finding a cure for insomnia and getting back to nights of natural sleep can be difficult but, for a lot of people, the answer lies in turning to time-honored traditional herbal remedies such as valerian root.

Valerian, a hardy perennial with sweet smelling pink or white flowers, grows in numerous parts of Europe and Asia and now also grows naturally in areas of the USA. Other names frequently used for valerian include: garden valerian, and garden heliotrope (no relation to Heliotrope - Heliotropum).

Valerian is also referred to by various folk names: All-Heal, Bloody Butcher, Red Valerian, Set Well, Sets Wale, Phu, English Valerian, Amantilla, Cat's Valerian, Vandal Root, St. George's Herb, , and Capon's Trailer.

The principal components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Generally harvested in September, the dried roots can be used to prepare teas and tinctures, while the dried plant materials ordinarily find their way into tablets or capsules.

There is reference to the use of valerian for medicinal purposes as far back as the time of rome and ancient Greece. Hippocrates documented its therapeutic uses and, in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. The 16th century saw it used to treat headaches, nervousness, heart palpitations, and trembling. In the mid-19th century, many people considered valerian a stimulant that stimulated Some of the complaints it was thought to treat and held it in low esteem as a medicinal herb. During World War II the English used it to relieve the stress of air raids.

As opposed to many other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the maximum benefit from valerian you need to use it regularly, with the full effects appearing slowly and steadily over time.

Results will usually appear after about one month and regular use promotes natural sleep and deep relaxation. A variety of studies suggest valerian as far and away the best natural answer for insomnia and general sleeplessness for many individuals.

Research at the Nestlé Research Laboratories in Switzerland demonstrated that a 450 mg dose of valerian in an aqueous extract is the optimum dose as a treatment for insomnia. A larger dose commonly results in grogginess without any increased effectiveness, and thus care should be taken when giving that valerian is a treatment for insomnia.

In addition, a double-blind crossover study of 128 people carried out in 1982, found valerian root to not only be effective as a sedative for insomnia, but also to be of assistance in raising the overall quality of sleep in the participants.

Commonly prescribed as a calming sleep aid, valerian also plays a very useful role in treating anxiety-related sleeping difficulties.

Unlike other normally prescribed sleep medications, valerian is not toxic, does not impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery and does not magnify the effects of alcohol.

It has been documented that valerian acts as a delayed stimulant for some individuals depending upon body chemistry. With certain metabolic conditions, the effect is one of initially calming you down only to create a surge of energy a few hours later - not an effect wanted by people interested in employing valerian as a nighttime sleep remedy.

A number of professional herbalists advocate taking fresh valerian root extract as opposed to an extract of dried valerian, as this is less likely to create such a reaction.

About the Author:

Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including "A Guide to Natural Sleep Remedies". To find out more about using herbs to promote natural sleep and to cure insomnia visit http://helpmetosleep.com/natural-sleep/ today or, for more general advice on sleep disorders see http://helpmetosleep.com/sleep-disorders/.

Read more articles by: Donald Saunders



This article is distributed by: www.iSnare.com

Alternatiave Medicine - The Healthy Choice

Jem Bacchus

Alternative and Conventional Medicines are the two main systems
of healing in use today and the utmost caution should be taken
to choose wisely.



Being healthy is of crucial importance in the life of everyone.
I do not believe that there is anyone who relishes the anguish
of disease. Without health you cannot function properly in any
area of your life.



Whether enjoying the normal faculties of life or mentally
unbalanced, every person would rather be perfectly healthy than
endure the tortures of pain, sickness and disease, but there
comes a time when we must seek medical help.



It is unfortunate that instead of healing the sick, very often
some medicines interfere with the natural process of healing,
resulting in additional suffering and further deterioration of
health.



In ancient times, illness was cured by the use of herbs and
other natural therapies which always proved very effective.
Today, those same therapies as well as modern discoveries based
on those of ancient times are referred to as alternative
medicine and the public has been brainwashed into believing that
the treatments are worthless; yet, many diseases that have been
deemed 'incurable' are being healed by alternative means but,
unfortunately, these cures have never been heard of by countless
sufferers.



What is called conventional medicine (also referred to as
mainstream, standard, allopathic or orthodox medicine), is
man-made synthetic drugs that were not in existence in ancient
times. Interestingly, so many diseases were not around in those
days as there are today.



The main difference between the two systems is that alternative
medicine is concerned about the prevention of disease and pays
attention to and deals with the cause by treating the body as a
whole. It focuses on preventing disease before it starts. It
views the presence of disease as an imbalance of the emotional,
mental and physical state of a person and endeavors to support
and strengthen the immune system by natural means.



Alternative medicine contends that the body is naturally able to
heal itself and remain stable - known in medicine as
homeostasis.



On the other hand, conventional medicine is not concerned with
preventing disease but rather with using synthetic drugs to cure
an already established ailment. It is more interested in
treating just the symptoms of disease by scientific techniques
and technology instead of treating the whole person.



Many conventional drugs are said to have the potential to damage
the liver and kidneys, and cause mental depression, heart
falure, cancer and other adverse side effects. Now, if that is
so, why are they still being manufactured and sold to the
public? Where is the concern for public health and safety?



Note that since the introduction of conventional medicine,
instead of there being greater relief from illness, there has
been an exponential surge of diseases wreaking havoc in the
lives of unsuspecting mortals. Why is this so?



If conventional medicine were the answer to health problems, why
are there so many more diseases prevalent today? The interesting
thing is that a name is readily given to each new disease and
some form of synthetic remedy is quickly manufactured for sale!



Conventional medicine has been so well advertised that the
public is convinced that it is the only way they can get relief
from devastating illnesses. They jump at the announcement of any
new supposedly super healing conventional medicine and with no
hesitation embark upon treating themselves. This is especially
so in the case of weight loss.



The sad thing is that no real cure is realized from these,
whereas there are natural remedies that have been proven to
cure. I can personally attest to certain cures that I have
experienced through the use of natural remedies.



It is well known that some drug manufacturers have had to
withdraw their dangerous medication because of the likelihood of
patients suffering heart attack and stroke. Most synthetic
drugs, if not all, have dangerous side effects of which the
public is unaware. Some are very detrimental to unborn babies.
So why are these drugs still being sold and at such exorbitant
prices?



The general public is not sufficiently made aware of the dangers
of conventional drugs. For obvious reasons, no attempt to do so
is made by those who should educate the unwary and encourage the
use of alternative medicine.



Obviously, if disease is prevented by natural means before
resulting in the breakdown of the immune system which is the
body's mechanism of defence against illness, serious diseases
such as cancer and other so-called incurable diseases would be
prevented, and so there would be little need for the
administration of expensive conventional medicine since that
would be necessary only in case of surgery and other traumatic
conditions.



Another point that I think worthy of note is about products so
readily put on the skin. Most of them are formulated with
harmful synthetic substances that get into the blood stream and
invariably cause dangerous side effects. As it is said, what you
would not eat, you should not put on your skin.



Remember that the skin absorbs and cannot differentiate between
synthetic chemicals and natural substances. You may not see the
adverse effects now, but years later your skin would speak for
itself. You do not want to look older than your age, do you?
Then do not poison yourself with the topical application of
toxic skin products.



No one should be so busy so as not be able to find time to learn
about the natural substances that they could take to protect
their own bodies and prevent diseases. Many thousands of persons
might have been alive today if only they had known, and had been
encouraged to use natural remedies.



I enjoy reading to find out about ancient formulas and
treatments that have resurfaced today, as well as new
discoveries of natural healing methods and remedies that are
gaining momentum amongst health conscious persons.



Ï have collected lots of information on herbal remedies. Among
them are such topics as heart health the natural way,
aromatherapy essential oils, homeopathy, beautiful skin care,
skin diseases, healing for conditions such as acne, hemorrhoids,
eczema, etc., weightloss, and many other natural health remedies
and detailed information on how to make your own from nature's
herbs, vitamins and nutrients.



Many persons seem to be convinced that natural remedies made by
God do not have the efficacy of the synthetic remedies made by
man!



God who made this world has said "the leaves of the trees for
healing of the nations." God is truth and cannot lie. Isn't it
time that we took Him at his word?



Why should we put our trust in Satan and his lies and put no
confidence in God and His truth?



Since there seems to be no confidence in what God has made, Why
don't we make our own water, sunshine, trees, and fresh air? Why
do we walk upon God's earth? We should make our own basic items
to concoct synthetic remedies instead of corrupting the things
that God has made.



You can seek relief from disease either through natural
alternative medicine by which you can maintain good health and
save; or, through conventional medicine with its ill effects of
costly synthetic prescription drugs at the risk of further
deterioration of your health. It is up to you to prevent
poisoning yourself, avoid unnecessary pain and suffering, and be
healthy.



Keep this in mind:



If you really want to fight disease, Natural Medicine is the
Healthy Choice. But if you'd rather be deceased, Synthetic
Medicine might be the Deadly Choice!!



This article is written for information only and is not
intended to suggest treatment of any disease. Information
contained herein is based on facts I have gathered and just want
to share with interested persons. Anyone suffering from a
disease or has any other medical issue is advised to consult a
recognized practitioner.







About the author:


Jem Bacchus is a certified Natural Health Consultant, and author
or 1-personal-improvement website. Read more on href="http://1-personal-improvement.com/be_healthy.html">Alternat
ive Medicineand get your free ezine Aspects of Personal
Improvement.

Acid Reflux/Heartburn - Simple Steps to Relief

Andrew Kelly

ACID REFLUX/HEARTBURN - Effective Strategies to Stop the Burning. by Andrew Kelly

You've seen the advertisements: Acid reflux is a horrible disease that can cause damage to the
oesophagus and lead to cancer. Are these claims realistic, or simply exaggerated to sell over
the counter medications? The fact is that doctors don't even agree on the causes, treatments,
and long-term risks related to heartburn, so you can believe what you want about the ads.

Heartburn is the uncomfortable feeling resulting from acid reflux, or GERD, gastroesophageal
reflux disease (try saying that out loud a few times). It can feel like a burning sensation
(hence, the name), but can also feel like pressure in the chest, which is why it is sometimes
confused with feelings associated with heart attacks.

Acid reflux occurs when the muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus gets weak or relaxes
at the wrong time. The result is that the stomach contents, including the acid, move up into
the oesophagus. Because the oesophagus doesn't have the protective lining that the stomach
does, the acid literally burns the oesophagus.

What Works?

Several non-prescription drugs may be effective for mild to moderate acid reflux,
such as antacids, which neutralize stomach acids. These include well-known over the counter
medications such as Tums and Rolaids. Another option is H2 receptor antagonists, which reduce
the production of stomach acids. These include Axid AR, Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, and Zantac 75.
Pepcid complete is the only of these that combines an antacid with an H2 receptor antagonist.
Which is the best treatment? One study found that Pepcid complete performed better than either
an antacid alone or an H2 receptor antagonist alone.

Prescription drugs prescribed to treat acid reflux are called proton-pump inhibitors. These
include Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix. While these are equally effective,
one study did find that Nexium may heal esophageal sores faster.

Homeopathic Remedies

Combined with homeopathic remedies, heartburn may be treated effectively
with less reliance on over the counter or prescription medications. Together, these solutions
may provide the answers where just one solution fails to deliver on the promise.

Natural options that may help reduce GERD include deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which may
bring fast relief and help heal damaged lining. Aloe Vera juice may also act quickly to bring
relief. For those with chronic problems, Gamma-oryzanol (rice bran oil) may be useful, as could
choline, pantothenic acid, and thiamin. These natural solutions may provide more effective
short-term relief as well as provide long-term dietary benefits.

Why Try a Homeopathic Remedy?

The benefits of natural solutions is that they are often less
costly and reduce the chances of becoming reliant on a particular solution. Natural solutions
include treating the cause as much as the affect, and experimenting with diet and alternative
treatments may help lessen the cause of the problem. Additionally, all of the homeopathic
remedies mentioned above can be used along with over the counter or prescription medications.

Does Acid Reflux Cause Cancer?

Studies on acid reflux and cancer vary. One study showed that
chronic acid reflux increased the chances of oesophageal cancer by as much as eight times.
Another study determined that the risk of cancer is not nearly as much as was once thought.
Chronic acid reflux can lead to Barrett's oesophagus, or BE, which has been thought to lead to
an increase in cancer. A study conducted by a group of medical doctors found that the risk of
cancer from BE is not as much as previously thought, stating that BE will not cause cancer for
most people.

What is not questioned is whether or not acid reflux is uncomfortable. Chronic GERD is
difficult to live with, and experimenting with both traditional medications and natural
remedies may be the best solution. As research continues on the causes and affects of GERD,
additional options are likely to come along.

____________________________________________________________

Andrew Kelly keeps you up to date on the latest Information & Strategies to help you control
your Acid Reflux/Heartburn. Visit this link for more Answers: http://www.acidrefluxfree.com

About the Author

Andrew Kelly keeps you up to date with the latest Acid Reflux/Heartburn relief Andrew Kelly is a long term sufferer from Acid Reflux-Heartburn, he has dedicated years to finding the latest treatment and relief strategies and tips to help everyone cure the burning.