Feel better naturally (Complementary/Natural Health in general)

Member Name: Leolover

Product:	Complementary/Natural Health in general
Date:	18/02/02 (67 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Not putting anything artificial into your body, feeling great, spending time on yourself

Disadvantages: won't work for everyone, may not be instant results

Although never one to deny myself a few aspirins when I’ve a headache, or the odd coffee when I need an instant pick me up, I do believe that there are natural ways to beat pain, stress and other common mental and physical ailments that are far better for you than artificial stimulants and drugs.

I thought I’d share with you some of the natural healing methods I use when I’m feeling stressed, fatigued, afflicted with headaches or just a bit blue.


**** NATURAL WAYS TO BEAT STRESS ****

1. REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is one of my favourite complementary therapies. It involves a specific type of massage which is applied to the feet to encourage the body to heal itself and operate at its optimum level of efficiency.

Reflexology is based on the principle that every aspect of the body is reflected at various different points on the feet, and that by massaging these points that part of the body is stimulated. If there is a problem in that particular area of your body, the part of the foot that corresponds to it will be tender to touch and may feel ‘crunchy’. The reflexologist will gently massage away the tension to promote healing in the afflicted body part.

I have been having regular reflexology sessions for over two years, and have definitely suffered from fewer coughs, colds and other common illnesses since the sessions began. Following a session, I feel relaxed, renewed and refreshed, ready to face the world again. I think everyone would benefit from reflexology, but it’s particularly good for stress as it’s so relaxing and therapeutic.


2. CONTROLLED BREATHING

When we’re stressed, our whole body tenses up and our breathing becomes shallower because our airways are restricted, and the muscles in our chest and diaphragm are so restricted. Careful, controlled breathing helps the body to relax and promotes a sense of wellbeing. It will also he
lp you to feel ‘back in control’ if you’re feeling chaotic and overwhelmed.

Try this exercise:

Place your hand on your abdomen and breathe in slowly and smoothly through your nose. Exhale steadily through your nose. Pause for a second or two and then repeat, becoming conscious of your breath. Breathe naturally at your own pace in this way for as long as it feels good.


3. SELF MASSAGE

It’s never as good as a proper massage from a qualified therapist, but it’s much cheaper, and can help you get in touch with your body and it’s aches and twinges, as well as helping you to relax and focus on which parts of you are tense and stressed.

Sit cross legged on the floor, and begin by stroking your arms and hands gently with a firm but gentle pressure. Let the pressure become a massage and move up to your shoulders, and round to your back if that feels comfortable. Massage your legs and feet – using a body lotion makes the massage easier on your hands.

You can also try pressure point massage. Use your fingers to apply pressure to the points either side of your eye socket (inner temple and inner corner of the eye socket).This encourages lymphatic drainage, destresses eyes and can help get rid of a headache.


4. BATH THERAPY

There’s nothing more relaxing than a warm bath with some essential oils added. Soothing oils such as Lavender or Camomile are best. Light some candles, put on some soft music if that helps you relax, and sink into the tub. I shouldn’t really advocate stimulants, but a cold glass of wine can really add to the relaxation process!


5. EXERCISE

As we all know, exercise helps ease stress, but it can be hard to motivate yourself into taking action. Promise yourself a reward for a brisk thirty minute walk, or a session at the gym. The endorphins will start to kick in after about ten minutes of exercise, and
you’ll feel great.

Weight training is great for beating stress, as it tires your body and mind and leaves you ready for a refreshing nights sleep. Jogging or power walking can also be great for ‘getting into yourself’ and giving you a chance to think through problems.


6. THERAPEUTIC FOOD

There are certain types of food that are proven to ease stress. Lettuce contains a chemical that has an action similar to mild opiates, and carbohydrates such as bread, rice and pasta encourage your production of natures sedative, melatonin. If that fails, there’s always chocolate!



**** NATURAL WAYS TO BOOST ENERGY ****

1. CHAIR MASSAGE

If you are lucky enough to know a chair massage therapist, this is a quick and pleasant way to boost your energy and leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and energised.

Chair massage is a massage session performed while you are in a seated position and fully clothed. You rest on and are fully supported by a specially designed chair as the therapist kneads, lifts, and stretches your muscles and soft tissues using a variety of Swedish, Shiatsu and trigger-point therapy techniques. No oils are used and no clothing is removed.

As well as boosting energy, a chair massage will:

* Reduce Stress
* Reduce Tension Headaches
* Increase Circulation
* Reduce Anxiety
* Increase Morale
* Decrease Repetitive Stress Syndrome

I am lucky enough to have a chair massage therapist next door to my gym, so I can exhaust myself there first and then indulge in a massage to refresh and rejuvenate me. You don’t leave feeling sleepy, as you might following an aromatherapy massage, you leave buzzing and energetic. I highly recommend chair massage.


2. BODY BRUSHING

I recently discovered this and it’s fantastic. You brush your dry body with a long handled natural bristle brush for about fiv
e minutes, working upwards towards the heart. It sounds simple, but it really will help you to wake up.

"Dry brushing" works on the same principles as acupressure, stimulating circulation and helping to loosen toxins. It also:

1) Helps eliminate cellulite
2) Helps digestive processes
3) Tightens the skin
4) Stimulates the glands, to help all body systems perform at peak levels

You need a natural vegetable-bristle brush, which can be found in most health food stores. Gently brush each part of your body several times, upwards towards the heart. Start with your feet and ankles, then calves and thighs. Brush across your stomach and buttocks, finishing with your arms and each hand.


3. STRETCHING

There’s nothing like a good stretch to blow the cobwebs away! Yoga is apparently very good, but I find I focus too much on trying to do the exercises correctly and not enough on my own feelings. Simple stretches are just as good.


4. WAKE UP FOOD

Fresh fruit is a great natural energy booster, particularly bananas. Try dried fruit if you don’t like it fresh.
Nuts and natural yoghurt are also good.

Adding more protein to your lunch will help keep blood sugar levels stable for longer and will boost your energy. Avoid too many stodgy carbohydrates – they’ll burn out quickly and leave you with an afternoon slump to deal with.


5. COLD WATER BLAST

Steel yourself and jump into a cold shower. It’s not pleasant, but I guarantee it’ll wake you up! Running your wrists under cold water is also good for a quick pick me up.


6. EXERCISE

Already mentioned, I know, but it’s just as good at boosting energy as relieving stress! Try cardio classes such as dance, spinning and step for that aerobic high! Jogging or swimming first thing in the morning is a great wake up call, if you can drag yoursel
f out of bed early enough...


7. POWER SHAKES

If you have a juicer, try a delicious energy boosting power shake for breakfast or mid morning. Here’s my favourite:

Juice two apples and a banana. Transfer to a bowl and mix in 2 tbsp bio-yoghurt and half a tbsp peanut butter. Pour into a glass and drink.


**** NATURAL WAYS TO BEAT ILLNESS ****


1. VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS

It takes your body about three months of regular vitamin tablet intake to notice the difference, but you really will feel the benefits. I have been taking Centrium vitamin tablets for the past year and have had far fewer illnesses.


2. DRINK WATER

Drinking loads of water will stave off headaches, keep your digestive system healthy and cure those niggling twinges we all feel from time to time.


3. SLEEP

Try to get as much natural sleep as possible. Lack of sleep makes you feel run down and miserable, and is bad for your immune system, so you’re more liable to catch coughs and colds. Just one extra hour a night will make you feel a lot better.


4. GINGER

Fresh Ginger is fantastic for colds! Add chopped fresh ginger to stir frys, curries and salads, or blend it with fruit juice. You can also add it to your bath and you’ll stay warm for hours.


**** FURTHER INFO ****

For further information about reflexology, log on to www.refexology.org or www.reflexology-research.com

For information about massage in general, try www.massagemag.com

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