Introduction:

Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It’s based on a theory that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems. People who practice this technique are called reflexologists.

How does Reflexology work?

Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in qi or “vital energy.” According to this belief, qi flows through each person. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi.

This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to illness. Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free.

Other theories:

In the 1890s, British scientists found that nerves connect the skin and internal organs. They also found that the body’s entire nervous system tends to adjust to outside factors, including touch.  A reflexologist’s touch may help to calm the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and other benefits just like any form of massage.

Others believe that the brain creates pain as a subjective experience. Sometimes, the brain reacts to physical pain. But in other cases, it may create pain in response to emotional or mental distress.

Some believe that reflexology can reduce pain through calming touch, which may help to improve someone’s mood and reduce stress.

Potential benefits of Reflexology:

So far, there’s limited evidence that reflexology may help to:

• reduce stress and anxiety
• reduce pain
• lift mood
• improve general well-being

• boost their immune system
• fight cancer
• get over colds and bacterial infections
• clear up sinus issues
• recover from back problems
• correct hormonal imbalances
• boost fertility
• improve digestion
• ease arthritis pain
• treat nerve problems and numbness from cancer drugs (peripheral neuropathy)

Is Reflexology safe?

Generally, reflexology is very safe, even for people living with serious health conditions. It’s noninvasive and comfortable to receive, so it may be worth trying if it’s something you’re interested in.

However, you should talk to your doctor first if you have any of the following health issues:

• circulatory problems in the feet
• blood clots or inflammation of your leg veins
• gout
• foot ulcers
• fungal infections, like athlete’s foot
• open wounds on your hands or feet
• thyroid problems
• epilepsy
• A low platelet count or other blood problems, which can make you bruise and bleed more easily.

Conclusion:

Reflexology may not be a scientifically proven medical treatment for disease, but studies suggest it’s a helpful complementary treatment, especially for stress and anxiety.  Talk to your doctor if you have any serious existing conditions before seeking treatment.

Introduction:

Prokarin, or Procarin, is a preparation containing histamine and caffeine originally developed in Washington by Elaine DeLack, a nurse who has MS. This preparation is claimed to help with many MS-associated symptoms.  The histamine in Prokarin is thought to enlarge blood vessels and decrease allergic reactions, while caffeine acts as a stimulant.

Methodology of therapy:

Prokarin is delivered using a patch applied to the thigh. This method is used because the histamine is not absorbed if taken orally. One study of Prokarin in MS applied two patches a day, each for 8 hours.

Common uses:

• multiple sclerosis
• fatigue
• heat intolerance

Adverse effects:

Local reactions:

• itchy under adhesive
• skin irritation under patch

There is limited information available concerning the safety of Prokarin. Histamine carries the risk of increasing the severity of asthma symptoms, and it has been reported that Prokarin has triggered severe asthmatic attacks. People with asthma should not use Prokarin. A case report exists of an individual experiencing loss of appetite and irritability while taking both lioresal (Baclofen) and Prokarin. People have reported skin irritation and rashes where the patch is applied. Prokarin is not a replacement for conventional MS medications, especially those that modify the course of the disease.

Conclusion:

Prokarin treatment is expensive and limited data are available regarding its safety and its efficacy. One small study reported that Prokarin may help with fatigue. People with asthma should not use Prokarin because of potential risks associated with histamine. Prokarin should not be used instead of conventional medications.

Introduction:

Pilates (or the Pilates method) is a series of about 500 exercises inspired by calisthenics, yoga and ballet. Pilates lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups in the body in a balanced fashion. It improves flexibility, strength, and balance and body awareness.

Pilates can be an aerobic and non-aerobic form of exercise. It requires concentration and focus, because you move your body through precise ranges of motion. Pilates lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups in your body in a balanced fashion. It requires concentration in finding a centre point to control your body through movement. Each exercise has a prescribed placement, rhythm and breathing pattern.

Health benefits of Pilates

The health benefits of Pilates include:

• improved flexibility
• increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
• balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body
• enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs
• improved stabilization of your spine
• improved posture
• rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
• improved physical coordination and balance
• relaxation of your shoulders, neck and upper back
• safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
• prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
• increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing
• improved concentration
• increased body awareness
• Stress management and relaxation.

Types of Pilates

The two basic forms of Pilates are:

• Mat-based Pilates – this is a series of exercises performed on the floor using gravity and your own body weight to provide resistance. The main aim is to condition the deeper, supporting muscles of your body to improve posture, balance and coordination
• Equipment-based Pilates – this includes specific equipment that works against spring-loaded resistance, including the ‘reformer’, which is a moveable carriage that you push and pull along its tracks. Some forms of Pilates include weights (such as dumbbells) and other types of small equipment that offer resistance to the muscles.

Pilates and general precautions

Although Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, certain people should seek medical advice before embarking on a new program, including:

• people who have recently had surgery
• pregnant women
• people aged 40 years or more
• people with a pre-existing medical condition such as heart disease
• people with pre-existing musculoskeletal injuries or disorders
• anyone who has not exercised for a long time
• People who are very overweight or obese.

Conclusion:

It is always better to see your doctor for a check-up to assess your fitness level before taking up a new exercise program.  Find a properly trained and qualified instructor of yoga or Pilates.    Pilates is a safe and effective method of rehabilitation and exercise that focuses on muscular balance.

Introduction:

With the public’s growing awareness of the deadly side effects associated with the regular use of synthetic painkillers like ibuprofen, the need for natural, evidence-based alternatives has never been greater.

People generally think that over-the-counter drugs are safer than physician-prescribed ones. Unfortunately, that does not hold true for drugs like ibuprofen, consumed at a rate of billions of doses, annually, and responsible for thousands of cardiovascular disease-related deaths each year.

5 clinically validated, natural alternatives worth considering:

1. Arnica, A study found that arnica, applied topically, was as effective as ibuprofen for relieving symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the wrist, and with less side effects.
2. Ginger, a study found that ginger was effective as ibuprofen for pain symptoms associated with difficult menstrual cycles (dysmenorrhea).
3. Turmeric, a study found that turmeric extracts were as effective as ibuprofen for relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
4. Thyme, a study found that an extract of thyme was as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain and spasm symptoms associated with difficult menstrual cycles (dysmenorrhea).
5. Omega- 3 fatty acids a study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with fish oil helped neurosurgery patients reduce their need for medications, and experienced results consistent with previous research indicating palliative effects at least as effective as ibuprofen.
6. Cinnamon, a study found that cinnamon was as effective as ibuprofen for pain associated with difficult menstrual cycles (dysmenorrhea).

Other useful essential oils and herbs to mitigate pain:

1.Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil may help relieve pain naturally. People use lavender oil for pain relief, to help sleep, and to ease anxiety.

2. Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary is another essential oil that may relieve pain.   It  may help treat headache, muscle and bone pain, and seizures. Rosemary may also reduce inflammation, relax smooth muscles, and boost memory.

3. Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil comes from the Mentha piperita L. plant. The peppermint plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving effects.

4. Eucalyptus essential oil

The final essential oil on this list of natural ways to relieve pain is eucalyptus oil. This herbal remedy from the Eucalyptus plant may help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in the body.

5. Cloves

People have traditionally used cloves, from the Eugenia caryophyllata plant, as a home remedy to relieve pain from toothache.

6. Capsaicin

People also use capsaicin, present in chili peppers, for natural pain relief. This substance can cause a mild burning or tingling sensation when a person applies it topically. Capsaicin topical creams and patches play in pain management. Many pain-relieving products contain capsaicin.

Conclusion:

When a person takes traditional pain relief medication as prescribed, with guidance from a doctor, it is a safe and effective way to manage pain.  Natural pain relievers, however, offer an alternative for people who want to avoid the long-term side effects of pain relief medication.

People can use essential oils by adding a few drops to a tissue or a steam bath and inhaling the vapor. People can also add the herbs and spices listed above to food. However, if a person is unable to do that, they can instead take them as supplements.

Introduction:

Thalassotherapy comes from the Greek word “thalassa” meaning “sea”. It refers to a variety of treatments that use saltwater and seaweed, each designed to cleanse, soothe and revitalize the skin and body, and, in some cases, to improve circulation and muscle tone. Other marine and ocean derivatives feature in thalassotherapy, too, including algae, mud and sand. All are cleaned and purified before use.

Thalassotherapy comes in various forms, and encompasses hydrotherapy, such as mineral-rich showers, seawater pools, and hydro massage, and algotherapy, such as seaweed, algae or mud baths and wraps.

What is thalassotherapy good for?

Different forms of thalassotherapy have different effects, helping you:

• relax
• tone your muscles
• cleanse your skin
• ease aches and pains
• boost your immune system
• improve sleep quality
• detox and support weight loss 

Thalassotherapy is also thought to help people with:

• circulatory problems, such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis
•  respiratory conditions,  such as asthma and bronchitis)
• post-traumatic disorders such as muscle atrophy
•  Chronic inflammations, such as rheumatic arthritis.

Different types of thalassotherapy

A Thalasso wrap, expect to be swathed in real seaweed or marine mud. You will probably be wrapped up from your toes to your chest, and your therapist will cover you with a thermal blanket to keep you warm.

A thalassotherapy bath will involve a long soak in a tub filled with a warm, therapeutic solution. Your bath may be filled just with seawater, or with water and seaweed, algae, or mud, and essential oils may be added to the water for a relaxing aroma.

Swimming in a seawater pool is gentle on your skin and hair as salt softens hard water, and little chlorine is needed to keep the pool hygienic. High-pressure jets of water can also be used as “hydro-massage” above or below the water line of the pool, massaging your body while you relax in the warmth of the water.

Seawater, or water enhanced with marine minerals, is sometimes used to supply therapeutic showers. These may be experience showers in a thermal suite, where various pressures and temperatures are used to recreate weather such as “sea mist” or “tropical rain”, or Vichy showers, which are horizontal showers used in treatment rooms to shower off a scrub or body mask, without you having to get off your treatment table.

Curative benefits

• Stimulates circulation
• Improves the oxygen supply to cells
• Stimulates the lymphatic system
• Promotes the immune system
• Improves the muscular system and firms the connective tissues
• Detoxifies
• Purifies
• Regulates the body’s acid-base balance
• Antibacterial and reduces inflammation
• Helps to overcome stomach and intestinal issues

Conclusion:

In Thalasso treatments, the entire marine environment is put to use towards the well-being of the whole body. In particular, the sea air which is also rich in trace elements and helps dilate the blood vessels and accelerates exchanges between the human body and the environment. As in contact with water, the body relaxes and recharges itself with energy.  After a thalassotherapy spa, you’ll probably feel refreshed and relaxed. However you feel, treat yourself to a long, rejuvenating shower in fresh water and take some time out to enjoy the oceanic serenity.