Introduction:

The last few decades have seen doctors prescribing synthetic hormones to women who are near menopause or to those who have attained menopause. These hormones are also used in regulation periods, as contraceptives, in premenstrual syndrome (PMS), for women with heavy bleeding during pregnancy, women with fibroids, endometriosis and for post-menopausal depression, hot flushes and lack of sexual drive. It was also hoped that hormone replacement therapy would stave off heart disease and osteoporosis.

But hormone replacement therapy is fraught with great risk. There was an increased risk of cardiovascular events, strokes, breast cancer and dementia.

What are the alternatives for this problem?

Alternative therapists prefer Soy as a natural remedy as it contains goodish amounts of plant estrogens.  Japanese women suffer from lesser incidents of breast cancer and menopausal symptoms are milder because of a diet that is rich in soy. A soy rich diet along with a low fat diet helps to keep bones strong.

Other sources of plant estrogens are red clover and flaxseed. Both are available as supplements.

Black cohosh is a Native American herb that is useful in preventing hot flushes and insomnia and vaginal dryness, which are usually associated with menopause.

Ayurveda and menopause:

Like other Complementary systems, specific ayurvedic herbs are used for different female types.  Some of the useful herbs used in ayurveda are Aloe gel, Shatavari, Saffron, Kapikacchu, Ashwagandha, and these are taken in milk decoctions. Shatavari and Aloe gel are useful to maintain the youthfulness of the females.  Chavanaprash is another great rejuvenating remedy.

Homeopathic options in menopause:

A good homeopath can ameliorate many distressing symptoms by choosing the correct constitutional remedy. Few remedies are listed here, which are commonly used.

Belladonna

This remedy is useful for hot flushes with throbbing sensation in the head. This remedy suits women who have short bursts of anger and a craving form lemons and lemonade.

Calcarea carbonica

This remedy may be helpful to a woman who has severe heat sweats and weight gain during menopause. Such women usually crave for eggs and sweets also.

Graphites

This remedy suits a woman who is chilly, pale, and sluggish. Such women are prone to obesity in menopause. These women are also prone to eczema.

 Ignatia

Ignatia is a useful remedy for mood swings during menopause.

 Lachesis

This remedy is useful in intense hot flashes with red or purplish flushing, palpitations, and feelings of pressure, congestion and constriction. Such women tend to be very talkative, with jealousy and suspicion.

Natrum muriaticum

This remedy suits women who are over sensitive, who craves for salts and have severe headaches after going out in the sun.

Pulsatilla

This remedy suits weepy women with changeable moods. Such women feel better in the open air.

Sepia

This remedy suits women who are weary and lose interest in day-to-day tasks during menopause.

 Staphysagria

This remedy suits mild mannered women who have menopausal problems such as depression. It helps women who have been abused and many suppressed emotions.  .

Conclusion:

The cure of menopausal symptoms need life-style changes that include, regular exercise, yoga, meditation and switching to a healthy diet that is more vegetarian in nature.

References and links:

www.medscape.com

www.herbalremediesinfo.com.

www.peacehealth.org.

www.steadyhealth.com.

Introduction:

Resins, balsams, and related substances are complex chemical products produced by specialized ducts, cavities, or metabolic by-products of trees and other plant forms. Resins are insoluble in water and are usually hard, transparent, or clear. When heated, they soften and usually melt. Their chemistry is elaborate, containing mixtures of resin acids, alcohols, tannins, esters, and other compounds.

Oleoresins are mixtures of resins and volatile oils. Oleoresins include turpentine and Canada balsam.

Some useful Tree resins:

Myrrh

The history of myrrh is nearly as ancient as written history itself. In biblical times, the price of myrrh was equal to that of gold. The Ebers papyrus, written in 1500 B.C., describes the use of myrrh for wounds, sores, and as an ingredient in embalming solution. Ancient Sumerian records document its use for worms and the treatment of infected teeth.

Guggul:

It is an oleo gum resin from the Commiphora mukul or C. wightii species, has attracted attention both in the marketplace and in the scientific literature in recent years. This resin has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for arthritis, a weight-reducing agent, and to lower cholesterol.

Frankincense:

Frankincense, like myrrh, was once a gift of the Magi to the infant Christ.  The gum is not used medicinally today, although animal studies have shown some anti-inflammatory activity. However, it is still widely used as an ingredient in perfumes, including those with floral, citrus, and violet scents.

Boswellia:

This oleo gum resin resembles frankincense, which comes from African and Middle Eastern species of Boswellia. But Boswellia serrata is a small tree, up to fifteen feet in height; it is found in dry hilly areas in India.  Boswellia is valued as a traditional anti-inflammatory; it’s used to relieve arthritis and low back pain. The resin is composed mostly of triterpenes including alpha- and beta-boswellic acids and other boswellic acid derivatives.  Boswellia does have an advantage over conventional NSAIDs in that it has a much lower rate of side effects, especially gastric irritation and ulcer-inducing activity.

Sweet gum, an American resin:

The common sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua, is still a modern source of resin.  Modern pharmacology confirms that sweet gum’s resins have antiseptic, expectorant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its primary commercial use is as an ingredient of the compound tincture of benzoin, available in every drugstore.

Other useful Resins:

Balsam of Peru and Tolu balsam are occasionally used as ingredients in cough or cold formulations.

Conclusion:

Tree Resins and their by-products are still very much a part of our everyday lives. They are often used in infinitesimal amounts, as flavorings, perfume fragrances, and cosmetics. The use of resins such as myrrh, boswellia, and guggul is as relevant today as it was in the Biblical times.

Introduction:

Sonopuncture is based on the same principles of acupuncture; however as opposed to the manipulation of needles in the skin, sound waves are used instead of these needles. For sonopuncture special sound heads, some similar looking to tuning forks, are used to generate a beam of inaudible ultra-sound. These devices can produce concentrated beams of sound that range from two to five millimeters in width.

The principle of Sonopuncture:

The human ear can hear sound waves with frequencies between 20 to 20,000 cycles per second. Sound waves with a frequency above twenty thousand cycles per second are too high pitched to be heard by human ears and are called ultrasound, and range from various frequencies between 750,000 to 1,000,000 cycles per second.

Sonopuncture is also a very good at healing tissue.  Applying the sound head over the area that is infected, like a small abscess or a wound that is not healing, improves the blood circulation in the area being treated and causes an increase in white blood cells and antibodies in area.

Sonopuncture is very good at breaking up areas with a reduced blood supply, like fibrous tissue or connective tissue, and helps to heal and remove that scar tissue by breaking down the fibrous tissue with an increase in blood supply, thus improving and speeding up the healing process.

Benefits of Sonopuncture:

• Are interested in acupuncture, but can’t tolerate needles
• Have sensitive skin that has been irritated by acupuncture in the past.
• Have found traditional medical treatments to be ineffective for their medical conditions and chronic pain.
• Can cure all types of infections
• Removing wrinkles, scars and rejuvenating skin
• Varicose veins
• Spinal problems
• Asthma and bronchial problems
• Prostate problems

Conclusion:

Research has shown that ultrasound stimulation, via the use of tuning forks, applied to specific acupuncture points for a minute or less, has the same effectiveness as traditional acupuncture. The ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the body’s tissues to generate healing and can be used for people of all ages safely and non-invasively. An additional benefit of sonopuncture treatment is that it does not cause the irritation to the skin that often comes with acupuncture.

Introduction:

Marijuana medicine is gaining traction. Evidence of cannabis health benefits is preliminary but promising. . The body of medical research grows, and we’re getting more proof of this plant’s therapeutic value with each passing day.

Numerous reports suggest that high THC cannabis seeds might be healing powerhouses of a similar level. Although much of the evidence is still inconclusive, but one conclusion stands marijuana isn’t a cure-all but its applications are broader than you might expect.

THC, CBD, and Terpenes

What are the health benefits of cannabis? This plant’s therapeutic properties seem vast. The reason might lie in its complex chemical makeup.

Marijuana cannabinoids and terpenes are responsible for flavors, effects, and health benefits. CBD has been in the spotlight of alternative medicine for years now, but the focus shifted with additional information. Without getting into the nitty-gritty of it, here are the three categories of compounds that produce cannabis health benefits:

• Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating component. It’s studied as a physical and psychological wellness booster, inhibiting numerous conditions.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound. It binds to the endocannabinoid system, controlling pain responses, mood, and appetite.
• Terpenes are aromatic compounds. They might tailor THC and CBD activities, making them antioxidant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.

Benefits of Cannabis:

 Lowers Blood Pressure

• Hypertension is the ‘silent killer’ among Americans, contributing to stroke and heart attack. Marijuana could offer short-term and long-term blood pressure reduction.
• Researchers are still theorizing an explanation. The most prominent hypothesis says that marijuana reduces stress and pain—which we know—and blood pressure drops as a result.
• Looking at this health benefit of cannabis use, it’s no wonder older people are becoming the prime demographic for medical marijuana.

 Reduced Inflammation:

• Marijuana has long been soothing joint pain. Recent research suggests that we could expand this application to inflammatory conditions in general.
• Scientists believe that CBD and THC create brain pathways to reduce the body’s response to inflammation.
• These chemicals could alleviate symptoms of Crohn’s disease, IBS, arthritis, injury pain, and other inflammatory issues.
• As marijuana becomes more accessible, this cannabis health benefit can become vital for many people’s daily functioning.

Prevents Relapse:

• Many people associate cannabis with addiction, but science disagrees. Studies propose marijuana use to prevent relapse in people struggling with alcohol and narcotic addiction.
• This health benefit of cannabis is two-fold. Consuming plenty of THC relieves anxiety and pain, helping people deal with withdrawal.
• Long-term CBD use could aid stress-induced cravings and impulse control issues that lead to relapse.
• The use of cannabis can help those dealing with more dangerous substances.

 Reduces Depression

• Anxiety treatment is a well-known cannabis benefit for mental health. Lower doses of THC or any dose of CBD can assist with crippling symptoms. For this reason, many people suffering from anxiety and depression discuss using marijuana as a remedy.
• The plant might lower depression levels even without accompanying anxiety.
• CBD and THC can provide rapid, short-term relief, encourage healthier habits, and stabilize the mood. Regular CBD may balance serotonin levels in the long run, but psychiatric attention and tracking are necessary.

 Easier Weight Loss

• Weight loss doesn’t always mean a wellness increase, but the two often coincide.
• On average, cannabis smokers appear to have lower body mass indexes than non-smokers.
• Long-term usage could actually reduce excessive weight.
• THC and CBD both have roles in this health benefit of cannabis use.
• THC often causes an appetite spike, but it might reduce energy storage in fat cells.
• CBD may suppress hunger and promote brown fat cell production, boosting the metabolism.

 Glaucoma Prevention

• Glaucoma is a dangerous condition that could cause blindness if not treated rapidly and properly.
• Marijuana might improve symptoms and slow down progression, preventing or delaying vision loss.
• This health benefit of cannabis use has to do with THC. This compound dilates blood vessels surrounding the optic nerve. It lowers the pressure in the eyeballs, soothing pain and lowering the risk of complications.
• This activity is similar to traditional glaucoma medications, minus the side effects.

 Cancer Treatment

• The final cannabis health benefit sounds the most bombastic, but it’s not mere sensationalism.
• Some studies suggest that cannabinoids might fight cancer cells and restrict metastasis.
• We’re still far from effective cancer treatment.
• Moreover, many cancer patients already use medicinal marijuana to fight chemotherapy side effects. This trend provides opportunities to explore and potentially harness the effect.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, the health benefits of cannabis could be numerous and far-reaching.  The main issue is that we still lack definitive research to support claims cropping up in scientific communities and push FDA approval.  If cannabis generally sounds enjoyable, why not buy seeds and test these claims yourself if it is legal in your country.

 

Introduction:

Broken bones and fractures are common injuries; an average person might experience a broken bone twice in their lifetime. This traumatic injury also requires immediate medical attention. It’s essential to know how you can attend to a broken bone or any injuries in case it happens to you or someone near you.

How to deal with a fracture> – First things first:

1. Call for Emergency Help

It’s advisable to seek professional help since you aren’t sure how severe the injuries are. When it comes to broken bones and fractures, professional assistance is vital as most internal injuries can only be analyzed clearly with the help of an x-ray.  Therefore, before you even perform first aid on the victim, ensure emergency help is on the way.

2. Assess the Injured Area

In case of an emergency and there are no trained medical practitioners around, you need to check the condition of your injury. While pain after a fall doesn’t necessarily mean the victim has a broken bone.

Injuries on the head, pelvis, or spine might be difficult to assess without an x-ray. But if you suspect the victim might have sustained injuries on these parts, avoid moving the victim at all costs. If the injuries occurred to fingers, legs, arms, nose, or toes, they’ll look crooked or out of place. Also, a severely broken bone might protrude through the injured area and cause excess bleeding.

Other symptoms of a broken bone or fracture include the inability to use the injured part, numbness, immediate swelling and bruising, nausea, or shortness of breath.

When examining the injury, be careful with movements. Moving an individual with spine, neck, skull, or pelvis injuries is highly risky and might worsen the injuries.

3. Stop the Bleeding

Suppose the broken bone or fracture is causing bleeding; attempt to stop it. Addressing bleeding is even more vital than addressing a broken bone since bleeding from the primary artery can cause death within a few minutes. Apply firm pressure on the wound using a piece of cloth or towel.

Hold the towel or cloth over the injury for several minutes to initiate a blood clot in the injured area and stop the bleeding. If possible, secure the towel with an elastic bandage to ensure it stays in place.

If the bleeding continues, you might need to tie a tight tourniquet above the injured area to prevent circulation until you get help from professionals. You can use a rope, rubber tubing, string, cord, necktie, leather belt, or scarf as a tourniquet.

If there’s a large object penetrating the injured area, avoid removing it since it can cause even more bleeding that might not be easy to control.

4. Immobilize the Broken Bone

After stabilizing the victim, try to immobilize the broken bone if you need to wait for health practitioners for more than an hour. Immobilization helps reduce pain while protecting the fractured bone from further injuries caused by an accidental movement. If you aren’t sure how to realign the bone, leave it the way it is to avoid damaging blood vessels and nerves that might cause paralysis. Remember, splints work on limb bones only, not on the pelvis or torso.

For a successful immobilization, place a piece of rigid cardboard or plastic on each side of the injury to support the bone. Use a tape, string, or something else to tie the supporters firmly together. When using a splint on a fractured bone, allow movement in the adjacent joints and avoid securing it too tight to allow blood circulation.

5. Apply Ice to the Injury

After immobilizing the injury, apply ice while waiting for professional help. Cold therapy helps numb the pain, reduce swelling or inflammation, and reduce bleeding. If finding ice is impossible, wrap anything cool on the injury as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Broken bones and fractures require immediate medical attention. However, after calling for emergency medical help, it might help if you perform first aid on the injuries. However, you can assist or even save someone requiring immediate first aid for broken bones or fractures as you wait for a professional. If you find it challenging to do some of the things mentioned above, wait for the medical professionals to avoid worsening the matter.

Introduction:

Isopathy is derived from “isos pathos” or “equal suffering” refers to the use of the precise substance that causes an illness as a therapeutic tool for that same illness. Isopathy is the principle underlying conventional immunotherapy like vaccinating with measles in an attempt to prevent measles or injecting pollen extract to try to subdue pollen allergies

Homeopathy is derived from “homoios pathos” or “similar suffering” is founded on the principle of similars.  A medicinal substance that can produce a certain set of symptoms in healthy persons in a clinical setting can be used to stimulate a curative response in individuals experiencing a similar set of symptoms in an innate disease process.

Benefits of Isopathy:

Clinical experience has shown that Isopathy may be used for a number of conditions and issues and that the benefits include:

• Assist in regulating internal ecology (pH and cell respiration)
• Regulates dysfunctions of the lymphatic system
• Supports the GI system and its beneficial micro flora
• Supports the elimination of metabolic and decomposition product
• Reduces the effects of biochemical stress
• Improves immune function and microcirculation

How does Isopathy work?

Isopathy is a concept based on the presence of microorganisms in our body that can change form depending on the internal environment of our body. Isopathic/pleomorphic therapy nonviolently normalizes the symbiotic equilibrium between endobiont and its organism on the basis of the species-identical organisms.  Isopathic remedies help in harmonizing and treating imbalances in the body and are useful in treating various medical conditions and providing new potential treatments for different illnesses. Diseases indicate healing processes, which attempt to return a disturbed symbiosis to the original healthy condition. Whether the biological self-healing forces of the organism will win over the disease, or whether the symbiont is able to develop unchecked into a parasite, depends on the condition of the milieu in which the disturbance plays out.

What is a Nosode?

A nosode is a potentized remedy prepared from diseased tissue or the product of disease (from the Greek nosos = disease, eidos = like). Classically speaking, a remedy is only homeopathic when prescribed for a patient whose symptomatology corresponds to that of the remedy – until then it is simply a “potentized” remedy. 

Nosodes are further classified based on the source and recipient. An isonosode is a potentized remedy made from diseased tissues or products of disease from the same group of patients/animals. An autonosode is a potentized remedy made from diseased tissues or products of disease from the same patient.

The fact that nosodes have the ability to resurrect previously suppressed diseases should indicate the need for caution in their use. Nosodes are excellent therapeutic tools and their judicious use can produce wonderful results, but they should not be used alone in preference to the simillimum if you have a choice.

Conclusion:

The challenge homeopathy and Isopathy face in this century in order to reestablish themselves as important medical systems worthy of status, funding and development is to address their modus operandi. A satisfactory explanation of how they work is essential – which makes additional research a priority.

Introduction:

We all deserve and want a healthy respiratory system.  Unfortunately, chemtrails, secondhand smoke, haze. Poor quality food and aerosol contaminants (to name a few) create a greater risk of respiratory diseases.  To make matters bad, many of the medications doctors prescribe for these respiratory problems have a number of unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and irritability.

5 great herbs to improve your breathing naturally

Osha root is indigenous to North America in the area of the Rocky Mountains and is long revered by Native people for its healing properties.  The root of the osha plant appears to possess lung-strengthening capabilities.

Osha root contains camphor and other beneficial oils, which clear away mucous, improve blood flow to the lungs and increase your ability to take a deeper breath.

Lomatium is another traditional Native American medicinal herb.  It has antibacterial and antiviral properties and has been used with great success by many suffering from allergies and other ailments affecting lung function. 

Plurisy root For generations, pleurisy root has been used for respiratory complaints by sustaining the immune system.  While we do not have many clinical studies on this plant, it has a long history of anecdotal evidence demonstrating its effectiveness.

Pleurisy root’s expectorant abilities are quite remarkable.  It has an outstanding ability to clear mucous from the chest and lungs, which makes it easier to heal from a variety of respiratory ailments.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in these circumstances.

Licorice root is somewhat of a wonder herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) when it comes to treating respiratory diseases and promoting healthy lungs.  With a long track record of success in TCM – dating back thousands of years – it also has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Licorice root soothes bronchial spasms and eases sore throats.  It even has the noted ability to block the formation of lung cancer cells.  In addition, it has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

Mullein is native to Europe and Asia but has been successfully grown in America since the time of European colonization.  It was considered an important healing herb back then, and, according to the University of Michigan, studies support that tradition today.

Thanks to its unique chemical compounds, mullein supports healthy pulmonary function.  It is also an excellent expectorant and soothes the mucous membranes when irritated.  Its healing properties are known to be very powerful.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for natural ways to support your respiratory function, try one or more of these excellent herbal supplements.  While you should never quit taking your medication without the advice of a trusted medical professional, you may find these herbs help you feel a lot better and without adverse side effects. It is time that the orthodox systems of medicine joined hands with the alternate systems of medicine so that the various health-promoting benefits of medicinal herbs are exploited for the welfare of mankind

Introduction:

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” — Irish Proverb.

Sleep is an essential function¹ that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy and stave off diseases. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly.

Foods that help you catch some sleep

On the flip side, certain foods and beverages can actually help you sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. They include the following:

1. Nuts

1. For a quick, pre-bedtime snack, nuts are a good option because they contain melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.
2. Not only are they heart-healthy, but sleep-healthy as well.

2. Cottage cheese 

1. Because it’s high in lean protein, cottage cheese contains tryptophan, an amino acid known to increase serotonin levels.
2. And, it’s even better if you plop some raspberries on top because they’re rich in melatonin.

3. Fruits

1.  In addition to raspberries, many fruits also contain melatonin, including tart cherries, bananas, pineapples, and oranges.
2. The antioxidants in fruits such as berries, prunes, raisins, and plums may also energize you after a sleepless night.
3. They can be helpful in counteracting the oxidative stress caused by some sleep disorders.

4. Whole grains

1. Surprisingly, popcorn, oatmeal, or whole-wheat crackers with some sort of nut butter are much better choices before bed.
2. Complex carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, or sugary, baked items that only act to reduce your serotonin levels.

5. Warm milk and herbal teas

1. Of course, the soothing properties of warm beverages drank before bedtime should be mentioned as well.
2. The traditional standard of warm milk still holds up today. Some researchers have shown an association between milk’s tryptophan and melatonin content and better sleep, but the psychological aspects of drinking warm milk at bedtime as a child shouldn’t be underestimated.
3. In addition, caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile, valerian, or passionflower can be just plain relaxing, especially if they are included in your nightly bedtime ritual.

Foods to avoid before going to bed

Though bedtime snacks may be a good thing, according to a study published in Nutrients, eating a big steak dinner, fried foods, or hot and spicy menu options too close to bedtime will interfere with our sleep. Here are five other foods that may also, surprisingly, cut into your beauty rest.

1. Chocolate

1. Unfortunately, as delicious as chocolate is, it contains caffeine, which causes increased arousal and works to decrease your ability to fall into and sustain deeper sleep stages.
2. In addition, chocolate, especially dark chocolate also contains small amounts of theobromine, a bitter alkaloid found in the cacao plant. Theobromine can increase heart rate and cause sleeplessness.
3. White chocolate, however, contains little, if any, caffeine, and no theobromine, and maybe a better choice before bedtime.

2. Dried fruit

1. The high-fiber, low-water content of dried fruit can cause digestive issues, including gas and cramping during the night.
2. The culprit is sorbitol, a sweetener found in dried fruits, including raisins and prunes, which can cause stomach bloating and flatulence, especially when eaten in larger quantities. Steer clear!

3. Matcha or green teas

1. Unfortunately, green tea contains not only caffeine, but theobromine and theophylline, both of which can increase heart rate, cause feelings of nervousness, and increase overall anxiety.
2. Believe it or not, matcha a type of green tea contains caffeine but causes less of the jitters than green tea.
3. Because the health benefits of green tea are numerous, however, drink it with abandon during the day, but stop at around 3 or 4 p.m.

4. Chips

1. The sheer fat content of any chip should be a clear sign that you should stay away, especially before bedtime.
2. A single serving (about 18 chips) of Lays Potato Chips, for example, contains 2 grams of fat.
3. Because it takes so much work for your body to digest fats, eating chips before bed will almost guarantee that the next few hours will have you tossing and turning.
4. As if that weren’t enough, researchers also found that eating greasy junk foods—like chips—can cause nightmares.

5. Oranges

1. Because of their high acid content, oranges can cause or exacerbate heartburn, especially if they are eaten on an empty stomach. Not only that, but the scent of oranges is energizing, and may keep you alert instead of relaxing you.
2. Finally, citrus is a natural diuretic and may cause you a few unwelcomed, sleep-interrupting trips to the bathroom during the night.

Conclusion:

The Basics health benefits of sleep are that you get sick less often if you sleep well. Good sleep helps to maintain a healthy weight. Good sleep promotes cardiovascular health and improves stress, moods and helps one to perform better in the world.

Introduction:

Rosen Method Bodywork is a unique form of somatic approach which addresses physical stress. Its unique form of sensitive touch and verbal communication helps people to become aware of what they are holding – physically and emotionally – in their body. When the body is allowed to reveal its truth in a non-judgmental way, it can relax and let go of stress and pain. Rosen Method helps individuals to soften the barriers in their life so that they can live more fully, and the natural feelings of “embodied being” can become a source of joy.

The Origins

Marion Rosen (formerly Rosenfeld) was born in 1914 in Germany and was of Jewish origin, (although she was unaware of this until the persecution of the Jews began). Trained by Lucy Heyer in massage and breath-work, Marion worked on clients who also received psychotherapy from Lucy’s husband Carl Gustav Heyer.  Heyer was a Jungian psychoanalyst and a former student and colleague of C.G. Jung. Marion soon noticed that the treatment time for patients was greatly reduced by this combination of bodywork and psychotherapeutic intervention.

How does Rosen Method help?

Some of the benefits of Rosen include:

• Release of physical tension and pain;
• Reduction of stress and chronically suppressed emotion – leading to improved immune functioning and other health benefits;
• Personal growth: reconnection to inner resources and opening to one’s full potential;
• Greater self-care and nurturing;
• Positive life change through increased self-confidence and strengthened sense of purpose;
• Improved interpersonal relationships;
• Spiritual connection and opening.

Who is Rosen Method for?

Rosen sessions are for anyone interested in exploring how the body and the psyche work together – whether for health and well-being, personal and professional development, or for professional training. The aim is to help people to experience their full physical and emotional potential through increased awareness and relaxation.

Conclusion:

Rosen Method bodywork begins with the individual and her personal growth. It introduces clients and practitioners to a new way of being and a new way of communicating with people. Reaching new depths of being leads to action and has a ripple effect in the world. Rosen Method work is more than an opportunity for individual transformation. It can transform relationships at home, at work, and in the community.

Introduction:

Sweet potatoes are more than just a popular staple food serving as a sweet appetizer, side dish or filling snack on their own. This starchy root vegetable has plenty to offer when it comes to achieving optimal health. Sweet potato is a common food source for many indigenous populations in Africa, Central and South Americas, the Caribbean and Hawaii.

It’s an excellent source of natural compounds, including beta-carotene and anthocyanins. The high concentration of these compounds in the root crop, paired with its stable colors, make sweet potato a healthful alternative to synthetic coloring agents in food. Let’s take a closer look at five ways that sweet potatoes benefit overall wellness.

Rich Nutrition Profile:

1 cup of sweet potatoes contains:

• Water — 103 grams (g)
• Energy — 114 kilocalories (kcal)
• Protein — 2.09 g
• Carbohydrate — 26.9 g
• Calcium — 39.9 milligrams (mg)
• Iron — 0.811 mg
• Potassium — 448 mg
• Phosphorus — 62.5 mg
• Sodium — 73.2 mg

The orange and purple varieties of sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, chlorogenic acid and vitamin C.

Enhanced Memory and Cognitive Health

A 2013 study found that a purple sweet potato extract rich in caffeoylquinic acids led to a neuroprotective effect on the brain of animal models, potentially helping improve spatial learning and memory.

Purple sweet potato color comes from a class of naturally occurring anthocyanins that have strong antioxidant and neuroprotective activity in animal subjects; it showed great promise in improving cognitive function. In further animal studies, purple sweet potatoes were shown to protect the brain by reducing inflammation.

Immune Support

Sweet potatoes with orange flesh are among the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.

Vitamin A is critical to a healthy immune system. “It is not surprising that vitamin A deficiency is associated with impaired intestinal immune responses and increased mortality associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

Purple sweet potatoes are also of particular interest in immune support, with polysaccharides including water-soluble polysaccharide, dilute alkali-soluble polysaccharide and concentrated alkali-soluble polysaccharide (CASP) which have immune-enhancing effects.

Anticancer Potential

Anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants found in sweet potatoes, have been widely evaluated for their anticancer properties, particularly against colorectal, colon, bladder, breast and gastric cancers.  Even sweet potato peel, usually discarded as waste, contains constituents that may help prevent various types of cancer from developing

Diabetes Control and Prevention

Anthocyanins can also serve as a functional food for prevention and control of diabetes. Antioxidants in general have been found to reduce oxidative stress due to hyperglycemia, and anthocyanins from purple sweet potatoes positively affected liver and renal activity as well as blood pressure in diabetic animal models.

This class of antioxidants, found in purple sweet potato, also had beneficial effects on diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction in animal subjects.  

Conclusion:

The humble sweet potato is full of nutrients, can prevent diabetes, fight cancer and promote positive health.