What is Reflexology

What is Reflexology

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Reflexology is a technique that most people associate with applying pressure to various points on the feet. These points correspond to zones throughout the body. The same technique can be applied to the hands very effectively. Hand and foot reflexology has been in use since the times of ancient Egypt.

Today, hand reflexology has even more benefits. We use our hands extensively through using computers, game consoles and other hand held electronics. A relaxing session of hand reflexology not only relaxes the entire body, but is especially helpful for our overworked hands.

Hand reflexology interrupts the patterns of stress in the body. Reflexology stimulates pressure sensors in the hands and feet that relax corresponding body parts. The relaxation spreads to the nervous system and through the entire body. This allows the body to de-stress enough that healing can begin. Studies have shown that reflexology has beneficial effects on the heart and similar effects on the brain to meditation.

Many people are not as aware of hand reflexology as they are with foot reflexology, but both processes work in similar ways. Because hands are more accessible and we are used to working with hands, they are also easier for many people to work with.

Hand reflexology is something that anyone can learn. It uses a combination of pressure, stretch and movement to interrupt the stress patterns that have developed. The important thing to remember is not to overwork your hands if it starts to feel too uncomfortable, or you feel any pain after a reflexology treatment, let your hand rest a few days before doing another.

It is possible to learn hand reflexology techniques and apply them on yourself. These techniques are ideal for those times when you feel stressed or need to calm down for a few moments. First, find a reliable source of information and then take some time to study and learn the exercises. There are many resources available that provide charts to show which parts of your hands correspond with the zones in your body, and they also provide step-by-step treatments that can be used for various ailments.

Many people like to apply pressure by using massage tools. There are wooden tools that can be rolled between your hands to stimulate pressure points that can be quite effective. A reflexologist from the United Kingdom, Kevin Kunz, says his favorite reflexology tool for the hands is a gold ball. "Grasp the hands together, holding a golf ball between the hands, and then roll the ball throughout the palm below the thumb," he advises.

In treating others, reflexology can be helpful in aiding the body's own healing, it can interrupt stress patterns and help relaxation, and it can be an effective method of touch therapy. Touch creates an intimate sensory connection that all humans need it makes a person feel cared for.

There is skepticism about reflexology out these, but those people don't need to believe in it to receive benefit from the treatment. Our overall health can be improved as we stop for a few minutes and practice hand reflexology to relax the patterns of stress that plague us on a daily basis.

Different Types of B Vitamin

Hair Removal Symptoms Vitamins

Different Types of B Vitamin

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This article talks about the importance of B Vitamins in our body as well as the different types of B Vitamins.

The Many Roles of "B" Vitamins

Vitamins are important to our well being and overall health. We hear about Vitamin A, D, E and others. Another very important group of vitamins is the B Vitamins, which are essential to our bodies. There are 8 B vitamins and each of them has their own purpose. Some of the B vitamins are for mental health, some are for our metabolism and some are for good bone growth. Regardless of what each individual B vitamin does for us, as a whole they are needed to help our bodies function properly. In this articles, we'll talk about the different varieties of B vitamin, what each one does as well as how to recognize a vitamin deficiency

B vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that are essential for your health. When they are all grouped together into one vitamin or supplement, they are referred to as the B Complex. Although there are eight of these B vitamins, each one of them has a different role in maintaining our good health and each is equally important.

Different Types of B Vitamin

Vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine, is used to regulate the metabolism of your body as well as keep the level of bad cholesterol low. Symptoms of a thiamine deficiency are weakness in your arms and legs as well as a large and sudden weight loss. Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin is used to promote good vision and healthy skin. Symptoms of a deficiency of riboflavin are mouth dryness and a sensitivity to light. Vitamin B3 also known as niacin is needed to help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in our bodies. Confusion and insomnia are symptoms of not enough Vitamin B2 in our system.

Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic acid is essential for the affect it has on pimples, acne and other dermatological problems. Needless to say, severe acne is a symptom of Vitamin B5 deficiency as well as numbness in the extremities. Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine helps with the production of red blood cells as well as the benefits it gives to our cardio vascular health. Anemia and possible depression are symptoms of a lack of Vitamin B6.

Vitamin B7 or Biotin is useful in helping to strengthen our nails and hair as well as a preventative against hair loss. Not enough biotin can result in brittle nails. Vitamin supplements are also very important for babies. Vitamin B9 or Folic acid is a very important vitamin for women, especially pregnant women. A Vitamin B9 deficiency can lead to possible birth defects or low birth weight. Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin is very important to the functions of our brain. Severe brain damage can occur from Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Remedy For Oily Hair

Remedy For Oily Hair

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Oily hair can be a pain and is a common complaint among persons who have acne problems. Oily hair is difficult to manage, can be limp, and hard to style. A common misconception about oily hair is that it is caused by an oily scalp. The exact opposite is usually true. A dry scalp causes the oil glands in the scalp to produce more oil, and once on the scalp, this excess oil transfers to the hair itself. Therefore, to treat oily hair, one of the best things to do is focus on the dry scalp. Some people produce a lot more oil than others. There is nothing you can do about it other than frequent and regular shampooing with a mild shampoo. The best time to shampoo your hair is first thing in the morning. This way your hair is fresh all day. Many persons mistakenly think that hair shampoo is to wash the hair and not the scalp. Actually, shampoo is designed to clean the scalp and beautify the hair. Thus, the first recommendation is to shampoo the scalp. Women with long hair should apply the shampoo to the scalp without piling the hair on top, and use their fingers to massage the scalp.

Natural hair oil can change your hair's appearance and behavior. The key to controlling oily hair is to remove the sebum adequately from the scalp. Shampoo selection is another important consideration. There are many remedies for oily hair to manage oily hair. Do not wash your hair everyday. Use a cleaning shampoo to wash your hair and to scrub off the oil build up. Use a mild shampoo and scrub lightly. While applying conditioner, do not apply to the roots only apply in the middle or to the ends. Reduce the oil intake in your diet. Avoid oily food. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid drugs, alcohol and oils. Use a mild shampoo, shampoo for oily hair, shampoo for dry scalp, or a baby shampoo. Wash oily hair daily, but concentrate the shampoo on the hair away from the scalp to remove the excess oil from the hair. One teaspoon of apple cider kitchen vinegar added to a pint of water makes an excellent finishing rinse that adds shine and luster to your hair while removing soap residue that can weigh down oily hair.

Oily hair can be due to a hormonal imbalance; a diet too hygiene fatty foods; washing too often; or sometimes because the scalp has larger oil glands than normal. Take some dry soap nuts (reetha) and soak them in water overnight. Mash them in the morning and strain the soapy solution. Add a teaspoon of shikakai powder and wash your hair. Use a hot oil treatment directly on the scalp itself, gently massaging the oil into the scalp and then rinsing the oily hair thoroughly afterward. If hair is very oily, do not use any conditioner, or use conditioner only on the tips or ends of the hair. Oily hair is likely shiny enough, so avoid using hair gloss gel or shine hair care products on oily hair. Another good home remedy is to mix a tablespoon of malt vinegar in a glass of water and add a pinch of salt. Then put two tablespoons on your scalp and massage it with your fingertips. Do not use detergent shampoos. Do not use oils unless the cleansing routine leaves your hair extremely dry. Regularly massage your scalp. Boil two handful of mint leaves in one and a half glass of water for 20 minutes. Strain the solution and mix in a 300ml bottle of shampoo.

Oily Hair Remedies Tips

1. Use a cleaning shampoo to wash your hair and to scrub off all the oil build up.

2. Applying astringent to the scalp will absorb the excess oil from the hair.

3. Mix one teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel and one tablespoon of lemon juice with one-fourth shampoo and use the mixture to rinse the hair regularly.

4. Boil two tablespoons of mint in one and a half glass of water for 20 minutes. Strain the mixture and mix it with the regular used shampoo. Using this mixture on alternative days will absorb the excess oils from the scalp.

5. Oily hair is likely shiny enough, so avoid using hair gloss gel or shine hair care products on oily hair.

6. Use a puree of carrots for 15 minutes and rinse the hair.

7. Wash oily hair everyday, but concentrate the shampoo on the hair away from the scalp to remove the excess oil from the hair.

8. Drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables is probably the best way to achieve healthy hair.

9. Do not use detergent shampoos.

10. Do not use oils unless the cleansing routine leaves your hair extremely dry.

Carbohydrates: Explained

Carbohydrates: Explained

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We have all heard of the low carb diet rage. But, what exactly are carbohydrates and what do they do for your body? In essence, carbohydrates are our body’s energy source. They are found in many foods including breads, pastas, cakes,, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are made up of one or more molecules of simple sugar.

The types of sugars in carbohydrates are:

~ Monosaccharides: 1 Molecule sugars found in glucose (blood sugar), fructose (fruit sugar), and galactose (mainly in milk)
~ Disaccharides: 2 monosaccharides linked together as in sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose (malt sugar)
~ Polysaccharides: Complex Carbohydrates, which are simple sugars linked together in different ways

The last one, complex carbohydrates, are the ones that your body breaks down slowly for energy. They are a vital part of a healthy diet. They assimilate slowly, have a lower effect on blood sugar, are less processed than other carbs and provide a variety of other nutrients.

In order to provide your body with the complex carbohydrates it needs to give you energy, there are a few key points to remember:

~ Buy organic whenever possible

~ Eat whole grains as much as possible

~ Leave the nutritious skin on your fruits and vegetables

~ Avoid refined, simple sugars such as cakes, cookies, etc

~ Avoid refined complex carbs such as chips and white bread

Keep in mind your body needs these. They provide essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So stock up on your fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, limit your dairy intake, and start eating your way to a healthier life!

What is Gonorrhea?

What is Gonorrhea?

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Gonorrhea

Also called the "clap" or "drip," gonorrhea is a contagious disease transmitted most often through sexual contact with an infected person. Gonorrhea may also be spread by contact with infected bodily fluids, so that a mother could pass on the infection to her newborn during childbirth. Both men and women can get gonorrhea. The infection is easily spread and occurs most often in people who have many sex partners.

What Causes Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in mucus membranes of the body. Gonorrhea bacteria can grow in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), and fallopian tubes (egg canals) in women, and in the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body) in women and men. The bacteria can also grow in the mouth, throat, and anus.

How Common Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a very common infectious disease in the U.S. Each year, according to the CDC, there are as many as 700,000 new cases, with less than half of them reported to the CDC. There were 309,341 reported cases of gonorrhea in the U.S. in 2010. Sexually active teenagers have one of the highest rates of reported infections.

How Do I Know If I Have Gonorrhea?

Not all people infected with gonorrhea have symptoms, so knowing when to seek treatment can be tricky. When symptoms do occur, they are often within two to 10 days after exposure, but they can take up to 30 days to develop and include the following:

Gonorrhea symptoms in women

Greenish yellow or whitish discharge from the vagina
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Burning when urinating
Conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes)
Bleeding between periods
Spotting after intercourse
Swelling of the vulva (vulvitis)
Burning in the throat (due to oral sex)
Swollen glands in the throat (due to oral sex)
In some women, symptoms are so mild that they escape unnoticed.

Many women with gonorrhea discharge think they have a yeast infection and self-treat with over-the-counter yeast infection drug. Because vaginal discharge can be a sign of a number of different problems, it is best to always seek the advice of a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gonorrhea symptoms in men

Greenish yellow or whitish discharge from the penis
Burning when urinating
Burning in the throat (due to oral sex)
Painful or swollen testicles
Swollen glands in the throat (due to oral sex)
In men, symptoms usually appear two to 14 days after infection.

How Is Gonorrhea Diagnosed?

To diagnose gonorrhea, your doctor will use a swab to take a sample of fluid from the urethra in men or from the cervix in women. The specimen will then be sent to a lab to be analyzed. You also may be given a throat or anal culture to see if the infection is in your throat or anus. There are other tests which check a urine sample for the presence of the bacteria. You may need to wait for several days for your tests to come back from the lab.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia, another common sexually transmitted disease, often occur together, so you may be tested and treated for both.

Can Gonorrhea Be Cured?

Yes. Gonorrhea can be treated and cured.

How Is Gonorrhea Treated?

To cure a gonorrhea infection, your doctor will give you either an oral or injectable antibiotic. Your partner should also be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease.

It is important to take all of your antibiotics even if you feel better. Also, never take someone else's medication to treat your illness. By doing so, you may make the infection more difficult to treat. In addition,

Tell anyone you have had sex with recently that you are infected. This is important because gonorrhea may have no symptoms. Women, especially, may not have symptoms and may not seek testing or treatment unless alerted by their sex partners.
Don't have sex until you have completed taking all of your medicine.
Always use condoms when having sex.
What Happens if I Don't Treat Gonorrhea?

Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent problems in both women and men.

In women, if left untreated, the infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which may damage the fallopian tubes (the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus) or even lead to infertility, and untreated gonorrhea infection could increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg implants and develops outside the uterus), a dangerous condition for both the mother and baby.

In men, gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the testicles that can sometimes lead to infertility if left untreated. Without prompt treatment, gonorrhea can also affect the prostate and can lead to scarring inside the urethra, making urination difficult.

Gonorrhea can spread to the blood or joints. This condition can be life-threatening. Also, people with gonorrhea can more easily contract HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. People with HIV infection and gonorrhea are more likely than people with HIV infection alone to transmit HIV to someone else.

How Does Gonorrhea Affect Pregnancy and Childbirth?

Gonorrhea in a pregnant woman can cause premature delivery or spontaneous abortion. The infected mother may give the infection to her infant as the baby passes through the birth canal during delivery. This can cause blindness, joint infection, or a life-threatening blood infection in the baby. Treatment of gonorrhea as soon as it is detected in pregnant women will lessen the risk of these complications. Pregnant women should consult a doctor for appropriate medications.

How Can I Prevent Gonorrhea Infection?

To reduce your risk of gonorrhea infection:

Use condoms correctly every time you have sex.
Limit the number of sex partners, and do not go back and forth between partners.
Practice sexual abstinence, or limit sexual contact to one uninfected partner.
If you think you are infected, avoid sexual contact and see a doctor.
Any genital symptoms such as discharge or burning during urination or an unusual sore or rash should be a signal to stop having sex and to consult a doctor immediately. If you are told you have gonorrhea or any other STD and receive treatment, you should notify all of your recent sex partners so that they can see a doctor and be treated.