It has only recently begun gaining popularity in the Western world, but it is practiced and regulated as an serious branch of medicine along with traditional western medicine in India. India even has several schools of Ayurvedic medicine. Often, a practitioner of Ayuveda will be trained in western medicine before taking training in ayurveda.

Ayurveda can be a very good way to treat an illness or condition without worrying about side effects. Too often, western medicines have many undesirable side effects. This is not to say that they are ineffective, only that sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. With ayurveda, this may be avoidable.

Ayurveda treats the whole person. The body, mind and spirit are treated with equal importance. Food is considered to be a form of medicine, which is why ayurveda relies on plants and herbs.

Although ayurveda is relied on by a significant proportion of the rural population of India, there are safety concerns. Some ayurveda treatments add minerals, gems and metals to the herbs used in preparing medicine. This can accidently add toxic metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury to the medicine. Clearly, consuming too much of these toxic metals can have an adverse affect on health.

Traditional ayurvedic techniques of preparation are meant to reduce the toxicity of the metals via a combination of physical techniques and prayer. There is no evidence that the toxicity of these metals has been reduced using these methods. On the other hand, finding samples of medicines have been contaminated is nothing new in western medicine. It has been said that the reason samples of ayurvedic medicine have been found to be contaminated is because of modern manufacturing methods.

Despite the safety concerns, there is some evidence that some herbs used in ayurveda have beneficial properties. For example, curcumin, derived from turmeric, is being tested for effectiveness versus various cancers, psoriasis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Furthermore, many plants used in ayurveda have been found to have antioxidant properties. It is best to order ayurvedic products from a company that tests in products by an independent third party to ensure quality.

Even though not every ayurvedic remedy will produce results, and ayurveda is not a silver bullet to cure any illness, there is some evidence to suggest that ayurveda can provide results without the side effects that sometimes accompanies western medicines.

Hahnemann claimed that quinine, a medicine widely used for successful treatment of malaria, produced symptoms of malaria in a healthy person. The patients of malaria were treated with a medicine which created the same symptoms as those created by the disease. The observations with quinine and other medicines led Hahnemann to his “Law of Similars”.

Four years later Hahnemann advanced his doctrine of “potentization of dynamization” which stated that medicines in small doses effectively exerted their curative power.

The homeopathic system of treatment is based on these two principles – Law of Similars and Potentization.

Potentization is a process by which medicine is diluted in precise steps and subjected to “succussion” (a vigorous shaking action). This process brings about an energetic change that gives medicines a deeper curative effect. Repeated dilution ensures that the medicine has no toxic effect. This allows homeopathic use of many substances which would be unsafe under normal conditions.

Traditionally homeopathic treatment is done to cure the disorders, not just the symptoms. Any physical and emotional disorder produces certain symptoms in the body. In many cases different ailments produce similar symptoms. As a part of the treatment the medicines are prescribed to eliminate the causes of disease or discomfort. If two patients have similar problems, they may still require different medicines depending upon their habits and many other factors. Medicines of higher potency are generally given only after the cause of the disease is established.

Homeopathy is relatively young – just over 200 years old. New medicines and treatments are constantly being evolved and documented. Such research studies are called “provings”. As a result of these research studies, Homeopathy is used in a wide variety of health conditions.

Homeopathic medicines do not work strictly by chemical action. At higher potency the medicine is diluted so much that concentration of original medicine reduces to insignificant level. Yet the medicines not only work, they are more effective at higher potency. “Potentization” process brings energetic change in the medicine. In turn the medicine stimulates the body’s defense mechanism to fight the cause of disorder. This approach produces more stable cure as compared to treatment with drugs. Direct chemical action of the drugs often produces harmful side effects. Homeopathic medicines on the other hand have no or little side effects. They are safe and non-toxic.

Two centuries of existence has firmly established homeopathy. It is accepted form of treatment in many parts of the world. However, the theory of homeopathy is inconsistent with known laws of science; therefore the critics often dismiss it as pseudoscience and quackery.

Homeopathy has thrived on the basis of its results. Its medicines have relatively slow but lasting effects. It is not trusted to meet emergency situations, but it is extremely useful in many other situations.

There are two main types of Echinacea, Echinacea angustifolia (coneflower) and Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower), they are members of the aster/daisy family. It is a very popular garden plant due to its beautiful flower, but it is mainly the roots that are used in herbal medicine although the whole plant is used in some preparations.

The most important active principle is echinacoside, in addition the plant contains phenolics, volatile oil and a range of other principles. It’s the combination of all of these active principles that make Echinacea such a wonderful herb to use. This herb is thought to promote healing through its antiviral, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects.

The traditional use of Echinacea was as a blood purifier and therefore it was classed as a cleansing herb. It was commonly used for skin complaints such as boils, eczema, acne, psoriasis and any eruptions of the skin, thereby utilizing it’s cleansing properties.

Recent research indicates that the herb has much greater effects than just as a cleanser, and that through maintaining the body’s natural barriers it helps prevent the spread of infection.

When taking Echinacea the white cells (leukocytes) in the body are stimulated into action, these white cells are a vital part of the body’s defence mechanism, and when stimulated help to destroy any infections. When taken internally it has proved to be a useful herb for improving the body’s own resistance to infectious conditions, especially the common cold and influenza. Unfortunately this use has been misunderstood by the vast majority of people and it has been found that some will take this herb for months, sometimes years, to try to stop catching colds or flu.

What should be remembered is that Echinacea stimulates the white blood cells and prolonged use can lead to over stimulation, and then when infection does strike the white cells can be ineffective. If Echinacea is to be used in the fight against colds and flu then it should be taken only after exposure to the the virus, and then taken for two to three weeks until the danger of contamination has gone.

If a cold or flu develops unexpectedly then a small amount of Echinacea taken every couple of hours until it has gone, can be quite effective.

It must be noted that the use of Echinacea is far greater than just a ‘cure’ for the common cold, scientists working with a variety of viral diseases found a protein in the body that had marked anti-viral properties (interferon). Interferon is non-specific in it’s action and is produced to overcome viral, bacterial or protozoa infections of the body.

Plants like Echinacea can be used to stimulate the body into producing more interferon, which in turn, will help the body fight these infections.

Most low-grade, minor infections are caused by viruses and this means that antibiotics are of no value in such cases, it should also be remembered that antibiotics should always be used sparingly, and for severe bacterial infections only.

This very useful remedy can be used in conjunction with other herbs for infections anywhere in the body. If combined with Bearbery (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) it can be effective in stopping cystitis.

For upper respiratory tract infections it works well if combined with the Chinese herb Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) which also increases the production of white blood cells.

Even though Echinacea is one of the most widely studied plants in herbal medicine a lot more research is required to get the complete picture of the healing properties of this wonderful herb.

Please note this report is for information only and should not be used in place of seeing a healthcare practitioner.

These horrible menstrual cramps have become many women’s reason to skip work, classes or household chores. As they curl up in bed, the only thing on their mind is “how do I find relief from this menstrual pain?”

If you are tired of taking drugs, why not try Chinese herbal medicine? An international nonprofit organization called the Cochrane Collaboration did a review to compare the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in relieving menstrual pain compared to western drugs. The outcome positively favored Chinese herbal medicine. Although they called for better studies in the future, I believe you can trust a medical system that has over 3000 years of history.

Below is a list of Chinese herbs that can help stop menstrual cramps:

1. Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica Root):
   Also known as the “female ginseng,” it is commonly used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve menstrual cramps. It also helps to relieve menopausal symptoms, reduce PMS (pre-menstrual syndromes), improve anemic conditions and correct hormone imbalance. You can drink it as tea or cook it with chicken. Take note that the taste is strong and bitter.
2. Chuan Xiong (Szechwan Lovage Rhizome):
   This herb is also a key medicinal herb when treating menstrual disorders. It improves blood circulation, promotes the flow of “qi” or vital energy and dispels wind to relieve pain. Other uses of this herb includes treating headache, heart disease, rheumatism, arthritis, carbuncles and boils. It has a pungent taste and a very strong aroma. Ancient Chinese women, dating back to the Song Dynasty, used to take this Chinese herb in the form of soup. The soup called Four Substance Decoction (Si Wu Tang) also included other Chinese herbs such as Chinese Angelica Root, Red Peony Root and Chinese Foxglove Root. They drank the soup as a tonic to relieve PMS, stop menstrual pain, strengthen the body and to look more beautiful.
3. Bai Shao (White Peony Root):
   White Peony Root nourishes the blood and activates circulation. It is also used for a wide variety of gynecological problems such as vaginal discharges, threat of miscarriage, excessive menstrual bleeding, and menstrual cramps. White Peony Root can be found in a Japanese formula called toki-shakuyaku-san with five other herbs. The formula of Peony Root, Hoelen, Atractylodes Rhizome, Alisma Rhizome, Dong Quai and Chuan Xiong is said to be effective in reducing menstrual pain.
4. Yi Mu Cao (Chinese Motherwort):
   Chinese Motherwort is a member of the mint family. The leaves of this herb is used to treat menstrual problems. It improves blood circulation and regulates the menstrual cycle. Herbalist also recommend it to treat anxiety and heart palpitations. The seed have also been found to benefit eyesight. Chinese Motherwort can be taken as a tea by infusing the dried herb with boiling water. If you find the taste too bitter and unpleasant, add honey or lemon to improve the flavor. this herb can also be found as a tincture. Do not use this herb during pregnancy or when bleeding is heavy.
5. Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome):
   There are two main functions of this Chinese herb: strengthen blood circulation and relieve pain. Corydalis is a relative of the opium poppy. Although only 1% in strength compared to opium, it is an effective relaxant and pain reliever. The alkaloids, specifically tetrahydropalmatine (THP) helps to relieve menstrual cramps It is usually combined with other herbs such as Pteropus and Bulrush (Shixiao San). Corydalis can be taken as a decoction, infusion, tincture or extract. You can look for it in Asian stores. Take note that this herb is not to be taken by pregnant or nursing women. Also be careful on the dosage. Some people have reported experiencing fatigue, nausea or vertigo after consuming large doses.

Except for Chinese Motherwort, Chinese herbal treatment usually combine several herbs together to address an individual’s needs. It is a unique formula for each person. Mixing these herbs together to produce an effective formula is an art. Therefore, consult with a licensed Chinese herbal medicine practitioner before taking the herbs.

Chinese herbal medicine can be a bit intimidating to westerners, what with funny sounding herb names and maybe having to face a Chinese practitioner that may know little english. However, it is beneficial to trust our oriental counterparts and their years of medicinal tradition. Give Chinese herbal medicine a try today and say goodbye to painful menstrual cramps.

There is an old saying that if you treat a cold it will last a week and if left untreated it will last seven days. There is some truth in that saying, colds are what we call a self-limiting illness, usually a cold will go on its own after seven to ten days. But that doesn’t mean that you have to suffer if you do get a cold, or resort to drugs to get some relief.

Will a cure be found for the common cold? Is there ever going to be a magic bullet that will zap a cold at the first sign? Who knows. Scientists have been researching the common cold for a very long time and they are no nearer to finding a cure. That said there are things you can do to help yourself.

There are herbal remedies that are able to boost your immune system so that it is able to fight off the hundreds of different cold viruses that are lurking about just waiting for the opportunity to invade your body. Once a cold develops, the viruses very quickly reproduce until you have billions in your nose, throat and lungs.

Herbal remedies fight colds in a few different ways, the first is to actually help your body to fight these viruses before they ever get a chance to multiply and develop into a cold.

You may have noticed that you often come into contact with people who have colds but you didn’t develop one, why is that?. How is it that one time you seem to be immune to colds and another time, Wham! you get a cold but don’t remember coming into contact with anyone who had a cold. This is all down to your immune system.

There are a lot of factors involved in having a healthy immune system, one common culprit for suppressing the immune system is stress. So what can you do to try to keep your immune system in top form, some things are just common sense. Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and exercising regularly, all of these things will help reduce stress and boost your immune system.

There are several remedies that are worth keeping in your medicine cupboard, one of these is Echinacea purpurea. You want to make sure you get the Echinacea root which has the highest concentration of active ingredients, rather than the leaf. Echinacea can be taken as a tea, capsules, tinctures or tablets, the dose is dependant on the product you take. Do not exceed the recommended dose for the make you are using. Also do not take Echinacea daily as it looses its immune boosting power if taken too often. To help prevent colds take Echinacea for five to six days then have two or three days off, this way you will still get the immune boosting power of this herb.

When you have a cold the strategy is very different. If you are unfortunate enough to develop a cold then take Echinacea every hour or two for at least two days. Depending on the severity of your cold you can take this dose for four days. Then drop the dose down to three times a day until your cold has gone.

So what else can you take to fight your cold. If you have a cough then there is nothing better than garlic, garlic has antiviral, antibiotic and antifungal properties. Unfortunately it is the allicin (the part that makes garlic small) in the garlic that has most of the medicinal properties.

The reason garlic is so good for any chest problems is the fact that the allicin is excreted out of the body via the lungs, therefore taking all of the antiviral and antibiotic properties where it is needed. Don’t worry if you don’t like the taste of garlic, just rub a couple of cloves onto the bottom of your feet, and hey presto in a short time your breath will smell of garlic, wonderful isn’t it.

The mucus membranes of the respiratory tract can get very inflamed when you have a cold, drink ginger tea for this, it will reduce the inflammation and help open up the nasal passages.

There are several supplements that are worth a mention, they are vitamin C, zinc, vitamin B complex and a really good multivitamin can all help you fight your cold. After your cold has gone it is a good idea to carry on with these supplements to help build your immune system back up.

The word “yoga” is associated with a traditional discipline that was started in India. This discipline centered on work on both the physical and mental parts of a person. There are many different types of yoga available to be studied. Some of the most common varieties are Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bikrham Yoga. Beyond those, there are still other variations on traditional yoga. Originally, yoga really began within the Hindu philosophy. In fact, even in ancient Hindu texts, yoga is mentioned. Within the practice of yoga, there are deep roots of the Sanskrit language. In fact, in Sanskrit, the word yoga has several different meanings, but they tend to center around the theme of joining or uniting. If you hear the term Yogi or Yogini then all you need to know is that this is what you call someone who practices the art of yoga.

Yoga was first discussed in the Vedas. Signs of yoga as a discipline were truly spotted as early as 900 BCE. During this time, the focus of yoga practice was really on breath control and mental clarity and focus. Small indicators of yoga continued to appear in texts through the years, but the first real textual evidence of Yoga as we know it was found in documents from 400 BCE.

Yoga can have many goals depending on what the individual practitioner is trying to achieve. For many people they are looking to improve their health and wellness while others are hoping to improve their mental clarity. One of the best things about the practice of yoga is that you can determine what your individual goals are and be able to achieve them.

One of the best ways for an individual to begin the practice of yoga is to find a class that incorporates the type of yoga that they are interested in learning about. You can typically find a yoga class at your local parks and recreation department or your personal gym. Once you have found a class that focuses on what you would like to study you will want to make sure that you have everything that you need to get started out on the right foot. You’ll want to have comfortable and breathable clothes as well as your own yoga mat. Once you have that you will be ready to take in your first class.

Yoga has a deep and interesting history. Though many people are still not sure if yoga is effective it should give you a bit of security knowing that it is something that has been around since 900 BCE. Yoga has been tested through the years, and boasts the positive results that you are longing for. With a little effort, you will soon be a competent yogi yourself!

The single most important dynamic affecting the Feng Shui of your bedroom is the position of your bed. In line with Feng Shui practices, your bed should be placed in what has become known as the ‘command position’. The position of your bed becomes important because the bedroom is a space where most of us spend at least one third of our daily routine. The bedroom is also an area where we seek out unparalleled nourishment and healing for our souls. The command position refers to the position of your bed in relation to the point of entry/exit of your bedroom. Your bed should always face the door from the far side of the room; however, it should not be positioned directly in front of the door. You will benefit from this arrangement because the door is the space where circulating life energy, or Chi, enters your bedroom. In addition to this, always have your bed against a solid wall (the wall should be behind you as you lie in bed). This element of a Feng Shui compliant bedroom keeps you in command of the space that is open in front of you, thus rendering you better equipped to face life directly. Below is a list of things you should avoid:

• Absolutely no televisions, computers or exercise equipment should be kept in the bedroom. An influx of modern technology upsets the balance that feng Shui thrives upon.
• Do not leave doors open at night. This includes bedroom doors, bathroom doors and cupboard doors.
• Do not keep windows closed for extended periods of time. If this is not an option for you then invest in a air purifying system for your bedroom.
• Candles are the best for lighting the Feng Shui bedroom, however, always make sure they are non-toxic candles.
• Steer clear of gloomy or forlorn wall hangings or paintings in your bedroom. The negative energy associated with images of this nature creates bad Feng Shui.

Finally, position your bed so that it is easily accessible from both sides and include two bedside tables (one on each side for balance). A quality, well-balanced bed is a crucial factor in creating positive Feng Shui in your bedroom.

When your body stores these toxins, you may start to acquire many illnesses as it is harmful to your body’s internal organs. It has a negative effect on your body systems. Eating oily foods often will lead to an accumulation of fat. The bacteria in the food waste produces toxins in the body. If your body does not flush out these toxins quickly, it will find its way back to your body’s organs viz your blood. After a period of time, you may find yourself suffering from health problems such as bloating, diarrhea, headache, constipation, bad breath and fatigue.

The state of your colon determines your health condition. Believe it or not, your overall well-being is directly related to the health of your colon. Therefore, maintaining a good digestive system and colon is essential. Here are some steps you can take to a healthier colon:

1. Practice good eating habits. Have a regular eating pattern. Pile up on the fruits and vegetables. This will ensure you are getting enough fiber in your body. Fiber is a natural colon cleanser. Control your meat intake and don’t indulge too much in carbohydrate rich foods. Choose to add whole grains to your diet. Make the switch the next time you go shopping for cereals and bread.
2. If you feel you aren’t getting enough fiber in your diet, you can opt to take Psyllium Husk Powder. It works well to loosen and get rid of the gunk in your colon. However, you must drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
3. Drink at least 2 liters of water everyday. You need water to help your digestive system and for detoxification.
4. Be more active in sport activities such as yoga, swimming or brisk walking. Get off the couch and exercise more. It will help to stimulate regular bowel movements.
5. Use probiotics to maintain a balanced flora in your colon. You need good bacteria to counter the bad bacteria that’s in there. A good way to do this is to take yogurt that has live acidophilus cultures.
6. Undergo a colon hydrotherapy session. This procedure sends water into your anus which then gets rid of the waste build up in your colon. A colon therapist will massage your colon to aid the waste removal.
7. You can shop around for colon cleansing or colon detoxification products on the market. You will find a variety of teas, health supplements, drinks and powders. Choosing one that works and that is not a scam can be confusing. Make sure you don’t get a laxative. If your stools are too loose, then it’s a laxative. A good colon cleansing product will remove mucus, sludge and feces stuck in your bowels. Look for one that will also get rid of the parasites too. Make sure you discuss with your doctor and find out all you can about a product before using it.

Taking care of your colon will definitely lead to a healthier you. You will feel your energy return and your immune system will get stronger. So take the steps to protect your digestive system and see your overall well-being improve.

Through the graceful movements, Tai Chi fosters a calm and tranquil mind that connects the body with the universe, the heaven and the earth. It can be applied therapeutically to those who constantly suffer anxiety, stress, insomnia, or tension. Many studies have shown that regular practice of Tai Chi can support, unblock, and redirect the flow of “chi”, the vital energy, and blood, to enhance our overall health and well-being.

With the focus on the interactions among the mind, body, and spirit, and with the intent to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health, Tai Chi is especially good for people with chronic diseases, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, fatigue, balance and coordination problems, or even cancer. Since its movements are not strenuous, practicing Tai Chi does not require any special flexibility or physical strength.

The history of Tai Chi is difficult to sort out and the true origins of Tai Chi are unclear but many scholars believe its roots can be traced back to 200 B.C. with the practice of yoga in ancient India. It was not until the 13th century that a series of movements were created by a reputed Taoist monk, Chang Sang Feng. Those movements became the base from which subsequent styles would be developed. Tai Chi later evolved into many different styles and practices through time. The Chen style and the Yang style are the most famous styles among them. The Yang style was modified from the Chen style and is the most commonly practiced form today.

Tai Chi masters usually prefer to practice Tai Chi in the early morning when the air is abundant and fresh. In China, it is common to see people gather in the park to practice Tai Chi in the early morning. According to the Chinese, the slow movement with breathing technique will cause the flow of “chi” to occur in a smooth and balanced manner. The circulation of this “chi” in the body helps unblock the stagnation in the meridians, hence, reduce tension or pain and improve physical alignment while building strength, endurance, and stability of the legs. For these reasons, many people practice Tai Chi to relieve stress and body ache. In addition, some studies show that Tai Chi practice can establish greater balance and flexibility and improve heart and blood vessel function in both healthy people and those with heart conditions. Combined with modern therapeutic principles to create an exercise plan feasible to those people, Tai Chi can be used to treat a wide range of health problems, from arthritis to heart disease.

The most common form practiced today, the Yang style, includes the following forms:

Long form

The long form consists of 108 movements divided into three stages. Those movements represent the basic principles of Tai Chi: balance, concentration, alignment, flexibility, strength, internal calmness, and smooth breathing rhythms, etc.

Short Form

The short form is a simplified version of the long form, including only 24 movements. It is less physically demanding than the long form, thus, more appealing to beginners, especially to older people. When done properly, the short form benefits the health as much as the long form. Therefore, the short form has become quite popular and is now practiced all over the world.

Sword Form

The sword form is composed of about 32 movements divided into four stages. Its graceful movements focus more on the positions of the hands when you hold the sword as if it becomes part of your fingers.

Push Hands

The push hands form is when two partners practice together that incorporates the movements of Tai Chi into a defensive and offensive aspect of martial arts. It teaches students not to resist force with force; instead, use the body to yield to force and redirect it. This form is more appealing to younger adults.

In conclusion, Tai Chi is a form of martial arts, with slow and gentle movements. Regular practice of Tai Chi can enhance our physical and emotional health, improve chronic illness, prevent diseases, relieve stress level, increase energy, and improve quality of sleep. The key to reap the full benefits of Tai Chi is to practice continuously. Its various styles are available for people of all ages and it is generally safe for people of all levels of fitness.