Wednesday, October 14, 2009
7 Ways to Drive Laser-Targeted Traffic - Targeted internet traffic
An affiliate marketer may have all the things needed for him to be able to succeed in a business such as affiliate marketing. He may have the necessary drive, diligence and perseverance to be able to understand how the system works. He may have all the tools necessary in maintaining the business, including a really unique and interesting website which could earn him a fortune if only the whole world could see it. However, all these would prove useless if he does not know how to drive traffic to his website. His business would sink into oblivion together with all the sales, fortune and dreams that he might have realized if he only knew how to do this particular task.
Getting people who matter to see one's website is a difficult undertaking if he tries to consider the fact that there are rivals everywhere waiting to pin him down. The immensity of the internet as well as the affiliate marketing world has given birth to the fierce competition between affiliate marketers, each of whom has his own great product to offer. With all the websites piling on top of each other, how would one be able to stand out? The seven best ways to drive laser-targeted traffic to ones own website would help those who are bent on sticking it out with this business wherever it is bound to take them.
The first step in driving traffic to ones website is by relying on search engines and what they can do for the affiliate marketer concerned. Because they are popular for driving free targeted traffic, they should not be ignored by all means. Having top search engine rankings is vital in building popularity links, and the use of the right keywords is important in attaining this goal. Once a website is on top of the list, it is easily accessible to anyone who wants to see it for himself.
The second way in driving traffic to ones website is by contacting other webmasters for a possible link exchange partnership. Locating websites that are related to ones own website is the primary task. Once there, he should be able to establish communication by personalizing everything as much as possible. It is then possible to make reciprocal link exchanges between webmasters whichever way the affiliate marketer prefers.
The third way is through writing ones own articles. This is an effective way in promoting a website, because good content that are appreciated by readers will lead them to visit the writers very own website out of sheer interest.
The fourth way is through joint venture marketing. This is one of the most effective ways of promoting a product or a service. Having a partner through ad swap or link exchange is beneficial to both parties as it allows them to reach a wide customer base in a short amount of time.
The fifth is through joining affiliate programs. Having affiliates to do the work means allowing them to bring tons of traffic to a website. Skyrocketing sales would be realized as a result, and both the affiliate and the website owner will benefit from the situation.
The sixth is by having a list of subscribers that one can refer to every so often, because they are those which would prove to be valuable assets for the marketer concerned. The use of autoresponders and personalized newsletters is one way of keeping track of them all, and holding on to them by letting them know about new products and services is an essential task that should be done by the affiliate marketer concerned.
The seventh is by knowing ones market through and through. It is important for traffic to be targeted to those who might have a special interest in the theme or topic of ones website. This way, a solid customer base is going to be created. Once a potential customer shows an interest in a particular website by paying it a visit, one must not waste time in trying to show him that his effort is worth it.
Traffic generating strategies are important in trying to make ones affiliate marketing career inch forward. It is always advantageous to plan ones moves in any business that he might undertake. This is particularly so in affiliate marketing. If one knows how to get people to see what he has to offer, then he is on the right track.
By: Johanna Piittala
Homeschooling Without Your Relatives Blessings - Information on homeschooling
I'm homeschooling and that's final. My whole family is against it, my wifes family is against it; except her aunt, she homeschooled all of her kids and told us to get ready for a battle of attrition, you'll either wear them down or they'll wear you down (everyone else not the kids).
Members of my family know that once the decision has been made I'm not going to change my mind, unless they can break or rend my arguments and leave nothing for me to fall back on. This is one time I've gathered all the ammunition beforehand, because the claws and the fangs come out when we discuss the future of our child. The one reccuring point is "socialization", and you know what, all of their arguments hinge on the socialization argument. The argument of a better education rarely comes up because they know I can cite statistical and personal information that show that homeschool kids outdo their public school counter parts on a consistant basis.
Here's an argument, why do you think that homeschool children have been dominating national spelling bees from the mid 90s to the present?; could it be that they have one on one tutoring with their parent/teacher, no distractions, no peer pressure, being taught by a person that has a vested interest in the success of the student, any of these things ring true? Now, is it too much of a stretch to say that since homeschooled children do well and win national spelling bees, that maybe, they do well and excel in other subjects?
Here is an argument from my mother in law, I love her, she is a very good person but we don't see eye to eye on this, "Your child needs to be socialized, he needs the company of other children his age and did you see the news, a 'homeschooled boy' shot and killed his girlfriends parents". Can you see the frustration; an obvious abberation, yet for her, all homeschooled children now share this tendency.
I can't speak for anyone else, but, I was a lousy student, I had absolutely no interest in school and the teachers that I had didn't have any interest in making the subject more interesting to me; so long as I didn't make trouble, I was invisible. When I hear about the astronomical budgets that schools need today to operate, and they do get passed, and the fact that they are also cutting programs (extra-curricular activities, gym and recess???).
I have no doubt that public schools are a business run by bean counters. When comparing the two, public schools huge budget, cut programs, their almost production line mentality (students in, students out) and public schools being used as a giant baby sitting service, compared to homeschools individual attention, no worries about cut programs, the ability and flexibility to change schedules, the freedom to go see the physical manifestation of an abstract subject like mathematics to solidify it in the mind of the student. Most important of all a teacher that cares about you, and only you. There is no question in my mind what is best for my child.
Now, back to socialization, there are networks of homeschooling parents that meet and their children interact (play), there is also church programs, field trips that allow children to "socialize" while imparting religious teachings of that particular faith. Socialization within the family unit (family reunions, weddings, get togethers), interacting with friends that were made in your neighborhood.
All of these things didn't just appear, they were always there, this is the norm. What isn't normal, as I see it, is to send your child into what looks like a very stark and steril industrial complex and expect your child to thrive in that environment. Some unsavory things have been happening in public schools of late: shootings, students attacking teachers, drugs, pedophiles; all of these things may have existed before and we are exposed to it more now because of the speed of the information highway, but, it doesn't inspire confidence in me that these things are almost considered everyday occurrences that the student is expected to deal with.
So, what do you prefer? A nurturing, caring environment for your child to grow physically, emotionally and intellectually in, or a public school system with an addmittedly spotty track record.
By: Jesse Turner
The 4 Learning Styles For Homeschoolers - Information on homeschooling
Each child is special and unique. Parents nurture the upbringing of a child, like one does to a sapling. No two children are alike. This concept should be followed when it comes to teaching them the essentials of life and education as a whole. Schools have always stressed on education, but they do not always know how to deal with learning differences. Like the parents, even teachers have observed that some children learn faster than others and there are some who just cannot cope.
With changing times, there has been a positive change in the teaching methods. Teachers are now aware that if a different learning style is implemented, students can learn better. More importantly, in a way they are comfortable with.
According to research, almost 70% children do not learn well when it comes to learning at a regular school. There is a lesson cycle, wherein the four learning cycles are taught. In this way, the learning styles are not neglected and the student is taught in a method that he is comfortable with, thus improving the learning ability of the child.
The four learning styles identified are:
Creative Learners: These learners need to know how certain material relates to their personal lives. They do well with feedback and praise.
Analytic Learners: They are interested in exploring and confirming facts. They do well in schools, via the study, lecture and test methods.
Practical Learners: These are the curious kind, interested in knowing how things work. Almost 90% of the engineers tested are Type-3 learners. They have a concrete perception of things.
Influential Learners: They are also known as the self-taught learners. They personally identify ways to use the material available in daily life.
Public schools prefer to cater to the needs of the Type-2 Analytic Learners. However, certain studies indicate that 70% children need more. Certain schools adopt a curriculum that fuses the four-step learning cycle in every lesson. This way, during the lesson each learning style is addressed. Every lesson has a section that appeals to every type of learner.
How Do Students Learn?
There are times when students prefer to observe and analyze things as they are learning. These children are the visual learners, who like learning through decorative and illustrative books. Other children like to touch and they are also the ones with tactile learning strengths.
Besides the two mentioned, there is a third kind who is highly charged and always excited with new material. These are the effervescent kinesthetic learners. And last, but not the least, is the fourth group of students, who like to listen and comprehend things while they learn. Rightly called the auditory kind, these students learn through discussion and explanation.
In present times, students learn faster and are now more adaptable to learning styles. But to make things easier for the ones with special learning abilities, parents and teachers have implemented learning styles to compliment and boost the overall education of the child. If the learning abilities are banked on, it will not only make learning easier, but also simplify teaching methods.
By: Kris Koonar
Alcoholic Anonymous - Family anonymous
There are many different groups of people that have been part of the alcoholic anonymous organizations. These are organizations that people are going to go for help when they do not want people to know they are going. That is why they are called the alcoholic anonymous groups. It is all because they do not want others to know that they are trying to get help for a problem they are having. There are many reasons that you may be going to an alcoholic anonymous meeting for some help. You may think that this is the only way that you are going to receive the help that you need.
When you choose to go to the alcoholic anonymous meeting, you are one of the few that is ready to admit that you have a problem with the alcohol that you drink all the time. If you are able to do this on your own that is great because then you are ready to get the help, that alcoholic anonymous is going to be able to give you. If you are one of the ones that will only go to the alcoholic anonymous, meetings because you are required by lay to go thru them. You are not going to take all the information into heart that you will be receiving from the alcoholic anonymous meetings.
When you feel that, you are in need of help because of you drinking but you are not ready for everyone to know that you are seeking out help you will want to check into some of the alcoholic anonymous groups that are out there to help you out with your problem that you may be having. When you see that you have a problem and are willing to get the help for it them you are taking the biggest step that there is and that is to go to an alcoholic anonymous group and say that you need help to get thru the problem that you are having.
When you see that the drinking is causing much pain in your family you are going to want to face your problem and check out some of the alcoholic anonymous groups that are in your area so that you can get the help and support that is needed to get thru your addiction. You must remember that the alcoholic anonymous groups are there to help you out and not to get on your case about the problem that you are having with the drinking. You are going to need a lot of patience and confidence in yourself that you will be able to beat this addiction that you have so the alcoholic anonymous group can get you thru it with out much pushing away from you.
By: Ivar Rudi
Patriotic People Recycle! - Consequences of not recycling
There's no doubt about it: if you're a patriot, you should feel great about recycling.
Think about it. Recycling saves trillions of kilowatts of energy every year. It conserves our natural resources. It makes our country's air, water and soil cleaner by limiting pollution, and it stimulates our economy by creating new jobs.
Politicians and pundits from both the Left and the Right strongly agree that we should decrease our dependence on foreign oil. So recycling makes you a true patriot who's doing something to make the people and economy of our great nation cleaner, healthier, richer and stronger!
I can see some folks in my mind's eye (not you, of course!) with a slight sneer of disbelief on their faces. So allow me to share some basic statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency and other reputable sources that back up my argument.
Be a Patriot: Save Energy!
In 2003, the energy savings from recycling 54 billion aluminum cans exceeded the energy equivalent of 15 million barrels of crude oil, or the amount of gas the U.S. uses in one day.
Another way to look at it: recycling 1 can = 3 hours of TV, so in 2003 the U.S. saved enough energy by recycling cans to run 162 billion hours of TV, or about 25 hours of TV for every man, woman and child on Earth.
The Center for Ecological Technology found that the glass industry uses 50% less energy to create glass from recycled glass than from raw materials.
Americans recycled about 40 million tons of paper products in 2003, creating an energy savings of 163 trillion (yes, with a "T"!) kilowatt hours of electricity.
Recycling one pound of plastic soda bottles - or PET plastic - saves 1200 BTUs of energy (1 BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise a gallon of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit).
2005 saw the U.S. recycle 5 billion pounds of PET plastic, which equals a savings of 60 trillion BTUs of energy.
Be a Patriot: Conserve Natural Resources
Americans disposed of 83 million tons of paper products in 2003. According to the EPA, by recycling nearly half of that, we saved 705 million trees and 290 billion gallons of fresh water.
4% of U.S. annual oil consumption, or roughly 219 million barrels of oil, goes into the manufacture of plastic. Thus increasing the amount of plastic we recycle can make a significant impact on oil use.
In 1997, the U.S. recycled 13 million cars, which conserved 32.5 billion pounds of iron ore, 18.2 billion pounds of coal and 1.5 billion pounds of limestone.
Aluminum can be recycled forever. Over 2/3 of all aluminum ever created is still in use. Most of the 1/3 not still in use is aluminum cans in landfills.
Be a Patriot: Limit Pollution
Recycling just half of your annual recyclable household waste saves 2400 pounds of CO2 being released into the atmosphere. Many scientists contend that human-released CO2 is a leading cause of global warming.
Recycling household and car batteries keeps heavy metals such as mercury, lithium and cadmium from being released into our air and water. Heavy metals, when consumed by people and other animals, cause numerous health problems and diseases.
The EPA estimates that 200 million gallons of used motor oil are improperly disposed of each year. Recycling used motor oil keeps it from polluting your ground and fresh water.
Americans dispose of 270 million waste tires each year. Illegally-dumped and stock-piled tires are fertile breeding grounds for rodents and mosquitoes, and illegally-burned tires release oil and soot into the air and ground water.
Be a Patriot: Stimulate the Economy
Recycling creates a net gain in jobs - 5 to 1 over landfill management.
Jobs created by recycling cover a wide variety of skill sets, including basic labor, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, advanced science and engineering.
Recycling creates new "green" technologies designed to take advantage of the reclaimed resources.
The National Recycling Coalition reports that recycling has created 1.1 million jobs, $236 billion in gross annual sales, and $37 billion in annual payroll.
So there you have it. Patriotic people recycle! I challenge you to come up with another activity that every family in the country can so easily do to make such a huge difference in so many critical areas of the health of our great nation.
By: Mac Bartine
Smart Homes to Eat Their Own Rubbish - Compost maker
Wouldn't it be nice if we could all do something to help with global warming? Actually, wait a minute, we can! You would have to be on a different planet not to know about how bad global warming has become. You only need to take a look out of the window to observe the ever increasingly unpredictable weather. The weather is becoming so bad that natural disasters are becoming more frequent and causing more death and destruction than ever.
Why is it important for us to change the way we live?
As you know, the earth as we know it is damaged. The way we humans have lived has taken its toll on the planet and because of it, global warming is causing things to happen that shouldn't happen. Icecaps are starting to melt and as a result, species of animals are becoming extinct.
So what can we do it about it?
The problems we humans have is that we are naive by thinking how can one person wasting electricity or doing something else along the same lines cause this much damage? Well, this may only be your thoughts, but then how many other people think if I do this it will not do any harm? Before you know it, a lot of people are doing the same thing and it all contributes.
So, if you are not sure what to do, assess the way that you live. Basically, do you leave lights on when you do not really need to? Just by making little changes, you could be doing your part to help save energy.
Smart houses could be a reality
There has been a call to produce smart houses that eat their own rubbish and power themselves up. The government's chief scientist, Sir David King, is overseeing this project that plans to design these smart houses that can withstand the conditions of the 21st century. It is thought that the homes need to be wireless so it would need to draw any energy that it can from its own environment, whether it be solar or wind energy.
It could be a fair few years before this can happen, but in the mean time, the government is constantly trying to find new ways to help reduce carbon emission and other things. New methods include taxing people for the amount of rubbish that they have and they are trying to also encourage people to recycle more of their rubbish instead of throwing it away.
Why not change the way that you live today by switching off lights, or by trying to find other ways of saving energy. Together, we can help to make the changes needed and to try to help the planet repair itself. If nothing is done, things will just becoming a whole lot worse and it may get to a stage where nothing could be done whatsoever anymore.
By: Derek Both
The True Price of Fuel
It seems to that every time we turn on the TV or listen to the radio we are bombarded with the next rise in fuel prices.
Is this a true supply and demand question? Well it is true that the booming Chinese economy is consuming vast amounts of natural resources including oil, but the United States is still the world's largest consumer of oil and related products.
The peak of oil consumption in the US is in winter, with oil being used for heating and in recent years there have been big surges in the price of oil at this time.
As supply is limited by OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) the price can be somewhat governed by the amount of oil they let onto the market. As oil is a limited resource we might be inclined to believe that that oil will run dry in the near future but the reality is, as the price of crude increases, the cost of recovering oil from remote, inhospitable places become more and more viable.
There are masses of such types of oil reserves all over the world that are only now being seriously looked at as a viable resource.
In Alaska, for instance, there are vast oil fields that are deposited in sand under the ground. This oil, once considered worthless is now starting to be extracted from the sand and will be a resource that will last well into the millennium.
As a result of our overwhelming need for oil we are now facing the world's biggest problem in history, Global Warming.
Caused by excessively high levels of green house gases in the atmosphere, global warming is a direct result of the burning of fossil fuels such as oil. As the levels of gases build the heat that the sun produces is trapped in the worlds atmosphere rather than being able to dissipate back into space. Hence the name green house effect.
The green house effect can be seen on another planet, Venus. Venus can reach 480C as a result of green house gases and of course life at these temperatures for humans is not possible.
Unless we can curb our consumption and reliance on oil, coal and other fossil fuels we run the risk of heating our planet to a level where the sea levels will rise as a result of melting the polar ice caps which will displace hundreds of millions of people.
Even worse than this we could be creating the demise of the entire human race by making the planet uninhabitable.
So the true price of oil is not what we pay at the pump or the bowser but the price is life itself.
Governments around the globe are starting to take notice but unless the major consumers start to reduce their consumption the efforts of countries who have been working towards World green house gas reduction will fail.
There are steps that you can take as an individual also. Try taking public transport to your sports game or local bingo hall or better still watch the game on television or play bingo online.
What you do matters and if enough people start to think about the effect we have on the planet and on our children's future we can force Politian's to take notice and act.
Man kind came together once before to stop the production and use of CFC which deplete our UV protecting layer of the atmosphere ozone, so there is no reason we can't beat this global problem.
By: Sam Wolfe
Global Warming And You
It seems everyday we're bombarded with even more information regarding global warming. Scientists give us finding after finding; this ice shelf is melting, that drought is longer and more severe than even before, plus it seems wherever you are in the world politicians add their personal opinions, whether genuine or not.
Early summer, late winter.
Here in London we've been basking in beautiful near summer weather for the past few weeks, a full 3 months early. Yet now tonight we have snow forecast over the next couple of days. No matter what we think is happening, nature is confused. Trees and flowers in full blossom thinking it to be mid to late April will now lose their colour to late frosts and snow.
Is it true; are we to blame for Earth's atmosphere warming to artificially high levels?
I was recently inspired by the new movie, An Inconvenient Truth. Based on US Senator Al Gore's illuminating and extraordinary slide show dealing with the onset of global warming dating back to the industrial revolution, the movie contains all the latest factual information, plus strategies of what we as individuals can do to alleviate the situation. It most worryingly shows how the human production of CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gasses have dramatically increased in the latter half of the 20th century.
Tackling such a serious subject head on, I also found famously heavy and some-might-say-boring Al Gore to be light, informative, funny and a very human person indeed.
I don't usually make movie recommendations during my newsletters and articles, however on this occasion I would recommend and encourage you to seek out 'An Inconvenient Truth'. Have a look at the official website (link below) and take an extra step forward today.
What would it take for you to become inspired?
Being inspired to make positive changes for our planet and future generations surely is the biggest legacy any of us can leave, isn't it? I'm currently coaching with Tom, a young man in The Netherlands who's re-training in order to move into environmental research to reduce and reverse global warming, and even though much of the technical side of what he does is completely over my head, his focus and dedication is totally inspirational to me.
The spectrum of what we can all do is huge. And just to bring this back into the area of life coaching & personal development, it's the area known as 'contribution'.
Of course, there is also a debate doubting the present scientific data. Some suggest the Earth warms and cools as part of its greater long-term cycle, and that what is happening now is simply a part of that. It's mentioned the oceans produce far more CO2 than any human factory ever could, that cows produce more methane than a human ever could, and that most of the predictions published by scientists throughout the past 20-30 years have proved either inaccurate or just plain wrong.
Personally I lean on the side of global warming being a reality, and one I can effect. I believe we have an obligation to future generations to safeguard their world whether we have irrefutable evidence or not. If we took no action, believing scientists to be wrong, and they turned out to right, by that time we might have inflicted irreversible harm on the world they inherit.
So, what some actions we can take that will tell future generations that even if the scientists are right or wrong we took care of their planet anyway? Here are a few handy hints I've picked up along the way, which as well as helping reduce global warming will also cut down your fuel bills and make you more healthy!
1. Leave the car at home more often, especially for short trips. Use public transport, walk to the shops instead of driving. As well as saving money on gas (petrol), carrying the bags and walking will be great for your body.
2. As light bulbs blow in the house, replace with low emission bulbs and also switch lighting and other appliances off in rooms or areas not in use. Think TV, DVD, music system, think big savings on your fuel bill each year!
3. Take a shower instead of a bath. Showers use only around a 5th water compared to taking a bath.
4. Recycle household waste. I know some countries and cities view this with different levels of urgency. Even here in London some councils are more proactive than others. I just moved from a lackluster one to a really good one, and now have separate bins for garden and vegetable waste, one for cardboard, plastic and glass bottle, papers and books, etc, and everything else goes in the regular black bag destined for a landfill. What I've noticed however, is since I've been doing this the size of the black bag is smaller and smaller as I feel better and better.
5. Become more eco savvy. Check items that have less, or more easily recyclable packaging. This gives supermarket shopping a whole new twist, which for those of us who seem to spend hours in the places each week, helps pass the time and make the experience a whole lot more interesting.
And finally
It has been suggested that intention is everything. In the case of global warming, whichever side of the debate you're on, your intention is still so important, and asking the question, what condition do you want to leave the planet in for the future, does make a difference, not least to you.
By: Mike Blissett
Why Unleaded Fuel and Why Now?
There is a lot of talk about NASCAR changing from leaded fuel to unleaded. The long term plan was that unleaded fuel was going to be introduced to the Nextel Cup Series in 2008. Why the change in plans?
For those of us who are not engineers, leaded fuel gives more lubrication and "padding" to the engine. This cushions the engines and valves and lessens the chances of the engine burning up. Using average unleaded fuel will kill the engine on a NASCAR racecar.
For several years now NASCAR has been working with their fuel supplier, Sunoco, to develop a special unleaded fuel that will be kinder to the Cup car engines. This is not a new or spur of the moment decision. Because every decision within NASCAR affects so many people, much time and research goes into every change of rules and policies.
The Craftsman Truck Series and the Busch series have been using unleaded fuel for about six months now. The reason NASCAR began with those series is that their races are 300 miles. The Nextel Cup race in California is 500 miles. It's the last 200 miles for the engine that has people concerned.
The first race using unleaded fuel proved that it was indeed an issue with several teams losing their engines during the race. But the interesting thing is that the drivers aren't complaining about the switch like they did with the Car of Tomorrow. They aren't fighting it at all. Maybe they knew it was inevitable. We can only put so much exhaust in the air before we get to the point that the damage is irreversible.
Except for the season opening race at Daytona, unleaded fuel will be used in all of the races during the 2007 season. The possible motivation for the moved up timeline to phase in the unleaded fuel could be pressure.
An environmental activist group has requested that the Environmental Protection Agency investigate lead levels in the air on and around racetracks. This activist group alleges that innocent bystanders, such as homeowners that live near racetracks, are in danger without even realizing it.
NASCAR is trying so hard to shake off the country boy image and adopt a more sophisticated persona. It definitely looks good for them to be concerned with the environment and the health of their fans. But whatever the reason for the expedited introduction to unleaded fuel, NASCAR has done a good thing and once again we are made proud.
By: David Stargel
Plant A Billion Trees Campaign
A campaign to plant a billion new trees is being welcomed by environmentalists, but with a warning by some that in certain regions it could do more harm than good.
While the campaign claims that each tree uses up 26 pounds of co2 emissions and in return produces enough oxygen for a family of four, planting the right trees is important to help the world improve her ecological and environment balance.
In areas that historically have suffered from a lack of rain, and in areas where global warming could potentially produce deserts, new trees that use a lot of water could have a serious affect on their biodiversity.
Eucalyptus trees can consume two thousand litres of water a day, and planting new ones in Africa would be a catalyst to disaster, and local campaigners for planting trees are urged to consider their area needs and decide carefully before deciding on which type of tree to plant.
As well as individuals planting a tree, it is hoped that businesses will do the same and encourage employees to do the same, with government and civil servants also being asked to take active participation to reach the target of a billion trees by the end of this year.
The patron of the campaign is Prince Albert of Monaco. Prince Albert has been campaigning for the environment since becoming Monaco's Sovereign two years ago, and one of his first acts was to sign the Kyoto Protocol. Previously, along with Australia and the USA, Monaco was one of a handful of countries not to ratify the treaty.
Monaco
Prince Albert's father, Prince Rainier, was Europe's longest reigning Monarch until his death in April 2005. Known affectionately as the 'builder prince' he transformed Monaco into the world's favourite tax haven and ensured the Monaco Grand Prix became one of the best known annual sporting events. The Principality Albert succeeded to was a country known throughout the world for money and glamour, and the Monte Carlo casino only added to its legendary status.
Albert has continued in his father's footsteps with a plan to develop an island off Monte Carlo, and like his father with the reclaimed land in Fontvieille the map of Monaco will change again.
In keeping with his stance on the environment, it is thought that a successful bid to build the island will need to be seen to be environmentally friendly, with the possibility of lower rise buildings than some parts of Monaco have endured to create more living space.
Monte Carlo has long been associated with glamour, heightened throughout the world in 1956 when Prince Albert's father married his mother, US actress Grace Kelly.
Speculation was rife earlier this year that Prince Albert would be announcing his own engagement to South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock.
'Things have gone quiet recently on the Charlene front', comment a Monaco travel guide, 'Monaco is all about glitz and glamour and perhaps a surprise announcement will be made soon. But it's possible that Albert is more interested in environmental affairs than affairs of the heart'.
Monaco has been making the news recently as Monte Carlo real estate prices have escalated, and are on a level with London and New York.
Even the cheapest studios are edging towards the million Euro level according to Monaco estate agents.
'Increasing taxes elsewhere in Europe, especially in the UK, have seen inquiries increase significantly over the last twelve months,' they say, 'and it's not the weather in Monte Carlo that's drawing buyers, but the income tax free status of being a resident, and the security that goes with living in Monaco. There's one policeman for every one hundred residents and has to be the safest country to live in Europe'.
By: Roger Munns
Aromatherapy: The Alternative Medicine
Most of us stand in need of some sort of relaxation that will balance out the stresses of the day. Our bodies are often in need of natural healing stimulants, just as our minds often need some external element that will help us to regain some of the equilibrium we lose due to the rush of daily life. It is here we can turn to a solution that has been with us for centuries, one that will help us step away from the rapid pace we keep and steal a few precious moments to recharge both body and spirit. This solution is known as aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is classified as a traditional or alternative medicine. As the name implies, the practice or treatment procedure requires the use of scents and fragrances to change the mood or health of a person. Although aromatherapy has long been associated with essential oils, people do not know that it is not limited to one particular type of oil but uses other types of extracted oil as well. Essential oils are the oils extracted from plants and is done by a distillation process or by using a mixture of a number of solvents. Employing different sources and variations of extraction produces different types of aromatherapy oil. Aside from essential oils, there are also extracted oils called absolutes that are obtained from flowers. There is also a particular type of oil acquired from plants that kills microbes. Likewise, by-products from the distillation process are also used as aromatherapy oils.
A typical aromatherapy session will include a direct application of oil onto the skin, from head to toe. The same oil is heated on a special aromatherapy clay pot to diffuse the fragrance into the air. Applying essential oils on the skin were found to be soothing and can help relieve pain while its scent can relax the nerves and create a euphoric state of calmness. It is usually administered using known massage techniques.
Through the years, the actual effect of aromatherapy on people has been the subject of debate. Though there is no denying of the fact that it really helps in improving the mood and health of a person, there have been incidents recorded that some people have an allergic reaction o essential oils used in a therapy session. Just to be sure, therapy practitioners ask their clients first regarding their allergies before starting an aromatherapy session.
By: Mayoor Patel
First Aid Remedies with the Yarrow Plant
The yarrow plant is one of the most highly valued plants for treating the common cold and influenza.
The plant's Latin name is Achillea millefolium, which is derived from the famous Greek hero Achilles. It is believed that the plant was used during the Trojan wars, where it was used to treat war wounds. Yarrow also has a curious folk name: "nosebleed." This folk nickname is a testimony to its traditional use as a first aid herb. Yarrow has been used in the past as an emergency styptic to stop bleeding. These days, yarrow is mostly used to treat colds and flu's, but it is also used to treat problems with the circulatory, digestive and urinary system. You can usually find yarrow growing in meadows.
Most traditional herbalists describe yarrow as alternately dry, sweet, astringent and sometimes slightly bitter in taste. The constituents of the yarrow plant included salicylic acid, volatile oils (including proazulenes), isovalerianic acid, flavonoids, sterols, tannins, bitters, asparagin, and coumarins. The action of the plant is described astringent, relaxing, a promoter of sweat, a blood vessel relaxant, febrifuge, and restorative for the menstrual system. The essential oil of yarrow is described as anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antiallergenic.
Several parts of the yarrow plant are used to create herbal remedies. These include the plant's stems parts, its leaves, its essential oil, and its flowers. The leaves of the plant are believed to contain properties that encourage clotting. The leaves are also used fresh as an herbal remedy to combat nose bleeding. However, if yarrow leaves are used to treat nosebleeds, they must not be inserted into the nostril directly as this can make a nosebleed worse. The leaves of the yarrow plant can be harvested throughout the growing season.
The essential oils of the yarrow plant are also used to make herbal remedies. The oils are extracted from the yarrow plant by steam distillation of the flowers. The essential oils of the plant are generally used as an anti-inflammatory or in chest rubs that can be applied when a person is suffering from a cold or influenza. Extracts from the yarrow plant have been used to make an effective mosquito repellent.
The flowers of the yarrow plant can also be used to make herbal remedies. For instance, the flowers have been shown to be rich in chemicals that can be converted by steam into antiallergenic compounds. These chemicals can be used to treat various allergic problems, including mucus problems and hay fever. Traditional herbalists harvest the flower during the summer and fall.
There are many applications for the yarrow plant. Its flowers can be used to infuse and drink as a hot tea that helps treat common ailments of the upper respiratory system, including excessive phlegm. The aerial parts of the yarrow plant can also be used to reduce fevers when it is prepared in a hot tea. You can also use yarrow in a chest rub to treat chest colds, influenza, or to relieve severe congestion.
By: Scott Meyers
Herbs for Heart Care
Herbs are often used to help lower and control blood pressure levels in high-risk individuals. A variety of herbs can be taken as herbal supplements made into a tea or even added as ingredients to a soup. This article will take a closer look at the effect of herbs on lowering blood pressure.
To begin our look at blood pressure, we start with coenzyme Q10 (which is also referred to as Co Q10). A study that looked at 59 males who were taking medication for high blood pressure yielded the result that 120 mg of coenzyme Q10 on a daily basis taken for a period of eight weeks was able to reduce high blood pressure by approximately 9 percent. This was compared to a placebo group, which had no benefit on their cholesterol level. In order to be of benefit to an individual, a typical dose of Co Q10 is 30 to 100 mg of the herb three times per day. Although it is generally safe to take, Co Q10 is believed to interact negatively with the drug Coumadin (warfarin), and is therefore contraindicated for patients on this or other blood thinners.
Garlic is also an herb that is particularly helpful in reducing blood pressure. Garlic (allium sativum) has been shown to have several beneficial effects on the circulatory system, including normalizing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol. Garlic can reduce inflammation, which is thought to be a major cause of 'sudden,' or
'silent' heart attacks. It is also a good preventative of strokes. Studies have shown that garlic can start its protective effects in a short period of time. One clove of garlic a day is recommended for best health benefits. You can easily add garlic to salad, soups, casseroles and other recipes. If you have not acquired a taste for garlic, consider taking a garlic capsule.
Other herbs that are excellent for decreasing blood pressure include valerian, kudzu and celery. Each of these contains a substance called gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) that helps to maintain normal levels of blood pressure.
The herb valerian (valeriana officinalis) is composed of a substance known as valerenic acid that serves to inhibit a particular enzyme that breaks GABA down in the body. Consuming valerian helps to reduce blood pressure and maintain higher levels of GABA in the system. Valerian is also an herb that is commonly prescribed by herbal practitioners to patients for sleep difficulties. It acts as a sedative, which in turn also brings about a reduction of blood pressure.
Kudzu (pueraria lobata) is a "weedy vine" that Chinese herbalists have long been recommending to patients to help maintain normal blood pressure. The chemical pueraria is believed to have over 100 times the antioxidant capabilities of vitamin C and it is known to help fight cancer and heart disease as well.
Our last herbs blood pressure is celery. Celery (apium graveolens) is a well-known remedy in Chinese traditional medicine for lowering blood pressure levels. Celery is a very versatile vegetable that can be eater alone or used in a variety of recipes. It is believed that consuming four celery stalks per day can have a positive impact on blood pressure.
By: Scott Meyers
Understanding the Benefits of the Art of Reflexology
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a natural healing art. It is seeks to be safe in its practice and its intentions. It is natural because it works with the natural functions of the body and can be beneficial to a person's well being.
The purpose of reflexology is to reduce the emotional, physical and psychological stress and tension felt in the body. When the body is relaxed, reflexology can revitalize and rejuvenate the body's functions. Reflexology can also be used to facilitate becoming more aware of one's body. It is seen as a healing art because it combines self-awareness with therapeutic relaxation in order to gain optimal bodily function.
Reflexology, and the relaxed state that it brings to those who experience it, has been associated with gaining deeper sleep, as well as relief from different aches and pains. It also provides relief from headaches and sinus congestion. Reflexology is not a cure-all, but a therapy to go along with your other medical care.
The usual place that reflexology is performed on is a person's feet. It is believed by those who practice this art, that there are areas of the feet, hand and even the ears that correspond to other body parts and when a reflexology therapist applies pressure or massage to certain areas they stimulate the corresponding body part area, which will remove blockages that exist in the "energy area" of that body part.
This is not a diagnostic art. Reflexology cannot cure all medical conditions in the body. One should consult a doctor if there is a more serious ailment. Practitioners of the art of reflexology believe that the therapy they do restores imbalances of the "life energy" or what is referred to as "Qi" of the body.
Although this is an art form that is not based in scientific fact, it has been time-tested. There is evidence that as far back as the times of the ancient Egyptians demonstrating that reflexology was practiced. One has to wonder at something that has held the interest of many individuals over many, many centuries.
There has been case studies conducted that list the following benefits to reflexology:
That client's feel relaxed, comforted and a sense of well-being during treatment
While undergoing reflexology treatment clients often experience a tingling or tiredness and may even fall asleep. These are all explained as "what is expected to happen when there is a clearing away of the blockage areas from the body allowing the release of energy.
Clients report feeling reduced stress levels, feeling deeply relaxed, they have improved circulations and a more energized outlook on life and a renewed energy.
In reflexology circles it is said that if the client experiences sinus congestion, nausea or headache that these are symptoms of the process of the body getting rid of the toxins it had been harboring. These feelings should last no longer than 24 hours from treatment time. To experience this is actually a good thing as it means that the therapy has been successful.
Reflexology is a natural healing art. It is seeks to be safe in its practice and its intentions. It is natural because it works with the natural functions of the body and can be beneficial to a person's well being.
The purpose of reflexology is to reduce the emotional, physical and psychological stress and tension felt in the body. When the body is relaxed, reflexology can revitalize and rejuvenate the body's functions. Reflexology can also be used to facilitate becoming more aware of one's body. It is seen as a healing art because it combines self-awareness with therapeutic relaxation in order to gain optimal bodily function.
Reflexology, and the relaxed state that it brings to those who experience it, has been associated with gaining deeper sleep, as well as relief from different aches and pains. It also provides relief from headaches and sinus congestion. Reflexology is not a cure-all, but a therapy to go along with your other medical care.
The usual place that reflexology is performed on is a person's feet. It is believed by those who practice this art, that there are areas of the feet, hand and even the ears that correspond to other body parts and when a reflexology therapist applies pressure or massage to certain areas they stimulate the corresponding body part area, which will remove blockages that exist in the "energy area" of that body part.
This is not a diagnostic art. Reflexology cannot cure all medical conditions in the body. One should consult a doctor if there is a more serious ailment. Practitioners of the art of reflexology believe that the therapy they do restores imbalances of the "life energy" or what is referred to as "Qi" of the body.
Although this is an art form that is not based in scientific fact, it has been time-tested. There is evidence that as far back as the times of the ancient Egyptians demonstrating that reflexology was practiced. One has to wonder at something that has held the interest of many individuals over many, many centuries.
There has been case studies conducted that list the following benefits to reflexology:
That client's feel relaxed, comforted and a sense of well-being during treatment
While undergoing reflexology treatment clients often experience a tingling or tiredness and may even fall asleep. These are all explained as "what is expected to happen when there is a clearing away of the blockage areas from the body allowing the release of energy.
Clients report feeling reduced stress levels, feeling deeply relaxed, they have improved circulations and a more energized outlook on life and a renewed energy.
In reflexology circles it is said that if the client experiences sinus congestion, nausea or headache that these are symptoms of the process of the body getting rid of the toxins it had been harboring. These feelings should last no longer than 24 hours from treatment time. To experience this is actually a good thing as it means that the therapy has been successful.
By: Scott Meyers
What Everyone Ought To Know About Alcoholism Recovery
Alcoholism is one of the most common addictions in the present-day world. Once an alcoholic has identified him or herself as such, then it’s time that they reach out for help for their addiction. In many cases, the alcoholic’s family or friends have to take the first step in getting the addicted person into a recovery state. Sometimes an intervention is staged, where the alcoholic is given an ultimatum: go to rehab or get out of our lives. Other times, simply speaking concern to the alcoholic can snap them back to reality and make them realize that their addiction has progressed into a disease and is affecting others.
Once an alcoholic is ready to seek help for his or her addiction, he or she must choose how to stop drinking. One of the more popular ways to rehabilitate an alcoholic is by implementing detoxification. Detox is going “cold turkey;” this is when an alcoholic abruptly stops drinking alcohol. Also, this cold turkey approach is used in conjunction with different drugs which are used to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Detox happens in a rehabilitation center setting; this is where a detox may be the most effective, as rehab centers are fully stocked with the drugs and staff needed to help an addict get off of his or her drug.
Detox can happen in many different ways, depending upon the degree of addiction present in the alcoholic. Drug treatment centers use detoxification to help to treat the physical effects of prolonged alcohol use, but it doesn’t treat the actual disease of alcoholism. At a drug treatment center, detox commonly takes about a week to complete; after this time, the patient will not experience the extreme physical withdrawal symptoms. After a patient is finished with detox, relapse may occur, especially if the recovering alcoholic receives no further addiction treatment.
One further treatment that many alcoholics participate in at rehab centers and elsewhere is group therapy or psychotherapy to help combat the mental ailing that often accompanies rehab from alcohol. These group therapy meetings will also give the recovering alcoholic the tools that he or she needs to combat his or her addiction and prevent relapse. The most popular group therapy is Alcoholics Anonymous, but there are many other support groups to aide in addiction recovery.
However an alcoholic gets addiction help, it’s important that he or she follow their rehabilitation through to the end. There is help out there for the addicted to come clean; it’s just a matter of him or her finding it.
By: Kausik Dutta
Benefits Of Music Therapy
Music therapy uses music to promote positive changes in the wellbeing of an individual. These positive changes may be manifested in changes in physical development, social and interpersonal development, emotional or spiritual wellbeing or cognitive abilities.
The therapeutic benefits of music have been known and harnessed since ancient times. However, music therapy in modern times dates back to the World Wars when music was used in hospitals in the rehabilitation and recovery of soldiers who had suffered physical or emotional trauma. The University of Kansas was the first University in the United States to offer a degree program in music therapy in 1944.
Early exponents of music therapy in the 1950's to 1970's included the French cellist Juliet Alvin and Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins. The Nordoff-Robbins approach is still used in many countries around the world including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany and South Africa.
So, how does music therapy work?
Music is universal and connects across language barriers. Most people can respond to music in some way regardless of illness or disability.
Music has an inherent ability to generate an emotional response in the listener. It stimulates a relaxation response which can therefore lead to physiological changes in the body. Music is known to reduce stress thereby producing related benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved respiration, reduced heart rate, better cardiac performance and reduced tension in muscles.
Music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain and this stimulation has been shown to help in development of language and speech functions. It promotes socialization and development of communication, self expression and motor skills. Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder have been found to respond very positively to music and many of them display high levels of musical skill.
Music encourages verbal as well as non verbal communication and promotes social interaction and relatedness. It's a valuable outlet for self expression and creativity. It has also been successfully used in pain management by providing a distraction from the painful stimulus as well as a means of relaxation and stress alleviation.
Children with developmental and learning difficulties,children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or special needs as well as the elderly and dementia sufferers have all been shown to benefit from music therapy. Although the benefits of music therapy have been accepted intuitively and based on anecdotal evidence it wasn't till recently that quantitative evidence of its efficacy started to emerge.
In a recent study conducted by the University of Miami School of Medicine blood samples of a group of male Alzheimer's patients who were treated with music therapy were found to have significantly elevated levels of melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine which are chemicals which act on the brain to control mood, depression, aggression and sleep. The benefits of the therapy were still evident even six weeks after cessation of the therapy and in the case of melatonin the effects persisted even longer.
Music therapy is gaining wider acceptance in the general medical community and has certainly stood the test of time. Music therapists can now be found practicing in a variety of institutions dealing with mental health, developmental and early intervention programs, correctional institutions and special education programs to name but a few. Many are having success where traditional treatment methods have failed.
By: Kevin Sinclair
Effective Herbal Treatments for Menopause
People today are becoming increasingly aware of how effective herbal remedies can be for various medical conditions from migraines to skin conditions. Many women have found that using an herbal remedy to deal with their menopause symptoms are a better choice than the prescription drugs a physician might offer. Women have many different choices when it comes to herbal remedies. The key is learning which ones work best and which ones provide the best relief for your personal set of symptoms.
Menopause symptoms are caused when the ovaries slow their production of various hormones including estrogen. These hormone fluctuations can wreak havoc with a woman's body. Women may experience hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, unexplained weight gain, and mood swings. Women may even experience exhaustion. It can be so difficult to contain these symptoms without allowing them to cause stress in the life.
Prescription drugs can provide some relief from these symptoms; however, there are some drawbacks to using prescriptions. Some have serious side effects that can be worse than the symptoms themselves. For example, some of the prescriptions available for hot flashes cause itchy rashes all over the body. Other prescriptions have long term health effects including devastating diseases like cancer. Treating your symptoms with a safe, natural herbal remedy is often the best way to handle menopause.
As you begin the search for the right remedy, you might be a bit surprised and overwhelmed at the number of products on the market. Choosing the right product for you can be a difficult task. There are several people you might want to talk to as you start your search.
First, consult your gynecologist. They will be able to tell you which herbal remedies are safe for you and which are not. Moreover, they can let you know which methods are working for their other patients and which have proven to be completely ineffective.
In addition to your doctor, you might talk to an herbal store consultant. They talk to a number of women who are dealing with the same symptoms that you are. As a result, they can guide you in the right direction.
One of the most popular herbs to deal with menopause symptoms is Black Cohos. This herb helps with a number of different menopause symptoms including night sweats, hot flashes, and anxiety. This herb has been extensively studied, and the studies have all pointed to its effectiveness.
Pasque Flower has also proven to be a great herbal remedy to deal with menopause symptoms by offering the same effect a mild sedative might have.
An herb combination called MellowPause might also help your symptoms. It has a soy base, and it combines the power of Black Cohosh and Pasque flower to help you fight insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings.
Menocore is another herbal combination that will help with the same symptoms. It contains a number of different natural herbal products.
One final product that might relieve your symptoms is Triatone. The ingredients list on this includes Black Cohos, Chasleberry, Dong Quai, Isoflavones, and Licorice Root. This product not only relieves many of your symptoms, but it also helps to give you a good sense of well being.
By: Scott Meyers
Breakthrough Technology Helps Chiropractors and Other Health Providers Use Chinese Medicine
Every day thousands of people head to their chiropractor's office for an adjustment. They have a variety of complaints and ailments and the chiropractor is there to assist them in feeling better. But what if chiropractic could be combined with other alternative therapies to assist these patients to obtain optimum health and wellness?
That's the question that chief medical officer of Intemedica, John Diamond, is answering. Dr. Diamond, a physician trained as a pathologist, got into alternative healing almost twenty years ago as a result of his own health crises. "As far as I'm concerned, complementary and alternative medicine takes care of 80% of health issues in the general population."
Diamond believes the medical field is about to undergo an amazing transformation in the way it operates and delivers healing to patients. He believes primary care physicians will become obsolete by the year 2015 and in their place will spring alternative healing concepts such as chiropractors, Chinese medicine practitioners, acupuncturists and naturopaths. This is in reaction to the insurance crises going on in our country today. "The way medicine is going right now we're moving away from the disease model. We're moving to what we call the stress and coping model." Diamond believes that alternative and natural healing methods will best complement these changing models.
Dr. Diamond, working with other individuals, has come up with a new and fascinating way to utilize this stress and coping model with what he calls GSR biofeedback, a process similar to electro acupuncture. By simply placing a hand in an electrical cradle, the machine interrogates the patient's body and provides a wealth of information about where the stresses are occurring in the body. Connected to a computer program, information is also compiled regarding which specific formulas of Chinese herbs would best be suited to help the patient with whatever their specific needs are and all in about three and a half minutes.
How can chiropractors utilize this technology in their offices and how can it help them not only increase value for their patients but also increase their bottom line? According to Diamond it's simple. "We have a whole system that is very easily put into anybody's office with minimal outlay," says Diamond.
Once doctors have this equipment and stock in their offices, it takes only about thirty minutes to learn how to use it. All it takes is the ability to point and click the mouse. All updates to the software are done via the internet, as well as anything that's added to the program.
But can this program really add value to the chiropractic practice? Do alternative healing methods really work? According to Diamond the answer to both questions is a resounding yes. Any staff member, such as a chiropractic assistant, can operate the equipment, which leaves the chiropractor free to do adjustments. Also, Diamond has had independent data taken on the effectiveness of his healing methods and found that out of 100,000 patient visits over the last eighteen years, the average efficacy of his formulas was 86% - some formulas were as high as 97%. He's also found that with the minimum outlay of investment, the average practice can see anywhere between $5-8000 a month in extra income while providing added value for their patients.
Concerning any negative side effects, Diamond also has found there are fairly few. With sensitive patients the Chinese herbs can cause gastric irritation and in some patients there may be a problem with over detoxification, but these negatives are easily resolved. Says Diamond, "Traditional Chinese medicine is easily adapted to our physiology because it's plant based. Anything plant based we're very used to responding to. It's not really an issue."
Says Diamond, "Right now 50 million of the U.S. population is without any kind of health care. You have to keep yourself healthy to survive in this stressful and toxic world."
By: Patrick Porter
How to Use Acupressure- 3 Points That Could Save Your Life!
Imagine witnessing someone you love and care about, experience a heart attack right in front of your eyes! What would you do? Obviously call 911 but in the mean time bite their fingers.
Yap, you heard correctly, biting down on the inside edges of the pinky finger's nail triggers a kind of restart action on the heart. It could save your life or someone you care about! I said "bite" not "bleed". A gentle but firm bite is all that is required to stimulate the response needed. This point is located on the heart meridian called HT9.
Acupressure is a time, tested and truly amazing alternative technique using firm but gently pressure on key points along the energy meridians. Using this technique can help you relieve stress and muscle tension, boost your immune system, release endorphins that alleviate pain and much much more!
Acupressure is gaining a lot of popularity these days. Oprah even featured a show with Dr. Oz an accredited author and alternative health practitioner. You can catch that show by visiting www.oprah.com and typing in "Dr.Oz". So how can acupressure save your life? Let's move on to the next life saving point.
Suppose someone faints at work. No problem. Try this next point located at the top of the head on the skull. Feel around until you find a little dip, exactly where the soft spot on a baby's head is located. Give that point some good pressure with your thumb, even using you finger nail to give it a pinch has proven effective. This will bring energy back "up" in the body. This point is more commonly used by acupuncturists to prevent varicose veins, prevent miscarriage and to stop a bleeding. The point is located on the Governor Vessel called GV21.
What if you are experiencing an excruciating headache and you can't get your hands on any Tylenol. No problem. Simply squeeze the fleshy part or web on your hand in between the thumb and the first finger. Called the "eye of the tiger" and "belly of the fish" these two points help to bring energy down in the body. Be it tension, anxiety or too much thinking and especially headaches, this point can do wonders for you. Hold each point together until the pain subsides. Acupuncturists often use this point to help birth a baby and so should not be used by pregnant women.
Before you go whizzing off to the drug store consider using alternative therapies like acupressure instead. It could save you time, and long waiting lines at the doctor's office. Just recently I went into a clinic for a referral to see a doctor. The waiting time was 4hrs!!! Unbelievable. I left, there's no way I was going to spend my day off in a stuffed clinic.
More and more people are turning to alternative therapies, and for good reasons. Many people are being sliced and diced by doctors. I just recently had a healthy 23yr old woman on my table tell me her doctor removed her gall bladder due to a gall stone! Common, it's crazy! Another woman had her uterus removed due to Fibroids. It just amazed me. With so many natural alternatives out there why people are still going through with painful surgeries.
Check out your options, and most importantly be well informed. Always work with practitioners you feel good about. Always follow your gut or intuition when choosing your best treatment option. I hope you have enjoyed this article and will remember what you now know about acupressure that can save your life!
By: vanessa simpkins
Baby Boomers: 5 Reasons that Sleep Aids Do Not Stack up to Alternative Medicine
Below are five reasons why sleep aids don't stack up to alternative medicine.
Sleeping Pills are Highly Addictive
It seems like such an easy fix to a simple problem. There are so many choices that line the aisles of your favorite local drug stores. I mean, you can purchase them over the counter, after all, so how harmful can they be, right? Wrong. Doctors have been cautioning patients against the overuse of common sleeping aids for years, mainly because they can seem like an easy way out. Instead of trying to work through your problem of restlessness at night, popping two pills and calling it a night seems like a fast and painless solution.
Warm Milk Can Cause Stomach Aches
Many people are lactose intolerant these days. And even for those that are not, drinking milk at bedtime could prove quite uncomfortable throughout the night. Sure, it seems soothing, and it may coat the stomach, helping you drift off into slumber. But, expect to wake during the night once the after-effects set in. Your tummy is not given enough time to process the milk during the night, and your body is trying to rest, not digest, anything you put in it at nighttime.
Electric Bills Will Certainly Keep You Up
If you are one of those people that needs the radio or the television on at night in order to carry you off into dreamland, be advised that you are in for more restlessness in the future. Not only will the noise be highly disruptive to your dreams and your overall sleeping experience, but these appliances cost a lot of energy and money to keep them going when you are not awake. If you thought you were having trouble sleeping now, imagine how you will feel the next time an expensive bill is sitting in your mailbox.
Hypnosis
Those who suffer from insomnia often seek hypnotherapy as a means of aiding in the sleeping process. While some people have actually benefited from this method, countless others have found that it either does not work, or works a little too well. Mind control can be a very dangerous thing, and finding a highly trained professional can often be tricky. Plus, being hypnotized into sleeping seems unnatural, and will leave you feeling even groggier in the morning. It is not worth the cost for all the side effects.
Liquor Is Quicker But Dangerous
At one point, we get fed up with our insomnia, and end up turning to the bottle to help us sleep much faster. A glass of wine, a shot of brandy, a few beers are all known to make us sleepy after awhile. In moderation, these are not necessarily bad, but when this becomes a nightly ritual, there is certainly a problem. Also, the body has to work extra hard to ensure that the waste is removed, causing the mind to stay drowsy but the rest of you to continue going internally, leaving you exhausted the next day.
Consider scented aromatherapy. It has the power to transform our emotions, and heal our bodies. It certainly won't cost as much as those pills and bills. And there is no addiction or subconscious tampering involved.
By: Sherry Harris