Complementary Therapies and Healing

In a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was reported that as part of a randomized controlled clinical trial, this herb had proved ineffective in treating severe depression and major. On April 21, Deepak Chopra, former endocrinologist and author of books having sold more than 10 million copies, was sold out of curiosity at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada. Mr. Chopra preaches a philosophy of health that combines ideas as diverse as Ayurvedic medicine and quantum physics. Its recommendations range from herbs or aromatic therapies for crystal therapy, all integrated into a vast constellation of remedies to restore harmony to a person with the cosmos and, consequently, his health.

What complementary therapies and alternative medicine (CAM)? Most definitions include a wide range of philosophies, approaches and healing therapies that are not part of conventional medicine or allopathy. These therapies can be grouped into five main categories:

   1. Alternative medical systems (eg.: Naturopathy and Ayurvedic medicine)
   2. Mind-body interventions (eg.: Music therapy and meditation)
   3. Biologically based treatments that include therapies for most herbal remedies, special diets and megadoses of vitamins.
   4. Handling systems based on the body (eg. Chiropractor and massage therapy)
   5. Therapies based on energy (eg.: Qi gong, reiki and therapeutic touch)

Many of today's conventional therapies have been a day of treatments based on herbal remedies, complementary therapies and alternative medicines that have proven effective and safe. The term "complementary" refers to the useful role that can play treatments (eg.: Chiropractic manipulation, massage or acupuncture), obviously, these treatments must be administered by qualified professionals, while combined therapies more traditional medical treatment of complex disorders.

At a time when Canadian doctors face greater pressures to engage in scientific or medical evidence based, more and more people flock to an unconventional approach and make use of unproven solutions to their concerns health. Why? Perhaps because our world is more complex and frightening than ever, and that our lives seem beyond our control. Unless this is the result of a powerful mass marketing that puts forward the substances, equipment, therapeutic approaches and other nostrums that promote health. The marketing does he not unprecedented influence on our behavior as consumers? Let us there not convinced of the need for greater youth, greater force and greater libido to be quite complete? Since the very beginnings of history, men have shown an insatiable need for worship and faith. Yet today we see the traditional religions be challenged and set aside. Some health techniques are provided with a religion or a philosophy of hope. To earn their fees, physicians, traditional healers in our Western world, are always in a race against time, trapped in the formula fee, so they have little time to devote their patients to answer their questions, offer support or maintain a healthy relationship with them.

What are the dangers of alternative therapies? Some diseases, dangerous, demanding in a prompt investigation and treatment with therapies that have proven themselves. Some preparations of herbal remedies can alter the effects of traditional medicines, so that diseases such as diabetes and HIV are less responsive to drugs of proven efficiency. Some substances can mask important symptoms of serious medical conditions. My advice about complementary and alternative medicine: First, check the references of the person who offers his services. If the latter has no training or experience and has no history of success in treating people with your condition, go (and run) to the nearest exit! Then, remember the questions you should ask:

    * Efficiency: "Have you any proof of the effectiveness of treatment? "
    * Safety: "Can you prove to me that the treatment is not harmful? "
    * Cost: "The potential benefit of treatment worth the cost or are there any solutions that are less expensive and equally effective? "

Go to the Internet to inform you about alternative therapies for your health problem. Here are some examples of sites to see: Consumer Reports Online, The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, The National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, the National Cancer Institute CancerNet Treatment Options, The National Council for Reliable Health Information and Quackwatch.

Finally, talk to your doctor about complementary and alternative medicines, but be patient with him: it is almost impossible to keep pace with the latest medical developments and the proliferation of complementary and alternative medicine. Your doctor may be able to give useful advice and guide you in your approach. And when you decide to use a complementary therapy or medicine, for safety, tell your doctor.

10 tips to burn more calories each day

You just burn a calorie or two. Yes! Simply move the fingers on the keyboard or feet under the desk you can gradually eliminate the calories you consumed. In fact, you burn calories just by going about your daily routine - even while sleeping.

Of course, the more you move, you eliminate more calories. This is why most advice on the disposal of calories on physical activity are: running, walking, jumping, take the stairs, park your car as far as possible, and so on. But you will find below some amazing stuff to help you cut calories.

Eat plenty of protein. To digest proteins, the body must work harder and longer to digest than carbohydrates and fats. So you burn extra calories just by digesting proteins! Choose lean protein, like chicken or fish. Eggs, tofu, beans and nuts are also good sources of protein.

Eat slowly. Your body needs food, when your mind wants to get food. When you eat at speed, you do not allow your body to decide if he really needs more calories. Stop between bites, talk with your dining companions, get up to go to the background music - in short, do whatever it takes to eat more slowly, in order to recognize the signs of satiety and do not store the calories.

Keep hydrated. Your body uses water to sort and use the calories you consume. If you do not drink enough, your metabolism may slow down, and you burn fewer calories. In one study, women who drank eight glasses of water a day burned more calories from carbohydrates, while men tended to burn fat.

Drink green tea. This drink contains 2 popular metabolic activators, caffeine and catechins, substances found in plants and also provide antioxidant benefits. Substitute 2-4 cups of green tea per day to a sweet soft drink rich in calories to reduce your daily caloric intake.

Take care of your skin

The health of the skin is associated with healthy lifestyles. To take care of your skin, start with healthy habits that protect it from external and internal elements.

    * Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
    * Eat well-balanced.
    * Protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun.
    * Follow an effective skin care.
Know your skin type will help you take care of effectively.
When choosing cleaning products and skin care, those who agree with others not necessarily suit you. According to the characteristics of the skin, the types of skin following: 
Dry Skin
Dry skin is rough to the touch and often gives a feeling of tightness. If you have this skin type, do not you clean with hot water and using soaps and alcohol based. The cleansing creams and facial cleansing help to penetrate the water in the skin without removing natural oils on the surface. It is important to apply a lotion or cream to retain moisture and protect the facial skin appearance! 
Oily
Oily skin often gives a dull and shiny with enlarged pores, pimples and blackheads on the occasion. Wash with a mild cleanser twice a day. If you have acne, ask your dermatologist to choose a medicated cleanser that suits your face. Do not make the mistake of rubbing your skin acne frequently - the problem will worsen. After cleaning, apply an astringent to remove excess oil. As a moisturizer, use a mild preparation for water based, specially formulated for oily skin. Avoid all cosmetics oil based because they can block pores and promote pimples and blackheads. 
Combination Skin
People with combination skin have areas of dry skin with some areas of oily skin. Thus, the nose, forehead and chin are often areas of oily skin. There are many products suitable for the two types of skin on your face.Normal skin
People with skin "normal" generally have a rosy and radiant, their pores barely visible. This is the result of a balanced content in water and oil. This type of skin presents no particular problem and requires no adjustment, just give it regular maintenance care. It is recommended that these people care products that help keep the content balanced skin. 
Sensitive Skin
People with sensitive skin should always use cosmetics soft. Before applying a product on the face, test it on a small area of your arm to see how your skin reacts. Do not assume that a product of natural source contains no ingredient that can irritate your skin. To clean, choose a mild lotion, milky, water-soluble and water warm. Avoid gels or soaps containing alcohol, preservatives, or strong acid, since these ingredients may dry and irritate the skin. Do not use an astringent or scrub on sensitive skin, they can cause inflammation.