How to Follow a Holistic Medicine Lifestyle

How to Follow a Holistic Medicine Lifestyle



Holistic medicine is an approach to health that seeks to treat the whole person rather than just a condition. Through practices like yoga, nutrition and acupuncture, holistic medical practitioners endeavor to help individuals attain a healthy lifestyle that includes attention to spiritual and emotional factors. Follow these steps to find out what holistic medicine could do for you.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access




Access to holistic medicine practitioners or books







Investigate Holistic Medicine




1


Begin by learning more about holistic medicine. The Web site of the "American Holistic Health Association" (see Resources below) provides good information on how you can adopt the holistic lifestyle.





2


Buy a reference book like Norman D. Ford's "Lifestyle for Longevity" (see Resources below).





3


Consider visiting holistic practitioners for advice and consultation. The "American Holistic Health Association" Web site has a tool you can use to find practitioners (see Resources below).





4


Remember that to follow the holistic lifestyle, you must pay as much attention to your emotional, spiritual and mental health as you do your physical health. Tending to your relationships and your emotional needs is an important part of beginning to adopt a new lifestyle.



Start With the Basics




1


Begin by getting good nutrition. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. For protein, eat fish and lean meat. Avoid junk food.





2


Maintain or achieve an appropriate weight. Consult a practitioner if you need help to reach that weight.





3


Reduce stress. Follow an exercise regimen that releases endorphins and maintains a healthy body weight. Consider taking up yoga or tai chi. It's believed that both can provide mental and spiritual benefits as well as physical ones. Even a brisk, 20-minute walk outdoors will help clear your mind and get your heart pumping.





4


Stop drinking too much alcohol. Don't smoke.





5


Get plenty of rest. Sleep is restorative. Adequate sleep and recreation are important parts of a healthy lifestyle.





6


Learn to pay attention to your body. It will often tell you just what it needs.





7


Take some time to be alone. Reflect and meditate.








Tips & Warnings










Begin a holistic medicine lifestyle by reading books on the subject as well as by talking to people who follow this lifestyle.








Holistic living in and of itself is inexpensive. It just requires mindful living. Certain holistic treatments, like yoga classes and shopping at specialty food stores, can become expensive over the long term.








Check for food allergies prior to beginning any diet change/or alteration in diet. Some people are allergic to soy, nuts or wheat. Consult a physician immediately if any swelling or rash appears after consuming a new food.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to try holistic medicine, consult your primary health care provider. Keep your doctor informed about the holistic treatment you undertake.








Consult MayoClinic.com to learn how educate yourself about alternative medicine claims (see Resources below). Learn how to assess those claims before you make your treatment decision.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033023_follow-holistic-medicine.html

How to Do a Pancreas Cleanse

How to Do a Pancreas Cleanse



Because our society is experiencing an epidemic of diabetes, more and more people are looking to maintain a healthy pancreas, which controls the manufacture of insulin in our bodies. A pancreas cleanse, done by taking natural herbal supplements along with eating a healthy diet, may help in dealing with diabetes, as well as other pancreatic maladies. Follow these steps to learn more.







Things You'll Need:





Multi-vitamin




Computer with Internet access




Herbal supplements




Water




Loofah sponge







Plan Your Pancreas Cleanse




1


Consider performing a colon cleanse or parasite cleanse before you begin your pancreas cleanse for the best results. The pancreas is particularly vulnerable to parasitic infections.





2


Decide upon a specific pancreas cleansing product, or a mixture of herbal supplements, to accompany the foods that will assist in your cleanse. Many herbal programs are fairly inexpensive, considering the health benefits you may achieve. Use online resources like NexTag.com (see Resources below) to comparison shop for products.





3


Choose a period of time where you can perform your pancreas cleanse without disrupting your normal routines, especially if you choose to do a colon or parasitic cleanse first. These cleanses can cause gastric distress and abnormal bowel movements.





4


Pick a multi-vitamin, as recommended by your doctor, to take during your pancreas cleanse. Many vitamins are important to maintaining proper pancreatic health.





5


Learn more about how to do a cleanse at SnyderHealth.com (see Resources below).



Do Your Pancreatic Cleanse




1


Drink at least 7 to 10 glasses, each 8 oz., of water every day of your pancreas cleanse.





2


Integrate herbs, such as golden seal, juniper berries, uva ursi leaves, comfrey root, huckleberry, mullein leaves and yarrow, into your cleanse. These herbs all assist in proper pancreatic health.





3


Take at least 1 hot shower a day. Scrub your skin vigorously with a loofah sponge. This will help with blood circulation and will aid in dispelling harmful toxins from your body.





4


Exercise at least 45 minutes every day. Perform relaxation techniques, like deep breathing exercises, in order to help toxins exit the body through the sweat glands and lungs.








Tips & Warnings










Always consult with your physician before attempting any kind of body cleanse or fasting procedure, especially if you're receiving treatment or taking prescription medicine for a specific medical condition. Some natural supplements can interact negatively with prescription drugs.








Be prepared to stop the pancreatic cleanse immediately and seek medical help if you feel severe side effects such as dizziness, nausea or abdominal pain.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2032958_do-pancreas-cleanse.html

How to Do a Colon Cleanse

How to Do a Colon Cleanse



Most alternative health experts agree that periodic colon cleanses are a foundation of better health. They assert that other cleansing and fasting diets are effective only after doing a proper colon cleanse first. During a colon cleanse, you'll take a combination of herbs and vitamin supplements and feel more vital and energetic. Follow these steps to learn more.







Things You'll Need:





Colon cleansing product or herbal supplements




Computer with Internet access




Distilled or purified water







Plan Your Colon Cleanse




1


Discuss your health concerns and symptoms with your doctor to see if performing a colon cleanse will help alleviate the problem. Symptoms of an unhealthy colon include lethargy, loss of energy, painful bowel movements, bloating, acne and yeast infections.





2


Decide on the type of colon cleanse you want to do, using online resources like the "Colon Cleansing Zone" (see Resources below). Choose from a variety of herbal supplements and healthy foods that will assist you to reach your goals. Some herbal supplements can be fairly expensive. Shop around to find one that fits your budget.





3


Set aside a period to do your colon cleanse that will not interfere with your daily life. Colon cleanses can cause gastric distress, irregular bowel movements and sometimes even dizziness and nausea. They might disrupt your normal routine.





4


Save time and prepare your food in advance. Some of the foods conducive to colon cleansing, like brown rice, take time to cook properly.



Do Your Colon Cleanse




1


Take the colon product or supplement you've chosen according to the directions on the package. You can shop for colon cleanse products online through shopping engines at sites like NexTag.com (see Resources below).





2


Drink at least 7 to 10 glasses, each 8 oz., of distilled or purified water every day of your cleansing program. Colon cleanses can cause diarrhea or irregular bowel movements and can lead to dehydration.





3


Take plenty of hot showers, baths or even saunas when you do your colon cleanse. This will help to increase blood circulation. The steam and hot water will help expel the toxins from your system.





4


Employ a variety of relaxation techniques, like deep breathing exercises and walking, to help relax your digestive system when you do your cleanse.








Tips & Warnings










Before beginning any colon cleanse, it's important to consult a health care professional to discuss the hazards and benefits of specific herbal supplements, especially if you're being treated for a specific medical condition or if you're taking prescription drugs.








Visit your doctor or an emergency room immediately if side effects like diarrhea, constipation or gastrointestinal pain become too severe.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2032956_do-colon-cleanse.html

How to Do a 3-Day Cleanse

How to Do a 3-Day Cleanse



A 3-day body cleanse aims to expel toxins from the body and re-balance blood sugar levels. Many alternative health experts recommend a 3-day cleanse before you start any long-term exercise or diet plan. The cleanse will help you achieve the best results. Some perform cleanses to treat conditions as varied as depression, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome or plain old moodiness. The kind of 3-day cleanses you choose can vary, but most involve a modified diet or fast while you take herbs and avoid toxins like alcohol. Follow these steps to learn more.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Decide Which 3-Day Cleanse is Right For You




1


Compare various cleansing programs on objective Web sites like "Natural Healing Today" (see Resources below).





2


Perform a 3-day cleanse that's centered around organic fruits and vegetables if you don't like the thought of fasting. While some organic foods and supplements can cost a little bit more money, they yield better results. They don't add more toxins to your system.





3


Consider a 3-day cleanse based solely on the consumption of fruit juices, including diuretics like prune juice, for thorough results. Keep in mind that buying fresh-squeezed juices from a juice bar can become very pricey, very quickly. Consider buying a juicer or borrowing one from a friend.





4


Pick a 3-day period to do your cleanse where you'll not be under a lot of stress or be forced to vary from your normal routine. A 3-day weekend might be ideal.



Conduct Your 3-Day Cleanse




1


Adhere to the prescribed plan carefully. Many 3-day cleanses require that you consume exact amounts of food at very specific times throughout the day.





2


Try to take at least 2 hot showers a day. They aid blood circulation and help to dispel toxins from your body. Scrubbing vigorously with a sponge or loofah is recommended.





3


Spend at least 45 minutes each day exercising. This will help keep your energy level high during the cleansing period. Allow yourself to exercise gently. This is a time to get your blood flowing and breathe some fresh air. It's not a time to "feel the burn."





4


Ingest a tsp. or tbsp. of olive oil once or twice a day. It will help keep bile ducts and glands lubricated and enhance the effects of the cleansing.





5


Learn more about the benefits of a 3-day cleanse. You can do this by reading "3 Days to Vitality: Cleanse Your Body, Clear Your Mind, Claim Your Spirit" or other non-fiction cleansing books (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Most 3-day body cleanses are inexpensive or moderately priced.








See your doctor before trying any type of cleansing or fasting program, especially if you're being treated for a medical condition.








Constipation or other types of gastrointestinal distress can occur during a body cleanse. Seek medical assistance immediately if the discomfort becomes too severe.



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How to Determine the Effectiveness of a Folk Medicine Remedy

How to Determine the Effectiveness of a Folk Medicine Remedy



Determine the effectiveness of a folk medicine remedy by closely analyzing the results you do or do not experience. While opting for folk medicine treatments over the typical prescription medicine route can save money, these natural herbal remedies often take longer to have full effect. Follow these steps to learn more.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Judge Your Condition




1


Discern the effectiveness of your chosen folk medicine remedy by first being able to correctly identify your malady. If you're suffering from a cold, choose proper treatments by doing online research at Web sites like Medindia.net (see Resources below).





2


Choose a proper folk medicine remedy for arthritis by asking others who may suffer from a similar condition. It's suggested that having bees sting your areas of pain will help bring down swelling and alleviate discomfort over time.





3


Provide comfort to an allergy sufferer by procuring locally-grown honey. Folk medicine lore dictates that the greatest effectiveness will be found through repetitive administration. Most people enjoy the taste of honey. It's said that it's most effective when combined with pure lemon juice and warm water. Watch for a decrease in sneezing.





4


Learn through Newfoundland folk tradition that medicine for boils is known to be found in the leaves of the dandelion. You're supposed to boil them in water. Then you can eat them. This process may demonstrate effectiveness as a blood purifier. Determine otherwise if your condition persists.





5


Understand that a persistent cold can be explained in many folk medicine cultures as a spiritual problem. Often, time is the only cure. Once a person has paid a certain price with suffering, health will be allowed to return.





6


Determine the effectiveness of home remedies by trial and error. If symptoms worsen rather than improve, please consult professional medical help.








Tips & Warnings










Many folk remedies have been proven to have a scientific basis. The time-honored advice to eat chicken soup when you have a cold is a good example. The soup has been found to have antibiotic properties.








If symptoms become severe, enlist the help of a physician. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or sudden headache, for example, may be signs of life-threatening problems. Call an ambulance.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to try folk medicine, consult your primary health care provider. Keep your doctor informed about the folk medical technique you undertake.








Read about the risks of untested and unregulated remedies in "The New England Journal of Medicine" (see Resources below).








Consult MayoClinic.com to learn how educate yourself about alternative medicine claims (see Resources below). Learn how to assess those claims before you make your treatment decision.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2032982_determine-effectiveness-folk.html

How to Clean Jewelry With Ammonia

How to Clean Jewelry With Ammonia



Some of the most precious possessions enjoyed by both men and women include fine jewelry pieces. Whether your favorite piece of jewelry is a family heirloom you rarely wear, or your diamond wedding ring that never comes off, taking regular care and cleaning your jewelry keeps it looking great. Ammonia is a great and safe cleaning agent, that when used properly, can keep your jewelry looking new.







Things You'll Need:





Ammonia



Soft cloth



Soft bristle toothbrush



Liquid dishwashing soap



Cotton swabs









Step
1



Clean diamonds and colored gems by making a solution of one part water and one part ammonia. Soak your jewelry in the solution for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water and place on a towel to dry.




Step
2



Use an old soft bristle toothbrush, if soaking doesn't clean deeply enough. Dip the brush in the cleaning solution and gently 'tap' around the mounting with the bristles of the brush, removing any dirt and grime that may have built up. Dip the ring into the solution once more to remove loose pieces, rinse and place on a towel to dry.




Step
3



Remove light tarnish from gold and silver jewelry by mixing 1/4 cup of warm water, 2 tsp. of liquid dishwashing soap and 1 tsp. of ammonia. Place the solution on a soft cloth or cotton swab and gently rub the jewelry until the tarnish is removed.




Step
4



Soak the jewelry in the tarnish solution for 30 minutes if the soft cloth or cotton swab cannot remove tarnish from detail or around mountings. Remove the jewelry and cover the head of a toothbrush with a soft cloth, rubbing gently with the covered toothbrush until the tarnish is removed. You may soak the jewelry again if necessary.







Tips & Warnings









Jewelry quickly picks of dirt and grime. To keep your jewelry clean, use the ammonia solutions often and take of your jewelry when cleaning, applying make-up or lotion.








When storing your jewelry, remember that diamonds can easily scratch other jewelry, including other diamonds. Protect your jewelry by wrapping each piece in cloth.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2126151_clean-jewelry-ammonia.html

How to Clean Inside a Watch

How to Clean Inside a Watch



Because of the intricate nature of a watch, it can be tough to clean it if it gets dirty. One small speck of sand can cause devastating damage to your precious time piece. But experts are able to open up your watch and clean the inside, making it as good as new again.









Step
1



Disassemble the watch. This requires removing the case and the movement.




Step
2



Clean the case and the movement with a special cleaner. Many jewelers prefer to clean using ultrasonic technology. This gently shakes dirt and other particles free from the gears. But the chemicals are gentle enough that they won't cause any erosion to the watch parts.




Step
3



Lubricate the movement while the watch parts are out on the table. This is similar to changing the oil in your car. Adequate lubrication allows the critical parts in your watch to last to their full expected life.




Step
4



Refinish the outside of the watch. The case of the watch and metal bands are refinished to make your watch look brand new again. Leather bands and plastic bands are not able to be refinished because of their texture.




Step
5



Replace all gaskets and test the watch to make sure it's water tight. A certified watch maker will make sure the case meets or exceeds factory requirements.




Step
6



Reassemble the watch and inspect it. The watch maker will make sure your watch is working in prime condition. You should also inspect your watch when you pick it up, to make sure there are no problems.







Tips & Warnings









It is possible for you to clean the inside of your own watch. However, watch cleaning solutions can be very dangerous. They were not designed for use in your home. Talk to an expert about proper handling of these chemicals.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2123884_clean-inside-watch.html

How to Clean Emerald Jewelry

How to Clean Emerald Jewelry



Emeralds are hard stones that complement any type of jewelry with their brilliant green color. The emerald is the birthstone of May and was used in ancient times to promote healing. If you own any emerald jewelry, you need to know the basics of cleaning it.









Step
1



Polish the emerald jewelry with a soft cloth for several minutes. This removes any build up of oils and dirt.




Step
2



Fill a bowl with mild soap and lukewarm water. This is the safest way to clean jewelry since if you wash smaller pieces over the sink, they may fall down the drain.




Step
3



Scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush. Clean all parts of the jewelry, including the hard to reach prong area. A soft jewelry brush can be used as well.




Step
4



Rinse with clean lukewarm water. You should fill another bowl with water and submerge the jewelry in it. Check to make sure that there is no soap residue left.




Step
5



Pat the jewelry dry with a clean soft towel. Once you are finished, you can store the jewelry in a dry place or wear it again.




Step
6



Ask your jeweler for a professional cleaning. Every few months, you should also take the emerald jewelry in to be cleaned by your jewelry retailer.







Tips & Warnings









Do not clean emerald jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner. Emeralds are often treated with oils and this type of cleaning will remove the oils.








Do not use commercial jewelry cleaners on emeralds. These can cause damage to the stones.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2057726_clean-emerald-jewelry.html

How to Clean Diamonds

How to Clean Diamonds



If diamonds are your best friends, treat them accordingly. Regular cleaning will keep your jewels sparkling.







Things You'll Need:





Dishwashing Liquid



Dishwashing Liquid



Toothbrushes



Small Bowls



Paper Towels



Paper Towels



Paper towels







Soapy Solution




Step
1



Take a small bowl and mix a small amount of mild dish detergent with warm water until sudsy.




Step
2



Dip the item to be cleaned into the solution.




Step
3



Dip a soft toothbrush into the cleaning solution, and gently brush the item.




Step
4



Rinse in warm running water.




Step
5



Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.


Ammonia Solution




Step
1



Take a small bowl and mix a solution of 6 parts water to 1 part ammonia.




Step
2



Dip the item to be cleaned into the solution.




Step
3



Dip a soft toothbrush into the cleaning solution, and gently brush the item.




Step
4



Pay special attention to the backs of stones and their mountings, areas that tend to collect dirt and oils.




Step
5



Rinse in warm running water.




Step
6



Pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth.







Tips & Warnings









For especially soiled diamonds, mix a solution of half cold water and half ammonia in a small bowl. Let the item soak in the solution for 30 minutes, then gently brush the item with a soft toothbrush. Rinse in warm running water and allow the item to air dry on paper towels.








Be sure to use the ammonia and ammonia-water solution only in a well-ventilated area, and avoid inhaling the ammonia solution directly.



http://www.ehow.com/how_3177_clean-diamonds.html