How to Massage the Back of the Foot Using Deep Tissue Pressure

How to Massage the Back of the Foot Using Deep Tissue Pressure



Massaging the back of the foot using deep tissue pressure revitalizes trigger points in the entire body. When you press and hold these points, the body can relax and release tightness, relieving pain in the legs, arms, spine and internal organs. With deep tissue massage on the feet the entire body experiences release of stress and pain and stands with improved posture. Read on to learn how to massage the back of the foot using deep tissue pressure.







Things You'll Need:





Towel




Massage oil or cream




Essential oil--optional









1


Place the client face down on the massage table so the back of the foot faces you. Place a rolled towel under the upper chest for comfort.





2


Massage the entire foot and calf of the leg with oil or massage cream to soften the tissues and muscles. You may add essential oils to the cream or oil if you wish, as the fragrance helps the entire body to relax. Peppermint, a favorite oil to use on the feet, provides a nice, tingly effect.





3


Apply pressure to the back of the foot with your elbow, starting under the big toe. Hold the pressure three to five seconds, then move your elbow a half inch to the side and press in again. Continue across the foot to under the little toe. Move down a half inch and go back towards the big toe side of the foot.





4


Continue with the above sequence until you have covered the entire foot. Massage the foot again with oil or cream, using your thumbs. Use less depth for this final massage.





5


Repeat Steps 2, 3 and 4 on the other foot.








Tips & Warnings










Stop applying pressure at any time the client experiences pain or requests.



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How to Massage Meridians of the Head to Relieve Tension

How to Massage Meridians of the Head to Relieve Tension



A head massage is a relaxing way to relieve eye strain, headache and sinus problems. It may even improve concentration and leave you with a feeling of tranquility. A head massage stimulates the meridians of the head. In Ayurvedic medicine, these meridians control conditions of the nose, eyes, ears, mouth and neck. A head massage by a professional is a treat, but in a pinch you can do one yourself.









1


Prepare warm oils to rub into the crown of your head, if you wish. Use sunflower, sesame or olive oil for dry hair and sesame or almond oil for oily hair. Add
rosemary
essential oil to help your hair grow.





2


Place a chair in a quiet, warm spot. Sit up straight in the chair. Lean against the back of the chair for support. Put both feet flat on the floor.





3


Place your hands around your forehead. Press in the middle at the hairline. Massage the brow line to the temple. Use small, slow circular motions and slight pressure.





4


Move the hands up through your scalp. Rub in gentle circles. Work up to the top of your head, then down the back, then back up again. Repeat four or five times, covering the entire scalp.





5


Pull your fingers through your hair, tugging gently. Massage for about a minute. Let the strokes become lighter as you near the end.





6


Put your palms on your temples with your fingers pointing up. Squeeze for five seconds. Release. Repeat on the area above the ears.


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How to Use Magnetic Therapy in Your Home

How to Use Magnetic Therapy in Your Home



Your home is your sanctuary and there should be no room for pain and suffering in your sanctuary. The use of magnetic therapy in your home might just improve your quality of life and even the lives of your pets. It is said that applying magnets to injured areas can result in faster healing or reduced swelling of inflamed areas, due to the increased flow of blood to those areas. And since magnetic therapy can be done at home, it is usually inexpensive.







Things You'll Need:





Magnetic wraps




Magnetic pillows and mattress covers




Magnets







The Best Magnetic Therapies for the Home




1


Make up beds with magnetic pillows and mattress covers that may help with insomnia, relaxation and recovery from other chronic conditions.





2


Treat upset stomachs with non-medicinal treatments. Apply small magnets on either side of the stomach, about 2 inches above the navel.





3


Try to head off migraine headaches by placing small magnets (with the north pole facing the skin) on the shoulder blades, on the top of the feet and on the head. Keep them on until pain is relieved.





4


Comfort injured pets with magnetic wraps and beds that help accelerate their recovery.





5


Magnetize water and drink for added pain relief, or feed to plants for increased growth. (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










The best magnets have gauss ratings from 500 to 15,000. Anything less will not be adequate for relief.








Invest in a good chart that shows where all the pressure points are on the body.








Magnetic therapy usually works better if combined with heat treatments.








Try yoga or pilates for stretching and conditioning your body.








Use magnetic therapy sparingly. As your body becomes accustomed to the treatments, they are less effective.








Magnetic therapy should not be used on people who have electronic devices, such as pacemakers, inserted in their bodies, as disruption of those devices may result.








People with high blood pressure should get permission from their doctors before they use magnets.








If any physical conditions worsen after the beginning of treatment, immediately seek medical attention.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



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How to Use Homeopathy With Pets

How to Use Homeopathy With Pets



Homeopathy is often confused with other forms of alternative medicines, yet it differs from the other forms of alternative medicine in its basic principles and approach. It is based on the idea that to treat a condition, you should stimulate the body's natural defenses by introducing a natural agent, such as a plant extract. For example, to use homeopathy to fight an allergy to your pet, you would take a homeopathic medicine that, in much larger doses, would cause the onset of symptoms identical to those of the allergy. The body's own defenses are thus naturally set in motion and the allergy or other disease can be combated.







Things You'll Need:





Time to pay close attention to your pets in order to monitor their progress during homeopathic treatment




Computer with Internet access to locate a homeopathic practitioner who deals with pet allergies, or if the treatment is sought to treat your pet's disease, a homeopathic veterinarian







Use Homeopathy to Treat an Allergy to Your Pet




1


Ask your homeopathic practitioner for recommendations for medicines or treatment strategies to combat your allergies.





2


Describe your particular allergy symptoms in great detail as this will determine what homeopathic treatment to use.





3


Follow the homeopath's prescribed course of treatment closely and to its completion. Do not stop treatment early, even if symptoms improve.



Use Homeopathy to Treat Your Pet's Ailments




1


Ask your homeopath for a reference to a qualified homeopathic veterinarian. You can also try to treat your pet's ailment yourself by searching out homeopathic remedies online at the Everglo-Natural Veterinary Services Web site (see Resources below).





2


Tell your homeopathic veterinarian exactly what symptoms you've noticed in your pets and how long those symptoms have persisted.





3


Follow the homeopath's prescribed course of treatment closely and to its completion. Do not stop treatment early, even if symptoms improve.








Tips & Warnings










Consult a veterinarian who can diagnose your pet's condition; this may or may not be the same person as a homeopathic vet. Conventional treatments rely on harsh chemicals and prescription drugs to treat diseases, but these substances can do harm to vital organs like kidneys and the liver. Animals often respond even better to homeopathic treatment than humans do.








A qualified homeopathic veterinarian can often provide more affordable healthcare for your pets, with treatments that range from inexpensive to moderate in price.








If homeopathy does not seem to be working, take your pet to an emergency veterinary clinic right away. Let the vet know what the symptoms are and what treatment your pet has been undergoing in order to avoid any possible spread of disease to other animals.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



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How to Use Homeopathy With Children

How to Use Homeopathy With Children



When conventional medicines fail, many parents turn to homeopathy to treat their
children
. Others use homeopathy as a first approach, trying to protect their children from invasive and scary conventional treatments. Some parents prefer homeopathy with children because conventional treatments involve harsh chemicals or surgery. Homeopathy, on the other hand, simply introduces natural substances that in mega-doses would produce the same symptoms as the ailments from which children suffer, including colic and ear infections. This stimulates the body into producing its natural disease fighters in greater dosages.







Things You'll Need:





Recommended: Insurance company or plan that covers homeopathy for a low-cost alternative to conventional treatment




Computer with Internet access to find homeopathic practitioners who specialize in working with children and in childhood diseases







Use Homeopathy to Treat Children




1


Talk to your kids. Medical treatment is scary for children, so you'll want to discuss what is happening with them. Be available to answer any of their questions, and try to get a clear description of their symptoms.





2


Explain what homeopathy is and why you've chosen to use it instead of, or in conjunction with, conventional therapies. You can get more information about children and homeopathy at the Medical Homeopathy 'Babies, Children and Homeopathy' Web page (see Resources below).





3


Take your child to visit your homeopathic practitioner. Explain the child's symptoms and let the practitioner develop a treatment plan.





4


Keep a close eye on your child. He or she may not realize how important it is to follow a treatment regimen exactly and to its completion. Only you can guarantee that the child is doing exactly what has been advised.





5


Monitor your child's progress and ask how he or she feels about the treatment you have chosen to use. Be aware that initially, a homeopathic treatment might actually worsen symptoms--this is normal and short-lived. The treatment is simply jump-starting the body's natural defenses.





6


Praise your child for his or her participation in the treatment and for any improvement you see.








Tips & Warnings










Children are reluctant to take any medicines or follow any medical regimen, so you'll need to be especially vigilant to make sure they're taking their medicines at the prescribed time and the prescribed dosage.








Sometimes, a 'healing crisis' is needed to overcome a disease. This is when the homeopathic treatment brings on the symptoms of the disease or condition you are combating in order to kick-start the body's natural defenses. Keep in close communication with your homeopath in case you have questions or concerns.








It's always tricky treating children, so it's wise to consult a physician in addition to your homeopathic practitioner. Do not hesitate to seek licensed medical treatment from a doctor or go to the emergency room if your child runs a high fever or experiences persistent vomiting or diarrhea.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



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How to Use Homeopathy to Treat Depression

How to Use Homeopathy to Treat Depression



Each and every one of us experiences depression during our lives to some degree or another. Physical causes include certain illnesses or injury. Emotional factors also contribute to and exacerbate depression. Psychological conditions are yet another contributing factor for depression. Why, then, does it seem like doctors believe there is only a single remedy for depression, i.e., a name-brand prescription pill? Homeopathic practitioners believe that since there are many contributing factors for depression, there are just as many different ways to treat depression.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Use Homeopathy to Treat Depression




1


Try to identify the root cause of your depression. Causes of depression can be psychological, emotional, physical or spiritual. The homeopathic treatments you use will vary depending on the cause, so it is necessary to pinpoint where your depression stems from before you can treat it.





2


Visit the Healthy Homeopathy Web site (see Resources below) to learn more about specific treatments for depression. Choose the treatment plan outlined that best fits with your symptoms and goals for treatment. Follow the treatment regimen laid out for you exactly.





3


Give it time. When you're depressed, it is easy to become hopeless and give up on treatments before they have had the chance to work. Depression can't be cured overnight and you need to follow your homeopathic treatment to the letter.





4


Don't be afraid to try different treatments or to combine treatments--for example, you can combine a homeopathic treatment for depression with psychological counseling.





5


Rely on those around you. Studies prove that having a close network of friends and family to offer comfort and support will help you overcome your depression faster, regardless of the treatment option you use.








Tips & Warnings










Connect with others online who have battled depression and won. Their experiences will give you hope and can help you discover which homeopathic treatment is right for you.








Depression is a serious and often chronic psychological condition that may also have physiological components. If you believe that you are suffering from depression or if you have feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide, please get help right away. Seek professional counseling or emergency treatment without delay.








Depression has many causes, some physical and some psychological. As a result, it may take you some time to find the right homeopathic treatment for your depression. You'll need to nail down the root cause of your depression before you can find an effective treatment.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031338_use-homeopathic-treat.html

How to Apply Acupressure

How to Apply Acupressure



Acupressure points are often called by other names. Acupuncture points, pressure points and acupoints all refer to the same thing. Strongly linked to acupuncture, acupressure seeks to regulate the energies of the body by manipulating points on the physical body. Acupressure is used to treat stress, physical ailments and improve emotional well-being.







Things You'll Need:





Blunt object to apply pressure




Patience--acupressure effects improve over time




Map of the acupressure points







Apply Acupressure




1


Familiarize yourself with the 2 main methods for applying acupressure. They are pressing (called 'reinforcing') and reducing points.





2


Get comfortable. You can apply acupressure lying down or sitting up.





3


Identify the points you'd like to press. Use the Eclectic Energies Web site to find a list of pressure points (see Resources below). Click 'All Points' on the navigation bar of the home page for clear pictorials with comprehensive information about each point.





4


Use a blunt object to create pressure. Many practitioners use their fingers, pencil erasers or even fingernails.





5


Apply steady pressure. Recommended amounts of time range from less than half a second to 2 minutes. One to 2 minutes is considered the norm.





6


Reduce the point after you've finished reinforcing it. This is done by running the blunt object in a counter-clockwise direction for another 1 to 2 minutes.



Make Your Acupressure More Effective




1


Vary your routine. Change is good, so mix up the pressure points you treat, as well as the order in which they are treated and the length of time you apply pressure. This helps to bring the maximum health benefits to your body.





2


Pay attention. After working with a point, see what effects you feel before moving on. That way, you'll know when a specific point needs to be worked and when it can be left alone.





3


Study the points. In addition to physical well-being, acupressure points each affect different emotions or states of mind.





4


Read your face. Many of the points have a distinct effect on facial expression. To know whether acupressure is working, check the mirror for signs of its effectiveness.





5


Stay up-to-date about acupressure. Browse the latest articles online at the Acupressure Institute Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Self-treatment with acupressure is very inexpensive if you make use of things you have at home.








Most people are more familiar with reinforcing acupressure points, as opposed to the lesser known techniques for reducing points. Try to balance the 2 techniques for maximum effect.








Objects used for applying acupressure should be 3 to 4 mm thick for proper pressure.








Always repeat the points on each side of the body so you receive a balanced treatment.








Be cautious when spending excessive amounts of time reducing points if you are unwell or weakened by other physical limitations. Reinforcing points is a better option for you.








Severe physical distress symptoms (vomiting, bleeding, acute pain) cannot be appropriately addressed using acupressure. Seek emergency care.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



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