First, please remember that essential oils should never be applied neat (undiluted) to your skin. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this! This includes the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. When using oils neat for inhalation purposes please exercise care and dispense your oils on a tissue or cotton ball for direct inhalation.

LAUNDRY CLEANING AND CARE:

WASHER: Add 3-4 drops of Essential Oils to your washing machine. Adding Eucalyptus Globulus Oil to your wash cycle may kill dust mites in your bedding.

DRYER: Add 3-4 drops of Essential Oils to a cotton cloth or pad and place in your dryer during the cool down or wrinkle release cycle. Lavender oil will give your bedding and towels a clean, fresh scent. 3-4 drops of Lemon or Sweet Orange oil will remove greasy and oily smells from your laundry.

PLEASE NOTE: Using essential oils in your washer may damage plastic, or hard rubber parts.

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

If you just need something to help you relax and unwind from a hard day of work, or any other stressful activities, then aromatherapy might be for you. You might think that aromatherapy is just another new age trick that is designed to get your money and make you think you feel better. But this is not so. Studies have shown that this treatment can actually help with stress on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Not convinced? Here is some background information on it.

Aromatherapy relates to the natural method of healing the mind and body with essential plant oils that are either rubbed into the skin or inhaled. Some commonly used aromatherapy plants are juniper, rosemary, lavender and sage. This message was first used in ancient china. The ancient Chinese used these methods in a medical use.

In all of aromatherapy products, the main ingredients are essential oils. Basically essential oils are the liquid essence of the original plant. A very concentrated substance, essential oil comes in small bottles and is diluted using a mix of water and carrier oils to be applied to the skin. If you are inhaling essential oils, be certain to use a light dose of the fluid, as too much of it can be hazardous to your health.

There are many different forms of aromatherapy. Some people use aromatherapy candles or incense, and breathe in the soothing scent of various fragrances. Scent triggers certain reactions in the brain and lets off chemicals in the brain, which causes mental relaxation. Other types of oils, salts and lotions can be used on the skin, creating the same effect except physical. Others use aromatherapy as a way to look and feel younger and more vibrant.

Whenever you feel the need to just let go, unwind, and relax, aromatherapy can help a lot. The therapy will loosen your mind and your muscles. Not matter what, you wont regret using aromatherapy.

First, please remember that essential oils should never be applied neat (undiluted) to your skin. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this! This includes the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. When using oils neat for inhalation purposes please exercise care and dispense your oils on a tissue or cotton ball for direct inhalation.

In this article I will talk about two methods of treatment that are not only readily available and highly effective, but very inexpensive as well. These two methods are – THE BATH and COMPRESS

BATH ~ Great for relieving stress, sore and achy muscles, as well as sinus congestion. Stimulates lymphatic system and release of toxins.

Fill your tub with water, add 5-8 drops of essential oil that has been mixed in a dispersant such as a carrier oil, milk or cream, or a spoonful of honey, swish to disperse your essential oils evenly in the water.

OPTIONAL: Add a half cup each of Epsom salts (muscle relaxant, detoxifier) and Baking Soda (skin softener). These can also be used to disperse essential oils in your bath water.

Suggested Oils to Use: Lavender, Vetiver, or Peppermint

PLEASE NOTE: Essential oils are not water soluble you must use a dispersant when adding them to your facial steam or bath. Water may cause essential oils to penetrate your system more quickly or cause irritation to sensitive or damaged skin, i.e. blemishes, sores or rash.

COMPRESS ~ Excellent for topical application to ease pain from strained muscles and menstrual cramps.

Disperse 4-8 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of milk, cream or honey. Add your blended mixture to a small stainless steel bowl of hot water. Absorb the “HOT” water into a wash cloth. Be sure to wear protective gloves. Wring out excess water and apply the hot compress to your area of discomfort, repeat when your cloth cools. You may cover the warm cloth with a plastic sheet or a towel to keep it “HOT” longer.

Suggested Oils to Use: Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, or Chamomile

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

Generally as a society we are moving towards wanting to prevent things before they happen. This trend can be applied to illnesses as well; especially those illnesses in which if someone is able to prevent it from happening, they can save either their life or the life of someone else.

One such illness is Asthma. It is necessary for asthmatics to have an idea of the things that might trigger their symptoms, and even better for them to have knowledge of what their initial symptoms are. Knowing the initial symptoms of asthma and the ways to avoid any triggers can help prevent a full-blown attack.

There are numerous substances, which can trigger an asthma attack. One very common trigger for people who suffer from asthma is cigarette smoke. If this is a trigger for you, being around people who smoke can trigger difficulty breathing. This is because the chemicals in the smoke act as an irritant cause the lining of the tubes of the lung to close. This is a common trigger that should be avoided.

Another common trigger are dust mites. Dust mites are little bugs that live in mattresses, pillows, curtains and bed linen such as sheets and blankets. Dust mites are particularly harmful as triggers of asthma because they feed on dead skin shed by humans. Then the feces excreted by them is left behind. This feces can cause an attack, but this trigger will not go away as long as the dust mites are still present.

Asthma – a disease of the respiratory system whereby a patient’s airway becomes inflamed and constricted limiting breathing – can be enormously frightening. The lack of control that comes from having your own breath leave you is something only an asthma sufferer can understand.

The treatments sought for asthma include a number of highly successful and reliable medical interventions. Asthma patients often rely on respiratory inhalers and prescription medications to easy asthma symptoms and prevent attacks. Further, for those asthma patients whose condition is exacerbated by environmental stimuli, avoidance of allergens becomes a main focus of daily life.

Today – as the emphasis on healthy living becomes more prominent – more and more people are looking for a natural cure for asthma. And they’re finding them; ways to alleviate symptoms and prevent attacks. The natural cure for asthma derives from a holistic approach to treating the whole body, thus correcting specific symptoms.

One approach to a natural cure for asthma that has been embraced is chiropractic work. Patients report a greater overall feeling of well-being after visiting with a chiropractor. Chiropractic manipulation works to align the spinal column thus removing pressure from the nervous system. Because our central nervous system is all connected along the spine, we can be enormously benefited by having adjustments.

Another approach to a natural cure for asthma is acupuncture whereby sterilized needles are placed – painlessly – in strategic areas of the body to correct internal imbalances.

Additionally, many in search of a natural cure for asthma have found that certain types of exercise – most specifically yoga – have relieved their asthma symptoms. Again, overall health in the body addresses many symptoms.

Others have found non-traditional techniques such as hypnosis and laser treatments to clear airways very successful in their search for a natural cure for asthma.

To research a natural cure for asthma, go online; there are many resources available for those who suffer from asthma including a multitude of chat forums wherein other people share their experiences and what has worked to ease their asthma symptoms. Having support from people who understand can be more than half the battle.

No matter what you choose in your journey to alleviate your asthma, always check with a medical professional prior to experimentation. It may be that you can use any of the methods mentioned above in conjunction with traditional medical treatment. Either way, staying proactive and positive will one day find you enjoying a much healthier life.

In this modern day, there are so many things that prohibit people from a healthy way of life. You can choose to be healthy by performing a good way of life and consult to your doctor about your health in routine manner. There are also many supplements that you can find online which will help you to maintain a healthy way of life. Stimray provides vast array of healthy way of life products, such as EMS units, fitness program, pain relief management, body shaping devices, and many more. Stimray is one of the best online references where you can get any kinds of health related products that you need in order to maintain healthy way of life. You can order Stimray products online easily.

Having trouble picking out the right yoga mat to buy? With all the options available, choosing a yoga mat can be a daunting task. There are many factors to selecting the best yoga mat, and this guide will go over the most important factors.

What Type of Yoga? – The type of yoga you practice is a very important factor for the type of mat you’ll need. Figure out your style of yoga before making a big purchase. If you’re just beginning, you can use mats at the gym until you know which style of yoga you prefer. If you do intensive yoga or sweat a lot, you should consider a mat that doesn’t absorb odors and is anti-bacterial. A practice that is about flowing (vinyasa) postures requires a mat with superior grip. A gentle practice doesn’t require as much, so there are many more options to choose from.

What Kind of Material? – The material you choose will determine a lot about the stickiness, sponginess and durability of the mat. There some pretty standard materials and now many companies are combining the materials to create even better products.

• PVC/Vinyl – Much more durable than other mats, PVC mats can last up to a decade. PVC mats are the smoothest mats on the market, so if you don’t like texture these may be the way to go. These mats aren’t sustainable though and can release toxins as they are used. PVC mats are the most spongy available.

• PVC (phthalate and latex-free) – There are now PVC mats available that are phthalate free. This means they aren’t releasing harmful toxins (to our knowledge). This is a great alternative to the rubber mats if you have a latex allergy.

• Rubber (natural and recycled) – Much more earth friendly, natural rubber mats are available in a wide variety of textures, thicknesses and styles. They don’t release toxins, but often start with a rubber odor. They are spongy but not as spongy as PVC mats. The traction is usually very good, especially with thicker mats.

• Jute – Another great eco-friendly material! Jute mats don’t start with an odor like rubber mats. They have a rough, almost scratchy texture that bothers some but not others. They absorb more and will require more cleaning. It doesn’t have a spongy feel to it, but still has superb grip.

• Organic Cotton – These mats are great for those who need more cushioning. They don’t have the same kind of gripping as the above mats, so they’re better for slower paced practices. These are usually very comfortable!

What Thickness is Right? – The thickness you will need depends on a few factors. A thicker mat will be better for someone who has sensitive knees, ankles or wrists or if you have arthritis or other joint issues. Thicker mats can handle more intensive practices without sliding around too.

Consider a thin mat if your yoga practice isn’t too intense. If you plan to carry your mat around a lot or travel with it, a thinner, lighter-weight mat is easier to manage. Also, thin mats provide a stronger connection to the ground which can be great for stability.

Price and Skill Level – The price of yoga mats ranges from $10 – $100. Your skill level will determine a lot about how much you should consider spending on a yoga mat. For beginners, you’ll probably be able to find a mat that supports your needs for $20 or less. People who are becoming more serious about yoga may want to consider eco-friendly, higher-quality mats at around $40 – $60. Beyond that, you get into professional mats which can be great for people practicing more advanced yoga.

Keeping Your Mat Clean – Keeping your mat clean will help its performance and reduce bacterial buildup. This is especially important for pvc mats (which lose their traction if they’re not clean). A sweaty practice will require that you clean your yoga mat more often too. There are many sprays, rosins and cleaners available for keeping your mat clean. Many mats you can just wash in the washer or in the bath tub. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer for the best cleaning method.

Other Accessories – Besides cleaning products, there are other products on the market that can complement your choice of yoga mat. If you’re having trouble keeping your grip, you might want to consider sticky towels, which add extra grip and absorption. There are also sticky gloves and socks available, which can eliminate the need for a mat entirely.

The Best Mat for You – Determining what factors are most important to you is the best way to figure out what mat to pick. Do you have sensitive joints? Get a thicker mat. Do you care about the earth? Get an Eco-friendly material. Do you practice hot yoga? Get an anti-bacterial mat. Understanding your style of yoga and your body’s needs are the first steps to picking a mat that can best support you.

In order to grow a Yoga practice, teachers must not be static. The practice of Yoga has evolved over time and teachers have been at the forefront of that movement. A Power Yoga teacher training course can be a great asset to an already established practice. Beginners may also be attracted to it because it is more of an Americanized version of Yoga – meaning that there isn’t a lot of chanting or meditation. The focus is more on the actual physical body instead of the spiritual one. For many people that are just getting into Yoga, it can be a more accessible way to practice.

In order to gain real perspective on Power Yoga, aspiring teachers should know how to do the poses correctly, with the correct posture and breathing techniques. A teacher training course can help teachers create routines and establish a rapport with the students in the class. It will also help educate teachers on how to work with and around injuries. All of those are core aspects to becoming a knowledgeable and evolved Power Yoga teacher.

The power of Yoga as a recognized workout is a momentum that is best kept moving forward. Becoming an informed Power Yoga teacher requires some time and dedication, but doing so can help to improve your connection with Yoga, therefore helping your students do the same. Change through growth and forward thinking can help us on our journey through life. Finding and then taking the right Power Yoga teacher training course can greatly expand your understanding and help to deepen your connection to the practice of Yoga.

Regardless of which style one has roots in, Yoga certification in more than one style helps teachers become well-rounded in their knowledge. Power Yoga instructor courses contain knowledge regarding safety, alignment, adjustments and assisting. The Yogic subtle body and some Sanskrit training are a plus, when shopping for the right Yoga course.

Here is a few things you can do in your home to help reduce asthma triggers in your home.

Dusting

Avoid feather dusters. Feather dusters tend to upset the dust and put the dust back into the air. Instead, use a slightly moist cloth or specially designed dry cloth to wipe, trap, and remove dust on all hard surfaces.

Choose the Right Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuums come in all shapes and sizes and prices. Unfortunately when it comes to vacuums you get what you pay for. Many vacuums suck up the dust and then spew it back out into the air. You should make sure that the vacuum has a HEPA filter and is well made with tight seals around openings so that no dust can be leaking out of the vacuum as you are using it. Make sure the vacuum is easy to open and empty so that when you are emptying a full vacuum the particles of dust and dirt are not entering the air again.

Cleaning Products

When choosing a cleaning product make sure you are reading labels and purchasing cleaners that are non-toxic with little to no odor. Avoid aerosol products as they are another potential irritant.

Pet Dander & Dust Mites

You want to make sure that pet dander is limited. Dust mites use pet dander as food. Pet dander will settle on pretty much any surface, specially linens, furniture, blinds, carpet, etc. You want to make sure that you vacuum and change bedding on a weekly basis. In every room of your home you should vacuum furniture, curtains and drapes once a week. If at all possible choose easy to clean flooring. Carpets tend to hold on to pet dander and dust mites very well. You must vacuum often. Easy to clean flooring such as hardwood, tile, and laminate flooring are great choices for any home and room. They are easy to keep dust free and they are easy to wash.

Bedroom

Because dust settles into the fabrics of bedding you want to make sure you purchase special mite-proof bedding. You should also consider purchasing a mite-proof mattress as well. Bedding should be washed on a weekly basis and the room should be vacuumed weekly as well. If you have pets you should keep your bedroom door closed so that the pet dander doesn’t accumulate as much in the bedroom. Never allow your on your bed.

Bathroom

Bathrooms tend to be a warm and moist environment. Warm and moist areas are the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold is commonly found in the shower and shower doors/shower curtain, under the sink, on towels, floor mats and tiles/grout. To minimize mold issues in the washroom you need to remove it as soon as you see it growing. While showering or having a bath put the fan on or open a window to help reduce moisture. Use washable floor mats and wash them on a weekly basis. Wash all towels and show towels on a weekly basis. If your tub or sink tends to have a bit of water left over after being emptied make sure you wipe it out at least once a day.

Indoor Air Pollutants

Avoid having a wood burning fireplace in your home and kerosene heaters. Avoid scented candles and air fresheners as well.

Depending on how severe your asthma is you may want to consider hiring a cleaning service to take care of the cleaning for you. There are many great services out there that are affordable and dependable.

Are you bothered by skin problems? If so you are definitely not alone. Skin problems of some kind are among the most common complaints of adults and teens. Proper treatment and care help correct various skin problems.

1. Acne condition – you are probably aware that acne is one of the most common complexion complaints especially among teens. Why does this problem occur so frequently during the teen years, when appearance is so important?

During maturation, sex glands increase the secretion of hormones, and this produces many body changes. There is noticeable spurt in growth and an increase in body hair. A childish figure begins changing into that of an adult at the same time these hormones stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum. This extra oil causes the acne problem.

Acne cannot be prevented or cured but it can be controlled, in most cases acne clears by itself after the teen years but don’t wait yourself or your teen outgrow the acne it is better to get help as early as possible.

2. Boils – When bacteria that cause pimples penetrate all the layers of the skin, an infection called boils will develop. This tissue surrounded by pus that is compose of living, dead bacteria and white blood cells. Like pimples boils should not be squeezed because once you did it will spread the infection all over the skin and increase damage.

3. Warts – often warts appear as horny, raised growths on the epidermis. Warts are caused by a virus that can be contacted anywhere. Up to this time there are no drugs that could kill virus. Mostly warts appear on the face but it can grow anywhere particularly in warm moist areas. It can easily spread around the body and multiply rapidly because it is contagious. Doctor’s advice is important to eliminate this problem. A special procedure maybe conducted as per doctor’s advice.

4. Skin Spots – White spots, also known as vitiligo are patches where the skin fails to produce melanin. There is no explanation so far why this condition occurs. There are special drugs that said to have success in treating this disorder however covering the spots with cosmetics are more practical.

5. Moles – are excess pigment and slight overgrowth of epidermis and dermis. Usually moles with light and dark brown colors are harmless but you should be alarmed if the mole is black or blue because it can be dangerous. Moles can be develop into skin cancer anytime so it is best to consult your doctor especially when you notice rapid changes in your mole like change in color, bleeding or irritation.

6. Cold Sores – also known as herpes simplex type 1 in medical term. Herpes is the virus that produces cold sores also known as fever blisters. This virus remains dormant in skin until a cold or fever stimulates it. Such sores begin as collections of fluid in the upper layers of the skin. Later they form crusts. Although cold sores can appear in any part of the body but it commonly occur on the lips or mouth. It is best to consult the doctor to avoid complications and have better remedy.

7. Chaps and Burns – Outdoor exposure may cause chaps and burns. Exposure to wind and cold can cause the red and stinging skin of a chap or windburn due to drying of epidermis. To prevent these condition apply skin creams, lotions or oils into the skin before exposing yourself or if you have been expose application of these solutions may help soothe the dry areas. A more serious problem however is frostbite. It needs proper first aid and medical attention.

Sunburn – is caused by skin too much exposure to sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate even clouds and cause severe burn if the skin is over expose. Sun blocks offer the greatest protection against burning and tanning. They contain high concentration of an acid called PABA.

8. Skin Scales (Psoriasis) is a skin disease that appears as patches of red, raised skin and silver scales of dead epidermis. It is most common on scalp, elbows, knees, and outer surfaces of arms and legs. It can last a short or a long time and it appear and disappear in cycles. Psoriasis seems less severe in the summer than in winter because oil glands are more active during warm weather. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown however, prescribed creams, ointments, lotions or skin therapy can control it.

9. Allergic Reactions – If something you eat or smell makes you itch or a jewelry you wear causes your skin to rash, this is the implication that you have allergy. Allergy is the reaction of the body tissue to irritating substance. Allergic reactions depend on individual body to react. A strawberry can be a delicious dessert to a person but it cause allergy to another person. People with the same allergy can have different allergic reactions. It may experience severe or mild reaction. There can be vomiting, nausea and diarrhea or slight itching, redness and swelling of the skin and mucous membranes. If the reaction is severe it may collapse of the circulatory system, heart failure and even death.

10. Eczema – many people believe that eczema is a specific disease but this condition is an example of strong allergic reaction. Many substances can produce eczema but the reactions to each one are similar: redness, swelling, crusting and scaling of skin. Minute blister also form within the epidermis and ooze a clear fluid.