Scientific Support for Yoga’s Benefits
March 15, 2009 by hamish
Filed under Healing & Bodywork, Yoga
Dr. Holt promotes natural therapies that are supported by sound medical research and his book is a helpful reference for anyone considering natural therapies. In this video he tells Breakfast viewers that there is sound research to suggest that yoga has health benefits.
But as his Youtube Channel shows he is not slow to point out therapies whose benefits haven’t been verified by “western” medical research.
Author: Dr Shaun Holt is a GP and medical research specialist, he is the Author of Natural Remedies That Really Work: a New Zealand Guide and appears regularly on TVNZ’s Breakfast.
Manuka Oil Stronger Than Tea Tree Oil?
December 9, 2008 by rosie
Filed under Natural Remedies
Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is in the myrtle family of botanical plants. The oil comes from New Zealand where it has had a long history of use by the Maori people. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of the plant. Manuka plants are bushy shrubs that grow wild. The best Manuka oil comes from plants growing at high altitudes. Manuka is one of three tea trees indigenous to both Australia and New Zealand. Manuka essential oil is from The East Cape region of New Zealand and has been confirmed as having the highest antimicrobial activity. There is evidence indicating that it is up to 20 times more potent than Australian tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Traditionally the Maori used manuka for bronchitis, rheumatism and similar conditions.
How Can We Benefit from Manuka Essential Oil Today?
Manuka oil is a little known oil but it has outstanding properties. It is analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-histamine, anti- infectious, antiseptic, decongestant, insecticide and highly bactericidal across a wide spectrum. It is useful for all respiratory tract infections: colds, catarrh, sinusitis, bronchitis, etc. Its decongestant properties help here too. As an antiseptic for use on the skin, manuka can be applied to cuts, spots, boils, ulcers, etc. It is especially indicated where healing has been slow. Manuka oil can be used in the bath, as a gargle or applied directly on cold sores or on the skin. It can also be used in vaporizers during an epidemic. The safety data for manuka oil is similar to that of tea tree oil.
Author – Linda L. Smith, director of the Institute of Spiritual Ministry and Aromatherapy, Inc.
BONUS GIFT
These oils include Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Spikenard and Balsam Fir. While you are at our web site, check out our aromatherapy program and our program in Christian energy healing.
By Going to my web site: www.ISHAhealing.com and signing up for our free monthly newsletter, you can receive a free gift: 5 Monographs on Biblical Oils.
Sunshine is Officially Good for You But Dose Yourself Carefully
December 6, 2008 by rosie
Filed under Holistic Wellbeing
According to Australian and New Zealand scientists, a daily dose of 10-15 minutes of exposure to sunlight will help prevent vitamin D deficiency.
A Fine Balance
We’re often told about the risk of overexposure to the sun. But without sun we risk depriving our bodies of vitamin D. A deficiency that is linked with developing cancer, arthritis and osteoporosis.
While short doses of sun are good, that means not letting yourself go red or burn. Ultraviolet light comes at a cost:
- UVA – Long-wave solar rays that penetrate the skin deeply and cause premature aging.
- UVB – Short-wave solar rays that cause sunburn and have been linked to skin cancer.
Avoid exposure to the sun or cover up when the UVI (The Ultraviolet Index) index is high and be aware that the time it takes to burn depends on your skin type and the strength of the sun too.
Slap On the Sunscreen
Suncream works by using either a chemical filter that penetrates the skin and absorbs the sun’s rays, or a physical filter that layers a thin membrane to reflect the sun’s rays. These rays are particularly harmful and are believed to cause melanoma. What’s important is that suncream itself doesn’t protect you from skin cancer or premature ageing, while lotions prevent burning, they don’t block out UVA rays effectively.
But Be Kind to Your Skin – Use Organic Sunscrean
Organic suncreams are free from alcohol, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals, parabens and synthetic ingredients, known as ‘skin nasties’. The natural ingredients in organic suncream both protect and heal the skin, and as they don’t contain chemical filters, vitamin D can penetrate the skin. Be aware that organic suncream is likely to be low factor so, as with all suncream, apply regularly and after swimming.
Go Easy On the Eye
The eyes and sensitive skin around them can be damaged, if they are exposed to excessive sunlight. Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause corneal sunburn and long-term exposure may contribute to chronic eye disease.
Children, in particular, need eye protection if they are spending the day on the water or at the beach. It’s best to choose sunglasses that fit closely to the face and wearing a wide-brimmed hat also reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the eyes.
Boost Your Resistance to Sunburn With Beta-carotene
Experts believe that we can increase our resistance to sunburn by eating beta-carotene, found in colourful fruits and vegetables and vitamin E, in peppers, avocados, nuts and seeds.
