Health and Beauty tips

Reflexology is based on the belief that all parts of the body have corresponding reflex points in the hands and feet. Thus, massage of varying points in the hands and feet is supposed to unlock tensions, sooth the interior organs and nerve endings, improve body circulation and muscular functioning. Although reflexology is in many ways similar to the health practice of massage, it actually does one better by directly stimulating certain body parts through specific points on feet and hands/ toes and fingers.

Reflexology is believed to activate the healing powers of the body and relax corresponding parts of the body which is the first step to normalization. The body returns to a state of equilibrium where easy circulation of blood is restored supplying nutrients and oxygen to the cells. In general, the benefits of reflexology have much to do with the reduction of stress.

Most commonly patients treated with reflexology report feelings of relaxation, comfort, or wellbeing, some report tingling sensations, others report tiredness and even fall asleep during reflexology sessions. Some reflexology theories attribute tingling and tiredness to release of built-up toxins and clearing of energy blockages in the body. Most of patients have slightly reduced body temperature as a result of relaxation.

After the treatments patients report feelings of deep relaxation, reduced stress and revitalized personal energy.
Sometimes reflexology treatment could provoke headaches, nausea and sinus congestion. Practitioners believe this is a positive cleansing process proving that body is clearing from its toxins.
Regular relaxation of the tension in neck during long-term reflexology treatment can reduce stress and improve the overall functioning of the immune system.

The potential of reflexology as a cure of certain conditions and diseases hasn’t yet been proved. Nevertheless it is not recommended for patient with unhealed wounds, recent or healing fractures and active gout. Besides, medical advice is needed before a treatment in the case of active infections, cancer, diabetes, gallstones, heart disease, kidney stones, mental illness, osteoarthritis affecting the ankle or foot, pregnancy, syncope, unstable blood pressure.

According to reflexology, left zone thumbs and big toes are connected to pituitary, pineal, brain, hypothalamus, thyroid, sinuses, larynx, nose, trachea, tongue, esophagus, thymus, heart, spine, intestine, large intestine, pancreas, breast, small intestine, large intestine, prostate. Index finger and second toe correspond to brain, eye, adenoids, lungs, heart, stomach, spleen, pancreas, breast, small intestine and large intestine. Middle finger and third toe are connected to the brain, eye, lung, breast, stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, small intestine, large intestine.

Ring finger and 4th toe correspond to the brain, eye, lung, breast, large intestine, ovaries. Right zone index finger and 2nd toe are connected to the brain, eye, lung, breast, liver, small intestine, large intestine, adenoids. Middle finger and 3rd toe correspond to the brain, eye, breast, liver, gall bladder, kidney, small intestine, large intestine, adrenal gland. Ring finger and 4th toe are connected to the brain, eye, main lymphatic duct, breast, liver, lung, large intestine, and appendix.

Little finger and 5th toe (in both zones) correspond to ears.

In most western countries acupuncture is referred to as ‘new alternative’, but in fact this branch of Chinese medicine is more than 5000 years old.
Basically, acupuncture represents insertion of very fine needles on the body’s surface to influence physiological functioning of the body. These needles can be combined with electrical stimulus or in conjunction with heat produced by burning specific herbs (latter is called Moxibustion).

In acupuncture from six to nine needles are commonly used, most of which are disposable. Needles have different length, width of shaft and shape of the head. Depending on the treatment, they can be inserted anywhere in the range of 15 to 90 degrees relative to the skin surface. There is also a variety of carefully chosen techniques that follow the insertion of the needles: raising and thrusting, twirling or rotation, combination of raising/thrusting and rotation, plucking, scraping (vibrations sent through the needle), and trembling (vibration technique).

Scientists still cannot explain how acupuncture works, but there are few prevailing theories.
Theory called Augmentation of Immunity states that acupuncture somehow raises levels of triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels.

The Endorphin theory claims that acupuncture stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the body.
According to the Neurotransmitter theory, Acupuncture affects certain neurotransmitter levels.
In China, it is rather common in hospital to have acupuncture and herbal treatment along with Western medical treatment. In United States medical acupuncture is taught in 60 percent of medical schools and most chiropractic colleges. Moreover, acupuncture is recognized by several medical organizations including the WHO, American Medical Association, the National Institute of Health and the American Chiropractic Association.

This leads to the conclusion that acupuncture is an effective healing system that can be used in conjunction with almost all other systems.

Recent experiments concerning caffeine consumption and liver function have found this stimulant to be quite beneficial for the organism as it turned out to be a potent means against building up toxins in the body.

The most positive effects can be produced on those with a high risk for liver injury related to excessive alcohol consumption, iron overload, hepatitis B or C, impaired sugar metabolism or obesity.

The actual cause of the mechanism that stimulates the healthier liver functioning is still being investigated. However there is a hypothesis that caffeine blocks a receptor that exists in both the brain and the liver.

According to experiments, health benefits of caffeine on the liver are the same for any race, gender and age and that they are more directly connected with consumption of caffeine rather than any caffeinated beverage. These findings overturn previously held beliefs about toxicity and of caffeine and its harmful impact on the liver.

of course, it is too early to proclaim caffeine a new wonder-working medicine, as it is known to contribute to many ailments such as hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability just to name a few.

The jury is still out with the final verdict on the pros and cons of caffeine and insists on a more detailed study of the issue, but in the meantime coffee drinkers can enjoy their beverages with an added feeling of contributing to personal well being.