Alternative Medicine Blog

Intestinal bloating and flatulence can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. While it can be a sign of a medical condition, which is why consulting your healthcare provider should always be the first step, it often has a simple cause that can be addressed naturally.

Find out about some of the more common causes of intestinal bloating and flatulence and learn about simple natural remedies that may help. Continue reading the article, What Can I Do For Bloating and Flatulence?

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If you've ever used essential oils, you know how enticing the scents can be. It's really easy to use a few extra drops here and there because a particular fragrance smells so wonderful. But these concentrated plant oils are really potent, and using larger amounts or using them improperly can cause problems. Play it safe by following these tips on how to use essential oils safely.

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photo credit: © I M Birchall

Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine that uses volatile oils from plants, known as essential oils, to affect someone's mood and health. But buying essential oils can be confusing if you don't know what to look for. Here are my tips on what to look for when buying essential oils and aromatherapy products.

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A reader asks, "Once acidophilus is opened and refrigerated, will it still be effective if I take it on a seven hour plane ride and it is stored at room temperature?"

For those of you who are unfamiliar with acidophilus, it is a live bacteria believed to assist in balancing the levels of microorganisms in the body, particularly the intestines.

Most acidophilus products require refrigeration to preserve the number of live bacteria in the product. Although the number of live bacteria is indicated on the label, it is the number of live bacteria at the time of manufacture. Improper storage is one factor that can cause a loss of bacteria. Read the full answer, Does Acidophilus Need to be Refrigerated?

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Many of us don't get enough sleep. A 2002 poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that approximately 74% of people surveyed has had trouble sleeping at some of their lives.

Lifestyle can play a big role and some people have a noticeable improvement in their sleep with some easy fixes, such as not watching tv in bed, not going to sleep until they are tired, making sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature, and limiting caffeinated drinks and alcohol before bed. But sometimes, lifestyle changes aren't enough. Natural remedies can then be considered, and for many people, they are a way to avoid taking sleep medication. These are some of the more common natural sleep aids. Fourteen Natural Sleep Aids

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A reader asks, "My wife and I have been thinking of getting a massage chair but don't know where to look or what to look for. How can I find that information?"

A massage chair can be a big investment, so it's important to do a bit of research beforehand. Each person has different requirements and a different budget, so it's important to ask yourself some questions to ensure you get one that suits your needs.

The first thing to think about is whether you have the space for a massage chair. Where would you put it?

Massage chairs can be bulky, which is why they often wind up in the bedroom or home office. Although you may think it would look great in your living room, other people in your household may feel differently. Read the full answer: What Should I Look for in a Massage Chair?

Many of us spend a lot of time on our feet, often in uncomfortable shoes, or use hand tools at work or at home. These things can put pressure on our skin, which tries to protect itself by building up corns and calluses.

Calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin, usually on the palms and soles. Corns, on the other hand, usually develop on the tops and sides of the toes. Learn about Natural Remedies for Corns and Calluses...

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photo credit: © stachoo

A reader asks, "Is there a tea or some type of herbal spray or remedy that can energize people who have trouble waking and getting started in the morning?"

Any type of stress, whether it's work stress, everyday worries, or family difficulties can make it difficult to fall asleep and to stay asleep, which can leave you feeling tired and unrefreshed in the morning. Diaphragmatic breathing is a simple technique that may help to reduce anxiety. Meditation and regular yoga practice are other options.

Is your bedroom too dark when you wake up in the morning? If so, it may be a reason why you feel sluggish. Light exposure plays a key role in telling the body when to go to sleep and when to wake up.

That's because the hormone melatonin, which helps with sleep, is produced in darkness. On the other hand, light—especially sunlight—causes the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps us wake up.

One way to increase morning light is to open your drapes or blinds just before going to bed so that the morning light fills your room (doing it after you wake up doesn't work as well). Read my full answer: Tired in the Morning?

photo credit: © Jupiter Images

A question I'm often asked is what the difference is between foot massage and reflexology. Foot massage is similar to Swedish massage, the most common type of massage in North America. People typically use massage oil or lotion and use gentle gliding strokes all over the foot. Reflexology is quite different. While many people find reflexology relaxing, it's based on the theory that certain points on the feet correspond to certain organs and body parts and that applying pressure to the areas can promote health in the corresponding parts.

One of the reasons people often confuse the two is that some spas and salons advertise that they offer reflexology, but what people actually get is foot massage by a therapist who isn't properly trained or certified in reflexology. Learn more about reflexology by reading my article: What is Reflexology

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A reader asks, "I've heard that acupressure can help with nausea during pregnancy. Can you tell me more about what it is and what it involves? Is it something that can be done anywhere?"

Acupressure is often called acupuncture without the needles. Instead of needles, acupressure involves the application of manual pressure (usually with the fingertips) to specific points on the body.

Although more research is needed, studies examining the use of acupressure for nausea have generally found that it's effective at relieving nausea. All studies have used a particular point on the inside of the wrist called P6 for nausea. Read more about acupressure.

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