Green Life in Action

1health Alternative_Medicine
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Aromatherapy – Myth Or Reality


The origin of aroma therapy can be traced back to pre historic period, in the countries of ancient Egypt, Far East and China. The concept aims at the holistic treatment of the human body by making use of the immensely useful essential oils obtained from various herbs and plants.

The essential oils are normally obtained from the various parts of specific plants extracted by distillation and applied along with diluters such as almond oil, coconut oil etc. The oil content in these plants is so low that it takes huge quantities of plant parts to yield smaller quantities of essential oil, to cite an example around 440 ponds of fresh lavender flowers are required to produce a meager 2.5 pounds of essential lavender oil. That makes this product very dear.

The use of these essential oils is a part of ones life style and they takes care of the health and well being of the entire family. These oils have since become very popular in various parts of the world . Though the aromatic plants used to produce these essential oils were known and put to use since time immemorial the term ‘aroma therapy’ is of recent origin, to be precise from the early 90s only. Let us examine the use of these plants as a scent to alters one’s mood, the general atmosphere in one’s surroundings and to have a feeling of goodness.

It’s a fact that not only the natural scents serve the above purpose but also by the artificial ones. However the minute difference lies in the most natural fragrance of this nature packed oils that when used gives us a wonderful feeling.

The fairy tales behind the aroma therapy like the claim of its power to cure the cancer or the depression are all packed in mystery. No certified or scientific study has been undertaken on these tall claims the plants are supposed to possess. Even natural health experts treat it as a complimentary therapy only. Aromatherapy belongs to branches of conventional medicines or systems that are not subject to any serious study or research leading to any standardization or certification. This branch of herbal science can be used in various applications like in enhancing the beauty of skin and hair, and also on its influence on one’s moods and feelings known as aromacology. Thirdly its medicinal properties is said to cure or prevent ailments. However the best use of the therapy is said to be its wholesome benefit for the body, mind and the spirit.

Between the fantasized divinity attributed for this herbal science and the sheer neglect of this concept as a magnified traditional culture, lies the real truth of this revived ancient science that can be effectively used to get the best out of the herbal plants, hitherto neglected by the civilized society.

1health Women_s_Issues
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Incontinence: Improving Muscle Tone


Incontinence is one of the most common problems among women these days. A treatable disorder, whose main symptom is frequent urination and leakage. An overactive bladder and incontinence affects 12 million North American women.

Incontinence occurs when the urethra loses support from the vaginal walls. Overactive bladder is closely linked to incontinence, and is characterized by such symptoms as frequent urination, insomnia due to the urge to urinate at night, urine leakage, and even bed-wetting. An overactive bladder is often caused by bladder stones, surgery or neurological disease. Among the main risk factors for incontinence are excessive weight, smoking, pregnancy, stress and infections of the bladder, such as cystitis.

Aside from being a physical health issue, incontinence and suffering with an overactive bladder can result in emotional and mental health issues. Frequent urination can be an embarrassing problem. As a result, many women who suffer from incontinence become socially inactive, abandoning social activities. Many women even stop seeing other people.

Childbirth is a major cause of incontinence, with age and menopause contributing to the problem. Vaginal childbirth frequently causes pelvic damage because the pressure of the fetal head displaces and stretches parts of the pelvic anatomy, most specifically, the vaginal walls. With the onset of menopause women can become estrogen deficient which can cause the vagina to thin which prevent the urethral walls from closing well. This lack of closure translates into incontinence.

There is no unique treatment strategy for incontinence and overactive bladder. You can prevent leakage of urine temporarily using diapers and pads, or even undergo a surgery. For bladder infections, there are a number of traditional and herbal remedies, such as cleaver or Marshmallow root teas that help toning bladder muscles.

Incontinence and other bladder problems don’t necessarily have to be treated with medications. Pelvic muscles can be strengthened and toned, just like any muscle in the body, to prevent spontaneous urine leakage. These exercises, called after the doctor Kegel who invented them, are often prescribed to pregnant women. In the same time, Kegel exercises can tighten the muscles that control stream of urine. You can locate these muscles by stopping and starting the flow of urine.

Women, who are already being treated for incontinence, can start doing 3 sets of 50-60 repetitions of Kegel exercises a day. Then, as the muscles strengthen, women can do as much as a hundred Kegels a day - not at one time, of course! Quite conveniently, Kegel exercises can be easily done everywhere, as they are completely invisible. There are even vaginal weights to be used when doing Kegel exercises.

You can develop your own Kegel routine by adding variations of exercise, such as elevation Kegels or holding the pressure for a few seconds. Women who practice Kegels admit that these simple exercises have the added benefit of greatly improving their sex life.

The most important message for women who suffer from any form of urinary incontinence is that in 80 to 90 percent of people it can be significantly improved or even cured.