Drug Testing Facilities ve Instant Home Drug Tests? & Pros & Cons of Drug Testing Methods
Drug testing labs provide accurate results for drug tests in a short period of time. Oftentimes, companies require lab drug tests in order to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
Why Are Drug Testing Labs Used?
A drug testing facility is used to detect the use of drugs in the workplace, the home and even in law enforcement. Many times, employers will require a drug testing lab test prior to hiring as a sort of screening. Also, parents may send a sample to a drug test facility in order to discover whether or not their teen is abusing drugs. Drug testing labs are available in many different forms including urine testing, saliva testing, sweat testing and hair testing. After a sample is collected from a donor, the sample is then sent to a drug testing facility and tested for traces of illicit substances.
How Accurate Are Drug Test Facilities?
Drug test facilities provide the most accurate of drug testing options on the market today. However, many on site drug testing products are equaling lab test quality, making for a more price conscious and convenient option for businesses and families who wish to utilize drug testing.
Pros and Cons of Home and Lab Drug Testing
Deciding between using a drug testing lab or a instant drug testing kit can be difficult. Many different factors should be weighed, including the level of required accuracy and reliability, the rate at which results are produced, sample collection and cost. A drug testing facility will typically cost much more than an instant drug testing kit, although its accuracy is often guaranteed. Regardless of the drug testing method used, once a sample is collected, it can be tested immediately with an on site drug test, whereas a drug test facility will require the sample to be sent to the laba process which could take up to a week or more.
All in all, on site drug testing is more effective for the average consumer to use. Businesses can save large amounts of money when buying home drug test kits through corporate bulk accounts and are still guaranteed a high level of accuracy.
Worried parents who fret over their teens potential abuse of drugs can use at home drug testing kits to find out whether or not they are using on the spot. Waiting for a drug testing lab to return results can be excruciating, especially when it is your childs health and wellbeing at stake. While a drug testing facility may be the most accurate and reliable form of drug testing, home drug testing kits provide a reliable alternative that save consumers and businesses money, while protecting families and employees alike from the hazards of drug abuse
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) made by the body. About 80% of cholesterol is made by the body, the other 20% comes from the diet. Cholesterol is a building block for cell membranes. Our body uses cholesterol to produce many hormones (e.g., progesterone, estrogen, testosterone), vitamin D, and the bile acids that help to digest fat.
Many foods contain cholesterol and high intake of these foods can increase the level of cholesterol in the blood. Having too much cholesterol in the blood is not a disease in itself, but high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) can cause the formation and accumulation of plaque deposits in the arteries. Plaque is composed of cholesterol, other fatty substances, fibrous tissue, and calcium. When it builds up in the arteries, it results in the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the major vascular systems.
Narrowing of the arteries around the heart (coronary heart disease) can prevent the heart from getting as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Decreased blood flow to the brain can cause a stroke, and less blood flowing to the lower limbs may result in exercise-related pain or even gangrene.
Having a high cholesterol level does not cause symptoms and does not make you feel sick. If there is a huge excess, some people develop soft, yellowish skin growths called xanthomas, usually in the area near the eyes. Most people find out they have high cholesterol when they have their blood cholesterol measured as part of a medical check-up.
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is not soluble in water and doesn’t mix easily with blood. In order to be able to travel in the bloodstream, the cholesterol made in the liver is combined with protein and other substances. This cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. Lipoprotein then carries the cholesterol through the bloodstream.
Lipoproteins can be high density (HDL), low density (LDL) or very low density (VLDL), depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat.
LDL (low density lipoprotein)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is called the “bad” cholesterol. About 70% of cholesterol is transported as LDL. This is mostly fat and not much protein. LDL causes cholesterol to be deposited in the arteries. High levels of LDL are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
HDL (high density lipoprotein)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is called the “good” cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from the body’s tissues back to the liver. About 20% of cholesterol is transported as HDL, which is mostly protein and not much fat. HDL cholesterol may help protect against atherosclerosis by preventing cholesterol from depositing on arterial walls as it circulates in the bloodstream.
Risks factors
There are several factors that may contribute to high cholesterol level in the blood:
Treatment
Lifestyle changes such as changing diet, managing weight, increasing exercise, and quitting smoking are the first steps to improving blood levels of cholesterol. If these changes are not enough, your physician might recommend cholesterol-lowering prescription medication.
Medications to improve blood cholesterol levels include:
There has been a substantial increase in people having high cholesterol levels. It has been proven in many studies that an unhealthy increase in blood cholesterol levels can lead or be associated with the development of heart disease. High cholesterol levels can also increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among people living in industrialized societies such as the US. The increasing incidence of high cholesterol levels in people living in this part of the world can often be contributed to a high saturated fat diet, smoking and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
There are several dugs now available that is being used to treat unhealthy cholesterol levels in people. Most popular of these is the HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor or what is more simply known as Statins. This group of cholesterol lowering drugs come in different name drugs and is increasingly being used in order to help high risk patients drastically lower their cholesterol levels. Statins can also increase the levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol.
Although statins and other known drugs being used to lower cholesterol levels have been proven to be very effective, there are also other ways available for people to lower their cholesterol levels without the use of such drugs. One of these is trying to lead a more active lifestyle. Physical activity and exercise is an important part of several low cholesterol therapies that aim to reduce bad cholesterol levels. Regular exercise can also help in reducing blood pressure, excess weight as well as decrease the diabetes risk.
Following a low cholesterol diet can also help a lot in trying to decrease high cholesterol levels. Scientists have found that a low cholesterol diet can help decrease cholesterol levels by as much as 29 percent in one month. This suggests that a combination diet can also be as effective as drugs like statins used to treat people with high cholesterol levels. It has also been established that eating low cholesterol and high fiber foods can cut individual cholesterol level by seven percent.
A recommended diet that can help people avoid developing coronary heart disease include consuming non-hydrogenated or unprocessed fats, eating a rich diet of soy protein, nuts and fiber rich foods such as oats and barley. Increased consumption of Omega-3 fats from fish and other plant sources can also have a positive effect in any low cholesterol diet as well as a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables.
Diabetes is a critical health care problem for many people throughout the world. It decreases quality of life and, in many cases, it can also shorten one’s life.The good news is that when you recognize the seriousness of being a diabetic and take constructive steps toward controlling it all of these things above decrease in importance.
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism. The way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy. Diabetes is associated with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. Diabetes is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
Conventional Medical Treatment
Insulin was the first, and remains the primary means of treatment for Type 1 diabetes and is administered by subcutaneous injection. This method is necessary since insulin is destroyed by gastric stomach secretions when it is taken by mouth. Insulin injections must be balanced with meals and daily activities, and glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood sugar testing. Many diabetics need inject insulin only once a day; others require two or more injections. The usual time for a dose of insulin is before breakfast. The dosage is initially established according to the severity of the condition, but it often has to be reassessed as one or another of the variables in the person’s condition changes.
Medicines for Type2 Diabetes
Metformin this is often the first medicine that is advised for type 2 diabetes. It mainly works by reducing the amount of glucose that your liver releases into the bloodstream.
Sulphonylureas for example, glibelclamide, gliclazide, glimerpirizide, glipizide, gliquidone, increase the amount of insulin produced by your pancreas. They also make your body’s cells more sensitive to insulin so that more glucose is taken up from the blood.
Type 1 (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
Type 1 diabetes is treated with intensive insulin therapy. This type of treatment is designed to achieve near-normal blood sugars safely – while keeping the episodes of low blood sugars (“insulin reactions”) to a minimum. Insulin therapy includes:
* Multiple Daily Injections of Insulin (Flexibility is important!). * Use of Insulin Pens or Pumps. * Use of new type of insulin: Lispro or Humlog (extremely fast-acting) – replaces regular insulin.
Diabetes Medications
Sulfonylureas: Glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta) and Glipizide (Glucotrol). Traditional medicines – cheap, easy to take, work well with many people. Stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas. Problems: Doesn’t always achieve normal blood sugars and may cause low blood sugars. Metformin (Glucophage): Used in Europe for many years. Decreases sugar production by the liver, which contributes to elevated blood sugar levels. Works well with insulin. Problems: Causes gastro-intestinal upset in some, and cannot be used if you have serious heart or kidney problems.
People with diabetes will experience many long-term and serious complications. These complications will affect virtually every part of the body from the feet and legs to the internal organs.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or use insulin properly therefore it is up to you and your doctor to learn how to manipulate the functions of your body properly to offset or minimize the complications of uncontrolled diabetes. With proper control you can still live a healthy and long life but it helps to be a fanatic about controlling your diabetes.
Clinical features of pattern baldness in women usually occur during early teens and late middle age. This is shown by the gradual thinning of hair over the frontal area. Usually, pattern baldness in women is not accompanied by increased shedding of hair, but unlike telogen effluvium, hair loss may be seen from the start. The scalp becomes more and more visible as the disease progresses.
Most of the time, the central part of the head widens due to diffused reduction of the hairs density, which involves the frontal scalp and crown. Some women may experience hair loss on some small areas of the frontal scalp while others may experience the effect on the entire scalp including the areas of parietal and occipital. During hair loss, women usually retain a rim of hair along the frontal hairline.
Laboratory Evaluation
Most women with pattern baldness have normal menstruation, normal fertility, and normal endocrine function, including correct levels of circulating androgens. Therefore, they would only need extensive hormonal testing when symptoms and signs of androgen excess become really visible. Laboratory measurement of serum total or free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and prolactin are appropriate when hirsutism, severe unresponsive cystic acne, virilization, or galactorrhoea are present. Measurement of serum thyrotropin, serum iron and ferritin, and complete blood count may eliminate common causes of hair loss.
Differential Diagnosis of Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia in women can be confused with the former condition. This is in spite of the fact that features of chronic telogen effluvium are distinct. Anyway, horizontal sections of a scalp biopsy help to distinguish the two conditions once the ratio of terminal hairs shrinks.
Morphology
As time goes by, the hairs in pattern baldness become progressively miniaturized. These hairs include the papillae and matrices, as well as the hair shafts. However, the degree of hair loss in women is not as extreme as it is with some men. Women with pattern hair loss have a mosaic of variable-diameter hairs in the affected region of the top of the scalp. Increased spacing between hairs makes the central part appear wider over the frontal scalp compared to the occipital scalp.
In some cases, hair volume may still appear normal but the hair would stop growing to its previous length and normally results to thin distal ends. Female pattern hair loss is seen on women by visual decrease in hair density while in men, it is by baldness on the affected areas.
Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Hair loss is a result of abnormal hair cycle. Because of this, it is theoretically reversible. However, the current treatment options have limits in their performance and in some cases, only small improvements in hair density can be seen. Advanced pattern baldness may already be difficult to treat because irreparable damages may have already taken place on the follicular stem cell when inflammation surrounded the bulge area of the follicle. Some systematic treatment plans for this case include:
The current treatment for pattern baldness is Minoxidil. The exact mechanism by which Minoxidil works is not known but the treatment appears to affect the hair follicle in three ways: it increases the span of time follicles spend in anagen, it rouses follicles that are in catagen and it enlarges the actual follicles. In effect, vellus hairs enlarge and are converted to terminal hairs, and shedding is reduced.
Exogenous estrogen can be used to treat pattern baldness, but this regimen is no longer much in use because of Minoxidils efficacy.
Finasteride has been effective on men with pattern baldness but definitely it was risky on women. This regimen is not advisable for women who are still in their childbearing age because of the presence of 5a-reductase inhibitors that may cause external genitalia abnormalities in male fetuses.
Hairstyling, teasing, coloring, permanents, and the use of hair spray are means of coping with the cosmetic effects of pattern baldness. However, when the hair loss is grave, the affected person may opt to use wigs.
Hair transplantation is another option since it has already been accepted in treating pattern baldness on men. Now, it is also being used to treat female hair loss although only a very few women go for this type of treatment because of the cost and the possible trauma that may go with it.
For those women who have encountered ineffective and unsuccessful treatments for hair loss, surgery may be another option and thus, the most suited method for them.
Conclusion
Pattern hair loss in women is made up of many factors whose traits are genetically determined. It is possible that both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent mechanisms contribute to this strange form of hair loss. In women, it is usually patterned with the most marked thinning over the frontal and parietal scalp, and with greater density over the occipital scalp. Unusual hair loss in women may frustrate self-esteem, psychological well being, and body image. Because of this, it is quite vital for the physician to inform their affected patients that hair loss could bring about adverse effects on the quality of a persons life.
The ordinary kind of hair loss, called hereditary hair loss, can affect both men and women, but women are usually affected less than men. The condition is so common that it nearly can be regarded as a part of the normal aging process.
SYMPTOMS OF HAIR LOSS
The pattern of hair loss and baldness are different for men and women. On men special areas on the head begin get totally bald. These areas are usually at both sides of the front, and the top back side of the head. The hair loss then progresses with these areas extending, and at last most of the head can be totally without hair. However, a great area in the neck uses to remain unaffected and keeps a thick hair cover. The same is usually true about the area in front of each ear.
On women all the hair on the head begins thinning, and then gradually progress over the whole head for many years. Women seldom get totally bald areas on their head, but the hair often gets so thin that the scalp is clearly visible through the hair.
THE CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS
The skin has there layers: The outer layer, called epidermis, consists of epithelial cells. Under this lies the dermis consisting of connective tissue. At the bottom there is a layer called the hypodermis consisting mostly of fat cells.
The skin has narrow pores, hair follicles, extending from the surface down to the top of the sub-dermis, called hair follicles. A hair extend from a growth zone in the bottom of each hair follicle and out at the skin surface
By the common form of hair loss, a substance in the body, dihydroxy-testosterone (DHT), gives a signal to the cells in the hair follicles that make these cells divide less so that the production of hair slows or stops.
DHT is a metabolic product from testosterone, the male sex hormone. Also women have some amount of testosterone and DHT in their body, and therefore hair loss also affects women.
Only cells that are susceptible to the influence from DHT will slow the growth process. This susceptibility is inherited from the parents by some individuals, and not by other. Follicle cells in the lower parts of the head are usually also resistant against the influence from DHT, and therefore these areas seldom get bald.
The effectiveness of hair growth will not only be affected by DHT. Other substances found in the tissue may give the cells signals to divide more, and nutrients like vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids may make the growth process more effective. Some substances in the tissue may also block the DHT or ease the removal of this substance. Therefore all individuals susceptible to the influence of DHT will not lose hair in the same extent.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Having a good diet giving the body vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants in the right amount may slow down the speed of hair loss.
There exist pharmacological products on the market that can help against hair loss, but usually not 100% effectively. Medicines used to treat prostate hypertrophy also have been proven to stop hair loss and to get hair to regain, because these drugs block the substance DHT. Propecia is a prescription bound drug to take by mouth based on an original prostate medicine.
Rogain is a topical drug to apply 2-3 times each day that does not block the DHT, but stimulates the hair follicles cells to proliferate better.
There are many natural products on the market to help against hair loss. These products often contain several substances working together by different principles.
They may contain vitamins or minerals that are necessary for hair growth. Other substances give signals to the hair follicles to increase hair growth, for example procyanidin B2. Some ingredients work as anti-oxidants that inhibit oxidative attack on the follicle cells, like L-arginine.
Some natural products also contain substances to block DHT. Saw palmetto extract contains substances acting as DHT blockers by much of the same mechanism as prostate medicines.
Still other ingredients can reduce the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Grean tea extract have shown itself to contain substances with this effect.
Surgery is an effective treatment against baldness in limited areas. By surgery hair follicles from parts of the scull immune to DHT are moved to bold areas. The hair in the treated areas will however not get as tight as naturally growing hair.
It is also possible to implant artificial hair into the scalp. By this method, large bald areas can be covered, but the treatment implies a certain danger for infection, requires good hair hygiene afterwards and requires a regular refill to replace lost hairs.
Most women would love to know if there was a natural yeast infection cure. If your yeast infection is not that serious, you can treat it naturally. There are a lot of ways and steps on how to prevent yeast infections from occurring.
The first natural yeast infection cure is simply to eat a well-balanced diet. You should eat well and never skip meals. It is important to take your diet seriously because there are some foods that may cause and ignite the growth of yeast. Eating chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, yogurt, seeds, nut, eggs and oils is beneficial in the fight against yeast infections. What you should avoid eating are those foods made with refined and simple sugars. This includes brown sugar, white sugar, raw sugar, molasses, grain sweeteners and honey. If you cant or dont want to exclude sweet tasting food from your diet you can use Stevia as a substitute. Eating a lot of raw garlic can be helpful. You should avoid drinking milk and alcohol. You should also avoid eating mushrooms, fruits and dried fruits.
It is important to avoid foods that contain mold or yeast. This includes cakes, muffins, baked goods, cheese, breads, melons, dried fruits and peanuts. Increasing your fiber intake can help. You can take one teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble fiber which contains psyllium husks, guar gum, pectin and flaxseeds. This can be mixed in an 8 oz glass of drinking water which should be taken two times a day. It is necessary to drink this during an empty stomach.
Taking nutritional supplements is also effective. One capsule of Acidophillus contains probiotic lactobacillus which should be ingested daily. This controls growth of candida, by keeping our intestinal tract more acidic which discourages the growth of candida or yeast. Acidophillus produces hydrogen peroxide, which directly stops and kills candida. Many researches have proven that supplementing with hydrogen peroxide will reduce the occurrence of the antibiotic generated yeast infections. Controlling bacteria can help in restoring the microbial balance in the digestive system, thereby, fighting the growth of yeast.
Good hygiene habits prevent the production of yeast. You should aim to stay fit and healthy. Poor hygiene can contribute to yeast infections. If you tend to wear synthetic clothing, your skin will not breathe freely which can encourage yeast growth to take place. You should avoid wearing tight clothes and go with loose, breathable cotton items. People who perspire heavily should understand clearly that wearing tight, synthetic clothes invites the growth and formulation of yeast.
Now that you know and understand there are steps to you can take to achieve a natural yeast infection cure, it is important that you take these suggestions on board and stop yeast infections from reoccurring.
Efficacy Pulse Dye Laser Therapy For The Treatment Ulcerated Haemangioma
Efficacy of pulse dye laser therapy for the treatment of ulcerated haemangioma s: a revie w of 78 patients. This pulsed dye laser technology is regarded as the gold standard treatment for removing vascular lesions in children and adults. Long-term results in the treatment of childhood hemangioma with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser: An evaluation of 617 cases. Background The pulsed dye laser delivers energy at a wavelength and duration that has been optimized for the selective treatment of vascular lesions. Use of a 585 nm pulsed dye laser for the treatment of morphea. Unlike drugs, pulse dye laser treatments are non-systemic.
Before you decide on laser treatment for your psoriasis, here are some things you should know about the Cynosure pulse dye laser. Pulse dye laser treatments are less messy than the daily application of creams and lotions. Flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser for port-wine stains in infancy: earlier versus later treatment. The treatment of port-wine stains by the pulsed dye laser: analysis of pulse duration and long-term therapy. Tunable dye laser (577 nm) treatment of port wine stains. Clinical efficacy of pulsed dye laser in the treatment of vascular lesions. Pulsed dye laser treatment of vascular lesions for children. Anatomical differences of port-wine stains in response to treatment with the pulsed dye laser. (2) Patients were randomized to receive a single low fluence pulsed dye laser treatment or sham treatment.
If it works, the laser treatment could eliminate acne permanently by partially destroying the troublesome glands. Years ago when lasers were suggested as a form of treatment for acne, the results were not as good as dermatologists wanted. The advancement of laser treatment and technology has brought therapy into the new century and is the suggested treatment for acne and acne scarring. When an acne patient faces pitting, or deep holes, in the skin as a result of acne, there is a treatment called laser resurfacing. pages you find information on acne laser treatment, including the different types of acne, and how … I have not tried the new laser treatments for acne, but hear they do not work very well.
Near infrared (NIR) diode laser low-intensity (soft) phototherapy with the topical application of indocyanine green (ICG) has been suggested for treatment of acne vulgaris. Acne scarring, formerly treated with excision and dermabrasion, has benefitted from newer alternatives, such as fillers and non-ablative laser treatments. The prinicpal advantage of laser and light-based treatment of acne is safety. Whether or not laser treatments should be used as first-line treatment for acne, or even for prevention of acne, remains unclear at this time.
Any vision that is already lost prior to the laser treatment, in general, will not return. In general, loss of vision after a laser treatment is usually FROM progression of the glaucoma disease and not FROM the laser per se. However, the immediate vision loss caused by laser treatment must be measured against the more severe vision loss that could result from untreated retinopathy. However, the vision loss caused by laser treatment is mild compared with the vision loss that may be caused by untreated retinopathy. Following the laser treatment the vision is quite blurred for about a week and after that vision largely recovers. Some people will notice decreased side vision or decreased night vision after laser treatment to stop bleeding. Therefore, floaters or spots in your vision will not necessarily go away after laser treatment.
Immediately after the laser, your vision will be blurred because of the bright lights and jelly used for the special laser treatment lens. Peripheral, color or night vision may be reduced after surgery from widespread laser treatment, but the majority of sight can be saved. Even if vision cannot be improved, laser surgery may help to limit visual loss and minimize damage that would have occurred without treatment. It is important to realize that laser treatment does not usually improve vision, but is aimed at prevention of further visual loss.
This is common with laser treatment and may either take the form of lightening of the skin (Hypo-pigmentation) or darkening (Hyper-pigmentation). During the next three to four days after laser treatment: avoid hot water on the treated skin avoid hot environment e.g. Patients with tanned or those with darker skin types will less favourable with this form of laser treatment. While loss of pigmentation (vitiligo) is unsightly and problematic, the laser goes deeper into the skin than the light treatments. He was very confident and optimistic about what he could achieve by laser treatment to various skin problems I had.
Non-ablative laser treatment uses an intense beam of light to gently stimulate the production of new collagen while bypassing the outer layer of skin. to receive laser treatment for removing port wine stains from their skin. This technique is not effective for treatment of deeper wrinkles and sagging skin treated with laser resurfacing and traditional surgical techniques. Areas of lightened skin, with a visible line of demarcation between treated and untreated areas, were significantly more common with CO2-laser treatment. We have been performing laser hair removal since the 1990s along with laser treatments of skin lesions, pigmentation, veins, tattoos, and scars. This laser is much kinder to dark skin than the Alexandrite laser, and pigmentation problems after treatment are much less common. Tired of the hair war Hi, I don’t have dark skin but have had extensive laser hair treatment on my bikini line and underarms. The effect of cooling the surface of the skin serves to minimize discomfort during treatment while increasing the effectiveness of the laser treatments. The clinician has expressed surprise at the evidently strange way my skin reacts to the laser treatment.
http://www.laser-vision.info/laser-treatment/
I have been practicing Yoga for close to 5 years now. Prior to this time, my life had been a day-to-day existence erected by symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. Aggravated by marring acne and burdensome Asthma symptoms, not feeling depressed was usually a rare occurrence. A rare occurrence that is; until I discovered Yoga and how it could help with depression treatment.
Its not a surprise that I was not alone during this time as research has shown that some form of depression treatment medication is offered to over 20 million Americans annually. However, what should be the main cause of concern are the many side effects common to these anti-depression drugs. Effective as they may be for a while, its been noted that these depression drugs have several side effects which may include nausea, fatigue, insomnia and some sexual dysfunctions.
Thankfully, as with nearly any human ailment, at least in its not fatal stages, drug-free healing is not limited to curing any discomfort-including depression and this without these side-effects. One standout alternative for depression treatment my friends will be the incomparable Yoga.
How is this so? Well, first of all, with Yoga and its gentle movements and poses,
Alpha waves (relaxation) and Theta waves (unconscious memory, dreams and emotions) tend to increase significantly after its execution. This finding is based on a Scandinavian study conducted by Eric Hoffman, Ph.D., that measured brain waves before and after a two-hour Yoga class.
As a result, you tend to have more contact with your own subconscious and emotions. Moreover, after its use, alpha waves increases in the right temporal region of the brain as other studies have shown that people with depression tend to have more alpha activity in the left frontal-temporal region, while optimistic, extroverted people have more alpha activity on the right.
Moreover, with the execution of Yoga, a noted reduction in the hormone known as cortisol and increase in the hormone prolactin occurswhich is believed by many professionals to be the key in producing the anti-depressant effect of electroshock therapy
If this all sounds a bit advanced, perhaps a simpler illustration of how Yoga works effectively for depression treatment may be that it exercises the motor centers of the brain, making the blood flow away from the emotional activity center; consequently one becomes more receptive to positive thoughts.
Although this can be accomplished by the use of several Yoga poses, I will narrow the wide array of choices down to three simple yet very effective ones namely the Sun Salutations, Shoulder Stand and Relaxation poses.
Depression Treatment: Choice of Yoga Poses for depression help
1. The Sun Salutations:
The sun exercises stimulates and balances all systems of the body including the endocrine and nervous systems that have marked effects on our emotions, furthermore they induce deep breathing, which has been known over the ages to help alleviate many a stressful situation. Performed in rounds of 3, they actually are a combination of very simple movements executed in a flowing motion. Although they are usually a warm up to other Yoga poses, they can stand on their own as a Yoga session so you may not have to spend too much time to reap Yogas benefits as an alternative treatment for depression.
2. The Shoulder- Stand:
In spite of what its name may suggest, no worries, this pose is indeed very easy to execute and is the one pose that both old and new Yoga Instructors and writers view as near panacea for most human ailments including depression. It is essentially a very easy inversion pose that I see most kids practicing unknowinglymost of us have at some point, so again, its really easy. Being that youre inverted, everything is turned upside down, throwing a new light on old behavioral patterns. Working together with its counter poses, you will see for yourself what this pose can do for depression treatment.
3. The Relaxation Pose:
Daddy of them all! As the name suggests; it involves lying motionless on ones back with emphasis on deep, even breathing and meditation. It is usually performed for several minutes to alleviate stress and mental tension and positive affirmations such as helpful verses from religious books could be mentally repeated during its execution.
Being a Christian myself, one of my favorite verses while executing this pose will be a personalized derivative of Rom 12: 2-I am being transformed by the renewing of my thoughts.
Depression Treatment: Closing Thoughts on Other Factors.
No one is saying that Yoga POSES alone will be the end all be all of your depression. No. Poses alone DO NOT constitute Yoga. Breathing exercises (known as pranayama), Meditation, (which could be rooted in your religious or spiritual beliefs) and a proper diet-all being important limbs of Yoga, should be used in your use of Yoga for depression treatment.
These limbs will be subjects of other articles to save space; however, for a depression treatment alternative without unwanted and oft times harmful side effects, dare I say drug-free healing using simple Yoga principles and natural methods might be your best bet, it did work for me.
So the next time depression sends you to the doctor, you may do well to ask for a new prescription for depression treatment-Yoga. I believe it wont hurt and possibly could help you immensely.
Herbal acne home cures can be an effective adjunct to whatever other treatments are being used. It is important to understand that they are not hard and fast ‘cures’ in the absolute sense, but will instead support the body’s capacity to metabolize fats and carbohydrates, and encourage elimination through the lymphatic system.
The class of herbs known as alterative herbs are conceptualized traditionally as ‘cleansing’ the body’s tissues. They are thought of as detoxifying herbs, but they don’t work in any obvious way on the body’s elimination channels. – Namely, the lungs, kidneys, or colon. As such, they do not easily fit into a Western model of understanding the body. However, they do have a long tradition of use, and are certainly worth trying as an acne home remedy. Because they work on the internal condition of the body, they are not going to replace any of the topical, over the counter acne treatments. But they may provide benefit in an indirect way that these acne products don’t.
Alterative herbs tend to be quite gentle in their effect, so they are best used as a long term treatment. Results won’t be sudden, but they will improve the general health of the body. They tend to be given for chronic inflammatory problems, especially relating to the skin, such as acne.
These herbs include burdock, cleavers, red clover, figwort, poke root, echinacea, and blue flag. A great combination is blue flag, burdock, yellow dock, and echinacea. These can be mixed together and infused with hot water to make a tea. Drink a cup of this 3 times a day. You can put a little honey in it to make it taste better.
Another possible combination is burdock, dandelion, and sarsaparilla (not the cola!). Mix these together when they are dry herbs, and make a tea in the same way. They can be used separately as well.
There are a number of options for topical acne home remedies as well. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to breakouts, though for those with sensitive skin this may need to be diluted. Fresh cabbage juice can also be applied directly to acne blemishes, and this may be a better option for those with sensitive skin.
An anti inflammatory skin wash can be made from calendula and chamomile. Make a tea as above, then let it cool and keep it in the fridge. Spray or dab this onto the affected areas regularly.
Another combination for an acne home cure skin wash is yarrow, elder flowers, and lavender.
Colloidal minerals such as potassium phosphate and magnesium phosphate can help support the skin. Zinc is excellent to help prevent scarring, as well as fortifying the immune system, and help supports the normal functioning of hormones.
Vitamin C is excellent for encouraging the healing of acne lesions, as well as providing antioxidant support to the immune system.
References:
1. Simon Mills, The Essential Book Of Herbal Medicine
2. Judy Jacka, A – Z Of Natural Therapies
3. Paul Bedson, The Complete Family Guide To Natural Healing