How to Use Shiatsu for a Tension Headache

How to Use Shiatsu for a Tension Headache



Tension headaches are often triggered by excess work and/or excess emotional stress that continue over a period of time, leaving your body tense and fatigued. Use the following shiatsu points along the base of the skull and on the neck to release chronic muscle tension, calm the nervous system and promote the flow of congested energy down and out of the head.







Tension Headache Points




1


Relax and strengthen the tendons, clear stuck energy, and soften your stiff neck as you press the five points located under the base of your skull with the pad of your thumb. Begin at the center of the back of your head with your right thumb and move to the right one finger-width at a time to press each point.





2


Repeat using your left hand to apply pressure along the left side of your skull.





3


Stimulate the point often felt as a hard knot on the top of your shoulder where your neck curves upward to release neck and shoulder tension.





4


Release neck and shoulder tension and remove stiffness from your spine as you apply pressure to the point located just before your knuckle on the pinkie side of your hand.





5


Eliminate the pain of a tension headache by pressing on the outer heel bone between the ankle and the Achilles tendon to release tension and move congested energy away from the neck and shoulders.



Tension Release Points




1


Clear the congestion and tension from your head by applying pressure to the central calming point on the top of your head. Place your thumbs on the tops of your ears, bring your index fingers one over the other on the top of your head and apply pressure.





2


Apply pressure to the point at the web between your thumb and index finger on the back side of your hand to release tension in the jaw, neck and shoulders. Press toward your index finger with the pad of your opposite thumb.





3


Slide your middle finger to the area on top of the foot between the first and second toes where the small bones merge. Apply gentle pressure and movement to promote the smooth flow of energy, to release muscle cramps and spasms and to release tension.








Tips & Warnings










Applying pressure to the tension release points stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to calm and quiet the body and mind.








Avoid the calming point on top of your head if you have high blood pressure, or hypertension.








Avoid using the point at the web of your index finger and thumb if you are pregnant.








Notify a physician immediately if you experience sudden headache; headache accompanied by blurred or double vision, confusion, or motor and sensory loss; or a highly localized headache.








Fever and neck stiffness accompanying a headache may indicate meningitis.








If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other healthcare professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.



http://www.ehow.com/how_6608_shiatsu-tension-headache.html

How to Use Shiatsu for a Sinus Headache

How to Use Shiatsu for a Sinus Headache



Shiatsu applies pressure to the meridians (energy pathways) to open blocked nasal and sinus passages and relieve the pain and discomfort of sinusitis.










1


Use the pads of your index fingers to press under the bony ridge at the inner edge of your eyebrow to ease the eye pain and fatigue associated with increased sinus pressure.





2


Relieve frontal sinus pain by applying pressure to the point on the back of your hand at the web between your thumb and index finger.





3


Locate the point just below the cheekbone and level with the pupil of your eye as you look straight ahead. Press upward to relieve nasal and head congestion as well as pressure from behind the eyes and eye fatigue.





4


Promote relief from a frontal headache (forehead) and release pressure from behind your eyes by using your thumb pads to apply pressure to your forehead approximately one finger-width above your eyebrow and level with the pupil of your eye.





5


Decrease inflammation and clear your stuffy, runny nose by pressing your index fingers to the outer borders of the nose where the nasal flesh meets the face. Hold the pressure for five to seven breaths to open the nasal passages.





6


Find relief from sinus headaches and allergy symptoms by stimulating the area on top of the foot where the bones between the big toe and the second toe merge.








Tips & Warnings










Use steps 1 through 3 to open sinus blockage.








Holding step 2 for at least two minutes will release congestion in the head and digestive tract to alleviate the pressure of a sinus headache.








Vaporizing your sinuses with humidified steam helps to promote sinus drainage.








Take an aromatherapy bath with 20 drops of equal parts tea tree,
lavender
and eucalyptus oils to promote drainage of the sinuses, decrease inflammation and open the nasal passages.








Omit step 2 for pregnant women as it may stimulate premature uterine contractions.








Allergies to yeast (candida), milk, wheat, and eggs are common to those with chronic sinusitis. If you feel you may suffer from food allergies, consult with your physician.



http://www.ehow.com/how_6607_shiatsu-sinus-headache.html

How to Use Shiatsu for a Migraine Headache

How to Use Shiatsu for a Migraine Headache



Migraine headaches are vascular headaches that are frequently accompanied by visual disturbances, as well as nausea and vomiting. Shiatsu will release congested energy and blood from the head and promote the natural flow of digestion to ease the pain.







Things You'll Need:





Aromatherapy Votive Candles




Tiger Balm




Peppermint Oils









1


Clear head tension and congestion by placing your thumbs on top of your ears and bringing your index fingers one over the other on the top of your head. Apply pressure to this point using your index or middle finger.





2


Use the pad of your thumb or middle finger to apply pressure under the bony ridge at the base of the skull, approximately 1 inch away from your spine, to clear stuck energy.





3


Clear your mind and release tension by pressing and gently massaging the point on the center of your forehead between your eyebrows.





4


Release the pressure from behind your eyes as you apply pressure to the point found at the outer corner of your eye, just behind the bone.





5


Relieve nausea and promote circulation to your hands and feet by squeezing the back side of your hand at the fleshy mound between your thumb and index finger. Press the top of the mound toward your index finger with the pad of your opposite thumb.





6


Promote the flow of energy and the circulation of blood, release cramps and spasms, relieve migraines, and calm the nervous system as you apply gentle pressure and movement to the point on top of your foot where the bones between your big toe and second toe merge.








Tips & Warnings










If you are extremely nauseated or have very cold hands and feet, you will benefit from beginning with the points on your feet and moving toward the head. This promotes the flow of energy away from the head and encourages digestion to flow downward to alleviate nausea.








Migraines are sometimes triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels, specifically estrogen levels. These headaches tend to occur just before or at the end of the menstrual cycle. For these migraines, the application of progesterone cream helps to alleviate the estrogen/progesterone imbalance and may completely resolve the headache. Consult your physician or health care provider if this migraine pattern applies to you.








Since a migraine is a vascular headache, fluctuation of hot and cold (bath to shower) is valuable to release a headache. The cold brings your body to its greatest constriction, so it may let go and release the headache.








Avoid step 1 if you have high blood pressure.








Avoid step 5 if you are pregnant.








Migraines often increase sensitivity to light, and bright light may aggravate symptoms.








When applying pressure to the head, be gentle and don't overstimulate the points. Overstimulating draws more energy and blood to the head.








If your headache is severe or lasts more than two days, or if you have blurred or double vision, consult a physician immediately.



http://www.ehow.com/how_6606_shiatsu-migraine-headache.html

How to Use Horse Chestnut for Health

How to Use Horse Chestnut for Health



Horse chestnut, also known as Spanish chestnut, is an herb that can be taken to improve your overall health. For thousands of years, the bark, seeds and leaves of the horse chestnut have been used to treat several medical conditions. Horse chestnut can come as an extract or a topical ointment.









1


Get horse chestnut to treat chronic venous insufficiency. Studies show that horse chestnut can be effective for treatment of this blood circulation disorder.





2


Use horse chestnut for additional ailments. It can be particularly useful for reducing the swelling caused by hemorrhoids.





3


Purchase horse chestnut from a retailer that sells herbal remedies. You can find it at stores such as the Vitamin Shoppe or online at VitaCoast and Swanson Vitamins.





4


Purchase seeds and grow your own horse chestnut to use medicinally. Once the herb is full grown, harvest its bark and fruit to get enough drops for daily use. Only small doses should be used at first.





5


Take two capsules a day if you buy the horse chestnut in pill form. This is the recommended dosage to use to improve circulation.





6


Massage the horse chestnut cream into your skin. You should place the cream on your legs two to three times a day.








Tips & Warnings










Chronic venous insufficiency causes swelling, pain, itching and cramping in the legs.








Recently, horse chestnut has been shown to help reduce the appearance of varicose veins when applied topically.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2097308_use-horse-chestnut-health.html

How to Use Energy Healing to Increase Concentration

How to Use Energy Healing to Increase Concentration



Energy healing is a holistic alternative to orthodox medicine. It is non-invasive and focuses on the general well-being of the patient through the 'energy body.' It is used to heal conditions like stress, and stress-related problems like anxiety, high blood pressure and lack of concentration.







Learn About Your Energy Field




1


Know that your energy field is made up of your aura and your chakra system.





2


Imagine your aura as a light that surrounds you in every direction.





3


Think of your 7 chakras as the pores of your aura that control the flow of energy in and out of the energy field.





4


Be aware that, although invisible, your energy field is connected to your physical organs. The state of your energy field decides the state of your physical body.





5


Know that any blockage in the energy field will deplete the energy and make the body susceptible to disease. Among other things, energy blocks are caused by negative emotions, trauma and lack of exercise. The proper flow of energy through the body leads to improved concentration as a result of good mental health, physical health and balance.



Increase Your Concentration Through Energy Healing




1


Use the energy healing technique you prefer. Popular energy healing techniques include Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Pranic Healing and Chios. The International Center for Reiki Training offers a lot of useful information on Reiki (see Resources below).





2


Search for an energy healer who practices the healing form of your choice. Most healers, if certified in different forms, usually follow their intuition when healing and will use a combination of the techniques they know.





3


Discuss your expectations with your healer at your appointment. The fee for treatment could be anything from moderate to high. Some practitioners charge on a sliding scale.





4


Lie down or sit comfortably for the treatment.





5


Relax while the practitioner performs the healing process.



Know What to Expect After Treatment




1


Be prepared for an emotional release. The expression of release from the removal of the energy blocks may vary from laughter to tears.





2


Know that the effects of the treatment may continue for a few days as toxins are released. Drink lots of water to flush the toxins out.





3


Increase what you know about energy healing with the Internet. "Of Spirit" is an online magazine with many articles on energy healing (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Prepare for your healing session by fully intending to receive whatever healing is given to you.








Seek the attention of a medical doctor or go to an emergency room if you are experiencing a panic attack, chest pains, heat stroke or vomiting blood. Call 911 for immediate help.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031319_use-energy-healing.html

How to Look Thinner in a Bathing Suit

How to Look Thinner in a Bathing Suit



Bathing suits are not known to be the most flattering of attire for women over a size 4. Generally, they provide too little material and what fabric there is clings like a second skin. Give credit where it is due--women do not give up when it comes to swim attire. They do not while away gorgeous summers clothed from head to toe. Instead, they find ways to look thinner in bathing suits.







Things You'll Need:





Bathing suit with skirt or built-in control panel



Sandals with heels



Body measurements



Sarong









Step
1



Pick a bathing suit that fits you well. Accurately measure your body and check a size chart to get started. Then, try on suits in that size to see how well they fit. Bend and stretch in front of a mirror to make sure the suit stays in place and no bulges appear doing movement.




Step
2



Choose a dark-colored, solid one-piece swimsuit to appear thinner. Dark colors are more camouflaging, while prints and bright colors accentuate body size.




Step
3



Make sure you stand up straight, hold your shoulders back and keep your tummy tucked when wearing a bathing suit. Good posture will make you appear longer and leaner.




Step
4



Avoid wearing tankinis, as these will "break up" the body and make you look shorter and heavier. You want a suit with a continuous line to give you a svelte look.




Step
5



Wear heeled

sandals


with your suit to help you look slimmer. These popular height-elevating pieces of footwear will make your legs appear longer and thinner.




Step
6



Tan your body before you wear your bathing suit. A tanned body looks smaller than a pasty one. Take care of
your
skin


with a good moisturizer, as clear skin is attractive and draws attention to your positive features.




Step
7



Pick a bathing suit with a skirt to make your lower body look thinner. To minimize your bust, pick a suit that is straight across the top.




Step
8



Minimize a big stomach with a bathing suit that has a built-in control panel. Alternatively, you can reduce the appearance of a large tummy with a suit that drapes across that area.







Tips & Warnings









Have your hair cut in a nice style, and wear a small amount of natural-toned makeup to draw attention up to your face.








Tie a fashionable sarong around your waist to make it look smaller and to cover up a heavy lower body.








Stay away from boy short bottoms if you want your legs to look thinner.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2228131_look-thinner-bathing-suit.html

How to Look Terrific in Your Clothes

How to Look Terrific in Your Clothes



Fashions change with every season but you can look great no matter what's in style. The secret is to define your own style and stick to it. With creativity and strategic use of your clothing budget, you'll have a wardrobe to be proud of.







Things You'll Need:





Knowledge of your clothing needs for work and leisure



Clothing budget









Step
1



Figure out what kind of activities you spend time doing--work, parties, housework, family care and travel. Decide what clothes you need for each activity.




Step
2



Look at your coloring. Hold different colors next to your face in good light to see which ones make you glow. You may look great in electric blue but washed out in light aqua, for example. Go through all the colors of the palette (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, brown and black) to see which tones of each color suit you best.




Step
3



Look at your figure. Decide which points you want to emphasize and which you want to hide.




Step
4



Take a hard look at the contents of your closet. Find the clothes with flattering colors and styles. Give the rest away.




Step
5



Each time you build an outfit, consider the combination of shapes and colors. Decide if it's appropriate for where you will be going. Add jewelry and accessories to complement the outfit. Choose shoes that work for your outfit, your feet and your priorities.




Step
6



Take good care of your clothes so they will last. Press when necessary. Hang them up when you take them off. Wash or dry clean. Polish your shoes regularly.







Tips & Warnings









If you have a tactful friend with a good eye, ask advice if you need it.








Have clothes altered if they don't fit.








Wear foundation garments that fit well.








Colors that don't look best next to your face can still be worn in skirts or trousers.








Always sit and stand with good posture.








Don't forget perfume or cologne water for a final touch.








These days, stores sell clothes for all figure types so don't waste time trying to fit into something that's not suited for you.








If you can't decide if a garment is right for you, it's probably not.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2166857_look-terrific-clothes.html