Take a deep breath. Smell that? In recent years, aromatherapy has taken off in Western culture. Chances are that you have inhaled an aroma purported to calm, soothe, energize or balance. True to our capitalistic roots, this ancient healing art has become big business. Aromatherapy is now used to market everything from room deodorizers to laundry detergent. What’s behind this sensational trend and why the booming popularity?

Aromatherapy is commonly used in alternative medicine. While many forms of natural medicine can be traced to our neighbors in the East, aromatherapy is a product of the French. The modern term aromatherapy is often traced to French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse. It is said that Gattefosse burned his hand in the lab and thrust it into the nearest liquid which happened to be lavender oil. His hand healed without scars and he began to investigate the healing and psychotherapeutic benefits of essential oils. During World War II, another Frenchman, Dr. Jean Valmet, used essential oils as an antiseptic, and aromatherapy later achieved status as a holistic therapy due to the efforts of Madame Marguerite Maury. We can also thank Madame Maury for the use of essential oils in massage therapy.

There is no denying that scent plays a significant role in our lives. Our sense of smell can help us to detect danger, signal us to eat, and affect our mood. In 2004, the Nobel Prize was awarded to U.S. researchers Linda Buck and Richard Axel for their discovery of 1,000 genes and receptors for the sense of smell. In awarding the coveted prize, the jury noted, “A unique odor can trigger distinct memories from our childhood or from emotional moments—positive or negative—later in life.”

Aromatherapy practitioners use essential oils to treat digestive disorders, aches and pains, and psychological disorders. In many countries, essential oils are regulated and can be prescribed by physicians. Japan, Germany, Russia and the United States do not recognize aromatherapy as a valid branch of medicine. Detractors, while not minimizing the role of smell in the human life, refute the healing powers of oil. Yet, both the scientific and the nonscientific communities agree that aroma does have an impact. For most of us, it does not take scientific evidence to validate the connection between aroma and our brains. The fragrant aroma of certain foods makes us salivate in seconds, the smell of baked goodies can evoke feelings of comfort, and peppermint has the amazing power to refresh and reenergize.

In the West, scent therapy has less to do with healing disease and more with healing mood, thus the popularity of adding scent to household items. Lavender oil has a calming effect and is linked to male sexual response. The sweet, spicy smell of basil improves concentration and lifts depression. Tea tree oils noted for their antimicrobial properties are frequently found in hair and skin care products. Even skeptics accept that mint and eucalyptus relieve stuffy noses caused by colds and flu. The perfume industry has always marketed the mood-invoking power of scent. Scents are marketed as sensual, sexy, calming, refreshing, natural, and romantic. Shopping malls use scent to create a mood. During the holiday season, the lighting and aromas are all designed to put you in a holly, jolly shopping mood. And, of course, there is no denying the difference that scented oils make during a massage.

If you are interested in true aromatherapy, it is best to visit a trained professional, such as a holistic physician. Oils can be very potent and when used inappropriately they can irritate the skin or cause more serious reactions such as liver damage or seizures. If you simply enjoy certain fragrances and the way they make you feel by all means indulge your passion. Even detractors cannot refute that if a particular scent or smell makes you feel better, by all means burn it, spray it, or lather up in it. Whether scientifically validated or not, feeling good is a worthwhile benefit.

Karen D. Swim is the President and CEO of Words For Hire, a Content Creation and Marketing Firm. Karen helps clients develop articles, whitepapers, resumes, bios and other content that increases their visibility and credibility within their target market. She brings a passion and commitment to every project and clients frequently comment on her ability to “get it right.” You can email Karen at mailto:karen@wordsforhirellc.com karen@wordsforhirellc.com.

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A recent article in the paper talked about a couple of senior women who were pumping iron for their health. One of these women recently competed in a national weightlifting competition, in the 65-69 age group. The other, 59, also competed in this national event. The older of the two lost about 80 pounds after getting into an exercise program that included strength training.

Strength training is important as you age, both to keep your mobility and to keep bones strong. It is also important for keeping your metabolism elevated and losing weight. Whether using weights, tubing, or just the weight of your own body as resistance, strength or resistance training is necessary to help fight anti-aging.

This is important for both men and women. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends strength training with weight-bearing and resistive exercise for all age groups. If you want to reduce your chances of falling or losing your mobility as you get older, you need proper strength. You definitely need to work on your mobility and flexibility to keep your muscles and joints from getting stiff.

Strength training is also important in staying lean. Your muscles burn calories all day long and can keep your metabolism from slowing down too much as you age. You will lose some muscle mass no matter what, but if nothing is done, you will lose more than necessary.

I remember seeing a report on aging a while back that featured a woman who was 101 years old. She exercised on a regular basis, including strength training. She was very mobile, independent, and energetic, still singing in her church choir. She led a busy life and appeared no older than 80. So is exercise and proper strength training a good way to fight the aging process? Maybe you should ask 92 year old fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne. The guy looks pretty healthy to me.

While the two women mentioned earlier were involved in weightlifting competitions, that isn’t necessary. Working your muscles against some form of resistance that challenges them is what’s important. That could be dumbbells or just your own bodyweight. It doesn’t require expensive equipment. Ideally, at least half of your training should occur in a standing position, because this is where movement occurs, on your feet. When standing, you work on your balance at the same time you build strength. Only working on machines where you lie or sit down takes away the balance aspect, which is important to avoiding falls, no matter what your age.

Strength training will make it easier to go up stairs, get up from a chair, or bend over and pick something up, things that give some seniors problems. Problems that can be avoided by most with just a little work on their part. Remember, the focus should be on prevention!.

Brian Morgan is a strength and conditioning specialist and massage therapist. For more information on posture, mobility and flexibility training, go to brianmorganfitness.com brianmorganfitness.com. or posture-n-motion.blogspot.com posture-n-motion.blogspot.com

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What is an essential oil? Basically, a purified liquid taken from the different parts of plants that are quite beneficial to health and well being. Believe it or not, they are not oily feeling. Essential oils typically take 20 minutes to be absorbed through the skin however once they are the effects last usually for 6 or 7 hours.

Most are so potent they need to be diluted. Lavender is one oil that has many uses. If you have trouble sleeping, put a few drops in a warm bath. The combination of the lavender water and the wonderful aroma will have you sleeping like a baby. Lavender in a cool bath will revitalize and refresh you. It is also used for treating acne, eczema, insect bites, and burns. It has also been know to help with depression. Lavender does not have to be diluted and the benefits of this essential oil are many.

Chamomile is a great oil that can be used for dry skin, rashes, acne, and allergies among others. It is a pain reliever and muscle relaxant. Certain properties in chamomile will give the immune system a boost and get rid of bacteria. Chamomile should be diluted with almond oil. Almond oil is a carrier oil. This means it carries other oils to the skin. Chamomile can also be added to your shampoo to give your hair a silky, healthier look.

Geranium oil is a mild pain reliever, helps sores to heal, is a great oil for balancing skin that is too oily, and is helpful for menstrual cramps. Geranium oil can stop bleeding, help rid the body of cellulite, and helps with bruises, burns, and bites. Geranium oil, like the above mentioned, should also be diluted.

Jasmine Absolute is one of the most sought after and precious oils we use. It takes 8,000 hand picked blossoms to make one single gram of jasmine oil. This oil is sought after for it’s capacity of promoting an optimistic outlook and the aroma is said to be a romance enhancer. 10 or 15 drops added to almond oil will make a great massage oil.

Tea Tree Oil has a multitude of uses. It does not have to be diluted and can help heal athlete’s foot, rashes, burns, and warts. This oil is said to be good at killing and ridding the body of lice. Instead of the expensive treatments at your pharmacy, use this liquid to dissolve the bugs. It is also used as a natural insect repellent.

These are just a few of the essential oils that can have profound effects on you to rid you of unwanted ailments. If you believe that natural resources are the best at fixing whatever your problem is within limits, of course, then try essential oils. There are many more that will help you feel better, treat problems, rejuvenate, or relax you. Check into the wonderful properties of essential oils.

Read about other important and unique ideas for essential oils in the realm of personal hygiene at electricalbody.com/product/oils.htm electricalbody.com/product/oils.htm

electricalbody.com/product/oils.htm Pristine Tooth Oils

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Reflexology was performed in the ancient times by the Egyptians, Chinese and Indians. An American ENT specialist, Dr. William Fitzgerald took this theory to the west. This therapy is based on the fact that the reflex points on the hands and feet are directly connected to all the other organs of the body. Therefore, to provide healing effect to the head, the big toe is treated. Similarly, if one wants to feel the healing effect on the entire body, the entire foot needs to be treated.

The most common treatments of osteoarthritis are medication, surgery, pain relievers, educating the patient and physical exercise. However, in recent times, reflexology is also being increasingly used for treating this disease.

A reflexologist uses only his hands to administer this treatment. He gently massages the strategic points of the foot, applying pressure to these areas. The process is highly individualized. Every patient requires a unique approach. The imbalances in the body are rectified through this method. An expert reflexologist usually finds tiny spots on the feet that can heal the patient.

Through this method, the body is allowed to heal at its own pace. Unlike the other methods of treatment, reflexology is suitable for all age groups of patients. A regular treatment is required to maintain proper balance of the body. The best part about this unconventional mode of treatment is that it is extremely safe and entirely natural.

A good practitioner of reflexology usually begins with a preliminary talk with his or her patient and then tries to find out the problematic areas by pressing parts of the hands or feet. The experience might be a little painful at times but the pain is temporary and aids in identifying the imbalances. The experience on the whole is quite relaxing and soothing.

e-osteoarthritis.com Osteoarthritis provides detailed information on Osteoarthritis, Osteoarthritis Treatment, Osteoarthritis Symptom, Knee Osteoarthritis and more. Osteoarthritis is affiliated with e-Osteoporosis.com Osteoporosis Prevention.

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