Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Testing to see if pictures placed below the <span class="fullpost"> will appear above the "Read More"

This is a test post to see if a picture posted below the summary field appears in the condensed post. This post is in response to a reader's comment in the post Expandable Post Summary for the New Blogger (formerly Blogger Beta) blog. As you can observe here in this condensed post, the picture doesn't appear. Try clicking on the "Read More" and see what happens.

As you can observe, the little screenshot of the "center text" icon only appear when the "Read More" link is clicked.

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Testing expandable post summary

Just testing to see if the "Read More" appears in short posts. Click Here to Read More..

Friday, February 16, 2007

Ayurvedic Medicine - Salient Features Of Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurvedic Medicine - Salient Features Of Ayurvedic Treatment
by: Dr Vikrama Aditya

Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest traditional systems of health and disease management. The history of ayurveda goes back to thousand of years. The primary goal of ayurveda has been twofold – promotion of health and managing the disease. Come, let us explore the salient features of this great system of health, lifestyle and medicine of Ayurvedic medicine.

One of the most beautiful features of ayurvedic treatment or ayurveda is that it is not merely a therapy or system of medicine. Ayurveda is essentially a holistic approach toward life, health and disease management. Ayurvedic approach includes the judicious use of medicinal herbs, minerals, diet, lifestyle, spirituality and yoga.

Ayurveda has been the pioneer for maintaining the holistic approach in Medicine. Ayurvedic principles are in the foundational role for this holistic approach in Medicine.

Ayurvedic treatment is based on personalized regimen for every individual. God and nature created each one of us in a unique way and Medicine should regard our individuality. Ayurveda stands for our individuality in theory and in practice.

The personalized approach of Ayurvedic medicine is manifested in several conditions – when we consider the conditions of ayurveda doshas or humors and select the ayurveda body types, when we choose herbs, when we consider age and time of treatment, when we consider the geographic location of the person, when we advise food and lifestyle, when we evaluate the individual physical and mental tolerance and during practically dozens of other situations.

Some medical authorities attribute the emergence of Social and Preventive Medicine totally to Modern Medicine. Ayurveda right from its inception uphold two basic purposes – enhancement of health and prevention of disease. There are guideposts regarding diet, daily regimen, hygiene, immunity boosting and rejuvenation.

Ayurveda considers the appropriate treatment to that management which relieves the disease and doesn't cause any other disease as a result of treatment. This is brought about through balancing the qualities and synergistic planning and formulation of medicinal herbs. However, getting side effects free treatment is the toughest objective for any system of therapy.

Rejuvenative treatment is given so much importance in Ayurveda that out of eight branches in ancient Ayurveda, one was fully devoted to rejuvenation, anti-ageing, promotion of health and geriatric health.

Ayurveda considers each individual as a physical, social, mental and spiritual being. For social integrity, ayurveda supports both moral and spiritual principles and teaches that they are essential for the health of society.

Ayurvedic panchakarma therapy is meant chiefly for purification of body. Panchakarma helps to detox our body thoroughly. The effect of proper diet and herbal supplements increases substantially after purification therapy.

Ayurvedic herbs are the chief therapeutic agent in Ayurveda. Natural medicinal herbs are great healing agents with very little or no side effects. Most of the uses of Ayurvedic herbs are being validated by modern herbal research. Some of the toxic and poisonous herbs are used after their purification when they are free of their harmful effect.

Several minerals and animal products are also used in India in Ayurvedic treatment. These minerals and animal derivatives are purified and undergo special calcination processes. Calcination procedures increase their bioavailability and free them from harmful effects. The use of ayurvedic calcined minerals is not much popular outside Indian subcontinent.

The world as a whole is underway to understand and use these preparations as latest technologies like HPCL studies, clinical research trials report, toxicity reports, Nanotechnology are affirming their safety and efficacy.

Ayurvedic treatment includes diet, exercise and lifestyle as an integral part of treatment. So there is plenty of advice on what to eat, what to avoid and about lifestyle and exercise.

Health is the dynamic balance of the body parts and their functioning. And it should be the goal of every individual to be responsible for one’s health because health is the foundational to all kind of pursuits in our lives.

Ayurvedic medicine helps individuals and the entire society to lead a healthier and happier life. Start living a healthier and happier life.

Find more info about ayurvedic medicine at http://www.holistic-herbalist.com

About The Author
Dr Vikrama Aditya is a holistic ayurveda practitioner and freelance writer. He provides holistic consultation globally through website Herbal Healer. His freelance writing services, ‘WritingForHealth’ can be sought. He is well versed and experienced in holistic medicine, ayurveda, herbal medicine, alternative medicine, reiki, yoga and spirituality. Visit him at Holistic Herbalist for more information about herbal remedies, ayurveda and holistic medicine and his services.
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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

The Unspoken Horror Of Adult Acne

The Unspoken Horror Of Adult Acne
by: Frank Cordova

Did you know that more than 25% of the adult population worldwide suffers from acne? If we leave the pages of statistical data and look at people with plain eyes it will be hard to find a man or a woman who did not suffer the gnawing problem of zits. However, even though this problem is "skin deep", its effects germinate into bouts of despair and social angst, which jeopardizes quality of life.

Digging Into The Roots Of Adult Acne

Sebum secreted from the hair follicles moves to the skin pores and lubricates the skin. But sometimes the oil glands expand, producing an excess of sebum, which ultimately gets trapped in the hair follicle and clogs the pores. These clogged pores permit bacteria and growth of Propionibacterium acnes. This bacteria causes inflammation of the hair follicle and the surrounding skin and thus acne emerges.

Though till now the exact causes of adult acne are not known, most of the theories suggest hormonal imbalances as the root cause. Some other causes proposed are evolutionary biology, diet, stress, vitamin deficiency and the list goes on.

Some Effective Treatments To Get Rid Of Adult Acne

Studies reveal that Vitamin A plays an important role in the reduction of serum and keratin production and thus minimizes their growth in follicle comedos. So, nourish your system with Vitamin A and take at least five servings of vegetables and fresh fruits daily. However, always consult a doctor before starting up with any kind of regime.

Zinc is an important element in treating acne too. Zinc enhances the functions of Vitamin A and lends a helping hand in the healing and regeneration of tissues. Zinc also reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which shrinks sebum production.

Most acne sufferers lack Selenium, which plays a crucial role in the action of the enzyme Gluthathione Peroxidase that prevents the inflammation of the hair follicle. Vitamin E minimizes this process and plays a vital part in the action of Vitamin A and Selenium.

Friendly bacteria, Acidophilus, can check injurious intestinal bacteria including yeasts such as Candida albicans. You can take in Acidophilus either in gel capsule form or as yogurt with live culture.

Benozyl peroxide reduces pimples and is effective for acne. You can have it in cream or lotion form.

Creams containing sulphur are also useful in treating acne

Medications containing iodide and bromide can worsen your acne condition so stay away from such products.

All these things are medicines, all of which may have side effects and should not be taken without a prescription and the guidance of a doctor.

Good News For Foodies

You will be glad to know that chocolate or fried foods do not cause acne. These foods are often seen as unhealthy food habits and therefore "must be" related to skin breakouts, but this theory has no scientific backing.

However, foods which are high in refined sugar, trans-fatty acid (milk products) oxidized fatty acids (fried oils) and synthetically hydrogenated vegetable oil contents may not cause acne but are definitely not very good for your health, and so an excess of these foods should be avoided. You can be infected with intestinal toxemia if your diet is low on fiber and essential vitamins and high on these contents. The result of glut of toxins may show on your skin.

Some Natural Remedies Of Adult Acne

The good news about the use of natural things is that they come without the risk of side effects.

Name And Fame Of Some Natural Ingredients

Azelaic acid

This acid makes the keratin production stable and you will get almost same results as using Benzoyl- Peroxide or oral antibiotics.

Tea Tree Oil

Reduces acne with its antibacterial and antifungal qualities.

Green Tea

A renowned antioxidant, which trims down inflammation and infection

Topical Vitamin C And E

Both are strong antioxidants, which improve skin condition by diminishing inflammation and infection.

Fruit Acids (AHAs And BHAs)

These acids gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it smooth.

Some Tips To Control Outbursts Of Adult Acne

Cleanse your face with a mild soap or sulphur soap but do not rub your face with a towel.

Never ever pick or squeeze the zits, it will only worsen your skin condition.

Some acne treatment products will hike up your skin's photosensitivity so when you are using these products, use a sunscreen and wear a hat when you are out. Avoid the tanning booths while using these products as well.

Try to avoid the use of oil-based products on your skin. To prevent the clogging of pores use only "noncomdomedogenic" skin products

Try to avoid friction from sports equipment and airborne grease from fast food places; these can make your acne worse.

Along with a good diet include at least 8 to ten glasses of water in your daily regimen to keep your system clean and the skin glowing

Choosing the right path will help your skin get rid of adult acne scars. Make your skin dazzle with a smooth glow by following the tips in this article.

About The Author
Frank Cordova

Learn how you can cure yourself of acne in just three days by visiting my web site at: Acne Free in three days. Click Here to Read More..

Sunday, February 04, 2007

5 Ways to Get Faster Results From Your Raw Food Diet

5 Ways to Get Faster Results From Your Raw Food Diet
by: Frederic Patenaude

When I first learned about the raw food diet, it took me years to figure out how to do it properly. Then it took me even more years - making mistakes and compromising my health - until I started experiencing the benefits I was looking for from the start!

Let's face it, if you're going to bother changing your diet at all, there's got to be a reason for doing it. I would bet you want to improve your health and energy, right?

But why take years to get those results, when you can get them in months or even weeks? Here are some of the things that I've found can help you get faster results from your raw food diet.

1. Incorporate Fitness

It's interesting to note that even though a person may be fit but unhealthy (think of all the athletes who died of a heart attack!), it's *not* possible to be healthy without being fit.

Until you reach the point where your body fat is at an optimal level and your fitness “above average”, you probably won't get all the results you're looking for even with an ideal diet.

Fit people not only digest better, the entire process of nutrition is improved with improved fitness. This means assimilation will be better, blood sugar will be more under control, and much more besides.

To start improving your fitness, you have to identify your areas of weakness and work on improving these first. We explain how to do this in the Perfect Health Program and we put it into action in our 30-Day Body Enlightenment System.

2. Address Emotional Issues

Just like fitness, your emotions are an integral part of your nutrition. You've probably had the experience of hearing a piece of bad news and suddenly losing your appetite. This shows that emotions are an integral part of how your body processes food. It's an essential part of your health.

Often people jump into a raw-food diet, hoping that it will help them “clear emotional problems”, when in fact it puts these problems right in their face and they can't deal with it!

Let's face the fact that most people eat for emotional reasons, most of the time. It's really easy to do so with heavily processed or fatty foods, because these foods literally “drug” us and “numb” our feelings.

With raw foods, it's harder to eat emotionally. That's why you don't see lonely overweight people eating buckets of apples to “comfort” their feelings. Instead, they do it with a pint of ice-cream!

Be aware and ready to feel and face your emotions. Equip yourself with whatever tools are necessary to get over emotional baggage - including self-improvement seminars, tapes, and group support.

3. Cleanse

One of the best ways to accelerate your health success is to go on some sort of cleanse, such as the Green Cleanse or the one included in the Body Enlightenment System.

A cleanse should be easy to do, while giving you results in terms of increased energy, weight *release* (if necessary), and increased vitality and health.

My favorite cleanses are:

- Green Cleanse: consuming only green smoothies and fruit for 5 to 10 days or longer.

- Fruit Cleanse: consuming only mono meals of fruit for 3 to 7 days or longer.

- Low Fat Cleanse: consuming only fruits and vegetables without any fat (avocados, oils, etc.) for 3 to 7 days or longer.

While it's possible to do a cleanse on your own, it's best if you have someone to coach and support you in the process.

4. Find Raw Friends

Feeling alone and isolated can kill your success with the raw diet! It's very important to find at least one “buddy” who can support and encourage you on this path.

Now with the Internet, it's possible to connect with more people than ever. In our different programs (such as the Body Enlightenment System), we have seen the value of offering phone coaching and support, as well as discussion forum support.

Connect with other raw-food enthusiasts using available resources, such as local potlucks, teleseminars and phone coaching, coaching programs and discussion forums.

5. Get a Coach and a System

Besides lack of social support, the reason why most people don't succeed with a raw-food program is that they don't have anybody coaching them personally and showing them a system that works for incorporating all of the different elements of a healthy lifestyle.

Unless you think you can do it on your own, you need someone to show you a system that works!

No matter what the coach and system you choose for yourself, you have to make sure that:

- You find a supportive and non-judgmental coaching environment, yet one that challenges you enough to keep improving.

- You have enough quality tools and easy-to-use systems to make progress with your health, fitness and diet.

- The support you get is *constant* or *daily*, not just occasional.

- The program or coach you choose has a track record of success and lots of experience in the field.

Make no mistake about it, you can either take 2 months to put all of the pieces of a healthy raw lifestyle together, or you can take 2 years or 20 years! Do yourself a favor and choose the shortest route to success.

About The Author
“Frederic Patenaude, is the author of the book "The Raw Secrets". Sign up for his weekly "Raw Vegan Tips,” and as a bonus, get your free "raw recipe of the week". Visit Raw Vegan while this bonus is still offered."
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