The Beauty Therapy

An essential oil is a volatile, aromatic liquid that is generally distilled from the stems, leaves, flowers, roots, bark, or seeds of a plant. Containing the true essence of the plant, the essential oils are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs.

The science of using essential oils is known as aromatherapy. This science is used for psychological and physical well being and for best results, only pure and natural oils should be used.

The origins of aromatherapy date back thousands of years. From documented uses by Napoleon, to references in the Bible, fragrant oils and spices have played a prominent role throughout world history.

Essential oils can be used in many different ways. The English model advocates massage by diluting small amounts of essential oil in a vegetable oil and massaging the body for the purpose of relaxation and relieving stress. The French model includes both ingestion and undiluted topical application. The French believe that taking the oils internally produces the best results. A common method to ingest the oil is to add a few drops of honey, a piece of bread, or in a small drop of vegetable oil. The German model focuses on inhalation. The effect of fragrance on the sense of smell can exert a strong effect on the brain and limbic system. Research has shown that some essential oils can increase oxygenation and activity in the brain.

By using a combination of these three methods, the use of essential oils can be versatile and powerful. In his book, Gary Young suggests that inhalation of essential oils will increase growth hormone secretion, induce weight loss, or balance mood and emotions. Topical applications can produce results with spinal or muscle injuries or defects. He says, The ability of an essential oil to act both on the mind and the body is what makes them truly unique among natural therapeutic agents. The fragrance of an essential oil can be very stimulating--both psychologically and physically. The fragrance of other essential oils may be calming and relaxing, helping to overcome anxiety or hyperactivity. On a physiological level, essential oils may stimulate immune function and regenerate damaged tissue. Essential oils may also combat infectious disease by killing viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Dr. David Hill, a chiropractor who sees patients from all around the world seeking to receive the healing power of essential oils, says, I personally have seen the healing properties of essential oils used to treat cancer and many forms of autoimmune disease with spectacular results. For example, it has been discovered that the essential oils of sandalwood has tremendous effect on combating specific types of cancer. Others like frankincense, myrtle, and white fir have been shown to have an effect against specific forms of cancer. Essential oils can build the immune system, offer support to body organs, aid in digestion, and reduce inflammation, just to name a few.

Although essential oils are generally considered without risk, it is wise to respect their powers and become well versed in their use and safety. As beneficial as essential oils are, it is prudent to note the purity is as important as safety. According to Dr. Hill, Efficacy can only be fully realized when there is proper care given to protect the delicate chemical balance associated with essential oils during the distillation process.

Generally speaking, the essential oils that you find in department stores, and even health food stores, are of uncertain quality. When choosing an essential oil, be sure to select a guaranteed, therapeutic grade essential oil. In addition, select and use those oils whose scent you find particularly appealing. The whole principal of aromatherapy is that it should be a pleasurable experience. There will generally be more than one oil you can use for a particular purpose, so you should be able to find one you like.

Sources: Essential Oil Desk Reference, Third Edition by Gary Young, ND, compiled by Essential Science Publishing, http://www.essentialscience.net/ or 1-800-336-6308. Young Living's therapeutic grade essential oils and diffusers available at http://www.youngliving.org/ or 1-800-371-2928, code #703949.

Faye Durham is a former chemist and clinical research associate in the pharmaceutical industry. She has monitored clinical research trials involving the major diseases of our day, including heart disease, cancer, and lung disease. In her work with patients, she asked what can be done to prevent or delay the onset of the chronic diseases, associated with aging. Since most diseases have a life style component, she became interested in the effect of diet and emotions on health. About four years ago, she was introduced to aromatherapy and has become a true believer in its therapeutic benefits, as a holistic method of treatment. In her current career, she works as a researcher, writer, and independent distributor, focusing on nutrition and aromatherapy. You can reach Faye through the website at http://www.ryze.com/go/fdurham

According to the landmark Global Burden of Disease study, mental disorders are the second leading source of disease burden in established market economies and major depression alone ranked as the leading causes of disability. Major depression takes an enormous toll on functional status, productivity, and quality of life, and is associated with elevated risk of heart disease and suicide.

In addition, the rate of treatment for depression is increasing dramatically in the United States. The annual economic burden of depression in the U.S. (including direct care, mortality, and morbidity costs) has been estimated to total nearly $44 billion. This combination of increasing burden and cost has stimulated numerous investigations into population-based strategies to prevent the occurrence of major depression and to encourage more effective treatment of depression, thereby limiting its course and preventing its recurrence.

This growing body of literature around population-based strategies to improve the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of depression, and the increasing burden of this debilitating chronic condition, the Task Force on Community Preventive Services has endorsed this topic for review. A review of one aspect of treatment??collaborative? or ?shared care?, designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of depression in the primary care setting, particularly within integrated systems of care?has been completed, a recommendation has been issued by the Task Force, and a full report on this work will be issued by year-end. The Task Force recommends collaborative care for treatment of adults 18 years of age or older, with major depression, on the basis of strong evidence of effectiveness in improving short-term treatment outcomes.

The earlier you can get adequate treatment for your depression, the better chances you have of a positive outcome. About 15% of the population do not respond to traditional antidepressants. The FDA has just approved the first ever long-term treatment option for chronic or recurrent depression: vagus nerve stimulation. This is a ninety minute outpatient procedure, which is unrelted to ECT or shock treatments. The therapy completely changed my life. You can learn more about this remarkable treatment at http://wwww.VagusNerveStimulator.com

Charles Donovan was a patient in the FDA investigational trial of vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic or recurrent treatment-resistant depression. He was implanted with the vagus nerve stimulator in April of 2001. He chronicles his journey from the grips of depression thanks to vagus nerve stimulation therapy in his book:

Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression

The book was exhibited at the 2005 American Psychiatric Association's Annual Meeting, in Atlanta, GA. This was the largest gathering of psychiatrists in the world( 25,000 attendees). The book is available at Amazon.com and 24/7 at 1-888-VAGUS-88

Conventional treatment for correcting eye vision problems would be either Contact Lenses, Eyeglasses or in the case of conditions such as Glaucoma, medication but what about Laser Therapy?

Laser Therapy for eye disorders has been around for about 30 years and can, if necessary be used to treat a variety of vision and eye problems.

Many people feel that Laser Therapy should be available as a first line therapy for conditions such as glaucoma however Laser Therapy is generally reserved for those not responding to or having difficulties with their medication.

Laser Therapy usually takes around 10 mins but is generally painless. As your vision may be blurry for a few hours you are unable to drive after laser therapy. A pressure check is done around 1 hour after receiving laser therapy and steroids may be given to reduce any inflammation.

Reshaping your cornea with Laser Therapy can help to correct short sightedness. The laser is focused on the center of the cornea and microscopic amounts are removed which has the effect of flattening the cornea and allowing light to correctly focus on the retina.

Another form of Laser Therapy called Photorefractive Keratectomy can be used to correct hyperopia of farsightedness. This Laser Therapy can also be used to correct astigmatism at the same time. The procedure may take around 20-30 minutes to complete.

The H-PRK laser therapy may not suit people with severe far sightedness as the result may be harder to predict and there is a greater likely hood of complications.

So will Laser Therapy take the place of Contact Lenses and Eyeglasses in the future? It might do but for now 60% of us use corrective lenses to help with our eyesight and when it come to changing your eye color, you cant beat Contact Lenses!

You can find out more about eye conditions, the methods of vision correction and the best deals available for contact lenses and sunglasses at http://www.ur-contact-lenses.com