Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques.  This is typically done without the use of oil, cream or lotion and is based on a system of zones and reflex points. These points, on the feet and hands, are a map of the body.

A reflexology chart mirrors a reflection of the body on the feet and hands, left foot or hand representing the body’s left half and right foot or hand its right half. In reflexology practice, technique is applied to the relevant reflex area to prompt a change and increased circulation in the related part of the body. For example, the kidney reflex areas and the kidneys; the intestine reflex areas and the intestines and the brain reflex area and the brain.

Benefits from reflexology include relaxation, reduces pain and lowers blood pressure. It also benefits mental health by decreasing depression and reducing anxiety and stress levels.

By: Sam Kim

What is Reflexology? is a post from: Tonic Food Club Wellness Blog

The foundation for good health is a lifestyle that includes a sensible diet with nutrition and wellness supplements, sufficient quality sleep, reasonable exercise and weight management. Taking high-quality, anti-aging advanced nutritional products helps fill in the dietary gaps that everyone will have. The essential nutrients that your body needs are extensive and complex. Vitamins and minerals are just the beginning. Other nutrients that provide significant anti-aging benefits are the key to improved energy, better health and freedom from disease.

Here are examples of advanced nutrition and wellness products:

• Resveratrol – this phytonutrient is an antioxidant found in the skins of red grapes, in red wine, red grape juice and mulberries. Studies suggest that it is an effective antioxidant that reduces mortality in cardiovascular diseases and cancer, that it inhibits the replication of herpes simplex virus, may be beneficial in atherosclerosis, may be helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, increasing HDL cholesterol levels, preventing damage to blood vessels and as alleviation of menopausal symptoms.

• Quercetin – is a bioflavanoid and one of the advanced nutrition and wellness products that supports the immune system, connective tissue and blood vessels.

• Alpha Lipoic Acid – this antioxidant (ALA) enhances effects of other antioxidants to fight free radicals in the body and enhance recovery. May enhance insulin sensitivity, improving the body’s ability to add lean mass and reduce fat. May be beneficial in persons suffering from type II diabetes and hyperglycemia.

• Acetyl-L-Carnitine – occurs naturally in the body and is one of the advanced nutritional products. It is used for prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, age-related memory deficits, senile depression, Down syndrome, alcoholism-related cognitive deficits and after-stroke treatment as it increases cerebral blood flow.

• L-Carnosine – may play a role in preventing atherosclerosis, joint inflammation, formation of cataracts, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

• Policosanol – comes from sugar cane and has been studied and published in over 80 clinical studies, more studies than for most prescription drugs. Policosanol significantly lowers total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol without the side affects associated with the statin drugs.

• Lutein – is found in leafy dark green vegetables. Studies suggest it may offer protection against cancer and degeneration of the eyes and skin by sunlight.

• Zeaxanthin – increasing dietary intake of the advanced nutritional products lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

• DIM 3,3′ – diindolylmethane is found in the cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Diindolylmethane may be used for preventing breast and uterine cancer, preventing benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and for premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

• Turmeric – is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb used for bronchitis, colds, chest infections, leprosy, fever, kidney inflammation and cystitis.

And there are more! Is it possible that advanced nutrition and wellness products can slow the aging process? Absolutely! Numerous clinical studies have shown and are still discovering the health benefits of many of these nutrients. Slowing the aging process includes providing your body ALL the nutrients it requires. You can try to design your own supplement plan and take many different supplements individually. However, designing your own supplement program is not the best way since this means taking many different substances and will not provide the best results.

When trying to design your own supplement plan, it’s easy to end up with a dozen or more individual substances to take daily, which is both a hassle and expensive. Besides, if certain substances are out of balance, it’s possible they can combine to produce other unwanted compounds that can be harmful. There is one manufacturer that combines the advanced nutrition and wellness products in one broad high-quality supplement. Nutrient quantities are combined according to the latest research and the individual ingredients are even linked to the relevant clinical studies.

Learn as much as you can about what finding the best advanced nutrition and wellness products really means. Your health, energy and wellness is the issue. Before spending your money, be informed about the anti-aging products you’ll be taking every day.

Nurtition and Wellness Products That Support Our Health is a post from: Tonic Food Club Wellness Blog

ADD can actually be battled from many directions. There are drugs, behavior modification, nutrition and wellness, exercise, and a number of other things that can be done to combat ADD in both children and adults.

In this article we are going to choose the natural route first and discuss proper nutrition which can have a huge effect on the behavior of someone suffering from ADD.

One of the main contributing factors to children who suffer from ADD is when their blood sugar level, or glucose level becomes too low. This causes them to become sleepy in class and then ultimately restless because they are bored. Glucose is extremely important in determining a child’s attention span. This may sound cliché but the most important meal of the day is breakfast and glucose should be a part of every child’s breakfast. This will ensure that the child’s blood sugar level is maintained throughout the day. Kids who skip breakfast tend to have a shorter attention span and a harder time remembering things.

Next is vitamin B. Vitamin B is needed because it helps to release the energy in glucose. Without the proper amount of vitamin B in the diet a child can become aggressive and depressed. There are 12 essential parts to vitamin B so it may be difficult for a child to get all the vitamin B he or she needs just from eating, even though cereal is a good source of vitamin B. To supplement the rest a good multi vitamin capsule will do the trick.

Also very important is iron. Iron aids in transporting oxygen to the blood system and the individual cells, most importantly, brain cells. Not enough iron in the diet results in anaemia, which is very common in children who don’t have a balanced diet. Anaemic children, as well as adults, are very tired and don’t have the energy to do the things that want to or need to do. Good sources of iron are red meat, tuna, chicken and vegetables like broccoli.

Folic acid is also essential as this helps in the formation of red and white blood cells. Not enough folic acid will also make a child feel tired, irritable and forgetful. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of folic acid.

Zinc is needed to maintain communication between the brain cells and the nerve cells. Zinc deficiencies can cause your child to have difficulty in solving academic problems, which can lead to frustration for the child, therefore bringing on ADD symptoms. Zinc can be found in cereals and peanuts.

Vitamin A is important for the nervous system. Vitamin A also helps to strengthen vision. Many times a child will have problems in school because of impaired eye sight. Vitamin A can help to improve the eye sight which in turn will lessen the child’s frustration. Vitamin A can be found in carrots and many orange or yellow fruits like bananas.

Proper nutrition is an essential part of a child’s health whether he or she has ADD or not. But in children with ADD, proper nutrition is critical.

In the next article we’ll cover other treatments for those suffering from ADD.

Treating ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) With Nutrition and Wellness is a post from: Tonic Food Club Wellness Blog

Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means ‘the science of life’. ayur means “life” and veda means “science. India system which largely depends on plant support to form major Chunk of its medicine. Most of the herbs, spices, seeds, roots, leaves, stems, petals and flowers are deeply ingrained in all Indian homes where ‘home remedies’ are popular. Even certain family members in some family are adept in curing even intricate disorders by simple and cost effective formulations which, at times, have shown marvelous and astounding results.

All over the world today we are looking for a natural system of healing that is comprehensive and complete, that is not merely some curious form of folk healing but a real and rational system of medicine that is sensitive to both nature and the Earth. This is exactly what Ayurveda has to offer, for it has a many thousand year-old clinical tradition and a comprehensive natural method of treatment ranging from diet, herbs and massage.

With Ayurveda we learn the right diet for our individual type, how to improve our immune system, he keys to right use of sexual energy and rejuvenation,a nd a conscious way of life that can lift us to a new level of awareness in all our endeavors.

Without such natural wisdom as Ayurveda, we may find ourselves not only unhealthy, but unhappy and spiritually confused.

Ayurveda Principles and Theory

Ayurveda system is the prominent user of herbs and its basic theory revolves round imbalance and vitiation of three humors (Doshas).

Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) are the great five elements which underline all living systems. these elements are constantly changing and interacting and can be simplified into three Vitiations (Doshas). When these doshas remain under harmony and balance, health of body does not get disturbed but, when their balance gets disturbed, a diseased state sets in.

The three doshas are vata (Wind), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) and due to predominance of the one dosha, a person’s personality is determined that is ‘ Vata-Prakriti’, ‘Pitta- Prakriti’ or ‘Kapha Prakriti’

Vata formed from ether and air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance.

Pitta formed from fire and water, governs “all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body

Kapha formed from earth and water, cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure

Each person has an individual blend of the three doshas, with one or sometimes two doshas predominating.

Common Herbs used in Ayurvedic Medicines

Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) – The fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occuring substance in nature. It maintains balance amongst three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens heart, normalises cholesterol, prevents cancer, builds up and sustain defence mechanism, improves eye-sight and detoxifies the body.

Amla is said to have 20 times more vitamin C than orange. The vitamin C content of amla is between 625mg – 1814mg per 100gms. Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin. A research tem discovered that when Amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminium and nickel.  Amla  /amla.htm

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania Somnifera)- Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a well known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility.

Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha has antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The strong anti-stress actions, increases memory and learning capabilities. It has also found to be useful in Rheumatic and Arthritic disorders like pain, swelling etc

Summing up, it is a strong Aphrodisiac and has Immunomodulating, anti- inflammatory, anti tumor and anti stress properties which clearly shows why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic.

Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) – It is a cardiac tonic of high quality. Terminalia arjuna, is known to be beneficial for the treatment of heart ailments since 500 BC. Clinical research has indicated its usefulness in relieving anginal pain, and in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and possibly hypercholesterolemia.

“Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg 8 hourly, given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy.” Result on Clinical Research Conducted.

Improvement of cardiac muscle function and subsequent improved pumping activity of the heart seem to be the primary benefits of Terminalia Arjuna.  Arjuna http://www.ayurvedicure.com/arjuna.htm

Brahmi (Bacopa, Gotu Kola) – Brahmi is known as “the food for brain”. Traditionally Brahmi is used as a mental tonic, to rejuvenate the body, as a promoter of memory and as a nerve tonic. It promotes a calm, clear mind, and improves mental function.

Modern Research claims that brahmi improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. Brahmi is especially suitable for students as it enhances the minds ability to learn and to focus and for an elderly person hoping to regain their memory. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety.

As a nervine tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion and Attention Deficit Disorder. The best Ayurvedic brain and memory formulas contain brahmi, as do many of the long life promoting compounds.

Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu, Guggul, Commiphora Mukul) – Modern Research shows that it is the prime Ayurvedic herb for treating obesity and high cholesterol. Studies shows that guggulu lowers serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and that it also protects against cholesterol- induced atherosclerosis. Guggulu were seen to lower body weight in these clinical studies.

Guggulu also as anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating arthritis and other joint pains.

Karela (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Momordica Charantia) – At least three different groups of constituents have been reported to have blood sugar lowering actions in bitter Mellon. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. Scientific studies have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes.

It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. Also Bitter Melon has two proteins which are thought to repress the AIDS virus.

Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management.  Bitter Melon  /bittergourd.htm

Neem (Azadirachta Indica) – Neem is an extraordinary blood purifier, good for al skin diseases like acne, eczema, psoriasis and teeth and gums. Neem is included in most Ayurvedic Skin products because it is as effective on an external application as through internal indigestion.

In Ayurveda it has been safely used for over five thousand years and are a good immunity booster to prevent colds, fevers, infections and various skin diseases.  Neem  /neem.htm

Shilajit (Mineral Pitch, Asphaltum) – Shilajit is one of the prime Ayurvedic compounds for rejuvenating the body. it is an aphrodisiac, anti-aging herb and to treat diabetes and debilitating urinary problems.

The Charaka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before starting to realize he regenerating effects. It is also used to treat impotency and infertility. it is well known that Shilajit would return the libido of people to level of teenagers.

There is a folk saying by the indigenous people who live in the Himalayan region that Shilajit makes the body strong as a rock. It is an adaptogen, (Rasayna), that helps to combat immune disorders, urinary tract disorders, nervous disorders and sexual dissatisfaction.

Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata, Salai Guggul) – Modern Research indicate that the Boswellia herb may assist in treating joint mobility, pain, and may be a useful remedy for a variety of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A recent clinical trial suggests positive effects of Boswellia serrata extract in knee osteoarthritis.

Boswellia has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders and best for treating Back Pain, Knee Pain, Joint Pain and Arthritis. This herb has also been proposed as a possible therapy for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) – Triphala has got the properties of three famous nutrients: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. The advantage of this formula is that it is milder in action and more balanced than any of the three alone.

It has cleansing and detoxifying action. Used regularly it is good for gentle, slow detoxification of the digestive tract and then the deep tissues. It also has the ability to normalize all three humors with continued use.

As a daily supplement triphala is hard to beat; that’ s why in India they say “even if your mother leaves you, every thing will be fine if you have triphala”

Tulsi (Holy Basil, Ocimum Sanctum) – Its very name Holy Basil certifies to its sacred nature. It is a sacred plant worshipped in many Indian homes and is a must in every Hindu’s house.

Holy basil is also a major ingredient of many Ayurvedic cough syrups. it is a good stress reliever, and modern research has found it to be good for Respiratory problems, Cold, Fever and all types of Cough.

Ayurveda And The Use Of Medicinal Herbs is a post from: Tonic Food Club Wellness Blog

You can also take herbal medicines on your own, although it is widely recommended that you first consult a physician before ingesting any type of medication. You also have to be aware of the different types of herbs and their general uses. Nowadays a lot of people still indulge in self-medication without being fully aware of the proper use and dosage of such medicines. Acquiring an adequate knowledge about herbal medicines will allow you to get the most out of their curative properties without negative consequences.

Here are some of the most common therapeutic actions of herbal medicines:

Diuretic Herbal Therapy – Herbalists have always believed that water is the most important nutrient for life. They believe that a water balance exists in the body, and problems can result if this balance is disturbed. It is believed that by careful regulation of the body’s water, symptoms such as hypoglycemia can be alleviated. Some herbs that are believed to possess water-balancing properties include dandelions, horsetail, and juniper berries.

Perspiration Herbal Therapy – Perspiring is actually an age-old remedy that was used to get rid of illnesses and infections like cold and flu. Usually, perspiration is achieved by drinking hot herbal teas. Sometimes, a hot bath is also recommended, which is followed by resting in bed covered by warm blankets. Herbs like cayenne, peppermint and ginger are among the common herbs used to induce perspiration.

Stimulation Herbal Therapy – Herbalists believe that most illnesses come from a sluggish flow of energy, which includes lymph, blood, nutrients, nerves, and even body waste products. This flow of energy needs to be stimulated in order that health may be restored to the body. Some herbs that are believed to stimulate this flow of energy include black pepper, ginger, and cloves.

Tranquilization Herbal Therapy – Symptoms like irritability, nervousness, or insomnia are often cured by using herbs that are believed to possess natural tranquilizing properties. These soothing herbs can soothe and lubricate joints and bones, calm the muscles and nervous system, and relieve pain. Herbs that are regarded as natural tranquilizers include marshmallow root, oats, and valerian.

Tonification Herbal Therapy – A herbalist will usually recommend tonification for a patient who’s feeling run down or weak. Sometimes it also works for patients recovering from a serious health condition. Tonification works by improving nutritional deficiencies in the body. A lot of herbs are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals, so certain herbs will be helpful for certain patients. Herbs that are considered natural tonifiers include alfalfa, goldenseal, and seaweed.

An Introduction To Medicinal Herbs is a post from: Tonic Food Club Wellness Blog

1 lrg head romaine

1 1/2 cups spinach

2 sprigs parsley

1 cup broccoli

2 leaves mustard or turnip greens

3 collard leaves

1/2 cup watercress

1/8 tsp oregano

1/2 avocado

1 banana

3 strawberries

1 cup blueberries

1 cup papaya or mango

1 1/2 tsp flax seeds

1 1/2 tsp sunflower seeds

1 1/2 tsp sesame seeds

1/2 cup water

Blend-Enjoy!

Fight “exam phobia” with shankpushpi-decoction or powder 250 mg-1 gram

Treat ADD with brahmi, jatamamsi, calamus, licorice

“Sweet craving is a sign of liver weakness”-Baba Hari Das

4.5 million American are constipated most of the time-going less than 3 times a week

Bowel timing or “transit time” should be 18-24 hours. Test yours by eating something that colors your stool, chlorophyll or beets.

Help moisten the stomach wall with mucilages herbs like marshmallow root, asiam bala-helps things slide along.

Brahmi (water hyssop)is also good for brain/memory

Dr. Fuhrman’s Green Longevity Drink is a post from: Tonic Food Club Wellness Blog

• Adaptogen: aiding in adaptation (stress etc.)
• Alterative: gradually restore proper function to body, hasten renewal of tissue, increase health and vitality
• Analgesic: pain relieving
• Anodyne: pain easing
• Anthelmintic: causing death/removal of worms
• Anticatarral: helps to remove excess mucus buildup
• Anti-emetic: reduces impulse to vomit
• Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation
• Antilithis: prevents and removes uninary system stones
• Antimicrobial: destroys or resists pathogenic microorganisms (antibacterial)
• Antiperiodic: prevents the return of fever
• Antiscorbutic: prevents scurvy via Vitamin C
• Antithrombotic: reduces formation of blood clots
• Antisclerotic: reduces incidence of blood clotting
• Antiseptic: prevents infection or putrefacation
• Antispasmodic: prevents/eases spasms (cramps)
• Antisclerotic: reduces plaque buildup in vessels
• Aperient: very mild laxative
• Aphrodisiac: exciting sexual organs
• Aromatic: having aroma
• Astringent: causing contraction of tissues (tannin)
• Bitter: bitter tasting herbs causing digestive stimulation
• Cardiac: having an effect on the heart
• Carminative: easing gripping pains, expels flatulence
• Cathartic: produce evacuation of the bowels
• Cholagogue: produces flow of bile
• Coringent: makes things taste good
• Corrective: restoring to healthy state
• Demulcent: soothes and protects internal tissue
• Deobstruent: clears obstruction/opens passages
• Depurative: a purifying agent
• Dermatic: an action upon the skin
• Diuretic: increase flow of urine
• Digestive: aiding in digestion
• Emetic: causing vomiting
• Emmenagogue: promotes menstrual flow
• Emollient: loosening phlegm
• Febrifuge: reduces fever (anti-phyetic)
• Galactagogue: milk producing
• Hemostatic: controls or stops bleeding
• Hallucinogen: produces visions, hallucinations
• Hepatic: affecting the liver
• Hypnotic: producing sleep
• Hypotensive: lowers blood pressure
• Insecticide: kills insects
• Irritant: causing irritation
• Laxative: bowel stimulant
• Narcotic: produces stupor or insensibility
• Nutritive: nourishing
• Oxytoxic: stimulating contractions of the womb
• Parasiticide: kills parasites
• Parturient: facilitates childbirth
• Pectoral: effect the lungs
• Protozoicidal: kills protoza, amoebae
• Purgative: evacuates the bowels, very strong
• Refrigerant: relieves thirst, is cooling
• Rubefacient: causes reddening of the skin
• Sedative: reduces nervous excitment
• Sialagogue: makes you salivate
• Sternutatory: produces sneezing via irratation of mucus membranes
• Stimulant: energy producing
• Stomachic: easing stomach pain
• Styptic: stops bleeding by clotting blood (external cuts and internal ulcers)
• Sudorific: produces copious perspiration
• Taenicide: expels tape worm
• Vermifuge: expels worms

Definition of Herbal Terms is a post from: Tonic Food Club Wellness Blog