YOURHEALTH

YourHealth: Soothing the soles

By : Rajen M. 

It is believed that nerve endings of all major organs are at the soles of the feet. These nerve endings can be stimulated by massage.

REFLEXOLOGY is sometimes called "zone therapy". It is an ancient practice of massaging, squeezing or pushing on the sole of the feet. Sometimes it involves the hands and even the ears.

The goal is to encourage a beneficial effect on other parts of the body and even to improve general health.

How it actually works is still very much debated. One theory is that nerve endings of all major organs are at the soles of the feet. These nerve endings can be stimulated by massaging the end points on the soles.

Reflexologists contend that the body contains an energy field, invisible life force, or Qi. When this is blocked, healing is prevented. Massaging the soles actually enhances the life force. 

Other proposed effects of reflexology include the release of endorphins (natural pain killers found in the body), the promotion of lymphatic flow in the body, or the dissolving of uric acid crystals. That is why you are asked to drink lots of water after each session. 
The origins of reflexology date back to ancient Egypt as evidenced by inscriptions found in a physician's tomb at Saqqara. 

We cannot determine the exact relationship between the ancient art as practised by the early Egyptians and reflexology as we know it today. Different forms of working the feet to effect health have been used in the ancient world.

There seems to be an active phase of its development in China and Japan that parallels the development of acupuncture. Similar techniques are advocated as "mamar therapy" as a part of Ayurveda. 

In the West, the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century, based on research into the nervous system and reflex.

The precursor of modern reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942), an ear, nose and throat specialist, and Dr Edwin Bowers. 

Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.

Reflexology was further developed in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974), a nurse and physiotherapist. 

Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology. 

Modern reflexologists in the United States and Britain often learn Ingham's method first, although there are more recent developed methods.

The basis of the science is that the body is reflected on the feet or hands. Left foot or hand reflects the left side of the body and the right foot or hand the right side. 

The spine reflex area runs down the insides of the foot and hand with reflex areas for the arm and shoulder reflected toward the outside of the foot or hand.

The toes and fingers reflect head and neck reflex areas as well as those of the internal parts of the body they enclose. 

The ball of the foot mirrors the chest and upper back in addition to the heart and lungs. 

The waistline of the body is represented at the base of the long bones of the feet and hands. Portions of the body above the waistline is mirrored above this line toward the toes or fingers and those below the waistline toward the heels of the foot or hand. 

In general terms the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.

Reflexology is a complement to standard medical care and should not be construed as medical advice.

There are no ill effects of this technique except for the pain and soreness that you might feel after the session. 

SOURCE:  NST ONLINE

HIV INFECTIONS

12 million HIV infections could be avoided: UNAIDS

---

Twelve million HIV infections could be prevented by 2015 by using a combination of prevention methods including condoms, circumcision and other measures, UNAIDS officials said at a conference here Wednesday.


HIV prevention often takes a back seat in the war against AIDS, behind advances in antiretroviral drugs which keep millions alive.


But combined prevention -- including condoms, circumcision, needle exchange, and changes in sexual behavior -- has gained ground in discussions at the Mexico meeting, which ends Friday.

"Governments, communities and scientists must fully implement combination HIV prevention, and the international community must mobilize all the support necessary for this effort," said UNAIDS officials.


They said that the most important HIV prevention programs in the field lacked money and did not target the most needy.

"International institutions, national governments, and community activists must work together to build demand for HIV prevention," the statement said, adding that "none of the successes in HIV prevention over the past quarter of a century have been easily won."


UNAIDS officials also urged the pursuit of an HIV vaccine, despite recent setbacks, and called for investment in research for potential HIV-prevention technologies.

Last year, 2.7 million people became infected with HIV, bringing the global total to 33 million.


ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.nst.com.my

BROCCOLI

Broccoli to the defence


British scientists have found a chemical in the cruciferous vegetable that can protect men from prostate cancer
Michael Kahn

JUST a few more portions of broccoli each week may protect men from prostate cancer, British researchers reported.

The researchers believe a chemical in the food sparks hundreds of genetic changes, activating some genes that fight cancer and switching off others that fuel tumours, said Richard Mithen, a biologist at Britain’s Institute of Food Research.

There is plenty of evidence linking a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to reduce cancer risk. But the study published in the Public Library of Science journal, PLoS One, is the first human trial investigating the potential biological mechanism at work, Mithen added in a telephone interview.

"Everybody says eat your vegetables but nobody can tell us why," said Mithen, who led the study. "Our study shows why vegetables are good."

Prostate is the second leading cancer killer of men after lung cancer. Each year, some 680,000 men worldwide are diagnosed with the disease and about 220,000 will die from it.

Mithen and colleagues split into two groups 24 men with pre-cancerous lesions that increase prostate cancer risk and had them eat four extra servings of either broccoli or peas each week for a year.

The researchers also took tissue samples over the course of the study and found that men who ate broccoli showed hundreds of changes in genes known to play a role in fighting cancer.

The benefit would likely be the same in other cruciferous vegetables that contain a compound called isothiocyanate, including brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, rocket or arugula, watercress and horse radish, they added.

Broccoli, however, has a particularly powerful type of the compound called sulforaphane, which the researchers think gives the green vegetable an extra cancer-fighting kick, Mithen said.

"When people get cancer, some genes are switched off and some are switched on," he said. "What broccoli seems to be doing is switching on genes which prevent cancer developing and switching off other ones that help it spread."

The broccoli eaters showed about 400 to 500 of the positive genetic changes with men carrying a gene called GSTM1 enjoying the most benefit. About half the population have the gene, Mithen said.

The researchers did not track the men long enough to see who got cancer but said the findings bolster the idea that just a few more vegetable portions each week can make a big difference.

It is also likely that these vegetables work the same way in other parts of the body and probably protect people against a whole range of cancers, Mithen added.

"You don’t need a huge change in your diet," he said. "Just a few more portions makes a big difference." – Reuters

ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.thesundaily.com

HEALTHY

7 Tips To Help Keep Your Back Healthy

by Ted Perkins

As a chiropractic care and wellness practitioner in Vero Beach Florida, I know about back pain quite well. I also know that prevention and wellness is always the best medicine. Here are some tips to avoid back pain and maintain a healthy, pain-free back.

1. Maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity can create a wide variety of back problems as well as other health related issues. Lose weight if you need to.

2. Sleep on a good quality mattress. This is always important. Not only is a high quality mattress better for your back.. but you will get a better night sleep.

3. When you walk, keep your ear, shoulder, hip and ankle in line. Avoid locking your knees when standing.

4. Exercise regularly to keep your back muscles strong and flexible. This is important for total health and wellness in all areas of your life.

5. Use proper lifting techniques. Lift objects close to your body and avoid bending and twisting when you are lifing. Do not lift obects that are too heavy for you.

6. Wear proper shoes. Poor shoe quality can throw off your body alignment. Nowadays it is not hard to get a well made quality sneaker or sandal.

7. Get a back check-up, especially if you are suffering from chronic back pain. Visit a local chiropractic care physician to diagnose, treat, and find healthy solutions to your problem.

ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.goarticles.com

HEALTHY

Healthy Lifestyles by Caleb

First and foremost it is important to consult with a health expert or dietician before you start any weight loss program. This is for several reasons, first to help you decide which diet is right for you, remember; a weight loss program that is beneficial for one person may not be suitable for another. This is due to the current health that you are in, as well age and bodyweight. Each person’s metabolism works at a different rate some people burn calories at a much higher rate than others. Do not worry every person has been given a unique body for reason. It is up to you to find that body through proper diet and exercise. Do not get discouraged, it takes time and effort and a lot of work to loose weight.

So what's the key for rapid weight loss? The key to successful weight loss is weight training, any high intensity cardio program, and a high protein diet lo carb diet. Not all carbs are bad though this is a big misconception brought on by Atkins fans. Carbs are essential for energy throughout the day.

Remember to stay away from fatty foods such as processed meals, fast food value meals, consume pasta and starches earlier in the day so you body has time to burn off excessive calories. Chicken, fish and egg whites are your new best friend, high in protein low in carbs.

Additionally what is important is that you maintain your weight after you loose it. Just imagine you never taking your car in for an oil change, it builds up and can eventually cause engine damage. Your body is the same way, take care of it, and give it the maintenance it requires.

ARTICLES SOURE: www.goarticles.com