Posted: under Gastrointestinal.
AntibioticsAfter reading the Candida chapter you will not be surprised that there are complaints of long-term digestive upsets from people who have taken antibiotics. If you have an infection that has failed to respond to natural healing methods such as garlic, fluids and rest, you may need to take an antibiotic. You can minimize trouble by replacing the good bacteria in the bowel which are being killed off by the drug by eating live yoghurt or finding a supplement in your health store which contains Lactobacillus acidophilus (see page 79). If you have been on antibiotics long-term you may also need to take a yeast-free vitamin B complex formula.CAUTION:1 You may risk severe illness if you have a serious infection and refuse antibiotics.2 You may now be allergic to an antibiotic you were formerly able to tolerate.*85\326\8*
Jun 03 2011
Posted: under Gastrointestinal.
As many physical disorders are related to stress, it is necessary to work on this angle in order to induce general healing. As one develops a freedom from tension, it is easier for us to be more aware of our lifestyle and the frustrations and causes which have led to our symptoms. We all have a part in our bodies which holds a weak point, and for many of us the digestive tract is the part that suffers. At the first sign of stress, our diaphragm tightens, immediately restricting our normal breathing pattern, causing us to feel tense and anxious. This in turn releases the mechanisms which come into play as our ‘fight or flight’ response. During this process, large amounts of adrenaline are released into our circulatory system. Adrenaline is a chemical which is released into our bloodstream at times of stress, in order to increase energy levels into our muscles to give us the strength to run away from a fearful situation, or to stay and attack. If we do not do either, our muscles tend to stay in this state of tension as the process is repeated, and this in turn evokes other responses. The nerves in our digestive tract become exposed to our anxieties and behave in a disorderly manner. This causes pain, loss of appetite and digestive upsets, which in turn lead to more anxiety. The food we eat may not be fully absorbed, we feel bloated and uncomfortable, and again the tension increases.
The vicious cycle, once established, is difficult to break, unless we do something to help our bodies to relax, and recognize what we can do to help ourselves. As a natural health care practitioner, I instruct my patients how to achieve full body relaxation, which allows each individual to learn to control this build up of tension. Relaxation therapy, combined with aromatherapy treatments, and a back up of self-help at home, is a useful aid in helping the body to respond to the demands of stress.
A qualified aromatherapist will begin a consultation by taking a case history from the patient they are treating. The person’s lifestyle and full medical history are taken into account in order to select the correct oils suitable for an individual treatment. The most important factor to be considered, as there are many oils to choose from in
most cases, is that the person being treated appreciates and enjoys the fragrance being used. Essential oils are volatile substances, and during the evaporation process are absorbed by our sense of smell to reach various parts of the brain. This triggers off a chemical reaction in glands and organs throughout the body. Fragrances can evoke memories and produce emotional waves that nurture and calm our basic instincts.
Although treatment by a qualified therapist is obviously most beneficial, there is no reason why we cannot treat ourselves, or find a partner to help. Providing the technique used is simple and relaxing, intuitive massage by another caring person can help considerably.
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Feb 10 2011