Healthy New Stuff

Exercises and Other Ways to Relieve Painful Sciatica

What is Sciatica and How Can I Treat It? The Mayo Clinic defines sciatica as, “pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. (It) most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.” Since it can be extremely painful and incapacitating for many sufferers, some therapists and…

The Numerous Uses of Fragrant Moroccan Argan Oil

What is argan oil and where does it come from? Ever tried argan oil? I’ve had it in two forms of hair product (both were hair conditioners, different kinds) so far since hearing about it, and oh. my. goodness. The stuff is phenomenal. Not only does it smell like heaven, but it leaves your hair feeling like silk. Naturally, my mind wants to know 1. what’s in it, and 2. how did it ever get here to my little hometown salon in the tiniest city in the midwest? Come on, let’s take a look! From high in treetops of the…

Am I a Yogi?

Am I a yogi?

According to Yoga Basics, a yogi is someone who practices yoga. Although the definition of a yogi is simple, being a yogi takes more than simply performing yoga poses. As a yogi, practicing yoga means that you continually and consistently in order to perform at a level of proficiency. Being a yogi means that you are committed to the practice of yoga, which usually means that you become a yogi for life. Yogis understand that there is more to yoga than staying in different poses. There is asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, mudra, and other techniques or approaches…

The Pros and Cons of Protein Powder

From Slimfast to Visalis, Mercola Pure to SunWarrior, we’ve all had a protein shake, and chances are — we kinda liked it. Who doesn’t love a tasty and refreshing shake or smoothie made with their favorite protein powder? Toss in some fruits, a few ice cubes, and a spoonful of chia seeds and you’ve even got a healthy meal, right? Well, actually, some people might disagree – and strongly. Let’s check out what the experts have to say about the pros and cons of protein powder. First, let’s look at the pros: You’ll lose weight and/or gain lean muscle Research…

Dr. Terry Wahls’ Amazing ‘Diet for the Mitochondria’

  Determined to get herself out of a wheelchair, Dr. Terry Wahls began searching for her own cure After being diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in the year 2000, Dr. Terry Wahls immediately began to search for a cure. She spent four years in a wheelchair watching her disease progress while hoping to prevent becoming bedridden altogether. Since she was already a doctor herself, teaching as a clinical professor of medicine at University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, she first explored animal disease models she could access, as she knew they were decades ahead of what is normally available in practice. Intensely…

What are the Best Yoga Mats to Purchase?

What are the best yoga mats to purchase?

Are you interested in buying a new yoga mat? If you are, then you can find some helpful tips below for finding the best yoga mat specifically for you. But first, let us address a few questions. Should I even purchase a yoga mat? It is completely up to you whether you want to buy a yoga mat or not. Some yoga mats can be pretty pricy and may make you hesitate in purchasing a mat. However, yoga mats tend to last and can fit your individual needs. Whether you need something with more grip or more padding, finding the…

Deep Breathing Exercises and Their Benefits

deep breathing

Deep breathing, huh? If you’re over the age of six, chances are you are familiar with the phrase: take a deep breath. Count backwards from ten. Or hundred. As exasperating as it might seem to be told to take a deep breath when under stress, it *is* the one thing that can actually calm you down. This is why that those who practice yoga also swear by pranayama, the sister practice of breathing exercises that accompanies yoga. What exactly does deep breathing do? For starters: Your body is designed to expel up to 70% of toxins through breathing itself, so…

10 Deepak Chopra Quotes

10 Deepak Chopra Quotes

Deepak Chopra is a very influential figure and he has improved many lives. His ideas about alternative medical practices and finding a more natural path to health have had a great impact on medical beliefs. He focuses on natural practices instead of taking pills. Because Deepak Chopra offers a different and educated perspective within the medical field, he is highly valued. As an author of multiple best-selling books, Deepak Chopra has much to say about physical and mental well-being. According to Deepak Chopra, health begins in the brain. Although he agrees that modern and traditional medicine is necessary, he believes…

Sound Healing Therapy: Why It’s Catching On

sound healing

You may have heard of sound healing therapy, you may have tried it. Actually, scratch that. You will most likely have tried it, as will have anyone else. When down in the dumps, or going through a rough patch, have you ever found yourself reaching for your music player or phone to play an old song that you love? And have you noticed how it immediately acts as salve for your spirit, giving your soul that gentle fillip it so badly needs? The Carpenters’ Yesterday Once More comes to mind as an immediate favourite for my personal brand of sound…

The Power of Intention

The Power of Intention

According to HuffPost, the term “intention” can be defined as the “thing that you plan to do or achieve” or “an aim or purpose.” Having a set purpose or aim will help you focus on what you are trying to achieve, whether it is in an hour, a day, a year, or even a lifetime. Do you want to feel accomplished? Do you want to focus on what you need or what makes you happy? You should utilize the power of intention. Dr. Wayne Dyer The author of “The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-create Your World Your Way,” Dr.…

Heal Burns with Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil for Burns

Coconut oil is great for burns because of its healing properties. It has many benefits for people with burns or who have skin conditions. There are three different types of burns: first-degree (minor), second-degree (moderate), and third-degree burns (severe). While coconut oil can help soothe first and second-degree burns, you should see a professional for third-degree burns. What are some benefits of coconut oil? Coconut oil has vitamin E, lauric and capric acid, which helps fade scars caused by cuts and burns. Because coconut oil has vitamin E, it can help speed up your skin recovery due to the antioxidant…

Exfoliate for Smoother Skin

How to Exfoliate

Exfoliating is a great way to get smoother and more beautiful skin. In order to maintain smooth and glowing skin, you will need to create an exfoliating routine. Below are some tips and information to help get you started. What is exfoliation? Before you can start exfoliating, you should first understand what exactly is exfoliation. Exfoliation is a way to keep your skin moisturized and healthy. It involves removing dead skin cells from the body, leaving fresher skin cells. Exfoliating also helps clear the pores of dirt and oil, which keeps your skin clean. By keeping an exfoliating routine, you…

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