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[L541]Looking To The Past

by Richard Solare, Ric

Looking To The Past Of Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is literally, "earth heat". This type of energy's name comes from two Greek words: "geo" meaning earth, and "therme", which means heat. While it may seem that the use of geothermal energy is a relatively new idea, it is actually an ancient practice. Many different cultures have used geothermal power to their advantage, dating back to some of the Earth's earliest civilizations.

In order to use geothermal energy, the energy source itself must be tapped into. Geothermal energy comes from reserves of water located in the Earth's layer of magma. Magma, otherwise known as molten rock, is a super hot substance that springs directly from the Earth's core, which is a scalding 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Magma heats the reserves of water located in its midst to very high temperatures, around 700 degrees Fahrenheit. These geothermal reservoirs, as they are known, can be drilled into or can escape naturally through cracks in the Earth's crust. These natural formations create such places on Earth as hot springs and geysers.

Geothermal energy can be traced back to 10,000 years ago when Native Americans used geothermal water found in hot springs to cook and for use as medicine. The geothermal energy found in hot springs was also used by the Romans. The ancient city of Pompeii used geothermal energy to heat homes. Romans also were known to use geothermal water for its medicinal properties; such as in the treatment of skin and eye diseases. Romans and other ancient civilizations also used the soothing geothermal waters found in hot springs for relaxation and natural bathing places. In more recent times, France started using this type of energy in the 1960's to heat their homes. More than 200,000 homes in France are now heated by geothermal water.

Scientists and other researchers are constantly coming up with new ways to use the Earth's latent powers. While geothermal energy has not yet shown us all it can do, it is evident that many cultures have enjoyed its power already. From the comfort of a hot springs bath to the warmth of a geothermal water heated home, the Earth has just begun to use the energy contained within its crust.

Take for instance the plant ?foxglove? which was commonly prescribed to patients for chest pains. Later the ingredient digitalis was isolated from the foxglove plant. Today this same active ingredient is given to patients for heart related ailments.

For a while herbal practitioners were few and far between in many countries as the medical community provided a pill for ?whatever ails ya?, and the use of herbs was left to hippies and a few holdouts from years past.

Today, you are seeing an increased interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal remedies. People are beginning to question the methods of doctors and becoming educated about their own health. It is common to hear of people taking herbal remedies for everything from hypertension to depression?from hemorrhoids to bronchial asthma?from the common cold to infertility.

Yes?One area where this is very apparent is in the area of infertility treatment. For a long time IVF and Clomid where the only hope for many infertile couples who were wishing to become pregnant. Once the newness of infertility treatments wore off and it seemed like everyone knew someone who had been through IVF some found that the success rates weren't quite what the thought they'd be. IVF isn't a guarantee for any couple that you will become pregnant.

It was then that some began to look backwards for an answer and a cure. They turned to Chinese Medicine, holistic and herbal remedies to help cure their infertility. The lack of invasive procedures and the natural nature of these cures is very appealing for many. For others it is the shear effectiveness of what the ?old way? has to offer. Also, for those who would rather save their money for their child's college fund, natural cures and Chinese medicine is very appealing.

What is better?the ?new and improved? or the original? The choice is up to you but what do you have to lose other than a couple of months of your time? See if these tried and true cures make you a believer like they have thousands before you.

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Both Richard Solare & Cory are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Richard Solare has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel, Home and Home Improvement. Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com - information on .. Richard Solare's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.

Cory has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy, Computers and The Internet and Marketing. . Cory's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.