First, what is reflexology? Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin build-up in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. Reflexology is safe and effective for everyone. Furthermore, it can be used throughout one's lifetime.
So how can reflexology really help you? Research has found that not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, detoxification, recovering from surgery, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.
Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. Reflexology has been shown to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, stress and anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles and digestive problems. Furthermore, in one study, women that had at least 10 reflexology sessions showed reduced labor times during delivery, and fewer complications of childbirth when compared to women who did not have the treatments.
Children can benefit from reflexology in many ways as well. A few of the most common reasons for conventional medical treatment today are ear infections, constipation, colic and bed-wetting. Reflexology has been shown to dramatically improve these problems. Research has shown that children with cerebral palsy who received reflexology work actually had increased growth rate over the kids who did not receive therapy. There are many additional benefits for children of the practice of this art.
In a society that relies on chemically-laden prescription drugs to cure the sick, especially in the elderly, reflexology provides success stories worth examining. Did you know that elderly patients that routinely get reflexology treatment reduce their levels of cholesterol, reduce and maintain lower blood pressure and treat painful digestion better than drugs? Elderly patients who have reflexology mats in their homes experience less pain and a greater sense of control when walking.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. For patients recovering from surgery, reflexology can be a dream come true. Studies have shown that patients that received reflexology treatment after surgery experienced far less pain than the patients that received painkillers alone. Moreover, reflexology was shown to be more effective than catheterization in patients with retention of urine after surgery.
Reflexology has made its mark in the world of alternative therapies because it works. Try it and see the results for yourself. Once you try it, you too will become a believer. Find yourself a good reflexologist, or better yet, learn the techniques for yourself. Having the knowledge to treat yourself and your family is one of the smartest things you can do.
There has been some controversy regarding whether the highly concentrated nutrients found in New Zealand's greenlip mussels truly have a positive effect on such maladies as inflammation. The good news is that two recently completed studies seem to support the fact that greenlip mussels do, indeed, provide health benefits to those who take it as a daily supplement and that the unique qualities of the extract inhibit the enzymes which cause inflammation.
Two recent studies from Australia's RMIT University were published last year in The Journal of Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. The findings surprised some naysayers while supporting the theories of other health advocates.
The first piece of research focused on omega-3 fatty acids in extracts of the greenlip mussel (Perna canaliculus), which is found only in New Zealand. The omega-3s were found to inhibit the activity of leukotriene and cyclo-oxygenase, both substances which are associated with inflammation. This study examined levels of the two chemicals in vitro with greenlip mussel extracts produced for both commercial and scientific purposes.
The results of this research reported that green lipped mussel lipid extracts inhibited enzymes in either case. The researchers narrowed down the positive effect to the presence of fatty acids and triglyceride fractions which occur naturally in the green mussels. They also found that using potassium hydroxide and protease enzymes increased these effects.
In another research study, fatty acids from the green lipped mussel extract were isolated. It was found that New Zealand mussels contain a particular type of omega-3 fatty acid which is unique to their marine environment. It is thought that this particular omega-3 is the result of the mussels dining on algae and micro organisms found only off the coast of New Zealand.
The greenlip mussels' omega-3 acids contain prostaglandins and they were shown to be particularly anti-inflammatory, as opposed to such fatty acids as the omega-6 found in other foods.
Greenlip mussels have been touted for quite some time as being one of the earth's "super foods". Along with a concentrated amount of lipids and omega-3s, they also contain such nutrients as betain, iron, and glycoaminoglycans, which include chondroitin sulphate. All of these substances have shown some effect on inflammation and relieving pain in the joints due to inflammation from arthritis and a variety of other ailments.
Greenlip mussel extract is easily taken in the form of a supplement pill. While there is no recognized standard for the amount of nutrients, such as stabilized lipids, the pills must contain, all manufacturers are required to obtain the extract directly from Perna canaliculus. More expensive supplements will generally contain higher amounts of lipids.
The extract form greenlip mussels is a natural product and certainly it can cause no harm to the human body, unless, of course you are allergic to seafood. Otherwise, it appears that research upholds the claims that it provides a number of health benefits when taken as a supplement.
Both Scott Meyers & Paul Easton 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.
Scott Meyers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Diabetes Treatment, Health and Skin Care. Scott Meyers is a staff writer for , a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers. Scott Meyers's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Paul Easton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Engagement Rings, Herbal Supplements and Cosmetic Surgery. Check out the use of Green Lipped Mussel Capsules as a natural method to combat arthritic joint paint. For more details, check this blog.. Paul Easton's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.