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As we all know, aromatherapy has been around for centuries and is a commonly used therapy for many, especially women.

However, it is less likely that you will find the words man and aromatherapy in the same sentence. It is rather funny that, as I myself as an Aromatherapist do treat a lot of men and they love it! and I just thought a lot about this and realized that despite my male clients, it is still promoted very much towards women or as a more feminine therapy.

Having said that, if you ask most guys what they know of Aromatherapy, you may well still receive a rather vacant stare in return as they draw blanks as to what you are even talking about. Those who have already experienced it though will speak proudly of how it helps and I have had many friends of friends come through my male client’s recommendations.

The truth is that Aromatherapy has many properties that will benefit men in today’s society. In the modern world, men must deal with different types of stress than they did in hunter-gatherer tribal times.  This isn’t to say, however, that the amount of stress is not the same, it’s just a different type. The way I see it, the stress in our present-day is more of a mental fight. I am able to reflect on numerous major benefits but below I am going to let you in on male client’s comments and experiences and the major benefits that have taken place in their lives as a result of Aromatherapy. (with their permission of course).

Within the scope of this article, we will explore how Aromatherapy benefits men in modern society.

If there are any of you who do not know what Aromatherapy really is, it might be a good idea to start at the beginning and especially if you are a male reader wanting to find out how this can help you. I welcome you.

As it turns out, modern Aromatherapy was actually identified by a Frenchman named Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920s. So, ladies we must be thankful to our lovely male counterpart for that. I know I am:)

Since Mr. Gattefosse was prone to burns in his lab, due to his own personal experience, he became somewhat of an expert on burns. During a fright, Mr. Gattefosse accidentally set his arm on fire and doused the fire with lavender oil.

As a result, Gattefosse reported immediate pain relief and an incredibly rapid recovery process with minimal scarring. Comparing his recent burns to the previous ones, he knew he had discovered something. As a result of the incident, Gattefosse dedicated himself to the study of Aromatherapy. Lavender has many healing properties.

So there you go guys, nothing to be intimidated about when it comes to men’s aromatherapy.

One client states ” It has been most helpful in coping with the high levels of stress in modern life that I have experienced in my life. Until I tried Basil Oil, I was at the worst of my depression. A smell of Basil Oil is necessary to fully understand its properties. Basil oil gives me a fresh feeling at the end of the day. I have more quality time with my children and strangely I am able to let go of the stress I have had during the day. As a result, I am able to think clearly about positive aspects of life and bring myself to a pleasant place. Lemon oil has also worked for me, but I prefer Basil oil. You might want to give both a try”.

Amazing eh?  When thinking about Aromatherapy for men think about how it can help during sickness. Let’s face it most men turn to kittens when a cold strikes. As a client once stated to me, ”Aromatherapy can restore you to the ‘testosterone-injected beefcake’  you once felt you were”. Ok, so I smiled, but if it works for them, who am I to say otherwise. I think it’s amazing.

Here’s another client. He states

”Let me introduce you to my two new friends, Eucalyptus oil and mint. If I’m suffering from a cold or flu, this little combo is a real knockout. I suggested to my mates that they try it out the next time they get sick.  Also, another amazing essential oil I found is Yarrow oil it can also get rid of most cold and flu symptoms. It is obvious that this will only treat the symptoms, not the cause, but once you are feeling positive, it should be enough to keep you feeling positive”.

I know what you’re thinking, as a Naturopath, Aromatherapist,  I must have just the best male clients, and I taught them well:) Indeed I have:)

Let’s continue on.

Men can also benefit from aromatherapy in the case of skin burns. As we all know, guys are prone to getting, cuts, scrapes and burns. A nasty work-related scrape or burn on the leg can be a real downer for the weekend, especially when you had planned a footy match with your pals. There is nothing fun about getting burns on your skin, but luckily, as mentioned previously, lavender oil is a great way to relieve them.

And another such client stated.

”When I burnt my leg at work, I thought that was it and I couldn’t play soccer, but after a few days applying lavender, it was so much better, that I was able to go back the next weekend. It’s amazing stuff. – I carry it with me now at work.”

He also reported ”I also tried Bergamot for cold sores combined with Eucalyptus oil and it provides amazing relief. Thankyou”.

In the future, aromatherapy for men is more likely to be commonplace than it is today. My partner also uses various oils and diffuses them or uses them through inhalation or in massages. I know from personal experience that it has had a tremendous effect on my relationship at home after a stressful day. We are both calmer as a result.

Whenever he’s sick, he’s less miserable, and if by chance he gets minor damages when out working or playing sports, he’s covered there as well.

Overall, aromatherapy can be very beneficial to men. If you are having trouble overcoming stereotypes, keep in mind that it is making your life easier. When it comes to aromatherapy, there are a few risks, and you’ll need to become informed about the techniques involved to achieve your desired results.

But don’t be shy gents, let’s get you using aromatherapy and booking in your appointments to learn how this amazing and tried and tested therapy can help you, and you family.

Blessings

What is vibration therapy?

Vibration therapy is the use of vibration for therapeutic purposes. It can be used on a person, on a piece of equipment, or on an object.

There are many studies that have been conducted in order to understand the effects of sound and vibrations on human health. One thing that is clear is that sound and vibration therapy can be used to relieve pain, reduce discomfort, as well as increase relaxation and feelings of well-being.

Whole body vibration therapy

One particularly useful type of vibration therapy is whole-body vibration training. This is when someone lays down and vibrates their body to increase blood circulation and muscle strength. The vibrations also work to stimulate bone growth and improve nerve function. The vibration of sound waves has a substantial effect on our brain and nervous system.

Whole body vibration is also a technique that involves a person standing on a vibrating platform or being fitted with an inbuilt vibrating belt and/or vest. Vibration is transferred from the machine to the person’s tissues, which then stimulates muscle contractions in the legs and buttocks. This has been shown to reduce inflammation by increasing blood circulation, which then speeds up the healing process. Vibrations can be created with tuning forks, sound bowls, musical instruments and more.

How is it useful for general health?

In an article by the Harvard Medical School, they state that vibration therapy is used to “improve muscle and joint function, relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve overall functioning” for those who have arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.

Vibration therapy can help with chronic pain management. It can be used to help with neck pain that does not respond to more traditional treatments like physical therapy or chiropractic care. Vibration therapy is also one of the only treatments for plantar fasciitis. Though it’s unclear what impact vibration has on muscle tissue after contracting a virus or bacterial infection.

There are many different types of vibration therapy that are available to the public and all of them have their own benefits. Machines that provide this type of therapy to patients include vibrating platforms as well as handheld massagers which allow the patient to self-administer.

Contra indications

Vibration therapy is a technique that has been used for centuries and is still being used today. Whilst It helps to alleviate pain, increases blood flow, relaxes muscles and improves bone density there are still some contraindications.

Some of the contraindications for vibration therapy are: if you have heart disease, ulcers, osteoporosis or cancer.

Benefits for Weight loss, Muscle gain, Improved strength.

The vibration therapy for weight loss is one of the most effective treatments in this field. The reason is that it activates the muscles and promotes better blood circulation leaving you healthier and stronger. There is some evidence that suggests it may also help with muscle gain. Those with experience of these machines often say the vibration makes them work the muscles harder so it also builds strength. This is done through the use of vibration plates and is helpful for those that are unable to formally exercise based on health reasons.

The vibration therapy for weight loss usually includes a set of exercises, like squats, push ups and crunches, which are done while you are on a vibrating platform. As a result, your muscles get activated and they start to contract which leads to better blood circulation.

This kind of treatment is also great because it promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.

Conclusion: The vibration therapy for weight loss is an excellent way to lose weight with no known side effects.

Other benefits:

Lower Blood pressure

According to health line – A 2012 study examined the effect of arterial stiffness using vibration training. The participants performed exercises on the plate and at the end of 6 weeks they all had a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure.

Improved body composition

Couple with dieting and aerobic exercise a group lost more weight whilst using the vibrating plate than those who solely used diet and or exercise.

Vibration therapy in addition to the use of sound therapy has been gaining popularity over the last few years with singing bowl, sound bowl classes popping up all over the united states. The use of mantra and sound healing is not foreign to eastern cultures where they often use sound healing and vibration in prayers as well as meditations. Various organs are set to various frequencies and so the use of sound therapy and vibrations can be extremely healing for stress reduction. The use of vibration and sound can be very useful as a part of a persons healthcare regimen.

Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something is natural does not mean zero risk. While many vibration therapies are very low risk there still may be complications, contraindications and contra-actions.

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, fitness equipment and more, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Practitioner, fitness instructor, chiropractor, Osteopath or vibration plate expert and always consult a Naturopathic Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your health practitioner first.

Thankyou – This article is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural and alternative remedies, foods, oils herbs and more and the information has grown in line with the surge in natural medicine popularity.

Alternative health remedies definitely have benefits and while they are not a cure, they can always help support the body in certain situations. Understanding when and how to use these remedies requires expert training, skill, and precision in recommendations. 

Alternative medicines are treatments that are considered to be an alternative approach and /or a complementary support to traditional Western medicine or allopathic / conventional treatments, that include plants, oils, supplements, nutrition, mind and body works amongst others, from varying disciplines and cultures. They can be used to treat many different kinds of illnesses and diseases.

In the Western world, many alternative remedies are largely unregulated, and their efficacy is not always established by scientific evidence.  Therefore, it’s important to fully research your therapy and practitioner to ensure you get the best help possible. Naturopathic Doctors often only use GMP certified supplements. These are pharmaceutical grade supplements that have been rigorously testing for containments as well as efficacy. Many nutraceutical companies test their products as well as finance their own studies to prove efficacy of the nutrients. 

There are many great societies helping to regulate and support these therapies and practitioners, and it is changing all the time which is a great thing to see.  There are literally thousands of therapies so do your research well or seek the advice of a Naturopathic Doctor who is often qualified in many disciplines to help you to choose your therapy or guide you to the appropriate therapist. Just because it is natural does not mean that it is healthy or recommended for you, especially with many diagnosis as well as medications in the system. 

You may have heard of herbal remedies, nutritional therapy, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, homeopathic treatments, acupuncture, acupressure, bachs remedies and other more common modalities but there are many thousands of others.  Some people use alternative healing modes as a way to combat the toxicity of modern life or to find peace with the body and mind.

Alternative health remedies for skin problems and hair.

Alternative health remedies are often said to be the newest trend in medicine, where in actual fact they have been around for many thousands of years in a lot of cases. With many people investing in those natural, organic remedies, we have to ask ourselves:

What can these remedies really do?

There are many claims about the benefits of alternative remedies and many reported benefits such as helping everything from skin problems and digestion problems through to circulation and hair growth.

The use of natural remedies is not new. The word “remedy” comes from the Latin “recuperāre,” which means “to make whole again.”

Alternative health remedies are not usually intended to cure major illnesses, such as cancer or diabetes but can be a support and benefit to the immune system and for overall wellbeing and mood. Alternative therapies can often be a complement to allopathic care and are not always recommended to replace these treatments. 

They are commonly called upon for milder problems, like skin infections or digestive issues and can sometimes be used in place of, but more commonly alongside, prescription medicine to support minor health concerns.

Let’s look at some remedies

Hair growth

There are a number of remedies that people can use to stimulate hair growth. These remedies range from natural home-grown methods to expensive treatments.

-Massage therapy, 

-Aloe Vera, 

-Coconut oil, 

-Ginseng, 

-Geranium oil, 

-Lemon, 

-Onion Juice, 

-Rosemary oil 

have all long been used to stimulate hair growth.

Skin

Natural remedies are an affordable way to solve problems. They can be found in the kitchen or even in the back garden. Some natural remedies for skin are apple cider vinegar, cucumber, and oatmeal masks. As well as aloe vera and rose oil.

Apple cider vinegar is a good remedy for dry skin because it has a pH of 4-5 which balances the skin’s natural pH level of 5-6. It is also rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids that help fight free radicals and prevent premature aging. 

Cucumbers have compounds called cucurbitacin’s that shrink blood vessels, thereby reducing inflammation on your face and improving circulation to your skin cells. 

Oatmeal is good for oily or acne-prone skin because it can soak up excess oil which help keep pores clean, but it is also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and can also help to treat dry skin and remove dead skin cells. Oats contain saponins which are natural cleansers.

Go natural, its kinder.

Natural remedies are a kinder way to heal your skin because they don’t usually have any side effects and are made from organic materials that do not contain any chemicals. One of the most popular old natural remedies is honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  Honey (with lemon juice and cinnamon powder)

If you are vegan there are others which carry similar healing properties.

– Coconut oil 

– Flaxseed Scrub

– Aloe Vera and Cucumber with Coconut oil 

– Apple cider vinegar mixed with water

– Blueberry face mask

– Coffee mask

– Banana face mask

  To name a few.

Always consult a doctor before trying natural herbs, oils, or  remedies

So you can see, there are many benefits to using natural remedies and these are just a tiny selection, so I urge you to do your research and try things out, above all, have fun. Natural medicine practitioners can work very happily and successfully alongside your primary care practitioner or Doctor and they very often do. So do not think it must be one or the other. In fact a good provider will see the benefit in all forms of care, and objectively educate you on the benefits versus risk of all treatment. 

Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something Is natural does not mean zero risk. While many are very low risk there still can be complications, contraindications and contra-actions. Please be mindful of interactions with various medications and drugs that you are currently take plus known contraindications for certain herbal remedies. 

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Healthcare Practitioner and always consult a Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your healthcare practitioner first. If you would like to consider some alternative health remedies for your care, please schedule a consultation by clicking here: 

Support Your Immune System

One of the primary causes of dying of “old age” is illness. An ineffective immune system makes it much more likely that someone will die of pneumonia, Covid-19, or even cancer. Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, stated that all disease begin in the gut. It is not a wonder that most people who suffer from illness also have a history of unhealthy habits with their diet.

While this is more common in the elderly, even younger people can suffer from an immune system insufficiency especially with the increase of toxicity within our environment. Your immune system keeps you alive every day by fighting off disease-causing bacteria and viruses. It also kills cancer cells that form based on toxicity and genetic risk factors.

Use these strategies to support your immune system and optimize your chances for a long and healthy life:

1.Eat nutritious foods. Along with getting enough sleep, this is probably the most important tip on this list. Eating healthier is the most powerful way to be healthier. Energy In, Energy Out.

• Your body is constantly creating new cells that are part of the immune process. Providing those mechanisms with the right building blocks is one of the effective ways you can boost your immune system. You build the strength and energy by eating nutritious chemical free food such as fruits and veggies.

• If you’re not a fan of fruits and vegetables, make sure you take a multivitamin each day along with smoothies or fresh juices to get the ey nutrients necessary.

2.Exercise. A healthy body leads to a strong immune system. Scientists believe that a strong circulatory system can help to support your body’s immune response. This allows the body to rid the body of waste products via the lungs and blood stream.

• A healthy body weight, normal blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health minimize the stress on the body which can reduce the likelihood of getting sick as your metabolism is working well.

3.Relax. Stress is hard on every part of your body, including your immune system. Chronic stress responses can provide an explosive amount of hormones in the body which can be hard not he body and is not sustainable over time. You’ve probably noticed that you’re more likely to get sick when you’re chronically stressed. Minimize the amount of stress you’re exposed to and find healthy ways of dealing with stress when it can’t be avoided by changing your mindset, journaling, or working with a healer or therapist.

4.Get plenty of Vitamin C. The biochemistry is complicated, but among other functions, vitamin C improves the structure of the skin to keep out pathogens. It also accumulates in immune cells and regenerates their oxidative ability which is one of the mechanisms used to kill pathogenic cells. This is not the only nutrient that is helpful minerals such as Zinc, Vitamin D3, and probiotics are also very helpful in supporting the immune system, especially when the body is deficient.

5.Fast. As we age, our stem cells tend to become dormant. Stem cells are the cells that produce cells. The stem cells that support the immune cells can be woken from dormancy by fasting.

• Some studies suggest that three days without food is enough to trigger this effect. Others are showing 4-5 days.
• Fasting stimulates the body to remove older, damaged cells and the stem cells to produce new cells, including those related to the immune system.
• There are also diets that successfully mimic fasting sufficiently to show the same results. Working with a Naturopath can help to review your lab to not only see if you are healthy enough to fast but also to see if you can fast in a healthy manner.

6.Avoid smoking. Smoking has several negative effects on the immune system. One of these is the effect of nicotine. Nicotine suppresses the immune system and suppresses the inflammatory response which is an important part of the immune response. Not to mention the over 400 chemicals and heavy metals involved in smoking.

7.Sleep. Not getting enough sleep is a great stressor on the body. The science is quite clear that 7-9 hours of sleep is optimal for the vast majority of adults. If you don’t have time for at least seven hours of sleep each night, it might be time to make some changes in your schedule of lifestyle. Also, if you are constantly waking up in the middle of the night or even not sleeping restfully waking up refreshed you could have a challenge with the neurohormonal system. It may be beneficial to have a Naturopath to help you assess your circadian rhythm.

You might not think about your immune system a lot, but it’s working hard for you every day. You’re exposed to roughly 60,000 types of germs each day. That’s types, not the total amount. Even in a clean setting, your body is exposed to millions of pathogens each day. It is important to understand the body gets healthier with exposures. Being afraid of germs or trying to over clean yourself or your environment can have the opposite effect on the health of the person. The body needs microbes to build strength, and while there may be viruses and bacteria that are harmful it is more important to build the health of the body rather than being afraid of exposures. That is after all the only thing you can truly control and be proactive.

Giving your immune system some consideration can do wonders for your health and longevity. If you have a compromised immune system, heal slowly, or need support please reach out to our office to schedule a consultation.

You have worked out, you have exercised, you have disciplined and now are stuck. 10 more pounds. Stubborn. Or you are 10,20, 30 + pounds over weight. Rather than trying to lose a large amount of weight, you’ll have better results if you attack your weight challenge 10 pounds at a time. This is a manageable and believable goal, and you’ll only need to make a couple of small changes to achieve it. Taking these in chunks also keeps you motivated, helping you to feel inspired through the process.

Once you conquer the first ten pounds then you can set another goal to lose another 10 pounds. The key is to just keep going until you’ve reached your weight loss goal.

Do the minimal amount to lose 10 pounds in a reasonable amount of time.Let is be easy. Let it inspire you. Let it feel good. It doesn’t have to be hard. That is why diets don’t work. They are hard. They are difficult. They are exhausting. We want this to be a lifestyle. We want this to be easy, and we want this to fit into your life. The fewer changes you make, the easier the changes will be to maintain. The fewer changes you make, the more changes you can make in the future. If you use every trick and tactic right out of the gate, you’ll run out of tools to use in the future, so it is best to take it at a slow and satisfying pace.

Lose 10 pounds with the minimal amount of stress and effort:

1.Drink fewer calories. If you drink calorie-containing drinks, it’s easy to consume a lot of calories without your awareness. It may be tempting to drink a mocha, cafe high sugar drink to get you going but these can pack on the pounds and leave you feeling burnt out and exhausted by lunch time. Try switching to water with vitamins in them to save yourself several hundred calories each day. You can flavor it with fresh fruit as well, yet adding liquid nutrients to your water can allow for added nutrition and hydration. A win, win!

2.Walk. Hitting the gym could be even better but be certain you’re walking each day. We’re meant to move around more than most of us do. If you have foot or leg problems, swimming is an excellent alternative. Wearing a Fitbit or apple watch can be motivating as you close rings, or see the number of steps increase. Challenging yourself to walk a certain number of daily steps or even a friendly competition with friends and family can keep the game fun and light while you get healthy.

3.Eat slower. You’re much less likely to overeat if you eat slower. Pay attention to the food in your mouth and chew thoroughly. Avoid watching TV or playing on your phone while you eat. Give your meal your undivided attention, eat slowly, and you’ll eat less. This is the practice of mindful eating Mindful eating can prevent overeating as you are becoming fully aware of what and how much you are eating. Asking yourself questions like what organ am I gong to eat with this meal or how am I going to heal by eating this can also be of good health.

4.Reduce your intake of processed carbs. These are also loaded with calories and are unhealthy food choices. These include things like cookies, crackers, bread, and pasta. Not only are these bread, pasta, and rice choices unhealthy (due to glucose spikes) they can also leave you feel unnourished and can be highly addictive. Try eating protein instead of reaching for the simple carbohydrate.

5.Stop eating after dinner. After two or three meals, your body has had enough. Eating after dinner is unnecessary and can cause a host of problems. Eating a lot and then going to bed isn’t optimal for your weight or your health. If you do choose to have dessert make it a simple bowl of cherries or an orange. Even though a shot of glucose may not be ideal it is much healthier than a bowl of ice cream or sugary dessert.

6.Sleep more. Studies show that tired people are attracted to fattening foods more than the well-rested. A lack of sleep also contributes to metabolic issues that make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. When you are fatigued, worn out, and exhausted the body is depleted. Making sure that you get your rest and don’t burn the candle at both ends is helpful to rejuvenate your health.

7.Eat at home. Eating out and being healthy is challenging. You can save a lot of calories and money by staying home for your meals. Most restaurants are in the business to sell food, and therefore will use fat, sodium, or sugar to sell their food. This doesn’t make them wrong or bad it just simply means this is an excellent cheat meal once a week. Having more controls over our food and knowing how your food is prepared can go a long way in ensuring proper caloric intake.

8.Weigh yourself daily. When you measure something, the thing you measure changes. Weigh yourself each day and average your weight at the end of each week. You might find this is enough to move your weight in a positive direction. This can be tricky as some people can be obsessed or even frustrated if the scale does not move. You may have gains in other areas such as the way your clothes fit, how your body feels, or waist measurements. If the scale does not move do not discourage simply use another method or drop back to weekly or even monthly measurements.

9.Eat more vegetables. With few exceptions, vegetables are low in calories and high in bulk. You’ll feel full without expanding your waistline. Follow your mom’s advice and eat more vegetables. Veggies are low in calories and are complex carbs as well as fiber which will allow for the bowels to move better as well as keep weight down. Work on adding carbs that are low glycemic such as your greens t help not only keep your weight down but detoxify your blood.

10.Skip breakfast. For ages, we’ve been told to eat three meals a day. However, newer research suggests that skipping breakfast or dinner is a healthier way to live. Avoid skipping lunch. This idea works best if you skip dinner, but most people find it easier socially and psychologically to skip breakfast. Ensure that you get all of your daily calories, increase protein, and reduce fats to make sure that you are eating a balanced diet.

Losing 10 pounds is a lot easier physically and mentally than losing 60 lbs. Set a series of 10-pound weight-loss goals until your target weight is reached. A few small changes can be enough to see real results by keeping you motivated and energized.

Just add a few of these tips to your life until you’re losing 1-2 pounds each week. Avoid the temptation to try to lose 25 pounds each month. Two pounds/week is 100 pounds/year. How much did you lose last year with your current strategy? And if you are already down and still have a stubborn bulk consider a body contouring package or a metabolic assessment within our practice to see where you can fine tune and trim down.

For your best results, take your time and make permanent changes to your habits. Remember this is a lifestyle and not a diet. Contact our holistic medical practitioner if you need further help.