Health and Medical Resources in Costa Rica

Archive for October, 2011

The use of plants for healing is by far the world’s oldest and most widely known therapy. Since the beginning of time, the knowledge of herbal remedies has been handed down from generation to generation. With the growth of synthetic drug manufacturing, however, the direct use of medicinal plants for a time, became a thing of the past. It is only recently that there has been an increase in interest in herbalism as a method of medicine that is safe, natural, and cheap.

The purpose of herbal remedies is to stimulate the body’s own natural healing abilities by cleansing and rebalancing. Like the synthetic drugs, many herbs contain antibacterial and antiviral properties. The advantage of herbal remedies is their ability to rapidly return the body to a state of health without the damaging side effects; unlike synthetic drugs. Herbs correctly prescribed, can be combined to target, regulate, heal or tone any organ in the body, unless the tissue has been completely destroyed.

The earliest known records of medicinal herbs date back to 3,000 BC, from northern China. The herbs identified in those records; such as, myrrh and frankincense, are still being used today. At that time, however, herbalism was often explained in terms of astrology and folklore.

From the 16th century on, the division between herbalism and allopathic medicine grew further and further apart. By the 19th century, published knowledge of herbalism had increased through advances in scientific botany, and a number of North American Indian herbal remedies had been added to the pharmacopoeia, the list of medicinal drugs. However, herbal cures were out of fashion.

Pre-packaged medicines used in orthodox medical practice are in fact extracted from traditional medicinal herbs; such as digitalis and aspirin. Research establishments have confirmed the value of the traditional uses of whole herbs.

Qualified medical herbalist combines sophisticated understanding of the human body with the knowledge of herbal pharmacopoeia. They are trained to search out the root cause of ailments and symptoms. Diarrhea, for example, may have many possible causes; among them, a viral infection, nervous stress, diet, or even contaminated water. Although many herbs will correct the symptoms, it takes an experienced practitioner to identify the cause. For this reason it is wise to consult a professional, even if you have read about the effects of a remedy and matched it to an ailment.

VOD release of DMT: The Spirit Molecule in Oct 2011. Visit the official website for more updates: www.thespiritmolecule.com

Alternative medicine is a type of therapeutic practice that is not considered to be a part of traditional or conventional medical treatment.  People use alternative medicine instead of using traditional medical treatment.  This is often because they feel it is a natural way to get better.

There are many types of alternative medicine.  Some are covered by medical insurance, but most are not.  Some forms of alternative medicine that may be covered are chiropractic and osteopathic therapy.  These forms of alternative medicine are widely used.

There are other forms of alternative medicine that are not as widely used, but are becoming more popular by the minute.  These are:  massage therapy, therapeutic touch, folk medicine, herbal medicine, special diets, homeopathy, music therapy, aromatherapy, naturopathy, faith healing, and new age healing.  There are also some non-western forms of alternative medicine such as:  Chinese medicine, gi gong, reiki, and ayarveda.

There are some less commonly practiced forms of alternative medicine as well.  One is called biofield therapy.  This is a form of alternative medicine that works with your so called “energy fields” to heal you.  Another is bioelectrical magnetic therapy.  This alternative medicine uses pulse and magnetic fields to heal you.

Alternative medicine is quite popular for people who are terminally ill.  Many AIDS and cancer patients prefer it.  An example of this is a cancer patient who uses alternative medicine instead of receiving traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy.  People also use alternative medicine to heal ailments such as back pain or migraines.  Instead of traditional painkillers, the patients would use aromatherapy, sound therapy or herbal therapy.  Alternative medicine is even used on animals.  Have you ever seen the movie “The Horse Whisperer?”  That was about a form of alternative medicine used on an animal.  Acupuncture, herbal therapy, and others have also been used on animals.

The last thing you should know is that there is no scientific evidence that alternative medicine is effective.  There have been no scientific studies to prove if they are safe or if they work for the diseases or ailments they are used for.  Before using an alternative medicine, talk to your doctor, make sure your doctor feels it is safe and will not harm you.

There are many different kinds of alternative medicines to choose from.  Now that you understand it a bit better, you can decide if it is right for you.  For more information talk to your doctor or research it online.  With careful research, you may find one that is right for you.

A vacation can do wonders for reducing stress levels, but it can derail a healthy fitness regimen. Even some of the most die-hard exercisers find it difficult to stick with a workout program when away from home. Sure, many have good intentions. They may even pack their workout attire. Unfortunately, their gear never makes it out of the suitcase until they’re back home.

But travel from home doesn’t have to result in an interruption or complete abandonment of your healthy habits. You can still fit in exercise time when away from home, regardless of whether you find yourself in a warm or a cold climate. Even if bad weather forces you into seclusion in your hotel room, there are exercises you can complete without a single piece of equipment.

Below are some tips to help you stay fit while traveling and avoid coming home with unwanted extra baggage.

.    Be realistic. You probably won’t be able to fit in your normal weekly workouts and that’s okay. Shoot for completing at least 50% of your normal regimen.
.    Plan ahead. Before leaving town, find out what type of workout facilities your accommodations will have or if there is a nearby park or jogging track (weather permitting, of course).
.    Scope out local gyms. If you are staying somewhere that doesn’t provide a workout area then inquire at the nearby local fitness centers for their rates. Often they offer day passes for minimal fees.
.    Pack a resistance band in your suitcase. The band takes up very little space, yet can provide you with an entire upper and lower body workout routine.
.    Don’t deprive yourself of all local delicacies. You can enjoy some special meals without going overboard. Ask the restaurants to prepare your favorite dishes with a few lower fat ingredients.
.    Be creative. Find unique, fun ways to exercise instead of doing the same routine you do when you are at home. Try biking, hiking, a pedal boat excursion, water-skiing, beach volleyball, etc. Effective workouts aren’t limited to the standard fares of walking, jogging and fitness machines.
.    Try out your travel routine at least once at home. A new workout that you’ve never done before will require more time and preparation. This type of frustration just makes for an easy excuse to skip the workout.
.    Prepare snacks. If your journey includes a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack some healthy snacks so you aren’t forced to eat at all the fast food and convenience shops along the way.
.    Play in the pool. If lounging poolside is part of your vacation plans, then hop in the pool every 20 minutes for 5-10 minutes of pool walking (try it in waist-deep or higher water for a really challenging workout).
.    Get comfortable. Don’t forget to pack comfortable workout attire that fits your destination’s climate.

Here is a quick, simple circuit workout that only requires a resistance band and can be done anywhere. Complete at least one set of 8-12 reps of each exercise.

.    Bicep Curl
.    Tricep Dip
.    Lat Pull Down
.    Front Raise
.    Push-Up
.    Squat
.    Abductor lifts
.    Adductor splits
.    Hamstring Kicks

Related Healthy Workouts Articles

I am a cat lover by nature. In fact I’ve also been a cat owner for years. Cats are the most wonderful creatures out there so I wish to share some things I know about cats and the care they require.

First of all cats are well known for being very independant creatures. They love just a little attention. However they aren’t completely independant and do require a certain level of care. Depending on the breed determines the exact level. Not all cats need the same things. For example: a short-haired cat doesn’t require as much brushing as a long-hair, or medium-hair might. But unless they are the rare hairless brushing them every-so-often isn’t such a bad idea.

It is best if possible to keep cats indoors, but if this is not possible be prepared to have to give them more frequent baths. It couldn’t hurt for them to be litter trained eaither. And, the litter box should be cleaned at least once a week. Otherwise you would be overwelmed with smells. The human nose eventually gets used to it, but if you are one who frequently entertains your guests might disagree.

Again cats are normally healthy creatures. Depending on the breed the health probblems very. Some are prone for heart problems, liver, kidny, etc. So have your animal checked regurally at least once to twice a year. Yes this can be pricy, but if you are going to have an animal you should be willing to take it to the vet. Cats do require our help every now and again so we need to be able to be there for them.

If you take care of  your cat, be sure to make sure it has good food, water, medical care and most importantly love– you will have a friend that will last you for many years to come. Most breeds last up to 20 years with proper health care.

Take care of your pets. And, in closing one final point. Take the time to have your cat spayed or nuttered unless you plan on breeding it. We have way to manuy unwanted animals in this world already. Lets put a stop to it.