Virtues of Sandalwood Extend Through Time
Overview
Sandalwood is one of the oldest aromatic materials, being acknowledged in ancient biblical and in Indian text as well as used in religious ceremonies throughout the ages. Botanically known as a small evergreen in the genus Santalum and family Santalaceae, this modest-sized tree (up to 10 meters) provides a great deal of commerce for India and to some extent Australia and is now being examined by the medical industry for its medicinal properties. There are several species of Santalum, but only a few are used commercially, most notably Santalum album (India) and Santalum spicatum (Australia). Other tress from such places as Polynesia and Fuji are in small numbers and in great decline. Oddly, other plants such as the Bead Tree or Candlewood are known as sandalwood but are not botanically parallel. Sometimes, non-related plants such as Red Sandalwood are used as fillers for the more expensive, genuine sandalwood.
Sandalwood from the Mysore region (known as “sandalwood city”) of southern India is generally considered to be of the highest quality sandalwood available, providing great commerce for this region of India. Of the traditional areas in Southeast Asia where sandalwood is found, India has been the front runner in creating plantations in which to continually harvest Sandalwood (The Australian Government has also set up reserves as well). Trade and harvest of Indian sandalwood is under strict regulation and the trees themselves are under government protection; only the government of India is permitted to own the trees. To produce commercially valuable sandalwood with high levels of fragrance oils, harvested Santalum trees are recommended to be at least 40 years of age, but 80 or above are preferred. However, trees at 30 years of age are still harvested but considered of inferior quality.
Much of the valuable wood is found in the roots of sandalwood and thus harvested by uprooting the entire tree versus cutting it at the trunk. In the last few years alone, the price of sandalwood has skyrocketed, mainly due to rising demand and limited supply. Increased demand has mainly come from the perfume and aromatherapy industry. Sandalwood essential oil and paste is used in Indian and Chinese medicine and of course aromatherapy botanical medicine. The perfume industry covets this oil for its ability to blend well with other perfume oils; hence, it is used extensively in hundreds of cosmetic products.
Over the centuries, the use of sandalwood and its products have been an integral part of several religious cultures. It scent, either as an essential oil or ground as incense, is thought to bring one closer to the Divine. Hindus burn incense made from sandalwood oil in burial pyres and at funerals. It’s also used in temples to remind people of the heavenly realms. Yogis in India use the oil to anoint each other during ceremonies and before meditation as well deity statues often made of sandalwood itself.
Sandalwood Used to Fight Anti-microbial Bacteria
Opposition to antibiotic use in food agriculture has been gaining momentum. In years past, it was known that severe illness-causing microbes such as Salmonella and E. coli could be contracted through eating contaminated meat. Now, it is proposed that contraction of bacteria, in this case antibiotic resistant bacteria, can possibly be transferred through ingestion, handling of industrial animal manure, as well as through drinking manure-contaminated ground water. With these scenarios coming to the surface, scientists and government officials alike are in alarm and strongly suggesting the decrease if not absolute elimination of non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics in the meat industry. Recent media has brought attention to the proposed link between the steep increase of antibiotic-resistant microbes with use and perhaps misuse of antibiotics in agriculture. Modern industrial agriculture raises animals in tight often inhumane quarters which results in animals being much more susceptible to sickness and disease, thus the administration of antibiotics is very common. Because bacteria and other microbes can easily mutate (in as little as 20 minutes), it is no wonder that great concern is now mounting.
Concern for antibiotic-resistant microbes is worldwide. A need to find alternatives to conventional antibiotic treatment is rising. Essential oils have been gaining attention by research scientists for their antimicrobial properties. A collaborative study of researchers in Austria and Germany (Flavor and Fragrance Journal 2006 May/Jun; 21(3): 465-468) found that santalols of sandalwood (the main chemical components of sandalwood) in medium and/or high concentrations showed significant antimicrobial potential against the yeast Candida albicans, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Other Promising Uses
In a 2007 science review (Food and Chemical Toxicology 2008 Feb.; 46(2): 421-432), researchers found that sandalwood oil and its major constituents (namely alpha-santalol) have anticarcinogenic, antiviral and as well as bactericidal activity. Phenomenally, a study conducted by the Department of Virology at the University of Heidelberg, Germany (Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2007 May; 51(5): 1859-62) found that sandalwood essential oil exhibited virulence against isolates of drug-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1. The dreadfulness of virulence spread by mosquitoes is well-known, especially in Africa and South America. Mosquito-borne diseases include such maladies as malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis and yellow fever. Conventional mosquito treatment relies on chemical pesticides which are often administered in water where mosquito larvae reside. Yet, the risks to people and the environment are well established. Naturally derived insecticides, especially from aromatic plants and their essential oils was recently investigated at Omar Almuktar University, Elbieda, Libya, Africa (Parasitology Research 2006 Sep; 99(4): 466-72). Sandalwood essential oil (as well as other essential oils) induced 100% mortality of various mosquito larvae species within 24 hours or less.
Concluding Remarks
It is rather evident that the value of sandalwood extends across centuries and continents. It is revered by various religions, scientists, aromatherapists and perfume enthusiasts alike. What is remarkable is that uses of plants and their essential oils are bringing such world-wide engagement as their promising applications are uncovered in scientific research. A need for alternatives to conventional antibiotics as well as insecticides is clear. As less-than amiable agriculture practices surface and resistance to current antimicrobials increase, it is apparent that humankind will revert back to solutions found in nature and perhaps make a more diligent effort to conserve the very earth that sustains us.
Aromtherapy practitioners are growing in number in the US, as the use of essential oils for for immune support increases. For more on the therapeutic use of essential oils, visit http://www.anandaapothecary.com
Learn Massage Quickly and Easily
Thousands of years ago massage techniques were used in China, ancient Greece and Persia.
Massage has been widely used in Chinese medicine for many years and documented as far back as ancient Greece and Persia. The healing benefits associated with massage have been well documented for centuries.
Current massage techniques are still based on the ancient techniques used centuries ago to drive out pain from the body and promote well-being.
Massage is used for a wide range of benefits including increased energy levels, improved circulation and lymphatic drainage, promoting the healing of injuries, alleviating stress and combating insomnia.
There are many different ways to massage and many different techniques are practised all over the world.
Massage techniques tend to focus on one particular area of the body. This can include a massage on the muscles of the upper and lower body, head and scalp massages and the newer technique of facial massage.
If you want to learn massage quickly and easily it really is simpler than you may think.
If you learn massage at home, you will be able to harness the skills needed to promote an increased well-being in family members, friends and loved ones. You may even want to start a small home-based business to earn some money.
To get the most out of the massage and ensure it’s beneficial to the giver and the receiver, the environment where the massage is carried out should be one of complete comfort and tranquillity. Optimum results will be achieved if the body and mind are completely at ease.
Before commencing any massage treatment, ensure you have located a peaceful area at home where there will be no disturbances. Once you have located a quiet area in which to carry out the treatment, and you or the person receiving the massage is comfortable then the massage can begin.
It is suggested in most massage practise to use a little massage oil on the hands to ensure smooth movements and strokes. The type of oil used depends on the desired benefit of the massage. Many oils promote a sense of calming and relaxation, whilst if the massage is to promote healing of an injury a more specific oil may be used to ease the muscle or affected body part. Apply the oil or lotion to your hands and then begin to work on the desired area.
The massage movements and strokes used will vary widely depending on the type of person and reason for the massage. Where there is a sports injury or specific muscle problem the movements are more firm and will work on the specific target area. For babies and children, the movements will be much softer perhaps using only light touch with the finger tips. A relaxing massage will consist of movements with medium to light pressure with calming strokes and techniques and can cover the entire body.
Massage is recognized world wide as a healing therapy and its popularity is increasing rapidly. New techniques are continually being introduced to the Western world, and along with these come many new benefits and results.
More and more people want to learn massage quickly and easily in their own home, so that they have the resources to enrich the lives of not only those around them but also themselves throughout complete relaxation of mind and body.
You’ve been given some tips on home massage. You will no doubt by now realise that is can be easy to learn massage quickly and easily in the comfort of your own home.
Learning massage is a great way to improve your overall well being.
Want to find out more about you can learn massage quickly and easily at home, then visit Julie Peters’s site on how to choose the best training package to master massage therapy.
Massage Chairs Curtail Aches From Suffering Caused By Edema
Some people experience that their feet or legs may begin to swell. Sometimes this is in the early morning and throughout the day progressively becomes worse. This is known as edema. Edema is when fluid is retained in the spaces that are between the body cells. Because the feet and ankles are at the lowest level of the body, they tend to be impacted more than in other areas. Relief from the swelling is important. Some sufferers of this condition, our relieving their muscle stiffness with a massage chair.
Edema can result by a serious condition of the kidneys, the heart, the liver or even blood vessels. Some of the following have been late to contribute it to edema: pregnancy, PMS, neuromuscular disorders, and abusing drugs. These have been known to cause fluid to be retained between the body cells.
When you are sitting or standing typically your feet and calves tend to be at the lowest elevation. As a result, went edema occurs it tends to build up in the feet and lower legs. This causes the swelling in these areas. This is coming from the build up of water between the body cells.
Some of the typical symptoms of edema are the swelling of the feet, calves and lower leg areas. Typically the swelling will be at its lowest levels in the morning and then began to increase as the day goes on. This can cause stiffness in the legs or joints.
As the day progresses, you may feel your feet or lower legs swelling. This can start to bog you down as the swelling causes increased stiffness in the muscles and joints. With increased stiffness, it starts to affect your mobility.
Pitting is also another common problem with long-term edema. Patients with this condition note that after depressing a certain area, it will remain depressed. The flexibility of the soft tissue to bounce back is delayed in this circumstance.
Edema can be progressive and start to show many other symptoms. Other symptoms that may be experienced are high blood pressure, headaches, increased urination and puffy eyes. Often sufferers of edema may also notice weight gain. This is hard as the mobility is affected by the swelling of the lower legs.
Seeking relief from edema is important. The stiffness associated with the swelling can cause discomfort. When dealing with swelling, elevating the legs periodically is helpful. This helps to circulate blood to those areas and helps with retaining less fluid.
You may also try leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping. Make sure that your feet fit well in your shoes and there are even supports socks. When you are trying to choose some shoes, just make sure you try them in the late afternoon. If you try them in the morning and your feet swell then they will not fit well in the afternoon.
Release of swelling in the legs and calves can also be assisted with a compression massage. A compression massage gently squeezes these areas. This gentle squeezing assists in the loosening of the muscles and joints.
Many massage chairs have lower body air compression massages. A leg rest contains a number of airbags to provide a gentle hold and squeeze massage. These airbags are designed for the feet and calves. This can be great relief for someone with stiff joints and muscles.
Like any medical condition, you should always check with your medical provider to see what is right in your case. There are many options that may be available to help relieve the stiffness and pain from edema. Massage chairs have been used in some cases to help patients relieve stiffness and help improve their mobility.
Hot Stone Massage: The Key To Beauty
Have you ever experienced a hot stone massage? It’s good if you previously have, but you are definitely missing an excellent body therapy if you haven’t had one yet. A hot stone massage releases the tight as well as dense muscles of your body. It additionally eases a lot off tissues that are positioned all over the body which finally relaxes your mind and spirit.
This treatment will definitely take away all your problems, even for the time being. You might even be thinking about what a hot stone massage is and what it really does. Well, a hot stone massage is a variation of a regular massage where water-heated, smooth rocks are used to treat different spots of your body. The stones are primarily used to loosen up the tense, worked up muscles of your body.
Not every stones or rocks you see on the ground can be utilized for this particular treatment. The hot rocks that are utilized are mostly the smooth basalt stones gathered from volcano. Because these stones are finely grained due to the rapid cooling of the earth’s lava, these excellent rocks can retain heat wonderfully. The stone’s size, weight and form all vary depending on what type of massage the client requires.
Usually, the larger basalt rocks are used on the lower back or belly-button area. When it comes to the tinier ones, those are normally used in between the toes. The therapist also uses some heated as well as oiled stones to massage on the client body where the rocks cannot be kept.
A number of people think this is simply a rich and lavish method to spend their hard working money. Actually, this is never exact at all. Actually, there are many benefits you can obtain if you take a hot stone massage. When the hot stones are used on your body, it improves your blood flow and relaxes your nervous system. This is why it is known to calm you mentally. The effect is that the hot stones re-balances your body and acts to relax your muscles and tissues. As the outer muscles are calmed the therapist normally then begins working on inner tissues. Every muscle tension is freed from the heat of the basalt stones.
A Few Questions to Ponder Prior Buying Massage Chairs
If you are looking for a massage chair, then here are some of the important questions you should be asking. A massage chair is an important purchase for your health and well being. You want to work through your research phase by learning what is right for your. This will help you to find the best massage chair for your needs. We have put together some of the most relevant questions to help you in your massage chair research.
Who will be utilizing the Massage Chair? You want to think about who the primary users of the massage chair are going to be. You need to think about if they have certain areas of aches and pains or if there are areas you really want to target. Also, add the height and weight of the individuals on the list. It is important to find a massage chair that will fit the body types of the main users. Get a good idea of what needs the massage chair needs to satisfy.
Where would you put the Massage Chair? This is always an interesting dilemma for most folks. Everyone can agree on getting a massage recliner, but now where are we going to put it. First, you need to look at the dimensions of the chair when it is fully reclined and the foot rest is fully extended. This is the maximum dimensions of the footprint. Next, you need to determine if the chair will add to or subtract from a certain room. There are some beautiful designs and there are some ugly designs and of course many in the middle. You have to see what room makes the most sense for your situation.
What functions are important in a Massage Chair? Obviously, you want to get solid massage therapy from your massage chair. Think about the types of massage techniques that might benefit you. What types of relief do they provide? Maybe you need to think about the types of lifestyle you lead and what potential relief you may need in the future. The more you think about these things, the easier your decision will be because the massage chair fits your basic needs.
What should be my budget for a Massage Chair? Massage chairs range in price. There are good ones that can be had for $2,000 or excellent ones for $4,000. Some entry level massage chairs can provide solid massage therapy, but their life span will be a lot less. In massage chairs, you get what you pay for. The key is to figure out what you would be comfortable spending on a massage chair and then compare that to the features and functions that you want in your massage chair. Does your budget match your needs? There is not an easy answer because “it depends”.
What warranty information do I need to know? Always ask about the warranty coverage for any massage chair you are contemplating of purchasing. The warranty is your long term protection from defects in materials and workmanship. Warranties vary by model and by manufacturer. Take you time and balance getting a good warranty with a good massage chair.
We truly hope that these questions will help guide you to finding the perfect massage chair for your needs. You are making an investment in your health and well being, so take your time. Do the research and learn what you can. A little knowledge goes a long way in cutting through the maze of massage chairs and navigating to an excellent choice. If you do it right, you will have years of relaxation and harmony with your new massage chair.
Lift Your Relief Of Anxiety From Massage Chairs
If you suffer from bouts of anxiety, then you may find relief with massage chair therapy. Anxiety can arise from various causes. Whatever the events driving your anxiety, your body responds to it in known ways. For instance, you may feel chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath or even sweating. Your body has been programmed biologically to react and respond in certain ways. One effective relief of anxiety is massage chair therapy.
In cases on non-chronic anxiety, massage has proven to be a very effective method of relieving less serious levels of anxiety. More chronic anxiety involves more complex treatments. The affects of anxiety and even the lesser levels can be a great hinderance to those suffering from it.
Anxiety is amplified by our thinking of the issues or sources of the anxiety. To relieve anxiety, we need to get our mind away from circling the problem. Massage is very effective in getting our mind off the problems at hand. It provides us a relaxing environment and helps to free our minds of these thoughts causing and sustaining the anxiety. Of course, it is always recommended to discuss your situation with your medical advisor and see what is right for you.
Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissue that includes your muscles, skin and tendons. There are numerous massage therapies available in massage chairs. There are Shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, reflexology, acupressure and many more. Each type of massage has specific applications and results.
Massage chairs bring affordability and a way to receive continuous and periodic treatment. Access is a big problem with massage therapy. Massage chairs bring you unprecedented access to effective treatment on a continuous basis. You can find a few minutes everyday to let a massage chair relieve your trouble spots.
Massage chairs have developed a whole host of complimentary therapies in addition to massage therapy. One such feature is an MP3 player. Think how soothing it is to have your body worked over with a relieving massage. Meanwhile your mind is off listening to music that takes your focus away from the tension and anxiety of the issues you were just struggling with. This is just one of many types of complimentary features.
Massage chairs have full body massage capabilities. They provide effective massage therapy to your back, neck and shoulder areas. They have air massage systems that provide compression massage therapy to your extremities and lower body. These massage therapies are very soothing. You can target specific areas and concentrate on them for longer periods until you get the relief you want.
How would you like a good stretch? Some of the best massage chairs have lower body traction systems and some even can stretch your arms and shoulders. This helps to increase your flexibility. There are even massage chair recliners that have integrated heating elements. You can select to apply heat to different parts of body to suit your needs.
Looking for a massage chair can be a daunting challenge. You find too many manufacturers or really importers. You want to be careful and buy a massage chair from a reputable company. You can trust massage chairs from Panasonic, Omega or Sanyo. These are built to last and come with excellent warranty coverage. Be careful of massage chair prices that seem too good to be true.
Don’t let anxiety get you down! Massage chair therapy is the perfect compliment to relieve your tension and anxiety. Massage is excellent for relieving tight, sore muscles. It helps induce total body relaxation. This helps to free up your mind getting it off those thoughts that reinforce that feeling of anxiety. Break the cycle and start a new and healthy course of action with massage chair therapy.
How Aroma Therapy Can Help You
Aromatherapy is a good way to improve the life of all individuals. The key is to ensure that the aromatherapy is customized according to the needs and wants of the individual. An aromatherapy practitioner will be able to identify the blend of essential oils that will create the desired results. Whether an individual seeks stress and pain relief, beautification and cleansing, or general relaxation aromatherapy can be a great tool to improve your life
The use of aromatherapy to aid in the relaxation of the mind and body is highly recommended when one is under extreme stress. It is important to implement aromatherapy in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. There are blends that are created to promote happiness, calm and serenity.
Aromatherapy can be used in a number of different ways. It can be applied as relaxing massage oil, added to a soothing bath as a salt or oil, or used in air fresheners or diffusers. Aromatherapy blends can also be created as inhalants or skin applications. The goal of aromatherapy in stress relief is to help create an over-all sense of well-being. The aroma and a good massage can help improve an individual’s sense of well-being.
Aromatherapy essential oils can also help promote weight loss. The scent of vanilla-infused candles can be inhaled to reduce cravings for sweets. Patchouli can be inhaled to lessen hunger. Reducing snack intake and hunger will result in weight loss.
Need help overcoming insecurities? Try mixing your own blend of jasmine and bergamot. It is said to be a confidence boosting aroma. Blend 16 drops of bergamot with 4 drops of jasmine and add to your diffuser. 4 drops of veviter should give you that extra boost you need.
It is common as you age, that new body aches and pains sneak up on us. Fortunately, these aches and pains can be eased with aromatherapy blends in massage oils, skin lotions, and booboo juice. You can purchase a ready-made aromatherapy remedy for aches and pains or create your own. For an ideal massage oil, mix an ounce of your favorite carrier oil with 10 drops of a pleasant essential oil. Use the mixture to rub and soothe away aches and pains wherever they occur on your body.
It should come as no surprise that aromatherapy has been used in skin care for years. It is a natural approach to a fresh, youthful look. You can make your own natural skin products from shampoos and conditioners, to facial toners and moisturizers. Mouthwash, lotion, nail care, perfumes, and cologne can all be made using the soothing aroma and benefits of essential oils.
Sports Massage Benefits
If you participate in sports of any type then sports massage therapy should play and integral part of your regimen. This should be done whether or not you are injured. There are numerous benefits to receiving frequent sports massage therapy. Most frequently cited is maintaining the body in better condition, boosting performance, increase flexibility and extending your sporting career.
Regular massage treatments are integrated into many professional sports routines. These are used pre-event and post-event to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure level, enhance awareness and improve flexibility. This helps to peak the body for the competition. Athletes are always looking for an edge and ways to reduce the incidence of injury.
It is interesting that massage treatments have been used since the days of the Romans. The Romans used these treatments to help reduce fatigue, muscle pain and improve flexibility. Many distinct massage techniques have been involved in different parts of the world.
Each athlete will have different needs depending on the sport that they play. Each sport may use muscle groups differently. Therefore fatigue and they reside in certain locations for a particular sport. Massage therapy feet be targeted to those being muscle groups in joints used in that particular sport.
Sports massage has a number of physical benefits for the athlete. Many athletes report that they have better range of motion of the joints, better overall performance, longer sporting lives and are in superior physical health. These benefits are obtained when massage is done on a routine and frequent basis for the sports participant.
One of the more important benefits of regular massage treatments is increase the flexibility of the muscle tissue and joints. Enhanced flexibility allows the body to increase the envelope of performance. Competition pushes the body to its limits where injuries can occur. Regular treatments are important to maintain the flexibility of the soft tissue areas.
One of the more important reasons for sports massage is to elevate the performance of the athlete. Athletes need to perform at the edge of their capabilities. These types of treatments enable the body to extend its range of performance. Increase the flexibility of the muscles and joints is critical to elevating performance and minimizing the possibility of injury.
Maintaining your body in prime physical condition is another benefit of frequent sports massage. It helps to increase blood and lymph flow, decrease muscle tension and relieve pain. It accomplishes this through natural methods.
Athletes report care careers are extended with the use of frequent sports massage therapy. The increased flexibility of the muscles and joints helps to minimize injuries throughout your career. Minor injuries can impact the length of sports careers.
Some physiological effects of receiving regular sports massage are pain reduction and relaxation. These treatments help both the mind and the body to relax. Muscles are more able to relax with the stretching and elongation of the treatment. Is very soothing to receive these treatments which help the body and mind to relax and recover from physical exertion.
Most professional sports organizations employ full-time massage therapist to enhance their athletes performance. Not all athletes can afford regular massage treatments. However, massage chairs provide a practical alternative to receiving frequent massage therapy. This is particularly important pre-performance and post-performance.
Sports are becoming more and more competitive every athlete is looking for a way to outshine the next. Boosting your performance is the key to success in your sport. Up your game with a massage chair on your team and take your performance to the next level. Massage chairs provide you with convenient access to effective sports massage therapy. Get the benefits of receiving frequent massages to enhance your performance and extend your career.
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