How to Minimize Effects of Colitis and IBS

How to Minimize Effects of Colitis and IBS



This How To outlines various steps you can take to better cope with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis (UC) or other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). You can do as few as one or as many as all the steps, but they are not intended to be instead of professional medical advice!









1


Eat oatmeal everyday, with a banana cut up in it for extra help. These foods help regulate your bowels, help you achieve that regularity and minimize diarrhea and constipation.





2


Guzzle water. This may seem like a no-brainer, that traditional 8 glasses a day, but this is actually a great immediate fix. If you are having bathroom troubles and cant stomach any food, wait a bit and then pound as much water as you can. It will help flush some toxins out and make you feel MUCH better.





3


For gas, lay on your back and prop your knees up as if you were going to do sit ups. Keep your feet planted on the floor about hip-width apart and just relax with deep breathing. The position helps release gas downward.





4


Acidophilus. Take it as a supplement in pill form or eat those yogurts infused with extra live cultures. Digestive disorders keep the bacteria in our bodies all out of whack and any additional help we can give, like adding the helpful bacteria we lack, will help make our tummies feel much better.





5


Keep a food journal. Because everyone is different, you should not listen to others' dieting advice to ease your pain. Some people with digestive disorders have trouble breaking down peanuts, while others need the peanut butter to ease their stomach pain. If you log all of your foods and the way they make you feel, you can start to determine if you have problem foods to avoid.





6


As a general rule, foods with lots of grease and fat will give you diarrhea; many vegetables can cause gas pains; spicy foods will cause diarrhea; many pain medications cause constipation; and not all diet supplements are helpful.





7


Stress relief is critical, so figure out what works for you be it yoga, running, painting, talking, singing at the top of your lungs.





8


When all else fails, turn to the pink stuff. Pepto Bismal can help temporarily alleviate most stomach issues, but will not cure the underlying cause of IBS or IBD!








Tips & Warnings










Listen to your body! The mind-body connection is powerful and you can learn a lot about the changes you need to make by paying more attention to signs and signals.








Check with your doctor before starting any new routine.



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How to Minimize Acne Scars Naturally

How to Minimize Acne Scars Naturally



While medical treatments such as skin resurfacing, chemical peels, collagen injections and laser scar removal are probably the fastest and most effective ways to minimize acne scars, these options are not financially viable for everyone. Additionally, medical treatments often use harsh chemicals and invasive methods. Luckily, there are a number of natural, gentle methods to minimize acne scars.







Things You'll Need:





Mild facial cleanser




Sea salt




Cotton balls




Lavender essential oil




Aloe vera gel (direct from plant whenever possible)









1


Leave acne alone, as popping, squeezing, scratching or picking at scabs are great ways to ensure long lasting scars.





2


Wash your skin twice a day with a mild cleanser and then follow with gentle exfoliation, which not only helps to prevent future outbreaks, it removes dead skin cells and promotes the healing of scars. Add enough water to 1 tsp. of sea salt to create a paste and gently massage acne scars with a circular motion. Rinse with warm water.





3


Pop open a vitamin E capsule and squeeze the oil onto healing acne and acne scars twice a day after washing your skin. Vitamin E is one of the most important vitamins for the regeneration and healing of tissues. The oil will help to add moisture to the skin, which reduces irritation and helps to speed healing.





4


Wet a cotton ball with
lavender
essential oil and apply a light layer to skin affected by scars. Lavender is one of the few essential oils that is safe to use in an undiluted form, and helps to promote firm, healthy skin. Using lavender essential oil on the skin each night before bed will not only help to prevent premature aging, it will help to minimize acne scars.





5


Use pure aloe vera gel, preferably fresh from the plant, instead of a daily moisturizer. Because many moisturizers contain chemicals, preservatives and oils, aloe vera is the perfect natural alternative. Not only does it keep the skin hydrated, it is a natural antiseptic, helping to heal the skin while reducing future acne outbreaks.


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How to Melt Gallstones

How to Melt Gallstones



Gallstones cause tremendous pain and can be difficult to treat. Traditional medicine uses injections and prescription medications to melt gallstones; however, these treatments can be expensive and have negative side effects. Luckily for you, if you are suffering from severe pain while your body is trying to pass a gallstone, there is a natural remedy that you can use to melt your gallstones.







Things You'll Need:





Dry adzuki beans




2 qt. cooking pot




Glass container or large glass jar









1


Boil two quarts of water over medium heat. Add 3 tbsp. of dried adzuki beans to the boiling water.





2


Cover the pot, leaving the lid open a bit so that steam can escape, and return the water to a boil.





3


Turn the heat to low and boil the adzuki beans until only about one quart of water remains in the pot.





4


Set the pot aside and allow the water to cool. Strain the beans, pouring the water into a large jar with a tight fitting lid. Keep the beans, as they are good to eat.





5


Drink a glass full of warm tea every two to three hours on an empty stomach. You should notice a difference within 24 hours, as the adzuki bean tea will quickly melt the gallstones and allow your body to pass them easily.








Tips & Warnings










See a doctor or other healthcare practitioner if your symptoms persist without change after 24 hours. Some people require further treatment to properly melt and pass gallstones








Eat the cooked adzuki beans as you would any other beans



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How to Meditate Without a Master

How to Meditate Without a Master



Meditation has become one of those household words that means something different to everyone. Some people see it as therapeutic, some as the work of the devil, others as an eastern import of questionable value, and still others as religious yet irrelevant. In simple terms, meditation is an exercise to transcend the boundaries of the five senses to communicate with the person on earth who taught you to meditate in a specific way. If you have not found your master yet, you can still get a lot out of meditation by following some basic steps (that won't create a distraction when your master reveals himself to you).









1


Pick a time and place where quiet and solitude are assured where you won't be interrupted. This place should optimally be free of clutter where you can relax without distraction. Using the same room will usually help your concentration and discipline. This room should be free of electronic devices as much as possible. As a last resort, you can always use your bedroom. Some people even use a large closet. Also, pick a time that can be the same time each day. Pick a time when you are most likely to feel good, be alert and stay awake. Turn out all the lights. You don't need the room to be dark necessarily, but electric lights are not useful.





2


Decide what position you will use to meditate. The only really important postural factor is keeping your spine straight. Some people do this by lying on their bed, the floor or a couch. However, the chances of falling asleep increase significantly in this position. A full or half lotus position with the legs crossed akimbo flat on the floor is only for the very elite few, but you might be surprised that you can work up to this over time if you stretch and exercise outside of your regular meditation time. Sitting in a very comfortable chair creates the same kind of problem as a bed, so either sit in an upright chair or on a pillow on the floor that lifts you high enough that you can cross your legs comfortably. If you edge toward the front of the pillow or the chair, you can keep you spine straighter and support your upper body without leaning against anything. Leaning your back against a straight wall is better than a chair. Regardless of all the possible ways of sitting, you have to be comfortable, so be realistic and be willing to start somewhere and gradually find a better position that allows you to experience greater benefits from this effort.





3


Make sure you are calm and relaxed. But do not use drugs or alcohol to achieve this. If you are tense and anxious, you are not ready for meditation. Taking a walk or just sitting still is helpful. But watching television, reading a newspaper or surfing the internet are in the opposite direction from what you want to achieve.





4


Assume the position you have selected, easing into it slowly and deliberately. Close your eyes. Sit still. Relax. You can lay your hands in your lap or you can extend your arms over your knees. You can also hold your palms upward with arms extended over your knees with the thumb holding the forefinger to form a circle (as you may have noticed in pictures or statues in museums), but this is not necessary. This is the physical aspect of meditation.





5


Breathe deeply, steadily and slowly. Observe your breath flowing into your lungs and slowly flowing out. Breathing is perhaps the most important aspect of meditation. Sitting still and breathing steadily and deliberately while you pay attention to your breath is one of the most austere and divine practices known to mankind. This is the force of creation at its most rudimentary level. You never know what experience you may have doing this or what realization or revelation may become known to you while practicing this exercise.





6


Focus your eyes upward and to the center of your forehead. This location is the "third eye" or pineal gland, which is sensitive to light. You may notice brightness inside your head while doing this. Enjoy. Such an experience is rare and a gift. If you are really fortunate, you may feel intoxicated throughout your body and you may taste a sweetness coming from your soft palate. Sometimes people feel numbness at the top of their skulls, which is caused when the pituitary gland begins to expand. This gland is the size of a walnut, but when it is stimulated by spiritual phenomena, it will open in the shape of a lotus flower.





7


Notice your thoughts and how consuming they can be. Ultimately you would have no thoughts at all while practicing meditation, but our minds are far too strong to be ignored. However, you can control your thoughts by returning to your breath, observing it coming in and lifting your body, then flowing out as your body slightly drops. This is the life force over which you have no control.





8


Continue to follow your instincts and commitment. There is no point in forcing yourself to meditate if you are not enjoying it or feeling any benefit. What you may notice is that you have more inspiration and clarity in your life and that you are more relaxed and emotionally stable. If it works for you, go with it. But be aware that your mind may trick you into delaying or finding fault with the practice. You may even find yourself jumping to your feet and running to do some silly, insignificant task without even realizing you have interrupted yourself for no reason. This is one reason a regular schedule will benefit your practice and experience.








Tips & Warnings










One hour a day is an optimal amount of time to meditate, but most people won't be able to sit still that long or even find the time. Even 20 to 30 minutes can be very beneficial.








Meditating in one sitting is better than multiple sessions for less time.








Be careful how much you talk about this and with whom. Few people will share your perspective or provide meaningful feedback.



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How to Meditate with Deep Breathing

How to Meditate with Deep Breathing



Meditating using the breath as a focal point is one of the oldest meditation methods known. Descriptions of this method are written in both Hindu and Chinese ancient writings. While the method seems simple, it can take a while to master.







Things You'll Need:





Comfortable clothing




Quiet place









1


Find a place where you can be comfortable to meditate. Many people sit on the floor in the lotus (crossed leg position), but this is not necessary. All that is necessary is that the place you choose will allow you to keep your back and neck straight.





2


Clear your mind of distractions as much as possible before you begin. The goal is to think of nothing but the breath.





3


Begin by taking a deep breath in through your nostrils. Attempt to take the breath as deep into your lungs as possible. Hold the breath to the mental count of five.





4


Let the breath out slowly through your mouth.





5


Repeat as often as desired. Take the breath in slowly, count to five and exhale.








Tips & Warnings










As you continue to do this meditation, increase the count between inhale and exhale by five. For the first week, stay with five, move up to ten the second week and so on. Work your way up to whatever feels comfortable without strain.








Don’t be surprised to find your mind wandering as you do this meditation. It will. When you catch yourself, bring your thought back to your breathing.








The more repetitions of this method, the more your body will feel relaxed.








Deep breathing meditation can help with insomnia. Try the breathing exercise while lying on your back in bed.








Deep breathing meditation is a wonderful way to end a yoga or other exercise session.








Never do this exercise while operating heavy equipment or driving a vehicle.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2278984_meditate-deep-breathing.html

How to Meditate With Classical Music

How to Meditate With Classical Music



Meditation is a wonderful way to get in touch with yourself on a daily basis. By taking time out to sit still, and concentrate on your breathing and classical music, you can help your mind alleviate stress and anxiety all throughout the day.









1


Find a quiet, peaceful place in your home where you can be alone and undisturbed to meditate. Make sure you have a means of playing your classical music, preferably from a CD or MP3 player. This way you won't have the interruptions of DJs or commercials to distract you.





2


Get comfortable. Most people meditate on a mat or on the floor, but if you have sensitive knees or joints that make this impossible, get a comfortable cushion or chair that allows you to sit comfortably for long periods of time.





3


Begin playing the classical music, and regulate the volume so that it is not too loud or too soft. You must be able to hear it, but it should not be so loud that you cannot hear yourself breathe.





4


Close your eyes, and begin meditating by concentrating on your breathing. Listen to yourself inhale, and feel the breath go into your nose and down into your lungs. Slowly exhale and concentrate again on the feeling of the breath. Continue your slow breathing until you feel relaxed and ready to empty your mind of all extraneous thought.





5


Focus your mind on the music as you empty your mind of thoughts. Listen to the different instruments in the music, and make an attempt to concentrate on one set of instruments at a time. By focusing your mind solely on the music, your breathing begins to calm and your focus spreads outward.





6


Push thoughts away as they come. Listen to the music, but if it begins to remind you of something, or brings back stories or anecdotes, let them surface in your mind and then send them away. As you meditate with classical music, the sessions should be about outward focus on the sounds and sensations that the music brings to your body. It should never become about reminiscing or concentrating on anxiety or your stressful life.





7


Choose classical music that you enjoy, but it is important to change things around while you continue to meditate on a daily basis. Focusing on new sounds, strings and arrangements help to keep you focused on the music being played. If you listen to the same songs day after day, they may begin to be background noise as you meditate.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2295442_meditate-classical-music.html

How to Meditate with Breathing

How to Meditate with Breathing



In Buddhism, meditation through breathing is called anapana sati. There are many different meditation techniques that involve breathing. This article covers the most basic technique of simple breathe-in, breathe-out breathing. Practicing this technique of meditative, aware breathing for as little as five minutes a day will slow your heart rate and relax your entire body.







Things You'll Need:





A quiet place









1


Silence for practicing any form of meditation is ideal, especially for beginners. At the very least find a quiet, private place. If you are at work, you can duck into an empty conference room. If you are at a social function, step outside or even try the bathroom!





2


There are four traditional postures for meditation: sitting, reclining, standing and walking. Buddhist text recommend sitting cross-legged with a straight back as the ideal posture. Experiment with a few different positions and see how you feel most comfortable.





3


Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Feel and observe your breath. Are you breathing through your mouth or your nose? Can you feel your breath on the back of your throat? Is your breath hot? Notice as breath enters your lungs and then your stomach. Imagine it filling your body with life. Take a few moments to just get comfortable and relax.





4


Now you are ready to begin meditating. Focus only on your breath. Let all other thoughts slowly and peacefully exit your mind. Exhale them and be present. For beginner, it will be useful to count breathes to help focus remain on breathing. In intermediate or advanced meditation practice you may want to use a mantra (repeated phrase such as om or love) to help focus your energy.





5


If you feel your focus slipping away to other thoughts return to step four.


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