Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Boost Your Immunity

There are so many different immune boosting supplements that it is difficult to focus on them all, so the focus of this article will be Shark Liver Oil.

For centuries, fishermen have known that the byproducts of sharks have curative properties. Hundreds of years ago, the Japanese called the liver oil from sharks a cure-all. In China, the fishermen also knew of the value of shark liver oil and listed it in their ancient book of pharmaceutical cures.
Traditionally the Norwegian and Swedish fishermen knew that if they put shark liver oil on a wound it would be protected and heal faster. Working on the fishing vessels let trial and error find the healing benefits of the shark liver oil. They even drank the oil to support gastrointestinal health and gain energy.
The Micronesians used shark liver oil as a natural immune boosting supplement for sickness and disease. They took the oil or medicine internally. The Spanish fishermen believed that if they drank the oil from the shark, or from the “great fish,” then they had a greater resistance to cold and illness.
When you look back on history, it is hard to argue that shark liver oil has no immune boosting effects. Shark liver oil contains squalamine, which aids in blood vessel growth. It contains vitamins A, D, E, Copper, Zinc, and some Iron. Shark liver oil is also known to be an antioxidant, cleaning out waste from the body in a more efficient way then without the assistance of the immune boosting supplement. When you add these benefits to the fact that the oil also supports balanced cholesterol levels and increases triglycerides, which give us natural energy, what’s not to like about these supplement?
If you wish to support your immune system and minimize allergic responses, increase and support joint mobility, have healthy skin as well as promote healthy respiratory response then immune boosting supplements may be the way to go. They make products that can be used as a topical spray for assistance in skin care and the healing of abrasions and cuts too.
People also find that the benefits they receive also work as supplements for their best friends, their pets. With so many different uses for the positive effects of shark liver oil and other natural immune boosting supplements, why not explore more supplements and what they can aid you in when it comes to your health.


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

What are the Different Types of Alternative Medicine?

The term “alternative medicine” is heard often when referring to healing practices.  But what is exactly is alternative medicine?  The term does not refer to one specific type of healing method or even to one genre of medicine.  In fact, by definition, alternative medicine is any sort of medicine or healing process that does not fall into the parameters of what is considered traditional medicine.  Alternative medicine can be used to refer to a number of different methods, and below, you will find a few of the most common types.

Chiropractic Therapy – Widely accepted across most of the United States, chiropractic care almost could be considered traditional treatment. However, the practice of chiropractics does fall into the realm of alternative medicine.  Chiropractors work to diagnose and work to repair problems and disorders of the skeletal and musculoskeletal system, specifically, the back and spine area. Chiropractic care usually involves physically manipulation or adjustment to the problem area, either through manual adjustment of use of therapy machines.

Traditional Chinese Medicine – Most of the western world considers this type of treatment to be alternative medicine.  Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) involves the practices of acupuncture, herbal remedies, Shiatsu massage, and reverse pressure massage.  These therapies depend heavily on the Eastern understanding of the body and the belief in pressure points that affect the rest of the body and its systems.

Homeopathy – Although widely debated as to whether homeopathic remedies actually do any good, this alternative form of medicine is very popular among people who prefer not to partake in regular medicines.  Homeopathic remedies are treatments created with animal and plant matter, mixed specifically for various symptoms and then diluted.  Homeopathic remedies are mostly a historic method of healthcare, but in the late 20th century, these treatments to began to see a comeback.

Hypnosis – Probably one of the greatest debates in modern medicine is the actual helpfulness of hypnosis or hypnotherapy.  This method of coaxing a patient into a state of unconsciousness is used to help victims of psychological disorders by unlocking the mind and trying to find the root of the issue.

There are many other forms of healing that fall under the alternative medicine umbrella, like herbalism, Unani, meditation, Yoga, and more. No matter what the practice, many alternative medicines are either not recognized or criticized by the modern medical community.  However, many who utilize such methods would swear by the healing effects they have seen in their own lives.