There are different methods to cleansing your nose and sinuses but the goal is the same: Flush out irritants such as germs, virus, pollen, mold, and dust that cause infection/inflammation. And because each of us is unique, we respond differently to various approaches to deal with sinusitis and allergy problems. I think it’s just a good common sense to try as many as possible and find the one that best suits you in terms of convenience, effectiveness, and cost. Here is a good article that explains many nasal wash techniques and accompanying videos that has a person demonstrating the process. Very helpful!
December 21, 2008 According to the Mayo Clinic, mom’s favorite chicken soup really does help with symptoms of colds and flu. Doctors explain that the broth works to reduce inflammation and congestion. Mom was right about another simple remedy as well: The Mayo Clinic confirms that gargling with salt water is a great way to treat a scratchy throat and cough.
December 14, 2008
Here is a “nutty” news I found that made me happier about eating almonds, my favorite kind of nuts. I am sure you have heard some of the recent raves about almonds: They are loaded with the antioxidant vitamin E; offer monounsaturated fat, believed to help lower cholesterol and improve heart health; and have a balance of fiber, protein and fat that experts say makes the most satisfying snack—especially if you are trying to slim down (a handful is just 160 calories). I, personally, have lost 6 pounds in the last 4 months by snacking on almonds instead of having big lunch meals. Well now, a recent study from the Institute of Food Research has found that almonds may increase levels of beneficial stomach bacteria, which aid in digestion and help boost immune system. Although more research is needed to confirm this, go ahead and keep a little bag of nuts in your desk, handbag or car for a nutrition-packed, filling snack. Now, I realize this bit of info is useless to folks who are allergic to almonds. I am sorry. I suppose you can just say,”whatever…but I am so happy for you” and move on.
December 7, 2008
Here is another current and relevant article about efficacy of acupuncture for treating myriad of health issues, in this case chronic headache. As sinusitis and allergy sufferers, we often experience excruciating head and facial pain. Painkillers are temporary solutions with possible negative side effects. Authentic healing takes place when we address root causes of our diseases. Acupuncture is about tapping into our own amazingly wonderful body’s healing ability. Click here to read more.
November 30, 2008
We are facing one of the most difficult, unsettling economic times. Loss of job, home foreclosures and bankruptcies, mounting personal debt, relational conflicts, all add up to tremendous mental and emotional distress. People are doing their best to cope with the setbacks and one of the very effective methods they are turning to is hypnosis. Read more about this powerful tool to manage stress and build confidence to not only survive but thrive in these tumultuous times.
November 23, 2008
Did You Count Your Blessings Today?
Everyday we face ups and downs of life: Changes, let-downs, delays, relation conflicts…the list can go on. So when we feel overwhelmed, we can’t see the valuable lessons in these experiences. There are good and some not so good ways to cope with these challenges but one in particular is very useful, effective, and costs nothing. It’s GRATITUDE. Gratitude is like saying, “thank you” to these difficult challenges…saying, “I don’t like what I am experiencing but thank you anyway.” It’s looking at the glass half full. It’s about focusing on what we have rather than what we don’t have. It’s about shift in perception and awareness. This is not easy to do for sure. Maybe for some of us it is the last thing we feel like doing. I understand. Cynical people may say it’s too simplistic. Still, try it. Make gratitude a habit and see where that leads you. Be patient with yourself because forming any new habit takes time and conscious effort. Find yourself relax and soften. Gratitude allows things to be just the way they are. We let go of attempts to control outcomes. We accept WHAT IS. Gratitude transforms problems into blessings. Think and write ten things you are thankful for right now.
November 15, 2008
I found this interesting article about recent study involving cold germs. The study showed that people with colds left their germs on TV remotes and doorknobs as well as other common household items. What was surprising to me was how long these germs stayed on them…would you believe two or more days? Click here to read the full article. Well, it might be a good idea to regularly wipe these things with natural cleaners, especially during cold/flu season.
November 8, 2008
The dreaded flu season is upon us. As we know when we are stressed, we are more vulnerable to sickness. But there are some simple steps you can take to keep flu and cold away or at least minimize the chance of catching them. Consistent practice of most of these steps would be very effective for staying healthy all year round and not just for the flu season.
Get a flu shot, especially if you are over 65 years old, have a weak immune system, work closely with sick patients, or for young children.
Take daily vitamins and supplements to boost your immune system.
Drink a lot fluids such as clean water and herbal teas. Green tea has beneficial antioxidants and will give you a little “jolt” you need instead of coffee. It is important to stay hydrated keeping nasal passages moist and to flush out toxic elements in your body.
Exercise your body to stay energized and strong.
Meditate or practice relaxation methods daily to be mentally calm and peaceful. Stress weakens our body making it more susceptible to sickness.
Wash hands as often as possible, especially in public places. Carry around sanitary hand wipes for convenience.
Chinese herb called astragalus is known to be helpful in supporting immunity to resist common cold and flu.
October 25, 2008
Feeling down?…pick up the duster and be happy! Not many of us enjoy having to deal with piles of dirty dishes or get all tangled up with the vacuum cord. But here is news that can change how you look at the necessary but not always pleasant household chores. A recent study conducted by the University College London (UCL) of 20,000 men and women has shown that just weekly 20 minutes of any physical activity such as sports, gardening, or housework is enough to provide a mental boost.
Mark Hamer, senior research fellow in the department of epidemiology and public health at UCL and who conducted the study surmised the results this way, “One possible explanation is that this activity releases mood-boosting chemicals like endorphins. Another is that it helps distract people from worries.”
Engaging in sports gave study participants the biggest lift, lowering the distress level by 33 percent while housework lowered it by 20 percent and leisurely walking by 13 percent. So next time you need to chase away the blues, just pick up the duster and get to work. No doubt the cleaner home will boost your mood even more!
This study reminded me of a passage in the book called, Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh, the world-renowned Zen spiritual teacher and author. In it, he shows us to how to be present and be mindful while we wash the dishes—noticing the texture of the dishes, the warm water, and each movement of hands…feeling content and relaxed as you wash them. By doing so, what is generally considered a mundane task like this becomes sacred.
He writes, “I must confess it takes me a bit longer to do the dishes, but I live fully in every moment, and I am happy. Washing the dishes is at the same time a means and an end—that is, not only do we do the dishes in order to have clean dishes, we also do the dishes just to do the dishes, to live fully in each moment while washing them.” Words to ponder as we stand in front of the sink, sleeves rolled up, ready to engage in an activity that can bring inner balance and greater joy….
October 20, 2008
September 22nd is the date when autumn officially begins and as if on set time, my normally manageable sinus/allergy symptoms became much worse. Surprisingly, this time I experienced a pronounced and persistent dizziness/vertigo along with the usual symptoms.
In the beginning, I thought feeling dizzy would be gone by next day but it didn’t and actually got worse. It was debilitating enough for me to stay in bed all day and rest.
While resting, I turned to my trusted resource book, New Choices In Natural Healing on how to relieve these unpleasant symptoms. As shown in the book, I applied acupressure to the area below the kneecap on each leg and massaged reflexes on my feet corresponding to neck, cervical spine, and ear. To my relief, the dizziness/lightheadedness and vertigo started to dissipate after 15 minutes of self-applied treatments. I was able to get out of bed and move about without the fear of losing balance and falling over.
I am happy to report that within few days of regularly practicing the self-applied treatments mentioned above, all my symptoms disappeared.
First-Person Stories 2008
by 
, the world-renowned Zen spiritual teacher and author. In it, he shows us to how to be present and be mindful while we wash the dishes—noticing the texture of the dishes, the warm water, and each movement of hands…feeling content and relaxed as you wash them. By doing so, what is generally considered a mundane task like this becomes sacred.
on how to relieve these unpleasant symptoms. As shown in the book, I applied acupressure to the area below the kneecap on each leg and massaged reflexes on my feet corresponding to neck, cervical spine, and ear. To my relief, the dizziness/lightheadedness and vertigo started to dissipate after 15 minutes of self-applied treatments. I was able to get out of bed and move about without the fear of losing balance and falling over.
