UNANI RECEIPE - 2010 EDITORIAL

HEALTH

1. Drink plenty of water

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the 3 E's / Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5. Make time to pray.

6. Play more games.

7. Read more books than you did in 2009.

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while walk, smile.



PERSONALITY

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will run your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

21. No one is incharge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will stay in touch.

32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. GOD heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come.





COVERSTORY

The management of pain has been a serious consideration in the fields of Unani medicine and healing for as long as people have been feeling pain. In the past few decades, however, the issues around controlling pain have come into sharper focus, spawning a great deal of research into, and understanding of, the nature and mechanisms of pain. There are several reasons for this the violence of the 20th century, the rising concern over the effects of pollution, the increasing longevity of the population, and the growing stresses of life in the 20th century. Partly as a result of this and the increasing sophistication of scientific methods of research, there has been considerable development of pharmacologic agents for the suppression of pain; this has in turn produced a new set of problems to be dealt with, including toxicity and addicition.

An important part of the concept of Unani medicine is that in the human individual there is unity of body, mind, and emotions. All of these aspects are inextricably interwoven, so that what affects one aspect affects all the others as well. It follows then that if pain is experienced because of a physical injury, for example, such experience reverberates throughout the mind and emotions, as well as the body itself. It also means that the healing of the physical wound does not necessarily produce an immediate cessation of the echoes extending into the other aspects of our being. These interactions have only been partially studied with the methods that are presently available; we are only beginning to understand the full meaning of such connections.

Natural Unani Therapies and Pain

Research during the last 20 years has confirmed the fundamentally important fact that our mental and emotional state effects the way we feel pain. Depression and simply expecting to feel pain opens the pain gate more, while thinking (and acting) positively closes it. So if you are “blue” and depressed, you are likely to feel pain more than if you remain upbeat.

Drugs, of course, also help close the pain gate, and this is the basis of conventional drug therapy in the treatment of pain. But drugs neither curenor, usually, remove all the pain. Worse, they have the twin disadvantages that they can reduce the body’s ability to counteract pain by diminishing its ability to produce endorphins and enkephalins, and they can also be addictive. This means that victims, particularly of severe chronic pain, can become habiturated to pain as well as suffering from such unpleasant side-effects as weakness and dizziness. It is almost as if they become so preoccupied with their pain that it controls their lives. The result is obvious, and tragic: a downward spiral of pain, drugs, more pain and more drugs. Instead of getting better, or feeling better, the patient just gets help lessly worse and worse. The tragedy is that it need not be this way. There are gentler and safer approaches that can help. Such approaches are those known loosely as “natural therapies”. (Other terms you will hear are “alternative,” “complementary,” and “holistic”, all covering the same ideas.)

Treatment of pain is one are where unani natural therapies are coming particularly strongly into their own. As well as thinking positively, other factors that close the pain gate are exercise and deep relaxation. All three are part of such classic mind-body techniques as unani, yoga, and meditation, along with the more modern methods of visualization and biofeedback. There are some two dozen natural approaches for pain treatment. They include acupuncture, acupressure, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, hypnotherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, psychotherapy and counseling, sound and color therapy, creative arts therapy, and healing. What all these approaches have in common is that, unlike conventional drug therapy, they aim to work with the body, mind, and emotions rather than against them. Though research into the effectiveness of many of these therapies is still in its infancy, all those described have shown evidence that they work to reduce, alleviate, and in some cases remove pain completely.

First, you must remember that your pain is individual and specific to you. Therefore what works for others may, unluckily, not work for you (of course it may work even better!). But tailoring treatment to you as an individual is the most important of the principles behind effective natural pain relief. That may mean seeking out the help of a pain clinic or a specialist in natural medicine, such as a qualified natural therapist or naturopath, to get you started on the right track.

Second, it often takes time for many therapies to work fully. This is especially true for chronic (longterm) pain, and it may take perseverance to reverse the trends and habits of years of pain, not least in how you see yourself in relation to the pain (does the pain control you, or do you control the pain?).

Third, it is important to be sure that you have correctly identified the cause of the pain. Accurate self-diagnosis is vital. In most acute cases, the cause is obvious a cut, bang, scald, or sprain, for example but sometimes it is not, and wrong diagnosis can result in wrong treatment. At best, mistaken treatment may do no harm, but it is unlikely to help either. At worst, it may not only do damage but also delay correct treatment. In rare cases, such delay can be fatal. So if in doubt, consult a qualified practitioner, such as your family doctor, before starting.

Remember also that therapies effective for acute pain are not necessarily suitable for chronic pain, and vice versa. A unani herbal remedy or a massage with an essential oil may help ease an acute headache but do little for chronic arthritis. Equally, emotional pain whether immediate or long term is more likely to be helped by psychological therapies, such as relaxation and meditation, than by acupressure or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).



The difference between good and bad fats

Dietary fats are necessary for good health. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble therefore, without fat in your system you wouldn’t be able to absorb these important vitamins. Also, food would taste exceedingly bland, and your skin and hair would become dry and brittle.

There are three basic types of fat: monounsaturated fat (MUFA), polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) and saturated fat (SATFA), whichinclude hydrogenated and trans fat. MUFA and PUFA are good for you; SATFA is unhealthy. How do you tell a good fat from a bad one? The degree of saturation is the tell-tale sign. A saturated fat (like lard), is solid at room temperature; an unsaturated fat (like olive oil) is liquid at room temperature. However, even good fats can turn bad. Exposure to air, light, and heat changes the composition, rendering them unhealthy.

Just like a car needs oil to run smoothly, your body needs essential fatty acids (EFAs) to hum at peak efficiency. The two EFAs your body can’t make on its own, linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6) are the ones being promoted in flax oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, and similar EFA products you’ll find in the supplement section of your natural foods store.



Attitudes to Pain

For most forms of pain, both acute and chronic, physical and psychological, there is usually a great deal you can do for yourself. Helping you to realize that you can do thins for yourself and take control of your life again is one of the most significant things this book seeks to achieve. But having the right attitude to pain is important.

Reject outright any idea that your pain is your “fault” or somehow a “punishment” for something. Any notion that the pain (or the disease it represents) is the result of karma, for example, or the act of a vengeful God, or equivalent, should be dismissed out-of-hand. It is not only an unjustified idea but, much more seriously, it could produce negative feelings of guilt or anger that will seriously interfere with the healing process.

Again, some people with chronic pain can become so addicted to their pain that they come to accept it as a sort of support, and even miss it if it goes: in other words, they develop a need for it. Equally, there are people who will do anything to suppress and deny their pain. Pain, in these situations, has become either a “friend” or an “enemy”. But it is neither. It is a natural process that is no more nor less than a sign to alert us that something is wrong. Working with and through pain is not only possible, particularly using the natural therapies but can be strengthening and life-enhancing if approached with the right attitude.

Using the therapies not only offers you a wealth of choices for effective action in combating pain action that may enable you to overcome your particular pain but, most importantly of all, it allows you to reclaim your life and start living again.







Unani First Aid For Pain



Everyone experiences unexpected injuries and illnesses at one time or another, and quick; treatment may be essential both to alleviate pain and to prevent the; problem from escalating.



Bruises



According to unani therapy, place anything cold on the affected part as soon as possible, and leave for about 10-15 minutes. An ice pack, a bag of frozen peas from the freezer, or simply a washcloth soaked in cold water will do.

Arnica is the best remedy for mild to moderate bruising, and hypericum for severe bruising. Apply either as a cream over the entire area after icing and drying the bruise.

Alternatives to arnica are comfrey cream and aloe vera gel. A cold compress soaked can also be beneficial.



Sprains



As for bruises, place an ice pack or similar on the affected part, and keep it there for as long as possible.

Immerse the sprain for about 15 minutes in a bowl of cold water containing four drops of the essential oils of rosemary and sweet mar-joram. Make a cold compress using the same liquid, wrap it around the sprain, and keep it in place (using a waterproof bandage or similar) for several hours.



CUTS



Clean the cut with warm water. If the cut is deep, apply firm pressure for several minutes after cleaning to help stop the bleeding, preferably using a lint or cotton pad. Check that there is no loss of sensation or impeded function. Protect with a sterile pad, clean handkerchief, adhesive tape, or bandage.



BITES



Bites from any creature, animal or human, can be serious if deep enough, and infection is always a risk. So, in addition to washing and cleaning the wound, and applying an antiseptic( tea tree oil is excellent), always seek medical help as soon as possible. This step is essential if the bite is from a wild animal, snake, or dog.



STINGS



Calamine lotion is a good general remedy for minor stings, but not for stings from bees and wasps.



Bee stings : Sodium bicarbonate will neutralize the poison. Dissolve two teaspoonfuls in a cup of warm water and apply with a cotton ball.



Wasp stings : Vinegar or lemon juice, applied to the skin undiluted, will neutralize the poison.



Jellyfish stings : A hot bath is the best way to neutralize the poison in jellyfish stings. The temperature should be 100-1020F (38-390C).



Nettle stings : Rubbing a dock leaf onto the affected area is very effective (docks are usually found where nettles grow). The leaf should be rubbed on vigorously, so that the juice from the leaf goes into the skin to neutralize the poison.



Poison ivy stings : Cut an onion in half and rub it on the affected area. Wash the area with soap and water to remove the plant’s oil, and apply a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water as for bee stings.



Cautions : Reactions to some stings, notably from insects (especially bees and wasps) and jellyfish, can sometimes be so severe as to be life-threatening. This kind of allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis. Signs are cold, clammy skin with an itchy rash, rapid, shallow breathing, and week pulse. Seek immediate medical help.



Skin Pain



Skin consists of three layers: the outer epidermis layer, the middle dermis layer, and the innermost layer of subcutaneous fatty tissue, the innermost layer is where blood vessels run and hair roots start to grow; the middle layer is where sweat glands are found, and also the glands that produce lubrication for the outer layer of skin (sebaceous glands), as well as the web of nerve endings that send a constant stream of messages to the brain about temeprature, touch, taste, and so on. The outer layer is the elastic surface that we see. Though relatively resilient, it is extremely thin and can damage easily. But it also repairs very quickly. Its entire surface is renewed every month, but this process speeds up if something happens to rub or scuff it.



Heat Rash and Sunburn



Heat rash is an allergic reaction to too much heat, resulting in red and uncomfortable blotches over the surface of the skin. Children and women seem to be more susceptible than men. The symptoms, though intense, are usually short-lived and disappear when the irritant too much heat or the sun is avoided.

To provide relief, bathe the affected area with tincture of calendula or lavender. Chamomile lotion or sempervivum, dabbed on with absorbent cotton, can cool and soothe. Drinking tea made from lime or peppermint may also help. For sunburn.



Boils



Boils are an inflammation of the skin from a bacterial infection, producing tender, pus-filled raised spots. They are more uncomfortable than serious, but seldom clear unless the pus is drained first.



Herbal medicine



Use a hot poultice of slippery elm paste, kaolin, or magnesium sulfate, applied over several days to bring the boil to a head, followed by tea tree antispetic oil after the boil has burst. An alternative is a bread poultice; crumble bread into boiled milk or water, wrap the mixture in gauze, drain, and apply hot evry 3-4 hours; or a hot Epsom salts pack (2 tablespoonfuls in one cup of water). While the boil lasts, take one teaspoonful of equal parts of echinacea, cleavers, and yellow dock, made into a tea and drunk three times a day.



Blisters



Blisters are thin swellings of the skin,containing a watery fluid, caused by friction. Apply the natural antiseptics lavender, tea tree, oil onto the punctured blister, or dab on a mixture of hypericum and calendula. Take the Unani remedy and rub on aloe vera gel. The tissue salt taken as a supplement, and garlic may also help.



Psoriasis



Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by dry, reddish patches covered with silvery scales that can develop on any part of the body (usually the head, lower back, elbows, and knees) as the result of an abnormally high rate of skin cell reproduction. It is not contagious, and pain is usually psychological, though severe forms can involve cracks in the skin and, in rare cases, a painful type of arthritis, affecting legs, hands, and spine. The cause is unknown, but it appears to be an inherited tendency that stays once it starts, coming and going at intervals. Attacks are classically triggered by stress and illness.

Natural sunlight, containing ultra violet A and B rays, is the best of all treatments for psoriasis, but except in unusual places, such as the Dead Sea, exposure must not be long (10-30 minutes, depending on skin type). To improve skin health, some unani naturopaths recommend fasting for 48 hours, drinking water or freshly pressed fruit and vegetable juices a combination of carrot, celery, beer, cucumber, and / or grape is best, taken as often as you want. If drinking only water, do not exercise, and take plenty of rest. If doing a juice fast, exercise moderately. To encourage cleansing, take Epsom salts or castor oil in orange juice, two days before starting the fast, and the morning of the first day of the fast.

In Unani Nutritional and dietary therapy eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and salads, and reduce intake of animal fats as much as possible. Oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring, is recommended. Bitter melon is an old remedy for psoriasis that might be of help, and so are avocado and sauerkraut.

Supplementing with a daily tablespoonful of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed (linseed) oil, or canola oil may help or, better, take capsules of essential fatty acids containing gammalinolenic acid and eicosapentenoic acid such as starflower (borage) oil, evening primrose oil, and fish oils, Other supplements that might help during an attack are vitamin A (10000 iu three times daily for six days), vitamin B complex (100 mg twice a day with meals), vitamin D (400 iu a day), spirulina (an algae rich in microminerals), zinc (15-20 mg a day), and the tissue salts silicea.

A type of berberis (Mahonia aquifolium) has recently shown success in treating psoriasis, but a more traditional treatment is dendelion root and burdock with red clover flower as blood cleansers. Nettle is also said to help psorasis by “purifying” the blood. Other useful herbs are echinacea (for the immune system), yellow dock (boil 2-3 leaves per quart/liter of water, and drink) garlic and sarsparilla.









Depression



A number of approaches promote mental and emotional recovery by encouraging both relaxation and a positive image of oneself. A good way to start is with a progressive unani muscular relaxation exercise.



Sit in a comfortable position (it is better not to lie down or you may fall asleep). Start with your feet by wiggling your toes. Then squeeze your feet with your hands and let them go. Now rotate your ankles. Squeeze or tense your calves, knees, and thighs in turn before relaxing. At each stage, be conscious of the difference in feeling before and after. Next clench your buttocks and relax them. Tighten the stomach muscles, and slowly breathe in before more slowly breathing out. When you reach your shoulders hunch them up and release (many people hold tension in their shoulders without realizing it). Do this a few times. Finish by screwing your face up and stretching your jaw before releasing. Relax.



At the end of this routine you should feel quite relaxed. See if you can keep this feeling of relaxation during the rest of the day. Test your body from time to time. If you think you have tensed up, run through the sequence again. It does not take long no more than a few minutes and is easy to fit into even the busiest routine. With practice you will find it will help you cope better and give you more stamina and clarity of mind.



Combining the relaxation exercise with any of the following therapies can produce an extremely powerful healing force.



Visualization



In the unani therapy, foocus on the pain you are feeling. Whether it is a physical or psychological pain, try and get a sense of it a feeling for it almost. What exactly is it like (throbbing, sharp, dull)? What “shape” is it (small, wide, large)? What “weight” is it (light, heavy)? Identify it as precisely as you can. The aim is having identified it, to decide to change it by imagining something appropriate in your mind’s eye that will best deal with it. For example, a “heavy, wide, dull” pain may be seen as a large rock pressing down on that part of you; or a “sharp, thin, light” pain as a needle sticking into you. So, in the first example, you could visualize a crane or a giant gently lifting the rock off you and crushing it to powder. Or, in the second, reaching down and slowly pulling the needle out and throwing it into the sea.

Psychological pain is often harder to “picture”, but not impossible. If depression is the basic problem, try to identify the cause, if it is not already obvious. Rejection, for example, may be seen as a small, lost child, crying and alone. A smiling angel may be visualized walking up to the child and taking it by the hand into a room full of warmth and light, where other people come up, also smiling, and hug and talk to the child. Equally, an aching heart may be seen as bruised, and benefit from being surrounded by purple light, or warm sea -water, or a soft hand; mental turmoil or confusion as a cage that is unlocked and lets all the chaos escape, leaving a clear, empty, silent space.

The possibilites are endless. The illogicality or unlikelihood of the image is not important. If the result makes you feel good or atleast better then let it happen, whatever it is. Sustain the picture as long as you like, go in any direction you like, see whatever you want to see. The important thing is to think of a positive image, an image that is a solution, at least in your mind’s eye.

Having found an effective image, visualize it regularly. And if it ceases to be effective, simply change it for something that is and do that regularly. Continue until your mind is in control of the pain and not the other way around. At best, you will find that your mind can literally think the pain away. At worst, it will give other methods a better chance of helping you recover, or enable you to face life with more strength and so allow more positive experiences to come your way that will displace the old negative thoughts and feelings more completely.



Unani Meditation



Anyone can meditate, but it takes a little practice to do it properly. That is why it is a good idea to be shown how to do it by someone experienced. The basic idea is to begin by relaxing the body and then try to do the same with the mind to reach a state of what is often termed “passive concentration.” This can be a bit difficult to achieve at first, but it becomes easier with practice.

Sit upright in a comfortable and well-supported position (do not lie down, or you could fall asleep and remove the point of the exercise). Close your eyes, or if this makes you feel sleepy, try fixing your gaze on a single, simple object, such as a lighted candle or a stone. The aim is to remain mentally relaxed yet alert.

Do not worry about stray thoughts that flit through your mind (they usually do). Do not be concerned about how well you may (or may not) be doing it is not a test. The most important thing is to adopt a “let it all happen” approach. Experienced meditators say: “Don’t push the river, let it flow by itself.”

Try and retain your “passive concentration” for at least 20-30 minutes. When ready to stop, get up quietly and slowly. The effects of meditation are often hard to pinpoint at first, but regular meditators claim dramatic increases in energy, stamina, and resistance to diseases of all kinds, including the effects of pain, in the long-term. The lession is that for meditation to be successful and it can be extremely successful for some people it needs to be practiced regularly.



Self hypnosis



The ability of the mind to “hypnotize” or “reprogram” itself to think itself and therefore the rest of the body better is not only powerful but immensely effective. This has obvious implications in the natural treatment of pain, both mental and physical. The best known recent exponent of the process of self-hypnosis is the who coined the term “affirmations” to describe the process.

Another, older description is “autosuggestion,” who launched the technique more than a century ago with his famous phrase: “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.” Examples of affirmations useful for mental and emotional pain are the following (they are best performed looking into a mirror).

“I am calm and confident”

“I love and approve of myself”.

“I am a wonderful human being.”

“I am the power and authority in my life and no one else is.”

“I am strong and my mind/heart is healing itself.”

“I am filled with healing power.”

Affirmations can be learned easily from books, tapes, and videos, but sometimes initial guidance from a specialist teacher, or perhaps an experienced acquaintance, can put you on the right track and save time and effort.





Biofeedback



The use of a brain wave metering device to discover control of one’s own mental activity, biofeedback must be learned under professional guidance. Once learned, it is an effective way of educating the mind into better habits by doing more of what is good for the body and less of what is bad.



Flower remedies



Self diagnosis and self-selection is very much the rule in using flower remedies for psychological pain. Bluebell, violet butterfly, and mariposa lily, for example, are recommended for depression of various kinds, but it is for the individual to decide which “feels” right. These days, with some two dozen suppliers making more than 100 remedies in over 50 countries around the world, the choice is enormous. The box below gives an idea of some of the original Bach flower remedies available for psychological pain.



Unani Exercise



Any form of exercise is one of the best ways of helping with mental and emotional pain of almost any kind, especially if the exercise is energetic and emotions are prevented from “taking over.” In addition to promoting heart and lung health, physical exercise naturally releases the so-called “pleasure hormones” (endorphis) that dampen down psychological and physical pain. Running, walking, climbing, swimming, and cycling are all excellent ways of using exercise to help with psychological pain. Exercise with someone, or alone if you prefer : the choice is yours. But exercising at the first sign of a depression can often stop it in its tracks and you will be better physically for it too.



Unani Massage



Massaging, or being massaged, is a wonderful de-stressor and psychological pain-reliever, especially if used with aromatic or essential oils. There are a number of recognized techniques taught to professional massage therapists but using firm, flowing strokes and doing what you or your partner likes is more important than formal techniques in self help.



Aromatherapy



The range of essential oils is wide, and almost all have a useful role in treating psychological pain of all kinds, whether used in massage, inhaled, or vaporized in a burner. Oils most favored are shown below, but if you are unsure, ask at a store that supplies them (they usually also have samples for you to try), or seek the advice of a qualified clinical aromatherapist.



Reflexology



Manipulating the soles and sides of the feet is another excellent relaxer that benefits the mind and emotions as much as the body especially, as with massage, when done with an essential oil. Because so many organs are said to correspond to do so many different parts of the foot making specific treatment complicated for a non-specialist a good overall massage of the entire foot, but particularly the top half including the toes, is best. For even better results, get someone else to do it to you.



Cancer Pain



There are no precise statistics, but various estimates have suggested that as few as half of all those with cancer feel pain. Cancer can, and does give rise to pain, but the significant fact is that when the pain eventually makes itself felt, it is more usually the result of the cancerous growth pressing on a nerve or interfering with some other bodily function than the cancer itself giving pain. Mind and emotions have been shown to be as important in the effective treatment of cancer as treating just the body and may even be more so. The alleviation of cancer pain is a matter of combining various psychological and physical approaches to marshal and make best use of the natural mind-over-matter powers that we all have. Helping yourself is possible to a very large extent in cancer, but the following suggestions are meant as a complement to any conventional medical treatment rather than as an alternative to it.



Nutritional therapy



Vitamins and mineral do not have the painkilling properties of some herbs, but a complex supplement of 17 micro-minerals is claimed to have dramatic pain relieving effects. The combination is said to work by restoring the body’s natural mineral balance, but it is not yet widely available in the west.



Aromatherapy



Massaging with essential oils is one of the best ways to counter cancer pain, especially if you can find someone to do it to you. Use geranium, jasmine, juniper, or Roman chamomile. Vaprizing essential oils of lemon, lemon grass, and / or lavender may also help.



Reflexology



The same principle applies to reflexology as to massage, except that reflexology offers the advantage or massaging areas of the body affected by tumors indirectly via the feet. You can identify the part of the foot to be manipulated by referring to the “foot map”. The same oils useful in massage can be applied to the feet, and again it is better if someone does the manipulating for you, making sure they use firm but not sharp pressure (thumbs are best for this) for 5-10 seconds at a time.



Acupressure



The principles and techniques of acupressure, follow on from the above two therapies in cancer pain relief. Applying finger, thumb, knuckle, or even whole hand pressure to points that relate to the affected part or parts of the body can be very effective. Pressure should be steady and deep (though not hurtful), and last for about 20 seconds at a time.



Herbal Medicine



A wide range of herbs can help in cancer pain, depending entirely on the symptoms and the individual. The most important are Jamaican dogwood, lady’s slipper, passion flower, skullcap, and valerian. But the advice of a qualified medical herbalist should be followed. If not consulting a trained therapist, always take medicinal herbs as tablets or capsules in the controlled doses supplied by druggists and health food stores.





Headaches And Migraines



Headaches



Acccording to unani physicians, most headaches are of the type often referred to as “tension” headache, because they are caused by tension in the muscles and tissues of the head, neck, and shoulders usually as a direct result of the stresses and strains of everyday living. Overeating and drinking are also common causes of tension headache. These common headaches, whether stress or food related, are the easiest to treat naturally. Headaches as a result of more serious conditions, such as infection, are harder to assist, but help is still possible with care.

One : Using both hands, apply gently fingertip pressure to a point midway between the eyebrows and another immediately above, on the top of the head. Hold the pressure for above five seconds and then relax.

Two : Another point worth trying is the soft pad between thumb and first finger, either hand. Use the thumb of your other hand to apply the pressure. Again, a few seconds of gentle pressure is all that is needed.

Caution : This method is not recommended during pregnancy.



Aromatherapy



For headaches caused by colds, flu, or breathing problems, such as sinusitis and bronchitis, inhale steam from hot water infused with Olbas oil, or a mixture of essential oils such as eucalyptus, juniper berry, peppermint, wintergreen, and cajuput. A pleasant and relaxing alternative is to add a few drops of the oils of melissa, rosemary, or marjoram to a hot bath, and soak.



Hydrotherapy



Sitting or lying in a quiet and restful position with eyes closed is an effective first step to relieving headache. Keeping warm is also important. Water therapy acts to treat the symptoms of tension headache, and relaxing techniques to remove the underlying causes. For immediate relief, soak a wash cloth in cold water, wring it out, and lie down with it over the fore head and eyes. Rest with eyes closed for as long as possible. Resoak the cloth as often as needed to keep the head cool.



Relaxation



Consciously getting your body to relax and nothing the change is a very effective way of relaxing that is not only useful for preventing and removing headaches but for pain caused by tension in any part of the body.



One : Make sure you are in a comfortable position sitting in a hot bath is ideal and massage the back of the neck, shoulders, and temples. Better still, get a friend to do it for you.



Two : Use relaxed but positive strokes on the shoulders and fingertip pressure on the back of the neck and temples. For a better effect, lubricate your hands with a neuttral oil (such as grapeseed), infused with three or four drops of an essential oil, such as lavender, chamomile, basil, or peppermint.



Herbal Medicine



The bark of the willow tree and the plant meadowsweet contain natural painkillers effective against headache. Other useful herbs are chamomile, passiflora, ginger, lavender, and rosemary. Pour hot water onto a teaspoonful or two of the dried herb in a cup, and drink as a tea.



Caution : Self-medication with wild plants is not recommended without guidance from a qualified herbalist, because many herbs are strong and can be dangerous if taken in excess. One of the best ways to treat yourself with herbs is to take readymade tablets or capsules, which are widely available from reputable health food suppliers and drugstores.



Alexander technique



The technique which teaches correct posture by “re-educating” the head to sit correctly on the shoulders must first be learned from a trained teacher but it is then easy to use yourself at home. Practiced on a regular basis, the Alexander technique is effective for the prevention of headache as well as their treatment.



Therapeutic touch



Get a friend to stand behind you and “stroke” either side of your head with their hands held about an inch (2-3 cm) away from your hair. Ask them to wish or will your headache away as they stroke. Close your eyes and visualize the headache going away as they do it. Continue for as long as you think it worthwhile, but 10-15 minutes will normally yield results.



Reflexology



Apply determined fingertip or thumb pressure to the bottom, sides, and top of the toes of both feet (the toe is said to link to the head in reflexology). Concentrate on areas where the toes are tender, pressing until the tenderness wears off. Do the same to the area where the toes join the foot (said to correspond to the neck). Treating yourself is nto ideal, or easy, but it can be done though the help of a friend is better. For best results, consult a trained therapist.



Migraines



Classic migraine is much more than just a bad headache. It is a severe and often disabling pain in the head usually on one side only accompanied by sometimes alarming symptoms such as altered perception, a feeling that the skull is in the grip of a tightening vise, pins and needles or numbness, nausea and vomiting, and an inability to do anything. Symptoms can come and go and last for hours sometimes even days. No two people usually experience the same symptoms, and one person can experience different symptoms on different occasions.

Migraines which have been compared to an electrical storm going on inside the head arise from the dilation or constriction of small arteries in the head region. Many different factors seem to cause them, but those most often reported are extreme stress, disco lights and noise, menstruation (women suffer from migraine much more than men do), and eating or drinking “trigger” foods, such as chocolate, cheese, oranges, coffee, and red wine.



Self - hypnosis



The technique of warming the fingers by using the power of your mind has been shown to produce lasting benefits for many sufferers of chronic migraine. The technique, which is a form of self-hypnosis, involves willing your fingers to a temperature 96oF (35.6oC) by concentrating. It is not easy but can be done and is said to work for 85 percent of people.



Reflexology



The same reflex points used to ease headaches can work for migraine sufferers also.



Relaxation



Therapies such as meditation, tai chi, and yoga are effective for prevention in the long term by teaching the body how to relax and “harmonize” within itself. All three are best learned from a qualified teacher first.

Nutritional, dietary and herbal therapies : The herb feverfew is well known to be effective in preventing attacks. One fresh leaf a day (eaten either in a salad or sandwich) is the recommended amount if you are prone to regular bouts of migraine. But it is not nearly so effective if an attack has already started. An alternative to eating the raw leaf is to take 125 mg capsules or tablets (available from most good health food or drugstors).

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), the B vitamins (especially vitamin B3, niacin) and the mineral magnesium are also said to help not only prevent attacks but alleviate the symptoms. If you do not want to go to the expense of consulting a qualified nutritionist for individual advice on optimum dose levels, take a good quality multivitamin containing these ingredients. Another supplement said to help is royal jelly. Beneficial foods include carrots, celery, beet, cucumber, spinach, and parsley. For best effect they should be juiced and drunk.



Massage and aromatherapy



Massage of the head, neck, shoulders, back, feet, and hands can sometimes bring relief, but you will need the help of a friend. The massage should be soothing rather than vigorous use long, smooth strokes and be continued as long as you find it comfortable or it brings relief. If trying aromatherapy use the same oils as for headaches.



Hydrotherapy



As immediate first aid for migraine pain, apply a warm washcloth or compress to the back of the neck and the side of the head affected (both sides if necessary). Lie or sit somewhere comfortable, and if : light is a problem close your eyes (or darken the room with the drapes. Keep the washcloth in place warming it by running hot water over it and then wringing it out for as long as it brings relief.





Eyes, Ears, Mouth, Nose and Throat Pain



Earache is usually a problem in the ear, eye pain a problem in the eye, nose and mouth pain a problem in each of those organs, and so on. Ears, nose, and throat are an interconnected system, and an inflammation in one area will often affect one or both of the others, but pain will still tend to be confined to the head area. This makes treatment of the sensory organs relatively easy, and a wide range of self-help approaches is effective for most symptoms.



Cold and flu



Colds and flu are the most common and still one of the most elusive viral illnesses of the human race, producing a variety of uncomfortable and often “achy” symptoms. In colds, symptoms are mainly in the head, especially in the ears, nose and throat, while flu can be felt throughout the body, particularly in the joints, chest and lungs.

Most colds are not serious enough to be a real bother, and go away of their own accord after about a week. Flu is more serious, and requires bed rest in its early stages. Natural therapists insist that the symptoms of neither should be suppressed, however, particularly if a raised temperature is involved; the fever should be encouraged to come out through sweating. The following approaches can help accelerate recovery.



Herbal medicine



Echinacea, garlic, ginger, and lemon are all effective at combating infection. A hot tea of equal parts of elderflower, peppermint, and yarrow is also beneficial drunk at least three times a day.



Naturopathy



Rest, keep warm, and drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses a day), especially if there is a fever and sweating. Mix honey and lemon (or cider vinegar) in hot water and drink regularly. Regular inhaling with mixtures such as Olbas oil (containing eucalyptus, juniper berry, menthol, clove, wintergreen, cajuput, and mint oils), either sprinkled on a handkerchief or tissue, or added to steam and breathed in, helps clear nasal passages and ease breathing.



Nutritional and dietary therapy



Take vitamin C with bioflavonoids (6-10 g a day) zinc (15-20 mg a day), vitamin B complex (best as a multivitamin, with iron), and cod liver oil. If hungry (loss of appetite is normal and aids recovery), concentrate on fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, grains, and vegetables.



EYES



The first resort whenever eye symptoms arise should be to consult an eye doctor. However, there are suitable home remedies for less serious eye problems such as eyestrain.



Eystrain



A few simple exercises can help relieve eyestrain. First, blink rapidly, then follow by “palming” the eyes. To “palm,” sit comfortably, rub your hands together vigorously to generate heat, and place them over the eyes. Hold them there for several minutes.



Herbal medicine



Grate a raw potato and place enough on the closed eyelid to cover the entire eye. Cover with gauze and leave in position for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, bathe the eye with euphrasia, either using an eye-cup (eye bath) or soaking some roll cotton (cotton wool) in the liquid and applying it to your eye for around 20 minutes every hour while the pain lasts.



Conjunctivitis



Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,”is inflammation of the membrane inside the eye tissue (conjunctiva), causing redness, pain, and often a sticky discharge. Infection is usually the reason, but an allergic reaction, smoke and chemical sprays can also be to blame.



Herbal medicine



Wash the eye several times a day with a mixture of one tablespoon of golden seal root powder, one tea-spoon of salt, and 250 mg vitamin C, added to 2 pints (1 liter) of clean water. Let the mixture settle before using.



EARS



Problems such as earache are particularly common in children and hey may be linked to infections in other areas, for example tonsillitis.



Earache (Otitis)



Pain in the ears can be caused simply by loud noise and exposure to old, windy conditions, or more seriously by infection. A heating pad or wrapped hot-water bottle held over the ear will ease the pain.

Caution : Infection of the inner ear (otitis media) is a serious condition and medical help should be sought if it is suspected. Antibiotics may be advisable, particularly in children with a high fever. Untreated, it can lead to meningitis.



Nutritional and dietary therapy



If pain is recurrent, reduce intake of dairy products, drink 6-8 glasses of water every day, and cover ears in windy conditions. Regular supplementation with vitamin C, zinc and garlic can also help.



Herbal medicine



Put 2-3 drops of warmed almond or castor oil into the ears and seal with a small swab of cotton. Other effective drops are oils of garlic, hypericum, or mullein. A couple of drops of tinctures of pennywort, chamomile, yarrow, hyssop, or lobelia can also help. An alternative is a hot onion or mustard poultice placed behind the ear and left until the ache eases. If infection is the cause of the ache, take echinacea tincture every two hours 30 drops (half a teaspoon) for an adult; half that dose for a child.



Tinnitus



A constant background noise in the ear, usually described as “ringing in the ears,” that you can hear but nobody else can. There is no single known cause, but some likely sources are depression, stress, anxiety, infection, high blood pressure, drugs, and congestion (with wax).



Herbal Medicine



“Ear candles” are said to be particularly beneficial, though you will need someone to help. The “candles” are thin, hollow tubes, containing traces of herbs, that are placed in each ear in turn and burned slowly down to the ear. It takes about 10 minutes to do one ear. Wax and other impurities are drawn into the tube, and the smoke from the herbs is said to have a healing effect on the ear cavities.



Neck and Back pain



According to research in unani system our posture affects our health in many ways. Poor posture can cause problems not only with our backs, hands, arms, and legs but less obvious parts of our body too, such as ears, eyes, brain, throat, mouth, blood, bladder and bowels. It can also be responsible for many so-called psychosomatic complaints, from tiredness, depression, and headaches to poor breathing, constipation, and incontinence.



A physical problem with the back can affect the mind and emotions as well as the body. On the other hand, good posture means that muscles work more efficiently, breathing is deeper andless strained, blood is stronger and richer in oxygen, the immune system is more effective and, generally, we will feel more balanced, energetic, and healthier.



The problem of poor posture is not confined to any one group of people. Most people spend a life time with a body that is unbalanced the result of poor eating and living habits, lack of exercise, wearing the wrong shoes, sitting around too much, and not sitting properly. All these things lead to muscle tightness and imbalances that in turn creat abnormal weight distribution and stresses and strain on other, hidden, parts of the body often far from the root of the problem.



The work we do, our temperament, the genes we were born with, and the diseases we experience can all affect our posture. But posture is something we can do a very great deal to correct, regardless of its origins (though some problems, such as inner ear infection that can cause a loss of balance, may need drug treatment as well).



Standard conventional therapy for back pain involves the taking of drugs, such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, corticosteriods, and tranquilizers none of which should be a first resort treatment, and all of which have side-effects (some of them serious). Natural therapy, by contrast, concentrates on alleviating immediate symptoms with such approaches as hydrotherapy, massage, TENS devices, and acupuncture, and long-term removal of causes by correcting poor posture and maintaining good posture.



The spine has four natural curves but they should be gentle and upright curves. A good spine should have the right balance of curves for best performance and to avoid strain on muscles and joints. When they are neither gentle nor upright, a variety of problems can occur. The most common abnormalities are kyphosis, lordosis, flat back, sway back, and scoliosis.

Figuring out whether you have a postural problem and deciding on treatment is best done with help.



BACK



Backache, or back pain, is with headache, one of the commonest and also one of the most serious types of pain experienced. More working days are lost in the western world through back problems than from any other illness except flu. There is little surprise in this, given that the back (and neck), consisting of the spine and a broad swathe of interconnecting muscles and tissues, is almost exclusively responsible for holding us upright and keeping most organs in their correct position. This puts the back (and neck) under constant strain and is the factor that makes back problems difficult to treat.



The record of natural therapies is second to none in both alleviating and curing back pain, and natural approaches are increasingly being incorporated into the treatment being offered at pain clinics around the world. Though pain can happen anywhere in the back, the majority of back pain occurs in the lower part of the back, where it is better known as lumbago.



Unani Massage and aromatherapy



Massage carefully over the entire back, concentrating on “hot spots”, or areas of particular pain, but making sure not to apply pressure to the spine itself. If unable to reach your back, get a friend to help. A good alternative is to put two tennis balls into a sock and gently roll on them (keeping them away from the spine itself). A mixture of 12 drops of ginger, 5 drops of juniper, and 8 drops of either rosemary or lavender (rosemary is stimulating and lavender calming), added to a carrier oil, will make massage more effective. Other oils effective for acute pain are black pepper, cypress, eucalyptus, and birch, and for general muscle ache marjoram, chamomile, and clary sage.



One : The Cat posture can be beneficial. Kneel on all fours, arms straight down, knees under hips, and head up. Breathe in, and slowly raise and lower your head several times. Breathe out.



Two : Breathe in, lifting your chin right up, and at the same time press down on your hands, dropping your back so that it is curved toward the floor. Hold for a few seconds and breathe out.



Three : Breathing out, arch your back upward and pull your chin into your chest. Hold for a few seconds and relax. Repeat three times at first, building up to ten as you gain stamina.



The Pelvic tilt : Lie flat on your back, arms straight by your side, hands flat on the ground, knees bent. Breathe normally. Pushing down on your hands and arms, and clenching the muscles of your buttocks, raise your pelvis up. Hold for a few seconds and relax. Repeat three times, increasing the number and duration of the tilts as you gain stamina.



Unani Movement therapy and hydrotherapy



Lie down on a firm flat surface with knees bent, and apply alternate hot and cold compresses. Apply the ice pack for 10 minutes and the hot pack for 5, alternating for as long and as often as helps. Using a large bag of frozen peas and a covered hot-water bottle is the easiest way of doing this at home.



Slowly drawing both knees up toward your shoulders helps gets muscles over spasm by stretching them. But do not force it: stop if it hurts, and let the muscle get used to the stretch before continuing.



Unani Exercise : Gentle exercise is now widely accepted as being much better for treating back problems than rest, Swimming particularly if combined with a sauna or steam bathing is excellent, and walking is also good (but not jogging). A wide range of exercises that can help is now on offer in both the western and eastern traditions. Some specialists in back pain offer the best of both, and an initial visit to a therapist could help you find out what is most suitable for your needs and preferences.



Herbal medicine



If the pain or ache is from a strain or injury, arnica tincture or ointment rubbed gently into the affected area will help ease any bruising, provided it is applied within an hour of the incident. Bromelain (pineapple enzyme) is a powerful anti-inflammatory (2-3 g daily at first, 1-2g as the pain eases). Other anti-inflammatories, effective drunk as teas, are valerian, hypericum, and Jamaican dogwood, Natural “aspirin” tablets made from willow bark and meadowsweet can help relieve pain, while ginger, cayenne, horseradish, lobelia, and crampbark help recovery if rubbed into the painful area, by stimulating local blood flow.



Electonic devices : TENS provide powerful pain relief, as do devices that encourage blood into the area, such as intasound and vibrating massagers. High-frequency massagers (100 Hz) are best, applied for at least 45 minutes.



Nutritional and dietary therapy : Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and as little as possible of animal fats, sugar, salt, alcohol, tea, and coffee. Supplements to fish oils, evening primrose oil and a good multivitamin and mineral supplement will help.



Aromatherapy : Regular hot baths containing a few drops each of chamomile, lavender, juniper, eucalyptus, and rosemary are an effective pain-reliever.



Relaxation : Encourage relaxation of the back muscles by avoiding stress. Therapies such as meditation, visualization, biofeedback, and self-hypnosis can all help promote mental and emotional relaxation.



Postural therapies : The Alexander technique teaches correct postural habits and is particularly effective for neck and back pain if practiced on a regular basis. Some of the exercises are extremely simple : a classic relaxation exercise good for the back involves lying face up on the floor with knees bent, hands resting on the stomach and head on a book 1.5 in (3-4 cm) thick. Other techniques that work along roughly the same lines are Rolfing, the Feldenkrais method, and Heller work but these need even more guidance from a teacher than the Alexander technique.



Slipped Disk



Between each of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) is a flat piece, or disk, of springy cartilage that acts as a “shock absorber.” Its jelly like center can sometimes slip through a crack in the outer ring of the disk as the result of an awkward movement, for example and press against the nerves in the spinal column. Pain is sudden, severe, and often accompanied by spasm of the back muscles, a pins and needles feeling, and numbness in one or both legs or feet. Do not manipulate or attempt self help beyond immediate pain relief, and seek medical attention.



Electronic devices and hydrotherapy :



For immediate pain relief, a TENS device is best, if available, but if not, apply alternating hot and cold compresses. Failing either, a covered hot-water bottle held to the area of pain can help.





Chest And Lung Pain



This section deals with treatments for the respiratory (breathing) system, then describes treatments for the circulatory system (the heart and blood supply).



Coughs



Coughing is a natural way of getting rid of anything that interferes with breathing dust, smoke, etc. Unless caused by an infection (flu, for example) or inflmmation in the respiratory tract (such as bronchitis), it is usually uncomfortable more than painful. It will normally clear itself when the problem is resolved, but see a doctor if it lasts more than two weeks, or is accompained by pains in the chest, fever or blood in the mouth.



Herbal Medicine



A hot drink of lemon juice, honey, and glycerin is a good throat soother, and a hot apple cider vinegar compress on the throat and upper chest can help loosen phlegm. White horehound is the best of a wide range of herbs that help alleviate coughs. Others are mullein, wild lettuce, yarrow, angelica, elecampane, licorice, and elderflower. For children, wild cherry bark is good. Make a tea and drink a spoonful three times a day. There are also a number of herbal cough mixtures available, mainly through health food stores.



Nutritional and dietary therapy



Garlic capsules (two, three tiems a day) and a good multivitamin compelx with beta carotene (vitamin A), B complex, C, and zinc are recommended for the relief and prevention of coughs.



Aromatherapy



Steam inhaling with various essential oils (Choose from eucalyptus, cypress, hyssop, bergamot, and chamomile is beneficial, especially in the early stages. Inhale for about 10 minutes using three or four drops of the chosen oil in boiling water. Massaging chest and back with the diluted oils of eucalyptus, thyme, sandalwood, frank incense, or myrrh can also help.



Bronchitis



Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchii, the tubes that connect the windpipe to the lungs, and is caused by either viral or bacterial infection. It is more serious than infection of the throat (trachea), known as tracheitis. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, phlegm, tightness in the chest, headache, and fever. The condition will normally clear, with treatment, in about 10 days, but chronic bronchitis is harder to clear and extremely serious, needing special medical attention. Antibiotics may be advisable in severe cases of bacterial (but not viral) infection.



Hydrotherapy and aromatherapy



Bed rest in a warm room is advisable in the early stages. Avoid irritants, such as smoke and dust. Steam inhalations provide the best immediate relief, especially using the essential oils of eucalyptus, hyssop, cedarwood, and sandalwood. Five or six drops of one of these in a bowl of hot water will do. Around a dozen essential oils can help various symptoms of bronchitis, and individual advice from a qualified clinical aromatherapist is recommended for maximum benefit. A preparation available from health food stores and some drugstores, (it contains oils of eucalpytus, mint, cajuput, menthol, wintergreen, junjer berry and cloves is an alternative). A warming compress as a “cold compress” can also be effective at removing tightness and soreness in the chest.



Nutritional and Dietary therepy



An all-juice diet for the first two to three days is recommended. Taking plenty of liquids is more important than eating in the first 48 hours. Good juice diets are carrot and radish; carrot, beet and cucumber; or carrot and spinach. Avoid dairy products, sugar and eggs, which are believed to promote mucus, and eat hot, spicy foods that free up mucus. Examples are garlic, onions, horseradish, mustard, and chilis. Supplement with vitamins A, B-complex, C with bioflavonoids, E, zinc, and selenium.



Herbal Medicine



Garlic (fresh or capsules) and echinacea can both prevent and fight infection. Teas of elecampane, licorice root, and ginger can help clear mucus and are warming. Take three times daily, hot or cold, as preferred. There are more than a dozen herbs effective for bronchial infection, and advice is best sought from a qualified medical herbalist for a prescription based on individual symptoms.



Asthma



Asthma is a chronic breathing problem from severe inflammation of the bronchioles tubes in the lungs that deliver oxygen to the bloodstream and return carbon dioxide from it as a result of allergic reaction. The allergic causes of asthma are similar to those for eczema and hayfever. Asthma that starts in childhood often clears spontaneously during adolescence but adult asthma is usually long-lasting. There is no known cure while the allergy lasts, but a number of natural therapies have a good record of alleviating symptoms and helping promote recovery.



Caution : Severe asthmatic attacks are potentially life-threatening, and immediate medical help must be sought, especially if the person affected starts to develop blue lips and a cold and clammy skin.



Yoga



Improving posture can help asthma by helping the chest expandfully. Helpful postures include the Fish, the Shoulder Stand the pelvic tilt , and the Cobra.



Herbal Medicine



Ephedra, ginseng, euphorbia, chamomile, elecampane, and thyme are said to ease breathing. Mullein, marshmallow, butterbur, slippery elm, and passionflower can soothe and help clear the mucus membranes. Take any of these herbs as either tinctures or teas 3-4 times a day, as needed. For teas, always use the dried herb (leaf, flower, or root) not the fresh plant.



Nutritional and dietary therapy



For prevention, identify food allergens by keeping a daily diary of exactly what you eat, and when, and follow your findings with an exclusion diet. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding known allergens, such as dairy products, food additives, and colorings is a priority. For treatment during an attack, try raw juice diets, such as carrot, celery, spinach, and grape fruit or radish, lemon, garlic, comfrey, horseradish, carrot, and beet. Cider vinegar with honey in a glass of warm water, three times a day, can also help. Supplementing with propolis (bee pollen), omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFA), cold pressed olive oil, vitamins A (or beta carotene), C, E and B-complex, and minerals magnesium, calcium, selenium and manganese is also recommended.



Naturopathy



The main aim of the naturopathic approach is to identify the cause(s) of the allergic reaction, support the immune system in dealing with them, and remove them from the sufferer. The dust of the house mite is suspected of being the most common allergen, but identifying other allergens is difficult. Possible food allergens can be identified by an exclusion diet but environmental allergens are harder to isolate. There are several forms of allergy test available but none, as yet, is considered reliable.

Regular use of ionizers and humidifiers can help with breathing affected by air conditions. Alternating hot and cold foot baths, dry skin-brushing, and mustard compresses and hot mud packs on the chest are also said to be beneficial.



Aromatherapy



The essential oils of bergamot, camphor, eucalyptus, lavender, hyssop and marjoram are recommended for an asthmatic attack. Mix two drops of each oil into a carrier oil and massage gently over the back and chest. To help mucus drain, lie with the head slightly lower than the lungs. An alternative combination is eucalyptus, juniper, wintergreen, pepperming and rosemary. For asthma brought on by stress, lavender or frankincense are said to be calming.



Relaxation and flower remedies



Stress and anxiety are important features in asthma. Visualization, meditation, and biofeedback can be effective in preventing and managing attacks. Back Rescue Remedy can help at the start of an attack.



Pleurisy



Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the delicate membrane between the lungs and the walls of the chest. The most usual cause is viral infection, but it can also result from pneumonia and injuiry of adjoining organs. Breathing produces sharp, stabbing pains in the chest and shoulders from the fluid buildup in the membranes, and there is usually also a high fever.



Hydrotherapy



Bed rest and taking plenty of fluids is recommended. Hot compresses applied to the back and chest will bring relief and promote recovery.



Nutritional and dietary therapy



Hot soups and broths, especially containing the spice turmeric, garlic, and cloves and chewing the rind on the inside of citrus fruits are all beneficial and so are drinks of juiced carrot, celery and parsley (or carrot and pineapple or carrot, beet, and cucumber). “Toast water,” a traditional remedy of powdered wholewheat toast boiled in water with butter and salt, and drunk while warm, is said to relieve pleurisy pain. The supplements vitamin C, EFAs (fish oils, evening primrose and starflower/borage oils), and bromelain (pineapple enzyme) also help to promote recovery.



Herbal medicine



Mix equal of the tinctures of pleurisy root, echinacea, and elecampane, and take a spoonful a day. Drinking a tea of half-and-half dried mullein and pleurisy root as often as needed can also help.



Massage and aromatherapy



Massaging the back and chest with the oils of black pepper, pine, myrrh, rosemary, angelica, sage, or tea tree can bring effective relief.



Pneumonia



Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs, caused by a virus or bacterium. Symptoms are chest pains, breathlessness, a cough with colored phlegm, fever and chills. Bacterial pneumonia is more serious than viral, and can be life threatening for the very young and the very old. Bronchopneumonia is often the final stage in people dying of old age and cancer, and is sometimes a feature of AIDS.



Caution : Immediate antibiotics are advisable in severe cases of bacterial pneumonia.



Hydrotherapy and massage



Rest and various hydrotherapeutic methods are recommended in cases of pneumonia, including a warming compress, covering both the back and chest (also known as a “pneumonia jacket”). This should be combined with a cold compress on the forehead, and the feet in a bowl or basin of hot water. The treatment should be followed by having someone “drum” on the back with cupped hands to loosen mucus in the lungs, and (in normally strong people only) a cold friction rub.



Nutritional and dietary therapy



Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegtables (including raw garlic, chilli, and cayenne peppers) and avoid dairy produce and sweet foods. Fresh diluted pear juice is claimed to have decongestant qualities, and regular drinks of fresh juiced carrot, spinach, parsley, garlic, and cumin are said to help. Supplement with large daily doses of vitamins A (preferably as beta carotene), C with bioflavonoids (6-10 g), and zinc. Other useful supplements are propolis (bee pollen) and acidophilus/bifidophilus (probiotics).



Herbal medicine



Lobelia and thyme loosen phlegm, echinacea and garlic fight infection, and elderflower and yarrow reduce fever. They should be taken as teas made from the dried herb. Other useful herbs are ipecacuanha, hypericum, and juniper. It is best to get a prescription from a qualified herbalist for something as serious as pneumonia.



Massage and aromatherapy



Massage the back and chest with equal drops of essential oils of camphor, eucalyptus, pine, lavender, lemon, and tea tree, diluted in a neutral carrier oil.



Joint Pain



Pain in the legs, feet, and ankles not due to accident, injury or an inflammatory disease such as arthritis or gout is usually a combination of poor cirulation and musculoskeletal problems, often from poor posture and being overweight. For physical accident or injury.



GOUT



Gout is a failure by the body to process uric acid properly (uric acid is a natural by product of waste elimination), causing crystals to build up around joints, which produces swelling, redness, and pain. It famously affects the big toe but also the knees, elbows, and hands. Attacks come and go, sometimes producing a high temperature. Constant attacks gradually damage the joints so recovery is harder, and less frequent over time, unless corrective action is taken.



Hydrotherapy



A simple cold compress can alleviate the pain of a sever attack. A hot Epsom salts bath (A cupful to a bath and soak for 20 minutes) can help the elimination of uric acid.



Herbal Medicine



Apply a comfrey and calendula poultice to the affected area as and when necessary. Daily infusions of burdock, nettle, wintergreen, wild carrot, sassafras, juniper, parsley, and/or willow (choose two or three) can clear the problem if taken regularly.



Nutritional and dietary therapy



Drink plenty of pure (not carbonated) water and cut out caffeine and alcohol. Try not to eat shell fish, sardines, beans, kidneys, liver, or “sweetbreads,” which aggravate the problem. Eating plenty of garlic, cherries, and other berry fruits dissolves and neutralizes uric acid.

Homeopathy : Arnica and belladonna are remedies that can reduce the severity of an attack. Take a 6c dose every half an hour for up to ten doses (less if the pain subsides) and then 30c three times daily. If attacks recur, see a qualified therapies.



Massage and aromatherapy



Massage the affected are with the essential oils of cypress, peppermint, lavender, chamomile, geranium, eucalyptus, or rosemary (2 drops in a little carrier oil) or add 3-4 drops of your preferred combination to a bath.



Rheumatism and Arthritis



Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease and one of the commonest and most severe forms of pain from all causes in the western world, affecting an estimated 10 percent of the population. The two main types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. (Rheumatism is a general term once used to cover all forms of arthritis but it is imprecise and no longer recognized medically).



Osteoarthritis is “wear-and-tear” arthritis as a result of the gradual wearing down of the protective cartilage between the joints with age. The consequent damage to the bone joints leads to inflammation, reduced movement, and deformity of the joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis worldwide, experienced mainly in the hips, knees, and hands. It affects men and women equally.



Rheumatoid (or poly) arthritis is joint inflammation of varying severity that can affect the whole body, starting usually in the hands and feet and spreading to the rest of the body. It is an auto-immune disease, which means that the body turns against itself and attacks its own tissues. Diet, lifestyle, and inherited predisposition are widely regarded as the main causes, and women are three to four times more likely to suffer than men, especially between the ages of 20 and 40. Apart from swelling, stiffness, and pain in the affected joints, producing a characteristically red and shiny skin, sufferers usually experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and often, a slightly raised temperature.



Natural therapies have an excellent record in the tretment of both forms of arthritis, both for prevention and cure so much so they are now the treatments of choice of many doctors over conventional drug therapy.



Naturopathy



For pain relief both hot and cold compresses are effective as are a variety of baths: choose from sea water, seaweed (bladderwrack), or Epsom salts (3-4 tablespoons in a hot bath). Juice fasts a combination of celery, carrot, beet, potato, white cabbage and cucumber can be safely carried out indefinitely, provided a varied intake is kept up. Contradictory as it may seem, gentle daily exercise is important for both forms of arthritis. It is now recognized that unless joints are kept moving they quickly seize up and the problem gets worse. Swimming is excellent (with a sauna or steam bath), as is gentle walking. Though controversial, wearing a copper bracelet or, the latest development, elastic supports impregnated with copper is claimed to help many with arthritis.



Nutritional and dietary therapy



Adjusting diet is probably the single most important step in the successful treatment of arthritis. Reduce consumption of all animal fats, tea, coffee, and alcohol, and drink (1.5 - 2 liters) of pure water every day. Avoid acid producing foods such as red meats and citrus fruits. Drinking cider vinegar mixed with honey three times a day is also said to help. Recommended daily food supplements include high dose fish oils, vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, the minerals zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, molybdenum and selenium the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the amino acid complex glutahione. Results are unlikely to show for between three and six months.



Herbal Medicine : Celery seeds, yucca, bogbean, devil’s claw, black cohosh, wild yarm, willow bark, and feverfew are effective at reducing inflammation. Some may be taken as teas, others as tablets or diluted tinctures



Massage and aromatherapy



Massage the affected are with capsicum (paprika) cream. Alternatively use 2-3 drops of lavender and/or chamomile essential oils combined in a little carrier oil. Cypress, eucalyptus, and rosemary, either massaged in or added to a bath, can also help.



Movement therapy



Yoga is excellent for arthritis of all types as they are both gentle and encourage the right mental approach to dealing with pain. Dance offers a less structured, more free-flowing alternative.



Electronic devices



TENS and Giga TENS can help relieve pain very effectively in both the high (70-100 Hz) and low frequency (under 10Hz) range. Experimentation is needed. Hand held electronic devices such as massagers/vibrators and ultrasound are also effective if treatment is applied firmly enough for long enough at least 45 minutes. High frequency works best.



Acupressure : Apply pressure to the appropriate points for two minutes every morning and evening.

Relaxation : Visualization, meditation and biofeedback have a good record of helping to deal with arthritic pain.



Ankylosing Spondylitis



Ankylosing spondylitis is a slowly developing degenerative disease in which the joints of the spine become inflamed, stiff, and eventually weld together, affecting other parts of the body, especially the hips, knees, chest, shoulders, and neck. It is most often the consequence of an injury or a disease such as tuberculosis or rheumatoid arthritis and affects mainly young men. As with arthritis, rest usually makes the condition worse and gentle exercise improves it. Treatment is very similar to that for arthritis but the following additional approaches can also help.



Hydrotherapy : Soak in a hot bath of Epsom salts for half an hour to help relieve pain and increase mobility.