Alcoholism As A Disease, Not A Weakness

Alcoholism is a disease in which drinkers have lost the ability to control their drinking, leading to physical and mental harm and loss of ability to behave in a socially acceptable manner. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, pathological condition that affects the nervous and digestive system, caused by the inability to stop drinking despite adverse consequences such as loss of job, family, and health. The disease is potentially fatal, however the most disturbing and debilitating part of alcoholism is the loss of self-respect, the possible job loss, and the toll it takes on the alcoholics family. There is also indication that there may be a genetic component with alcoholism.

Aromatheraphy

What is aromatherapy? Used for centuries, aromatherapy is known to have been utilized by the Egyptian physician, Imhotep; and Hippocrates. The first person to dub the term “aromatherapy, was French chemist, Rene-Mauric Gattefosse during the 1930s.

Aroma-generating oils are extracted from specific plants to be used therapeutically. Alcohol, oil or lotion is combined with these extracted oils to create the aromatherapy effect. Aromatherapy is when these formulated aromas are then massaged into the skin, inhaled through air disbursement, or poured into bath water for a soothing, calming effect.

All Natural Pain Relief

Vioxx was a very popular prescription pain medication taken by an estimated 20 million people. In September 2004 however, it was pulled from the market because a study found that its use increased the risk of heart attack and stroke.

On Friday August 19th, 2005, a jury held drug giant Merck & Co. liable in the heart-related death of a 59-year-old marathon runner who took Vioxx, slapping the company with a $253.4 million judgment.

The Vioxx scandal was only the beginning. Since taking it off the market last year, numerous questions have been raised about other popular prescription and over-the-counter pain medications. In short, they could be extremely dangerous.

Acupressure

Developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, acupressure is an ancient healing therapy that utilizes fingers to depress key locations on the skin’s surface to prompt healing withing the body. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure uses the same reference points on the body that release muscular stress; thus encouraging better blood circulation.

Acupressure is very beneficial as it can relieve pain and bring the body back into harmonious balance. Acupressure’s healing ability promotes stress reduction, improves circulation, relaxes the body and strengthens the immune system. Acupressure can effectively be used to alleviate acute and chronic conditions such as arthritis, headaches, spinal-muscular pain, and sinus complications. Also a preventative therapy, acupressure is good for fatigue as well. Overall, acupressure is an excellent healing therapy for whole well-being — mind, body and spirit.