For over 4,000 years, the sandalwood tree has had taken on a sacred identity, especially in Indian culture and heritage. It was referred to as the royal tree by Sultan of Mysore in the year 792.

Sandalwood has served in a variety of useful purposes throughout its long history. The unique and versatile nature of sandalwood allows it to be used in multiple cultural aspects ranging from religion, medicinal value and for its fragrance to name a few. In those earlier days, the wood was very important especially as part of Indian devotional rites and rituals, and was commonly used as an incense being used in Buddhist and Hindu temples. Sandalwood is also as a popular wood to fashion various types to spiritual deities and figures to be honored and displayed in temples, religious shrines, placed upon the home alters. Sandalwood is also used in the production of various religious artifacts including mala beads.

The ardent admires have affectionately been known to call the sandalwood oil ‘liquid gold’ due its precious nature. Once the oil is distilled, it matures in about six months in order to achieve the right perfume aroma. Sandalwood is usually combined with other oils. The mixture of sandalwood oil with other more abundant oils is most communally used, due to the high demand and value of the pure oil. Always be aware to the addition of any additives to the essential oil you may use or purchase. Check for anything artificial, oils containing animal products or worst of all the possibility of anything harmful or toxic. Sandalwood oil has been widely used in the ancient traditional medicinal system for ailments such as infections, digestive complaints, dry coughs and throat infections.

Sandalwood incense has become a major export of India and is an important part of their economy. Other than the above mentioned medicinal uses, this versatile essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and heavily in the cosmetic industry including the production of perfume and many other premium and high quality skin care products including, topical lotions and soaps.

Sandalwood remains highly valued all over the world and is still used in the same way as it has been for thousands of years, as one of the very best and most popular fragrances available for incense and incense base.

Sandalwood is by far one of the most popular and enduring incense fragrances used in Japan, China and India today. Although sandalwood is commonly being used in many parts of the world for many and diverse applications, it will continue to remain vitally important to those people and areas where it is still used as part of modern and traditional religious rituals and ceremonies.

In western culture incense is used more often for relaxation and to create a pleasant aroma in the home or personal space. The use of this ancient aroma in many cases does not carry the same religious importance of sandalwood’s use in the eastern countries and society; however it may and many times does, serve in a much similar purpose. Often allowing a person to relax, unwind and get in touch with their inner selves in a very spiritual way.

Please note that there is a very real shortage of sandalwood due to over use and illegal logging in Mysore and parts of Tamil Nadu, India. Be sure your supplier of these products work with responsible vendors and manufactures that work within legal guidelines and use globally sustainable practices.

Live, Love and enjoy incense! Peace….

Many people trust in the therapeutic, healing and relaxing qualities and results from aromatherapy. This information may be helpful to those that aren’t aware of the vital role that herbal and resinous incenses can play in this type of healing. So what is aromatherapy and why do so many people use, enjoy and find it so helpful? Well aromatherapy basically consists of various methods of relaxation which involves herbal and other natural fragrances which are introduced into your personal space, usually a small comfortable room. The primary intention of which is to gently coax your mind and body into a deep state of peaceful healing relaxation.

Incenses can also be used in the aromatherapy treatment. In most cases these treatments are chosen to be helpful with headaches, anxiety, stress-related issues, insomnia as well other ailments. A wide variety of many herbal and spice incense blends contains some significant amounts of these useful oils. The oil of lavender for example, is considered helpful for insomnia and stress headaches. Another great example is the peppermint oil which is good for travel sickness, nausea and it is also good as a mental stimulant. Also, eucalyptus is well known for being quite effective for those who have colds or coughs, while rose and sandalwood oils are best known for their positive emotional effects and help stimulate the imagination. There are literally hundreds of varieties to choose from be it resin, herbal, spice or a combination of these ingredients. There will surely be a type or blend of incense available to fit almost any aromatherapy need or specific treatment.

Aromatherapy is considered as being an alternative to the classic medicine practice and it focuses on using the therapeutic abilities of most essential oils, whether they come from tree leaves, flowers or plant resins. These oils which give the plants and flowers their fragrance and wonderful aroma are what many consider to be the active medicinal and healing component. These “natural oils” are included in many commercial pharmaceuticals such as bath oils, skin care products and other treatments as one of their active ingredients. Many of these same oils are also used in significant amounts in better herbal incense brands available today and can be used for the same purpose as the essential oil is used just in a different delivery method. They play an important role in aromatherapy now and can be used in most of the same type of aroma remedies. Incense is a wonderful addition to any holistic type treatment.

Many people and faiths profess the use of incense aromatherapy to be of great significance in the aspect of metaphysical healing and health due to the variety of powerful Spiritual qualities that these aromas are widely believed to possess. To Health, Love and Enjoyment Peace!

            Yes, if you are in the need of some therapy equipments, then you are suggested to visit electro-medical.com. This site is one of the best places where you can get so many kinds of equipments for therapy. All kinds of equipments for different therapies are offered here, so that you do not need to find other places to get the equipment you need. After all, there will be a lot of advantages and benefits that you are able to get from this site if you buy therapy equipment from this site.

            The first important benefit that you will be able to get from this site is that the price offered to you is very reasonable and competitive. Even you will find it a lot cheaper than the price of therapy equipments that are offered to you in other places. This way, you do not need to pay more money again to get your normal life back after the medical operation, which must surely spend your money a lot. Besides, to get them, you just need to order it online, and they will be sent to your house directly.

If you suffer from the most common joint disorder, osteoarthritis, then yoga can alleviate the pain and stiffness in your joints. For people with muscle and joint tenderness as a result of fibromyalgia, or even people with the constant pressure around their forearm to their palm from carpal tunnel syndrome and want to avoid carpal tunnel braces (link), try out this quick yoga guide for joint problems.

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

• Child’s pose is a basic relaxation pose that works well during a yoga practice if you start feeling tired, dizzy or need a break.

• How to: Get down on the ground with your hands, knees and shins on the floor. Slowly glide your buttocks back to your heels as you sit gently onto your heels. You may feel an easy stretch in your knees and quadriceps. Stretch your head toward the ground, aiming to connect your forehead to the ground. Your arms may naturally lay backwards alongside your legs or you may outstretch them forward past your head. Hold this pose for a few seconds.

• Joint friendly: Use a rolled-up blanket or a yoga block under your buttocks, so it separates your tailbone and your legs.

Crocodile Pose (Makarasana)

• Crocodile pose is another relaxation pose geared to trigger rest in your body after rigorous activity.

• How to: Lie stomach and face down on the floor with your hands rested at your sides. Stretch your legs and feet toward the back of the room as you cross your right arm to your left shoulder and your left arm to your left shoulder. Align your elbows into a stacked triangle position and rest your forehead in the triangle as you breath.

• Joint friendly: Turn your feet out at right angles to your legs and concentrate on breathing. This pose helps release vulnerable and tense tendencies in the joints.

Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

• Triangle Pose is performed on both sides of the body and has many variations to work multiple parts of your body.

• How to: Stand with your feet about a leg’s length apart and your legs with a slight ben. Turn your right foot to the right 90 degrees and slightly angle your left foot to the right about 45 degrees. Lift your arms and spread them out parallel to the floor while standing stretching your upper body straight to the ceiling. With your palms facing down, extend sideways to the right as far as you can. Then, drop your right arm toward your shin (or a yoga block place inside your right ankle). Extend your left arm vertically while your back gently twists. Be careful not to hyperextend your legs or over twist in this pose. Hold for 5 breaths and return to the starting position. Alternate sides.

• Joint Friendly: Make sure you don’t lock your knees and overextend the straight legs.

Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)

• Tree pose is a variation of the basic standing mountain pose and focuses on balance and alignment of the lower body while toning lower extremity muscle. It is performed on both sides of the body.

• How to: Begin in mountain pose (standing with your feet together and your hands relaxed at your sides). Shift weight to your left leg as you bring your bent right knee to your inner left thigh. Your right toes should aim toward the floor with your right knee pointed to the right, opening up your hips. Extend your hands, in prayer position, up toward the sky. Hold for 20 seconds. Work to holding for 60 seconds. Alternate sides.

• Joint Friendly: Keep your left foot, hips and head aligned vertically and avoid twisting your body. Keep your left knee facing forward, without twisting.

Head-to-Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana)

• Head-to-Knee pose helps stretch and strengthen the hamstrings while loosening up your hips, legs, knees and back.

• How to: Sit on the floor with your upper half upright and your legs spread out comfortably wide and straight. Place the bottom of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Slightly bend your left knee and realign your torso so that you are square. Bend forward over your extended left leg and relax your head onto the extended leg. Breath for as long is comfortable in this position and then switch sides.

• Joint friendly: Place a towel below your buttocks to help with tight hips. You can also use a towel to lasso around your extended foot if you cannot reach your foot comfortably when beginning.

Yoga is praised worldwide for its health and healing benefits and is practiced by more than 15.8 million Americans alone. It is often used as a non-aggressive way to exercise and strengthen muscles for those suffering injuries or joint pain; however, take caution to ensure you listen to your body’s strain and warning signs and do not push into a pose too far. Pay special attention if you use carpal tunnel braces or other support braces before beginning an exercise program. Beyond beginning to incorporate yoga postures into your joint strengthening program, hot and cold therapy is recommended as a complement for minor discomfort.

Yoga is a practice that helps a person become more aware of their body. Many people have begun to seek a healthy way of life through medicine, herbal remedies, and physical training. But what yoga can offer is more than just the physical portion of your body. It helps to focus the mind as well, and because your body and mind are linked together, the two must work as one to achieve well-being.

If you’ve never experienced yoga before, you may be wondering what to look for when searching for your yoga experience. There is more to it than just opening a phone book and finding the closest studio or teacher, you should also consider what you want out of the experience.

A style to match

There is more than one style of yoga as there is to any method of teaching. Some of the methods can be more challenging, offering obstacles and difficulties for your mind and body to overcome while teaching you method and relaxation. Other styles rely on the smoothness and graceful moves that orient themselves around rhythmic breathing. There are even some that orient themselves around vigorous movement linked with breathing, offering a more active experience.

All of the techniques teach you how to center your body for balance and focus the mind through breathing and feeling. Depending on your physical preference, you may want to seek a physically relaxing style, or even a more active style, but both will help you learn how to become one in body and mind.

Locations

Finding a studio always depends on where YOU are. Not all cities offer all the various yoga styles, but most will provide a few studious. Online, you can easily find a studio near you. Always check the studio out before you join. Make sure the people are friendly and the location practices cleanliness (healthy body, healthy mind).

The right mentor

Once you’ve found a studio that you like, you need to make sure the teacher is a good mentor. Anybody can claim the title of “teacher,” but there is more to it than title. Yoga is an awareness that orients itself around balance and being at peace with one’s self, and the teacher needs to reflect the qualities they are teaching. Friendly on the outside and inside is important. (You don’t want to learn from someone that is calm until…) Get to know your mentor, and see if you are going to feel comfortable learning with them. Remember that a sense of humor is a must, as it helps to shed stress, and bring levity to any situation. If the teacher has an ego, they will find it difficult to teach balance to others. They may put themselves before the needs of their class, and ultimately fail to teach.

You can find recommendations and referrals online at the Yoga Alliance website. Some teachers will be certified through the alliance and you can read their biographies and philosophies.
The benefits of yoga are numerous, as you will find your center, helping with balance, healing, and overall health in body and mind. It is about learning, not just through the physical practice, but watching and studying as well.

Safety is always important, don’t push yourself too hard too fast as you’ll only hurt yourself, which is exactly what yoga is designed to prevent. Listen to your body and understand its limitations. Patience with yourself is important. Remember to take care of yourself, both mind and body.

It’s the holidays once again and you know what that means – winter is the time for colds, flu and other upper respiratory conditions. The combination of the weather, stress and being in crowds (where you can catch viruses) make you more susceptible to these conditions. At times, you may even wake up feeling terrible – your nose stuffed up, your throat scratchy and sneezing every few minutes. For these winter times, perhaps you should put down those cold medications and try using the neti pot. This device can help you get rid of those winter symptoms. The neti pot works as a nasal flushing device. Nasal flushing is the act of allowing water to flow through your nasal passages and flow out.

How does this work? First, the solution goes in one nostril, and flows through the nasal cavities. When it flows out, it should take away the foreign objects in there, caught by the small hairs in the nasal passages. These can be allergens or even viruses that cause flu and colds. When you get rid of them before they take hold into your body, you can prevent or shorten the time of your cold or flu. Nasal flushing can also work as a moisturizer for your nasal passages. The dry heat (from the heaters at home or at the office) can harden some of the mucus in the nasal cavities, which make it uncomfortable and even make it painful.

So, how do you use a neti pot? First, fill up the pot with filtered water and add some salt. Allow the salt to dissolve. Then, place the spout against your right nostril. Tip your head and continue to press the pot against the nostril. Allow the water to go into your nostril – keep your mouth open so you can breathe. The water will flow out your other nostril or through your mouth (make sure you spit it out.) Repeat with the other nostril. You’ll feel relieved instantly!

Many people prefer doing this method of nasal flushing rather than taking medicines. For one thing, while medicines can help you, taking too much can harm other parts of your body, like the liver. This is a more natural way of giving you relief from sinus symptoms and facial pain. It can even helps people with sinusitis. Nasal flushing is safe to do every day, even twice a day (in the morning and evening.)

Making Lactose Free Ice Cream

There is no reason for lactose intolerance to mean that ice cream is never to be enjoyed again. There are several lactose free options that can be used to make this delicious dessert. Some commercially produced examples may be found on the shelves of your supermarket or health food store.

Another option is to consider making your own tasty dessert based on one the lactose free substitute milk options. Soy, rice and almond milks can be used to produce tasty desserts. Lactose free milk, which is dairy milk with added lactase that eliminates most lactose by breaking it down into the simpler sugars glucose and galactose, which lactose intolerant people can digest more easily. These lactose free milks come in many varieties such as reduced-fat, whole, calcium enriched and flavoured.

Ice Cream and Lactose

In each ½ cup serving of regular ice cream there is approximately 6 g of lactose. People with lactose intolerance may suffer from symptoms after taking that amount of lactose. Some will be affected by even less than that. In addition to the normal level of lactose from the milk used to make ice cream, many brands found in stores have added milk solids in the ingredients which adds even more lactose.

Lactase Free Milk

Some companies produce lactose free desserts by adding the lactase enzyme in the recipe. Even when this process is used there may be traces of lactose present that can cause discomfort for some people. This type is available in several flavours and is typically rich and creamy, as the milk used has the same properties as cow’s milk. It has the same level of calories, fat, protein and carbohydrates as regular milk.

Milk Substitutes and Ice Cream

Among the options for non-dairy milks to use for making your favourite dessert are soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk and almond milk. Because cow’s milk tends to be thicker that than these substitutes, you may need to experiment with the recipe to make what you produce meet you preferred texture. Coconut milk can be thicker that the other substitutes so it might be better to try that. However, by trying to gain the texture you desire you may find the result has a different taste because the milk is made from coconut.

Sweetness is also another factor that will be affected by using different milk substitutes. Dairy milk is fairly sweet, so you may have to add some sweetener or adjust your taste to accept the less sweet alternatives.

Cream and Ice Cream

A typical ice cream has between 25% to 60% milk, with the remainder being cream, fruit and other ingredients. If using a lactose free milk or substitute, the lactose level will be reduced or non-existent. The cream that is part of the recipe will be a source of lactose, which may be problematic for some people. The options for substituting the cream include non-dairy whipped topping to add volume, flavour and texture.

Ice Cream Recipes

It is possible to find recipes for making lactose free homemade ice cream. Another option is to adapt a recipe for a typical homemade desserts by substituting the milk products with products that have no lactose. When using store bought ingredients for your homemade recipes remember to check the labels to make sure that they are truly lactose or dairy free.

Roller or Airbag Massage of the Inada Sogno The Inada Sogno Dreamwave massage chair never ceases to amaze with its versatility. One feature it has that you may not realize is the ability to change up the intensity of the massage simply by changing the position of the headrest (or cervical traction device, as it is called by Inada) with it’s attached back pad below it!

The head and neck traction unit that rests at the top of the chair is fabulous when you want the neck traction feature and the kneading airbag massage around the neck. You know how it feels to have someone grab your neck with one hand and massage the muscles with their thumb on one side and their other fingers on the other side of your neck? Well, that is what the airbag massage of the cervical traction device feels on your neck when you are in the Inada Sogno.

“A More Vigorous Neck Massage, Please, From The Inada Sogno”

The airbag massage is fantastic, but some folks want a more vigorous neck massage…something a little bit deeper on the upper back and neck than the airbags. In other words, some people want to feel the good old roller massage on the neck muscles. You can make that happen on the Inada Sogno simply by lifting the cervical traction device (aka head rest) up and out of the way and then fastening the head piece onto the top of the chair with snaps on either side of the top of the chair back.

When you lift that head piece and attached padding out of the way, there is only a single layer of faux leather uphostery between yourself and the chairs rollers. As a matter of fact, as you move up the back, the only material between your neck/upper back and the rollers is a thin piece of linen.

So, what I am saying is that, if you would like to take it one step further and go even deeper with your neck and upper back massage you can just flip the whole head unit and attached pad over the back of the chair. Now you have just a thin linen fabric layer between the chair’s rollers and your sore upper back and neck muscles!

This is a great way, that most folks aren’t aware of, to use the chair. It allows for a much more aggressive roller massage in this area. We have heard a few shoppers tell us that that chair massage felt a little too gentle for their liking. If you are one of those who want a more vigorous massage from the Inada Sogno, you can truly get it to be as intense or gentle as you like.

The Stretch Program of the Inada Sogno One automatic program that feels particularly amazing with the head unit positioned over the back is the “Stretch”. I love it because during the program the rollers will roll from the tip of your sacrum (that’s the lowest part of your low back near the top of the buttocks) all the way up your spine to the base of your head and then hold that position allowing the muscles some moments to relax! When your muscles are relaxed, the effect of the stretch is greater and the results will be longer lasting.

One important point to remember when you lift the cervical traction device (head piece) up and out of the way, is that you will need more clearance between the chair and wall if you fully recline. The last thing you want is your Inada Sogno massage chair rubbing and pushing against your nicely painted wall!

Massaging with hot stones is not by any means a new modality. It has been around and in use for many centuries by many different cultures. I am often asked “who used them first” or “where did this technique originate?” I never know where to begin to explain the history behind this wonderful healing art. North American Native Indians used them. They were used in South America, Africa, Europe, Egypt, Japan and India. There is written history confirming that more than 2000 years ago the Chinese used heated stones as a means to improve the function of internal organs. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures which date back to 27 B.C. have a recorded history of using hot stones for massage and bodywork.

Hot-stone massage was re-introduced in the United States in 1993 in Arizona by massage therapist Mary Nelson. Her invention of La Stone Therapy technique caught on and today, there are many styles and techniques of using hot stones during a massage treatment session. Hot rocks are used for full body, deep tissue specific work, facials, pedicures, manicures, meridian therapy, reiki, polarity therapy and even cranial sacral work.

When performed correctly, a hot-stone massage session is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating experiences a person can receive. The stones have incredible energy. Hot rocks protocols enhance the benefits of a regular massage. The effects hot rocks have on the body are sedative which can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation. There are many other valid reasons to receive a hot stone massage:

• Decrease back pain and muscle spasms
• Improve poor circulation
• Relief from osteoarthritis and arthritis pain
• Decrease stress, anxiety and tension
• Help with insomnia and sleeping disorders
• Decrease depression
• Relief from fibromyalgia
• Increase flexibility in joints, improving mobility and movement
• Relief from strained and contracted muscles

Can you remember the last time that nothing in your body was causing pain?

I received my first hot stone massage when I was three-quarters of the way through massage school in 2005. At the time, I was working full-time during the day at a very high-stress medical facility in the accounting department, going to massage school in the evenings five days a week, and emotionally stressed from coping with surviving a divorce. To say the least, I was physically exhausted and very much in need of some TLC and R&R at the close of the third term in massage school.

A student friend gifted to me a La Stone Massage session. Afterward, as I was sitting with a cool glass of mineral water (and one tiny square of dark chocolate), I felt floaty, loopy….. “stoned” (pun intended). My body felt like a strand of cooked spaghetti. I found myself trying to count the little holes in the ceiling tiles! It was a revelation and an “ah-ha!” moment for me when I realized or rather became consciously aware that never, in my entire adult life had I been pain-free like this. It felt good. I decided then that my first CEU’s when I graduated from massage school was to learn how to perform this modality so that I could share with the world how wonderful it is to feel this good without the use of a pharmaceutical drug.

Hot stone massage restores the body. The mind, at first, has a bit of a confusing time with what to do with a pain-free status throughout the body but does eventually recognize and welcome this homeostasis. This in turn lifts the spirits to new heights. There is so much room for happiness when all that pain gets massaged out-of-the-way! Feeling fabulous like this can turn anyone into a hot stone massage junkie.