How to Use Oriental Bodyworks to Improve Quality of Sleep

How to Use Oriental Bodyworks to Improve Quality of Sleep



In ancient Oriental bodyworks medicine, physical and mental ailments were believed to be caused by disruptions in the balance of the body's energy. The goal of Oriental bodyworks is to provide an energy realignment and, therefore, to eliminate physical and mental discomfort. One of the most common ailments of this century is lack of sleep, which can cause both physical and mental side effects. Trying Oriental bodyworks techinques, such as acupressure and jin shin jyutsu, may greatly improve your quality of sleep and your overall health.







Things You'll Need:





Chart or list of common acupressure points







Sleep Better With Accupressure Therapy




1


Find a quiet place to relax, where you won't be disturbed.





2


Sit up straight and make an effort to remain in a fully upright position throughout the treatment.





3


Place your fingers on the top of your ears.





4


Alternate between rubbing and pulling your ears as you make your way from top to bottom.





5


Continue rubbing and pulling your ears for approximately 1 to 2 minutes. This technique is usually used three times per day for increased relaxation and improved sleep quality.





6


Calm yourself further by rubbing the inner surface of your ears for 1 to 2 minutes, taking care to touch all crevices and folds.





7


Visit the Acupressure Institute Web site (see Resources below) for more information.



Use Jin Shin Jyutsu to Improve Sleep Quality




1


Begin by grasping your thumb and holding it for several minutes. This will decrease the amount of tension you have in your body.





2


Hold your middle finger for approximately 5 minutes to relieve some of your fatigue. This will prevent you from getting to sleep because you are overly tired.





3


Grasp your middle finger for a period of 5 minutes to diminsh any leftover anxiety. This will help you go to bed with a clear mind and conscience.





4


Learn more about how jin shin jyutsu can help improve sleep quality by visiting the Jin Shin Jyutsu Institute Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Order a few aromatic massage oils known for their calming properties. These oils are usually inexpensive and may increase the effectiveness of your bodyworks therapy.








Immediately stop acupressure and/or jin shin jyutsu treatments if you experience sudden physical pain or bleeding and consult a physician.








You should never use acupressure or jin shin jyutsu to treat life-threatening conditions. If you have a life-threatening emergency, contact 911.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031485_oriental-bodyworks-sleep.html

How to Use Oriental Bodyworks to Balance the Body's Energy

How to Use Oriental Bodyworks to Balance the Body's Energy



Balancing the body's energy levels is the ultimate goal of Oriental bodyworks. The traditions of Oriental bodyworks go back many centuries, when ancient Asian healers were discovering the various energy paths and pressure points within the body. Oriental bodyworks practitioners believe the underlying cause of most physical and mental discomfort experienced by humans is the body's energy levels becoming imbalanced. To correct this, Oriental bodyworks techniques, such as acupressure and jin shin jyutsu, aim to balance the inner energy levels to eliminate immediate problems and create a better sense of well-being.







Things You'll Need:





List of common acupressure pressure points







Use Accupressure to Increase the Body's Energy




1


Trace the crease in your wrist toward the inner palm.





2


Stop just inside the wrist bone, at the end of the crease.





3


Press inward with your thumb to locate the pressure point.





4


Rub the pressure point in a circular motion for around one minute.





5


Switch to the opposite wrist and repeat the above procedure.





6


Use this technique two to three times per day to increase your body's energy balance, as well as eliminate stress and anxiety.





7


Get to know more about how acupressure can increase your body's energy at the Acupressure Institute Web site (see Resources below).



Balance the Body's Energy With Jin Shin Jyutsu




1


Place one hand in front of you.





2


Use your opposite hand to grasp your thumb for 5 minutes while concentrating on the energy flow in your body. This will eliminate stress in your body, as well as take away any preoccupations or worries you might be having.





3


Move to your index finger and grasp it for 5 minutes. Any fears you have may melt away.





4


Grasp your middle finger next to get rid of any negativity or irritability you may be experiencing.





5


Hold your ring finger to eliminate feelings of negativity or sadness.





6


Go to your little finger and hold it for 5 minutes to take away feelings of anxiety.





7


Learn more about how jin shin jyutsu can increase the body's energy by visiting the Jin Shin Jyutsu Institute Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Consult with a certified acupressure or jin shin jyutsu professional before you use these techniques, especially if you're not sure exactly where a pressure point lies.








Increase the energetic atmosphere of your therapy sessions by purchasing some inexpensive, aromatic massage oils. You may find the scent of certain oils reduces your anxiety levels, leaving your more refreshed.








If you experience sudden, sharp pain or bleeding when using any Oriental bodyworks therapy, stop immediately and contact your physician.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031490_oriental-bodyworks-balance.html

How to Use Neuro Linguistic Programming to Treat Phobias

How to Use Neuro Linguistic Programming to Treat Phobias



Neuro linguistic programming, or NLP, is a more than 40-year-old system designed to supposedly eliminate negative thoughts and habits and improve one's business and social life. While some practitioners make exaggerated claims about its effectiveness, many people report they have conquered traumatic experiences and phobias with NLP, often in a short time. Various methods are employed to attain these results, but all rely heavily on visualization and sensory images.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access and email




Telephone







Get the Facts on Neuro Linguistic Programming




1


Visit a Web site or read a book that explain what NLP is all about. A good summary can be found at the Change That's Right Now Web site (see Resources below).





2


Narrow your search to the NLP methods that experts specifically use to treat phobias, such as phobia release, anchoring and time line therapy. Watch a video of an actual time line therapy session at the TimeLineTherapy Web site (see Resources below).





3


Note down or print out relevant facts, as well as any questions you may have about the process, and save these lists for future reference.



Find a Local NLP Practitioner




1


Look for an NLP practitioner in your area using a recommendation from a friend, a telephone directory or an online directory, such as the NLP Practitioners Directory (see Resources below).





2


Contact one or more of the names you find.





3


Have your questions ready, including queries about what therapy the person uses, the length of time needed for the therapy and its cost.





4


Make an appointment.



Prepare for Your Session




1


Prepare for your appointment by doing some further research on the method your therapist will use.





2


Look up case studies to find out what happens in a session. Note especially what kind of guided imagery may be involved.





3


Participate actively in your therapy session. Good results with NLP are possible only with your full cooperation.








Tips & Warnings










If you are unfamiliar with NLP, search out someone who has put its ideas to use to treat a problem. What difference has it made? Are the differences lasting?








While some NLP practices can be self-applied, phobia remedies should only be attempted with the guidance of a certified neuro linguistic programming practitioner. Expect these services to be moderately priced, unless you visit a "celebrity" NLP practitioner.








Scientific research has not established the long-term effectiveness of NLP therapy for the elimination of phobias.








To treat severe, crippling phobias or disorders like depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder, see a physician.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031474_nlp-treat-phobias.html

How to Use Neuro Linguistic Programming to Stop Smoking

How to Use Neuro Linguistic Programming to Stop Smoking



Smoking is an addiction which some say is harder to break than the craving for cocaine. Neuro linguistic programming, a self-improvement program that began in the 1960s, uses numerous techniques to bring about positive life changes, including the treatment of addictions. It is reported that NLP supposedly works to help the smoker quit through means such as trigger replacement, visualization and anchoring.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access and email




Telephone







Assess NLP Anti-Smoking Techniques




1


Explore the Internet for facts about NLP as a whole, in order to get the "big picture" of how NLP works and how it can help you stop smoking. Start at the NLP--Neuro Linguistic Programming Web site (see Resources below).





2


Identify the specific techniques neuro linguistic programming practitioners use in treatment for smoking addiction. Popular techniques include time line therapy, aversion anchor, parts integration and others.





3


Examine your motives honestly. If your reason to stop does not come from your own desires, you may experience more difficulty quitting.



Engage a Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner to Stop Smoking




1


Use the NLP Practitioners Directory Web site or check local sources for the name of a nearby therapist (see Resources below).





2


Think about any questions you want to ask before you call for a consultation.





3


Telephone or email the practitioner.





4


Ask your questions, and be aware of how well you communicate with the NLP practitioner. The phone call can help you assess your rapport.





5


Schedule an appointment if the practitioner seems like someone you can respect and trust.



Get Ready for Your Session




1


Keep track of the way you talk about smoking. How often do you mention it? Do you speak of it in mostly positive or negative terms?





2


Take one day to notice all of your smoking triggers. Every time you light up, ask yourself, "Why am I smoking right now?"





3


Bring your observations to your appointment.





4


Collaborate with your therapist for the most positive outcome.








Tips & Warnings










The NLP anti-smoking course is usually only effective if done with a practitioner.








Attitude is everything. You need to go into NLP therapy with a positive attitude and a willingness to follow instructions.








Single-goal NLP sessions are usually reasonably priced. Seminars or weekend packages may be more expensive.








Neuro linguistic programming is not designed to treat physical illness. If you are suffering from a disease related to smoking, such as emphysema or lung cancer, you need the help of your medical doctor.








Most NLP practitioners use guided imagery and some form of hypnosis in conjunction with other therapies. If either of these is a problem for you, consider another avenue, or address your concerns with the practitioner.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031476_nlp-stop-smoking.html

How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation

How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation



Mindfulness meditation is a technique some 2,500 years old, taught by Buddha himself. Practitioners seek to attain and then maintain a calm sense of self-awareness, allowing for an objective view of their thoughts, emotions and self. It is still practiced by many millions today as a means of combating stress and fostering personal spiritual growth.







Things You'll Need:





A quiet place to meditate




Computer with an Internet connection







Achieve Self-Awareness Through Mindfulness Meditation




1


Choose a quiet place. Block out as much light as possible.





2


Seat yourself using correct posture. Sit on the floor, fold the legs so your knees touch the floor, fold your hands just below your navel and keep your back straight to maximize energy flow through your body.





3


Direct your gaze downwards. Don't stare: just let your eyes keep a soft focus. Concentrate on the space a few inches in front of your nose.





4


Breathe in and out, in and out. Standardize a rhythm. Practice paying attention to the way the air feels when it fills your lungs, and the way it feels as it exits your body. Repeat until you achieve a state of wakeful calm.





5


Try not to think. If thoughts pop into your head, just let them fizzle out. Particularly avoid thinking about stress-inducing topics or things that you have strong emotions about.





6


Concentrate on your breathing. The goal of mindfulness meditation is simply to become aware of the self through non-awareness of everything but the self. Its primary technique is simply to focus on nothing but your breathing: in and out, in and out.





7


Keep your sessions short, especially at first. Start with 10 to 20 minutes at a time is recommended.





8


Practice as frequently as possible. Meditate as many times per day as you possibly can, keeping your sessions between 10 and 20 minutes.





9


Locate like-minded people in your town or city. Check to see if there is a society or association specifically for mindfulness meditation near you. Meditation is most effective when it becomes a lifestyle, not just an idle practice used in isolation.





10


Learn more about mindfulness meditation at the Shambhala Sun Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Mindfulness meditation involves no cost, unless you want professional instruction. Lessons are generally moderate in price, depending on the instructor and the center.








Meditation can be calm and relaxing, and it can reduce stress and promote mental health, but it should not be used as a substitute for medical care. If you have depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiety or panic attacks, talk to a mental health professional.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031438_practice-mindfulness-meditation.html

How to Find Cheap Jewelry

How to Find Cheap Jewelry



Keeping up with the latest trends in accessories can be costly. Knowing where to find stylish pieces for a steal can keep your wardrobe looking fresh.







Things You'll Need:





Shopping mall



Internet connection



Money









1


Take a trip to the local mall. Stop in stores like Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, or H&M. Here necklaces, bracelets and earrings carry price tags under five dollars.




2


If the shopping trip turns bust, try logging on to the Internet. Visit websites that specialize in keeping you fashionable for less. Some to try include: www.silverflake.com, www.overstockjeweler.com, or www.fashiondaisy.com.




3


Give the big discount stores a try. Retailers like Wal-Mart, Kmart and especially Target carry a large selection of discount fashion jewelry.








Tips & Warnings










Go shopping with a plan. Know which outfit you are trying to accessorize and the task won't seem too overwhelming.








Cheap jewelry is, well, cheap. Don't expect it to last forever. If it breaks, remember you got a good deal.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2179740_find-cheap-jewelry.html

How to Find Cheap Designer Jeans

How to Find Cheap Designer Jeans



Designer jeans don't have to set you back a bundle. Follow these steps to find designer jeans at a discount.









Step
1



Track down the clothing boutiques in your town that sell denim. The smaller the boutique, the better. Designer jeans can be found in most upscale
department
stores


, but this is where they are most expensive. Unless you happen to land on a serious sale, buying designer jeans at a Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus will cost you a pretty penny.




Step
2



Ask boutique salespeople when their annual and semi-annual sales happen, and if they ever have clearance events to get rid of excess stock.




Step
3



Pay close attention to the designer jean trends. The wonderful thing about fashion is that it's so fleeting. This can help immensely when searching for designer jeans. As long as you don't mind being a few months behind the fashionistas, you can score some serious deals on the "just out of style" designer duds.




Step
4



Scour your local secondhand and
thrift
stores


, as well as your local off-price retailers. Marshall's or Ross are good examples of heavily discounted clothing stores that sometimes carry designer jeans. Be patient! Think of it as hidden treasure...you'll do a lot of searching before you find gold.




Step
5



Go online. If you are willing to shop blindly (no virtual dressing rooms!) this is a great option for purchasing designer jeans. There is a plethora of websites that offer designer clothing at a discount price.




Step
6



Search Ebay. If all else fails, try Ebay. Again, this will require some trust on your part as the buyer, but if you are willing, retailers sell designer jeans on Ebay for much more appealing prices.







Tips & Warnings









Designer jeans usually offer sizes that we aren't use to seeing with regular jeans. When you buy a pair of Levi's, you look for size 0-24. But in designer jeans, you'll look for sizes such as 25, 26, 27, 28, etc. The conversion is not precise, but a good way to measure is to consider a size 6 equivalent to a size 28 in designer (and international) jeans.








Watch out for vanity sizing! Retailers are beginning to sell jeans with size tags that do not accurately reflect the jean to play to women's insecurities about weight. Do not be shocked if you are a size 27 in one store and a size 30 in another!



http://www.ehow.com/how_2049062_cheap-designer-jeans.html