Natural Health Supplements

Sensory Deprivation To Relax The Mind

Although used in torture, sensory deprivation for short periods of time can be relaxing. Devices can be as simple as blindfolds and earmuffs, but more complex devices can eliminate the sense of smell, taste, touch, and gravity. If done for an extensive period of time, sensory deprivation can lead to hallucinations, depression, bizarre thoughts, and high levels of anxiety. Five methods of sensory deprivation include the following:

1. Confinement to a room with loud and/or hissing sounds.

2. Deprivation of sleep.

3. Blocking sight or sense of light with a hood place over the head.

4. Standing for a long time in a "stress position".

5. Deprivation of food and drink.

Positive use of sensory deprivation can help you relax. One form that increases relaxation if the float tank. Floating in body temperature water that is 25% Epsom salts, your body experiences 90% less of the normal stimulation that affects the muscles, nerves, and sense organs. Without this external stimulation, you can become deeply relaxed. Although sound is blocked by your ears being under water, some tanks pipe in relaxing music to make you feel like you're floating in an ocean of music. As endorphins replace stress chemicals an increased feeling of well-being relieves chronic pain and fatigue and improves brain function. No special training is needed.

This can be more restful than sleep since your mind can focus on just your thoughts instead of your body. Reaching total relaxation, your brain doesn't have to process other signals so it can enter the dreamy state of theta, which is usually only attained during sleep. While in the theta state, your creative, inspirational thoughts are enhanced.

The float immediately reduces blood pressure and heart rate associated with high stress lifestyles. This in turn relieves other tension problems such as migraines, insomnia, and back pain. Negative habits and emotions float away with the tension leading to a greater sense of well-being and self-control.

Athletes have found that using the float tank maximizes the benefits of fitness training by accelerating growth and regeneration of muscle tissue and speeding the recovery from injuries. Winning a gold medal, Carl Lewis used the float tank when training for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Since 1981 the Dallas Cowboys have used float tanks to relieve physical and psychological stress. In 1983 the Australian Institute of Sports began using float tanks.

Clinical studies have shown there are no negative side effects of using float tanks. Helping your body to relax, float tanks give you all the benefits of sleep and improve your day by making your body and mind more efficient.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Headache

No single treatment works for all headaches. Feverfew is probably the best known treatment. Some people try ingesting the leaves directly, causing mouth sores. The good news is that you can also brew a tea with two to eight fresh leaves steeping in boiling water. Do not boil the leaves however, as it breaks down the effectiveness. Pregnant women SHOULD NOT take Feverfew nor should women who are breast feeding.

Heartburn

Chamomile is the best source for heartburn and stomach problems. Licorice might be a second choice, but take care. Too much Licorice will produce headache, lethargy, and a potential serious loss of potassium as well as the possibility of high blood pressure.

Hemorrhoids

Use the following salve after each bowel movement.

One teaspoon Calendula
One teaspoon Chamomile
One teaspoon Yarrow
One teaspoon Plantain
One teaspoon St. John’s Wort

Mix each herb in powdered form with enough emollient oil (almond) to form a paste then apply.

High Blood Pressure

Try vegetable soup. Yes, vegetable soup. Add any of the following: Celery, Garlic, Hawthorn, Kudzu, Onion, Tomato, Broccoli, Carrot, Purslane (any anything else that contains magnesium), Saffron, Valerian, Fennel, Oregano, Black Pepper, Basil and Tarragon. Consume on a regular basis. Eliminate pork, beef, and alcohol from your diet. Eat more plant foods and herbs and use a good vitamin regimen.