How to Increase Progesterone Naturally

How to Increase Progesterone Naturally



Progesterone is a steroid hormone of the class of hormones called progestogens. This hormone occurs naturally in the human body. It plays a role in the female menstrual cycle and gestation in
pregnancy
, as well as taking part in the fertilization of the egg and embryo development during pregnancy. Other roles of progesterone include acting as an anti inflammatory agent, regulating the immune response, normalizing blood clotting, and preventing endometrial cancer by regulating the effects of estrogen in the female body. If the human body does not produce enough progesterone in the female on its own, there are some effects. For example, progesterone helps to lower estrogen levels, so too low progesterone levels can lead to increased PMS symptoms and difficult periods for women. The woman may also experience mood swings and irritability. This article will explore how to increase progesterone levels naturally.









1


Realize that there are no known ways to
date
to stimulate the body to make its own progesterone beyond what it already is making. What this means is that you'll have to actually take some kind of supplement, natural or synthetic, to increase your level of progesterone.





2


Find out if your progesterone levels are actually too low. Make a trip to the doctor to determine this through testing of your hormone levels. You don't want to start taking natural progesterone supplements if you don't need to, because there are also negative effects for too high levels of progesterone in the body. Also, even natural supplements can have side effects.





3


Determine what your body needs. Your doctor will let you know how low your progesterone levels are, thus helping you decide what supplements you need. Natural supplements come generally from plant sources, such as soy and yam roots, and come in the form of injectable products, intravaginal, intradermal and oral formulas. The natural oral progesterone is only available by prescription from your doctor.





4


Find natural progesterone supplements to purchase. Natural progesterone supplements are available over the counter except for the oral formula. You can find these on the internet. One product available on the internet is Natural Progesterone cream, developed by a company called Source Naturals, site listed in the resources.





5


Use natural alternatives to progesterone that have the same or similar effects. One such natural alternative is pregnenolone, which is sold over the counter. Pregnenolone is found in the human body, and the body converts it to progesterone. So, taking pregnenolone can help increase your levels of progesterone.





6


Take a nonsteroidal supplement that helps deal with a specific issue caused by low progesterone levels instead of one that covers all areas. For example, if you take Mind Power Rx, it helps with mental sharpness (something that progesterone increases in the body on its own when in the correct levels.)





7


Continue to visit your doctor to monitor and check your progesterone levels. You don't want to let your progesterone levels get too high by taking nonprescription progesterone and allowing the levels to go unchecked!








Tips & Warnings










Progesterone replacement therapy can help maintain the levels of progesterone in the body.








Although synthetic progesterone is only available through a prescription, you can find alternatives like pregnenolone and natural progesterone over the counter.








By menopause, a woman's progesterone levels fall to nearly zero.








You don't want to increase your progesterone levels too high, as there are adverse effects felt with too high progesterone levels as well!








Synthetic progesterone, in the form of progestins, has many adverse side effects. This is what makes natural progesterone desirable.








Progesterone supplements are hard to absorb in the body. The supplement needs to be in an oil to help absorption, such as peanut oil.



http://www.ehow.com/how_4423839_increase-progesterone-naturally.html

How to Increase Lifespan With Acupuncture

How to Increase Lifespan With Acupuncture



Acupuncture has many uses in human and animal medicine, many of which were nearly lost. Five Element acupuncture, one of the two branches of this ancient and tested medical discipline, has within it an easily applied method which, according to all reliable clinic data, increases lifespan. The so called "Aggressive Energy Test" (poorly translated from Chinese) drains from the body the death-promoting energy that ticks down time clock to death so that the patient has new lease on life and the transfer of energy between meridian systems takes place safely without decreasing lifespan at the expense of short-term healing. Read on to learn more about how to increase lifespan with acupuncture.







Things You'll Need:





Acupuncture needles (ideally No 3(0.2) x 50 mm J type Serien for cats, dogs and humans, larger sizes for horses.




Reasonably steady hands




Gentle and reasonably sensitive fingertips




A quiet place




Most any standard acupuncture meridian textbook or chart









1


Find an acupuncture textbook that outlines the Shu or Associated Effect Point meridian system, running down the dorsal ('back' side) of the back, parallel to midline (the UB, urinary bladder system). Find UB 13, 14, 15, 18, 20 and 23. These points should be along a line about 3 inches away from midline in human, and by scale, similar proportions of distance from midline in animals. They are depressions in the skin between the vertebral processes. You can locate these points by determining where the thoracic-lumbar junction is in the lower back and the thoraco-cervical junction is in the neck (C7 doesn't move when neck is flexed, then comes T1) or feel the line for the aforementioned points. The line should fan out a bit (then proceed backward toward tail/buttocks at UB 21). Remember that humans have 12 thoracic ribs,
cats and dogs
13,
horses
18 ribs (excluding Arabs, which have 17). If working on animals, consider the point between C7 and T1 as UB 11, and the points on lower back (UB 18, 20 and 23) two, zero and three depression points from the T-L junction. Proceed only if you can clearly identify these points. To position humans, have patient sit upright in chair with arms folded. For dogs, cats and horses, stand in straight line (don't curve back).





2


In humans, insert needles 1mm to 2 mm into skin, so they stick up. Do the same in cats and dogs, insuring that needles stand up on their own. Then turn needles 1/4 to 1/3 turn clockwise. Leave in for 10 to 15 minutes, and keep patient stationary. With the horse, you will probably have to insert needles in for a approximately 1 cm. In humans, insert one needle away from the UB points as a control, doing the same with it.





3


In humans, look for presence of a red blotch around the needles at the UB points. If you see them, keep needles in until it goes away (about 20 minutes). This is confirmation that you have drained the death-promoting chi. These are substances that have yet to be scientifically identified, but will be as research moves forward. Let the needles fall out.





4


Remove needles after 20 minutes. Repeat every three to four months in elderly patients. Consult acupuncturist with experience in Five Element theory and practice to do energy transfers according to pulse diagnosis to help the meridian systems transfer electrical impulses and chi (biological substrate only beginning to be identified) between themselves so that good health if promoted, or made maximally possible given age and other biological conditions. Be ready to deal with extended life...as this method does increase life span.








Tips & Warnings










Find any information you can get from the Worsley Institute, or from J.R. Worsley, a world-famous expert on this branch of seldom used acupuncture.








Keep in mind that this is a medical procedure.








Eight Principle acupuncturists don't believe in Five Element acupuncture, along with most non-acupuncturists.








Be sure that you do not push acupuncture into points.








Be sure you find and dispose of all acupuncture needles used.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2135095_increase-lifespan-acupuncture.html

How to Give Reiki Treatments

How to Give Reiki Treatments



Reiki is considered a form of spiritual healing wherein the Reiki Master or practitioner lays hands on the patient. The laying of hands purportedly promotes and stimulates the body to heal itself of malady through the process of detoxifying the body and breaking down energy blocks. Reiki can be used in combination with other alternative forms of healing as well as with Western practices, and is purported to have been successful in the treatment of cancer and asthma.







Things You'll Need:





Warm, dimly lit room







Become a Certified Reiki Practitioner




1


Attend Reiki classes. You must pass at least the first level of Reiki to begin practice on other people.





2


Learn the Reiki hand positions and how to access the energy around you.





3


Select a Reiki Master to perform an attunement. An attunement is a spiritual ceremony where a Reiki master tunes your body to the spiritual world of Reiki, ensuring a broader understanding of Reiki and a permanent energy field to surround your body.





4


Feel the Universal Life Energy during and after the attunement. The attunement is said to open your body to allow a channel of energy to flow between you and the Reiki Master, as well as from you to the energy of the universe.





5


Complete your second level of Reiki and you will be able to perform distance Reiki treatments. Distance Reiki treatments involve treatments wherein the practitioner and patient are not in close proximity, and in fact may be several hundred miles away.





6


Learn more about how to become a Reiki practitioner at The Reiki School Web site (see Resources below).



Give Reiki Treatments




1


Decide if you want to open a Reiki center where you'll give Reiki treatments or if you will choose to travel to your patients at their convenience. Reiki practitioners work both ways.





2


Dim the lights to create a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. A central aspect of Reiki is deep relaxation or meditation, and thus the environment of the treatment should contribute to that cause.





3


Heat the room to a comfortable temperature. Give a light blanket for your client if the temperature is still too cool. Remember that even if you are warm, your patient's comfort is of the utmost importance.





4


Recline your patient on a massage table.





5


Place your hands, in a specific Reiki hand posture, either lightly on or slightly above your patient on all their chakras.





6


Hold the posture at each chakra until the flow of energy weakens and dissipates, then move to the next chakra.





7


Feel the energy begin to flow from your surroundings through your hands into your patient.





8


Experience the warm sensation flowing from your hands said to occur during a Reiki session.








Tips & Warnings










Wear clothing that is comfortable.








If you wear shoes, make sure they fit well and are comfortable, as you will be on your feet consistently for long periods of time.








You will have more control over the environment if you request your clients come to you.








Reiki should not be considered a replacement for traditional medicine. If you experience severe nausea, vomiting or migraines, consult a doctor immediately.








Reiki is not a proven science and results do vary.








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 that is 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_2031613_give-reiki-treatments.html

How to Get Newsletters on Chinese Medicine

How to Get Newsletters on Chinese Medicine



Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. Techniques like acupuncture and the use of herbs are now being viewed as increasingly viable, natural alternatives to Western medicine and expensive, side effect-heavy pharmaceutical prescription drugs. If you want to get newsletters on TCM, there are several national associations and many practitioners in your area who would be glad to add you to their mailing list. Follow these steps to learn how to get their newsletters.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Find Organizations That Offer Newsletters




1


Know that TCM is not governed by a single national association. Countries are likely to have several member organizations that function more like national registries than governing bodies. Find listings at the Web site of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (see Resources below).





2


Check to see if your state, province or territory (if you live in the United States or Canada) has TCM member organizations. Decide whether you'd rather get national newsletters, state or provincial newsletters, or both.





3


Locate TCM practitioners in your area. Larger clinics located in major cities will generally offer brochures or newsletters.





4


Seek educational institutions offering courses in Chinese medicine. Accredited schools often offer newsletters to the public as well.





5


Get on the Internet to find listings of national registries (see Resources below).



Receive Newsletters About Chinese Medicine




1


Call the clinic, educational facility or Chinese medicine association you're interested in receiving newsletters from. Ask to be added to their mailing list. Inquire about any mailing or subscription fees. Fees are generally very low. Many newsletters are offered free of charge.





2


Visit the Web site of the practitioner, school or institution(s) of your choice. You will frequently find a "Contact Us" link you can use to find an informational email address. Send an email to the institution, asking whether they offer newsletters. You may be able to receive an electronic version in your email, if one is offered.





3


Write a letter. Telephone and email requests can sometimes be lost in the shuffle. In some cases, you may be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire in order to get the organization's newsletter.








Tips & Warnings










Be aware that TCM is most often used when traditional medical care proves ineffective, or for alternative treatment of minor or chronic conditions. If you experience emergency symptoms, such as chest pain, trouble breathing or numbness in your limbs, you should seek conventional medical treatment immediately.








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_2031559_newsletters-chinese-medicine.html

How to Find Proper Pressure Points Through Reflexology

How to Find Proper Pressure Points Through Reflexology



Reflexology is applied as a massage technique on the hands and feet to target and stimulate parts of the body that require healing or treatment. Reflexology techniques purportedly relieve stress and tension in areas such as the neck and back. Reflexology is also thought to aid in the healing of muscle pain, migraines and insomnia.







Things You'll Need:





Reflexology chart mapping reflex zones in the hands and feet to their corresponding parts of the body




Computer with Internet access







Learn More About the Proper Pressure Points




1


Visit the Reflexology Association of America Web site for a short list of online reflexology charts (see Resources below). Print out the chart so that it is easily accessible during a reflexology session.





2


Visit a reflexologist. Costs for a session will vary, depending partly on where you live, but are generally moderate and in line with costs for other alternative health therapies. Your reflexologist can help you identify the proper pressure points. You can look for a reflexologist near you at the Reflexology Association of America Web site.





3


Attend a class or seminar on reflexology. Try to find a class that allows for a more hands-on approach to learning, especially if you learn best by doing. The Reflexology Association of America Web site posts several events across the nation that you can attend.



Find the Proper Pressure Points




1


Find the area you would like to target through the reflexology massage technique. Use the reflexology chart to locate the proper reflex zone or zones.





2


Mark your feet and hands when you have located the proper pressure points. This will keep you from constantly referring to the reflexology chart and will allow you to treat the entire reflex zone.





3


Apply firm and constant pressure to each reflex zone. Reflexology is about bodily response, so you should feel the pressure on your feet and hands. Don't be afraid to use a bit of strength to really stimulate the nerves.








Tips & Warnings










Purchasing a book or
DVD
is an inexpensive alternative to getting treatment from a reflexologist (see Resources below).








Severe pain or discomfort, particularly abdominal or chest pain, requires an immediate visit to a licensed medical professional. Reflexologists are not licensed to prescribe medicine or diagnose serious medical symptoms.








Avoid reflexology if you are pregnant.








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_2031602_proper-pressure-points.html

How to Find a Reiki Practitioner

How to Find a Reiki Practitioner



Reiki is a holistic therapy which involves a series of laying hands on the patient in a passive manner. It is used to purportedly stimulate positive energy and break energy blocks, allowing the patient to feel relaxed and healthy. Reiki is commonly used to treat high blood pressure, asthma, anxiety and addictions.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Find a Reiki Practitioner




1


Ask a physician if Reiki might be an option for you. If it is, ask him or her to recommend a Reiki practitioner. Many hospitals actually use Reiki in conjunction with conventional medicine, so your doctor may be able to refer you.





2


Visit the International Association of Reiki Professionals Web site (see Resources below), which includes information on Reiki practitioners and classes around the world.





3


Research Web sites to locate Reiki practitioner directories (see Resources below). They can be organized by state or by practitioner name, and often are accompanied by the practitioner's picture.





4


Locate a local free publication at your local health food store or bookstore in the New Age section. Under this section will be advertisements for classes and practitioners in your area. You can also often find fliers offering Reiki services posted in metaphysical bookstores.





5


Create a list of possible Reiki practitioners. Contact your top picks. Sometimes Reiki practitioners will host a form of open house where they'll explain the basics of Reiki to a large group for a discounted price.





6


Listen to your friends and family. Word of mouth is often a positive way to find a Reiki practitioner.



Question Your Reiki Practitioner




1


Ask your Reiki practitioner what level of Reiki they have achieved. A Reiki practitioner should have achieved at least the second level of Reiki to be practicing.





2


Determine whether your practitioner utilizes other holistic therapies such as massage or aromatherapy, and if those therapies would benefit you. The sessions may end up being more expensive, but they may be worth it.





3


Know what you want from a Reiki practitioner. If they have been through similar life experiences, they may be a good match for you since they have healed from the experience and can guide you appropriately.





4


Decide if you want a practitioner who will be a guide throughout the entirety of your healing process or a practitioner who will be simply a teacher for a few sessions.





5


Select a Reiki practitioner you can afford. Prices range from inexpensive to moderately expensive, although some practitioners will allow barter, scholarship or a fee based on your salary.





6


Find out if your Reiki practitioner will make house calls. Many will do so for an increased fee.





7


Research attunement. If you are interested in becoming a Reiki practitioner yourself, or if you want to experience a higher level of Reiki, make sure your Reiki practitioner is a Master practitioner.








Tips & Warnings










Trust your instincts when you meet your Reiki practitioner for the first time. You should feel comfortable.








Find a Reiki practitioner close to your home or work. You may not want to relieve your stress an hour away from home only to fight traffic on your return trip.








Holistic remedies may not cure serious illness or disease. If you experience severe anxiety or intense migraines after a session, consult a physician immediately.








Reiki is not a proven science and results do vary.








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_2031609_reiki-practitioner.html

How to Find a Reflexology Practitioner

How to Find a Reflexology Practitioner



Similar to massage, reflexology involves pressure applied to both the feet and hands to purportedly stimulate other parts of the body. Reflexology is largely sought out for stress relief and energy revitalization. Muscle aches and migraines are other conditions thought to be treatable by reflexology.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access









1


Learn more about reflexology to determine whether it is the right course of alternative treatment for you. Try perusing the Web site of the Reflexology Association of America (see Resources below). Find links to articles and other reflexology Web sites, as well as local or state reflexology associations.





2


Pick up a book or two at your local bookstore or library. Get lost in the Alternative Medicine or Homeopathic Remedies aisle. You may be able to pick up some tips on how to choose a reflexology practitioner. The cost of books runs from inexpensive to moderate, but remember that the library is free! Request the assistance of a librarian or bookstore employee if you do not know where to look.





3


Find a reflexology professional by using the lists provided by the Reflexology Association of America or International Institute of Reflexology Web site (see Resources below). The Reflexology Association of America allows you to search by a keyword. Entering your state would be the easiest search term to use. The International Institute of Reflexology lists each state and you can click on the appropriate link.





4


Research the reflexology practitioner you have chosen. Ask for accreditation and any type of schooling the reflexologist may have completed. Don't forget to ask when and where the accreditation and schooling was received. You can conduct your background search independently or ask that the reflexologist provide school contact information or referrals from former clients.








Tips & Warnings










Reflexology is not a treatment for serious pain, nor is a reflexologist a licensed medical practitioner. Though reflexology is often used to treat bodily aches and pains, serious bodily damage, such as torn ligaments or bone fractures, should be treated by a licensed medical professional.








Beware of Web sites on reflexology that may contain false information. If there is contact information on the site, take the time to call the phone number provided or look up the address on a map.








Avoid reflexology if you are pregnant.








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_2031598_reflexology-practitioner.html