Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that utilizes the principles of acupuncture, developed over 5,000 years ago. This ancient healing art uses physical pressure applied to acupuncture points on your body, which stimulates the body’s natural self-curative abilities by stimulating the meridian system. The ancient Chinese believed that life energy “chi” flows through meridians is unobstructed. The blockade of “chi” flow results in illnesses and active point stimulation clears the meridians and improves the flow of energy. This technique is utilized to relieve pain, balance the body, and maintain good health. Acupressure reduces tension, which enables the body to relax. It also increase circulation. By the relief of stress, this type of therapy strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

I have personally utilized acupressure over the past ten years and have found the results to be very beneficial. There is a great deal of information readily available but will provide a brief overview of how I personally apply.

• Apply firm pressure to the appropriate pressure point, refer to the link Ihave provided in the paragraph above.

• These points will be more sensitive than surrounding areas.

• Apply pressure until a numbing feeling is produced.

• · Applying pressure may be painful, you can reduce pressure toa comfortable level as you continue
  

to    massage pressure points.

• · You can repeat this pressure point massage as often as you want.

• Position yourself in a comfortable position during massage process.

• You can have someone else massage your active points.

The challenge in self-administered acupressure is the correct location of the points. These points are only .5mm in diameter so there is not much of a margin for error. There are many books that have charts of the meridians and points together with complete directions. There are also charts available at various sites on the net.

Today I ran across a bit of information that I thought was very interesting. Have you ever heard of ORAC? It is the standardized test adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to measure the antioxidant potency of foods and nutritional supplements. The recommended daily antioxidant doses should be 5000 ORAC units/day. I have taken a number of antioxidant products over the years. Through some reading and research I have found there is a lot of misleading information out there, all in the sake of making a dollar.

I learned today there is natural grown, fruits and vegetables that we can consume in our daily diet to help protect us against free radicals/oxidative damage. There is many food sources that contain antioxidants have been shown to prevent, stop, or reduce oxidative damage.

Research studies have shown that antioxidants help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, heart and lung diseases, some cancers, cataract formation and the affects of aging. This is just a general overview on antioxidants and I recommend that everyone conduct some in-depth research on high ORAC foods sources.

Below is a brief overview of the top four fruits, vegetables, and supplements that are have high ORAC ratings:

TOP 4 ORAC FRUITS ( per 100 grams or 3.5 ounce

TOP 4 ORAC VEGETABLES ( per 100 grams or 3.5 ounces)

TOP 4 ORAC SUPPLEMENTS ( per 100 grams or 3.5 ounces)

Lemon Balm is a perennial herb and is edible. It is used in many culinary dishes and makes a wonderful tea.

Tea Recipe:

Add 2 tsp. of chopped leaves to 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 10 min. then

strain. I like to add honey and lemon for some extra flavor.

It has a number of home remedy applications. The crushed leaves can be applied to wounds and insect bites. It works well as a repellent for mosquitoes by rubbing on your skin and clothes. The leaves and young flowering shots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral and aids in calming nerves, reliving menstrual cramps, fevers, colds and headache. It can be added to a bath to relieve muscle tensions and soothes irritated skin.

Lemon Balm has also been used in the treatment of cold sores and in combating the herpes simplex virus.

Tea Tree Oil is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternfifolia and has many beneficial medical properties. It should not be confused with tea oil used for seasoning and cooking, which comes from pressed seeds of the tea plant (tea you drink).

Tea Tree Oil is known for its antiseptic and antifungal action and can be used for skin care and treatment, insect bites, boils and minor wounds, soothing sunburn, poison ivy and bee stings. You can even use it as a natural method to treat fleas by directly applying to you pets. I would recommend diluting it in bathing water for smaller pets.

I use Tea Tree Oil to treat toenail and athlete’s fungus by applying directly to the nail or foot. If your skin is sensitive, add 5-6 drops to warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes. I’ve had great success with this treatment.