Injectable Hydrogel Helps Skin Heal Quicker

A new injectable hydrogel that speeds healing in skin wounds has been developed by researchers from UCLA.

The material builds an instantaneous scaffold which enables new tissue to hook on and grow in the cavities created between linked gel spheres.

“Achieving a biomaterial that promotes rapid regeneration while maintaining structural support has been a holy grail in the field of tissue engineering,” principal investigator Dino Di Carlo said. “Our team has achieved this in an injectable form by combining tailored material chemistry and microfluidic fabrication of uniform spherical building blocks, each about the width of a human hair.”

5 Natural Ways To Beat Back Pain

Practice yoga. Holding downward dog for five to ten seconds can help stretch your back muscles. This motion reduces pressure that can build up in the lower spine and cause pain. Remember to also tilt the pelvis under to avoid any further lower back strain. Pigeon pose is another great posture for backaches. Hip muscles can quickly become tight and shift strain to the back. Stretching out hip flexors and extensors can alleviate back pressure and pain.

Use capsaicin cream. Capsaicin is a substance found in chili peppers. When used medicinally it helps reduces the amount of substance P, a neurotransmitter that leads to pain impulses in the brain. One study showed that after 3 weeks of capsaicin use, patients had a significant reduction in pain. To use: apply topically, at least twice per day, for maximum relief. The warm sensation also allows you to stretch and move without pain.

Get some exercise. You may be tempted to stay in bed when your back acts up, but exercise and activity can actually help you heal faster and reduce pain. A study of 240 men and women found that regular exercise reduced pain by 28 percent and disability by 36 percent. Low impact, moderate intensity exercise is the safest option. Avoid movements that trigger pain or require excessive jumping or squatting, which can exacerbate injuries. Take two to three minutes at the end of your workout to stretch your back thoroughly. Lie flat on your back and hug your knees to release any tension that developed during your workout.

Try acupuncture. Research suggests that acupuncture can help reduce chronic low back pain. One recent review showed that actual acupuncture was more effective than simulated acupuncture or no treatment in reducing pain. It’s not entirely known how acupuncture regulates pain; however, one theory suggests acupuncture helps trigger the release of pain reducing chemicals in the body (like endorphins and natural opioids). Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients first try acupuncture and many find sustained relief.

Lose excess weight. As we gain weight, stress and pressure on the lower spine and back muscles increases. The heavy weight at the front of the body can cause an increased arch in the spine and may lead to injury and compression of the discs and nerves. Losing weight reduces the tendency to arch the back and relieves pressure on the lower spine and nerves.

If your back pain is persistent or excruciating, you should see your chiropractor.

Read more at http://www.thecompleteherbalguide.com/entries/back-pain/5-natural-ways-to-beat-back-pain#uxk3P5ivULMI2mSc.99

Ayurveda: Ancient School of Healing

Ayurveda  medicine is a Hindu system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine.

Ayurveda is considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science.

The goal of Ayurveda medicine is to prevent diseases and increase longevity.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems of the world which deal with both body and spirit. It originated from the lands of India around 5000 years ago and was the part of Sanatana Dharma or Vedic Religion. By using the inherent basics of nature, Ayurveda can aid in promoting health and well being by keeping the body, spirit and mind in perfect sync with the nature. 

Unlike conventional medicines and treatments which focus only over disease management, this ancient school of medicine bestows the knowledge of preventing the disease and removing its root causes so that it does not occur again.

Ayurveda comprises of two Sanskrit root words “ayur” meaning life or longevity and “veda” meaning science. Thus the literal meaning of Ayurveda is “the science of life” which covers the mind, senses, soul and body and helps in maintaining their perfect balance by developing knowledge about one’s cosmic system and use of herbs for healing and fostering longevity.

Reiki: The Art of Healing with touch

Reiki a system created by a man called Usui Mikao in Japan in the early 1900s.

Initally he created reiki to support people on their spiritual journey toward enlightenment using meditations and precepts.

Usui Mikaobrought together various elements from his own spiritual practices to develop a system we know today as Reiki.

Detox and Cleanse Your Entire Body

Practiced for thousands of years by cultures around the world –detoxification is about resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. By removing and eliminating toxins, then feeding your body with healthy nutrients, detoxifying can help protect you from disease and renew your ability to maintain optimum health. These foods will assist in boosting your metabolism, optimising digestion, while allowing you to lose weight and fortify your immune system.

1. ARTICHOKES
Artichokes help the liver function at its best, which in turn will help your body purge itself of toxins and other things it doesn’t need to survive. It ups the liver’s production of bile, and since bile helps break down foods which helps your body use the nutrients inside them, an increase in bile production is typically a good thing.

2. APPLES
Apples are full of wonderful nutrients. You get fibre, vitamins, minerals and many beneficial phytochemical such as D-Glucarate, flavonoids and terpenoids. All of these substances are used in the detox process. One flavonoid, Phlorizidin (phlorizin), is thought to help stimulate bile production which helps with detox as the liver gets rid of some toxins through the bile. Apples are also a good source of the soluble fibre pectin, which can help detox metals and food additives from your body. It’s best to eat only organic apples as the non-organic varieties are among the top 12 foods that have been found to contain the most pesticide residues. Organically produced apples also have a 15 percent higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced apples.

Discover the Secret to Opening your Chakras

Opening your Chakras and allowing a healthy flow of energy is a powerful tool for staying balanced, maintaining good health and advancing spiritually. There are lots of things we can actively do and tools we can use to heal our chakras and make our lives better.

If you don’t know what Chakras or energy centers are check out this article here to learn more!

This video is a fun and awesome tool for learning more about chakras and how to open them.  Who knew that a kids show would teach us the secrets to opening up our 7 chakras and work towards enlightenment! You’ve gotta check this out!

Healing Benefits of Bone Broth

Ever wonder why chicken soup has been the staple meal mothers and doctors choose to prescribe when you’re feeling under the weather? Come to find out, the broth in the soup has amazing healing powers when it comes to boosting your immune system. Homemade bone broth is truly a super-food (not the stuff from a can or even the organic stock-in-a-box). It is not only beneficial for helping fight off the common cold, but also great for a number of amazing nutritional benefits. Bone broths are nutrient-dense, easy to digest as well as absorb and also rich in flavour.

Bone broth contains an excellent source of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium that can easily be absorbed by your body. It also contains chondroitin sulphates, glucosamine and collagen, which aid in the reduction of inflammation, arthritis and joint pain while supporting tendon and ligament health. The amino acids and natural gelatin produced in bone broth are important for muscle, tendon and ligament growth and repair in addition to promoting a healthy digestive system. Bone broths are essential to maintaining a balanced nervous system, bone density, reduced inflammation, a strong immune system and healthy skin, hair and nails.

Healing Eczema and Psoriasis Naturally

Eczema usually causes inflamed red, itchy, and dry patches of skin that sometimes blisters and weeps. Psoriasis is similar in that it also frequently occurs on the scalp, knees, and elbows, but it can occur anywhere on the body and also often shows up on the buttocks and wrists. It doesn’t usually itch, but may bleed if the red, swollen skin or silvery or whitish scales are scratched. It is caused by skin cells that replicate too quickly, usually around ten times the growth rate of normal skin cells.Most scientists and doctors are mystified by what causes the these conditions or the skin cells to replicate. Natural medicine theories include: poor diet; deficiencies in essential fatty acids and fibre; digestive difficulties, especially with protein; Candida albicans overgrowth; deficiency vitamins and essential fatty acids; or poor liver function or toxic buildup. Here’s how to help:

Detox Your Liver and Intestines
Detoxify the bowels and liver to eliminate a possible overgrowth of Candida albicans or other microbes that may be infecting the body. To do that, be sure to drink plenty of water every day (usually 10 to 12 cups) and supplement with a high quality probiotic supplement that includes: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacteria, and Bifidobacteria bifidum. Avoid sugars and minimize fruit consumption while dealing with Candida.

Natural Treatments and Remedies for Acid Reflux

Acid-blocking drugs are widely promoted in magazine, radio, and television advertisements as the cure for heartburn and acid reflux. But these medications only provide short-term relief and ultimately lead to additional digestive woes. Instead, I recommend these simple, cheap, and much more effective natural remedies for heartburn and acid reflux problems.

• Fix Your Hiatal Hernia
• Ginger
• Reduce Salt Use
• Chew Gum
• Licorice
• Probiotics
• D-Limonene Extract