Spa Travel Tips:

If you have any medical problem or pregnant inform before the treatment, because they can suggest you a suitable treatment for health.

Pregnant person should avoid treatment, it cause heat related problem.

If you thing you want to relax yourself, spa is the best place to relax try to stay for 2 to 3

If you are going to the spa treatments just reach the place before mins. It is the best to way don’t be in hurry.

Acquire benefit of the lavish conveniences that most destination spa and resort spas have, including saunas, steam baths, and hot and cold plunge pools.

If the spa has lots of course and programs, make sure their schedule when you’re making your spa healing engagements. If there is a harangue or class you really want to attend, make sure there are no settings up conflicts.

Day Spa Services

The services presented by day spas have a propensity to be at variance from one competence to the next. Needy on the position, cost, and size of a day spa, such curative variances tend to hand round as single facial appearance of that spa. Conversely, there are integers of to some extent typical day spa services available at most services:
• Facials
• Massage
• Waxing
• Body treatments
• Skin exfoliation

Vitamins Good for Hair

Most of the people face hair fall problems due to lack of vitamin B in their diet. Our body needs lot of vitamins to promote health fitness and there some natural vitamins that helps in hair growth. Below you can find a list of vitamins that are good for health.

Vitamin A

Act as an antioxidant making the scalp healthy. Fish liver oil, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, apricots, and peaches are good in vitamin A.

Vitamin C

Help in maintaining hair health. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, and dark green vegetables are good in vitamin C.

Vitamin E

Helps in improving blood circulation in the scalp. Vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables are good in Vitamin E.

Biotin

Act as an anti aging agent. Prevent the hair from getting grey color and also prevents hair loss. Whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice, and milk are rich in Biotin.

Inositol

Keeps the hair follicles healthy. Whole grains, liver and citrus fruits are rich in Inositol.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey, and meat are rich in Niacin and they promote blood circulation in the scalp.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Prevents graying and hair loss. Whole grain cereals, organ meats, and egg yolks are rich in Vitamin B5.

Vitamin B6

Prevents hair loss. Brewer's yeast, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats, and egg yolk are good in vitamin B6.

Vitamin B12

This also helps to prevents hair loss and dishes like chicken, fish, eggs, and milk are rich in this vitamin.

How to Increase Stamina

Stamina is the resilient power of the body. The level of stamina varies from person to person. In addition, it depends on the state of the body factors like age, sex and any aliments. The level of stamina increases with constant and continuous efforts.

Lack of stamina in the body causes of many health related problems like fatigue and lethargy. Our efficiency to work also decreases and our body is exposed to many diseases. Hence, stamina is very essential for a vital and prolonged life.

To improve the stamina the following steps can be followed:

1. Weight training is the most suitable method to improve the stamina

2. Running briskly like going for jogging every day morning will be suitable to increase your stamina easily.

3. Try increasing the time of your exercise.

4. Swimming also will help you. Swimming every day will work on the muscles of your body thus improving the stamina.

5. Trekking and yoga can also help you to increase your stamina

Add Years to your Life

Spas Add Years to Your interweave of fate that it falls the day succeeding to taxes are ISPA do research shows that the No. 1 motivation group of people go to the spa is to relax and mitigate or reduce stress.

Here some facts on stress:

One third of Americans are living with tremendous stress and nearly half believe their stress has enlarged over the past five years.

People who go for a single deep-tissue manipulate trim down their blood pressure by seven points. Over time, lowered blood stress can add six years to your life.

By 2020, the top five diseases will all have the essential contributing factor of stress.

Dealing with your stress in the present day can help prevent stress-related illnesses today and tomorrow. Things like meditation, acupuncture, massage and guided metaphors the rights come back with are to find what fits for you and incorporate it on a regular basis.

Tips for reducing hypertension in women

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious concern in women's health. The American Heart Association states that of the 73 million people in the United States with hypertension, nearly half are women. According to the National Institutes of Health, high blood pressure is determined by how high the systolic (top number) or diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure is. The systolic blood pressure is the pressure from when the heart beats; it is considered high if the systolic is over 140. The diastolic blood pressure is the pressure from when the heart is at rest; it is considered high if the diastolic is over 90. In addition, women can have prehypertension, where the systolic is between 120 and 139, and the diastolic is between 80 and 89. Women with prehypertension are at high risk of developing hypertension.

The Nurses' Health Study, conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, investigated certain lifestyle changes. Over 14 years, the Nurses' Health Study looked at 83,882 women between the ages 27 and 44; during those years of observation, 14 percent of those women developed hypertension. However, researchers noticed that certain lifestyles prevented and reduced hypertension; 78 percent of women in the study were less likely to develop hypertension when they: had a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range of 18 and 24, exercised 30 minutes a day; ingested a low-salt diet; consume one alcoholic drink or less a day; used nonnarcotic analgesics less than once per week, and took at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.

Ref: examiner.com

Acupuncture for Stress Relief

As our live have be convert into more traumatic and hectic, medical professionals have begin to see the personal property of stress on our health. Acupuncture's ancient approach to wellbeing care offers commanding fortification against the detrimental affects of stress.

Pressure is an important reason of high blood pressure, which in turn is an important cause of heart attack or stroke. Acupuncture helps sustain the appropriate carrying out of your body as one amalgamated system.

Many people have a "weak" point in their remains that will react first at what time the person is under stress. Knowledge to manage stress can be an imperative tool to improving an individuals overall health and well-being.
Acupuncture is most frequently used to treat and control chronic pain, but it is also rapidly being used to treat a number of both common and rare illnesses. Regular acupuncture treatments help your body to realise pressure.
Acupuncture handling is relaxing and refreshing. You will most likely find cure by a qualified acupuncture expert will significantly help your body deal with with the potentially detrimental affect of constant worry.

Fridge beauty parlor

Instead of investing a lot of capital in beauty treatments you can simply treat yourself with natural ingredients in your fridge. And natural beauty is also parsimonious. Without even spending a single penny your can pamper yourself during the difficult economic times.

Face First

Natural yogurt can be used to cleanse, exfoliate and can also be used as a moisturizing and exfoliating cleanser mixed with oatmeal. Honey and apple can be used to prepare a moisturizing cleanser.

Two slices of cucumber is enough to cool, refresh and lessen the dark circles around the eyes.

Hands and Feet

Moisture cleanser prepared with a handful of strawberries, two tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon of sea salt. This aromatic mix can be used in hands and feet as an exfoliating treatment.

Body

You can give yourself a luxurious moisture milk bath. Simply add a cup of milk to the bathing water or else add ¼ to ½ cup of powered milk. In order to increase the moisturizing effect hand a bag of muslin of oats under the tap of running water.

Hair Care

Rinse your hair with chamomile, thyme and rosemary instead of using chemical added shampoos. These are the natural intergradient’s that are available in your fridge always.

Best Ten Spa Treatments

When you decide to pamper yourself with a good spa for a long time or just planning for a few hours to relax and sooth you. You can be confused with the variety of spas. So here are the top ten spa treatments for you.

Swedish massage.

Swedish massage is a grand massage for all who just wants to relax and feel energized. It is far gentler than shiatsu massage. Swedish massage is available at the entire spa done by the professional.

Salt glow

Salt glow is used when you want to make your skin shine. The therapist will rub sea salt, oil and aromatics on your skin and then wash them away. This gives you a mild exfoliation and it will sooth the skin.

Algae body wrap

Though this treatment may take little longer time at the end of the day you feel the benefit for it. You will be lightly exfoliated and be wrapped in a mixture of lotions and algae. You can have a shower after sometimes when the wraps are removed. This makes your skin feel soft, glowing and emerging from the wraps feels wonderfully freeing.

Mud body wrap

The process is same as algae body wrap and is recommended for the people who have oily skin.

Aromatherapy facial

Aromatherapy facials are diagonal when you think of relaxing. Here lavender are used for relaxation and citrus are used for energy.

Manicure/pedicure

These are the most important and wanted spa treatments. Because people judge you by the way you keep your hands and nails.

Hot stone massage

Hot stone massage involves the placement of hot stones on certain points on the body to produce a healthy effect.

Reflexology

Reflexology is used to massage the feet and to relieve pains from the feet since feet take a lot of abuse.

Thai massage

Thai massage is also known as assisted yoga and is conducted through a series of poses that manipulate the body. This is a perfect treatment for getting energetic effect.

Steam

This is also an oily massage and done in a steam room where you can feel pure and refreshed.

Useful eye care tips

Eyes are the humans most gifted organ to see and enjoy the world’s beauty. Here are some useful tips to take care of your eyes.

1. To make eyes brighter vitamin A helps the most.

2. To get sparkling eyes wash the eyes with cold water.

3. To remove the dark circles use sliced cucumbers and potato.

4. Soak the amla full night in the water and use the water to wash the eyes.

5. Cotton soaked in Luke warm milk can be used to cover the eyes for 15 min.

6. Soak the cotton pads in chilled milk and place the cotton on the closed eyes for 10 mins and relax yourself to sooth the tired eyes.

7. If your eyes jerk slightly or if your eyes becomes red and feel itchy massage your scalp with curd.

8. Peeve a potato with its peel and apply on the closed eyes and take a nap for 20 minutes you will get puffy eyes.

Nine Tips for Healthy Hair

You might be blessed with any type of hair by nature. But there are things that you can do to keep your hair healthy, shiny and to make the best to look good. Below are some tips for a healthy hair.

1. Like everything about you the healthy hair beings to grow automatically. Eat lot of green leafy vegetables, sweet juicy fruits, milk, fresh coconut and diced fresh fruit.

2. Avoid refined, processed and canned foods.

3. Certain spices that add nourishment to your hair can be added with the food while cooking. The spices are cumin, turmeric, and black pepper.

4. Time management is very important for healthy hair since stress can seriously injure the long term and color of the hair. Mediation can be practiced to relax you. Get adequate and good quality of sleep to regain your energy and to balance your mind.

5. Ayurvedic herbs can be used to nourish the hair. They also help to fight against the stress as well. These herbs help to regain health, color and luster to the hair.

6. Make sure that you stay away from the chemical products that damage you hair. Use natural cleansers and conditioners for washing the hair.

7. To stimulate and moisturize the scalp you can give a warm oil scalp massage. Use of good quality coconut, almond and olive oil is necessary. Ayurvedic hair oils can also be used. Warm the oils and gently use them on your scalp.

8. Never use a brush in a wet hair instead use a wooden comb as it does not generate static electricity. Excessive use of dryers can damage the hair. So let the wet hair to dry naturally and the comb it.

9. Brushing your hair regularly helps to stimulate the hair and make your hair look healthy and shiny.

Introduction of Ayurveda and History

The word Ayurveda has derived from AYU and VEDA. AYU means life VEDA means Science or knowledge. That means the science of life. Charaka defines "That science is designated as Ayurveda where advantageous and disadvantageous as well as happy and unhappy states of life along with what is good and bad for life, its measurement and the life itself are described " (Charaka Sutra 1 - 4) Ayurveda embrace all living things, animate and inanimate. It is divided into three main branches Viz. Nara Ayurveda dealing with human life, Satva Ayurveda the science dealing with animal life and its diseases,Vriksha Ayurveda the science dealing with plant life its growth and diseases. When one goes deep into the science of Ayurveda, it is clear that this is not only a system of medicine but a way of living for complete positive health and spiritual attainments.

Ancient Ayurvedic Hospital

Ayurveda believes that the highest wealth one get is health. Righteous life, (Dharma), Wealth (Artha), fulfillment of desires (Kama) and attainment of salvation (Moksha), all these four factors depends on a healthy life.

Swasthya (Health) is defined as (a) Dosha Dhatu samya (well balanced metabolism) plus (b) Prasanna Atma, Indriya, Manah (a happy state of the being, the senses and the mind) sense here mean the five organs of perception Gana Indriya (smell, taste, sight, touch, and hearing) coupled with the organs of action Karma Indriya namely mouth, hands and feet, organs of excretion and reproduction.

The origin of ayurveda dates back to the Vedic era. Some historians say that ayurveda is a part of Atharva Veda. In Athavaveda too there are hyms which mention medicine for various diseases. Medicines like Accorus calamus, Phylanthantus embolic are mentioned. The systematized form of ayurveda dates back to the Rishi conference which was held in the place called Chityarata in the foot hills of Mount Himalaya. The great book on ayurveda Characa Samhita gives a detail description of the Rishi conference Rishis are great learned people like the great scientists of today. But with a deference. They are enlightened and refined persons who are absolutely free from the predominance of Rajas and Tama by virtue of the power of penance and knowledge and who are always in possession of an uninterrupted knowledge pertaining to past, present and future and known as authorities (Aptaos). They are also known as gentleman (Sista) and enlightened (Vibudha) persons and their words are considered free beyond any doubt. When diseases were more prevalent these learned scientist called all the scientists of India and neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and of Greater India. A list of the names of scientists who attended the conference is also given in Charaka Samhita. At this conference all the scattered knowledge was collected and 8 schools of thoughts were originated. The main are the school of internal medicine, school of surgery and school of pediatrics. Agniveshas book on internal medicine became the authoritative text. Today it is known as Characa samhita. Susruta's book on surgery became the authoritative text of that subject. Kashyapa's book on paediatrics became the standard book of the subject. There were books written on other subjects like toxicology, ENT diseases etc; but they are lost and are unable to find to in this day. Nevertheless certain portions of some of these books are found.

Similar books were written on veterinary science. The voluminous book on diseases of elephants and there training is called Palakaypa samhita. The book on diseases of horses is called Shalihotra Samhita and it contains 12000, verses 12000 is also the number of verses in Charaka Samhita. The similarity does not end with number of verses, just as Ayurveda is divided into 8 sections this science has also been divided in to 8 sections This Shalihotra Samhita has been translated into Persian, Arabic, Tibetan and English. The Persian translation dating as early as 1387 AD. The section describing the diseases of cattle is called Gava Ayurveda. Senaakayurveda is the science of birds and training of hawks. The book written on plants, their diseases, propagation etc; is called the Upavana vinoda. Thus this is the first historical record, perhaps in the whole world of systematizing the medical knowledge. Knowledge that had come down, till then, as a living tradition traced either from a divine origin or from the findings of the deep thought meditation of sages or from the instinct, experiment and experience of generations of humanity.

Chamomile

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb chamomile—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Two types of chamomile are used for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of this fact sheet.

Common Names—chamomile, German chamomile

Latin Names—Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita


What It Is Used For

Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions.
The herb is often used for sleeplessness; anxiety; and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.
It is used ically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.

How It Is Used

The flowering s of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.

What the Science Says

Chamomile has not been well studied in people so there is little evidence to support its use for any condition.
Some early studies point to chamomile's possible benefits for mouth ulcers and certain skin conditions. In combination with other herbs, it may be of some benefit for upset stomach and for diarrhea in children.
NCCAM-funded research on chamomile includes studies of the herb for generalized anxiety disorder and for chronic pain caused by children's bowel disorders.

Side Effects and Cautions

There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who have eaten or come into contact with chamomile products. Reactions include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).
People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Cat's Claw

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb cat's claw—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Cat's claw grows wild in many countries of Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest. The use of this woody vine dates back to the Inca civilization.

Common Names—cat's claw, uña de gato

Latin Names—Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis

What It Is Used For

Cat's claw has been used for centuries in South America to prevent and treat disease.
It has been used for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Cat's claw has been used to support the immune system and promote kidney health, as well as to prevent and abort pregnancy.

How It Is Used

The inner bark of cat's claw is used to make liquid extracts, capsules, and teas. Preparations of cat's claw can also be applied to the skin.

What the Science Says

There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether cat's claw works for any health problem, including arthritis, HIV, or cancer.
Small studies in humans have shown a possible benefit of cat's claw in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but no large trials have been done. In laboratory studies, cat's claw stimulates part of the immune system, but it has not been proven to reduce inflammation or boost the immune system in humans.
The National Institute on Aging is studying how cat's claw may affect the brain. Findings may point to new avenues for research in Alzheimer's disease treatment.

Side Effects and Cautions

Few side effects have been reported for cat's claw when it is taken at recommended dosages. Though rare, side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and vomiting.
Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid using cat's claw because of its past use for preventing and aborting pregnancy.
Because cat's claw may stimulate the immune system, it is unclear whether the herb is safe for people with conditions affecting the immune system.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Aloe Vera

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about aloe vera—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Aloe vera's use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

Common Names—aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall

What It Is Used For

* Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative.
* Today, in addition to traditional uses, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns.
* Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks.
* The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.

How It Is Used

* Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment.
* The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.

What the Science Says

* Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data.
* Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel does not prevent burns from radiation therapy.
* There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe vera for any of its other uses.

Side Effects and Cautions

* Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
* Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera.
* Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
* People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
* Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Health Tip

* Don't look straight to herbal remedies if you get sick. See your doctor, find out what's wrong, and get the physician's advice on treatment.
* Skip herbal remedies altogether if you are pregnant or are trying to conceive.
* Never give herbal supplements to an infant.
* Never take more of an herbal remedy than its manufacturer recommends.
* Read labels, and only use products that specifically list which herbs (and amounts) are included.
* Always tell your doctor about any herbal products that you are taking.
* If you have any plant, flower or pollen allergies, pay attention to what's in the herbal supplements you're considering.
* Understand that there are no guarantees with herbal products, and that manufacturer or seller claims may not necessarily be accurate.

Ayurveda Treatments

Ayurvedic treatments vary from the majority of conservative cures in its unique approach towards healing. The belief of treating the sick and not the sickness is central to all forms of ayurvedic treatments. Rather than trying to cure a disease in isolatation, ayurveda takes into account an entity in his entirety.

Having a balanced condition of doshas, agni (digestive fire), dhatus (tissues) normal functioning of waste products, cheerful condition of atman (soul), sensory organs and mind are the symptoms of strong life.

Ayurvedic treatments lay stress on examining the doshas/prakriti or the normal states of individuals before proceeding. The prakriti or the physical constitution, vulnerability to diseases, mental make-up and lifestyle of an person is ascertained in accord to the elemental establishment of the larger prakriti or the universe.

Of course, ayurveda has drawn the most entire picture of human body and the natural world, saying that, the elements of the nature—the Panchamahabhuts: kshit (earth), ap (water), marut(air), tejas (fire), and vyoma (space or ether or akash), are also, the mechanism of human body,which are manifested in three types of physic—kaph (water/earth), pitta (fire), vata (ether/ air).These three types are further documented by ayurveda as tridoshas or the three faults—vata, pitta and kapha irregularities. The smooth performance of the body is hampered owing to the imbalances in the three doshas (prakriti) causing all kinds of diseases.

Ayurveda takes into consideration the body, mind and spirit of an individual as the unit for diagnosis. Hence, it recognizes negative emotions like anger, fear, insecurity, envy and greed as incorrect thinking on the part of an individual. These can directly create an inequity in the doshas. Sattva, or nonviolent equilibrium, rajas, or excessive activity and tamas, or inertia—the three tendencies or gunas of mind influence the imbalances in the three doshas. Hence the mind-body imbalance impairs the creative performance of man.

Can Diet Keep Your Body Fit

• Prepare more of your own food. "Make as much as you can from scratch because the prepackaged foods are often the most expensive,".
• Have a plan at the supermarket. "Don't go to the grocery story hungry, and go with a list," "These things can help you stay on track."
• Take advantage of seasonal produce. "Produce that's in-season is going to be a little bit cheaper than off-season produce," . "Also, when buying perishables, make sure you're only buying what you're going to consume. If it's on special but you buy more than you'll consume, you haven't really saved any money."
• Stockpile non-perishables. Thayer suggests stocking up on canned foods when they're on sale. "Fruits and vegetables can sometimes be cheaper because they'll last longer than the fresh," . "Buying food in bulk is good if it doesn't spoil before you use it."
• Buy inexpensive sources of needed nutrients. "Beans are a very inexpensive source of protein and fiber, and very versatile,". "There are many varieties of beans, and you can do many things with them." Popcorn and oatmeal are inexpensive grain options, and nonfat dry milk is a cheap source of dairy and "a great thing to have on hand,". "It's inexpensive, and it's got shelf life. You just mix it up when you need it."

Turmeric and its uses

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb ( plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. turmeric—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information). Turmeric, a shrub related to ginger, is grown throughout India, other parts of Asia, and Africa. Known for its warm, bitter taste and golden color, turmeric is commonly used in fabric dyes and foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. It should not be confused with Javanese turmeric.

Common Names : turmeric, turmeric root, Indian saffron

Latin Names : Curcuma longa

What It Is Used For

* In traditional Chinese medicineA whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi. and Ayurvedic medicineA whole medical system that originated in India. It aims to integrate the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat disease. Therapies used include herbs, massage, and yoga., turmeric has been used to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation.
* Turmeric has also been applied directly to the skin for eczema and wound healing.
* Today, turmeric is used for conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gallstones. It is also used to reduce inflammation, as well as to prevent and treat cancer.

How It Is Used

Turmeric's finger-like underground stems (rhizomes) are dried and taken by mouth as a powder or in capsules, teas, or liquid extracts. Turmeric can also be made into a paste and used on the skin.

What the Science Says

* There is little reliable evidence to support the use of turmeric for any health condition because few clinical trials have been conducted.
* Preliminary findings from animal and laboratory studies suggest that a chemical found in turmeric—called curcumin—may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but these findings have not been confirmed in people.
* NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the active chemicals in turmeric and their effects—particularly anti-inflammatory effects—in people to better understand how turmeric might be used for health purposes.


Side Effects and Cautions

* Turmeric is considered safe for most adults.
* High doses or long-term use of turmeric may cause indigestion.
* In animals, high doses of turmeric have caused liver problems. No cases of liver problems have been reported in people.
* People with gallbladder disease should avoid using turmeric as a dietary supplementA product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements., as it may worsen the condition.
* Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

* Turmeric. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on December 27, 2006.
* Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) and curcumin. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on December 28, 2006.
* Turmeric root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:379–384.

Preventing Pedicure Foot Spa Infections

Guidance from the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Outbreaks of skin infections on the legs and feet of patrons following spa pedicures have caused concern about spa safety. This page provides information for customers of salon pedicure foot spas which can help reduce the potential for infections associated with pedicure foot spa use. Information for salon foot spa owners, operators, and workers.


Protect Your Skin!

* Microorganisms in foot spas can enter through the skin; so broken skin (e.g., cuts and abrasions) should not come into contact with foot spa water.
* Do not shave, use hair removal creams, or wax your legs during the 24 hours before receiving treatment in a foot spa.
* Do not use a foot spa if your skin has any open wounds such as bug bites, bruises, scratches, cuts, scabs, poison ivy, etc.

Identifying an Infection

Open wounds appear on the skin of feet and legs. Initially they may look like insect bites, but they increase in size and severity over time, and sometimes result in pus and scarring.

Cause of Infections

Some incidents of foot spa infections have been caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum. This organism can occur naturally in water and soil. Other organisms have also been found in footbath systems. The screens and tubes of foot spas are particularly good places for the bacteria to collect and grow, often forming dense layers of cells and proteins called biofilms, which can be very hard to remove.

Know how the salon cleans and disinfects foot spas.

* Ask salon workers how the foot spas are maintained and how often.
* A foot spa should be disinfected between each customer, and nightly. The disinfectant needs to work for the full time listed on its label, typically 10 minutes, depending on the type of disinfectant.
* Proper cleaning and disinfection can greatly reduce the risk of getting an infection by reducing the bacteria that can build up in the foot spa system.

Disinfectants used in the foot spa should indicate on the label that they're approved for hospital use.

A disinfectant label should clearly show its uses and that it is EPA-approved. Read more details about the disinfectant label.
# Salons should use an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant
# The label (at right) should list relevant product information, including:

1. The terms "Disinfectant" and also "Hospital" or "Medical" or "Health Care". This indicates the product can be used as a disinfectant on surfaces in these environments.
2. The EPA registration number.
3. Some products may have instructions for both sanitizing and disinfecting footbaths. Pedicurists should follow disinfecting directions.

spa bath

A spa bath is a ‘self-contained body of warm water designed for sitting rather than swimming in, which has a mechanism to ensure the water flows around the user’. It is designed for a small number of people to use at one time. The water temperature is kept between 30 to 40 Degree C, and is not usually drained between users, so has to be continually filtered and cleaned. A hydrojet circulation or air induction bubble system is used to stir up the water. You may also call your spa bath a spa pool, hot spa, hot tub, portable spa, or whirlpool spa (a term commonly used in American publications). ‘Jacuzzi’ is the trade name for one type of spa bath.

What is a "Health Spa?"

The Act defines a health spa as "any person, firm, corporation, organization, club or association engaged in the sale of memberships in a program of physical exercise, which included the use of one or more of a sauna, whirlpool, weight-lifting room, massage, steam room, or exercising room or device."

Within the context of the Act, the term "health spa" does not include " bona fide nonprofit organizations, including, but not limited to, the Young Men's Christian Association, Young Women's Christian Association, or similar organizations whose functions as health spas are only incidental to their overall functions and purposes; any private club owned and operated by its members; any organization primarily operated for the purpose of teaching a particular form of self-defense such as judo or karate; any facility owned or operated by the United States; any facility owned or operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia or any of its political subdivisions; any nonprofit public or private school, college or university, and any club providing tennis or swimming facilities located in a residential planned community or subdivision, developed in conjunction with the development of such community or subdivision, and deriving at least eighty percent of its membership from residents of such community or subdivision; and any facility owned and operated by a private employer exclusively for the benefit of its employees, retirees, and family members and which facility is only incidental to the overall functions and purposes of the employer's business and is operated on a nonprofit basis."