Hippocrates, a Greek physician, wrote in the 5th century BC about a bitter powder extracted from willow bark that could ease aches and pains and reduce fevers. This remedy is also mentioned in texts from ancient Sumeria, Egypt and Assyria. Native Americans claim to have used it for headaches, fever, sore muscles, rheumatism, and chills. The Reverend Edward Stone, a vicar from Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire England, noted in 1763 that the bark of the will ...

See also:

Aspirin, Aspirin -  Name, Aspirin - Discovery, Aspirin - Synthesis of aspirin, Aspirin - How it works, Aspirin - Indications, Aspirin - Contraindications and warnings, Aspirin - Common side effects, Aspirin - Overdose

Read more here: » Aspirin: Encyclopedia II - Aspirin - Discovery

Sciatica is generally caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. It is sometimes divided into two main categories. "True" sciatica is caused by compression at the nerve root from a "slipped disc" (a herniated disc in the spine), roughening and enlarging and/or misalignment of the vertebrae. "Pseudo-sciatica" is caused by compression of more peripheral sections of the nerve, usually from soft tissue tension in the piriformis or other related muscles. Unhealthy postural habits such as excessive sitting in chairs and sleeping in the f ...

See also:

Sciatica, Sciatica - Causes of sciatica, Sciatica - Treatment

Read more here: » Sciatica: Encyclopedia II - Sciatica - Causes of sciatica

A pillow is a type of bedding— a small (and usually soft) support for the head, usually used while sleeping in a bed, or for the body as used on a couch or chair. There are also throw pillows which are pillows that are purely decorative and not designed for support or comfort. By analogy, in engineering and construction, supporting elements may also be called pillows. Pillow - Pillow construction and parts. The pillow has parts and can be dissected. Starting at the center, pillows contain a ...

Including:

• Pillow - Pillow construction and parts
• Pillow - Types of pillows
• Pillow - History
• Pillow - Modern pillow sizes

Read more here: » Pillow: Encyclopedia - Pillow

There are 40 to 60 tons of amalgam in the teeth of Sweden's population. About 50 percent of this is mercury. Everyone agrees that mercury is not good for the environment or for health, but still a majority of people have amalgam in their teeths. The homeopath Lars Lonnerud knows what mercury does to us and how we can have it removed without getting sick.

Read more here: » Spiritual Health – Amalgam from an homeopathic view

C6H4(OCOCH3)COOH Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid is a drug in the family of salicylates, often used as an analgesic (against minor pains and aches), antipyretic (against fever), and anti-inflammatory. It has also an anticoagulant (blood thinning) effect and is used in long-term low-doses to prevent heart attacks. Low-dose long-term aspirin irreversibly blocks formation of thromboxane A2 in platelets, producing an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation, and this blood thi ...

Including:

• Aspirin -  Name
• Aspirin - Discovery
• Aspirin - Synthesis of aspirin
• Aspirin - How it works
• Aspirin - Indications
• Aspirin - Contraindications and warnings
• Aspirin - Common side effects
• Aspirin - Overdose

Read more here: » Aspirin: Encyclopedia - Aspirin

Agony (Greek αγωνία, agonía "the suffering, the struggle") is unbearable suffering. Agony is mentioned in various religions, as among Christians who point to the suffering of Christ along the Via Dolorosa and on the cross, and among Jews who point to the ethnic catastrophe of the Holocaust in Germany's Third Reich. Agony is suffered in some terminal illnesses such as cancer, sometimes scarcely relieved even by heroin. In many U.S. hospitals, pain is measur ...

Read more here: » Agony: Encyclopedia - Agony

Patients usually note a deep seated mass in their soft tissue. Only when the tumor is very large do symptoms of pain or functional disturbances occur. Retroperitoneal tumors may present with signs of weight loss and emaciation and abdominal pain. These tumors may also compress the kidney or ureter leading to kidney failure. ...

See also:

Liposarcoma, Liposarcoma - Symptoms, Liposarcoma - Incidence/Prevalence, Liposarcoma - Prognosis

Read more here: » Liposarcoma: Encyclopedia II - Liposarcoma - Symptoms

Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination backed by blood tests and imaging. The classical physical finding in appendicitis is diffuse pain in the umbilical region which can become localised at McBurney's point if the inflammed appendix comes into contact with the parietal peritoneum. This point is located on the right-hand side of the abdomen one-third of the distance between the an ...

See also:

Appendicitis, Appendicitis - Causes, Appendicitis - Signs symptoms and findings, Appendicitis - Diagnosis, Appendicitis - Treatment, Appendicitis - Prognosis

Read more here: » Appendicitis: Encyclopedia II - Appendicitis - Diagnosis

Olivia Mathis from Australia describes her experiences from attending Samskarashuddhi and Mukti 3 at The World University of Consciousness after The Oneness Festival August 2003. Olivia also received a diksha for Enlightenment from Kalki, The Founder of The Golden Age Foundation.

Read more here: » Enlightenment: Diksha for Enlightenment by Olivia Mathis

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer relevant or are impeding progress.

 First, an assessment is made by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction.

Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.

(See also: MYOFASCIAL RELEASE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Pain Dictionary

Hells are not imaginary fiction as ordinarily conceived of by the modern rationalistic mind. The empiricist believes only in experience of sense-contact and feels himself unable to rise above the dictates of the intellect. But it does not mean that man has reason to overlook facts beyond his comprehension

This is an excerpt from the book What Becomes Of The Soul After Death by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Lokas Or Planes: Hell Or Naraka

An FAQ on Meditation including:

What is meditation?

How is meditation different from relaxation, thinking, concentration or self-hypnosis?

What are the different meditation techniques?

Which is the "right" meditation technique right for me?

Is there any religious implication or affiliation with meditation?

Does meditation have any ethical implications?

What is the best time of day to meditate?

Why do some people use music while meditating?

Should I meditate with my eyes open or with my eyes closed?

What are the physiological effects of meditation?

When I meditate I experience physical pain in my body. What should I do?

How long should I meditate?

Do I need a teacher to learn meditation?

Read more here: » Meditation: Meditation FAQ

LAUGHTER THERAPY:

Laughter is said to be addictive. Given its several health benefits, that is desirable. Firstly it gives a sense of well being because of release of endorphins and neuropeptides. By ensuring the inhalation of more oxygen, the lifeline of the system, it makes people feel better. It decreases stress leading to lowered stiffness of muscles - muscle relaxation easing headaches, body aches and other muscular problems.

As blood vessels get dilated, blood pressure falls by 10-20 mm mercury after 10 minutes of laughter - very useful for patients of hypertension. With levels of antibodies and natural killer cells going up with laughter, it also improves the immunity - evident from thousands of laughter club members have decreased incidences of cough and cold.

Laughter has innumerable other benefits. It proves a potent anti-stress factor, decreases asthmatic attacks, increases stamina, relives arthritic pain, ensures good sleep and elevates mood. Since the serotonin levels go up after laughter, it is an effective antidote for depression too.

Haasya Yoga is a method of group laughter that is based on yogic techniques. The exercises are designed based entirely on yoga stretching, breathing and variety of stimulated laughs, starting with deep breathing. As simulation helps stimulation, exercise induced laughter - that compliments but is not a substitute for natural laughter - increases the capacity for the latter.

Helping individuals increase their capacity to laugh more, be more self-confident and self-expressive. Positive qualities are cultivated, thereby removing negative emotions as jealousy, fear, guilt and anger. The laughter club is in effect a behavioral training institute that spontaneously raises spirits at no cost. The concept of a laughter bank, where people come up with creative ideas for different types of laughter, for instance is to bring in play fullness into the atmosphere. The fun, frolic and childish attitude generated not only reduces inhibitions, but also curtails tensions.

Under certain conditions though laughter therapy is not recommended. Patients with hernia, advanced piles, eye complications, Angolan pain and those who have just undergone major surgery should not venture into this therapy without the explicit advice of a doctor. Pregnant woman should also preferably avoid laughter sessions till some conclusive data regarding the safety is available. Patients suffering from tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory infections where phlegm is produced must take precaution against spread of infection. Finally, even a normal person experiencing discomfort while laughing, must discontinue immediately and seek expert medical help.

(See also: LAUGHTER THERAPY , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Pain Dictionary

Analgesic - Paracetamol and NSAIDs. The exact mechanism of action of paracetamol is uncertain, but it appears to be acting centrally. Aspirin and the NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase, leading to a decrease in prostaglandin production; this improves pain and also inflammation (in contrast to paracetamol and the opioids). Paracetamol has few side effects, but dosing is limited by possible hepatotoxicity (potential for liver damage). NSAIDs may predispose to peptic ulcers, renal failure, allergic reactions, and hearing loss. They may also increase the risk of hemorrhage. A ...

See also:

Analgesic, Analgesic - Stepwise use, Analgesic - The major classes, Analgesic - Paracetamol and NSAIDs, Analgesic - Opiates and morphinomimetics, Analgesic - Specific agents, Analgesic - Specific forms and uses, Analgesic - Combinations, Analgesic - Topical or systemic, Analgesic - Psychotropic agents, Analgesic - Addiction, Analgesic - Reference

Read more here: » Analgesic: Encyclopedia II - Analgesic - The major classes

Death is only a change of form. Death is only separation of the astral body from the physical body.
Birth follows death just as waking follows sleep. You will again resume the work that was left off by you in your previous life. Therefore, do not be afraid of death.

This is an excerpt from the book What Becomes Of The Soul After Death by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Conquest Of Death: What Is Death And How To Conquer It

Herbalism: Herbs, Plants, Oils - A list of herbs and their purposes, including old folklore usages

This is a list of some of the thousands of herbs that I have found, there are many more. They are in alphabetical order so just scroll down the list.

From The Busy Witch.

Read more here: » Herbs, Plants, Oils: A list of herbs and their purposes

Childbirth - First stage: contractions. A typical human childbirth will begin with the onset of contractions of the uterus. The frequency and duration of these contractions varies with the individual. The onset of labour may be sudden or gradual. A gradual onset with slow cervical change towards 3 cm (just over 1 inch) dilation is referred to as the "latent phase". A woman is said to be in "active labour" when contractions have become regular in frequency (3-4 in 10 minutes) and about 60 seconds in duration. The ...

See also:

Childbirth, Childbirth - The normal birth, Childbirth - First stage: contractions, Childbirth - Second stage, Childbirth - Third stage: placenta, Childbirth - After the birth, Childbirth - Variations, Childbirth - Pain, Childbirth - Non-medical pain control, Childbirth - Medical pain control, Childbirth - Complications and Risks of Birth, Childbirth - Professions associated with childbirth, Childbirth - Social aspects, Childbirth - Legal aspects, Childbirth - Psychological aspects

Read more here: » Childbirth: Encyclopedia II - Childbirth - The normal birth

Spanking — like corporal punishment in general — is a hotly debated social issue in many countries. Questions exist as to whether children should be spanked (see the sections below), whether it is an effective method of discipline (and if so how it is best done, see above), and whether or at what point it constitutes child abuse. Most of the points mentioned apply more generally to most or all forms of physical punishment. S ...

See also:

Spanking, Spanking - Linguistics, Spanking - What and how, Spanking - Definitions, Spanking - Scope of punitive use, Spanking - Position, Spanking - Procedure, Spanking - Controversy, Spanking - Arguments for spanking, Spanking - Arguments against spanking, Spanking - Alternatives to spanking, Spanking - Minimal use of spanking, Spanking - Other criticisms and questions about spanking, Spanking - The legal situation, Spanking - Non-punitive & Voluntary spankings, Spanking - Folkloristic spanking traditions, Spanking - Recreational context, Spanking - Spanking therapy, Spanking - Adult Spanking, Spanking - Footnotes

Read more here: » Spanking: Encyclopedia II - Spanking - Controversy

Mantra-writing

When you write the Mantra, always observe Mouna or silence. Feel that the divine Sakti is entering your whole being. Do not change your seat till you have finished the day's number of pages. There is an Achintya Sakti (indescribable power) in Mantra-writing. It helps the concentration in the Sadhaka.

From "Easy Steps to Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Mantra-writing: The power of Mantra-writing

An aortic aneurysm is a general term for any swelling (dilatation or aneurysm) of the aorta, usually representing an underlying weakness in the wall of the aorta at that location. While the stretched vessel may occasionally cause discomfort, it is the risk of rupture causing severe pain, massive internal hemorrhage and, without prompt treatment, resulting in a quick death. In addition the aneurysm may split (Aortic dissection) which may block vessels that branch off from the aorta or release blood clots (emboli) causing ...

Including:

• Aortic aneurysm - Pathology
• Aortic aneurysm - Signs symptoms and diagnosis
• Aortic aneurysm - Location
• Aortic aneurysm - Medical Treatment
• Aortic aneurysm - Surgical Treatment
• Aortic aneurysm - Prevention

Read more here: » Aortic aneurysm: Encyclopedia - Aortic aneurysm

If bruising is severe, complications may arise. Excess fluid may accumulate, forming a hard lump called a hematoma. Swelling may also be severe, and pain may be a serious problem. If internal bleeding inside the tissue is very severe, compartment syndrome may occur, leading to disrupted blood flow due to swelling; this can require surgery. More seriously, the impacts that cause severe bruising can also cause other damage: impacts to the torso may damage internal organs, and impacts to the head can be very dangerous. Bones may be broke ...

See also:

Bruise, Bruise - Light bruises, Bruise - Severe bruises

Read more here: » Bruise: Encyclopedia II - Bruise - Severe bruises

Critics, including many mainstream medical doctors and scientists, often reject the claims of some chiropractic associations and schools as pseudoscience, quackery, or fraud. Advocates believe at least some of this criticism was encouraged by the American Medical Association during the 1970s and early 1980s in what they have labeled "anti-chiropractic prejudice". In 1985, The National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF), a non-profit healthcare watch-dog group, issued a position statement critical of chiropractic.

Chiropractic, Chiropractic - History, Chiropractic - Chiropractic subluxation, Chiropractic - Usage, Chiropractic - Chiropractic education licensure and regulation, Chiropractic - United States, Chiropractic - Philosophical schools of chiropractic, Chiropractic - Criticism of chiropractic, Chiropractic - Safety concerns

Read more here: » Chiropractic: Encyclopedia II - Chiropractic - Criticism of chiropractic