Short periods of sensory deprivation can be relaxing. Sensory deprivation can be achieved by using such simple devises such as blindfolds and earmuffs. Devices that are more complex can cut the sense of smell, touch taste, sense of heat or cold and gravity. Sensory deprivation methods have been used in psychology experiments and for torture. Extensive sensory deprivation can result in hallucinations, depression, bizarre thoughts, and extreme anxiety. The five methods of sensory deprivation are:

Confined to a room with loud and/or hissing noises.

Deprivation of sleep.

Putting a hood over the head to keep out any sight or sense of light

Standing for long periods in a “stress position.”

Deprivation of food and drink.

We are going to concentrate on the good that Sensory Deprivation Methods can do for your psyche.

One form of sensory deprivation to increase relaxation is called a float tank. This float tank is kept at skin temperature, and you are kept buoyant in a pool of water that is 25% saturated with Epsom salts. This makes the water denser and more buoyant than seawater. The float tank shuts out 90% of the environmental stimulation that affects the muscles, nervous system and sense organs of the body. Without the external stimulants, your body can relax and feel you body go to a deeply relaxed state.

Your ears are under water so sound is blocked out. Some float tanks have gentle music that is piped in to heighten the relaxation process. It makes you feel like you are floating on a sea of music. While relaxing in warm water, listening to gentle music your mind can focus on other thoughts and not just on your body which results in a state of relaxation more restful than sleep.

Stress related chemicals such as adrenaline, cortical, and lactate are removed from the blood stream and replaced by the endorphins. These endorphins are natures own body drug that makes people happy. This increases feelings of well-being, relieves chronic pain and fatigue, and improves higher brain function such as memory and learning. Best of all, no special training is required, just lie back, and let your mind and body go.

While your body is in a state of total relaxation, your brain remains awake. It doesn’t have to work on processing signals from you nervous system and sense organs so it can go into a slow dreamy state known as theta state. While your brain is in this mode, your creative and inspirational thought processes are enhanced. You find your self in this theta state the whole time you are in the float tank. You can not reach the theta state unless you are sleeping, but in the float tank it is easily acquired.

Those of us who have demanding life styles can benefit from the float tank as it immediately can reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Other tension related maladies such as migraines, insomnia and back pain are also helped. The mental and physical effects of being buoyant in the water improve your sense of well-being and your powers of self control. Unwanted habits and negative emotions seem to melt away with the tensions and stresses that accompany them.

Athletes are using the floating technique to enhance their performance and stamina. Carl Lewis prepared for the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and won the gold medal. The Dallas cowboys are said to have been using float tanks since 1981 to help the physical and psychological skills of the team. The Australian Institute of Sports began using float tanks in 1983. They find that floating can maximize the benefits of fitness training. The deep relaxation of the float tank speeds up the growth and regeneration of muscle tissue. Floating has also been found to speed recovery from injuries and the endorphins that are released help reduce the pain.

Float tanks have been used in clinical laboratory conditions and studies show that there are no negative side effects of floating. It’s noted that floating gives you all the benefits of sleep and greatly improves the quality of day to day living by helping your body to relax and your mind become more efficient.

Iridology is the diagnostic method that examines the patterns and changes in the iris of the eye that may suggest a health issue or disease. Iridology, or iris analysis or iris diagnoses, is a method of alternative medicine that is used to analyze a person’s health status by examining the colors, components of the iris, pupil and sclera of the human eye. When people notice an attractive person, the first thing they may notice is the other person’s eyes, often referred to the windows of the soul. When you look into someone’s eye’s you can often tell how the person is feeling, if they are lying, angry, ill or in love. When people are tired or not feeling well, their eyes will lack the usual sparkle or appear dull. Not only are the eyes the windows of the soul, they are also the map to our bodies. Although some people believe their eye color never changes through out their lives, there are noticeable changes as we grow older or our health changes. These changes can appear as marks or clouds in the iris, the pupils, or sclera of your eyes. Iridologists can assess an individual’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health by iris analysis and be able to guide them and show them what measures need to be taken to improve their health.

In the early 1800's Dr. Ignatz von Pezcely of Hungary, also known as the father of Iridology, developed the first map of the iris. It has been recorded that when he was a child he had found an owl with a broken leg and when he looked into the eyes of the owl, he noticed there was a black line in one eye. When the leg healed, the black line was replaced with a white mark in the same eye. This very incident started a life long involvement to the study of Iridology. Over the years Iridology has been studied by health professionals, doctors and scientists throughout the world and is even taught in countries like America, Russia, Germany, and Australia.

Several medical doctors, natural therapists, and healer have also opted for a career in Iridology as the demand has been steadily increasing throughout the world. Many patients are progressively searching for alternative methods to treat their health problems as modern day medicines have reached its limitations. Most diagnostic techniques like x-rays and blood tests that can be painful can be invasive and may carry with them a degree of risk. In Iridology, the exam is completely safe, painless, and non-invasive and a totally reliable way of acquiring the information needed about an individuals health status. Over the past few years, Iridology and natural medicine have shown an outstanding growth as a career choice all over the world. There is fantastic potential when Iridology is used in combination with other natural healing techniques such as Homeopathy, Nutrition, Vitamin and Mineral Therapy, and Herbal Medicine thus providing effective relief to the growing number to health problems.

Iridologists conduct their analysis by using charts, which can vary up to at least 20 different charts, where the iris is mapped to specific organs and other parts of the body. Some Iridologists may develop their own charts, whereas some charts are more widely used than others, but many Iridologists become familiar with several charts. These preferential differences all depend on the individual practitioner, and their techniques. The specifics may be different on each chart; they all share a generalized pattern. The charts are designed to divide the iris into several zones in accordance with the different parts of the body. The right eye is mapped to the right side of the body and the left eye to the left side. The top of each eye corresponds to the upper body (for example, the face, neck, brain, heart and chest). The center of the eyes corresponds to the digestive organs and stomach. The bottom of the eyes corresponds to the lower half of the body such as the legs. All paired organs, such as kidneys, lungs, etc. are all mapped to both irises along with other organs that stand for other concentric circular zones that are moving to the outer edge of the iris.

Everyday the news announces another research study that proves the benefits of exercise for people ages 0 to one hundred. Most people know of the importance of exercise and some even make an effort to fit it in their daily lives. But what about people who deal with a chronic health problem that limits their ability to exercise? Should those people simply give up on exercise altogether? Doctors and research studies both answer this with an emphatic negative. Exercise still remains one of the most powerful drugs available without a prescription, even for individuals who cannot be active in a traditional activity or manner. Medical professionals encourage those with chronic health issues to find appropriate physical activity that can be done at least three times weekly. For some people, though, this can be not only challenging but overwhelming. Simply the thought of forcing a less-than-whole body into exercise can be very unappealing. Fortunately there are many gentler fitness options available today than ever before and nearly all of them can be adjusted to meet the personal needs of the individual. Many of these exercises can even be done within the privacy of the home; so homebound exercisers can still be active.

Water Aerobics

This is one of the most highly recommended options for people with arthritis and other joint and connective tissue disorders. Water supports the body and takes the majority of the stress off the joints. Muscles are able to devote more effort to exercising since they are not called on to support the skeleton. The water provides resistance for the body to work against without causing friction or pain. While intense water aerobic classes can seriously raise your heart rate, it’s best to start out at a lower level and gradually increase your activity as you feel comfortable with it. Water aerobics classes are available at gyms and recreation centers across the country, and typically do not cost much money. Most classes do use some kind of accessories to increase calorie burn. If you are fortunate enough to have your own pool at home, invest in some water accessories and then have your own private class at home! Try to spend at least thirty minutes in the pool initially and aim for about three times per week.

Pilates

Originally developed by a man who was an invalid himself, the Pilates method focuses on building strength in the muscles and in particular conditioning the “powerhouse” or abdominal muscles to provide better support for the spine. The method is named after its founder, Joseph Pilates, who spent the first thirteen years or so as a weak, sickly child until he discovered exercise. By age 15 Pilates was healthy and strong, and he continued to promote his method throughout Europe and the United States. Even now, in the twenty-first century, the Pilates method is still making a difference in the lives of people dealing with chronic illness and weakness. Pilates classes can be found in almost all cities and you may want to watch a class before choosing to commit to anything. If you prefer the privacy of your own home, there are dozens of videos and DVDs available from qualified instructors that you can use to strengthen and condition your body. The method requires few props so there’s no major investment of money. In the beginning, start with 15-20 minutes of work and gradually increase the time as you feel able.

Hatha Yoga

Developed over five thousand years ago in northern India, yoga has evolved over the years from a highly religious activity to a strengthening method that can be as spiritual or non-spiritual as you prefer. Yoga is an exceptionally flexible program – if there’s a pose you don’t feel comfortable doing, simply skip it and move to the next one. It is your program and you can adjust it to meet your level of skill and strength. Some days you may not feel comfortable enough to do some poses while other days it may be simple. Yoga does not demand that you complete every pose perfectly or match your instructor’s stance exactly. If you choose to find a class in your area, be aware that many studios offer yoga classes for students who need a gentler pace. Try to view a class before deciding to sign up. The video and DVD market for yoga has exploded within the past few years and you can find almost anything and everything. The best way to begin a home program is to purchase a beginner’s workout on video or DVD and begin using it three times a week or as often as you feel capable. Gradually increase your time and skill level as your body grows stronger.

Living with health issues does not mean that you have to allow your body to grow weak. Investigate one of these safe and gentle options today, and you could be on your way to a stronger, healthier body tomorrow.

Reflexology has been used for many centuries. The method of reflexology, also called “zone therapy”, dates back to ancient Egypt, India and China.  Evidence of reflexology has even been found in tombs in Egypt. The method of reflexology works by stimulating and applying pressure to certain parts of the hands, or to the feet. Oil, lotion and creams are not used with reflexology. The pressure causes increased circulation and promotes an overall healthier body. The form of reflexology most commonly used today dates back 125 years old to Europe and Russia.

Because hands, feet and ears are very sensitive, pressure on these areas are believed to benefit whole body health. It is estimated that this method can be effective in treating over 93% of sixty-three disorders. Those undergoing reflexology sessions often report increased physical and emotional improvements and feel better with their self-esteem and confidence.

Many benefits of reflexology have been reported. This method can reduce stress from work or home and provide an overall feeling of relaxation. This form of massage also serves to reduce and sometimes eliminate pain in the neck, shoulders and lower back. Reflexology also improves circulation in the body. Another benefit of reflexology is that those receiving regular sessions report an overall sense of well-being, better health and a feeling of reduced stress levels.

In addition, reflexology therapy has been reported to reduce the pain or discomfort caused by a wide variety of medical symptoms. Sessions can help back pain, minor headaches and migraines, menstrual cramps, injuries from sprained muscles, sleep disorders and arthritis some patients report that this therapy also helps infertility. Reflexology can also safely and effectively be used on almost anyone including infants and children, pregnant women, the ill and the elderly.

This technique is a natural way to help both stimulate and relax the body at the same time. Many who experience reflexology report an immediate relief of stress or pain caused by medical conditions.

Learning the techniques of reflexology can be quite simple and easy. Many people can learn the technique and practice it at home or in the office. On-site classes and classes online are offered in many areas to teach the basics of reflexology. Also, books and videos can offer advice on learning the basics of this technique. Many specialty stores offer socks and gloves that can be purchased with the reflexology maps for the hands and feet.

During a traditional reflexology course, students will usually learn the basics of reflexology techniques as well as hand and ear basics. Students also might learn the anatomy of the lower legs including the bones and muscles. Massage techniques and alignment exercises are often taught as well.

While no one is quite sure how reflexology works, there are some theories. One is the “nerve” theory. This theory maintains that there is a connection between the body maps used in reflexology on the feet, hands and ears to the rest of the body. When a certain pressure point is massaged, it will affect the part of the body connected. This is the most widely believed theory on how reflexology works.

Another theory is that reflexology is based on the “meridian” theory. This states that there are at least fourteen energy lines called meridians going up and down in the body. These energy lines have hundreds of pressure points and some of them are in the hands and feet. When pressure is applies to those areas, it creates a sense of well-being.

Another theory on how this technique works is the “vertical” and “horizontal” zone theories. These state that the body is divided in to either ten wide vertical strips or four horizontal strips. Every part of the body falls into one of the strips. Pressure applied to these areas helps that certain body zone.

Professional reflexology sessions can last between forty minutes to an hour. The session usually takes place in a chair with the feet raised. The reflexologies will use their hands and thumbs to help stimulate trouble areas in the body. Typically, after a session, the patient will feel comfortable and relaxed. Sometimes aromatherapy and breathing techniques are used to deepen the affects of reflexology. Breathing techniques used in conjunction with reflexology stimulates a deeper relaxation and better circulation.

The yoga craze of the late twentieth century ended up segueing into the Pilates craze of the early 2000’s but many people questioned the exercise value of both. Despite media hoopla, few people actually seemed to understand the physical benefits of either. The truth is that both forms of exercise have unique approaches to fitness and can provide significant benefits for the strengthening and conditioning of the body. Though similar in the focus on strengthening the body through isometric movements, the paths of yoga and Pilates ultimately diverge.

Yoga was developed over five thousand years ago in Northern India. It is first mentioned in the sacred Hindu text Rig Veda. During its first clear period, yoga was practiced and refined by Vedic priests, who documented the practice in their writings. Patanjali, who is considered by most to be the father of classical yoga, fostered the next phase of yoga’s development. Following Patanjali’s broad expansion of yoga and its meanings, Tantric yoga became accepted as the new form of yoga and concentrated on cleansing both the mind and the body. Yoga finally neared its modern form in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century when more and more Indian yogis traveled to the West, sharing their art and increasing the world’s interest in yoga. The 1947 premiere of Indra Devi’s yoga studio in Hollywood became the opening bell to the American fascination with yoga. While most incarnations of yoga have had a strong spiritual element, modern Hatha yoga does not align itself with any religion or spirituality; instead it focuses primarily on the yoga postures and using them to reach and maintain strength and flexibility as well as inner calm.

Compared to yoga, Pilates is a spring chicken in terms of age. Joseph Pilates, who was born in Germany and suffered frail health as a child, created the program. Pilates overcame his childhood sicknesses through exercise and began to create a system of physical development that would later become his legacy to the world. In his thirties, Pilates traveled to England to work as a self-defense instructor to Scotland Yard but was forced into an internment camp during World War I. Despite the hardship of internment, Pilates went about his business within the camp, teaching his physical program to his fellow internees. During the terrible flu epidemic of 1918, thousands of people died, but none of Pilates’ protégés were affected. Following the war, Pilates returned to Germany but left for good when asked to teach his method to the German army. Settling in New York City with his new wife, Pilates opened his first fitness studio. He taught thousands of students until his death in 1967 at the age of 87. Trusted students carried on with the Pilates name and method, and by the early twenty-first century more than 5 million Americans were practicing Pilates.

Despite the wildly different histories, yoga and Pilates share the same focus on developing the muscles of the body and strengthening it by primarily using the body’s own resistance to build up power. The postures of yoga and the movements of Pilates are sometimes strikingly similar, but ultimately the two follow separate roads. Yoga has spawned a multitude of varieties that range from Kundalini to Iyengar to Tantric, though Hatha remains the most popular form in the United States. Many first-time yoga practitioners can find the pace to be overly slow or grow impatient while waiting to see results. The best candidate for Hatha yoga is a person who appreciates time to slow down, meditate, and spend quiet time with oneself, and does not become easily discouraged by failure to immediately master a pose. Yoga requires a certain measure of patience and while this can be developed through practice, lacking it can make the first several weeks of yoga practice very trying for a person. The good thing about yoga is that it rarely requires extra equipment. You will need a yoga mat to begin with but after that, accessories are optional. Blocks, straps, and other tools can be helpful, but are not required.

Pilates is a method that is fairly easy to master. It doesn’t call for complicated movements and is usually straightforward and simple to understand. The program’s movements also tend to build strength fairly quickly so that results are apparent sooner than in yoga. The ideal Pilates practitioner should be able to discipline himself to complete his routine every day, which is a large part of the method. Attending classes is a great way to start but for the maximum results, the method should be practiced daily to benefit the body. Pilates typically doesn’t require many props or accessories, though advanced practitioners will probably want to add machines or tools to their collection in order to maintain a high level of fitness.