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.

Your fitness routine is an important part of your life and you hate to miss a day. But what are you supposed to do when you wake up with a sore throat and a fever? Should you exercise anyway? This has been a point of contention between experts of certain philosophies but the medical response is that whether or not you should exercise depends totally on the situation. Just because you may not feel one hundred percent doesn’t necessarily mean that you should flake out on a workout. Some doctors even say that some illnesses actually benefit from exercise. The simplest, straightest answer is if you have a fever or nausea, stay in bed; otherwise a little physical activity might be just what the doctor ordered.

Fever and nausea are two symptoms that can be highly aggravated by physical exertion. Exercise raises the body’s temperature anyway and that’s exactly what you don’t want when you have a fever. If you’re sick and have a fever, chances are that you probably won’t feel like doing anything anyway, but if you simply must do something, do a few yoga postures for just a few minutes. The soothing nature of yoga may help to calm your mind as well as your body and allow you to relax until your fever breaks. For nausea, lying still is the best remedy. Trying to work out or even just incorporate some physical activity in your day when you’re feeling nauseous is not a smart choice. The likely scenario is that you will aggravate your stomach, already feeling delicate, and end up sicker than before. Do yourself a favor and simply chill out. After all, the faster you recover, the sooner you’ll be back in the fitness saddle. Most infectious diseases, like chicken pox, require complete rest as well. Your body is trying to fight off an infection and it can do that much more efficiently when it’s not trying to do step aerobics.

For the range of other symptoms, it’s usually okay to work out unless a doctor specifically tells you to refrain from physical activity. When you have a cold and are stuffy and blocked up, getting active can help break up some of the blockage in your sinuses and move it on out. Sore throats typically will not bar you from your workout unless accompanied by a fever. Be careful in cold weather, though, since the frigid air can dry out your throat even more and exacerbate the pain. Have a headache? A good aerobic workout might be just the ticket to get rid of it. Exercise increases the blood flow in your body, which may sound like a bad thing when you’re talking about a headache, but it can actually help regulate the blood flow through the vessel that is causing the pain and get you feeling back to normal much faster. Exercise is also fantastic for PMS or the days that you simply feel a little blue. By increasing the amount of endorphins in your body, exercise makes you feel happier. Physical activity helps move water out of the body’s tissues, so the PMS bloat will go away, letting your body return to its normal size.

While there are certainly times when you shouldn’t exercise, there are many more times when it’s the best idea in the world. Exercise is wonderful for dealing with stress, premenstrual syndrome, and much more. Simply the act of taking time for yourself can affirm your own self-worth and give you a boost in your confidence. Rather than reading romance novels while eating a box of chocolate from the corner drugstore, lace up your shoes and go for an invigorating walk around your neighborhood, greeting familiar faces and enjoying the scenery. You will feel much better than if you had stayed in!

The next time you’re feeling less than healthy, assess your body. If you have a fever or nausea, care for yourself by going to bed and allowing your body’s natural defenses to do their jobs. If it’s a cold, PMS, or simply a bad day, go out and exercise anyway. Try something new like an unfamiliar sport or a different machine at the gym. Make your well being a priority and contribute to your own fitness. You may be surprised at how much better you feel after!

Weak and painful knees can be the result of injury, over-stress or simply genetics, but the aching truth is that bad knees can seriously limit your workouts. Knee replacement surgery is not recommended except in absolutely vital situations and the cost is prohibitive to the average exerciser, and many people eventually give up on ever being able to carry on a normal fitness program. There is good news, though: think outside the box of normal exercise and there are still plenty of options that don’t place as much stress on the knee joint. You may not be able to run a marathon but you can still build a healthy body without totally ruining your knees.

Yoga is an excellent option for achy knees. The activity has gained in popularity since the 1990’s, not simply because it can be very relaxing but because it builds strength without putting the body under duress. Even professional sports players now incorporate yoga practice into everyday fitness because of the benefits for both mind and body. Most yoga studios will offer classes that are as low-stress as possible, so call around and talk to some of the staff to find out. Explain that you are looking specifically to avoid strain on the knees – qualified yoga practitioners will be able to tell you if their studio will meet your needs. You can almost always observe a class for free and typically you will be allowed to take one free session, so make the most of this consumer advantage to identify if this is an exercise and class that you enjoy.

You may not have a local yoga studio or simply have no interest in taking outside classes – no problem! The teacher will simply come to you. There are literally hundreds of yoga videos on the market today, many of them specifically designed with bad knees in mind, so all you have to do is find the video that suits you best. Do an internet search for specific videos and read reviews from other users. If you order through a catalog, you frequently are allowed a grace period in which to try the video out and return it if it is unsuitable. Once you have found a video that fits your lifestyle and appeals to you, watch the video several times to learn the rhythm of the instructor and become comfortable with the pace of the movements. Learning the poses ahead of time makes your practice with the video much easier. Once you’ve got the hang of your yoga video, practice with it three times during the week to begin with and then as your strength increases, practice more until you have a daily routine built up. Yoga is a very gentle exercise but you will be amazed at the changes you see in your body within the first two or three weeks.

If you really do want the teacher to physically come to you, many professionals are available for private at-home sessions for a price. It may be expensive, so consider splitting the price and sharing the instructor with two or three friends. The practice is still private and the teaching is individual, but the price becomes much more manageable.

A practice similar to yoga is Pilates. Yoga focuses more on stretching and toning while maintaining deep breathing, but Pilates focuses on building strength. Originally developed by Joseph Pilates in a World War II concentration camp, the program uses a series of movements that employ the body’s weight as its resistance to train and strengthen muscles. Few movements require strain on the knees and the leg exercises can increase the strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles to better support the knee joints. The first movements of Pilates zero in on the “powerhouse” or core area to build muscle support for the spine. By having a strong midsection that can keep the upper body erect, you lessen the strain placed on the knees by poor posture. Pilates can correct and relieve many areas of stress for people with bad knees.

Find a practitioner in a similar way to yoga – call around to local studios to learn information about classes and instructors. Many Pilates studios frequently offer the same option as yoga studios and allow you to observe and even participate in a free class before making a decision about joining. Individual instructors are also available for private home lessons, though this can be more expensive than yoga depending on where you live. If you’re interested in home Pilates lessons, go in with some friends and have your own mini-class – since each person pays a portion of the total price, it costs you far less but still gives you wonderful individual attention.

Well, you say, yoga and Pilates are great for building muscle and strengthening the body but what about burning fat? There is some debate about the aerobic quality of Pilates and yoga practice with most people falling on the side of a decreased calorie burn. The exception would be Ashtanga yoga, which is very physical and hard on tender knees. Pilates ultimately builds your muscles, though using the Reformer machine can help increase heart rate. Reformers are still relatively rare in gyms and studios, and the cost is prohibitive for individuals, so it seems like it is back to square one. The solution is simple: start swimming! Swimming laps is a wonderful workout for everyone but especially for people with arthritis and tender joints because the water supports the body and decreases the pressure on the frame in favor of working the muscles and cardiovascular system. Add three days of thirty-minute swim workouts to your schedule and see the fat disappear while your muscles become strong and beautiful.

There are a number of reasons why exercise, particularly if performed at the right time of day, is considered the most positive sleep aid for seniors. None, however, are more significant than the fact that exercise is a completely natural form of aid. But before discussing why exercise is such a great sleep aid, it is important to examine both the definition of insomnia and the reasons that people suffer from this affliction.

At its basic level, insomnia is defined as a difficulty to either fall or stay asleep, or to experience sleep that seems inadequate or fails to produce the refreshing feeling that sleep normally provides, despite the length of time spent sleeping. Insomnia is not considered a disease, rather it is a symptom that is thought to have numerous, quite different causes. Of the types of things that can lead to patterns of insomnia, physicians note that physical disorders, drinking large amounts of alcohol in the evening, emotional problems, and stress are at the forefront. Most often, it is the emotional issues caused from stress that are at the heart of sleeplessness nights for people. Anxiety, nervousness, depression, or fear will cause restlessness at night, preventing people from first getting to sleep then often causing them to awaken early, their mind filled with these emotional thoughts running through their heads. Research has also shown that sometimes the failure to sleep soundly is simply due to a lack of fatigue.

It is important to note that difficulty falling asleep is common among all age groups, from the very young to the elderly. Data indicates that about 10% of adults have chronic, or regular bouts of insomnia, while about 50% experience insomnia when in fact they are not. Seniors often think they are suffering from severe insomnia when they are not. As we age, we in fact tend to sleep less at night, and begin to catch a catnap during the day. Perhaps most significantly, the period of deep sleep known as REM sleep generally becomes shorter as we age and then eventually disappears. Because of this, seniors awaken far more during night time sleep this is normal and does not indicate a sleep disorder.

Unfortunately, many seniors search out a drug related treatment to insomnia. The intermittent use of drugs as a sleep aid can be helpful, provided they are used as described, intermittently. Most such drugs suggest impact for up to a week at most. Because any drug has specific side effects associated with it, the taking of a drug to induce sleep may lead to some other less than desirable issue for the patient. Finally, most sleep aid drugs require a prescription, adding a doctor’s appointment and the cost of the prescription to often already tight budget.

Because exercise effects the body is so many positive ways, it is clearly the most natural option for helping address sleep related issues. Regular exercise will first of all help tire the body physically, ensuring a natural form of fatigue that the body will address with a need to get appropriate rest. The only negative research on physical exercise is that spending time late in the evening can often stimulate the heart and brain too much just prior to the time that people are looking to head to be. Such exercise has been known to actually keep people awake.

Perhaps the greatest impact from physical exercise on the bodies sleep patterns is the effect working out can have on a person’s emotional state. Because stress and worry are often the key impediments to sleep, efforts to reduce such stress are critical to eliminate the symptoms that are at the root cause of insomnia. Activity is shown to improve a person’s self-confidence and sense of well being, thereby helping improve a person’s overall mood and attitude about life. The natural endorphins that are produced when we exercise help us feel better emotionally and actually reduce feelings of sadness and depression. Therefore people who exercise regularly sleep better. Their positive emotional state helps them fall asleep more quickly, while their body fatigue level allows them to sleep more deeply and awake less often during the night.

Yet one other way that people who work out regularly bring to the reduction of insomnia is the notion of schedules. People who take their exercise seriously will build it into their daily regiment, ensuring that time is available for this important task. These people also realize that it is important to develop a sleep routine that includes regular bed time hours as well as regular morning routines. By following a regular sleep schedule and getting up at the same time each morning, even if it is a weekends, your body will respond by developing regular sleep habits. Because total nighttime sleeping time tends to decrease with age, older people may sleep better if they go to bed later, get up earlier, or nap less during the day.

Older people experiencing age-related sleep issues are likely to find more long-lasting relief through the use of regular exercise than they ever will by using drug-related sleep aids.