Naturopaths believe in the healing power of nature. Herbs, massage therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and homeopathy are some of the treatments used. Allopathic treatments such as surgery and drugs are used only in cases of trauma; car accidents or broken bones etc., medical emergencies, or any life threatening conditions; heart attacks or major bacterial infections that require strong antibiotics.

The body has an innate ability to heal itself. Naturopaths educate their clients in setting up the proper external and internal environments so that the healing will take place.

Self-healing can only occur once the cause of the illness has been eliminated. Naturopaths help evaluate the lifestyles of the person suffering, identify the underlying cause, and help correct the problem. By teaching how to achieve and maintain good health. This allows them to participate in the process of staying well.

Instead of treating the illness, naturopaths treat the whole person. Mind, body and spirit.This allows them to achieve perfect balance and remain healthy.

As you know fresh clean air is becoming more and more difficult to breathe. I am fortunate that I live in the country where air pollution is not as big a factor as in the city. We left most of the trees up on our land to help filter pollution and supply us with clean air. In the home I try to keep indoor pollutants down by not using chemicals in the house. I open the windows every chance I get to "air out" the home. This is especially important at night for a good nights sleep.

If one lives in the city and cannot escape the constant car exhaust and smog the only refuge is home. The most obvious pollutant in the home would be cigarette smoke. The more subtle culprits are chemical cleaners for house and carpet, incense (which I love to use but try to keep it down to a minimum), air freshener, perfumes, hair sprays, anything aerosol, etc. Placing plants in the home helps since they supply clean oxygen. And keep the windows closed. Frequent trips to the country is a pleasant way to get fresh air or at least a park with trees.

Clean water is another element essential for good health that is becoming very hard to come by. Like our air, we are polluting our water sources so that we are no longer able to drink it without some kind of treatment. There is a lot of controversy about water nowadays. Bottled water is sold everywhere, but how safe is bottled water? Some experts argue that mineral water cannot be assimilated by the body because of inorganic minerals that it contains, and as for spring water, which spring did it come from was it polluted and which bottled water has been properly purified?

From all the research I have done I prefer to use distilled water. It was thought at one time that distilled water leaches minerals from the body. Further studies state that the only minerals it carries out of the body are ones the body cannot use. Since distilled water is deprived of all chemical elements it is especially good for making herbal diffusions since it cannot change the chemical balance of the herbs.

We all know by now that too much exposure to the sun, ie sunbathing, is very bad for your skin. As a nurse living in the south I have seen more than my share of skin cancer. When suggesting sunshine, like everything else, moderation is the key. I do a lot of canoeing, camping and gardening but whenever outside in the sun for prolonged periods, I am always sure to have on a hat and sunscreen especially while on the water.

When ultraviolet rays from the sun come in contact with ergosterol, a fluid found just under the skin, it converts to vitamin D and is absorbed into the bloodstream. There are also studies that sunshine can help with depression and calm anxieties. When taking in the sun, early morning or late afternoon hours are best when the sun is not at it's most extreme. Although here in the south late afternoon summers are miserable.

There is no questioning the importance of exercise in maintaining good health. Once we have decided to commit to exercise the questions arise as to what kind is best? How often should one exercise and for how long and when is the best time to exercise.

There's so much information out now on exercise and we see all kinds of commercials on different types of exercise equipment for home use. I can not see putting money into expensive equipment for the home but those who live in the city finding a place they can walk or jog safely in fresh clean air may be difficult. My thoughts from the research I have done is that one should experiment and find what is best for them. I prefer walking, hiking, canoeing, yoga, and the trampoline. At one time I ran 3 miles a day for 5 days a week. After nearly a year I started having problems with my knees. I like the trampoline because it allows me a similar aerobic exercise without causing a lot of trauma to my joints. It is also good for your circulation, as with all aerobic exercise, and for the lymph system. Hiking and canoeing is a great form of exercise that allows me to benefit from the fresh air and sunshine and yoga keeps me flexible and works all parts of the body system. I cannot sing enough praises for yoga. I encourage all to try it.

The key to exercising is to find something you will enjoy. Exercise as much as you can comfortably. Do not overdue What causes most people to give up on exercising is boredom and not being able to continue the pace they have set for themselves which may be too high. Start out slow. If you only exercise 15 minutes a day that is 15 more than you would be doing. Any exercise is better than none. There are many activities at home you can turn into exercise. For example when doing housework I will turn the stereo up and dance while cleaning the house. Gardening and other forms of yard work is a good form of exercise. And of course always walk if you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park a little farther from the store etc.

Other factors to consider when exercising is what ever you do try to do it frequently. 15-20 minutes 5 days a week is better than 1-2 hours 2-3 days a week. Also remember that digestion takes more energy than any other form of activity you can do. Always exercise on an empty stomach and mornings are best since we have all that stored energy from sleep. Although I find it a little more difficult to warm up in the mornings because I am stiffer so I do most of my exercising mid day.

Nerve energy which originates in the brain and spinal cord, then is dispersed through the body by the nerves, are essential for our body system to function at its best. Digestion, elimination, respiration and circulation as well as any physical and mental activity expends energy. The only way this energy can be generated is while at rest.

Sleep, of course is the ultimate rest but may not be enough. There are nights some may find it difficult to get a good nights sleep, or find enough time to for the sleep they need. You may find yourself sleepy during the day, this is a good indication that your body is asking for rest. Then there is the constant stress we are exposed to at work or dealing with day to day life. Even family and friends can leave us drained. When we are stressed or sick we require even more rest. I am a great advocate for naps. Even a few minutes to nod off can be very refreshing. And just sitting quietly can make a big difference

There are 4 kinds of rest, physical, emotional, mental and sensory. I feel meditation is a great way to achieve all 4 types. I often meditate during lunch while at work to compensate for missing my afternoon nap, and also to deal with the stress at work.

One wonderful exercise for true and complete relaxation is usually taught to go along with yoga. One I have practiced for many years, even before I began yoga and have found to be very effective is as follows:

Lie in the prone position, flat on your back with arms next to but slightly away from your body and legs slightly apart.

Begin breathing slow and deep from the abdomen. Pushing the abdomen out as you inhale and in as you exhale.

Concentrating on each part of the body, one at a time. Begin with your feet. You may want to tense the musles in your feet for a second then relax them recieting to yourself, "I am relaxing my feet, my feet are relaxed". Then move to your calves, first tensing, then relaxing the muscles and repeating your mantra, "I am relaxing my...." and "my....are relaxed" all the way up to your head, tensing the mucles in your face and relaxing. Then if you want a deeper relaxation you can move on to your organs, the bowels, stomach, liver, lungs, heart etc.

Remember to breathe slow and deep through this exercise and when finished continue to lie very still concentrating on your breath.

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