December 16, 2009
Several months ago, I asked several hundred alternative health practitioners to tell me their most important questions about internet marketing. Two major questions emerged:
1. What exactly is internet marketing and how can it help me?
2. What’s the best way to target people on the internet so that they attend my classes, come in for sessions, and buy my products?
Alternative health practitioners such as Rolfers, Massage Therapists, Hypnotherapists, Accupuncturists, Feldenkrais Practitioners and the like, have business needs that are similar to the needs of other business. They need more clients and steady income. Most are passionate about their work, interested in growing their practices and creating a sustainable business.
However, unlike many traditional businesses, alternative health practitioners are often practicing a modality that people have not heard of, or do not fully understand. Alternaitve health practitioners need to introduce people not only to a new method but to a new way of thinking, being and acting in the world.
Internet Marketing, in many ways, can be like the various alternative modalities themselves: What internet marketing “is” depends on what you want, what you need and what you are willing to do to get it. The first step is to get an idea of what the possibilities are.
Filling your workshops and building a practice
For one of my business partners the internet provides a way to keep his classes and workshops full. He has a large “permission based” email list to which he mails every 4-6 weeks. In every email he gives away a no-cost bonus, such as worksheet or handout that can be put to immediate use by the people on his list. He will often write about useful research findings related to his field. The end-result? People look forward to reading his emails and his seminars and workshops fill-up months in advance. Can you imagine using the same process to fill your practice?
The key here is relationship. Be helpful and aware of your potential clients’ needs and help them whenever you can. They will reward you by trusting you and giving you their business.
Passive Income
Some alternative health practitioners reach a point in their careers where they realize that they want to work less but keep their current income and lifestyle. Is this you? Perhaps you need some time to write a book or want to take a sabbatical and travel the world?
The problem is that you are in the business of trading your time and skill for money. If you do not work, you do not get paid. It would be useful to ask yourself a new question: “How can I keep making income and sustain my business, without having to work everyday?” This is where the idea of “passive income” comes in.
What is passive income? Passive income is money that comes to you automatically every month, regardless of where you are or what you are doing. Downloadable audio, video and ebooks are a few examples of passive income opportunities. You could sell training and educational materials to your clients and have the system set-up so that the sales, delivery and support is done automatically in the background. In other words, when someone buys a product from you, you don’t have to burn a CD, address an envelope, go to the post office or even process a credit card number. The whole process is automated on the internet.
Does Internet marketing sounds complicated or expensive to you?
It can be complicated and it can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Several years ago you would have needed a web programmer, graphic designer, recording studio and more. Now, all that you need is the right strategy and the ability to use a web browser and email.
For instance, blogs and basic websites can be created for no-cost and don’t require any programming skills. There are ecommerce systems that can be set-up in less than 5 minutes and allow you to upload and sell products online for $5.00 per month. You can collect credit card payments without needing a merchant account. Email collection forms are pre-programmed in many web-based customer contact services (called auto-responders). And if you still feel that you want a website designer or some other help, you can hire one in India for $5 – $10 per hour. Several independent companies will let you post your projects and have people bid on them.
Interested?
Take a deep breath, relax, and begin exploring. Use google to find the web-based businesses of people in your field. See what they are doing. When you are ready, consider joining marketing email lists or forums that interest you. Some marketing email lists will send you a useful message every month and give you no-cost resources for learning how to make money online. And if you don’t like the information, you can always cancel and join another. Remember: You are in cont
December 13, 2009
10 Easy Steps to Detoxify Your Body and Improve Your Health The environment we live in is full of toxins. We inhale them in the air we breathe, ingest them with our food and water, and absorb them through the pores in our skin. Even the personal care products and cleaning supplies that we take for granted are full of poisons that are harmful to our bodies. While we are surrounded by pollutants from the environment, the human body produces its own toxins. Our metabolic processes result in chemical wastes which can compromise our health. The accumulation of these harmful substances in the body is known as “toxic load” – sometimes referred to as “body burden.” Over time, the buildup of environmental toxins in our systems can lead to chronic or severe health problems. Some medical researchers estimate that nearly 75% of the diseases that afflict us are largely due to the toxicity of our systems. Headaches, chronic respiratory illness, cancer, and even autism have been linked to the accumulation of unsafe chemicals in the body. The good news is that, although it is impossible to completely isolate ourselves from these harmful substances, we can reduce our exposure to them and decrease their impact through a simple detoxification program. By following these 10 easy steps, you will rid your body of many harmful chemicals, putting yourself on the path to a healthful lifestyle and greater sense of well-being. 1. Get plenty of restorative sleep. Adequate rest is critical to your body’s ability to heal itself and perform its many biological functions properly. 2. Plan your meals with good nutrition in mind. Be sure to eat plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid processed and pre-packaged foods, refined flour and sugar products, trans-fats, and red meats. Proper nutritional balance is important for maintaining healthy organ function, especially the excretion of toxic elements through the liver. * A cleansing diet designed to flush toxic matter from your digestive system may be incorporated into your detox program. Keep in mind that these diets are meant for the short term only, and people who are being treated for a medical condition should not undertake a restrictive diet without the approval of their physician. 3. Adapt a stress management technique that suits your lifestyle, such as yoga, meditation, or another soothing activity that you enjoy. Stress is responsible for the production of hormones which can be harmful, leading to heart disease and other severe illness; stress management reduces levels of these hormones and boosts your ability to cope with the challenges of life. 4. Physical activity heightens your body’s ability to excrete toxins, as well as providing an overall health benefit. Exercise is important to the success of your detoxification efforts, in addition to being necessary for a healthy lifestyle. 5. Avoid behaviors that are detrimental to your health, like smoking, drinking alcohol in excess, and recreational drug use; stay away from artificial stimulants like caffeine. These substances will inevitably slow down your detoxification progress. 6. Take herbal supplements. There are several detoxifying herbs which are available in either tea or capsule form. These include dandelion, milk thistle, burdock, and red clover. Ginger root and the popular acai berry are also known for their detoxifying properties, as is Vitamin C. 7. Purchase a body cleanse or liver and colon cleanse kit. These consist of natural detox products that flush toxins from your liver and colon, restoring optimal function. 8. Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration is needed to remove toxic elements from your body. 8. Massage therapy is not only relaxing and restorative; it allows your body to excrete toxins up to 200 times faster than on its own. 9. Take a sauna or a hot bath regularly. The skin is a major excretory organ, and the heat of a sauna or bath opens the pores and increases your body’s rate of natural detoxification. 10. Reduce exposure to toxic elements. An air filter in your home will drastically improve the quality of the air you breathe; use natural cleaners and personal care products whenever possible to prevent the absorption of toxins through your skin. Sticking to organic foods lowers your risk of ingesting dangerous pesticides. Watch out for foods wrapped in plastic wrap; plastic contains chemicals called phthalates which are known to cause cancer and developmental problems, including early-onset puberty. While it is impossible to completely eliminate your exposure to dangerous chemicals in the environment, by following these steps you can greatly diminish their harmful impact on your health.
December 13, 2009
Natural health is one way to help make improvements to your life. It is never late to start making those life improvements to your lifestyle. These changes will make you feel better inside as well as looking better on the outside.
Everyone aims to be healthy; it is a natural body urge. Your body seeks the best possible level of health, where it can perform all of its functions efficiently.
If you are healthy, then it will be easier for your body to eliminate any germs or viruses that will inevitably try and attack you on the inside.
Natural health is one of the best ways to keep your body going and to keep it in good working shape. Your body will crave natural health or natural help from natural supplements.
Rather then taking some form of drug that will eliminate your illness, but severely batter your body in the process, you should instead seek a healthy alternative to bypass the forced chemical reaction you will get with traditional medicine–and instead facilitate your body’s healing at its own pace.
In general, however, these natural supplements will not instantly eliminate all of your symptoms, as chemical medicines do; instead, they will facilitate the healing process and at the same time infuse you with essential vitamins to fortify your body against future attacks.
These tablets are not just vitamins but other minerals that your body needs to help you stay healthy and make life improvements to your body. These medicines generally include iron, zinc, and calcium.
These tablets will help you make life improvements if you can’t get enough of these minerals or supplements into your body in one day. The daily limit is a guideline for the average person; and to keep within those limits will help you
December 13, 2009
Natural health is timeless. It will never date. It will always be relevant, despite what the media tells you about ‘new’, ‘improved’, ‘scientific’ and all the other gimmicky words that are only employed to impress you enough to buy something. And, happily, natural health is currently enjoying the comeback it deserves. To enjoy it, there are at least three really important aspects to address. The first is your diet. There’s a saying that a quarter of what you eat keeps you alive. Three quarters of what you eat keeps your doctor alive. So if you eat a typical western diet of fast foods, canned drinks and sweets or chocolate, you know you’re heading for disaster. A natural diet consists of lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, preferably raw. Raw isn’t essential, but will take you that extra mile. As long as at least 30% is raw, you’ll do all right. By raw I mean unpasteurised, unheated in any way, un-radiated, unadulterated. Just fresh produce recently harvested. So fresh produce should be the bulk of your diet. If you can’t see yourself eating a lot of fresh produce, then I suggest you invest in a food dehydrator. That dries fresh food without losing the nutrients in them. Have you ever tried dried strawberries? They are absolutely delicious. I’m sure you’ll enjoy making your own un-sundried tomatoes, too. And try foods you haven’t tried before. My neighbour has never tried avocado and yet they could grow in her back yard. Be adventurous! The next biggest food group is the nuts, seeds, rice, oats and yoghurt Then come eggs, bread, wheat, cereal, fish, chicken, chocolate. Then comes the red meat. Lastly comes artificial sweeteners. My suggestion is to avoid these altogether. This diet follows the 80/20 principle. Eat 80% alkalising foods (fruit, veggies, whole foods) and only 20% acid food (meat, sugar, processed foods such as white bread, white pasta, white rice, sweets). If you maintain this diet, it’s amazing what ailments won’t affect you. Make sure 100% of what you eat goes into keeping you healthy, not just alive. And let the doctors starve! Another really important aspect of natural health is your health care modality. Obviously that’s going to be a natural one. Which you choose is a very personal matter. But I suggest you remain open and honour your feelings. Your feelings will always take you in the right direction. I have long since learnt the folly of following my head over my feelings. It never works! With evidence now suggesting a link between taking antibiotics and cancer, your choice of a natural health care system will ensure as healthy a body as you can get. All drugs and medication have a knock-on effect with your health. That’s why it becomes a slippery slope – you suddenly find you’re on a myriad of drugs, with one countering another’s side effects. The last important point of natural health, is keeping your environment healthy. This will almost guarantee you a healthy body. This means your home really is your castle, your sanctuary. Make sure you create a peaceful and happy home. Work on areas that aren’t. Don’t put up with them. It may be your upbringing that makes you a negative person. It may be you are living with people who don’t support you. List those things that aren’t nurturing you and decide what to do about them. Time spent with animals is invariably calming, as is time spent in nature. Visit the park regularly. Walk on the beach. Watch a thunderstorm. Make sure you have, even if short, time for yourself every day. And use it to recharge your batteries – whether it’s gardening, sun-bathing or walking your dog. Just make sure it benefits you. That without it, you’re more volatile, have less energy or just don’t cope as well. Many people think they can’t have time out for themselves as they have too much to do. This is not how it works. The more you stress, the less you accomplish. The less you stress, the more you accomplish and in less time. Natural health is really all about you being in control of you. You create your life. So why not make it as fun, as joyful as possible? You are important. If you’re joyful, it will rub off on others. Maybe subscribe to a natural health magazine as that will not only help keep you on track, but will also provide you with useful hints and tips. And lastly, don’t forget that people will readily mock you, with your new found natural health
December 11, 2009
Prostate health has leap to the forefront of the public’s awareness recently, spurred on by advertisements for prescription drugs to reduce enlarged prostates. Natural prostate health is the best choice that many men are making today to ensure their health, since natural health is about taking care of your body as a whole. Remember that a healthy body means a healthy prostate, and the key to good prostate health is to keep your body in tiptop shape through exercise, proper drinking habits, and vitamins and minerals.
Although changes in prostate health are indefinitely part of every man’s life, the signs and symptoms that are associated with this condition often prove too embarrassing for most men to even mention. The good news is, there are things you can do naturally to improve your prostate health and either reduce your risk of prostate cancer or else prevent it altogether. Daily exercise is crucial to good health, and that includes good prostate health.
In the Orient, prostate massage has been included in traditional medicine for centuries. Prostate massage is once again becoming more widely recommended as researchers discover that prostate massage complements and increases the effectiveness of antibiotics, antimicrobial or herbal remedies by facilitating circulation to the prostate gland. In recent years, many medical articles have been published which advocate prostatic massage as a treatment for chronic prostatitis, infertility, and benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). Massages are intended to be done on a regular basis (several times a week, or at least once a week, or two weeks max, and certainly not every three months as you indicated from your quarterly visits to the uro).
Prostate massage is a healthy and pleasurable activity that can be enjoyed as part of your intimate life. Prostate massage has long been used as a means of maintaining prostate health and to promote increased sexual health. Prostate stimulation methods like prostate milking and prostate massage with prostate massager can result in deriving prostate pleasure and sexual pleasure. Prostate massage is considered a healthy activity for all men who are not experiencing severe symptoms of a prostate condition and is once again becoming more widely recommended as researchers discover that prostate massage complements and increases the effectiveness of antibiotics, antimicrobials or herbal remedies by facilitating circulation to the prostate gland. Prostacet is an outstanding formula that supports prostate health with Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) which works to nourish this vital organ. The whole purpose of this external prostate massage is to bring some new fresh circulation to the area and keep it fresh and healthy. In addition, many find that prostate massage itself is successful where other remedies have failed.
Prostate health is something that should be treated with a balanced diet your whole life. The only product we can really recommend since it is the only product we know of that actually has shown to reduce prostate size while promoting prostate health is Prostacet . An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and keeping up your body’s health through exercise and water will reduce your risk of prostate cancer, tame the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and lead to better prostate health.
December 11, 2009
Since the ancient times the health benefits of olive oil have been widely recognized in Mediterranean countries. Doctors like the Greek Hippocrates and Pedanius Dioscoride were the first to highlight the beneficial effects of olive oil. However, Galeno, who lived in the II century AD at Marco Aurelius court, was the first to write a book on medical remedies, in which olive oil was the main ingredient for many preparations. In ancient and popular medicine, olive oil has always been considered good to help relieve stomach disorders, to fight pain of various origins, to relieve itching and inflammation due to insect bytes etc. Modern research has confirmed the therapeutic properties of olive oil and, in particular, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Olives are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and they are a good source of vitamin E. Monounsaturated fatty acids are more stable than polyunsaturated fats, and therefore their presence makes the cellular membranes more stable themselves against the action of free radicals. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that helps neutralising free radicals. In addition, olives are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, phytonutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its antioxidant compounds, olives and olive oil help the body protect itself against heart disease, colon cancer and other types of cancer. Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory effects help reduce the severity of symptoms of diseases such as asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Olives varieties are also called ‘cultivar’. There is a huge range of olives varieties or cultivar in the world, originating from different Mediterranean countries. Different varieties of olives give oils with different flavours and colours; also, some cultivar are better for oil and not all of the olive varieties produce olives that can be eaten, some of them are only good to make oil. Each olive cultivar has its preferences in terms of soil and climatic conditions, thus different varieties of olive trees grow better in some places rather than others and bear fruit in different times of the year. The fact that some olives are green and some black, depends only on how ripe the olive was when it was picked: the darker the olive, the riper it is. In this page we highlight only some of the most common olive varieties or cultivar. Frantoio olives – Where it grows: Areas around Rome including Tuscany and central regions of Italy. Characteristics of the olive: the fruit is big (it weighs about 2gr) and when it is ripe it becomes red/purple. Type of oil: very high quality olive oil, fruity and aromatic. Is this a table olive: no Moraiolo olives – Where it grows: Tuscany, Umbria, Mediterranean. Characteristics of the olive: the olive is small and round and it is black when ripe. Type of oil: very good quality olive oil, fruity, green colour Nocellara belice olives – Where it grows: on the Mediterranean islands. Characteristics of the olive: the olive is big (it can weigh up to 7gr). Type of oil: fruity and light. Is this a table olive: yes. Manzilla olives – Where it grows: Spain (Andalusia) and Italy. Characteristics of the olive: big fruit, it can weigh between 4 and 6 grams. Is this a table olive: yes, this is the most common olive in brine found in the supermarkets. Kalamata olives – Where it grows: Greece. Characteristics of the olive: the fruit is oval and long. Is this a table olive: yes. Carolea olives – Where it grows: Calabria (in the south of Italy). Characteristics of the olive: big olive, it weighs about 5-6 grams. Type of oil: medium fruity, golden colour. Is this a table olive: yes. Coratina olives – Where it grows: Puglia and southern Italy. Characteristics of the olive: big and oval olive, it becomes black late. Type of oil: fruity, intense and spicy. Is this a table olive: yes.
December 10, 2009
Yoga is not a recent practice. It is a practice which through time, has developed and increased in significance and appeal worldwide. The rationale behind the appeal is greatly to do with the physical and psychological benefits experienced when integrating yoga into one’s daily schedule. Yoga can be viewed as a breath of fresh air in this fast paced lifestyle that we live in. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means “to integrate”. Yoga promotes a harmonious working together of the body’s components leading to both physical and mental training. Despite the fact that there are numerous forms of yoga; Hatha Yoga is still presently seen as one of the more commonly practiced yoga styles. Hatha Yoga consists of non strenuous physical exercise which aids in strengthening, stretching and balancing the body’s joints. Regular breathing is performed at the same time which aids in providing oxygen to the muscles, and in turn positively affects bodily structures and organs. The awareness required during yoga practice, ensures that mind and body have to work together to create a mind-body harmony which in turn promotes healing. Yoga will not be a quick fix for all your aches, worries and pains. However, with regular yoga practice your body will rebalance slowly and steadily, leaving you discovering the results for yourself. Physical benefits which you can anticipate are improved efficiency of the lungs, better use of your respiratory muscles, improved flexibility of the joints, improved coordination and muscle tone, maintenance of bone density, reduced risk of injury as well as the prevention of weight gain. Psychological benefits can also include an increase in self-confidence, decreased cravings for tobacco and food, better sleep, an increased ability to relax, improved concentration as well as a reduced likelihood of depression. Yoga differentiates itself from other exercises as it draws on the entire person as a whole. Half an hour of yoga a day, or 15 minutes of yoga twice a day, can easily be incorporated into any daily schedule. Some breathing techniques can even be practiced while working or driving home after a long day. A short routine for those of you spending hours staring at a computer screen is to take a few moments every day to glance at a distant object. This allows your eyes a moments rest from glare and a change of focus. Look left and right, up and down at least 5 times, blink at least 8 times to moisten your eyes and if it is at all possible, rest your elbows on a comfortable surface and close your eyes whilst covering them with the palm of your hands. If you can incorporate this with or without some breathing exercises, you will already be on the way to a healthier and possibly more focused lifestyle. Baby steps everyone…no one expects you to transform overnight.
Find spas and more wellness related information at: http://healthspaguru.com
December 10, 2009
All we know well that herbal nutrients are required to support healthy metabolism and maintain functions of our body. Available data indicate that many more vitamins and vitamin-like nutrients are yet to be discovered in herbs today. That is why herbal medicines were used for thousand years to fight diseases and improve body functions. Herbal nutrients have been shown to help heal many maladies, improve general health and specific pathological conditions. Herbs can help fight disease and premature aging, maintain sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle.
Alternative health professionals is a NZ based online shop, offering you the largest range of natural health products, including vitamin supplements. We also offer natural beauty products, herbal medicines and remedies.
At Alternative health professionals you will find information on alternative treatments for mind body and soul within our articles section, and in our online store, you will find naturally good products from aromatherapy supplies to herbal balms and lanolin skincare.
Our all natural herbal supplements are obtained from the herbs proven to be the richest natural sources of specific essential nutrients and are provided in the formulation optimal for assimilation by the body. Herbal antioxidants and essential unsaturated oils are not produced by the body but are required for multiple body functions and promote immunity to keep away diseases.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy are extracted from many parts of the aromatic plant: leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, roots, barks, fruits and resins. The oils are a concentrated form of plant energy possessing the qualities of the particular plant, and are usually many times more potent than the comparable dried herbs.
Now a days mostly people face skin problem. All we have different kind of skin so the treatment must be different. We help you to get the best herbal treatment for your skin. When you start shedding the winter layers of clothing upon spring’s arrival, you will possibly find your skin and scalp are dry and flaky, itchy and uncomfortable. Winter weather dries your skin out. You can bring skin back to a youthful glow by cleansing your body internally and exfoliating and moisturizing your skin.
December 10, 2009
Kombucha tea has been utilized as a health drink for approximately twenty five hundred years,It has been consumed for centuries in countries around the world from Russia to Japan and Korea.In the early 1900s,use of the tea spread from Russia into other European countries and throughout Germany,where it received rave reviews and was touted as a health elixir for optimum health.
People drink Kombucha tea for general health reasons. Many have claimed its use as a remedy for specific health conditions and diseases. Kombucha tea is a natural pro-biotic. It is used to introduce and improve healthy intestinal flora and bacteria,increasing energy and detoxifying the body and removing the toxins from the body. It is consumed on a daily bases to strengthen the immune system.
Stimulating hair growth (prolonged use can turn gray back to natural,so they say!)
Improve arthritis.(Auto immune disease)
Skin conditions.(aged spots)
And a myriad of other things.
Kombucha contains a small amount of alcohol, about as much as orange juice and should not be consumed with any medications that interact adversely with alcohol.Kombucha should not be taken by people with stabilized alcoholism to avoid irritating the condition.
Some people report general and specific enhanced health from modest use of kombucha tea.These reports are awaiting final confirmation by current study.There are certain risks connected with the use of Kombucha that has been contaminated by black mold or unsanitary brewing conditions.
Using Kombucha may be contraindicated in those who have medical conditions or require certain medications,always consult your health care provider if you are on medications. I first was introduced to Kombucha tea about 8 months ago at this writing. Having been diagnosed with a pre-diabetic condition a few years back,I’m always on the lookout for anything that would improve my health condition.
I began to study the effects of diabetes on my body and it was not appealing,for what it had in store for me,heart disease,blindness,kidney failure and a plethora of other problems.Having lost my mother and cousin to the disease, and several other cousins that live with diabetes,I understand that it is the number three cause of death in America. Well, I dove in and began to study Kombucha tea and everything that was said about it.
After careful study and how to make Kombucha tea and the anticipated health benefits that I would receive, I made the investment to get the equipment I needed to brew my own tea. After brewing and drinking Kombucha for six month, I can testify from my own experience how it help me to lose weight, gain energy, and much more, but, the real difference came when I received my blood work back from the lab,wow! What a difference it made in the short time I drank the tea.
Every test for Cholesterol, Triglycerides,HDL,LDL all had great improvements.I don’t think taking any vitamins, health drinks, and yes Kombucha tea, heals anything, but, this is what I think all the healthy living and taking vitamins ,and drinking Kombucha tea doe’s do, I think it puts our immune system into top shape, providing our bodies with the tools to fight off any disease that we may encounter.
December 3, 2009
What is Insomnia? The average person spends approximately 1/3 of his or her life sleeping. Although we do not yet fully understand either the purpose or the mechanics of sleep, we do know that an insufficient amount can have far-reaching consequences: our work performance, our personal relationships, and our physical and mental health all depend on getting an appropriate amount of rest. The inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night is a condition known as insomnia, and it is among the most common of all medical complaints; approximately 1/3 of all people experience a period of insomnia at least once during their lifetime. Individuals with insomnia typically experience at least one of the following symptoms: – Difficulties falling asleep; – Inability to stay asleep, or waking up too early; – Sleepiness during the day; – Fatigue or lack of energy; – Irritability; – Headache; – Decreased ability to concentrate; – Increased errors or accidents; – Depression and/or anxiety; – Continual worry about sleep. Health Risks of Insomnia If you are not getting the sleep that you need, your insomnia may eventually lead to serious consequences for your health. In the short term, your alertness and focus are impaired, which can have a negative effect on your school or work performance. Relationship problems may result from irritability due to lack of sleep, while fatigue may prevent you from participating in your normal activities. In the long-term, the complications of insomnia can be even more severe. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mood disorders are all associated with chronic insomnia; these conditions can be life-threatening, and they will certainly reduce the quality of your life. What Causes Insomnia? Insomnia is symptomatic of a large number of physiological disorders; if you are having difficulty sleeping, chances are that an underlying health problem is to blame. Illness, infection, mental health disorders, and medications can all keep you from getting the proper amount of rest. Hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances can affect your body’s ability to fall asleep, and dietary deficiencies can cause insomnia, as well. Exposure to toxic elements such as heavy metals, molds, and other environmental pollutants have also been shown to impair sleep. Finding the Cause of Insomnia By determining what is causing your insomnia, your health care provider will be better able to help you design a plan for managing your sleep problem. To find out what is keeping you up at night, your doctor may ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle, your sleeping environment, and even the sleep habits of your partner. A variety of lab tests can also be useful in pinpointing the cause of your insomnia in the event that a health problem is involved. Managing Insomnia The first step to getting back to sleep is to treat the underlying cause. Establishing good sleep habits may include nutritional support, exercise, detoxification, and incorporating a relaxation technique into your daily routine. Good sleep hygiene is important for getting the rest you need. By following the guidelines listed here, you will find yourself drifting off easily, without the constant worry about getting enough sleep every night. – Stick to a constant sleep schedule, with a consistent bed time and wake-up time; – Avoid bright lights (including the television and computer) for at least two hours before bedtime; – Do not exercise within three hours of bedtime; – Make sure your bedroom is for sleeping – keep the TV, computer, and any other distractions in another room; – Make sure your sleeping environment is cool, dark and quiet; – Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol, especially before bed; – Don’t eat right before you go to bed; – Try a relaxation exercise such as deep breathing before you turn in. Over-the-counter and prescription sleep medications are best avoided; they may help you fall asleep, but they can be habit-forming, and they have a variety of negative side effects. By identifying the cause of your insomnia and making some adjustments to your lifestyle, you should be able to overcome your sleep difficulties naturally.