(By Dr. Mercola) It's important to understand that the primary underlying reason for why you keep catching colds is an impaired immune system. Americans catch more than one billion colds a year, making it the most common infectious disease in the US. It's also the number one reason for doctor's office visits, despite the fact that conventional medicine has little to offer in the form of treatment.

One of the reasons for this is because colds are caused by viruses (and there are more than 300 cold-causing viruses), not bacteria. So taking an antibiotic for your cold will NOT do you any good whatsoever. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, such as sinus, ear and lung infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

Generally speaking, you do not need to seek medical care for a simple cold. However, if you have symptoms indicative of a bacterial infection you may want to consider visiting your doctor. For signs and symptoms to look out for, please see this article.

Just being exposed to a cold virus does not mean you will automatically catch a cold. If your immune system is operating at its peak, it should actually be quite easy for you to fend off the virus without ever getting sick.

If your immune system is impaired however, viruses can easily overwhelm your natural defenses and take hold.

A robust immune system is dependent on a number of lifestyle and environmental factors, but the most common factors are:  

1. Optimized vitamin D levels -- Research has confirmed that "catching" colds and flu may actually be a symptom of an underlying vitamin D deficiency. Less than optimal vitamin D levels will significantly impair your immune response and make you far more susceptible to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections.
   
   In the largest and most nationally representative study of its kind to date, people with the lowest vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu -- and the risk was even greater for those with chronic respiratory disorders like asthma. 
   
   I strongly believe you could avoid colds and influenza entirely by maintaining your vitamin D level in the optimal range. Vitamin D is an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent, producing 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in your body that kill both bacteria and viruses.
2. Avoiding sugar and grains -- If you feel yourself coming down with a cold or flu, this is NOT the time to eat sugar, grains, artificial sweeteners or processed foods. Sugar is particularly damaging to your immune system -- which needs to be ramped up, not suppressed, in order to combat an emerging infection.
3. Getting proper rest -- If you aren't getting enough sleep, or enough restorative sleep, you'll be at increased risk for a hostile viral takeover. Your immune system is also the most effective when you're not sleep-deprived, so the more rested you are the quicker you'll recover. You can find 33 secrets for a good night's sleep here.
4. Effectively addressing emotional stressors -- Emotional stressors can predispose you to an infection and make cold symptoms worse.
   
   

   Finding ways to manage daily stress as well as your reactions to circumstances beyond your control will contribute to a strong and resilient immune system. My favorite tool for this is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a system that helps balance your body's subtle energies and repair emotional "short-circuits." EFT may even help you overcome cold symptoms.

5. Regular exercise – Regular exercise is a crucial strategy for increasing your resistance to illness. There is evidence that regular, moderate exercise can reduce your risk for respiratory illness by boosting your immune system.
   
   

   In fact, one study found that people who exercised regularly (five or more days a week) cut their risk of having a cold by close to 50 percent. Exercise likely cuts your risk of colds so significantly because it triggers a rise in immune system cells that can attack any potential invaders.

   Ideally, establish a regular fitness program, such as Peak Fitness, now, to help you ward off colds and other illness.
   However, if you're already feeling sick don't overdo it. Over-exercising can actually place more stress on your body, which can suppress your immune system -- and you don't want that either. You might just go for a walk if you are coming down with a cold, or simply tone down your regular workout. Any rise in body temperature will be an unwelcome climate for a viral invader, though, so some exercise during a bout of cold is likely to be beneficial.

If you address these five primary factors that can make or break your immune system, you'll be well on your way to never having to suffer another cold again.

However, should you come down with one, then what?

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(By Dr. Mercola) The list created by WPHL contains several of my recommended home remedies. Here are several more suggestions that they missed, including vitamins and other supplements that can help treat your cold symptoms.

1. Hydrogen peroxide: I don't advise over-the-counter medications, but one simple treatment you can try that is surprisingly effective against upper respiratory infections is hydrogen peroxide.
   
   

   Many patients at my Natural Health Center have had remarkable results in curing colds and flu within 12 to 14 hours when administering a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into each ear. You will hear some bubbling, which is completely normal, and possibly feel a slight stinging sensation.

   Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside (usually 5 to 10 minutes), then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear. A bottle of hydrogen peroxide in 3 percent solution is available at any drug store for a couple of dollars or less. It is simply amazing how many people respond to this simple, inexpensive treatment.

2. Herbs and spices with high ORAC scores, such as turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves (for more on ORAC, visit www.oracvalues.com). You can simply add these liberally to your food.
3. Vitamin C: A very potent antioxidant; use a natural form such as acerola, which contains associated micronutrients. You can take several grams every hour till you are better unless you start developing loose stools
4. Oregano Oil: The higher the carvacrol concentration, the more effective it is. Carvacrol is the most active antimicrobial agent in oregano oil.
5. Propolis: A bee resin and one of the most broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world; propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important compounds that aid in immune response and even fight cancer.
6. Elder flower extract: Rich in vitamin C and a wide range of valuable flavinoids, including anthocyanins and quercetin, elder flower has been traditionally used as a tonic to boost immunity. It is also widely known to promote lung and bronchial tract health.
7. Elderberry: In one study, published in the Journal of International Medical Research, elderberry syrup reduced the severity of flu symptoms and shortened their duration by about four days. Elderberry extract is also known for inducing sweating, and helps relieve congestion.
8. A tea made from a combination of elder flower, yarrow, boneset, linden, peppermint and ginger; drink it hot and often for combating a cold or flu. It causes you to sweat, which is helpful for eradicating a virus from your system.
9. Olive leaf extract: Ancient Egyptians and Mediterranean cultures used it for a variety of health-promoting uses and it is widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.

Also make sure to drink plenty of fresh, pure water. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body and will help loosen secretions. Drink enough water to turn your urine a light, pale yellow.

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One should never avoid preventive health care and it makes no difference if you are poor or rich.

Unfortunately truly poor people seldom feel that they have the means to take good, preventive care of issues related to their cars, their homes, and even their bodies. Then, when the results of inattention show up, it's often already a problem that's too expensive to fix- requiring more money and effort than all the maintenance put together would have ever required. Lacking the preventive maintenance is the reason why the American health care is by far the most expensive in the world. And it still fails, as the life expectancy of the Americans is not even close to the top of the civilized world.

When it comes to your health, nobody should ever take that attitude. If your car falls apart, it's possible to get a replacement. But when your body goes, there's no second chance.

Below is a reference to an interesting paper written by alternative medicine practicing Dr. Williams (1) referring to quite a few therapies as "the poor man's" chelation/therapy, antidepressant, etc. It is obvious that one certainly don't need to be poor to take advantage of them all. There is a saying in Texas, why spend a dollar when a dime will do?

So here are Dr. Williams' 25 "poor mans" solutions in honor of his 25th Anniversary of "Alternatives Newsletter", most are free and even the most expensive one will fit to the budget even the financially disadvantage ones:

1. Immune support with sunshine. Routine exposure to sunlight helps your body generate vitamin D in your skin. It really doesn't require that much exposure to reap the benefits; one 20-minute full-body exposure to the summer sun will result in putting 20,000 IU into the body within 48 hours. However, if you're dark-skinned, older, obese, a vegetarian, or using sunscreen, sun block, or cholesterol-lowering drugs, you'll probably get far less than 20,000 IU.  And during the wintertime, you'll need to add a vitamin D supplement (see Solution #18, below). Your cost: Free


2. Arthritis relief with PVC pipe. Every cell in your body has both a positive and a negative charge. An imbalance leads to malfunction and varying degrees of disease. Over activity in an area, as occurs with inflammation, creates a positive electrical charge. You can create a negative charge by rubbing a piece of fuzzy material (found in craft stores, or as scraps) briskly along a short length of PVC pipe (available in hardware stores, or as free scrap from a friendly plumber). To treat an arthritic joint, move the charged PVC pipe slowly back and forth over the area, keeping it about a half-inch to an inch or so from the surface of the skin. After three or four passes, recharge the pipe by rubbing it against the material again. (If you happen to touch the pipe to your skin or other object in the process, you won't get a shock, but you will need to recharge it again at that time.) Keep repeating the process until you feel relief. Most people begin to feel a noticeable improvement within five to seven minutes. Your cost: Free



3. Depression relief with exercise. The quickest and easiest way to relieve the symptoms of depression is 1hrough daily exercise. Numerous studies have documented the boost in serotonin levels from increased activity. The production of the compound continues for several days after the activity. Exercise is truly the "poor man's antidepressant." You don't need to go overboard; just 20 minutes of vigorous movement a day will lift your mood, along with all the other benefits you get from regular activity. Your cost: Free


4. Stroke recovery with music therapy. In a Finnish study, stroke patients who listened to music of their choice for an hour a day fared significantly better than those who listened to audio books or had no audio stimulation at all. The music group had better verbal skills and attention focus, and reduced depression and confusion. Listening to music was especially helpful for those who had more severe strokes that prevented more active therapy. Listen to music on the radio, from your personal collection, or from the public library. Your cost: Free


5. Nausea relief with acupressure. Acupressure will help you relieve even the most stubborn cases of nausea-including morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea caused by chemotherapy. Just put moderate pressure for about five minutes on the acupuncture point known as P6. Feel for the radius bone at the outside of your wrist (the thumb side); the point is located just inside the radius bone, and about two inches below the crease in either wrist. (To see the precise location, search images on the Internet for "acupuncture, P6.") Nausea relief comes quickly, and you can repeat the procedure whenever you feel the need. Your cost: Free


6. Edema relief with lymphatic massage. Edema, or swelling of tissues, is often caused by an accumulation of lymphatic fluid - part of your body's "waste-disposal" system that helps get rid of cellular debris and metabolic by products. And because lymphatic fluid isn't circulated through your body by a pump the way blood is, it occasionally needs some help to stay moving. Lymphatic vessels are generally close to the skin, so lymphatic massage can get the lymphatic fluid moving and reduce edema fast. Begin on the affected limb close to your heart (in your armpit or groin): Using two fingers, massage very gently in small circles for a moment. Then move about four inches along the limb and repeat. Continue until you've reached the wrist or ankle. You'll notice results within just a couple days. Your cost: Free


7. Blood pressure reduction with proper breathing. Shallow breathing leads directly to higher blood pressure. Proper breathing produces normal, healthy changes in heart rate: higher as you inhale and lower as you exhale. ,The changes in heart rate create a natural rise and fall in blood pressure, making our arteries better able to respond to changes in circumstances. Inhale through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to rise, almost as if you're breathing into your abdomen rather than into your chest. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Soon this will become your normal breathing pattern. Your cost: Free


8. Insomnia cure with light. You've heard the advice that you'll sleep better when your sleeping space is completely dark at night. But you also need to be exposed to bright light during the day, to keep your internal day-night clock set properly. Even if you have to spend all day indoors, open the curtains or shades to let some sunlight in. Your cost: Free


9. Weight management with water. You can take off five pounds over the course of a year just by drinking water. Within 10 minutes of drinking about a pint (16 oz.) of water, your metabolic rate will go up; within an hour or so your rate will be up by as much as 30 % . The increased metabolic rate will burn more calories, leading to weight loss. Drink several glasses of water over the course of each day. Your cost: Free


10. Relieve back pain while you sleep. Your sleeping position can affect the health of your back. Sleep on your back or on your side, not on your stomach. When you sleep on your side, keep your knees together rather than having one leg thrown up toward your chest or out to the side. If you sleep on your back, keep your arms at your sides or on your stomach or chest, rather than over your head. Sleep position can be a hard thing to change, so if you sleep on your stomach try putting small pillows on each side. You can also place a small pillow between your knees if it's uncomfortable to keep them together. Your cost: Free


11. Detoxification with cilantro. A major cause of disease is contamination of your body by heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and aluminum. Leaves of the coriander plant, also called cilantro, can accelerate the excretion of heavy metals from the body. Add a tablespoonful daily to soup, stew, or any other dish. Cilantro is easy to grow in a window box or herb garden. Your cost: Free : $3 for a pack of seeds


12. Arthritis relief with bone broth. Not surprisingly, bones and cartilage from animals contain nutrients similar to those used in your own body's bones and cartilage. Getting more of those nutrients provides support for your joints and ligaments. The simplest way to get those nutrients for yourself is to make a delicious, nutritious bone broth. Use leftover bones from a ham, steaks, or roast chicken or turkey. Begin by soaking the bones in water with a couple tablespoons of added vinegar or lemon juice for half an hour. (Be sure to use a glass or ceramic bowl for this, so the acid doesn't leach metal.) Then follow the recipe in any good cookbook for making broth. Be sure to simmer for 6-8 hours, to extract all the goodness from the bones. Add your favorite vegetables toward the end of the cooking time. Your cost: $5 per batch for vegetables


13. Heartburn relief with chewing gum. Simply chewing gum more than doubles your production of saliva. Saliva contains a long list of compounds that protect your esophagus, including proteins, mucin, prostaglandin E2, and epidermal growth factor. Choose a gum that's sweetened with xylitol to help keep your mouth healthy at the same time. (See Solution #25, below.) Chew a piece a couple times a day, before meals. Your cost: $5.50 per month.


14. Angina relief with zinc. High doses of zinc can get rid of angina pain. Nobody's really sure why this works, but it does. Take 180-300 mg of zinc daily for 14 days. Look for zinc gluconate or zinc acetate, as lozenges or tablets. Zinc competes With copper for absorption, so when you're taking this much zinc it can't hurt to increase your copper intake as well; to 10 mg a day. Your cost: $6


15. Skin support with chia Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are an essential component of supple, healthy skin, and chia seed is about the most cost -effective source of EFAs available. You don't even need to grind it before use the way you do with flaxseed; just sprinkle two tablespoons a day on cereal or a salad, or mix it in with yogurt or juice. Chia seed is available from sources such as www.naturalremi-teas.com or 866-428-0575. Your cost: $6 per month


16. Potency improvement L-arginine. Impotency (or erectile dysfunction) is often a result of poor circulation in the small arteries of the penis. The amino acid L-arginine helps your body produce the compound nitric oxide (NO), which works to expand those tiny vessels. Take 2-3 grams of L-arginine daily, in capsules or as a powder mixed into tea or juice. L-arginine is available from JoMar Labs, at www.jomarlabs.com or 800-538-4545. Your cost: $7.20 per month


17. Blood sugar support with cinnamon. Adding cinnamon to your diet every day can cut your blood sugar level by up to 29 %. Mix ¼ teaspoon into yogurt, or sprinkle it on your morning oatmeal. (Using more doesn't appear to provide any additional benefit.) Research into cinnamon and blood sugar has used the cassia form, the type that's sold in grocery stores. You can also buy cassia cinnamon online, from the Great American Spice Company, www.americanspice.com or 877-677-4239. Your cost: $9 per year


18. Bone support with vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your bones absorb dietary calcium. Get 4,000-5,000 IU per day, either by spending time in the sun (which of course is free; see Solution #1) or by taking a supplement. Vitamin D is available as Liqui-D3 by Rx Vitamins, from www.naturamart.com.Each drop contains 2,000 IU of vitamin D, so you'll need 2-3 drops per day, mixed into food or drink. Your cost: $13 per year


19. Sinus congestion relief with nasal irrigation. Salt water will clear out your sinuses quickly and effectively, whether you're dealing with a sinus infection or allergies. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in 16 oz. of water. You can put some of the solution in the palm of your hand and sniff it into each nostril. For more complete irrigation, use a neti pot. You can find neti pots from many sources online, and even pharmacies such as Walgreen's. Instructions will come with the pot, or you can view how-to videos for using a neti pot on the Web at video sites such as YouTube. Your cost: $15 for a neti pot


20. Headache relief with peppermint oil.Mix one ounce of peppermint oil into nine ounces of grain alcohol (sold in liquor stores as Everclear), and store in a covered container. Then whenever you have a headache put a couple dabs of the mixture on your forehead and on each of your temples. We don't know why or how it works, but it does. The peppermint oil mixture will even stop a migraine in its tracks. Your cost: $15 for a bottle of peppermint oil and a bottle of Everclear


21. Smoking cessation with vitamin C. Some time ago, research showed that an ascorbic acid aerosol-could reduce the cravings for cigarettes and help reduce or eliminate the smoking habit. To make your own "poor man's anti-smoking device," fill a small spray mister bottle with 4 oz. of water and 1 gram of powdered vitamin C. Regularly throughout the day, especially when cigarette cravings occur, discharge a couple of squirts into your mouth and throat. Vitamin C powder is sold in most health food stores or can be ordered from sources such as iHerb.com. Your cost: $15 for vitamin C and a mister bottle


22. Kidney stone prevention with lemonade. Many kidney stones are formed from excess calcium in the urine. Citrate can bind to the calcium in urine, and reduce or eliminate the formation of kidney stones. Ordinary lemonade is high' in 'citrate, and drinking two quarts daily can cut stone formation by more than 80 % . Mix 4 oz. of reconstituted lemon juice with 60 oz of water. Sweeten with stevia or xylitol if you like. Your cost: $15 per month


23. Immune support with XPC. Yeast-based supplements have long been used to support overall good health. The farm product XPC is made from fermented yeast, and in animals improves the production of several types of immune cells. It's safe even for people who are sensitive to ordinary yeast. Sprinkle 2-3 grams (% teaspoon) a day into your breakfast. XPC is normally sold in 50-pound bags at farm and feed stores, but you can buy it in smaller amounts from repackagers such as Diamond Wholesales, at www.diamondvxpcgreen.com.Your cost: $18 per year


24. Wound healing with honey. The sugar in honey acts to draw fluid out of a wound. Honey also breaks down in contact with moisture to produce hydrogen peroxide, a natural antiseptic. For cuts, put a little raw local honey on the bandage before applying it to the wound. For larger wounds and sores, rinse the area with a saline wash, then impregnate a 2x2 inch bandage with honey (use a larger bandage if needed). Lay the bandage on the wound, then cover it with another clean bandage and secure as usual. Change the dressing daily. Your cost: under $20 for honey and bandages, even for larger areas


25. Oral health improvement with xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. The longer it stays in contact with your teeth, the more effective it is. You can make a mouthwash by stirring a teaspoon of xylitol crystals into a few ounces of water. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for a minute or two, then swallow it or spit it out. Another method is to chew gum sweetened with xylitol. Chew a piece for half an hour, two or three times a day. Your cost: $22 per year for xylitol


26. Bonus cure! Alzheimer's improvement with niacinamide. In animal studies, doses of niacinamide equivalent to 250 mg six times a day essentially cured mice of Alzheimer's-restoring their short term memory and making them functional again. If you can stand the bitter taste, you can buy niacinamide in bulk from sources such as www.purebulk.com.A healthy pinch mixed into water or juice will give you 250 mg. Do this six times a day. This regimen is more effective than taking larger doses less often, because niacinamide is water-soluble and flushes out of your body relatively quickly. Your cost: $25 per year

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White blood cells are our most efficient defense system against invaders from outside. They operate the most efficient process in our body simply by producing Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and releasing that chemical in areas that they recognize to be out of normality.

Hydrogen peroxide one of the natures strongest oxidizers and in high concentartions in will simply break down any organic material be it alive or dead. Hydrogen Peroxide is a "Weapon of Mass Destruction" of the organic world. It has a cousin, Ozone, that can be called the WMD of the all chemical world as it oxidizes almost anything that it encouners.

If organic material is thrown into highly concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide solution we will have an instant explosive fire until all organic mateial is consumed and broken down to Carbon Dioxide and water. Note that Hydrogen Peroxide was the first rocket fuel and is still used in some related applications. It has however been replaced by less dangerous and more stabile fuels.

The same time Hydrogen Peroxide is the most neglected chemical in the modern medicine. It is the key for our survival and well being and it can cure most of the diseases you ever encounter. The problem is that you can not drink it at all but you can apply it on low concentrations (3% or below) on your skin on temporary basis only.

Hydrogen peroxide must be present for our immune system to function properly. The cells in the body that fight infection (the class of white blood cells known as granulocytes) produce hydrogen peroxide as a first line of defense against harmful parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Hydrogen peroxide is also needed for the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a by-product of cell metabolism (that is actively broken down by peroxidase), a hormonal regulator, and a necessary part of the body's production of estrogen, progesterone, and thyroxin. If that weren't enough, hydrogen peroxide is involved in the regulation of blood sugar and the production of energy in body cells. It has also been used effectively in treatment of cancers.

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Here are some common problems we all have from time to time and now you can actually do something to fix them, unfortuantely we do not know a single author behind this table and believe it is more a summary what we have learned during the past fifty years:

If you have ...	Then you need more ...
"Chicken" skin on upper arms	Essential fatty acids
Bleeding gums	Vitamin C
Carpal tunnel syndrome	Vitamin B6
Cold hands	Magnesium
Dermatitis around nose	Vitamin B6
Dry eyes	Vitamin A
Frequent colds	Zinc and Vitamin C
Hair loss	Biotin, Zinc, and Essential fatty acids
High blood pressure	Magnesium and Coenzyme QIO
Muscle cramps	Magnesium
Night blindness	Zinc and Vitamin A
Premature gray hair	Vitamin B12
Red scaly skin on face	Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Reduced smell and taste	Zinc
Shaking hands	Magnesium and Vitamin Bl
Soft or brittle nails	Magnesium
Sugar cravings	Chromium
Thyroid swelling	Iodine
White spots on nails	Zinc

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Vitamin B12  is known as the “energy vitamin,” and it is essential for many critical functions in your body, including energy production, supporting your immune system, and helping to regulate the formation of red blood cells.*  Recent studies from the US Framingham trial show that one in four adults in the US are deficient in this vitally important nutrient and nearly half of the population has suboptimal blood levels.

Vitamin B12 is present only in animal sources of food--which is one of the reasons I advise against being a strict vegetarian or a vegan. This deficiency can result in  less than optimal nervous system function, a tendency toward nervousness, and even less-than-optimal eye health.* 

Critical Health Benefits

Vitamin B12 helps folic acid regulate the formation of red blood cells, and helps your body use iron. 

In addition, it is also needed for proper digestion, food absorption, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.  It also helps keep your nervous system healthy by assisting the nerves of your body to function and communicate in an optimal manner.  

B12 also helps in cell formation and cellular longevity.  Plus, it can support female reproductive health, and promote normal nerve growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths.  These fatty sheaths play a vital role as they cover and protect your nerve endings.

It is is critical to your circulation and adrenal hormone production -- plus, it helps boost your immunity.

Vitamin B12 supports a healthy mood and feelings of well-being.*  And then there's this -- it also provides excellent support for your memory, mental clarity, and concentration.*

Aside from using B12 to give you an energy boost, when does it also make sense to supplement with this all-important vitamin?  Well, there are several good reasons to take vitamin B12

A Vegetarian?

Many people avoid red meats for a large variety of reasons. If you are one of them, you are at a high risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Why? Because plant sources have virtually no vitamin B12.  And oral forms of B12 in nearly all supplements are practically useless, as little is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Vegetarians should take this essential micronutrient to ensure an adequate supply of it, because it is found almost exclusively in animal tissues.  And, the few plant foods that are sources of B12 are actually B12 analogs -- not the form that provides all the benefits of the real deal. 

Simply put, an analog is a substance that blocks the uptake of true B12.  The result being, your body's need for the nutrient actually increases. 

Furthermore, your body's need for this nutrient may also increase if you take Metformin©.  Metformin may interfere with calcium metabolism.  And this interference may reduce B12 absorption, because this absorption requires calcium.

Studies suggest that 10% to 30% of patients taking Metformin show evidence of reduced vitamin B12 absorption.  That's why it is important to speak with your doctor to discuss the best way to maintain B12 levels when taking this medication. 

Do You Sleep Well?

If you suffer from sleeping difficulties, I recommend taking vitamin B12 during the day.  B12 plays a vital role in melatonin production.*  Melatonin has been called "the sleep hormone" because it is responsible for letting you get a good night's sleep.  

As you age, it becomes increasingly more difficult to get a good night's sleep because your body becomes less efficient at making this hormone.  And that's why it's a good idea to take B12 to help you sleep like a baby each night.*

Moreover, a lack of adequate B12 can have other annoying consequences too. 

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Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been rediscovered time and time again. Archeological evidence points to ancient reflexology medical practices in Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE).

In the West, the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century with European and Russian research into the nervous system and reflex- think Pavlov. Reflex therapies were created as medical practices but were soon eclipsed by use of surgery and drugs. The ideas of reflex use for health improvement were carried on sporadically and brought to American in 1909 by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an eye-ear and nose specialist from Connecticut. Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham is credited with developing a system of reflex areas by 1938.

In the East, ancient Chinese techniques were re-discovered in the 1980's and have spread throughout Asia creating today's reflexology-rich environment with reflexology paths in parks and a thriving reflexology industry of practitioners, businesses and research. A Short History of Reflexology Reflexology In Egypt, History Rewritten The Reflexology Path kit

What are the benefits of reflexology ?

Research has shown the specific techniques of reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways. A survey of 170 reflexology studies from 21 countries shows that reflexology is effective, impacting a variety of physical and psychological concerns. Reflexology:

• Creates relaxation: From the moment the reflexologist's hands start their work, the relaxation begins as shown in research using EEG brain activity. All together, 24 studies demonstrate reflexology's relaxation effects.
• Reduces pain: Pain reduction following reflexology work is documented in 27 studies including research showing impact on individuals of all ages and health states
• Ameliorates health concerns: Research shows that reflexology work helps indiviuals of all ages with some 78 health concerns ranging from aggressive behavior Êin children to urinary concerns of the elderly.
• Improves blood flow: Separate studies show that reflexology work increases blood flow to the feet, brain, kidneys and intestines.
• Aids post-operative recovery: Reflexology work aids recovery after surgery as shown by several studies, reducing pain and lessening the use of post operative analgesics.
• Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI)
• Enhances medical care: Reflexology helps where nothing else can for many: phantom limb pain sufferers, neuropathy patients, and hemodialysis patients to name a few.
• Benefits mental health: Research demonstrates that reflexology can reduce depression (11 studies) and anxiety (9 studies).
• Complements cancer care: Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following reflexology work as shown by16 studies fom 7 countries.
• Eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects: Women who received reflexology experienced shorter labor times and used less analgesia. In addition, reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements.

  In general terms, the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.

  Reflexology is a complement to standard medical care. It should not be construed as medical advice. It should not be a replacement to medical help. Please use it wisely. We care about your safety.

What is a reflexology chart?

A reflexology chart mirrors a reflection of the body on the feet and hands, left foot or hand representing the body's left half and right foot or hand its right half. In reflexology practice, technique is applied to the relevant reflex area(s) to prompt a change in the related part of the body. Research has demonstrated such effects for several reflex areas and their reflected parts of the body, i. e. the kidney reflex areas and the kidneys; the intestine reflex areas and the intestines and the brain reflex area and the brain.

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