Systems for Health
Return to Good Health
The 'return to good health' is a concept that is frequently covered by the American media and health organizations. Hearing reports about what people should eat, how they should exercise, and how they are affected by environmental factors, among other topics, are daily broadcast events. More hotly debated topics involve which medicines a person should or should not take, and what remedies they should try. More commonly Americans are looking for more natural and less invasive methods to get better and keep well. Below is a list of some therapies that are being employed.
Tai Chi Practice
Tai chi (also taiji, tai chi chuan, tai qi, or Tai Ji Quan) is an ancient martial art developed to gain agility, strength and balance. It finds newly gained respect because it is recommended by doctors for musculoskeletal conditions, like arthritis and repetitive strain injury. Performing tai chi strengthens muscles and improves flexibility. Many practitioners notice benefits in terms of correcting poor postural, alignment or movement patterns that can contribute to tension or injury.
Another aim of tai chi is to foster a calm and tranquil mind, focused on the precise execution of these exercises. In Chinese philosophy and medicine there exists the concept of 'chi,' or 'qi,' a vital force that animates the body. One of the aims of tai chi is to cultivate the circulation of this 'chi' within the body, and by doing so improve the health and vitality of the person. This chi circulates in patterns that are closely related to the nervous and vascular systems and thus the notion is closely connected with that of the practice of acupuncture and other Eastern healing arts.
Breath Therapy
Breathing is the difference between life and death. It is the single most important thing you do in life, and it is the single most valuable thing you will ever have. Eating, drinking, sleeping and breathing are the four essentials basics of life. Of the four, breathing is the most essential. You can survive for some time without sleep, food or fluid, but you can only survive for a few minutes without breathing! The average person reaches peak respiratory function and lung capacity in their mid 20's. Then they begin to lose respiratory capacity: between 9% and 25% for every decade of life. So, unless you are doing something to maintain or improve your breathing capacity, it will decline, and with it, your general health. Did you know that most people have unhealthy breathing habits? They hold their breath or breathe high in the chest or in a shallow, irregular manner. Proper breathing has profound effects on our health. Over 70% of waste by-products are eliminated through our breathing and our skin. When our blood is heavily oxygenated it becomes very difficult for viruses and bacteria to grow in our body. Deep breathing relaxes muscles. A lot of back, neck and stomach pain is frequently caused by muscles being squeezed so tightly over time, that the areas become painful. In some cases, the body permanently takes on the shape of the tension, such as hunched shoulders and facial wrinkles. Stomach and bowel problems are often the result of habitually squeezing or tensing the muscles in these areas.
The immune system needs oxygen to function effectively. The immune system is a huge chemical factory. When it comes to the human body, this is the army of all armies. Your immune system can benefit from the increased oxygen gained with a proper breathing program. Its mission is to capture, kill and destroy any invader: bacteria, viruses, allergens, parasites and yeast infections. Yoga and tai chi use breathing and movement and are excellent ways of increasing energy, reducing stress, and stretching, strengthening and toning muscles.
Herbal Therapy
Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. Herbs have been used by all cultures throughout history. It was an integral part of the development of modern civilization. Primitive man observed and appreciated the great diversity of plants available to him. The plants provided food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals, and by trial and error. As time went on, each tribe added the medicinal power of native herbs to its knowledge base. They methodically collected information on herbs and developed a well-defined herbal manual. Well into the 20th century, much of the pharmacopoeia of scientific medicine was derived from the herbal lore of native peoples. Many drugs commonly used today are of herbal origin. Indeed, about 25% of the prescription drugs dispensed in the United States contain at least one active ingredient derived from plant material. Some are made from plant extracts; others are synthesized to mimic a natural plant compound. Herbs include flowering plants, shrubs, trees, moss, fern, algae, seaweed and fungus. Herbs are not only used for treatment of disease, but also to enhance life, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Herbs come in many different forms. They are used fresh, dried, chopped or whole and often can be steeped as infusions. According to statistics, more than one in three Americans currently use herbal medicines.
When a person has the knowledge and understanding of herbal therapy they can start to regain perfect health. In the business world, employers found that after they started a wellness program for their employees the number of sick days was greatly reduced, and everyone seemed happier while at work.
Nutrition Therapy
We often forget that our body is similar to a machine, and that specific combinations of foods and nutrients are needed in order to sustain and maintain its motor. In some respects we may treat our cars better than we treat our bodies. Digestion is the key to good health. If we cannot digest it, our body cannot use it. When digestion is at its optimum, people experience higher energy levels and an increased feeling of vitality. 'Food combining' influences digestion and assimilation, and can be a simple answer to increasing energy levels. Many agencies and organizations compile information about nutrition, foods and exercise. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, is available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. This publication, as well as the booklet, Finding Your Way to a Healthier You, may be viewed and downloaded at http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/.
Try to eat when you are emotionally calm. Remember that most of us carry emotions in our stomach and this does play into our ability to digest. Eat only when you are hungry. Try to eat whole, unprocessed foods. Your engine will thank you and run more efficiently.
Music Therapy
Studies show that patients who listen to music recover from surgery faster and have less pain. Recordings by Mozart and Vivaldi are being used during pregnancy when the fetus is about 18 weeks to help calm the baby's brain waves and slow the heart rate. The power of music can affect every cell and organ in the entire body. Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses. They design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, and other therapies.
In today's competitive workplace, stress and lack of focus can be seen everywhere and loss in productivity and increasing errors become the end result. Many business owners realize the importance of music in increasing productivity and achieving better quality in workmanship. Many successful businesses today provide "soothing" background music designed to help with creativity and improved communication. When background music has been designed for the workplace, we find improved employee attitudes when working with customers, and they provide better customer service. For more information go to http://www.musictherapy.org/.
Exercise and diet are contributors to wellness. 
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