How is your sleep?

For many of us, sleep is a barometer for how we are feeling in our lives. Our sleep is deep and restful when our lives are in balance. We may sleep poorly when we are under stress, and poor sleep can be a source of stress in itself. Nowadays many of us have jobs or lifestyles that are associated with erratic sleeping habits.

The main strategy for sleeping well is good sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene refers to keeping habits for the benefit of regular and restful sleep. Go to bed only when sleepy. Do your best to wake up at the same time every day. Use your bed for sleeping or sex only. If you find yourself tossing and turning and unable to fall asleep after 20 minutes, then leave your bedroom to do a light activity such as reading. These behaviors will condition your body to associate your bed with sleeping.

Avoid caffeinated beverages in the late afternoon or evening, and avoid watching television prior to sleep. Minimize your use of alcohol. Regular exercise is important for your health in all ways, including sleep. Experiment with different kinds of exercise in the early evening to see what works best for you. The do-in exercises listed on the next page are excellent stress-relieving exercises that can help you get to sleep.

Physicians sometimes prescribe medications to help promote sleep. It is generally not desirable to use these for more than a brief period (one to two weeks). Many of these medications have side effects, such as interference with sleep architecture. That is, users may get more ¡°light sleep,¡± and less of the restorative ¡°deep sleep.¡± Some of these medications can also be associated with withdrawal symptoms and dependency.

Some people find that a machine that generates gentle background noises helps them to fall asleep. Melatonin is an over-the-counter hormonal supplement that is effective on a short-term basis for sleeping difficulty due to jet lag. There are also several herbs that are helpful for sleep, including valerian and chamomile.

Toe Tapping:
BENEFITS: Helps circulation to the lower extremities and balance water/fire energy to their appropriate locations.

You can perform this exercise from either the lying down or sitting up position. If lying down, place your hands on your Dahn jon (lower abdomen). Move the toes side to side, touching them, and then alternately touching the floor with your pinky toes while keeping your heels together throughout the exercise. Begin with one hundred times and increase with practice.

Sole clapping:

		STEP 1 - Sit with your legs spread open. Place your hands behind you with your palms dow

Got a Stomachache?

No one knows when you or the toddler in your family will be struck by a sudden onset of stomachaches. Stomachaches can come at any time, in any variety. It is always good to have a couple of home remedies at hand. Here, we focus on the two most common types of stomachaches that you can treat at home.

For the General Stomachache

The pain is usually throughout the whole or lower abdomen, and is sometimes accompanied by diarrhea. This type of stomachache can be from spoiled food, a stomach virus, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. To relieve your symptoms, try the following things:

Drink ginger tea: Dried ginger is better than fresh ginger. Boil and steep in a kettle. You can add cinnamon and honey for better taste.

Use acupressure on the hand: The point is located at the end of the crease that forms between your thumb and the index fingers when you put them together. Having someone else press down on these points on both hands at the same time is most effective. It might be a little painful, but try to bear it. Press down for a slow count of 5 and release in a count of 5 as well. Repeat several times.

For indigestion

The second type of stomachache is usually located in the solar plexus or just above the diaphragm and feels very tight. This is usually from indigestion that has caused a meridian blockage.

Rub the stomach and the back: Lie down and have someone rub your stomach or back in comforting circular motions. Make sure you keep both areas covered and unexposed to cold air. This helps food settle into your stomach and eases digestion.