Often viruses will kill the host cell and move quickly to invade others. Sometimes they do not kill the cell but live on within it, manipulating its genetic codes in order to reproduce. Such viruses are known as retroviruses and include HIV, which causes AIDS.

Other illnesses and ailments arising from viral infection include the commom cold, chicken pox, measles, warts, influenza, cold sores and genital herpes. The body reacts to their presence by producing special kinds of blood proteins called antibodies. These antibodies remain in the blood after the virus has been beaten and reinfection by the same virus is not possible. Unfortunately, many viruses quickly mutate, rendering the antibodies useless. An example of a rapidly mutating virus is influenza which a person could catch every year. Non-mutating viruses such as mumps are rarely caught twice in a lifetime.

*74/69/2*

Today these compounds are widely used by homeopaths but may be prescribed in a slightly different way to the Schuessler remedies, in keeping with the homeopathic principle of like curing like. The salts are known by an abbreviated name, such as Calc. fluor. for Calcium Fluoride and Kali mur. for Potassium Chloride, and are usually dissolved under the tongue. People suffering from lactose intolerance should note that lactose is often used as a binder in tissue salt powders and tablets (see Homeopathy). Tissue salts are also made up in combinations to treat different aspects of various problems.

*63/69/2*

Its meditative, relaxing aspects are well understood, but T’ai chi is also beneficial for posture, breathing control and circulation. As a preventive therapy it works on the principle of balancing the yin and the yang forces in the body, calming the mind and promoting good health.

*61/69/2*

It is particularly effective for pain relief and its advocates claim that by making the flow of energy through the meridians more efficient, Shiatsu is a highly effective preventive therapy which strengthens the nervous, circulatory and immune systems and invigorates the body.

In a variation sometimes known as barefoot Shiatsu, the therapist often uses the feet to apply pressure, sometimes standing on the patient. Even so, thumbs, elbows and hands are still employed.

The great advantage of Shiatsu over similar therapies such as acupuncture is that it can be practised in the home for the relief of simple ailments such as headache, insomnia, cold symptoms, constipation and nausea. Some formal instruction is recommended and professionally qualified practitioners should be used for diagnostic purposes and in cases of chronic or prolonged illness.

*47/69/2*

Psoriasis can be controlled by using a tar based shampoo or white paraffin ointment after a shower. Mild doses of sunlight will improve the condition. Do not overdo the sun as burning will make it much worse.

Externally and internally cold pressed oils such as linseed, sunflower and wheatgerm oils can be applied to the area or take 2 teaspoons daily. Supplement your diet with Vitamins A, E and the mineral zinc. Tea made from red clover or sarsaparilla will help the circulation to the affected areas.

Diet should be changed to a vegetarian one. You may find the psoriasis is caused by an allergy (although most cases are thought to be genetic). Avoid alcohol in the diet as it may be aggravating the condition.

*39/69/2*

It is best to experience a sauna in short 10-15 minute sessions, with 5-10 minute “cooling down” intervals, repeating such a cycle 3-4 times. During the “cooling down” intervals do not use pool or showers which have chlorinated water. Ozone treated water, clean river, rain, lake or sea water is OK. Your skin has been cleansed by the flow of the sweat and in such a clean state it will absorb the chlorine from the water into your body. It is best to use a towel to dry the sweat from your body. Do not allow the sweat to evaporate, because it contains toxins your body has just excreted, and you do not want any of them to be reabsorbed back.

*37/96/8*

Influenced by the Swiss psychotherapist, Alice Miller, who believed that children in many societies were ill-treated by parents and educators and consequently developed a false self, Janov developed a therapy which aims at dismantling neurotic defence mechanisms which the false self uses to protect the individual from the experience of pain. He believed that the ‘false’ or ‘unreal’ self begins to develop from around the age of six, and emotional and intellectual defence patterns have become fairly fixed by the teens. It is the job of the therapist, in a series of intensive sessions, to lead the patient into the ‘primal zone’, where the painful feelings of the suffering child within the adult can be brought into consciousness and integrated.

Since this therapy is so intense and often traumatic, it is important that a properly trained therapist be consulted.

*37/69/2*

*33/96/8*

Peppermint oil, applied to the temples or inhaled, will ease the symptoms of a head cold, including a cold-related headache. It acts as a mild diaphoretic, meaning that it promotes perspiration.

Peppermint leaves steeped as a tea bring relief from indigestion and all kinds of nausea, including morning sickness. A common ingredient in toothpastes and chewing gum, peppermint conquers bad breath and the oil or leaves can be used in the preparation of a refreshing mouthwash. The essential oil of peppermint, applied to the temples, will improve concentration.

Similar therapeutic properties are found in other species of mint, including spearmint.

*30/69/2*

This grain, common in the Western diet, has become fashionable in recent years for its bran’s ability to control cholestrol levels in the blood. It is the inositol in oat bran, a B-complex vitamin, which helps to increase the blood’s ratio of high density lipoproteins to the cholestrol-rich low density lipoproteins. While the miraculous properties of oat bran may have been exaggerated, a deficiency of inositol can certainly lead to a significant increase in blood cholestrol levels.

As a source of fibre, oat bran is considered superior to wheat bran as it will not scour the bowel. In cases of severe bowel irritation however, laxatives such as psyllium should be used instead.

Oats in their wholegrain and rolled forms are an excellent source of protein, Vitamin B1, calcium, iron and silicon. The aforementioned inositol also aids the body’s absorption of zinc. A tea made of oat straw is sometimes recommended for chest and skin complaints. The skin toning properties of oats are widely recognised and oatmeal is an ingredient in many natural facial scrubs and face packs.

*24/69/2*