What is Botox?
It derives from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. In nature, large quantities of this exist. In these large doses, it can be harmful and it is this toxin that causes botulism. However, when small dilute quantities are used, as is done in therapeutic treatments, it is extremely safe and can be used under the skin to act as a muscle relaxant.
How does it work?
Botox is used to treat frown lines and creases by injecting small amounts into the facial muscles. Normally, nerve cells release chemicals which cause the muscles to tighten, leading to frown lines. Botox blocks these chemical signals causing a slight weakening of the muscle contraction and a smoothing of the skin’s appearance. Contrary to popular belief, skillfully applied Botox does not paralyze the facial muscles completely, it just relaxes and reduces their response.
This is what I take prides himself in doing when using Botox in my practice in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I like Botox light. We like to normalize facial expressions, not wipe them out. Not everyone wants to look like Madonna.
What can Botox do for me?
Botox treatment can reduce the appearance of frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crows feet around the eyes. It can also be used to treat creases around the mouth. When performed properly it should have a gentle relaxing effect while still allowing natural expressions like smiling and frowning. Botox treatment will not reduce lines caused by sun damage and may not be fully effective on very deep creases.
Is it safe?
A course of Botox injections is a well established and recognized treatment that is considered to be safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner. There are, however, some groups of people who should not use Botox. These include pregnant and breastfeeding women and anyone suffering from a disease that affects the nerves or muscles. Certain medicines can react with Botox and you should consult your doctor if you are taking antibiotics or drugs to control heartbeat irregularities, Alzheimer’s disease or myasthenia gravis (a chronic autoimmune disorder).
If you are known to be allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox or if the area to be treated is infected, you should not have the treatment. However, even in experienced hands, every medication, including Botox, has side effects. The most common side effects are weakening of some muscles unwontedly. For example, some people get an eyelid droop when Botox is put into the brow. Fortunately, Botox side effects are rare and reversible.
What happens during Botox treatment?
First the surgeon will discuss your medical history and assess which areas of your face to treat. During the treatment, a series of small injections will then be directed straight into the facial muscles that the doctor wants to relax using an extremely tiny needle.
You will not need an anesthetic as the injections cause very little pain. The whole procedure should be completed within a matter of minutes. Rarely, these Botox injections can cause the side effect of bruising.
How quickly will I recover?
As soon as the procedure is completed, you will be able to return to normal activities. Some patients report a slight headache as a side effect of the Botox treatment but this should soon pass. Sometimes you will be advised not to lie down for 3 or 4 hours after the procedure as this can encourage the Botox to spread to other areas of the face.
You should not rub the treated area for the same reason. You should also make use your muscles as much as possible so the Botox will be absorbed. Botox usually takes 3 to 7 days to take full effect, after which time visible improvement in facial lines should be noticeable. Your normal facial expressions should still be present.
The beneficial effects of Botox usually last for 3 to 6 months.
Are there any Botox side effects?
Side effects of Botox treatment are usually mild. Some patients experience a slight headache for the first 24 hours after injections to the forehead area, especially after their first treatment. Mild bruising of the injected area can also occur.
In very rare cases, excess Botox can cause the side effect of droopy eyelids, a condition known as ptosis. This is unlikely to occur when the treatment is carried out by an experienced cosmetic surgeon and will gradually correct itself as the Botox wears off. If you do experience drooping eyelids, you should tell your consultant.
Although very unlikely, a small percentage of patients may suffer the side effect of an extreme adverse reaction to Botox. You should seek medical help immediately if you experience difficulty in swallowing and breathing or develop a rash.
Your best defense against the side effects of Botox is to find a skilled doctor to administer it.
What are the advantages of using Botox?
Since its initial introduction, Botox treatment has quickly gained in popularity and is consistently one of the most requested cosmetic procedures. It is a relatively safe treatment for most people with few documented reports of serious complications.
The treatment is very simple and quick and almost painless. Because no general anesthetic is required, recovery time is rapid with little or no side effects. The results of the procedure are fully reversible over time as the muscle weakening effect of the Botox eventually wears off.
Cost of Botox
Botox costs depend on numerous factors. Individual Botox treatment cost a reasonable amount varing from $400 to over a thousand dollars based on how many areas are treated.m The results last for 3 or 4 months, and do not have to be repeated too often. Some patients find that after several sessions, the time between treatments can be increased to about 6 months.
Where should I go to get Botox treatment?
Once you have decided to have Botox treatment it is important to choose the right cosmetic surgeon to perform the procedure. Botox has a proven track record for safety and good results but only when carried out by a reputable practitioner. Choose a fully qualified surgeon who has already carried out many Botox procedures.
Look for a clinic where the surgeon is willing to carry out an initial consultation so that you have the chance to ask any questions and thoroughly discuss the implications of the treatment.
A good cosmetic surgeon should always be happy to give you lots of information and may be able to show you photographs of past clients and the results of their treatment. It’s also a good idea to ask around your friends for personal recommendations.
What else is Botox used for?
Although Botox injections are most well known as a cosmetic procedure for the reduction of facial wrinkles, it is also used in the treatment of several medical conditions. Botox can be used to reduce muscle spasms and twitching of the neck or eyelids.
It has also proved successful in the treatment of excessively sweaty armpits by blocking the chemical transmitters that cause the sweating. Depending on the reasons for treatment, sometimes the cost of Botox injections can be covered by medical insurance.
Botox Creams Recently, a cream has been advertised as better than Botox. Unfortunately this Botox cream does not really work. It contains a weak muscle relaxant, strivectant, and this Botox cream does not do much.
Botox Alternatives
If Botox cosmetics do not work, are there alternatives to Botx? Recenlty several Botox alternatives have been studied. One alternative to Botox is Reloxin. It is similar to it, in that it blocks the chemicals released from the nerves. Some say this alternative might work better than Botox.
How to Find a Skilled Doctor For Your Botox Treatments
The best doctor for your Botox treatments for your wrinkles would be an ethical doctor who specializes in these treatments. Ideally, he or she is a teacher of other Botox providers. You can find a qualified person for your Botox treatments through the Ethical Cosmetic Surgery Association www.ecsaonline.com.
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Youthfulness is greatly treasured in our society, and with the many procedures available, it is easier than ever to remain looking younger longer. Although there are many age defying methods available, some are more effective than others so it is a good idea to do some research before deciding on which procedure to move forward with.
One of the most popular ways to keep yourself looking young and refreshed is botox. This non-invasive procedure has truly worked wonders on countless people and helped them achieve their goal of preserving their youth. If you have never had this procedure completed before, you may be wondering how to go about having it completed.
One of the first things that you will probably want to do when deciding to receive botox is to find an experienced practitioner. Finding an experienced practitioner not only helps guarantee that the procedure is completed correctly, but also that you will receive the most effective results for the money that you pay. One way to find an experienced practitioner is to ask others who have had the procedure done if they can recommend anyone for you to see.
Once you have found a botox practitioner that you are comfortable with, you might want to sit down with them to give yourself a chance to ask any questions that you may have. Since the procedure is so non-invasive, you may not have many fears about having it done, but it can still help to ask about the risks and benefits just to inform yourself on what to expect.
If you want to delay the signs of aging, there are many procedures available to help. Doing some research on the best methods available can help ensure that you will choose the one that it best for you and your body.
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Beautyblogtalk.com’s expansive collection of reviews features even more facts on Botox.
Find a detailed review of Botox at Beautifulreview.com, a highly informative skin care product review site.
Review Summary
Botox™ is safe to use with other topically applied beauty products such as creams sold over the counter. Botox™, however, is available only through a qualified physician. The makers of this product have compiled a network of recommended physicians available to provide services through the manufacturer’s website. Millions of men and women have received the Botox™ treatment and report a high level of success.
Ingredients at a Glance
Botox™ uses only one ingredient, a purified protein known as Clostridium botulinum bacterium.
Ingredients in Focus
This sole ingredient in the Botox™ allows the signs of aging to disappear for up to 4 months by minimizing the movement of certain muscles in the face. According to the maker of the product users still have a full range of motion to make normal facial expressions, although sometimes use of the product is quite evident. Instead, it limits the movement of muscles responsible for making the face look wrinkled. The manufacturer claims that the product works quickly so one doesn’t have to wait months to see results. The results may appear as quickly as in a few days. The product has treated millions of patients and resulted in few complaints compared to the many success stories.
Positives
Botox™ has a high rate of success. This product is safely administered by a medical doctor.
Negatives
Botox™ has no guarantees. Botox™ avoids using or promoting products with ingredients such as Matrixyl 3000. This product is temporary regardless of how many treatments one receives over time. Botox™ may require paying a physician out of pocket, since it’s not a medical expense per se.
Final Thoughts
Botox™ works very well for many patients. It requires a simple procedure which includes injection into the facial region. Some may feel discomfort or be afraid of needles, but at this time there are no alternative means of treatment. The manufacturer doesn’t list the price of the product since it’s administered through independent physicians the price may vary, but you may expect it to be pricey. There do not appear to be any common side effects. Since the product is administered by a physician it provides an opportunity for one to inquire about any concerns prior to treatment.
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Crow’s feet, wrinkles and frown lines — the pesky signs of aging many of us would rather do without. Cosmetic plastic surgery is an effective option, but surgery isn’t always necessary. Botox injections are currently the choice non-surgical method for rejuvenating facial features and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. However, many people shy away due to common misconceptions about Botox. Read on to filter out the myths and discover the benefits of Botox.
What is Botox?
A developed understanding about Botox and how it works will clarify common misconceptions. Botox is derived from a botulinum toxin A, a bacteria that can cause paralysis in large doses. However, plastic surgeons can safely administer small doses of botulinum toxin A to provide cosmetic benefits. Botox injections relax unnecessary muscle contraction that leads to wrinkles and lines.
Common Misconceptions About the Safety of Botox Injections
Beliefs that Botox injections can lead to botulism are mistaken. Concentrated doses of the toxin are required to cause paralysis. Food-borne botulism, infant botulism and wound botulism are main sources of illness related to botulinum toxin.
In the realm of cosmetic plastic surgery, Botox is decontaminated and diluted. The procedure is quite safe and effective. Botox injections are used for other medical purposes, such as migraines, excessive sweating and other things. The FDA has approved Botox since 2002 for cosmetic use.
Common Misconceptions About Botox and Facial Appearance
Botox results are natural if administered by a qualified cosmetic surgeon. A common misconception about Botox involves abnormal paralysis to certain facial features. While the muscles can take about a week to adjust to treatment, your face will not show any apparent differences, aside from lack of lines and wrinkles.
Misconceptions About Botox and Droopy Eyelids
Droopy eyelids are an extremely rare potential side affect. Again, seeking treatment from a qualified medical professional is a necessary step for avoiding potential complications. Should droopy eyelids result from Botox injections, the symptoms will subside within a few weeks.
Common Misconceptions About Botox and Painful Injections
Botox is a noninvasive treatment that only requires a few injections into the muscles of the area to be treated. Many patients describe the level of discomfort as a tiny pinch. Additionally, pain usually decreases as your body learns to adjust with every treatment.
Misconceptions About Cost for Botox
When compared against other cosmetic surgery cost, Botox injections are quite affordable. As the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure on the market, wide reception must have something to do with financial accessibility. The cost for Botox treatment varies depending on geographic location, expertise of the surgeon and amount of injections. As a general guideline, Botox can cost around $400.
Temporality and Botox Injections
A common misconception about Botox is that it’s a temporary fix to an ongoing concern. It is true that Botox injections require follow up procedures to maintain results. However, no cosmetic plastic surgery procedure is capable of halting the aging process.
In addition, when started during the early phases of aging, Botox injections can be preventative treatment against developing more wrinkles and lines. Lines form due to excessive muscle contraction, as a result of habit or stress. Botox injections train the muscles to relax, which can slow down the aging process.
Have a Consultation for Botox
Botox is a safe, convenient method for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. But before deciding whether it’s right for you, schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. For more information about Botox, or for assistance locating a doctor, refer to DocShop.com.
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Today, society is pushing Botox and an array of other quick fix procedures to fight aging. These procedures are mostly short-term solutions and need to be repeated again and again, spending loads of money in the process. While these procedures may help us look better temporarily, I ask you, “Is it really worth it to put these chemicals on and in our bodies?” I don’t think so!
There are many natural remedies that can help our skin look its best. My favorite way to promote healthy skin is by using therapeutic grade essential oils.
Therapeutic grade essential oils have the power to prevent and regress wrinkles, rejuvenate healthy skin cells and slow the aging process. Ancient Egyptians knew this secret and used essential oils in all their skin care salves and lotions. Essential oils were valued higher than gold at that time.
Essential oils contain high amounts of oxygenating molecules that have the ability to pass through your cell membranes. They carry oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body. Have you heard the term “anti-oxidant?” Anti-oxidants destroy the free radicals in our bodies, thus keeping us youthful and healthy. Essential oils contain the highest amounts of anti-oxidants on the planet!
Unlike Botox, essential oils will not atrophy and paralyze your facial muscles, but they can help to even your skin tone, regress wrinkles and fight aging, all the while being safe and natural with no risky side effects.
Here are a few of my favorite skin recipes from the Essential Oils Desk Reference, 4th Edition, by Essential Science Publishing:
Wrinkle Reducing Blend:
5 drops Sandalwood
4 drops Geranium
3 drops Lavender
6 drops Frankincense
Dilute this mixture 50:50 in a high grade, un-perfumed organic face or body lotion. Apply 2 times a day or as needed.
Stretch Mark Reducing Essential Oils: Lavender Myrrh Gentle Baby (a blend from Young Living)
Use one or a combination of these oils straight (neat) or diluted 50:50 in a high grade, organic vegetable oil. Apply a few drops on affected areas 2 times a day.
Morning Skin Firming Blend:
3 drops Tangerine
3 drops Cypress
Evening Skin Firming Blend:
8 drops Patchouli
5 drops Cypress
5 drops Geranium
1 drop Sandalwood
Use straight (neat) on location or dilute 50:50 in a high grade, un-perfumed organic face or body lotion. Apply 4-6 drops of each recipe at the specific time of day mentioned above.
If you’re looking for a natural, chemical free approach to skin care, you won’t find anything more powerful than therapeutic grade essential oils. Granted it’s not a quick fix like some modern procedures, but with patience and perseverance, you will see a notable difference in your skin.
Please remember that you should only use the highest quality essential oils, such as those from Young Living. Using low quality oils in the methods mentioned above is not recommended.
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Botox is widely known as an aesthetic treatment that reduces the appearance of lines and folds on the skin. Botox is a pure form of protein that serves as a neurotoxin. Botox is derived from a natural bacteria substance called Bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. For more than 20 years, medical practices utilized Botox in small doses to treat cosmetics, muscular spasms and muscular disorders of the eye. In 1989 Botox was approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for eye muscle disorders and was approved again by the FDA in 2002 for cosmetic purposes.
According to the Laser and Skin Therapy Center of New York, Botox is a safe non-surgical procedure that became popular for its cosmetic use as a treatment for wrinkles. The center also explains that neurologists use Botox to treat specific types of headaches. Treatment involving Botox addresses areas such as the forehead, neck, crow’s feet, upper lip and chin. Botox may also be used to treat Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis Parkinsonism, and spasms.
What does the Botox Procedure Involve?
The procedure takes a few minutes. An injection of Botox into a grouping of face muscles will cause the muscles to relax. The substance blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals the muscles to contract, to nerves and muscles.
What are the side effects and risks?
A common side effect of Botox treatment is a mild swelling around the area that the injection took place. At rare times a bruise may develop at the same area that may last for a few days.
What is involved in recovery?
The day of treatment you need to exercise the areas injected through relaxing and contracting the muscles for two to three hours to allow your body to absorb Botox. Refrain from rubbing or massaging the areas for several hours. Avoid heavy exercise for one day.
How long does the treatment last?
The full effects of Botox may take up to a few days to become visible. Botox is not a permanent solution for wrinkles. Botox usually lasts from three to six months and may produce visible results as soon as 48 hours after the procedure.
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Are you one of those people who went kicking and screaming into your 40’s? You know, the years when everything seems to change, especially your vision. What happened?, your eyes were stable, all was good and then one morning, bam! Presbyopia hits you, right in the eyes. It’s true, if you are over 40; reading glasses are just about par for the course.
The good news is, just because you are now confined to wearing readers it does not mean you have to look like Mrs. Claus (or Santa, for that matter.) Choosing a style of frames can easily change and even transform your entire look. You can look fun, stylish, and cutting edge all at the same time. And can you guess what that means? You’ll look younger!
So now you can Don those trendy, bright little glasses. Pay attention, you will notice people look at you a little differently. They are sure to notice your youthful appearance. If you like, you can even get some slick little frames encrusted with Swarovski crystals. And let’s face it; you can’t go wrong with Swarovski crystals. I mean, come on! Swarovski!
You will notice your friends are so taken by your trendy glasses that the things you agonize over in the mirror will take a back seat. Lines? Wrinkles? Hah! Forget about them.
Could we be on to something here? Can reading glasses be the next botox? Is it possible that reading glasses could take the “plastic” out of surgery and put it on a stylish frame? Will the fountain of youth be flowing with streams of reading glasses? Next time you find yourself straining to read the fine print, just think “I could put my eyes at ease and look better with a pair of designer reading glasses.
It’s official, forty is the new 20! Ok, 30. Thirty-five?
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BOTOX® injections help to smooth frown lines, crows feet, and lines around the mouth. BOTOX has become the nation’s most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure, according to the American Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
BOTOX is a purified protein that temporarily reduces the appearance of lines around your face and neck. The non-surgical injections work by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, which temporarily paralyzes the muscles responsible for your wrinkles. Skin that cannot move cannot form lines and wrinkles.The result is a fresh, rejuvenated appearance.
BOTOX treatments have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration for anyone aged 18 to 65. This indicates that the procedure is safe and does not lead to long-term paralysis in your face and neck.
The procedure
BOTOX injections are a very simple process that can be accomplished in about 10 to 30 minutes, depending upon the number of desired treatment areas. First, a topical anesthetic is used to numb the injection sites. Then small amounts of BOTOX are injected into designated muscles with a thin needle. You will feel some discomfort associated with the pricking, but this does not persist after the injection is complete.
Recovery
You should be able to return to your daily activities immediately. Generally speaking, you should not experience severe bleeding, pain or bruising. You should not touch or massage the treated areas, as this could disrupt the placement. The outcome of BOTOX injections usually lasts between three and six months.
Potential Complications
The most common complications are drooping eyelids or raised eyebrows. If this happens, it is important to remember that this will not be permanent, as the paralysis from BOTOX will wear off after a few months.
Treating More than Wrinkles
Besides temporaryly reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, BOTOX injections have also been approved to treat medical conditions.
Blepharospasm—a condition where one or both of your eyelids spasm uncontrollably in a repeated manner. This forceful, involuntary movement can even lead to temporary vision loss. While the cause of blepharospasm remains unknown, some experts believe it is associated with high levels of stress and fatigue.
BOTOX injections into the upper eyelids of the affected eye prevent that muscle from spasming.
Hemifacial Spasm—a condition that involves forceful, uncontrollable spasms in part of your face. It may be caused by vascular compression of facial nerves or by an intracranial tumor. If you are experiencing this, you should undergo a CT scan or MRI as soon as possible.
BOTOX injections can treat these symptoms until surgery is performed. If the underlying cause cannot be determined, BOTOX can be injected every three to six months to alleviate spasms.
Hyperhidrosis—excessive, uncontrollable perspiration that affects about 1 percent of the population. The sweating can occur in the hands, face, underarms, and forehead. The FDA has approved BOTOX for treating this type of severe underarm sweating when it cannot be treated with other medications.
The nervous system of people with hyperhidrosis is typically overactive. This produces an excessive sweating response. BOTOX injections reduce overactivity of the nervous system, resulting in reduced sweat production.
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Many drugs can be bought online from reputed pharmacies these days. Millions of people prefer to order online from the comfort of their own personal computer for various reasons. First, there is the benefit of low prices and discounts especially when you buy a treatment therapy wholesale. Then there is the convenience of receiving good quality products without having to wait in the line. Moreover buying online ensures having them home delivered safely. Here is an overview of some of the products that you can buy online.
Botox
Botox, a neurotoxin, is used to treat neck problems, reduce armpit sweating, focusing problems, eye spasms, etc. It reduces the intensity of abnormal head position and neck pain. Botox works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles and sweat glands. You can safely buy Botox online at low prices.
Restylane
Restylane is available as three different treatments. Restylane Original corrects wrinkles and enhances lips. Restylane Touch corrects thin superficial lines around the mouth, smile lines and forehead lines. Restylane Perlane shapes facial contours at the cheeks and chin, corrects deep folds and adds volume to the lips. You can buy Restylane at wholesale online pharmacies.
Radiesse
Approved by the FDA, Radiesse is mainly used to treat paralyzed vocal chords.
It does not require allergy testing. Radiesse treatment is tissue filler and can relieve the effects of aging by clearing wrinkles, smile lines, unwanted facial lines etc. it provides volume to those areas of the face that need to be filled.
Juvederm
Juvederm is an injectable gel that adds volume to facial tissue, making it look younger and smoother. You can buy Juvederm online without a prescription. You get both Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus injectable gels to treat severe facial wrinkles or folds, like the creases from the bottom of your nose to the corners of the mouth.
Surgiderm
Surgiderm is also a cosmetic dermal filler that adds volume to the skin and removes wrinkles, frown lines, laugh lines, wrinkles on the cheeks, forehead etc. You can buy Surgiderm as Surgiderm 18, 24 XP, 30 and 30 XP.
Sculptra
Sculptra is a synthetic injectable that is also called a liquid facelift. It restores the volume of the face, making the user look younger. It can correct signs of facial soft tissue loss. It is easy to buy Sculptra online.
Hyalgan
Hyalgan is called a visco-supplement and is used to treat osteo-arthritic pain. To restore joint function, Hyalgan is injected into the joint. To buy Hyalgan online, you only have to log onto the internet.
Orthovisc
This effectively treats knee pain in those suffering from osteoarthritis. It improves joint fluid. When you buy Orthovisc online, you can benefit from discounted prices.
Synvisc
Synvisc is a treatment for knee joints and acts as a pain reliever, lubricant and shock absorber. You can buy Sunvisc online.
Dysport
Dysport treats blepharospasm – related to eyelids, hemifacial spasm related to facial muscles and spasmodic torticollis related to the neck. When you buy Dysport you can enjoy wholesale discounts.
Depending on the drug you are ordering, you will receive them discreetly packed, so you do not have to be embarrassed. Online pharmacies also provide you with customer support to ensure that you are satisfied.
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A quick glance in the mirror confirms Rhonda’s suspicions. Not only does she feel old, but she also looks old. She sighs, shrug her shoulders, and trudges off to work.
During the commute, she frowns at the traffic delays and curses at all the idiots who think they own the road. She stops and picks up a double espresso. Last night she slept poorly. Small wonder - with all the changes at work lately, she has to plan the following day as she falls to sleep.
Lunchtime comes and goes, but she works through, eating a bag of potato chips, a jelly doughnut, and a bran muffin while she slowly sips more coffee as she pounds on her keyboard.
The commute home is even more hectic than her morning traffic ordeal - thank heavens for that extra espresso she grabbed before she got into the car.
Supper is never a sit-down affair with the family. Everyone grabs something out of the freezer, and pops it into the microwave before rushing off to ballet lessons, night courses, or other pursuits.
As Rhonda gets ready for yet another sleep-deprived night, she realizes that she has only had one glass of water all day. Oh well, if she drinks one now, she will be up to use the bathroom during the night. It is bad enough to be tossing and turning while she worries about work, without adding a bathroom break into the equation.
Does Rhonda’s life sound a little bit like yours?
Stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and not enough water or exercise can quickly age a person. Who has the time to pamper themselves with relaxing hot tub soaks, invigorating facial masks, or beauty creams - never mind even thinking about Botox or a face-lift.
However, you can do something to slow down - and even reverse - some of the aging that has crept into your face. It is called breathing. Yes, you read that correctly - breathing!
Although the initial reaction of the body when confronted with stress is to breathe more deeply and to flush itself with adrenalin, extended periods of stress can actually result in shallow breathing. Add to that the fact that most of us hold our breaths slightly to keep our abdominals pulled in, using only the top part of our lungs to breathe, and the shallow breathing is exacerbated.
Every cell in our bodies requires an abundant quantity of oxygen in order to function at peak efficiency. Reduce the oxygen, and efficiency begins to decrease. Skin and organs robbed of oxygen begin to function poorly and age prematurely.
The solution: begin and end your days with deep breathing in bed. Banish all thoughts and concentrate on only one word, ‘relax’, as you take several deep breaths. Make sure that you empty your lungs completely before beginning each new breath. You can infuse your brain with extra oxygen by bending your knees and raising your legs into the air. Keep the knees bent slightly to protect your lower back.
Work deep breathing into your daily schedule:
Any time you are waiting for your computer to do something.
Whenever you have to stop at a stop sign or a stop light.
Every time you hang up the phone.
Whenever you open the refrigerator or turn on the microwave.
Use your imagination, and make deep breathing a part of your life. By concentrating on the relaxation process and infusing your body with oxygen, you will increase its efficiency and reduce the effects of stress.
An added bonus: you will probably sleep much better every night!
(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.
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