Comparison of the Cost and Effectiveness of Holistic Horse Care versus Conventional Care
Comparison of the Cost and Effectiveness of Holistic Horse Care versus Conventional Care
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for horses, I decided to compare the cost, effectiveness, and net results of managing and treating horses holistically versus conventionally.In this article I compare results for the average trail horse that is ridden about 2-3 times a week. I have used average feed and veterinary costs for my area (Austin, Texas), and drug and supplement costs from a major horse supply catalog.I then discuss the issues related to each area of care, including feed, supplements, vaccines, dewormers, and first aid. Stay tuned for different profiles in coming months, when I will compare horses in different disciplines, young horses, older horses, and broodmares.>>> Holistic Horse Conventional Horse
Conventional Steam Saunas vs. Infrared Saunas – Home-Improvement
Conventional Steam Saunas vs. Infrared Saunas
The health benefits of steam saunas have been recognized for centuries, beginning with sweat lodges, traditional Finnish saunas, and other methods of heating the body and producing perspiration that cleanses the cells and pores. Typically, a heat source such as a wood, electric or gas sauna stove is used to produce the heat in a sauna. But in recent years, a technology known as far infrared has been used to replace the traditional steam sauna with infrared saunas, and some people feel that the result is superior.How Does A Far Infrared Sauna Work?Manufacturers say that far infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the skin directly, rather than warming the air first. In an infrared sauna, a heater produces this radiant energy, which is similar to the heat from the sun. Most of these heaters draw on technology developed in 1965 by Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of the Research and Development Department of Fuji Medical.Infrared sauna promoters state that unlike UV radiation or atomic radiation, infrared radiant heat is safe and beneficial. When infrared rays hit your skin, they transfer heat energy, which proponents say penetrates more than an inch and a half into the body to heal and stimulate tissues, making it an effective therapy for arthritis and tissue injuries.In addition, the heat causes you to sweat, thus achieving health benefits similar to those from a conventional steam sauna. In fact, some say that the more penetrating and intense heat of a far infrared sauna makes you sweat 2-3 times more, resulting in more comprehensive cleansing.Reasons to Choose a Far Infrared SaunaThose who favor the use of the far infrared sauna say that the right frequency of infrared rays triggers a process called resonant absorption, wherein toxins are removed from the cells in our bodies at a higher rate than with a steam sauna. When comparing infrared saunas to standard indoor or outdoor saunas, infrared has several other advantages.Perhaps one of the most important differences between conventional saunas and far infrared saunas is that they function at a lower heat setting. Standard U.S. saunas typically operate at temperatures ranging from 180F to 190F. This high heat can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for some people, especially those with cardiovascular problems.In addition, the heavy, thick air can be difficult to breathe, and the evaporation can dry out membranes in the nose and eyes. Sometimes the exceptionally high temperatures make the wood benches and any metal surfaces extremely hot as well, creating potential for burns.A far infrared sauna functions between 100F and 130F. Claims state that less than 20% of the infrared energy from the heater goes into the air, so not only does the body receive 80% of the heat benefits, some people find that the air is more tolerable. And other than the heaters, there are no hot surfaces to worry about.Another claim of infrared sauna manufacturers is that an infrared sauna heater uses considerably less electricity than indoor or outdoor saunas that use electricity to heat. Plus, the sauna is usually warm within 10 or 20 minutes, whereas a conventional sauna can take over an hour to reach optimal temperatures.And infrared uses no water, so you don't have to plumb pipes or pay for that additional expense. In fact, many feel that infrared saunas are easier to assemble and they can be moved to a new location with relative ease.The Other Side of the Sauna StoryOn the flip side of the comparison, many people feel that a steam sauna provides benefits that can't be matched by a far infrared sauna. Their main position is that the steam produced by a conventional sauna is essential to the healing process, especially in regard to respiratory health.In response to those who say a steam sauna will dry out membranes, supporters of Finnish and other conventional saunas state that the steam is beneficial to those with sinus conditions and add that because they operate without steam, infrared saunas are drying and can irritate nasal and lung passages. In addition the dry heat from infrared saunas can cause hair to dry out and skin to become itchy and flaky.Supporters of conventional saunas feel that information about the health benefits of saunas that operate with infrared have been exaggerated or claimed without proof. They refer to different studies that show a traditional sauna produces more sweat and removes more toxins.And some say that any radiation, even infrared, is unhealthy and should be avoided. An infrared sauna has several heaters, and bathers must sit within a foot of the heat source in order to gain full benefits. In some cases, this has caused people to feel sunburned following an infrared sauna.Others who prefer conventional saunas feel that a steam sauna simply feels more healthy and refreshing. And because you can control the steam, heat, and humidity by adding more water or moving to a higher or lower bench in the sauna, you can tailor the experience to match your needs and preferences.Some people prefer a sauna that is heated with wood, allowing a traditional heat source as well as the option to add smoke to the sauna for additional purifying features. Others add aromatherapy oils to their sauna steam to create a dual cleansing and healing effect. This is typically not possible with an infrared sauna.And there is the tradition and ritual that comes along with certain aspects of a sweat lodge or Finnish sauna that have been a part of different cultures for hundreds of years. For many people, a sauna is not only key to a healthy physical life, it is also important to overall spiritual health, and making the steam, or l
Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine – Part 1
Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine - Part 1
The term 'alternative medicine' that is so commonly used today is somewhat unsuitable since that would seem to indicate that it is a form of treatment departing from so-called 'traditional' scientific practices and is just a
possibility for a new treatment of disease. The truth is, so called 'alternative' medicine is the natural treatment of disease that was in effect in ancient times long before conventional medicine was ever introduced. Alternative medicine is traditional, whereas conventional
medicine is relatively new and not traditional. So conventional medicine should rightly be deemed 'alternative.'Upon the introduction of conventional medicine, what is
now called alternative medicine was suppressed, insomuch
that many sufferers are very distrustful of the use of
ancient treatments because they have been made to believe
that such treatments are ineffectual or even dangerous.Yet, many ancient practices as Chinese, water treatment,
herbal remedies, massage and Ayurveda (Indian medicine
believed to be the oldest and most complete medical system)
are still being practised with great results; and, in recent
times, other systems also based upon the ancient forms of
natural healing have emerged. These include such therapies
as homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, aromatherapy,
nutritional medicine, naturopathic, and many other natural
therapies that have proved to support the natural healing
function of the body with excellent results.In spite of this, there are persons who would prefer to suffer
than give such treatments a chance. However, when all else
fail, many of those same persons are now returning to such
therapies with the hope of finding relief.Although there are different alternative therapies with
varying beliefs and techniques, there are common principles
under which they are all operating:
1. The body can heal itself naturally and remain stable.2. Health problems can be contributed to factors of mind,
body and emotions.3. It is more important to get to the root cause of an
illness and treat the whole person than to concentrate upon
symptoms only.4. A person can contribute to his own healing if he pays more
attention to his health.5. The same method of treatment cannot be suitable for
everyone since each person is unique in his physical, mental,
and spiritual build. This is why two persons may be diagnosed
with the same disease and the same level of illness, and one
survives and the other succumbs. Your mind can work wonders.
The main difference between so-called alternative medicine
and conventional medicine is that the latter is too concerned
with treating the symptoms of disease by scientific
techniques and technology instead of treating the whole person
and the cause of disease. On the other hand, alternative
medicine puts much emphasis upon the prevention of disease
(as mentioned above), and seeks to treat the whole person so
as to strengthen the immune system to bring about a sustained
healing.Many diseases that have been deemed "incurable" are beinghealed by natural 'alternative' means today but, unfortunately,
they have never been heard of by countless sufferers.
I enjoy making my own natural remedies from nature's herbs,
vitamins and nutrients. I have been doing this for years and
have always been quite healthy. You too can avoid the effects
of costly synthetic prescription drugs used as medicines. It
is up to you to stop poisoning yourself, maintain good health
and save.This article is written for information only and is not
intended to suggest treatment of any disease. Information
contained herein is based on research I have done and just
want to share with interested persons. Anyone suffering from
a disease is advised to consult a recognized practitioner for
advice.Part 2 to follow ...Jem is a certified Natural Health Consultant and takes pleasure
in sharing what she has learned with others.If you would like to read more you may do so at:http://1-personal-improvement.com