Chelation, Aromatherapy, and Biofeedback

Chelation is a method used to remove toxins from the bloodstream. It is mainly used to treat atherosclerosis, plaque built up on the arterial walls which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Primarily, it is used to replace more evasive methods; bypass surgery and angioplasty. Full treatment involves between 25-30 treatments, almost one month apart each, each one lasting about three hours. Chelation therapy has been shown to benefit vision circulation (heart, lungs, brain, limbs), and arrhythmias. The chelation agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), is administered intravenously. Despite its increase in popularity by physicians in north America it has yet to receive approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

Oral chelation can also be used, instead of intravenous. Its effects are not as dramatic, but it is less expensive, easier to administer, and can be done for longer periods. The substance taken is penicillamine, and it works in a similar way, by removing free radicals. Also, there are many common substances that can be taken that have similar health benefits, such as, garlic, vitamin C, carrageenan, amino acids (protein), and zinc.

Aromatherapy uses aromas from oils found in certain plants. When inhaled these aromas have a positive effect on the thyroids, ovaries (for women), adrenals, and digestive process. The belief is that these benefits occur because the fragrance molecules, as they are sensed by the olfactory in the nasal patches, trigger certain biological processes. Because we posses memory of certain fragrances, from the past, this can have a positive effect on heart rate, blood pressure, stress, etc. There is even some evidence that aromatherapy helps such conditions as bacterial and virul infections, arthritis, and skin conditions.

Biofeedback is a technique that teaches the user to primarily control his breathing rate and heart rate, to reduce stress, control asthma, relieve headaches, and relieve other pain. This kind of training requires some sort of feedback device, e.g. a heart rate monitor with a blinking light or a beeping sound. For example, the person would sit in a quiet environment while wearing a heart rate monitor. Listening to the beeps of his heart rate he would imaging slowing them down. Being able to meditation, or at least go in a state of deep relaxation, would make this more easier to achieve. This may require considerable practice, but it would become easier each time and the benefits persist even after the practice.