Posted by admin on Oct 11, 2010 in
General
Complementary and alternative medicine is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. The difference between Complementary and Alternative medicine is that Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. Alternative therapies can be effective for easing muscle tension, correcting spinal imbalances, relieving discomfort, and averting long-term back problems by improving muscle strength and joint stability.
An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor. Alternative medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the United States.
Examples of alternative medical systems that have developed in Western culture include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
Homeopathic is an alternative medical system. In homeopathic medicine, there is a belief that “like cures like,” meaning that small, highly diluted quantities of medicinal substances are given to cure symptoms, when the same substances given at higher or more concentrated doses would actually cause those symptoms.
Naturopathic medicine, or naturopathy, is an alternative medical system. Naturopathic medicine proposes that there is a healing power in the body that establishes, maintains, and restores health. Practitioners work with the patient with a goal of supporting this power, through treatments such as nutrition and lifestyle counseling, dietary supplements, medicinal plants, exercise, homeopathy, and treatments from traditional Chinese medicine.
Ayurveda is an alternative medical system that has been practiced primarily in the Indian subcontinent for 5,000 years. Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies and emphasizes the use of body, mind, and spirit in disease prevention and treatment. Often the effective treatment of low back pain requires the use of several therapies to achieve the best outcome. One person with back pain may benefit most from medications and massage, and another person may benefit from medications and physical therapy.
About The Author
Kris Rench, MS, OTR/L is a director of rehabilitation and spine expert. You can learn more about his products by visiting http://www.endspinepain.com
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Posted by admin on Oct 10, 2010 in
General
So just what are the ingredients for the fertile soil in a woman’s body that supports healthy pregnancy and birth? This is an important question for a woman trying to conceive. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has some solid contribution on the topic…First, a woman’s blood must be ample, nutritionally and hormonally healthy, and flowing unimpeded throughout the body and, in particular, the uterus. Second, her Chi needs to be flowing smoothly in all her organs, muscles and channels (including the uterus). Third, her mental and emotional energy system needs to be balanced in such a way that a woman trying to conceive, is enhancing her overall health versus burdening her overall health.
Whew, that’s a mouthful. And what does it all mean? Well, let’s look at each piece individually.
Ample, nutritionally and hormonally healthy as well as, Flowing Unimpeded throughout the body Blood: In Chinese Medicine we refill our tank daily with energy or life force, via our food, drink and breath. We must sleep at night in order to repair, rebuild, regenerate and rejuvenate our entire system. This repair work requires a foundation of nourishment that we supply ourselves each day.
One of our energy systems in Chinese Medicine, The Earth System which includes the organs Spleen/Pancreas and Stomach, is responsible for receiving the food and drink we ingest, breaking it down into usable nourishment for the blood (called transformation in TCM), and then transporting nutrients, via the blood, to our entire body. Optimal function of our body can only be as good as the quality and quantity of the food we eat. Quality refers to how healthy, vital and nutrient-rich the food we eat is. Quantity refers to the eating of food in proper portions. If we eat too little, we become deficient in nutrients. If we eat too much, our system becomes burdened in having to deal with the excess that cannot be transported or is unusable, for example excess sugar. If either deprivation of necessary nutrients, or over-burden becomes the norm, our system suffers greatly.
If deprived or over-burdened, at night, during rebuilding and regenerating, our system is mostly trying to keep up with robbing “Peter to pay Paul,” or figuring out what to do with the excess and repairing the breakdown in our system from the excess. This is quite a wasteful expenditure of our energy when we need our energy available each day and night for the important job of keeping our organs, tissues, hormones, and cells operating healthfully.
If misuse of our energy goes on over time, our soil may become infertile. We absolutely need healthy blood on a regular basis and we need this rich, nourished blood flowing throughout the uterus. When our blood becomes tired, lacks oxygen, or is nutritionally deficient, it can become sluggish, slow down and even stagnate. This means our smooth flow of blood is compromised, thus compromising fertility.
Enough Chi flowing smoothly in all organs, muscles and channels (including the uterus): Chi is a Chinese word for life force, or energy, or molecular energy. It is what we are made of in that, if we have no Chi, we have no life force. Simple stated, when we are born we have a full tank of Chi, and when the tank is empty, we die. While alive and during the reproductive years, it makes sense that in order to create a new life inside of you, you must have a reasonable life force yourself. If you don’t have enough Chi or life force in your own system, where do you think the Chi will come from to create a new life for 9 mos.? Nature, and infinite wisdom, just knows that if a woman’s Chi tank is too low, then reproduction falls below the line of possibility. It’s a no-brainer, in that, for a fetus to grow it needs a certain amount of Chi and blood.
Mental and emotional energy systems need to be balanced in such a way that a woman trying to conceive, is enhancing her overall health versus burdening her overall health: Thoughts and emotions are as much Chi as your elbow or liver is. They are just a more subtle form of Chi. Much like the wind, in that, we don’t “see” wind, but it exists because we see the effects of wind even though it is invisible. This more subtle form of Chi, like our thoughts and emotions, are just as important as the food we eat. Every time we think a thought or have an emotion, there is literally a chemical reaction in our body. To put it in simple terms, the by-product of these chemical reactions are either toxic and thus, burdensome to our system; or the by-product of these chemical reactions align with optimal functioning of our system.
When I teach a woman to observe herself in this more subtle form of Chi, it is often surprising to her that she is much more plagued with thoughts of fear, worry, or depression, in relation to her fertility, than she realized consciously. Some of it she was aware of, but the extent of it is more the eye-opener. The chemical by-product of these thoughts and emotions over a prolonged period of time, become burdensome to the system, contributing to a decreased flow of Chi and Blood. It requires practice to become aware, and then become intentional about our choice of thoughts.
“Ingredients,” or choices, are either enhancing or inhibiting our fertile soil. Either our fertility switch is ‘on’ or ‘off.’ No woman purposely turns her fertility switch off, but, unknowingly, she could be making choices, day after day, that are preventing optimal and fertile soil. Start where you’re at and begin making the best choices you can in order to fertilize your soil in such a way that pregnancy and healthy birth are a natural outcome.
About The Author
Laurie Morse, L.Ac., author of the e-book “7 Strategies to Fertility Success,” provides skills to help women turn their fertility switch on. Laurie is the director of Holistic Health Services in San Diego, CA. where she successfully treats fertility and provides fertility success consultations. For information go to: http://www.MyFertilitySuccess.com
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Posted by admin on Oct 7, 2010 in
General
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is also very effective against panic attacks. The Chinese has combined the TCM with modern treatments, and many reported to have positive results. However, finding a qualified and professional TCM therapist is not easy, it might take some time before you find the one who will treat you right.
The information provided below is for reference only, please consult the profession before using.
Kava Kava
This is a very common herb, which is an excellent relaxant. The advantage of using this herb to fight anxiety is that it is extremely effective for reducing anxiety, especially those who suffer from mild to average anxiety levels. This is the reason Kava Kava is usually recommended for those who have stopped their anxiety medication, yet need a little handholding before they would be able to completely shake the problem off. Kava Kava would not help too much if your anxiety levels are very high, or are experiencing a panic attack.
It is also important that your medical practitioner knows if you are contemplating to use this herb side-by-side with anxiety medication. It is possible that you risk the danger of drug interaction if you do not do so. Kava Kava is nicknamed as ‘Natural Valium’ because it possesses almost all the qualities of this drug.
You will find if you care to look for information on the Net about Kava Kava, that some people claim that this herb is harmful to the liver. This is true, provided it is taken in excess or over very prolonged periods. The same is true with allopathic medicines, too. Therefore, though there are not many studies to approve of disapprove of this fact, Kava Kava is still considered the number one choice for the treatment and cure of mild anxiety.
St John’s Wort
Immediately next on the list of popularity as an anxiety herb is the St John’s Wort. According to history chronicles, in ancient times most civilizations (Aztecs, Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Greeks, Romans, and so on) have used this wonderful herb to fight depression and chronic anxiety. The action of this herb is very similar to that of the SSRIs about which we discussed a little earlier. This increases the production and flow of serotonin to the brain, which in turn short-circuits the acute anxiety and/ or depression symptoms.
There are a few side effects when using St John’s Wort herb. Fortunately, all these are positive. This herb also cures muscle pain, digestive problems and hypertension all afflictions that are direct by-products of acute depression or anxiety attacks.
The studies conducted so far indicate that the negative side of the St John’s Wort is few. Among these dizziness and sudden dryness of mouth are worth mentioning. This herb is contraindicated for use by women who are on the birth control pill, as this reduces the pill’s efficacy. Other than this offshoot, everything else points to the fact that this herb is a good choice when anxiety and depression plague you.
Valerian
Valerian is another herb preferred by many because of its fast action. This herb too treats both anxiety and depression in a similar manner as the SSRIs, only with better results. Though not as popular as the Kava Kava and St John’s Wort, Valerian is still well known and extensively used for the treatment of this particular affliction.
SAM-e
This herb is different from all other herbs used for the treatment of anxiety and depression for the fact that it not only increases the production and flow to the brain of two vital compounds: serotonin and dopamine (an action similar to the SSRIs), but also improves liver function and treats osteoarthritis. Some people reported slight nausea in the initial stages of use, which is the only side effect this wonder herb causes. Most people who have used SAM-e stated that they felt better within days from starting treatment.
Passionflower
Passionflower is an exceptional herb often publicized as one of the best-known natural sedatives. It is particularly useful for the treatment of anxiety and depression because it relaxes muscle tension, which is so common with these conditions while at the same time, leaves the mind and respiratory system unaffected. This herb is also used with great success for pain, nerve disorders, high blood pressure and heart palpitations – most of which are symptoms of anxiety. The best thing about Passionflower is that it not habit formative, which means there would be no withdrawal symptoms when its use is stopped.
There is only one downside to the use of Passionflower, especially if it is used in combination with other anxiety medication: it induces sleep. Used in excess you would experience confusion and mental fatigue.
Hops
Hope is a very effective herb used mostly to counter anxiety symptoms such as excitability, sleep disorders, restlessness, irritability, nervousness and the like. As a member of the hemp family, this herb is an excellent sedative. Before its property of being such an excellent tranquilizer was discovered, this herb was used to assist the brewing of beer and ale and for giving it a specific flavor.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba is a very effective herb with applications for many disorders. It is used in the treatment of anxiety and depression because it enhances the blood circulation to the brain, clarity of thought, and power of concentration and improves short-term memory. For best results in the treatment of anxiety and depression, Gingko biloba is taken along with ginger, which is one other herb with tremendous anti-stress properties.
Vitamins and Minerals
It has been observed that the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals such as the Vitamin B complex group and calcium, zinc and magnesium aggravates the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is not yet very clear whether depression causes their depletion, or their depletion causes depression. However, it is very encouraging to note that when these are taken as supplements and maintained at optimum levels, depression and anxiety symptoms reduce considerably.
Selenium
Selenium is yet another compound the deficiency of which affects depression negatively. This compound can be assimilated from foods such as fennel seeds, liver, alfalfa, ginseng, garlic and so on. The advantage offered by this compound is that it is exceptionally effective in preventing heart problems as it counters bad cholesterol. The depletion of this compound from the body affects the mood; it keeps the person into a perpetual low feeling.
Chamomile
You would not find a more versatile herb in Nature. While in context with depression, this is an excellent sedative and sleep inducer, chamomile is also helpful in treating digestive disorders and circulatory problems. The coumarin, which is a natural anti-coagulant and blood thinner, is able to help people who have high blood pressure and plaque thickened arteries. Due to this property, its use is contra-indicated for about two weeks before and immediately after any surgery. This herb is commonly consumed as tea. Just a cup twice day can reduce anxiety symptoms and induce sleep almost instantly.
About The Author
Click Here to grab your FREE Stress Relief Manifesto Report.
http://www.anxietyfreetoday.com/free/
It’d show you how you can achieve inner calm and eliminate stress from your life forever. For more information on dealing with anxiety, panic attacks and stress. Visit the attack anxiety blog today.
http://www.anxietyfreetoday.com/anxietyhelp/
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Posted by admin on Oct 4, 2010 in
General
What Unsuspecting Organ Causes Common Illness Symptoms?
by: Joe Rote
It is very likely that you have experienced one or more of the symptoms of a liver that is not working at peak performance.
Such as:
Abdominal swelling(bloating),
Allergies,
Constipation,
Dark urine,
Digestive problems,
Dry skin,
High cholesterol,
Fatigue,
Headaches,
High blood pressure,
Joint pain
Light-colored stools,
Loss of appetite,
Loss of libido,
Itching,
Nausea,
Neck or back tightness
The liver is the second largest organ in the body, and is located in the lower part of the rib-cage. It has multi functions such as aiding digestion, producing bile, regulating blood sugar, storing excess sugar, clearing the blood of bacteria, other organisms and ingested toxins. It also produces many proteins, stores many vitamins, and has the unique ability to repair and re-grow after it is damaged. Chinese medicine sees a healthy liver as the most critical organ in the body’s ability to fight disease and help it to function properly.
These and many other common symptoms are often experienced, and yet people and many doctors simply try to treat the individual symptoms without any thought of a liver that is not at peak function. Liver function does not significantly decrease with age unless the liver becomes diseased
Serious liver diseases such as Advanced Liver Cirrhosis, Hepatitis A, B and C etc, should be dealt with by the medical professionals.
This article is meant to call attention to the importance of the liver, and the fact that things like pollution, fast foods (avoid deep-fried and fatty foods), drugs, alcohol, and poor lifestyles all contribute to sluggish livers and produce symptoms that are so common to other causes, that the real problem is missed.
You can help to keep your liver healthy by limiting alcohol and tobacco use, check any medicines you take for warnings of side effects that interact with liver function, try to avoid chemicals like pesticides, and air and water pollutants.
In the distant past people used to take “liver tonics” to treat feelings of bloating, nausea, lack of energy and general discomfort with good results. The new natural herbal remedy approach to liver dysfunction provides a good chance of keeping this vital organ healthy and functioning well.
About The Author
Joe Rote has spent 18 years in the health field, and is the webmaster of http://www.aa1info.com that will point you to high quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency. Copyright 2006 Joe Rote.
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Posted by admin on Oct 3, 2010 in
General
Plastic Acupuncture?
by: Doug Devlin
Plastic Acupuncture, abbreviated as (P.Ac) is not really a new development. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used it tools and talents for thousands of years for cosmetic purposes. In China’s ancient past, procedures which involved a cosmetic change were available only to the very wealthy, probably members to the imperial family. Commoners would not have had access to either the funds or experts.
The ancient method was born from the union of three Traditional Chinese Medicine specialties: TCM Surgery, TCM Cosmetology and TCM Dermatology. The modern applied technology was developed in a hospital environment in Beijing, China. It was discovered while Doctors were treating patients with acupuncture who had suffered facial paralysis. It became apparent that the placement of acupuncture needles on specific areas not only had a therapeutic effect for the patients, but also created cosmetic results as a side benefit. The results could only be described as powerful and dramatic.
The name was chosen to reflect the use of acupuncture in a cosmetic manner to bring about change. Plastic is from Latin plasticus; to mold and Greek plastikos; to form. “Plastic” refers to the technique employed rather than the composite of the instruments.
The method is not surgery. It is the use of stainless steel acupuncture needles to gently stimulate the body’s natural energy system (called Qi) to create change.
By far the most popular procedure is a facial lift. Probably 8 out 10 people want to know about facial lifts. But many other types of procedures are also possible.
Plastic Acupuncture treats the whole person. How a person feels about their life and about themselves is very important. The treatment philosophy is that life beauty makes the human body beautiful.
Acupuncture of any nature is completely safe when preformed by a trained professional. Plastic Acupuncture is a very specialized form of Traditional Chinese Medicine Cosmetology (TCMC) and must be preformed by a trained professional.
The technique should not be viewed as an alternative to cosmetic surgery. A person that is interested in immediate and permanent change should seek a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. Plastic Acupuncture provides results over a number of treatments (often up to 12 sessions). There is no natural way to create an over night change.
Most people should begin to see a visible difference within 6 sessions. If change has not taken place by that time, it is unlikely that it will. They should feel some difference after only one session.
The first meeting with the Plastic Acupuncturist (P.Ac) is a consultation to determine if the procedure is right for them. The person completes a general health questionnaire and the treatment area is examined to determine suitability of the procedure. Issues such as realistic expectations, how the treatment is preformed and other health questions are discussed. A decision to have the procedure will not be accepted on the spot by the Plastic Acupuncturist. A person should take their time to think over the decision before making an appointment to start the procedure.
Along with the actual needle placement, a person is given specific Chinese herbal medicines to increase health and assist in the cosmetic change process. These medicines may also include creams that should be applied between sessions.
An entire session takes about one hour and thirty minutes. Only sterile one-time-use needles are used, along with established sterilization methods.
About The Author
Doug Devlin is a Toronto, Ontario, Canada based Acupuncturist specializing in Plastic Acupuncture. He is a graduate of the Ontario College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Toronto; The China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing and completed his internship at Wangjing Hospital, Beijing. He is a member of the Canadian Society of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, The World Association of Chinese Medicine and The Barefoot Doctors, International Humanitarian Association.
Doug Devlin can be contacted at: clinic@plasticacupuncture.com
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Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2010 in
General
Asian Massage Therapy
by: Caroline Colby
There are several forms of ancient Asian massage still being practiced in the world today. Asian massage techniques are ancient healing rituals developed over the centuries in India and the Far East. Thai massage, shiatsu and asian massage are becoming more and more popular in the west as more people become interested in pilates, yoga and other more holistic forms of exercise and relaxation.
Thai massage actually started in India. It is a form of massage using guided stretching and Meridian pressure point therapy in combination with an ancient breathing method called “Pranayama.” This technique uses breathing techniques to relax and cleanse the body while strengthening the nervous system. Sessions usually end with a ritualized final relaxation that most customers find intensely restful.
Chinese acupressure or “tui na” was developed over 5000 years ago. By applying pressure to the body at certain key points, the acupressure therapist helps the body to activate its own self-healing abilities. Acupressure has been used for centuries to treat back pain, headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety. It is deeply relaxing and can have the added benefit of assisting the patient with weight management.
Japanese Shiatsu is another type of massage developed in the Far East. It concentrates on energy rebalance and physical well-being using the thumbs, palms and fingers to apply pressure to certain areas of the body. Benefits of this type of massage include rebalancing of the bone system, enhanced circulatory function, maintaining balance of the nervous system and greater skin and muscle flexibility.
Indonesian Javanese massage is a system of massage that uses all parts of the hand, including the knuckles, to knead and massage the muscles. Usually a massage oil is used to facilitate the therapy. This massage works on the muscles and nerves to relieve tension, back pain and aid in the healing of fractures. Of all of the Asian massages, this is the most robust, and the massage is often painful, although greatly beneficial in the long run.
Whatever your preferences, there are many ancient Asian massage treatments to choose from. Explore your massage options by adding one of these interesting and beneficial massages to your health regimen.
About The Author
Caroline Colby is a publisher of information on Massage Therapy. Her site includes information on massage techniques, massage chairs, massage oils, etc. For free articles, tips and news updates, please visit her site at http://www.massage-therapy-central.com.
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Posted by admin on Sep 30, 2010 in
General
The term pizza covers a lot of territory. If you want to learn all about pizzas, then you should have a bit of a background on pizzas: specifically the history of pizza, pizza origin, pizza facts, and even pizza trivia such as who invented pizza. The subject also delves into the different types and styles of pizzas. The varieties currently existing defy any attempts at enumeration. Thus, most people who attempt such a task stop at a broad categorization of pizza types according to certain attributes such as crust thickness, crust elasticity, crust baking and cooking procedures, toppings, etc. Aside from general, historical or trivial information, other things are of interest to the pizza lovers. For instance, homemade pizza enthusiasts would like to know certain tips and tricks for making pizza. This includes pizza making techniques, the best pizza crust recipes, pizza toppings, homemade pizza sauce, etc. Some other interesting topics will be frozen pizza dough and where best to attain them, what are the criteria for choosing the, what are the methods for preparing them, etc.
It must be obvious that this article is a mite ambitious for wishing to tackle something entitled “all about pizza.” However, an attempt is definitely warranted, so here goes.
Some pizza facts and trivia
Accounts of pizza history always begin with the origin of pizza. This one might as well follow the same tack. We have to thank any civilization or race that baked flat bread on hot stones or stone ovens for pizza, for almost certainly, bread like the focaccia was the “mother of the pizza crust.” However, the invention of the pizza is more properly attributed to the Neapolitans – the people of Naples, Italy who were baking and making pizza crust topped with tomatoes, oil, and Italian herbs, and spices. This rudimentary and traditional Italian pizza was common peasant fare in Naples. If you want an individual originator and inventor of pizzas, however, then you won’t be wrong if you cite Rafaelle Esposito – a native of Naples; he modified the basic Neapolitan pizza recipe and came up with three variants that added mozzarella cheese to the rudimentary Italian pizza toppings.
Now, if you are looking for some topics for small conversation, then you must remember the following trivia. One note of caution, though; you shouldn’t blurt these out just to anybody or you’ll sound decidedly corny and geeky. Make sure you’re talking to someone interested in pizzas before you use the following trivia as conversational gambits.
” Most people in the United States love pepperoni; the least liked toppings are anchovies.
” Pizza was called (and is still called) tomato pie and pizza pie in certain parts of the States.
” The first pizzeria in the United States was opened in New York.
” The pizza industry is worth more than 30 billion dollars in the United States alone and Americans consume around three billion units of pizza every year.
” New York pizza is traditionally plain. Supposedly, New York pizza is unique because of the acidity and hardness of the water in New York. New Yorkers therefore claim that only in New York can you make real New York Pizza.
(New Yorkers must admit, however, that if water is the unique characteristic of New York pizzas, one who uses water adjusted for hardness and acidity to reflect New York water conditions, adds all the usual New York pizza ingredients and toppings, follows all the procedures strictly but makes the pizza in New Jersey can conceivably make an authentic, New York style pizza. But such an assertion, some would say, is just plain cheek.)
Pizza types and pizza styles
The first step to a great homemade pizza is determining what type of pizza you wish to make. After all, different types of pizza have different attributes and thus call for different types of pizza base, pizza toppings and cooking techniques. Would you like to make an authentic Italian pizza, a New York style pizza, a California style pizza, or a Chicago style pizza?
Italian pizza is generally lean, although when you add cheese, its fat level generally rises in proportion. There are various kinds of Italian pizza, too. There are Neapolitan pizzas, of which there are two general types: the marinara and the Margherita. There are various combinations of these as well. Authentic Italian pizza, moreover, is supposedly baked on wood-fired or even coal-fired, stone ovens.
New York pizza, as abovementioned, is generally plain. The mainstay of New York pizza is mozzarella cheese – fresh mozzarella cheese to be precise. One can add garlic, different types of cheeses, anchovies, shrimp, etc but these are usually optional. The pizza dough recipe for traditional New York pizza, on the other hand, calls for high-gluten flour. The result is firm, usually thin, chewy pizza.
The California style pizza is generally known for gourmet flavors. You can say the California pizza has countless variations. The pizza crust, in this case, is light, crisp and generally well risen. The toppings can be out of this world – generally California pizza makers experiment a lot with all kinds of meat, sea food, breakfast dishes, and vegetable for the toppings.
The Chicago style pizza, on the other hand, is generally crusty and very filling. They are characterized by their raised edges; imagine a pre-baked apple pie crust where you can place the fillings on top. Chicago pizza is usually meaty (some variants come stuffed with cheeses and meat layers) and it is eaten with a knife and fork.
You can also start by deciding on the flavor you want. Do you want to make a cheese pizza, a vegetarian pizza or a fruit pizza? Perhaps you want to make a low fat pizza, a low carb pizza, a healthy pizza? Sourdough pizza is also another variant.
Take your pick among your many options. Once you have decided, choosing the recipe would be much easier. If you have decided on an Italian pizza, for instance, then find your Italian pizza crust recipe, your Italian pizza sauce recipe and the overall Italian pizza recipe that will give you a list of toppings and pizza preparation procedures for making an authentic Italian pizza. For an easier time of it, you can opt to use Italian-style frozen pizza dough then just follow the Italian pizza recipe that you’ve found.
Some pizza making tips and techniques
Hand tossing will help you minimize the lumps in your pizza dough. However, this should be done only after sufficient pizza dough kneading. This process lets your pizza dough develop into the right kind of consistency – that which is suitable for stretching and hand tossing. Hand tossing, however, is not advisable for thick pizza crust varieties.
If you want a crisp and firm pizza that retains its structure even when the moist toppings are added, you can bake the pizza crust before you add the toppings and the pizza sauce. However, for thin pizza crusts, baking the crust after the toppings and sauce have been added is sufficient. For uniform baking and crisping of the crust, use a pizza stone or a pizza screen.
Finally, remember that the protein content of your flour will influence the end product. High-gluten flour will lead to a crisp but chewy crust. Gluten-free flour, however, may lead to very soft dough; additives may have to be used to give the pizza dough strength.
Quick pizza crust recipes and easy homemade pizza recipes of all kinds and style are easily available online. There are tips for baking and preparing frozen pizza dough, making your own pizza dough, preparing the ingredients for the best pizza crust recipe, etc. All you need to start making your very own pizza recipe is an internet connection, a good source of basic pizza recipe, great pizza equipment, your imagination, and lots of time and resources for experimentation.
About The Author
Sean Lannin
With more than 10 years experience both working and owning pizza restaurants. When he tried to find information about making pizza at home, he noticed that the information was either non-existent or lacked the information he felt was important. He now shares his passion for making pizza with readers of his website.
http://www.homemade-pizza-made-easy.com/
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Posted by admin on Sep 29, 2010 in
General
Make your own Bath Bombs!
by: Paul Duxbury
Bath bombs are easy to make and provide a delightful fizzing adventure in the tub. If you do not know what a bath bomb is, it is a sweet scented mixture of citric acid, baking soda and other ingredients that fizz when you plop them into your tub.
As your bomb fizzes, the scent is released filling the room with a comforting aroma that lasts for hours.
To make bath bombs, you will need 1/3 part citric acid, and 2/3 part baking soda as well as some witch hazel in a spray bottle.
First, mix the baking soda and citric acid together well, so that they are blended well. Next, add colorant if desired (you can use dried herbs for colour, just a pinch or so) and enough fragrance to scent the mixture well.
Now, grab your witch hazel, and work fast as the mixture will start fizzing once you start adding the hazel. Sprits with one hand, and stir well with the other hand until the mixture is thoroughly wet with a consistency of play dough.
Now firmly press your mixture into moulds (ice cube trays work well), then let your bombs sit overnight until dry.
If your bombs fizz in the moulds, just continue pressing them down, This just means that you used too much witch hazel resulting in a mixture that was too wet. Over time you will know what consistency is best for the humidity in your area. Until then, practice makes perfect.
The more you pack your mixture into your mould, the longer lasting and harder your bombs will be.
Your bath bombs can be used for yourself, as gifts to family and friends or sold to make some spare cash.
A nice way to package your bombs for gift giving would be to wrap them in cellophane and place a few in a large coffee cup, along with a sealed bag of hot cocoa, tea or coffee and a small candle.
Wrap this attractively in colourful wrap, add a bow, and you have a mini spa treat that is sure to please anyone.
About The Author
Paul Duxbury is Head of Training for a major UK Charitable Organisation with a wealth of experience in personal development, management development, e-learning and operational management. In addition he owns PK eBooks (http://www.pk-ebooks.co.uk) and has just published Tennis for Everyone which can be found at http://www.pk-ebooks.co.uk/tennis_for_everyone.htm
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Posted by admin on Sep 28, 2010 in
General Culinary Traditions Of France
by: Kirsten Hawkins
French cuisine is the amazingly high standard to which all other native cuisines must live up to. The country of France is home of some of the finest cuisine in the world, and it is created by some of the finest master chefs in the world. The French people take excessive pride in cooking and knowing how to prepare Read more…
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Posted by admin on Sep 27, 2010 in
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Balance diet of food is the key for keep healthy, strength and active therefore to develop of mind intelligent. As we all knew, pyramid chart of food is very important to us to having a complete and balance dietary. We are what we eat..
Preparing a dish either breakfast, lunch or dinner can turn tiredness and headache especially for a mom that having a career and Read more…
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Technorati Tags: chinese medicine herbs
Tags: chinese medicine herbs