Buddhist MEDITATION: Bringing Your Mind Tranquility and Insight

Yuzen, a Buddhist monk from the Sōtō Zen sect begging at Oigawa, Kyoto. Begging is part of the training of some Buddhist sects. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In a hectic world that people live in today, many are stressed out after a hard day's work. Some even get so tired that they lose their energy completely that they lose interest in activities that are considered to be pleasurable, such as sex. Imagine yourself living your life like this every day and just imagine that by living this kind of life, you won't even have the time or the energy for your family and friends. Stress can definitely ruin your social life.

Today, many people are now looking for ways to get rid of stress effectively and give them that extra energy that they need in order for them to get through another day's hectic lifestyle and still have that extra energy to spend time with your family and friends.

Many people today aren’t really depending on technology to get them that extra energy that they need. But, they do look for it in the past. Meditation is one of the methods that are constantly growing in popularity among people today. You have to consider that meditation, particularly Buddhist meditation, have originated for centuries and up until today, this Buddhist technique has proven itself to be very effective. In fact, Buddhist monks still exist today where the majority of them live in Europe while others are situated in Europe, the United States and other parts of the world.

People who do Buddhist meditation have been found that they worked more efficiently and have that somewhat "extra glow" or that extra energy. They do work as if it's nothing and Buddhist meditation practitioners have testified that they are happy doing work.

Buddhist meditation's main goal is to get to the path of Enlightenment. Mental development and mind over body are also considered to be one of the goals of Buddhist meditation. You have to consider that the body is controlled by the mind and because of this, Buddhist meditation practitioners have claimed that in order for your body to function properly, you have to get rid of the negative energy inside your mind by meditating.

A lot of people have claimed that through Buddhist meditation methods, they were able to live life happier and have reduced any negative thoughts that can affect their daily life. They also said that they don’t get angry too often even if they get stuck in a long traffic jam or when their boss gives them a hard time. They said that all they do to get rid of anger is do some of the Buddhist meditation they learned in Buddhist meditation schools.

Even scientists and medical practitioners alike were baffled by the effects of Buddhist meditation. Their patients who do Buddhist meditation are healthier and they also recover quickly from illnesses. Although there is still no significant scientific proof about the effectiveness of Buddhist meditation, you have to consider that there are quite a lot of people who are testifying about the effectiveness of Buddhist meditation.

So, if you are looking for enlightenment or you at least want to know how to handle stress effectively, you should try Buddhist meditation.

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The Dark Side Of CAMELOT

"Idylls of the King 3" by Gustave Doré - Enid, by Lord Alfred Tennyson. London: Edward Moxon & Co., 1868. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

What if that magical world of Arthur had really existed? What if we only had part of the story? What if Camelot still existed? No longer in the hands of Arthur or his knights, but in the hands of Morgen le Fey and her court who are determined to reconstruct the Round Table and use it for evil? It would be the ultimate tale of good versus evil.

That is just what Kinley MacGregor, medieval historian and New York Times best-selling author (writing as Sherrilyn Kenyon), does as she exposes the dark side of one of the literature's most beloved legends in her upcoming novel, "Sword of Darkness". "Sword of Darkness" is the first novel in her much-anticipated new series, "The Lords of Avalon," which marks a complete departure from MacGregor's lauded works of medieval Scottish romance, and the first instance in which she introduces elements of the paranormal, for which her alter ego Kenyon is famed, in her pantheon of works with Avon Books.

In "Sword of Darkness," Camelot is not ruled by King Arthur and his sword of Excalibur, but by Kerrigan, champion of evil, and his sword of Darkness. Kerrigan is the male counterpart to Morgen le Fey, the magical enchantress who presides over the creatures damned by the Celtic god Balor, and who pursues the one thing that would eclipse good from Camelot once and for all. This compelling new novel from beloved author Kenyon is truly a remarkable retelling of one of the literature's most beloved legends.

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Fundamentals of AIKIDO

Aikido - Photo   by     HoangP

Aikido is martial arts that resulted from the combination of several disciplines. It was created by Ueshiba sometime in the 1940s. It was the result of Ueshiba’s search for a technique that provided him with contentment not only in the technical sense but also in the spiritual end. 

Aikido comes from the three Japanese words, ai-ki-do, which means joining, spirit, and way respectively. In essence, aikido is a martial arts form that focuses on the joining of the spirit and the body and the mind to find the Way. 

Aikido has many techniques and moves. Its basic structure comes from the throws and locks found in jujitsu and also from the movements that experts do when they are fighting with swords and spears.

Fundamental Techniques of aikido 

Let’s look at the different fundamental movements of this martial arts. 

Ikkyo

This is the first technique in aikido, where control is achieved by the use of the hand on the elbow and one near the wrist. This is the grip that is also that can apply pressure into the ulnar, which can be found in the medial portion of the arm. 

Nikyo 

This is the second of the techniques, which is characterized by an adductive wristlock that twists the arm and then applies pressure in the nerve that can be really painful. 

Sankyo 

This is the third technique that incorporates a pronating move. It directs an upward tension all through the arm, the elbow, and the shoulder. 

Yonkyo 

The fourth installment in the fundamental movements of aikido, yonkyo uses a shoulder control movement similar to a ikkyo but this time there is no gripping of the forearm. Instead, the knuckles apply pressure on the radial nerve  

Gokyo 

The fifth technique is actually a variant of ikkyo. This time the hand gripping the wrist is inverted and twisted. 

Aikido protective moves

Here are some of the moves that you can use in order to disarm your opponent. 

Kotogaeshi – this is what is called in the English as the wrist return. In this move, the practitioner will place a wristlock and throw that will stretch up to the extensor digitorum 

Iriminage – called the entering-body throw, here the practitioner or the nage will move into space where the uke or the opponent is. This classic move resembles the clothesline technique. 

Kokyunage – this is the breath throw, a term that refers to the various types of “timing throws.”

Koshinage – this move is aikido’s version of the hip throw wherein the person will drop his hips a little lower than the opponent or the uke.  He will then flip the opponent with a resultant fulcrum.

Tenchinage – Called the heaven and earth throw because of the levels that the hands will reach. The uke or the practitioner will grab both wrists and then moves forward grabbing the hand low and the other high. This unbalances the uke, which will cause him or her to topple over. 

Shihonage- this is the four-direction throw, wherein the hand is folded back past the shoulders  and then afterward locking the joints in the shoulder  

Kaitennage- called the rotation throw, in kaitennage, the practitioner or the nage will move the arm backward until the shoulder joints are locked. He will then use this position to add pressure. 

Jujinage- this is the throw that is characterized by a throw that locks the arms together. This is called shape like a 10 throw because of its cross-shape, which looks like 10 in kanji.

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Great Philosophers - IMMANUEL KANT (1724 - 1804)

Great Philosophers - IMMANUEL KANT (1724 - 1804) - Photo: Wikimedia

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TAI CHI: An Overview

Yang style Tai Ji demo at Culture Fest in Chattanooga.
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you translate Tai Chi (Taiji), it would mean “Supreme Ultimate Force”. It is somewhat a state of infinite and absolute potentiality. It tackles on the concept of yin and yang or the Two Aspects governing the Four Realms and Five Elements.

Using those very important aspects, the world is created. Tai Chi also means “unity, one, or being able to attain oneness.”With the use of the concept of the positive and negative energy, Tai Chi is a form of force that can be assumed as a dual dynamic state in which force coming from within the body is used in means of achieving the supreme and ultimate discipline in oneself.Today, Tai Chi is practiced in many parts of the world including the Western World. It can be a sort of moving meditation and yoga combined. Tai Chi has its many forms or sets that consist of a number of sequential movements that was derived from martial arts that can be in the form of imitating the movements of different kinds of birds and animals in the most gentle and invigorating way. 

Even if it is a kind of movement involving martial arts, Tai Chi is done in a soft and graceful manner entailing smooth transitions in between.Practitioners see Tai Chi as a form of meditative interaction between the mind, body, soul and the environment. They don’t see it as a martial art technique but as an exercise to calm the body. Some consider Tai Chi as a combat interest because of its considerable force. With regards to Chinese medicine and philosophy, the existence of “chi” is important to the vitality that enables to animate the body. One of the many aims of Tai Chi is to promote circulation of the “chi” throughout the body. By promoting this belief, the vitality and health of a person are normally enhanced. Once the “chi” circulates around the body, it goes to the pattern of the vascular and nervous system and any organ correlated to it. Thus, making Tai Chi connected with the principles of oriental healing and acupuncture.

One of the most familiar aims of Tai Chi is fostering the calmness and tranquility of the mind. One’s mind must be focused on executing the exercise precisely because doing it in a proper manner provides an avenue to learn things about balance, motor control, alignment, movement rhythm, and the list goes on. If the person practicing Tai Chi can practice it every day, then he or she will reach to the extent of being able to stand, run, move, and walk in a better position. It also touches some of the spheres in a person’s life as well.There are numerous benefits seen by practitioners regarding Tai Chi. One of which is inhibiting the correct posture and alignment of the body which lessens further injuries and tension. 

Push-hands is a kind of Tai Chi that involves two persons. Here, principles regarding Tai Chi are applied in a manner that the response of the other person is developed in a more sensitive way. It is an opportunity to exhibit martial arts aspects in a kind of a slow-motion combat, without hurting the opponent. An emphasis that Tai Chi has channeled through its practitioners is that they can give out an energy that may be in a form of a destructive behavior or context without dissipating that energy in a harmful way.

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The FIVE ELEMENTS of Oriental Medicine: Assessment through the Natural

Five Elements - Photo   by       Wonderlane 

One of the major ways in which Chinese medicine determines how one’s health relies on the laws of the universe.  This essentially means that any trained person in Chinese medicine will turn towards nature and the characteristics that are in this environment to determine why one may be unhealthy.

One of the ways that these determinations are made is through the five elements.

The five elements consist of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.  When looking at these elements, there are certain attributes that are analyzed.  In turn, the analysis that is made will also determine how it is related to various organs.  Not only did these five elements determine the relation of the elements to organs, but went on to include things such as how emotions corresponded with these various elements.

The idea of the five elements is to see how everything is interconnected to each other through the universe.  Chinese medicine determines that every man is a reflection of what is in the universe, meaning that each individual can be analyzed in direct co-relation to the elements of the universe.

Take for instance if someone is having trouble with their heart or small intestine.  According to Chinese medicine, this would directly relate to Fire, meaning that it would be linked with the qualities of summer and the energy of heat.  The result of the heart or intestine trouble would be that the sense organ of the tongue would first be affected.  The emotion associated with this would be either joy or shock.  The heart and the small intestine will also trigger bitter taste that someone will respond to.

The idea is that everything in the external universe is directly aligned with the internal.  In order to be completely healthy, or to get holistic health, the five elements principles have to be applied.  By doing this, one is able to find the natural solutions for any season or element that they are looking at.

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Steps For Helpful Conversational HYPNOSIS

Many people closely link conversational hypnosis with deceit in their minds. Yes, the technique can be used to get people to do things you want them to, but it can also be used to benefit your subject. If you have a subject that wants to eat healthier, for example, you can use conversational hypnosis with them to try to help them reach their goal. If you want to know the steps for helpful conversational hypnosis, then you will want to continue reading.

The first thing you want to do when using conversational hypnosis in a helpful way is to establish affinity with your subject. You do this by listening to your subject and empathizing with them. In the beginning of the conversation you would not be offering advice, you would simply be an ear to listen.

The second thing you want to do is distract your subject. The reason for this is so that the issue the subject is dealing with leaves their mind for a moment. With the problem crowding their mind, it is sometimes hard for the solution to come in. Offer hypothetical situations to your subject, like "What would it be like if all you had to eat for the rest of your life was pizza?" These type of questions distract the mind of your subject.

Lastly, after establishing affinity and distracting your subject, you will want to make the proposition. Here is where you propose what you think could be a solution to the problem. Of course, make your proposition in non-threatening, unaggressive way.

After reading this article, you should know the steps for helpful conversational hypnosis. You know to establish affinity, distract your subject, and offer your suggestions. Follow these steps in sequential order and you will soon be on your way to helping your friends and family.

By Ryan K Clark For free hypnosis videos and detailed info on Raw Hypnosis check out http://www.RawHypnosis.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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KARMA versus MEDITATION

Instant Karma - Photo by     -Jeffrey-

The Karma lives with us, the karma is part of our lives from the very moment of our birth to the moment of our death, because every time that we do something and even every time that we stop doing something, that generates karma, and you cannot avoid it in any way.

Of course that not all the karma that we generate is the same, there is a kind of karma  that ties us or chains us to this life and another kind of karma that liberates us of the reincarnation cycle.

The karma that chains us, known as Vishayakarma,  has as fruits the misery and the lack of interior peace, while the karma generated by  good actions or disinterested actions, know as the Sreyokarma allow us to reach the prosperity and the happiness of the soul, that it is much more than reaching the simple external happiness.

Every time that we face an activity with the desire of obtaining a certain result, this throws us into the arms of the desire, the greed and the ego  demons, while only the pure actions that we do  for love without taking into account the possible consequences of them, are the kind of actions that  drive us little by little toward the illumination and the liberation.

That one whose nature allows them to carry out this kind of unselfish activities,  little by little realize that God provides them of all that they need and of all that confers them the interior peace. Another form of achieving the yearned interior peace is the meditation.

Perhaps you might ask yourself why? Why is the meditation so necessary?

Because the man always acts in two dimensions, the external dimension governed by the physical senses, and the internal dimension governed by the intelligence and the mind.

The internal conscience cannot move for itself, but rather needs the guidance of the intelligence and the mind, that are the ones related to the external world, they are as the oxen that pull a carriage. These oxen are anxious to begin to walk but to take us to the correct destination they should be educated, they should be indicated which is the route that takes us to the place to which wants to arrive the internal conscience. And these are the roads of the Truth, the Rightness, the Peace and the Love.

Then to liberate us from the enslaving karma, it is necessary to teach the intelligence and mind's oxen the art of dragging the carriage of the internal conscience, and this is achieved by means of the practices of the meditation and the repetition of the name of God.

And the conscience, to be able to guide the oxen of the intelligence and the mind,  must calm and control the conflicting desires that infest the mind, and this is achieved when we learn how to point our mind to a single direction.

When thanks to the meditation, the bewildered mind dives in the view and repetition of the name of the Lord, the Divine Splendor able to burn the wrong and to illuminate the happiness is manifested.

It is easy to understand the benefits of the meditation. Anyone that undertakes a task, knows that only when he concentrates his efforts toward a single point, he can achieve the desired success. Even the most insignificant tasks  require concentration, and the power of an unshakable effort is so big, that even the worst difficulties surrender to it.

When we practice the meditation in the Supreme Being, the mind learns how to retire its attention from the material objects, and the life acquires a new splendor when we get aware of the Divine Essence that is inside us and guides us into the state of Blessedness.

How sweet is a  fruit? There's no way to explain that appropriately, the only way of knowing that is to eat the fruit.

How good is the meditation? There's no way of knowing the taste of its fruits until we don't decide to experience it.

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Cherry Blossom TATTOO Designs & Their Meanings

Back Tattoo Cherry Blossoms  - Photo   by     mytat_2s  (cc)

You see cherry blossom tattoos on many women these days as these such designs have grown in popularity among tattoo aficionados and first-timers alike. This rush for distinct tattoos of cherry blossoms has given rise to a great interest in the meaning and symbolism of the cherry blossom in both the Chinese and Japanese cultures.

Since tattoos are very personal things, they can say a lot about a person so getting the right tattoo for the right reason is important. Since cherry blossoms mean different things in Chinese and Japanese society you should be aware that peoples of those backgrounds might react quite differently when they see it.

Cherry Blossoms In China

The Chinese see the cherry blossom as a symbol of power, particularly of the dominance of the feminine persona. This could mean a blossom tattoo is ideal for you if you are a strong-willed woman who values her liberty and freedom or if you have recently come out of a difficult relationship.

It also stands for love if you are coming from the herbal lore approach.

Cherry Blossoms In Japan

In Japanese culture, there is often a link between the blossoming of cherry trees and the Buddhist concept of "mono no aware" which refers to the reverence for life, the transience of being and the sadness at the passing of things. This is because cherry blossoms only appear on trees for short times before they fall to the ground.

This association with mortality is highly symbolic in Japan and has been used in traditional art there for many centuries along with more recent manga or anime. This link may, however, make a tattoo of cherry blossoms unsuitable for some. Alternatively, it may give you a renewed appreciation for the fragility of life and help you make the most of your brief time on this Earth while bringing you a different perspective on the hard times you may face; knowing that they will not last forever.

Getting A True Reflection Of Cherry Blossom In Your Tattoo

While it is true that there are many different varieties of cherry blossom, many people do not appreciate just how different looking they can be. In fact, the most common cherry tree in Japan is Somei Yoshino which has largely white blossom with only the faintest hint of pink on the petals.

Other popular choices do have very much more pink in their blossom and it is these that you will more commonly see as tattoos. But still, this is something you will have to think about when getting your tattoo. You should do some research, find pictures of tattoos other people have had and decide which you prefer. It might depend on your skin tone; those with pale skin will definitely want a more pink design whereas tanned or olive skinned people should think about paler pink or white flowers in their designs.

You should also think about how much of the branch to integrate into the overall tattoo design. Realism would dictate that you have a fair bit of branch with flowers clumped together along it but it will probably come down to both personal taste and where you intend the tattoo to be.

Getting Your Tattoo Done

If you have decided upon a tattoo incorporating cherry blossoms you should be very selective over whom you get to apply the design to your skin. Japanese art is very intricate as is the cherry tree itself so you need somebody who has experience in this type of tattoo. Make sure you talk over with them exactly what you want and don't be afraid to ask for amendments to their initial drawings so that the finished article is something you are happy to live with for the rest of your life.

So there you have it, I hope this overview of the meaning and symbolism of the cherry tree blossom has been useful in making up your mind about that tattoo you've been after.

Steve Waller has been a tattoo fan for years. Check out this brand new way to find cherry blossom tattoo designs online that you can print off and take along to any tattoo artist in your area. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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Facial ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Looking beautiful both inside and out is something we all want to achieve. Since your face is ridden with emotion and hormonal issues, you have to take care of it. Fortunately, there is a technique that can do that using painless mini needles and this is better known as facial acupuncture.

Facial acupuncture is a painless procedure that renews not only the face but the body as well. This is because it can erase lines and eye bags making you look younger. At the same time, it can also help clear up pimples and acne.

For this to work, fine needles are placed in acupuncture points on the eyes, face, and neck to stimulate the person’s natural energies. As a result, this also improves your facial color.

Anyone can try facial acupuncture because it is painless and it has proven to reverse the signs of aging. However, if you are pregnant, suffer from the colds or flu, have acute herpes or an allergic reaction, it is best to wait until this has passed.

But before anyone can try facial acupuncture, they first have to be evaluated by the acupuncturist. This person will evaluate your age, lifestyle, and diet. If everything looks good, then you will probably do an average of about 12 to 15 treatments. More could be done if your skin tends to sag, manifest jowls or have droopy eyes treatment needs to be done twice a week for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. For those who can’t make two sessions in a week, they can opt for the 1 treatment that will last 90 minutes.

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After the regular sessions, it is advisable to go back for follow up treatment. It should be every 2 weeks for the next 2 months and then once a month later on.

Aside from needles, most clinics use herbs in the form of masks, poultices, and moisturizers. Before you use it, check with your doctor to make sure there is no allergic reaction to any forms of medication that you are taking.

After the first facial acupuncture treatment, you will usually see an increased glow to one’s complexion which the Chinese say an increased Qi or blood flow to the face. It becomes more open, the wrinkles start to disappear and the skin appears more toned.

In the 5th or 7th treatment, this becomes more evident as your face looks more relaxed as though you just came from a vacation.

The end result is that you will look and feel 5 to 15 years younger but of course, this depends on how well the patient has taken care of themselves outside the confines of the clinic.

To sum things up, facial acupuncture can do for you. It can eliminate fine lines and reduces wrinkles, improve your overall facial color and add luster to the skin, relaxes tension in the face and furrows in the brow, brightens the eyes and reduce dark circles and puffiness, improve muscle tone for sagging skin, enhance your natural radiance in the skin and eyes, slow the aging process within, promotes overall health and well being as well as relaxes and revitalizes the entire body.

All you have to now is find a clinic that offers this service to customers so you will soon look radiant to other people.

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Great Philosophers - ARISTOTLE (384 - 322 BC)

Great Philosphers - ARISTOTLE (384 - 322 BC) - Photo: Wikipedia

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The Dangers Of Not Getting Enough SLEEP

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While we come across information on how we can have a good night's sleep every now and then, we are seldom aware of how an insufficient sleep can affect our health and well-being.

Because of paper works either from work or school and other household obligations, every day is like a race against time. Add to it the temptations of the computer and the TV shows airing late at night, and the parties and gimmicks. At the end of the day, all the hours that should have gone to a good night's sleep go to all of these, slowly robbing your body off a deserving rest and making you feel drowsy the next day. If you are accustomed to this way of life, be warned. All the bad things you do to your body have their own consequences, and they could be more serious than you thought.

I. The Social And Economic Costs 

While there are health risks when you get a few hours of sleep each night, we cannot ignore the fact that its dire risks affect the nation's economy. According to a report from the Institute Pf Medicine, an arm of National Academy of Sciences, 50-70 million Americans have chronic sleep problems, with as many as 30 million suffering from chronic insomnia.

The result? Motor vehicle accidents due to tired rivers cost at least $48 billion a year, while fatigue cost $150 billion each year in lost productivity and mishaps.

The report, entitled. "Sleep Deprivation and Sleep Disorders: An Unmet Public Health Problem", says that in recent decades, loss of sleep has increased due to TV shows, computers, and longer work days among adults.

For those suffering from insomnia, that means more days off work for you. A study led by Virginia Godet-Cayre at the Health Economics Research in France proves that workers who had difficulty falling asleep missed an average of 5.8 days of work a year, compared to only 2.4 days missed by "good sleepers." The team tracked down the work histories of 369 workers who had insomnia and 369 workers who were getting the right amount of sleep. The study, published in the February issue of Sleep, says that 50% of the insomniac group had at least a time of absence over a 2-year period, against to 34% of the other group.

II. Teens And Sleep

These days it's not just the adults who are lacking sleep. The National Sleep Foundation reported that only 20% of adolescents in the USA are getting the recommended 9 hours of sleep at night. That figure is alarming because it shows that millions of them have problems concentrating in classes, are getting late for school, or are sleepy when driving.

III. If You Want To Lose Weight, Don't Just Focus On Your Diet

Want to know a secret? The road to a good figure is not just eating food in low quantity and exercising on a regular basis; it's having a proper lifestyle. I'm not a fitness expert, mind you, but health studies are giving more and more evidence supporting a link between how many hours of sleep you get and your tendency to be obese.

A study led by Dr. Steven Heymsfield of Columbia University and St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital in New York, and James Gangwisch, a Columbia epidemiologist, showed that those who had less that 4 hours of sleep were more likely to be obese by 73%, while those with an average of 5 hours of sleep had 50% greater risk. Those who only had 6 hours had 23% more.

The reason? Blame it on grehlin, a substance that makes people want to eat more food. If people don't have the recommended amount of shut-eye, their leptin levels are lowered. Leptin is a blood protein that suppresses their appetite and seems to affect how their body had eaten enough.

So don't think that dieting is the only way for a nice build; include getting sufficient sleep in your regimen from now on.

IV. And More Diseases, Too

If you're already tired of reading about the dire consequences you will face when you don't give yourself the right amount of rest, here are a few more for your information.

When your body is deprived of the sleep it needs your chances of getting coronary heart disease double compared to people who have an adequate amount of sleep.

And if you're a male, read on. You'd be interested to know that men who are sleep deprived are risking themselves for an erectile dysfunction. That happens when their testosterone levels drop due to a few hours of sleep, making it more difficult to maintain an erection.

For older people aged 53-93, there's a risk of developing diabetes. That's what a study co-authored by Dr. Daniel Gottlieb, an associate professor of medicine at Boston University claimed.

Published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the findings concluded that elders who slept fewer than 5 hours were 2.5 times more likely to acquire the sweet disease against those who had 6 hours, who had chances 1.7 times lower.

But don't think that sleeping too much will solve the problem, though. The study showed that overslept elders - those who had more than 9 hours of sleep - had chances 1.7 times higher.

Lastly, sleeplessness causes an individual to have an impaired spatial learning, such as getting to a new destination. This finding, which appeared in the Journal of Neurophysiology, suggested that during the process of spatial learning, new brain cells are being produced in an area of the brain called Hippocampus. Sleep is important in helping these brain cells survive.

V. Conclusion

We all know that sleep plays a major part in one's overall well-being, and now that we know exactly what we are likely facing when we have lack of it, where do we go from here?

It seems that more research is needed in the area of sleep medicine, and public awareness must be raised for everyone to understand that, despite all the obligations, late night TV shows and caffeinated drinks, getting sufficient sleep is really important for everyone, young or old. And as for you reading this article, I bet you agree.

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The Making of ESSENTIAL OILS - Steam Distillation, Absolutes, and CO2's Explained

Aromatherapy Goes ‘High Tech’

New methods of essential oil extraction are entering the mainstream of aromatherapy, offering new choices in oils never before available. With the new labels of ‘CO2′ and ‘SCO2′, along with the traditional ‘steam’ and ‘hydro’ distillations, ‘absolutes’, and ‘cold pressing’, a little education for the aromatherapy enthusiast can go a long way in essential oil selection. Is one process better than another? Does one produce a nicer smelling oil, or one with greater aromatherapeutic value? It turns out that essential oil production, like winemaking, is an art form as well as a science. The value of the newer processing methods depends greatly on the experience of the distiller, as well as the intended application of the final product. Each method is important and has its place in the making of aromatherapy-grade essential oils.

Steam and Hydro Distillation

Steam distillation, the most common method of essential oil production, involves the flow of steam into a chamber holding the raw plant material. The steam causes small sacs containing essential oil to burst. The oil is then carried by the steam out of the chamber and into a chilled condenser, where the steam once again becomes water. (Hydro-distillation is a similar process where the plant material is boiled, with the resultant steam being captured and condensed). The oil and water are then separated; the water referred to as a ‘hydrosol’, can be retained as it will have some of the plant essences. Rose hydrosol, for example, is commonly used for it’s mild antiseptic and soothing properties, as well as it’s pleasing floral aroma.

A number of factors determine the final quality of a steam distilled essential oil. Aside from the plant material itself, most important are time, temperature and pressure, and the quality of the distillation equipment. Essential oils are very complex products; each is made up of many, sometimes hundreds, of distinct molecules which come together to form the oil’s aroma and therapeutic properties. Some of these molecules are fairly delicate structures which can be altered or destroyed by adverse environmental conditions. So, much like a fine meal is more flavorful when made with patience, most oils benefit from a long, slow ‘cooking’ process.

The temperature of the extraction chamber cannot be too high, lest some components of the oil are altered or destroyed. The same is true of the chamber’s pressure. Lavender, for example, should not be processed at over 245 degrees F and three pounds per square inch of pressure (3 psi). Higher temperatures and/or pressures result in a ‘harsh’ aroma – more chemical than floral – and lessen the oil’s therapeutic effects. Also, the extraction period must be allowed to continue for a certain period of time in order to flush ALL the oil’s components from the plant, as some are released more quickly than others.

Despite the drawbacks of aggressive processing, high temperatures and pressures are often used to produces large quantities of oil in a short period of time. These oils are usually destined for use in cosmetic and processed food manufacturing but are sometimes sold to final consumers as essential oils for use in aromatherapy. These oils will be less expensive but are of limited therapeutic value, and the difference is apparent when the aromas are compared side-by-side.

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Absolutes

Some plants, and particularly flowers, do not lend themselves to steam distilling. They are too delicate, or their fragrance and therapeutic essences cannot be completely released by water alone. These oils will be produced as ‘absolutes’ – and while not technically considered essential oils they can still be of therapeutic value. Jasmine and Rose, in particular, are delicate flowers who’s oil are often found in ‘absolute’ form.

The processing of an absolute first involves the hydrocarbon solvent extraction of a ‘concrete’ from the plant material, a semi-solid mixture of typically 50% wax and 50% volatile oil. The concrete is again processed using ethyl alcohol (the same alcohol found in beer, wine, etc.) in which the wax is only slightly soluble. The volatile plant oil separates into the alcohol and this mixture is removed. The alcohol is then evaporated and the result is an almost pure plant extract – depending on the care taken in the evaporation process, sometimes 2% or less of the ethyl alcohol may remain. The use of solvents in the extraction process notwithstanding, absolutes can have incredibly deep and complex aromas.

CO2’s and SCO2’s

And now for the most modern technologies, Carbon Dioxide and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide extraction. Both methods involve the use of carbon dioxide as the ‘solvent’ which carries the essential oil away from the raw plant material. The lower pressure CO2 extraction involves chilling carbon dioxide to between 35 and 55 degrees F, and pumping it through the plant material at about 1000 psi. The carbon dioxide in this condition is condensed to a liquid. Supercritical CO2 extraction (SCO2) involves carbon dioxide heated to 87 degrees F and pumped through the plant material at around 8,000 psi – under these conditions, the carbon dioxide is likened to a ‘dense fog’ or vapor. With the release of the pressure in either process, the carbon dioxide escapes in its gaseous form, leaving the essential oil behind.

These carbon dioxide methods have a couple of advantages: Like steam distillation, there are no solvent residues left behind, and the resultant product is quite pure. Like solvent extraction, there is no heat applied to the plant material or essential oil to alter it in any way. The oil produced is very accurate with respect to the original state of the plant. The CO2 methods also are the most efficient, producing the most oil per amount of plant (one of the reasons for the high cost of essential oils is the low yield of oil from most plants – one ton of Rose petals produces less than 1 pound of oil, for example). The efficiency of CO2 extraction is particularly important when rare or endangered plant species are involved, such as Indian Sandalwood – less of the precious plant is needed to produce an equivalent amount of oil.

Cold Pressing

Finally, there is the ‘cold pressing’ of citrus oils from the peels of fruit, as is done with Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, and the like. This method involves the simple pressing of the rind at about 120 degrees F to extract the oil. Little, if any, alteration from the oil’s original state occurs – these citrus oils retain their bright, fresh, uplifting aromas like that of smelling a wonderfully ripe fruit.

Which is Best?

CO2’s, with some obvious advantages, are not always the best choice for a particular need. They still are the most expensive, despite their higher yields. The resultant product differs slightly compared to one produced another way – the oils produced by steam distillation of some plants may sometimes be found to have a more agreeable aroma. Patchouli, for example, seems to benefit from the steam distillation process by becoming a little warmer and richer. Many other essential oils are quite effectively produced via steam distillation, with little alteration from the original plant state. However, oils from other plant species do seem more ‘complete’ with CO2 processing, with Frankincense and most of the ‘spice’ oils being good examples where a little something special is present in the aroma – these oils are likely of greater therapeutic value than their traditionally made counterparts.

Producing essential oils of the aromatherapeutic grade is skill requiring years of experience. It takes the work of a dedicated artesian at every step, from growing and harvesting to fine-tuning the distillation process, to produce a truly fine oil. The making of a fine essential oil relies far more on knowledge and experience than it does on the particular extraction method. There are, however, legitimate reasons to select one distillation method over another – some plants simply require a particular process to produce a fine oil, and the oil needed for a particular application may only be made by one process. In the end, as is often the case in aromatherapy, your own sense of smell can tell you which oil will work best for you.

By Misty Cech Misty is a Naturopath and yoga instructor with a professional practice in Boulder, Colorado. She is a great fan of aromatherapy grade essential oils and bach flower essences, and regularly employs them with her clients. Article Source: EzineArticles

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FENG SHUI Arrows

Luo pan Compass (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Feng Shui, the term arrows refer to sharp objects that bring bad luck and negative energy. In a way, like an arrow, it cuts through all the positive chi or energy within an environment. These arrows are inadvertently distributed all over the world, and if you are a budding Feng Shui enthusiast, it may be helpful to know what “arrows” in life you must watch out for. 

The Arrow of Staircases

The most popular arrow is the arrow from staircases. To locate this arrow, just try to find that space underneath the staircase of your home. From just standing there, you will already feel all the heaviness, not just from footsteps, but also from the energy that is being siphoned off in that area because of the staircase arrows.

As much as possible, avoid hanging out underneath staircases or placing living rooms directly underneath staircases. In case this is unavoidable and you are cramped for space, you may have to buy some Feng Shui charms to ward off the negative effect.

The Arrow of Complex Architecture

The complex architecture may be lovely to look at but not necessarily good for business. If you are really after getting the most out of your buildings and inviting all the positive energy, avoid complex structures. By complex structures, we mean architectural designs which have too many pointed edges (e.g. star-shaped buildings.). All these arrows are actually detrimental to people who will be standing directly in front of these arrows.

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The Escalator Arrow in Malls

Getting the right stalls from malls may be quite tricky, but here’s a rule of thumb: Avoid the stalls which are directly in front of the bottom step of the escalator. This is because all the energy and prosperity is being drawn off and invited out of the stalls by the negative arrow of the escalator. While people may think that positioning one’s self directly to where customers can view the store as they alight the escalator, it’s bad Feng Shui and detrimental to one’s profit.

Arrows from Attics

If you have an attic, chances are, you get the irregular ceiling shapes from the walls. Try to soften the arrows from your attic ceilings by hanging chimes and other charms of Feng Shui. The arrows from attics can invite more stress and carry over negative energy from the past, especially if you are using the attic to store up old stuff.

Arrows from Irregularly Erected Walls

Irregularly erected walls or walls that lean diagonally forward may be dangerous. If at all possible, avoid placing the bed beside the region where the wall leans. This is where the arrows will hit you while you are resting.

There are other arrows in the world, and you may actually name some more based on your direct experience. Whether the exposure to arrows may bring bad luck forever or not, the practical side of Feng Shui avoids complications and wants a bright space where light can quickly come through. All the other invisible elements like the energy just follow suit.

Despite the warnings on arrows, this is not saying that we must abolish arrows in our lives. The whole key to the Feng Shui concept on arrows is consistency and ability to put the arrows in a place where it can do minimal damage.

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