CHAKRAS And Flowers

Crown, Brow, Throat Chakras, Nepal 17th Century (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How do you connect chakras, the energy centers of the body in the Eastern tradition, and flowers, pretty, ephemeral, bright, cheerful manifestations of nature?

…by way of color therapy.. yoga energy balancing techniques…meditation… and a simple way of making yourself feel better and reenergized even if you don’t really believe in any of the above.

There are seven main chakras (as well as several others) in a line from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and one more newly recognized chakra just above the head which I believe is important. Each one is associated with various areas of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. When the energy flow in one becomes blocked it can result in certain symptoms and vice versa. By keeping the chakras open and the energy flowing, we can maximize our body’s ability to keep well and heal itself.

One way of stimulating energy flow is by a simple visualization. Each chakra has a color of the spectrum linked to it. Focus on that color and imagine that color light pouring into the chakra and saturating it with pure colored light, then visualize the chakra as a spinning disc of color. Take 2 or 3 deep breaths as you do so. You can also repeat a mantra or affirmation to intensify the positive energy you are creating. Work through each chakra (see below for a summary) in turn from Root to Crown to rebalance your whole energy level.

So what about the flowers? Whatever you use to visualize the color would work, paint swatches, colored stones or crystals, an image in your mind's eye, but beautiful photographs of flowers saturated in the pure color of each chakra can bring some extra flower energy into your life as well. 

Flowers raise the vibrational energy around them, which is why they have long been associated with celebrations, brought as presents to new mothers, sick people, loved ones. Weddings and funerals are lavish with them. We are rarely aware of the spiritual connection these days, we just know that flowers cheer people up and make them feel glad. So flower photos as visualization aids make sense and are beautiful to have around. www.aflowergallery.com has a whole section devoted to chakra flower photos.

There are books written about the chakras going into far more detail than there is space for here, as it is a deep and complex subject, with infinite, individual interpretations, but here is a basic, brief summary of the chakras and their associated areas and colors.

1. Root - Red
Situated at the base of the spine.
Emotional grounding and ones roots. The excretory and reproductive systems and the immune system.
Mantra “I am in touch with the earth, my roots”

2. Sacral – Orange
A hands breadth down from the belly button.
Sexuality, creativity, financial issues, honour and ethics, one to one relationships.
Genital and urinary systems, bladder and prostate.
Mantra “I am a creative, sexual being”

3. Solar Plexus – Yellow
Over the solar plexus at the bottom of the rib cage.
Self-esteem, self-confidence and how you see yourself.
Digestive system, worries and fears, the stress of responsibility.
Mantra “I believe in myself”

4. Heart – Green
Over the heart.
Love, forgiveness, unconditional love. Relationships.
Circulatory and immune systems. Heart and lungs. Loneliness.
Mantra “I can give and receive love”

5. Throat – Blue
Centre of the throat
Communication, self-expression and will power.
Thyroid problems, sore throats, addictions(due to lack of will)
Mantra “I speak my truth”

6. Brow - Indigo
Centre of forehead
Intuition, intellect and mind, inner vision.
Brain and nervous system, eye problems.
Mantra “I see clearly”

7. Crown - Violet
Top of head.
Spiritual awakening, search for meaning. Our relationship to our spirit and God.
Central nervous system, overwhelming fatigue.
Mantra “I believe”

8. Soul star – White/crystal
Directly above the crown, about two hand’s breadths from the head
Awareness of ones soul and its connection to the conscious self.
Gives perspective on life and ability to see seemingly random positive or negative events as part of the soul’s journey.
Mantra "I transcend"

This is a personal, simplified interpretation of the chakras. Use it as a stepping stone to finding out more for yourself.

Copyright Kit Heathcock 2005

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History And Fundamentals Of KARATE

Karate training in Shuri Castle (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

History:

Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts, its true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this period, Karate was simply known as "Te", or hand, as called by the Okinawans. Chinese influence is evident in the original symbol for Karate - the "Tang Hand" or “Chinese Hand”.

There were no specified or concrete Karate styles in the early days and simply generalized as Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, named after the three cities in which they were formed. Each city had its own methods, principles, system, and traditions of Karate.

The introduction, popularization, and modernization of Karate to Japan are mainly credited to Funakoshi, an Okinawan master, venerably regarded by many practitioners as “The Father of Modern Karate”. Other prominent Karate experts in his time include Kenwa Mabuni, Miyagi Chojun, Choshin Chibana, and Motobu Choki.

Japan began introducing Karate as a subject in schools before the Second World War and soldiers in the army were often trained in the discipline. Competitions and different styles also started emerging as several universities started karate club programs during this period.

The popularization of Karate in the West has its roots in the American military occupation of Japan and Okinawa after the Second World War and Japanese immigration to the United States.

Fundamentals of Karate:

Karate mainly stresses on volatile combat techniques such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open hand methods. Grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throwing, and vital point striking are also parts of this discipline.

Karate training is divided into three main sections –

• Kihon refers to the study of basic techniques, movements, and components

• Kata or 'form', a fixed sequence of moves, is a series of movements and techniques linked together by the combative principles that the kata expresses.

• Kumite or 'sparring' evolved from well-defined kata to open attack and defense.

The Uniform – Color of the Belt and Ranks:

The Karate uniform is white and comprised of the Kimono (shirt), Dogi or Keikogi (pants) and a belt (white or colored), a combination introduced by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. The color of the belt is dependant on the rank and expertise of a practitioner. In accordance with commonly held standards, white belts are for beginners, and black for the highest rank. This, however, may differ from one organization to another. Each rank may also have subdivisions of its own even if the color of the belt is similar.

Styles and Variations:

Karate styles can be broadly classified into Traditional and Full Body Karate. Traditional styles are those that developed in the early period of the 20th century and include variants such as Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Kushin-ryu, and Shindo Jinen Ryu. Full contact karate includes styles such as Kyokushin-kaikan and Kansuiryu. Many of the styles have offshoots that developed into styles of their own. Although the concepts remain universal, each representation differs from one another.

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The Stories of GUIDED RELAXATION

Engelberg-Titlis cableway (wallpaper) - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Online you can find videos, books, and audiotapes, which guide you to relaxation by telling your personal stories how the author achieved his or her goals. One of the primary methods used to relieve stress is yoga. Yoga has been in existence for centuries and has proven to promote guided relaxation. The idea behind yoga is to focus on breathing. Since breathing is our breath of life, it makes sense that learning how to breathe naturally will help relieve stress.

The most beautiful object in the world is nature itself. Nature provides us with exceptional surroundings, which include waterfalls, ocean views, wildlife, crystal blue skies, aquarium, mystic skies, lavishing green gardens and so on. Each part of nature has something incorporated in its beauty that attracts our attention and brings relief to our minds.

Millions of people realize how effective nature is, thus tech designers have created videos, audio, books and even DVDs that help us to find guided relaxation. Music is available as well to guide the mind to relaxation. DVDs today are handy since if you do not want to listen to the sound of music, you can enjoy the tunes of customized organic sounds with scenes that set off the guided effects of relaxation.

Screensavers are great-guided relaxation tools also. Rather, wallpaper on your computer can help you relax. You may enjoy wildlife, which you will find funny wallpaper, animal life and more online. Aquarium wallpaper is available as well, which some types of wallpaper include sound effects. Perhaps you may enjoy the ocean waves in the background as you work. The wallpaper items are great also since you can find freebies online. Just download the pictures of your choice and relax as you listen to the sounds of fish swimming in the pure blue waters. Bird chirps, yawns, and other sound effects are available as well.

How to find tapes, wallpaper, videos and more:

Online you will find a wide assortment of videos and more than guide you to relaxation. The tapes are designed to help you cope with issues you face each day. We have to live with daily stress. Some of us find it difficult since we live in a world of violence, wars, crime and so on. These issues can bring you down. It is difficult already that we have to stress family needs, children, jobs, bills and so on that, we would have to worry about world issues. The only way you can manage stress is to let the world issues go and deal with today and what you need to do.

Most people feel they do not have the power to change world issues. This is true, yet if people would stand up for their rights they would have more control than they believed. This is a continuing issue, and often people sit back waiting for someone else to handle the issues, therefore if you are not ready to stand up for your rights, let go of what you have no control over.

Children: 

Children these days are stressing parents around the world. The world is full of unruly children that lost their values, ethics, and standards. Because of media, television and Internet children now have access to anything they wish to view, or discover. Online you can learn how to make drugs, commit crimes and more. The Internet was intended for a good cause, yet that cause while good fell through the cracks. Therefore, we have added stress we didn’t need, which brings us to discover external resources combined with inner sources that help us guide self-to relaxation. We have control over self. It takes other people to change that they are.

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Awaken your senses through SELF HYPNOSIS

Brain on hypnosis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The modern world has brought people a lot of preoccupation. It made living faster yet complicated, it made interactions wider yet shorter, and it made communication easier yet brief. Despite the so many preoccupations brought by media created by people, there are also those who would want to get back to their original self and connect with it in the most basic possible means. One of these is self-hypnosis. Defined as a "process involving a hypnotist and a subject who agrees to be hypnotized," self-hypnosis is characterized by intense concentration, extreme relaxation, and high suggestibility to both parties.

Experts say that the self-hypnosis is versatile. In fact, its versatility can be quite unparalleled. Today, self-hypnosis can take place in various social settings and continue to change social settings dramatically. Unlike before where settings of self-hypnosis are quite limited, today the sessions between the hypnotist and the subject can take place in common places such as clinics, showrooms, classrooms, and even to open spaces and establishments.

Other experts use self-hypnosis in order to recover suppressed memories of people who have had bad experiences to help them overcome the problems that they are dealing with right now while other psychologists and hypnotherapists use hypnosis to discover hidden truths from a person's ordinary consciousness. This is done by tapping into the unconscious state or mind where information is believed to dwell.

GETTING INTO SELF HYPNOSIS

Many perceive that self-hypnosis as a trance-like altered state of a person's consciousness while others believe that it is a way of accessing a person's unconscious mind that is filled to suppressed memories, repressed multiple personalities, various magical insights, and unforgettable memories of the past life. But, in the world of psychology, self-hypnosis is considered as altered state and gateway to knowledge about one's self and the universe he or she is living in.

Today, self-hypnosis is not only used for treating various behavioral problems but also for self-enhancement and improvement. If you are planning to get into hypnosis or self-hypnosis, there are so many things you need to consider. Experts say that self-hypnosis is one of the excellent ways of taking control over one's life.  In fact, it can be used as means of disciplining yourself if you want to achieve a specific goal. For some people, self-hypnosis is advisable if you want to achieve something and utmost dedication and discipline is needed. Hypnosis introduction can benefit those who would want to lose or gain weight; those who want to boost their self-confidence; and those who would want to overcome their fears or phobias because it can help them contemplate a lot on the things that they need to do.

If you are planning to get a course on self-hypnosis, you can expect that it can teach you to reach your subconscious mind through bypassing your conscious mind as well as how to communicate with your subconscious mind, methods of creating your own hypnosis scripts and visualizations, how to design and use affirmations, the effects and use of symbols on the subconscious mind, how to understand which methods will be most effective for you personally, deepening your trance state and using visualizations, adapting to scripts to suit various problems, how to change your personal history and plan a more effective future and how to understand your dreams as well.

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Egyptian REIKI

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Egyptian Reiki is better known as Reyad Sekh Em.

Rei is the universal life force while Sekh Em is energy from the four elements namely air, earth, fire, ether (spirit) and water. It is designed to heal more deeply bringing greater balance on all levels be it emotional, mental, physical or spiritual. 

Egyptian Reiki just like the Japanese version commonly being practiced today includes a negative energy drain that helps remove symptoms of depression or deep-seated pain.

This ultra high vibrational healing system was developed by Joanna Bristow Watkins who traveled to Egypt several times and came up with this using an authentic Khemitian approach.

Patients who will undergo treatment will receive a 5-minute consultation prior to the treatment and asked to remove any jewelry or any items that may restrict the healing process except for one's clothing.

The practitioner will then place their hands lightly on the patient's body in different positions to start the healing process. However, if the session is to treat bruises or burns, the hands will not touch the body.

The session will last for one to two hours. If you happen to fall asleep, don't feel bad because this is the body's way of healing itself.

Egyptian Reiki is different from other types of healing because it usually takes just one session before results are noticed. Although it is very similar to Japanese Reiki, this method can help the person deal with spiritual problems while the other cannot.

Most people that have undergone Egyptian Reiki claim they feel sensations such as tingling warmth or heat while others feel cold. It is also possible that one may have a heightened sense of emotions but the vast majority felt a sense of calm and relaxation.

After the session, the patient may feel a renewed zest for life while others may feel exhausted. Although you may feel something in the first session, the healing process usually takes three days to three weeks to complete before everything is back to normal. During the course of the healing process, the patient is advised to drink lots of water and rest whenever possible.

Egyptian Reiki has been effective in treating chronic aches and pains as well as energetic, mental and physical disorders. But because it is only an alternative form of medicine, this must be not be substituted with medical science.

Reyad Sekh Em is completely safe. Those who want to practice it can also learn this so they too can help others that are suffering. 

There are five levels that people have to master to become a master and it doesn't matter if you have experience in Reiki or not because everyone will be taught at an even pace so no one will be left behind.

There is also a three-week cleansing process. During this time, the person should let go of old issues, eat healthy and organic food, drinks lots of spring water, exercise and rest. This will prepare you for the next lesson so eventually, you may become a master. 

The extent to which cleaning is felt during the cleansing process shows how much a person has changed. This can change you entirely and even your outlook on life because you need to harness unconditional love to give this to whoever needs it and which is the true essence of Egyptian Reiki.

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How Keeping Medical Records Promote HEALTHY AGING

Photo  by jurvetson 

Most people wander through life taking notes from observing others, yet they fail to take notes to save their health as they age. Medical records are kept by doctors for years, and these men and women do this to keep track of your health. If the doctor cares enough to take care of your health, why shouldn’t you?

How to keep records:

You will need a journal. In the journal, you want to record dates, time, place, etc of your hospital stay. If possible jot down the diagnostics and doctors who served you, write their names in the journal.

You want to record your family’s medical history. Jot down each person in your family tree and name the diagnose. For instance, if your family has a history of diabetes, jot it down. On pen and paper, jot down any information that will help your doctor monitor your health and make an accurate diagnosis in the event illness occurs. Do not rely on your memory. In time, you may not have memory, since your family may have a history of Alzheimer’s disease. When you use medical records, keeping them on paper, make copies. Put the copies in safe hands, someone you can rely on, as you grow older to give the copies to you in the event you lose your copies. Put all your copies in a safe area.

You want to keep records of vaccine shots or immunizations. You want to keep records of lab visits, results, conditions, and treatments you obtained. The records should be updated annually. For instance, if in 2000, you were diagnosed with a disease that caused your liver to shrink, but the disease was curable, write it down. The next year if you notice in similar symptoms, record the new information in your journal. You want to give copies to your doctor as needed.

Once you write your medical journal you can move to research illnesses you might have had at one time. For instance, if in your history you had a repetition visit of colds, learn more about the upper respiratory system. If you had other illnesses throughout your life, take time to study these illnesses. Understanding the illness moves to acceptance, which moves you to prevention?

Prevention is the keyword you want to focus on when it comes to your health. As you age, your body’s functions start to decline its actions, which puts you at high risk of disease. Using your records you want to study illnesses, you may have had throughout your lifetime. In addition, use your records to study genetic disease. For instance, if you have a family history of diabetes, research the subject. Take notes on diagnostics, treatments, cures, and so on.

If you follow this friendly advice, as you start to age you will have advantages. For instance, in the future, if you are diagnosed with diabetes you would know. The first thing you will note is symptoms. You would know that the symptoms include prolonged hunger feelings, fatigue, dizziness, etc.

You would take notes on symptoms that emerge when you feel sick and immediately contact your family doctor. You are at the doctor’s office now taking lab tests and so forth to find out what is wrong with your body. Once you leave the doctor’s office with your results you will feel relaxed, since you know that catching diabetes at an early stage gives a doctor the opportunity to slow or cure the mother of all living diseases. This silent tormentor is a notorious killer that everyone should understand. To learn more about healthy aging, seek more information online, at your doctor, or visit your local library.

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Benefits of Using a STABILITY BALL in Your Training

An exercise ball allows a wide range of exercises to be performed.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If there is one equipment you should not miss in your training, it is the stability ball. The market comes up with new training tools every now and then. Yet you are not sure if they do work and if they are safe. So for one that is guaranteed to work, use the stability ball.

What Is a Stability Ball?

This is a large and inflatable ball used as an exercise equipment. Despite being air-filled, it is generally heavy-duty and capable to hold 600 to 700 pounds of weight. It is comfortable and gives good support. It perfectly suits the trainee as it easily goes with the structure of the body.

This exercise tool is also sometimes called as the physioball or the Swiss Ball.

The good thing about using the stability ball is it reduces the perception of ‘working’ in training, especially for beginners. It gives some element of ‘play’ as you get rough with the training. It adds some fun and excitement as you advance in the movements and techniques.

Another good point with the ball is that it can be used by anybody. No fitness level is required. It is very portable and lightweight, easy to bring along even when traveling. It is also inexpensive compared to other exercise equipment and it could last for a very long time.

How Stability Balls Came About?

The use of the stability balls for training can be traced in rehabilitation. As early as the 1900’s, physical therapists have been using balls in addressing the neurological disorders of their patients.

Then, in the early 1960’s, Aquilino Cosani, an Italian toy maker, made the ball and sold it, known then as the ‘Gymnastik.’ Two decades after, Cosani came up with a company called Gymnic and became the major supplier of the stability ball to most rehabilitation programs and centers.

The ball then shifted from the rehabilitation to the athletic area, in the 90’s. It was used to condition the body of professional athletes. From then on, the ball became very prominent in the fitness community.

At present medical specialists and fitness professionals very much recommend the use of the stability ball by the public. It serves more than solving physical problems. It is good for preventing you from having one.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Stability Ball?

The stability ball definitely is best to improve the strength of the abs and the lower-backs. It improves as well the functional strength, balance, and flexibility of the body.

1. Proper Alignment

Using the ball during training will test the body to make use of the different parts to maintain the proper balance. The dynamic movements during exercise will improve the natural motor reflexes of the body as different muscles are utilized in movement, especially the ones that are not usually used. The challenge posed by the ball is to maintain balance. As one aims to get the proper balance, the alignment of the body parts is also improved.

2. Great Abs

For people working out to achieve great abs, this ball can definitely target the abdominal areas. The abs and the back muscles are simultaneously moved as you work in your balance. Just imagine the good feeling of having a flat stomach area and you will definitely love this ball.

3. Muscle Strength and Endurance

The stability ball can help in alleviating any back pain and preventing one in the future. As all the major muscle groups are exercised, the muscle tone, strength, and endurance are also improved. Thus it gives the body flexibility, stability, and resistance.

4. Core Stability

This concerns the major muscles that help stabilize and support all of the body movements. This is made up of back and the deep abdominal muscles. With the ball, no matter how ‘deep’ or ‘into the core’ these muscles are, they are still exercised. This is something only the stability ball can guarantee.

5. Stretching

The ball is a good companion during stretching exercises. With this, you can easily move into and move out of different stretching positions.

6. Losing Weight

Of course, with all the good benefits of using the ball, you will not miss out on the aspect of losing weight. With regular exercises and training done with the stability ball, a person can lose some unwanted pounds as the body is firmed.

Health is definitely your most important asset. So do your regular exercises and maintain a healthy diet. Furthermore, have a happy and fun training with the stability ball.

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FENG SHUI for Different Home Areas

Photo  by stoic 

The Chi, a positive energy that brings in prosperity, should always flow freely through different areas in the home. The following are simple feng shui tips for the different areas of the home.

The kitchen

- The stove must be away from the door, but the cook should be able to see the door. If not possible, install a mirror.

- Never position the stove opposite the sink, refrigerator, or dishwasher. A clash of the elements fire and water is not a good idea.

- Keep your cupboard and refrigerator well stocked with food supplies. It implies wealth and abundance.

- Avoid positioning the stove directly in front of a window. Placing the stove on the side of a window is better.

The bathroom or toilet

- Never place the toilet opposite the kitchen. The feng shui fire and water elements will clash in this situation.

- The toilet must not be placed adjacent to the front door. Place the toilet somewhere far away from the front door.

- Avoid positioning the toilet door directly opposite the front door. This may lead to wasted opportunities.

- Place a huge mirror behind the bathroom sink. But never use the kind that is split in the middle, often seen in bathroom cabinets.

- Make sure that the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom and toilet are not leaking, especially the faucets.

The bedroom

- The bedroom should not be adjacent or opposite to a bathroom or toilet. If this is unavoidable, make sure you keep the bathroom or toilet door closed at all times.

- Position the bed as far away from the door as possible. But make sure you still have a good view of the door from the bed. At the same time, do not place your bed where your feet are pointed towards the door when you are sleeping.

- Mirrors should not be placed where they reflect your image as you sleep. Round and oval-shaped mirrors are ideal, but make sure they are larger than your head.

- Sleeping directly on the floor is not suggested as it does not allow the Chi to flow beneath you.

The stairway

- Traditionally, the favorable number of steps in a stairway is an odd number. A spiral staircase is also a blunder because it confuses the Chi.

- The worst mistake that can happen is when the staircase leads directly to the front door. This leads to the loss of opportunities, and the residents tend to be always rushing, seldom settling in.

- A good way to slow down the flow of Chi outside the front door is to hang a wind chime on the ceiling above the base of the staircase. A heavy figurine at the floor level below may also act helpful.

Lobbies and hallways

- Hallways need to be free of impediments and are needed to be well lit. It should also be clear to anyone where they are to go next in the house.

- A nice piece of art may be hung on the wall to the end of a hallway. However, never place a mirror there; it will only reflect back the entering Chi.

- There should be no hallway in the house that leads directly to a toilet. If it is already there, just make sure the door is closed at all times.

These are some tips to overcoming and preventing Chi flow problems, giving you a harmonious feng shui home.

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The most terrifying archaeological MYSTERIOUS DISCOVERIES

Mummified head of Thutmose II
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Screaming mummies:

During 1886, Gaston Maspero was unfolding the mummies from their sarcophagi and while doing so, Gaston discovered that the head and the feet of the Corpse were bound for quiet few unspeakable reasons. He then gradually looked up and found them screaming and those undead faces were looking directly at him from the back. As the coverings were strange, the bound hands of the mummy and the tortured expression theorized that the body was poisoned and then buried deep in the earth to make it die. When the body is set to be mummified, the jaws should be strapped shut or else it will open naturally during the decaying process and will start screaming permanently. And this is the reason for the discovering of many mummies in the different digs of the world.

The Mass Grave of the Headless Vikings:

The Archaeologists while digging the sides of the old roadway at Dorset unearthed some strange things. They discovered the mass graves which were headless and these were said to be the remains of the 54 Viking mercenary. The archaeologists started to read and study carefully the bones positioning and recorded it, while doing so they noticed some unusual thing it is placed, the arm bones, legs, head, torso and few other parts were all arranged neatly into a separate pile. The theory behind this is that the Viking that was found in the Hellraiser form unleashed a host of the cenobites of the Middle Ages. The Archaeologists have got a substantial theory behind this, they say that the assailants were murdered by themselves and then the corpses were stripped naked by the villagers and then shaved off the heads, buried them as a fun time souvenir. However later the archaeologists modified their findings and said that these bodies would have been sacrificed ritually and in a highly controlled manner, but however, this doesn’t go right with the observed surroundings. 

The Tomb of the sunken Skulls:

The archaeologists in 2009, while excavating the dry prehistoric lake bed at Motala (Sweden), were stunned to see the foundation of some mysterious structures of stone, which was sealed from the bottom of the ancient lake. Instead of turning away to run, they started to dig further and then eventually were able to unearth some mysterious structures like the stone tools, animal bones and the age-old 8000 years old skulls of ten people. All the skulls were of the children, middle-aged people, and elderly people. They even found the eleventh skull which was buried deep in the bottom lakes mud.

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Tying Together the Cycle: Relating the Elements for HOLISTIC HEALING

Representation of the Chinese five elements (wǔxíng).
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In order for one to be balanced and healthy in Chinese traditions, all of the elements in their body have to be balanced.  In order to do this, one must first understand how the elements work together to achieve and maintain complete health.  If you are looking towards nature to find a way to heal, then Chinese medicine can help to define what areas you should be looking at.

Not only is the relationship between nature and the body interchangeable, but there are also ways that Chinese medicine uses this relationship in order to help one gain optimal health.  By taking the five elements and linking them together, as well as applying them to how one is able to live, there is the ability for one to understand how to remain balanced and healthy.

After the five elements have been divided and completely understood, they are all put into the proper alignment and place.  This is known as the Shen Cycle, which translates into the Nourishing Cycle.  When one is completely balanced and healthy, they can use the cycle of the elements to help.  It is said, according to these Chinese medicine principles that water nourishes wood, wood fuels fire, fire makes the earth, and earth yields metal and metal produces water.

Within this same cycle of nourishing, each of the elements can also destroy each other.  This is known as Ko or the Regulating Cycle.  When the opposite elements are combined they cancel each other out. Chinese medicine considers both of these cycles to be the natural order of things.  They can then take this natural order to help either balance out an imbalanced element in one’s body, or help to nourish something that is out of order.

Chinese medicine, at its very roots, carries the philosophy and ideal of combining the natural elements of the earth with healing.  By cycling together the elements, either through nourishing the elements, or canceling them out, it allows one to keep the natural order in their own life.  It is simply understanding when one’s body is in the specific element and understanding how it should respond.  

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CHAKRA MEDITATION Basics

Sahasrara chakra
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chakra meditation is one of the more popular meditation techniques used today. Its philosophy is based upon the discovery or the search of the charkas. A chakra can be considered as an energy point or force in the body that tries to govern different physical, mental and spiritual functions in an individual. It is the practice of awakening the charka in the body that is the aim of chakra meditation.

According to the practice of chakra meditation, there are seven chakras located in the different parts of the body. Each one governs different bodily functions and may also provide different benefits when awakened through meditation. One of the chakra is the Mooldhara or the "root place". This chakra is located somewhere in the cervix in women and in the perineum in men. It is said to govern the skeletal and the excretory system of the body. The Mooldhara may also affect the sense of smell as well as the legs and the cervix. Attributes to it include the basic life force, material attachment, procreation, and response to stimuli of labor for women.

Another of the seven chakras is the Swadhistana or "place of one's abode". It can be located somewhere at the tip of the spinal column. It is said to affect the urinary system such as the kidney and the bladder. Other bodily systems that this chakra may affect include the reproductive system such as the ovaries, fallopian tube and the uterus in women and the testes and prostate gland in men. Attributes connected to this chakra include the sense of taste, the ability to analyze, a balanced sex drive, high fertility and no fear of water.

The third chakra is the Manipura or the "city of sparkling jewels". This chakra is located in the spinal column somewhere in the lumbar junction of the L1 and T12 vertebras. It is said to affect the digestive system, the adrenal glands as well as the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems of the body. This chakra is attributed to power, ego, self-confidence, strength and good assimilation and digestion.

The fourth chakra is the Anahata or "unstruck". This chakra is located in the spinal column somewhere in the center of the chest. It is said to affect the cardiovascular, respiratory system as well as the muscular system. This chakra is attributed to a person's emotions, relationships, love, and ability to express oneself through the arts. If this chakra is afflicted in the body, it is said to lead to respiratory disorders, heart problems, and low immunity. It may also lead to a person having fear of loneliness, experience some form of emotional imbalance and the inability to maintain friends

There is also the Vishudh chakra or "purification".     It is located in the spinal column somewhere at the C7 vertebrae. It is said to affect the thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as the function of the throat including the voice, ears, sense of hearing. Attributes to this chakra include the transformation of thoughts into speech, better ability to speak or sing, and the acute sense of hearing. If afflicted, this chakra may cause thyroid imbalance, restriction in the voice as well as the inability to comprehend and understand.

The Ajna, or "command" chakra is said to be located in the mid-center of the brain somewhere at the top of the spinal cord. It governs the autonomic nervous system, pineal gland, and the pituitary gland. This chakra is also said to be attributed to the sense of intuition, higher level of mind and wisdom that is beyond normal intellect.

The Sahasrara or the "one thousand" chakra is said to have various positions according to different ancient texts but is usually found at the base of the scalp. It is said to control no specific bodily system but has the overall control of the brain. The knowledge of the seven chakras is the basic in better understanding chakra meditation.

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ASTROLOGY And Its Influences

A horoscope calculated for January 1, 2000, at 12:01:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time in New York City, New York, USA (Longitude: 074W00'23" - Latitude: 40N42'51"). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Taking much of the country by surprise, and causing a great number of negative reactions, was when it became publicly-known that then-president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy not only frequently consulted an astrologer, but based numerous important decisions on astrology, such as Reagan's chances in the 1976 presidential election, and his eventual choice of George Bush as his vice-president.  While governor of California, Ronald Reagan signed into law a new chapter and section of the government code, which granted astrologers the right to practice astrology for compensation.

Even more surprising was learning that a number of previous presidents had also followed this practice as well as such famous world-leaders as Winston Churchill.

Celebrities are also known to believe in and follow the paths of astrology when deciding the course of their careers, often being quite outspoken about their beliefs.  David Coverdale, of the popular group Whitesnake, has commented that he and his wife rigorously follow astrology;  actor Robert Downey, Jr., and singer Britney Spears are also amongst those who consult astrologers on a regular basis.  J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books series, liberally sprinkles astrological symbolism in her material.  "Astrologers to the stars" occasionally become as much in the spotlight of the public eye as the stars who consult them.

If world-renowned politicians and stars in the entertainment industry have been placing so much value on the subject of astrology, is it any wonder that many average Americans are doing likewise?  A recent Harris Poll has concluded that at least thirty-one percent of Americans have some degree of belief in astrology nearly half of these being in the twenty-five to twenty-nine-year-old age group, with the belief in this practice falling to fourteen percent for those over sixty-five years of age.

The highest percentages of American adults who believe in astrology as being  a valid and significant influence in one's life are women, Democrats, and those who have a high school or less education-yet even Benjamin Franklin professed and wrote about his own personal belief in astrology, which illustrates that this subject is by no means limited to any certain categories of individuals and that its popularity is most definitely not new, as it has long been embraced by well-known, respected people in all fields.

Astrology is described as studying the celestial bodies in relation to their influence on natural events and human experiences.  It is called pseudoscience, proven science, superstition, anti-Christian, and a host of other descriptions based primarily on individual viewpoints on the subject.  But for celebrities, politicians, world leaders, and a large segment of the population of average citizens alike, it is frequently a very strong influencing factor in people's lives.

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