Are you in “an obsessive state” to avoid sex? If you are, you may have Sexual Anorexia. But, if you only lack sexual desire and would rather do without sex, you may be diagnosed with Hyposexuality. Or, even yet, you may have Sexual Arousal Disorder (rarely or never sensing a desire to engage in sex). The labels do not matter, as they all refer to low sexual desire as a problem, and there appears to be no consensus among researchers or practitioners as to what constitutes low sexual desire. Regardless of what category you may belong in or how that category is defined, low sexual desire is often described the “most common sexual complaint by women.” [read post]
We all know that exercise leads to weight loss. But is there something else involved? A research study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology found that exercise creates changes in tension and depression and that it is the changes in tension and depression that contribute to weight loss, not the exercise. Exercise accounted for only 17% of the loss in weight. In other words, exercise leads to changes in mood and changes in mood contribute to weight loss.
Scholars have noted that a lack of pleasure in life leads to particular emotional and mental states. Depression, schizophrenia, addiction, anxiety, obesity have been reported to be indicative of a “missing ability to experience pleasure.” appears to be necessary for a healthy and happy life. Endorphins are released when we engage in pleasure. Endorphins are a crucial component of emotional well being, they are the body’s natural opioids. Endorphins decrease pain, increase euphoria, release sex hormones, and enhance the immune response. They are the body’s natural pain medication. In his book, “Eat to Live,” Dr. Furham states that endorphins have an equal effect to Valium. The more endorphins we produce, the better we feel, and the less depressed or mentally ill we get. The body releases endorphins when you eat chocolate, exercise, laugh, orgasm, get moved to tears, meditate, think positive thoughts, rest, connect with nature, sunbathe, eat a chili pepper, get scared – to name a few things. What these experiences have in common is that they promote feelings of pleasure. Feeling pleasure is so powerful that just thinking of something pleasurable will trigger endorphins. []
It has been a lifelong conviction of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and other religions that prayer has the power to heal. In the words of Paul Parker, professor of theology and religion at Elmhurst College outside Chicago, “Some call it prayer, some call it cleansing the mind. The words or posture may vary. But in times of illness, all religions look towards their source of authority.” [read post]
Creativity plays a great role in our quality of life. Treatment approaches that address only physical health may be good for our bodies but not enough for wellness. In contrast, holistic treatment approaches that include self-regulation techniques (what individuals can do for themselves to harness the healing potential of positive emotions) promote wellness by tapping into our creativity. Examples of such approaches include meditation and visualization, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, energy-based therapies, prayerful intention, and also arts. Medical professionals are beginning to recognize the role that creative arts play in the healing process; increasingly, arts are being used in medical programs throughout the United States and worldwide. [read post]
Last weekend, reported that Heidi Montag, 23, star of The Hills, joined by her husband, Spencer Pratt, hosted the grand opening of the Liquid (Las Vegas) pool Saturday, unveiling her bikini body in a public setting for the first time since she had ten surgeries last November. My question: How many things are wrong with this one sentence? So many, but I will focus on a 23-year-old married woman having a staggering ten plastic surgery procedures in one day. Why would anyone so naturally attractive do that to herself? "For the past three years, I've thought about what to have done," the reality star tells the magazine. "I'm beyond obsessed.” And so, last November, Montag's total transformation began. Keeping even her family in the dark, the starlet embarked on her journey to become "the best me." [read post]
When I think of tattoos, I do not think of beautiful traditions, but instead of something that American teenagers do for fun. Yet, tattooing draws roots from an ancient body inking tradition—henna. Henna has been around for thousands of years to beautify women on a special day: their wedding. [read post]
What is the relationship between High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) in food products and the occurrence of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? What about the relationship between HFCS and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Where is the research? Why are we defending high-fructose corn syrup in television commercials? What is the need for defense? More importantly, why aren’t we, the consumer, asking more questions? [read post]
