by admin | Jun 4, 2022 | Massage
What are the ways Reiki Energy Therapy can enhance your personal development?
Being in a constant state of development and improvement is part of the human experience. Although you may be familiar with Reiki, you might not be familiar with how it can be used to raise your level of personal development. Practitioners of Western Reiki use 5-7 hand positions. These hand positions aim to affect the recipient’s chakras or meridian points, areas everywhere on the recipient’s body that contain theoretical sacred energy reserves.
To promote wellness and healing, the practitioner places his hands in hand positions near the body’s energy centres. The practitioner may lightly massage the chakra or tap the meridian points to help release the ki or energy.
But How Does Reiki Help You Develop Yourself?
You might be wondering how Reiki could benefit you in your quest for a deeper understanding of yourself since it’s not scientifically proven.
Here are some points to think about:
It will induce relaxation which gives you space to heal. Relaxation can be gained by practising Reiki. The person receiving Reiki usually lies down on a massage table and remains completely still and quiet. While the process is going on, you’ll likely feel very relaxed, reducing stress and you may even drift off into a trance like sleep.
Its unique and will open your mind.
Reiki is a therapy with a unique quality and it is hard to find another experience that is comparable to Reiki. To participate in Reiki will be a new and different experience for you-it will open your heart and expand your mind. You might even become interested in the healing arts after experiencing Reiki. Many people who have had reiki sessions have gone on to train as practitioners.
It creates powerful suggestions. In reiki treatment sessions, practitioners will recommend ways to balance your chakras and meridians. These suggestions can have a tremendous impact.
While you’ll be relaxed, you may be more open to taking in the suggestions and making the adjustments that will ensure you feel better.
It boosts positivity and well-being. Taking part in Reiki can boost your well-being. Whilst Reiki hasn’t been scientifically proven to have any effect, when you do anything to feel better, it can be helpful since you’re addressing the issue and we all know that once we start to address an issue, just the fact that we have made the decision to work on it, helps us in most cases, to feel better. As an alternative to medication, Reiki may be an effective strategy.
It can change your perspective.
You may gain a new perspective and benefit from self-improvement through the intriguing healing art of Reiki. When life gets tough, sometimes it’s nice to try something new, different, and a bit unusual. The experience will relax you, boost your well-being, and add to your unique experience of life. Whenever we have one unique experience, we also may seek out others so it’s again opening the heart and mind.
If you are looking for better health and increased self-development, consider learning this unique healing art form.
Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something is natural does not mean zero risk. While many natural therapies are very low risk there still may be complications, contraindications and contra-actions.
The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, therapies, fitness equipment and more, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Practitioner, Reiki or Energy medicine expert and always consult a Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your health practitioner first.
This article is for entertainment and informational purposes only.
by admin | Jun 4, 2022 | Mind
How Often Do You Call Your Parents
According to an Internet survey about the number of times they call their parents I started to think about it as well. The survey had a comment section, to which most of the people felt an obligation to share their experiences. Most were pretty basic – I haven’t called my parents since I went to college, or moved to a different city, our paths drifted apart, and so on. The thing that caught my attention was how many people actually fall into different states of depression after not hearing their parents, or children, voices for a longer period of time.
No, Mum, I’m Not Doing D-rugs
I am absolutely sure all of you that grew up in suburban families have heard your mum’s bickering about drugs and alcohol. At least once, admit it. Most of the time this comes as a stress ball being tossed in your face. Take a breather and don’t get mad at your mum, she is only thinking about your well-being. Most of the time when we advise someone on something that we do not agree with will be met with disrespectful behavior almost every time. Mums, don’t force your opinion on your kids, that could make them get more distant.
The Pressure Of Convo
The experience that we get during most of the conversations we have with our parents is met with a certain amount of pressure towards us. I’m not pointing any fingers, but parents can be a bit demanding sometimes. It doesn’t matter if it’s about your studies, the lack of a stable job, or not wanting to get involved with a person right now. It can cause stress, I know, but they’re doing it, because they care, don’t shun them from your life. Be understanding and they could eventually stop. Maybe.
There’s No Rulebook For This, Kids
Just imagine it – you’re out of the nest and you are thrilled and scared. Your parents are even more thrilled and scared than you are and don’t know how to cope with that. Checking up on them once in a while is a must if you want to lead a healthier personal life. Be more consistent in calling first, so they have an idea of your well-being.
You’re doing it for them, and doing it for yourself. As time passes you find out that living on your own isn’t that scary and can be lots of fun. For your parents it’s hell and they want you back, and at the same time want you to go your own way. It’s messed up, I know. Don’t get frustrated with them, there really is no rule book on how to deal with living without a person you’ve been taking care of for the last 20 years.
Parents tend to even fall into depressive moods after not being able to cope with their child not being there all the time. Such states may even lead to people not wanting to talk to other people outside of their homes.
Keep It In The Family
At the end of the day, you really don’t have a closer person in your life than your parents. Let that sink in for a while. Everything you do in your life is a reflection of their guidance. Be grateful, or don’t be, just don’t cut them out of your life, they are still your parents. It doesn’t have to be a chore, It needs to be light and from the heart. Make them smile, tell them about your day, or don’t, just let them hear your voice. It means the world to them to know that you care enough to let them hear you are doing okay.
by admin | Jun 4, 2022 | Health, Mind
How Important Are Micronutrients?
In the modern-day world, we are constantly blasted with often contradicting information about nutrition. Some people swear by the importance of protein and animal products, while others tell us it’s all about the caloric balance. Now, because fat, protein and carbohydrates are taking the majority of the attention, one thing remains quite ignored…
That is namely, the importance of micronutrients, which is the topic of discussion for today! So without further ado, let us go in depth on micronutrients and discuss what they are, what they do in the body and what the best sources are!
Macro VS Micro
So what exactly is the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients? Well, as the names suggest, macronutrients are the primary nutrients our bodies need in big quantities – Protein, fats and carbohydrates. These nutrients provide caloric value and are needed to sustain a healthy body weight and physiological functioning.
On the other hand, micronutrients do not really have a caloric value, but are just as important, due to their role in a variety of important processes all around the body. Micronutrients include phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and last but not least, antioxidants! The body needs these nutrients to sustain the production of a variety of enzymes and hormones, which relate to the overall healthy functioning of the organism.
Micronutrient Deficiencies
Though the body needs micronutrients in small amounts, their absence quickly surfaces with a flurry of unwanted side effects. For example, a magnesium deficiency can cause you to:
- Have bad sleep
- Crave sugar
- Cramp
- Be unable to focus on the task at hand
Vitamins and minerals are an important part of human nutrition, mainly because they help kids grow healthy and strong, while adults can reap the benefits of sustained health. Fortunately enough, micronutrient deficiencies are generally easy to diagnose and can be seamlessly treated with various supplements and foods.
Common Micronutrient Deficiencies
With the abundance of nutrient-poor foods that many people survive on, micronutrient deficiencies are quite a common thing! Here are the most common micronutrient deficiencies found in humans:
- Vitamin B12
- Iron deficiency
- Iodine
- Magnesium
- Vitamin D
Some of these are easy to diagnose and don’t hide much risk, but others can cause severe discomfort and if sustained in the long term, even damage. For instance, B12 deficiencies which are common in vegans and vegetarians, can lead to anemia, memory issues, mood swings, irregular work of the heart and even neurological problems.
Micronutrient-Rich Foods
Unless you have severe deficiencies, micronutrient supplements are not really mandatory, as most deficiencies can be treated with a slight change in nutritional habits. Let’s have a look at the most vitamin & mineral-abundant foods!
- Fatty fish – Omega-3s, vitamin D
- Citrus fruits – Vitamin C, Folic acid
- Carrots – Vitamin A
- Eggs- Vitamin B, Iron
- Avocados – Vitamins B2, B5, B6 (And tons of healthy fat!)
- Kiwis – Vitamin A, C, E, K, Folate & Choline
Including these foods in your menu regularly will keep you away from deficiencies and maintain a balanced inner chemistry. Don’t like diversifying your food sources? Shoot for micronutrient supplements!
Take-Home Message
Your best nutrition plan is a good balance between macronutrients, micronutrients and calories. Though micronutrients do not provide a caloric value, they play important roles in a variety of bodily functions. Because their deficiencies will lead to worsened function, it is important to grant sufficient micronutrition through your food. Last but not least, micronutrients don’t really need to be tracked as long as you consume a variety of foods in decent amounts.
by admin | Jun 4, 2022 | Mind
How Have Our Brains Changed With Time
The Evolutionary Events That Made Us So Advanced We have come a long way since the first primates walked the earth. The physical changes we as a species have been through have made our brains more powerful, allowing for the development of the modern world to what we currently know it as.
Although there have always been multiple speculations about how and why our brains evolved, some theories are now supported by physical evidence, thanks to copious amounts of research and hard work. With the help of new technology and diligent effort, scientists have a clearer idea of both how our brains have changed and why.
In this article, we are sharing the theories that are backed with physical evidence and the ideas based on them.
The Big Shift
If you compare the size of our brains to that of primates 2 million years ago, the shift is astronomical. The brains of Homo Sapiens are three times bigger than those of our predecessors, which is what allowed for future evolution to happen the way it did. However, one thing that is even more important than size is that our brains are more complex than those of other primates.
We are now sure of this fact mainly thanks to the research of Suzana Herculano-Houzel, who studies the number of neurons relative to the size of the brain. She found out that not only do we have more brain cells, but they are also distributed in a very efficient way.
If we compare our brains to those of elephants, for example, we can see that even though our brains are smaller and have fewer neurons, their placement and connections are what make us smarter than the other species in question. From the 86 billion neurons humans have in total, 16 billion are located in our cerebral cortex, which deals with tasks such as self-awareness, language, and problem-solving.
Comparing these numbers to elephants, who have 251 billion neurons total out of which only 5.6 are located in the cerebral cortex, it’s easy to see the difference. This and more similar examples explain why the complexity and design of the brain are so important.
How Did This Happen?
The first big change to occur was in the size of primate brains, and it was most likely due to social changes. Keep in mind this was far before we developed language – here we are talking about simple recognition of and reliance on each other. Psychologist Robin Dunbar explains this in a rather simple way – social relationships require more computing power than living alone.
Ever since apes started interacting with each other, their brains got exponentially bigger in order to manage this complex process. Not only that but the connections between the different parts of the brain themselves got stronger and started working more often. This led to the possibility to form abstract thought, which was a significant evolutionary step. From that point on, the development of tools was essential. The easier we managed to get food that had different nutrients, the bigger and more complex our brains got. And respectively, we started inventing even more complicated tools, which started a positive feedback loop.
The next big change was fire.
It not only allowed us to get better substance from our nutrients but lessened the amount of energy we needed to process our meals in general. All this in a sense “free” energy was likely used for further brain growth.
Language & Speaking
With all of these things in place, the stage was set for one of the most significant developments – language. Once early humans started speaking, it quickly became one of the most invaluable skills for survival. Organized hunts, better shelter, and stronger relationships skyrocketed evolution. Following this astounding development, we started our path through history the way we know it now. Our brains stopped growing in size about 200 000 years ago.
One of the main reasons behind this is likely the consumption of energy. Currently, our brains use roughly 20% of our fuel, which is a staggering amount relative to the % of our total weight that the brain represents. This is because of the complicated processes happening in the brain that we have learned to do simultaneously. Surprisingly though, in the last 10 000 years, an opposite trend can be seen.
The size of our brains seems to have shrunk by roughly 4% from that point in time till today. This is in no way alarming, and we have a very solid theory as to why this phenomenon is happening. Our brains now have better architecture than before, meaning they can do the same things while using a smaller surface. And if that’s not enough, our shift in lifestyle has improved our external conditions massively. These and other factors, like differences in nutrition, affect the sizes of our brains but definitely not their computing power.
Final Thoughts
Evolution is a tricky thing to understand. We can never be sure exactly why even major changes happened the way they did, but the theories we have now are based on some resounding evidence. Thanks to a multitude of hard work and dedication, we currently have some pretty stable assumptions as to why we evolved like this and how it happened.
We will surely come to some astounding conclusions in the future, which will lead us to a better understanding of ourselves. What is your favorite fact about the brain? Comment below!
by admin | Jun 4, 2022 | Mind
How Does Music Affect Our Brain
How Exactly Do We Appreciate This Wonderful Art Form Yeah. It was at one point, hundreds and thousands of years ago, that our species came to realize that EVERYTHING we touched makes a certain noise. Then, we came to find out that certain noises, in specific patterns, sounded well together. And well, we developed music for what it is now – Both a complex art form and a beautiful way of self-expression.
We have been making music for centuries, with our first instruments being basically leaves, sticks, and rocks that make weird sounds. (just what we were talking about above) As a matter of fact, the oldest instrument we have found is a bone flute, dated to be made about 40,000 years ago. Ever since then we have evolved to entire orchestras playing symphonies with more than 50 sounds at the same time in order to achieve a specific harmony.
We have all gotten goosebumps when listening to something we really like or had our mood change entirely because of a song. But how do these physiological responses happen, and what’s the exact effect music has on the human brain?
Let’s Find Out!
The Brainatomy Of Music
It turns out that music affects pretty much every part of the brain regardless of its size. Listening and making music has an impact on parts as big as the frontal lobe and as small as the amygdala, with each one being affected differently.
So let’s have a look!
The Frontal Lobe
The frontal lobe is the largest and most recently evolved part of the brain. This part of the brain is involved in many different processes, including but not limited to problem-solving, decision-making, judgment, and impulse control. This part is essential for humans, and by listening to music, we can enhance its overall functions.
The Temporal Lobe
You know that feeling when you are listening to an entirely new song, and suddenly you think to yourself, “Damn, I really understand this guy!” Well, the temporal lobe is where this sense of understanding happens. Generally speaking, the left side is responsible for the words while the right is for the musical notes.
Pretty cool, huh?
The Occipital Lobe
The Occipital Lobe is the part of your brain in charge of interpreting what you see. This part of the brain plays a vital role in interacting with our environment because vision is often our dominant sense, especially for tasks requiring complex coordination or fine motor skills.
Though this part of our brain is usually responsible for visual understanding, the above-said may explain why the occipital love is active in professional musicians, suggesting that they picture music more than regular listeners.
The Cerebellum
This part of the brain is where our motor functions are stored! Isn’t it quite fascinating? We store our knowledge regarding playing an instrument! This is what people refer to as “muscle memory” – You ask someone how they played that complex lick, and their response is, “I don’t know, man, ask my fingers!”
What’s even more fascinating is that even people with Alzheimer’s can play the instruments they’ve learned as children.
Nucleus Accumbens
The nucleus Accumbens is a part of the brain that plays an essential role in reward-seeking behavior. It might be called the “pleasure center” of the brain because it helps control how much pleasure or joy people derive from eating, drinking, and other activities, including music! And let’s be frank – we’ve all heard that music is a drug.
Well, truth be told – it actually is! And this part of our brain processes substances such as dopamine, released when listening to or making music.
The Amygdala
The amygdala is the part of the brain that plays a fundamental role in regulating your fear and stress response. When something scares you, it activates the amygdala and the fight or flight response. The amygdala has been found to be more active in highly anxious people than those who are not, but also… People who really enjoy music!
Though responsible for fear, this part of the brain is also activated with music – this is how we get goosebumps when listening to specific music. Interesting, eh?
So Far, You’ve Learned.
Alright, that’s some pretty cool information so far, right? These six areas of the brain are most impacted by music – Whether we create or just listen to it. However, there are other areas of the brain that, too, reap some benefits from the fine composition of well-chosen notes, such as:
- The hippocampus – The seat of neurogenesis and memory creation!
- The Hypothalamus – The control center of bodily functions (yeah, this is a part of the reason why music can make you calm)
- Corpus Callosum – This enables the connection between the left and right sides of the brain, thus being one of the reasons why music unlocks creativity!
Besides the activation and stimulation of certain parts of the brain, though, there are some other things going on behind the scenes.
Let’s have a look!
Chemicals And Reactions
Many more studies regarding music prove that listening to it and producing it brings positive results. It turns out that music can both make specific structures inside the brain more intricate and at the same time relax your body. Just listening to music reduces your cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone) and increases dopamine production (happy hormones, anyone?).
Music also affects oxytocin, which is released when forming trustworthy bonds between people. Going to a music lesson is also good for your body in many aspects – it increases blood flow and encourages brain plasticity. Neurotransmitters are also positively changed when listening to music which can be proven in patients with Alzheimer’s or Schizophrenia.
All in all, it is for sure that music has not just one benefit for the overall wellbeing of our species! Let’s collectively send gratitude to the first ancestor of ours that decided to bang a stick against a rock, rhythmically.
Final Notes
We have strived to achieve great technical and artistic heights in music because it’s both challenging and complex (working with the logical way of thinking) and emotional and expressive (helping our creativity output).
The way that the brains of musicians and listeners differ proves that music does indeed have a physical manifestation and can optimize our brain functions in more ways than one.
With that in mind, we strongly encourage you to play your favorite tracks and enjoy the genius behind them while also knowing that you’re doing something good for yourself.
So go ahead, listen to your favorite artist, focus on the present moment with them in your headphones and stay brain-healthy!
