Friday, June 13, 2014

10 Questions Men Are Too Embarrassed To Ask Their Doctor (But Should!)

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Over decades of practice, I've seen plenty of men ask me questions with their eyes glued to the floor, quiet, and obviously embarrassed. I hope this list can help get some issues out in the open and inspire a few men to pursue evaluation and remedies.
1. My hair is thinning. Can you help?
The big three causes of thinning hair are: thyroid disease, poor nutrition, and stress. Each of these can be evaluated by a practitioner trained in functional medicine. After correcting those issues, taking supplements with biotin (B7), or taking aryuvedic herbs (including amalaki and brahmi) or catalase may help thicken hair and avoid excessive graying. Catalase is also found in high levels in fermented foods.
2. Why am I not having morning erections?
There are many causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), including vascular damage from a poor diet, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, low testosterone and excessive estradiol, and excessive marijuana consumption. I can't emphasize enough the role of ED as a clue to heart disease. If you're experiencing this, don't be embarrassed, be curious … it just might save your life.
3. How do I check my testicles?
Testicular cancer affects about 10,000 men in the USA every year and has one of the highest cure rates of any cancer. Early diagnosis is critical. Men should develop a monthly habit of at least checking themselves in the shower by rolling a testicle between thumb and forefinger feeling for a lump, then repeating on the other side.
4. Why did I see blood on my toilet paper?
Most often hemorrhoids or an anal fissure are to blame. However, rectal or colon cancer are possible causes; don't delay an examination by a trained professional.
5. Why do I pass so much gas?
One of my cardiology colleagues received a letter from the Chief of Staff, admonishing him for excessive flatus during heart procedures. While it's often somewhat humorous, excessive gas may be a clue to lactose and other food intolerances and intestinal dysbiosis. Eliminating dairy, gluten, soy or corn one at a time may help. Taking digestive enzymes with meals along with a daily probiotic may reduce the eruptions.
6. My butt itches. Why?
Who hasn't seen a guy look both ways, then scratch his backside? Not so cool. Issues like food intolerances, cleanliness, hemorrhoids, psoriasis and even pinworms could be the culprit. Some simple remedies may include limiting coffee, tea, chocolate, colas, citrus, and tomatoes. Washing thoroughly after bowel movements, applying unmedicated talc powder and/or 1% hydrocortisone cream may cool the fire.
7. Is my breath really offensive?
In close quarters, bad breath can be a problem at work and in relationships. It could be a sign of bacterial breakdown in the mouth, postnasal drip, gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), and gingivitis. Dentists trained in advanced examinations of periodontal health can help solve the problem.
8. Why do I still get butt acne?
This is usually folliculitis or a superficial infection of hair follicles. This may arise from bacterial infections such as staph aureus or pseudomonas. Some triggers are sitting in hot tubs or wearing tight clothing. Maintaining good hygiene, wearing clothes that breathe, applying salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, and using exfoliative scrubs can help.
9. Should my penis bend to the side?
Rest assured: some men are born with a mild congenital curvature. Up to 5% of men develop a curvature due to achronic inflammation of unknown cause and that is called Peyronie's disease. It can lead to pain, loss of organ width and even pain during intercourse. Some men also have thickening of connective tissues in their hands and feet. Treatments using CoQ10, vitamin E, collagenase, and even surgery are considerations.
10. Are my boobs are too big?
Remember Phil Mickelson and comments about his “manboobs” bouncing while he walked the golf course? It got so much attention that Urban Dictionary lists Mickelson as a synonym for gynecomastia, the official name for this situation.
In many cases, the cause is unknown but it's generally a sign of obesity and a low ratio of testosterone/estradiol are considerations. Rarely, liver or kidney diseases are to blame. Losing weight, taking natural or prescription aromatase inhibitors, and even surgery are treatment options.
Men are up to 70% less likely to visit a doctor than are women. Once there, they may be shy about bringing up sensitive topics. Writing questions down to be sure they get asked is a good strategy to avoid a missed opportunity for help. As Hippocrates said, "a wise man should consider that health is the greatest of blessings."

SOURCE: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14095/10-questions-men-are-too-embarrassed-to-ask-their-doctor-but-should.html?utm_campaign=recommendation&utm_medium=interfeaturetop&utm_source=feature

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LIVING IN RHYTHM with the UNIVERSE: The Health Implications of Your Zodiac Sign, the Chakras and Herbs for Each

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LIVING IN RHYTHM with the UNIVERSE


This post encompasses the very essence of all three of my upcoming book(s): 1) INTRO to Herbs are Nature's Medicine (eBook); 2) Herbs are Nature's Medicine: Your Handbook for Healing with the Elements; and 3) Living in Rhythm with the 
Universe: Your Mental, Physical, Spiritual and Emotional 
Healing with the Elements.



Each one of us can have optimum health 
IF WE SIMPLY LIVE WITHIN THE RHYTHM OF THE UNIVERSE. 

The basic universal elements (water, wood, fire, earth and metal)* were provided by the Creator as blueprints for understanding the Universe and it's relation to our bodies (water=kidneys/fear, wood=liver/anger, fire=heart/joy, earth=stomach/sympathy and metal=colon/worry), and provided remedies for any and everything that might ail man. The rhythms of the Moon, Sun, Stars as well as the three 8-hour cycles of our day are all cosmically, astrologically and cyclically tied into our very breath, pulsing of our very heart beat, and the life cycles that each of us experience: birth, maturity, aging and death.

In the Earth's 24-hour day, during its three 8-hour cycles, it is 1) eliminating (as we should be by the types of foods and beverages we break-fast with during the hours of 4am and 12noon); 2) nourishing (as defined by the intake of healthy nutritive foods during the hours of 12noon and 8pm) and 3) rejuvenating/resting (as we should be finished all eating and strenuous activities, and begin our rest period during the hours of 8pm and 4am).  It is when we don’t follow the Earth’s rhythm, that we suffer with imbalances and disease, weight challenges and inability to sleep well, irregularity and circulation problems, fatigue and low sexual performance.  Because we consume constipating foods and drinks like white flour produces, animal meats, coffee, sugar drinks, etc. in the morning – when we should be eliminating by consuming WATER, eating eliminating foods (fruits) and drinking fruit beverages - we start our day clogging our circulation, energy and brain function.

The Zodiac signs holds profound personal insight to maintaining optimum health and well-being, if we simply follow it. Since the Moon rules the stomach and digestion, it greatly influences your health and eating habits as well.  Exploring the element of your Moon sign can help reveal your most personal tastes, what works and what troubles you in all-things food. (SOURCE: http://www.astrology.com/how-your-moon-sign-influences-your-eating-habits/2-d-d-470901)

The three Air Signs: Gemini (influences our respiratory system), Libra (influences our excretory system) and Aquarius (influences our Meridian System).  Air is the element least connected to the body, and some Air Moon signs literally forget to eat.  Reminding yourself to eat regularly is important, as the typical Air Moon is quite vague about their physical needs.  Focus on smaller meals more frequently, as you don't do well with heavy meals.

The three Fire Signs: Aires (influences our brain and central nervous system), Leo (influences our circulatory system/heart) and Sagittarius (influences our muscular system).  Fire symbolizes heat, so flavorful, spicy foods are preferable for people with Fire Moons. Garlic, ginger and chili pepper add the intensity you crave.  Focus on high-nutrient foods, like fresh fruit and vegetables so you get the maximum energy from the least amount of fuel.  Fire is linked to energy, which come via iron-rich foods, typically meats and dark green vegetables.

The three Water Signs: Cancer (influences our lymphatic system), Scorpio (influences our reproductive system) and Pisces (influences our integumentary** system).  Water is all about feelings, and if you have a Water Moon, you can be a very emotional eater.  If you feel happy, you'll want to share a meal to celebrate with friends.  If you're sad, you can eat in an attempt to drown out your pain.  Good health and eating well comes down to managing your mood.  Explore natural mood-enhancers - such as exercise or wellness therapies like massage or reflexology.  That way you'll rely less on food to soothe you.

And the three Earth Signs: Taurus (influences our endocrine system), Virgo (influences our digestive system) and Capricorn (influences our skeletal system).  Eating based on emotions can be a problem for these Moon signs.  Virgo Moons are especially health sensitive, and processed foods are a no-no for Virgo tummies.  Taurus enjoys the pleasure of eating, and can gravitate toward carbs and high-fat foods.  Capricorn sees foods as a means to an end, and must focus on nutrient-rich foods to make up for a somewhat slow absorption.

And there are herbs, minerals, crystals in the earth to facilitate the healing for all categories of our organs and systems, physical, mental, spiritual and emotional, as outlined above. I have created charts and course curricula to help us live simply and well. Clearly there is a wealth of information to bring you personal healing and bliss, if we just live within the rhythm of the universe.

* Various cultures utilize their knowledge of the power of the forces of nature, but group the elements differently. The Afrikan Universal Elements: Air (represented by the Ntru Hapi and Nbt Ht), Fire (represented by the Ntru Neit and Duamutef), Water (represented by the Ntru Serkhet and Qebsenuf) and Earth (represented by the Ntru Auset and Mset). In our Afrikan culture, the forces of Nature (without vowels) are called Ntr (pronounced Netcher; plural is Netcheru).  Chinese 5 Elements: Water (inherently connected to the kidneys and bladder), Wood (inherently connected to the liver and gall bladder), Fire (inherently connected to the heart and small intestines), Earth (inherently connected to the stomach and spleen) and Metal (inherently connected to the lungs and large intestines). Ayurvedic: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth – are grouped into the 3 Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Regardless of how they are grouped and defined in various healing systems, OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE POWERFUL WISDOM OF THE ELEMENTS DO NOT CHANGE THE HEALING REMEDIES THEY HOLD FOR US IF WE JUST LIVE BY THEM AND USE THEM TO HEAL OURSELVES.


** The integumentary system is the organ system that protects the body from various kinds of damage, such as loss of water or abrasion from outside. The system comprises the skin and its appendages (including hairscalesfeathershooves, and nails). The integumentary system has a variety of functions; it may serve to waterproof, cushion, and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, and regulate temperature, and is the attachment site for sensory receptors to detect pain, sensation, pressure, and temperature. In most terrestrial vertebrates with significant exposure to sunlight, the integumentary system also provides for vitamin D synthesis.


HEALING OUR EMOTIONS with HERBS and CHAKRA BALANCING

Balancing Herbal Teas for the Chakras Chakra balancing can do much to help you bring harmony, peace and strength to your emotional and spiritual centers. Activation and balance of energy flow in the Chakras allows the body's systems to function optimally with the higher self. The seven chakras function as pathways for energy that flows through subtle channels in the spine and govern the endocrine system. Each Chakra acts a transformer within the body to bring a higher frequency of vibration for purification into the system and healing of negative energies.

Crown Center: calming tonic for all ailments of the mind, emotional disturbances and nervous disorders: mix 1tsp fu ling, ½tsp gotu kola and ¼tsp valerian to any of the mints/chamomile (2tsp) for taste.

Brow Center: combine ½tsp elecampane to 1tsp ginseng and skullcap, serves as food for the nerves; add 2tsp licorice root as a harmonizer - formula is supportive and strengthening to the entire endocrine system.

Throat Center: blend 1tsp bayberry root, ¼tsp cloves, 2tsp licorice, 1tsp sarsaparilla to harmonize the gland that influences every organ, tissue and cell.

Heart Center: to calm the heart center and enhance circulation, add 1tsp hawthorn berries and lotus seeds, ¼tsp black cohosh, 1/8tsp cayenne, ½tsp schizandra berries.

Solar Plexus Center: combine 1tsp each of atractylodes root, dandelion root, prickly ash bark, 1/8tsp golden seal to strengthen personal power, digestion and circulation.

Sacral Center, to enhance creativity/sexuality, combine 2tsp red raspberry, 1tsp each marshmallow, uva ursi and burdock root, ½tsp gravel root, and ¼tsp slippery elm bark.

Base/Spine Center: to rejuvenate the center of the whole body's energy source, drink haritaki water regularly (see website: http://www.sacredhealing7.com/Haritaki_Fruit.html); combine 1tsp ashwagandha, parsley root, lotus root, and fo ti.


HEALING OUR EMOTIONS with HERBS and CHAKRA BALANCING

Chakra balancing can do much to help you bring harmony, peace and strength to your emotional and spiritual centers. Our human form is divided/linked into multiple aspects of itself, each with a range of its own frequencies or vibrations. Chakras are energy vortexes in our emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. They lie along a linear pathway (along the spine) from the Crown Chakra to the Root Chakra. Though there are actually 22 chakras (see website: http://www.sacredhealing7.com/The_7_Chakras.html), there are 7 primary basic lower body Chakras (six emotional and one spiritual) that we actually can access on this 3rd Dimension Plane on Planet Earth. Activation and balance of the energy flow in the Chakras allows the body system to be at optimal synergy with the higher self.

The seven core chakras function as pathways for energy that flows through subtle channels in the spine and govern the endocrine system through the etheric body. Each Chakra acts a transformer within the body whose purpose is to bring into the system a higher frequency of vibration for purification and healing of negative energies. There are seven endocrine glands, each with a vibration and color, and one is assigned to each of the seven primary Chakras.

7 PRIMARY CHAKRAS, AND THEIR ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS 
(GLANDS), CRYSTALS & HERBS

7th Crown Plexus Chakra, is connected to, governs and is governed by the pineal gland, its color is violet/golden white (clear quartz), Enlightenment – Herbs: calamus, nutmeg, gotu kola, valerian

6th Brow Plexus Chakra, is connected to, governs and is governed by the pituitary gland, its color is indigo (amethyst), spiritual awareness, psychic power – Herbs: basil, elecampane, sandalwood, skullcap

5th Throat Plexus Chakra, is connected to, governs and is governed by the thyroid gland, its color is blue (turquoise), communication, Divine Guidance – Herbs: bayberry, cloves, licorice, ajwan

4th Heart Plexus Chakra, is connected to, governs and is governed by the thymus gland, its color is green/pink (rose quartz/unikite), love, Universal Consciousness – Herbs: lotus seeds, cardamom, rose, saffron

3rd Solar Plexus Chakrais connected to, governs and is governed by the pancreas, its color is golden yellow/orange (citrine), intellect, personal power – Herbs: golden seal, cayenne, black pepper, cumin

2nd Sacral Plexus Chakra, is connected to, governs and is governed by the the gonads, its color is deep red (red jasper/carnelian/coral), creativity/sexuality – Herbs: marshmallow, uva ursi, coriander

1st Root/Spine Plexus Chakra, is connected to, governs and is governed by the adrenal glands, its color is black (black tourmaline/obsidian), Stability – Herbs: ashwagandha, haritaki fruit, lotus root


Thursday, June 12, 2014

Just Passing Along Wisdom

Just sharing with you - one of the worlds great spiritual guides -
 hoping you benefit from this Post in some small way.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY

Newsletter Header

Dear MaaKheper-Ast Zakiyyah,

I spent a few hours in prison last month...

And I learned some powerful lessons too.

Don't worry, I wasn't in trouble or anything. No need to bail me out!

I was on a spiritual mission with my friend and mentor, Baba Femi.

He was invited to give a talk on African spirituality to a small group of inmates at Folsom State Prison, and I went along to support him.

To tell you the truth...

I was struck by how warmly the brothers received us. They went out of their way to make us feel comfortable.

That surprised me, touched me.

It made me realize how much society has conditioned us to loathe and fear our brothers and sisters who are behind bars for one reason or another.

But the danger is that when you no longer see the humanity in others, you lose a bit of your humanity too.

There was zero hostility during our visit to Folsom. Instead, what we experienced was an outpouring of love and respect.

As you can imagine, they hardly get any visitors. So the mere fact that we showed up was a rare treat for them. They felt honored and loved.

And we felt empowered...

This brings me to the first point. One way to feel more empowered is to spend time trying to empower others. Just share who you are, what you've learned, or what you believe.
A few brothers spoke of their spiritual journey...

How they found Ifa in prison.  And how the spirits of the ancestors would come to visit, to give them strength and support.

I did a lot of reflecting at Folsom. I thought about: 
  1. How every moment counts and one shouldn't take anything for granted.
  2. Even in the darkest of circumstances one can still find glimmers of hope.
  3. The most important thing isn't what happened to you, it's all about what you're gonna do next.
But what struck me the most was something the prison chaplain said.

I hope I never forget it.

He said words are so powerful that just one word, the right word, of course, can change someone's life forever.

So there you go...

You have a lot more power than you realize. We all do.  

You can change lives if you know what to say and how to say it. Knowing when to say it is important too.

What kind of words have been coming out of your mouth lately?  Are they helping you? Are they helping anyone?

Don't abuse your power. Use it wisely. 

Someone, somewhere is in need of your help.

Think about it...

Until our next time.
Blessings!

James Weeks

Producer/Across The King's River

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Healing Herbs/Food DATABASE

Don't Forget to Use the LINK of INTEREST:  
Healing Herbs/Food DATABASE


Here's what's in there (click on the side page LINK to get a clearer view and access to the articles on the herbs, foods and diseases):

Created by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, as a free public service to promote health freedom and empower consumers with information about the healing power of foods. See NaturalNews.com and TruthPublishing.com to learn more.

Most Common Herbs

Aloe vera | American ginseng | Arnica | Astragalus | Bitter melon | Black cohosh | Blue cohosh | Borage | Boswellia | Burdock root | Calendula |Cascara sagrada | Cat's claw | Cayenne pepper | Chamomile | Chaparral | Cinnamon | Comfrey | Cornsilk | Cramp bark | Curcumin | Dandelion |Devil's claw | Dong quai | Echinacea | Elderberry | Eucalyptus | Evening primrose | Eyebright | Fennel | Fenugreek | Feverfew | Garlic | Ginger |Ginkgo biloba | Ginseng | Goldenrod | Goldenseal | Gotu kola | Gravel root | Green tea | Guggul | Gymnema sylvestre | Horseradish | Juniper berries | Kava kava | Lavender | Lemon balm | Lemon grass | Licorice root | Lobelia | Lomatium | Lovage | Maitake mushroom | Marshmallow | Milk thistle | Mint | Mullein | Mustard seeds | Myrrh | Natto | Nettle | Nopal | Nutmeg | Oregano | Parsley | Peppermint | Plantain | Prickly pear | PygeumRed clover | Red raspberry | Reishi mushroom | Rosehips | Rosemary | Sage | Saw palmetto | Schisandra | Scullcap | Shepherd's purse | SkullcapSlippery elm | St. John's wort | Star anise | Stevia | Stinging nettle | Thyme | Turmeric | Uva ursi | Valerian root | Wheat grass | Willow | Yarrow |Yellow dock | Yucca

Most Common Health Conditions

Allergies | Alzheimer's | Arthritis | Asthma | Attention deficit disorder | Back pain | Blood clots | Bone loss | Breast cancer | Cancer | Cardiovascular disease | Cataracts | Chronic fatigue syndrome | Chronic pain | Circulatory disorders | Cognitive decline | Cold sores | Colon cancer | ConstipationCoronary heart disease | Crohn's disease | Dandruff | Dementia | Depression | Diabetes | Digestive disorders | Dry skin | Eczema |Endometriosis | Enlarged prostate | Female infertility | Fibromyalgia | Gastroesophageal reflux disease | Gingivitis | Hair loss | Halitosis |Headaches | Heart disease | Heartburn | Hepatitis | Herpes | High blood pressure | High cholesterol | Hypoglycemia | Ibs | Infections | Infertility |Inflammation | Injuries | Insomnia | Insulin resistance | Irritability | Joint inflammation | Joint pain | Kidney stones | Leg cramps | Liver disorders |Lung disease | Macular degeneration | Memory loss | Menopause | Menstrual cramps | Migraines | Muscle pain | Night blindness | Obesity |Osteoporosis | Pancreatic cancer | Pms | Premenstrual syndrome | Prostate cancer | Rheumatoid arthritis | Sinusitis | Sleep disorders | Stomach ulcers | Stroke | Thyroid disorders | Urinary tract infections | Varicose veins | Yeast infections

About This Reference Database

This site is part of a public education project created by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and hosted by Truth Publishing. Its purpose is to educate and empower consumers with information they can use to prevent and even help reverse degenerative disease. There are no commercial sponsors of this site, and neither Mike Adams nor Truth Publishing was paid anything to create this site.
Nature's foods contain powerful medicine in the form of phytonutrients, and knowing how to use those natural medicines empowers people with the information they need to be healthier, happier and free from the ravages of chronic disease.
The other sites in this project are:
  • HealingFoodReference.com - Covers healing foods, their nutrients and which diseases or conditions that may help.
  • SupplementReference.com - Explores the health benefits of popular supplements that don't qualify as foods or herbs. Example: glucosamine, amino acids, propolis, etc.
  • NutrientReference.com - Lists the medicinal properties of all known nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
The data presented on these sites are cited with research references. Sources include books by Dr. James Duke, Michael T. Murray, Michael Tierra and other doctors, authors and researchers.