Zinc and the city

A big city ensures a high comfort level to its inhabitants. A perfect public transport to anywhere. Shops to excess. Restaurants, clubs theaters, movies, sports grounds, swimming pools within easy reach. But in return for the comfort, the city robs us from healthy environment, and burdens our body with a huge amount of stress.

Lead and cadmium – from the exhaust of automobiles and cigarette smoke – are the main environmental risk factors for big city dweller. The same substances filter into soil with natural precipitation. The pollution of soil is further increased by chemicals used in the course of intense cultivation. Vegetables and fruits absorb these materials, which enter our body, accumulating there. However zinc prevents heavy metals from forming deposits in the body. So in case of zinc deficiency more toxic substances infiltrate the body, while in presence of zinc less of it. Moreover, zinc neutralizes chemicals as well.

Zinc regulates the flexibility of muscles, it plays a role in brain function, it may be used to cure schizophrenia as well. It promotes the healing of wounds, reduces harmful blood cholesterol levels, and boosts growth and mental activity. It may beneficial in problems of sensation of taste. It makes disappear white spots on nails. In short it beautifies and refreshes.

And what about sex?

If the sexual desire of our partner obviously reduces, we should not necessarily blame ourselves for having lost of our sex appeal. It is quite possible that it is only 2 grams of zinc that is needed for our happiness. This is the amount our body needs. It should concentrate in male sexual organs in the greatest amounts. Namely, in lack of zinc inadequate amounts of male sexual hormone, testosterone is produced. It results not only in health problems, and the weakening of bodily functions, but destroys sexual desire as well. Another undesirable consequence is insufficient sperm production which leads to infertility. According to certain studies potency disorders affecting relatively many males can also be associated with chronic zinc deficiency, similarly to different prostate problems. Experience shows that potency problems can be affected positively even by supplementing the diet with zinc and vitamin B6. Perhaps that is the reason why oysters containing huge amounts of zinc in easily absorbable from are consumed with such a predilection in certain cultures. Consumption of oysters may really enhance sexual desire indirectly.

Zinc is needed for the development of every reproductive organ, therefore it can be useful in treating female infertility. In case of irregular menstruation women may try taking zinc supplements before the doctor prescribes hormone therapy.
Besides sexual organs, hair, eyeballs, liver, kidneys, muscles and skin contain significant amounts of zinc.

Diabetes that can be regarded as a wide spread disease in welfare societies may also be associated with zinc deficiency, as this mineral is a component of hormone insulin which is produced in pancreas. Insulin regulates the processing of blood sugar, and blood sugar levels.

Zinc is indispensable for protein synthesis as well as production of DNA, molecule of inheritance. It is a component of an enzyme in the immune cell, which destroys pathogenic bacilli and viruses. It is necessary to maintain the acid-base balance of the blood, and besides insulin it is present in 70 kinds of enzymes. It is an excellent antioxidant and slows down aging processes.

Athletes need more zinc than the average, as during training and tournaments they lose it in greater amounts because of sweating on the one hand, on the other hand because more zinc is needed for red blood cell production as well as for increased fatty acid and iron metabolism.

Symptoms showing zinc deficiency in children are dwarfism and atrophy of the testicles. In adults prolonged wound healing, reduced appetite and sensation of taste, lethargy, diarrhea, inflammations of skin may present.

Today human body is supplied with zinc from food and dietary supplements, as it is unable to synthesize it. Zinc can be found in greater amounts in meats, eggs, wheat-germ, skim milk, mustard, pumpkin seeds, as well as in the “fruits of the sea”, in the flesh of sea fish and shell-fish. However even in a diet rich in zinc may not supply us with it in the necessary concentration, as it depends on the effectiveness of absorption.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US the recommended daily dose of zinc in case of men is 15 mg per day. However studies show that for example with the average American diet only the half of this quantity – 8,6 mg – gets into the body of men. Therefore zinc deficiency is rather frequent.

Attention!

• When taking zinc containing supplements, greater amounts of vitamin A and beta carotene are needed as well. Namely zinc acts best together with vitamin, calcium and phosphorus.
• In certain formulas zinc can be found in form of sulphate or gluconate, while in others – these are more up-to-date – zinc is included in chelate form, which can be better utilized, as in the body it can be found in the same form, that is bound to an organic molecule.
• It is present in chelate form. It is the most favorable form, as zinc can be utilized by the body as chelate the best.
• As a supplement, a daily dose of at least 10-15 mg is recommended, but in case of athletes even as much as 50 mg.
• For alcoholics and diabetic patients more zinc is recommended as well.
• In the literature some authors determine toxicity in 150, while others in 500 mg, so in a dose exceeding this amount zinc may be poisonous.

Sleep naturally

by:Andrea Putting

Content tossing and turning all night? The clock is ticking over; minute after minute, hour after hour, but you just can’t sleep. The only thing worse, is the feeling of being totally zonked the next day. Insomnia is a problem that affects most people at some time during their lives. It has many different causes and many different ways of being expressed. For some, it may be a case of a few restless nights or a lifetime of poor sleep. Sleep is an important part of our lives allowing us to regain strength, heal and grow. So when it is disturbed for any reason it can seriously affect our lives.

There is a large variation in the amount of sleep needed. Some only need a few hours sleep, while others may need up to 10 hours to feel refreshed. Insomnia is the condition where a person feels as if they are not getting adequate sleep on a regular basis. Their sleep is non-refreshing and their ability to function normally on a daily basis is affected.

Sleep patterns are different with different people, as too is the patterns for insomniacs. Some may fall asleep easily, but wake during the night and not be able to return to sleep. Others may lay awake for hours before being able to drift off to sleep. Some people wake hundreds of times during the night, without realising it. It has been found through electrical monitoring of insomniacs, while they sleep, that they don not change sleep stages very often. Normal sleep requires many stages and insomniacs may not reach the deep sleep known as ‘REM’.

If you are suffering from sleep problems, it could be related to many different causes. A whole lifestyle check needs to be done. Are you eating right? Heavy meals in the evening can certainly affect sleep. Are you getting enough exercise and fresh air? One of the biggest issues with sleep problems is stress. What is happening in your life that is playing on your mind?

Have a look through the following suggestions; there may be something that will help you. Most importantly, try not to be worried about not sleeping. Go to bed with the thoughts of a good nights rest, relax and sleep well

Suggestion to help you improve your sleep

*  Try to get some regular exercise and fresh air.

*  Allow time to relax before going to bed.

*  Take up some form of meditation; if you find this difficult a class may help. Deep breathing techniques can also be helpful.

*  Try reading before bedtime. Stick to something light and easy, maybe even boring, don’t read anything too exciting. Watching a stimulating television program should also be avoided.

*  Develop a regular bedtime relaxation routine. Try keeping your bedtime and getting up time regular.

*  Relaxing in a warm bath or even a warm shower can be helpful.

*  Make sure your bed and pillow are comfortable for you, not too hard or soft.

*  If light or noise is a problem, use earplugs or eye-mask.

*  Make sure you are warm enough, but not too hot and that the room is well ventilated.

*  Try a warm drink before bed, such as a warm milk or chamomile tea.

*  Keep a pen and paper beside your bed. If you have a lot of things on your mind, write them all down, if they are preventing you from sleeping. Similarly if you wake up and start to think about something, write it down and then you can forget it, until a more suitable time.

*  Try listening to relaxation music while preparing yourself for sleep.

*  Put the clock out of sight, it doesn’t help to have a constant reminder of how long you’ve been awake.

*  When you go to bed try some relaxation techniques. Relax your muscles individually and imagine yourself in a peaceful setting.

*  Don’t take any stimulants in the evening. These include tea, coffee, cola and chocolate drinks, smoking and alcohol.

*  It is best not to eat too close to going to bed and allow at least three ours to digest your evening meal before going to bed.

*  If you are having difficulty sleeping, get up and do something relaxing for 20 minutes or until you feel tired again, rather than lie there worrying

*  Before bed, let go of all your worries. Write them down of a piece of paper and hand them over to God or the universe to take care of for the night. Place the paper into a bible or under a crystal, whatever works for you. I’ve heard of a story of a worry tree, where you place all your worries on a tree and allow them to be taken care of. This could be the focus of your meditation. Knowing that you can rest easy, while the tree takes care of your concerns.

*  An herbal sleep satchel under the pillow will release the pleasant scent of sleepfulness. Herbs such as Lavender, Lemon Balm, Chamomile and Cinnamon can be used. (I have read that a cut raw onion placed under the pillow can help you sleep, I think I’ll stick to the herbs, personally I have cinnamon.)

*  Colour is something that can help. Surrounding yourself with relaxing colours of blues and greens.

*  Honey is said to help induce sleep. Add to an herbal tea or a hot lemon drink.

From my daughter’s witch files.

*  Black satchels stuffed with marigold and a citrine crystal induces prophetic dreams and repels nightmares.

*  Pillows stuffed with hops or anise seeds aids restful sleep with no nightmares.

*  Clear quartz under the pillow can help.

*  A sleeping spell: Hold crystal quartz in your hands saying this three times. *I ask thou spirits of the West to help me seek the land of rest. Let me slumber all through the night, only to wake whence it is light.

The things around us

Taste and the Elements

by Ingrid Naiman

As anyone who has ever consumed a hot curry soup knows, such meals can really stimulate the sinuses to drain. In fact, such draining, called errhine therapy, is a recognized Ayurvedic mode of treatment for phlegmatic conditions. Foods and spices, along with special culinary and medicinal herbs, can be used to help balance the elements. Such therapies can be effectively used in conjunction with astrology (or independently thereof) if the consultant is qualified.

According to Ayurveda, each food has a particular taste that correlates to its digestive action and that has a bearing on the balance of the elements. This taste is not a coincidence but is a direct result of the biochemical traits of the food and therefore also of its pharmaceutical properties. There are six tastes: sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, salty, and astringent.

In addition to the basic taste, Ayurvedic medicine addresses secondary and tertiary stages of digestion. For example, a food that tastes sweet to the tongue is sour when combined with digestive juices and bitter when reaching the large intestine. Such detail is beyond the scope of this page, but interested persons can certainly study further to develop greater skill in applying the idea that there is an energetic aspect to food that is at least as important as the properties commonly considered by Western nutritionists.

Air	astringent, bitter
Fire	pungent, sour, salty
Water	sweet, salty, sour
Earth	sweet, astringent

It is my firm conviction that life today is so stressful, ecologically imbalanced, and socially complex that every individual is truly challenged to develop a strategy of living that obviates the risk of ill health simply due to oversights and neglects that can be rather easily remedied. For example, once we know that flying in the ozone is equivalent to about five chest x-rays and that it deranges the air element, we know that if we fly, we would also be well advised to do something “grounding” as well. Thus, we might take some ginseng to pour into hot water while in the air. Then, since we know that excess air can disturb fire and thereby affect digestion, we can take some ginger and/or cayenne capsules to help us get down the nearly universally awful food that we are served on planes. As for me, wherever possible, I order an Asian vegetarian meal, as these will have spices and no meat (which is very difficult to digest compared to most other foods). When traveling for any extended time period, it may be advisable to bring along a little “food emergency kit”. Try not to let this kit go through the x-ray equipment at the airport. The kit can be hand inspected or checked through with the luggage. I have learned a few tricks I can share. Juiced ginger is a wonderful digestive stimulant. It refreshes the breath, feels energizing, and relieves most intestinal upsets caused by changes of schedules, food, etc. It keeps well and can even be doctored with a few drops of brandy or wine to make certain that it does not ferment. A few bottles of good quality seasonings can improve most any restaurant fare and make it more digestible. Though it is generally preferable to add food to spices, i.e. to start with the spices and oil and then add food instead of shaking on salt and pepper after cooking, this is impractical for travelers so a few bottles of hot and aromatic spices may mean the difference between the feeling of being clogged and vigor when eating in restaurants.

In conclusion, it might be noted that though many have strong constitutions when they are born, it is not at all easy to maintain health and still be active in the world. Moreover, since some people are born without such health resources, they need to be doubly sensible. It ought to be recognized that the body is slow to adapt to anything new, including certain hybrid foods, antibiotics in meat, preservatives, radiation, etc. However, since we live in a time in which such foods are the norm rather than the exception, we ought to be certain that our bodies are equipped to deal with food stresses. It may therefore be necessary to devote time to preparing special foods which are particularly essential to your specific constitution. For some people, herbal foods may be used as supplements, especially when going through stressful episodes. For others, periodic eliminatory or tonification programs may be recommended. For example, every now and then, it may be useful to detoxify the liver and blood stream as a precaution against future trouble; or, it may be wise to develop more adrenal power to deal with stress. Some of the therapies that are organ specific will be covered later, but general balance is the issue for now, and everything discussed here can be applied with relative safety by simply employing a good measure of common sense and care to your well being.

Take the questionnaire to determine the balance of the elements here:
https://secure.astroheal.net/4elements_balance.php

More informations here: http://www.astroheal.com/astroheal_system.html

Are you looking for a good store with ayurvedic products? Then, click here! 

http://www.balanceayurvedic.com/index.cfm?aff=77294

Garnet

• When you think garnet, you generally think red, however garnet actually comes in white, grey, yellow, green, brown, pink, black and red.
• Garnet gems are usually small, however some have been found that have weighed in at several kilo’s, the average garnet is about 2cm in diameter.
• Garnets have several different species: the most common is rhodolite.
• One of the rarest and most valuable garnet gem is the greenish to yellowish variety called demantoid.

Healing Power:
Promotes health and happiness, a good gem for heightening sexual awareness and opening yourself up to life’s pleasures.

More about Feng Shui

by: Jennifer McCormack

I’m sure everyone has read more than their fair share of Feng Shui articles in one of the regular women’s magazines. Interesting isn’t it?

Of all the mystic tools Feng Shui is probably our most recent interest. About five years ago we came across a very well written book which explained many of the Feng Shui principles. It would be remiss of me to state that in 100 words or less I could describe this art. I will share with you some of my pearls of wisdom, and advise you to really, really, really research this form of mysticism – it has to be one of the most interesting forms of enhancing and enriching your life.

Roughly translated Feng Shui is the ancient art of Chinese placement. The Chinese belief that your environment (that is where you live and work and breath and sleep and play …) effects your life. Well that makes perfect sense so far … and that to enhance your life you need your energy or Chi (pronounced chee) to be running smoothly, clearly and full of life energy. So; clean environment equals clean life. Easy!. Feng Shui is a very nice belief – it has loop holes well they are actually referred to as cures. And for every problem (hmmm don’t like that word) rather obstacle, yes that’s better, for every obstacle there is a cure.

Let me give you an example – your front door runs in direct line with your back door – the belief here is that money / opportunities come straight in and go straight out – the loophole … err cure – place an item (I’ll explain those in a moment) in the path which will assist the Chi in keeping things running smoothly and stop the money / opportunities going straight out as soon as they come in. (front door green, back door red).

Cures: The following are the eight cures associated with Feng Shui. It is worth noting here that you do need to maintain your cure. Cures are designed to work in harmony with the surroundings and enhance the Chi. How much do think a dirty aquarium or a dusty television enhances the harmony? So, perhaps you’ve placed some cures around the house and they are just not making too much difference, when was the last time you cleaned them?

The Eight Feng Shui cures:

• Crystals, Lights, Mirrors – anything bright that will refract light.
• Wind chimes, bells – sounds.
• Aquariums, live plants, flowers – living items.
• Mobiles, windmill, fountain, pond – moving items.
• Statues, stones – large / heavy items.
• Television, stereo, alarm clock – electrical items.
• Bamboo flutes.
• Colours.

Below I have listed some of the major obstacles you may face in your day to day life and listed the cure. Just before I start this area let me share with you a couple of changes we have experienced since adhering to the Feng Shui beliefs. My husband and I spent an entire weekend digging and digging and digging and digging (we own one shovel and one hammer between us) to create a fish pond in our front yard. My oh my what a magnificent piece of work-person-ship it was. Monday morning my husband was offered one of the best jobs he has ever had – and he still loves it 2 years later. After moving our office area into a bigger room, following all the beliefs about which way to place our desks, monitors etc – we won a computer – three days later! Please don’t try to read between the lines here – I am in no way saying that Feng Shui will help you win the lottery or pay off that debt quicker. It just appears to smooth things out so they flow better. Sometimes what you think you want to happen doesn’t. I convinced a girlfriend who was having relationship problems to “fix” their living room, which was the main room of the house and where her and her partner spent the majority of their time together. We sat down, figured out the plan and layout and she applied the principles, 8 days later their relationship was over and she left, mind you as distressing as that was – she now couldn’t be happier.

It is said that any opportunities or money are easily lost when the front door is in line with the back door. It is believed that any money / opportunities will come in and go out just as quickly.

Place either a crystal or a wind chime in the path to displace any negative chi and enhance and strengthen positive chi.

90% of all Australian homes have been designed with the main bedroom located directly off the main entrance at the front of the house. The Feng Shui belief is that the residents will not feel at peace and be somewhat insecure due to this bedroom placement. If you cannot relocate yourself to another room in the house then you need to place a mirror in line with your main bedroom, behind the middle point in the house, facing toward your bedroom.

Your home is divided into the areas of the Bagwa – a Bagwa is an octagon divided into eight areas which are deemed: career, knowledge, family, wealth, fame, marriage, children and helpful people. If your house is an odd shape you are said to be missing that part of the Bagwa.

   As shown in the diagram to the left the garage juts out in front of the rest of the house, the red area is the missing section, the green square is the place to put your cure (it would be noted that the knowledge section of the Bagwa is missing here). Using the diagram as an example, (as shown in red) we note that the Bagwa is missing a section – a simple cure would be to place a statue, pond or large stone (as shown in green) in this area to balance out and restore harmony to the Bagwa.

With stairs directly facing the front door, similar obstacles may be encountered as with a front and back door in line with each other. The chi, opportunities and money can simply climb out of reach. Place either a crystal or a wind chime in the path to displace any negative chi and enhance and strengthen positive chi.

This is another one of those western rituals that many house designers have included into their designs. Unfortunately the exposed beams are said to stifle and block the flow of chi. So much so that all matters can become stagnant. Hang two bamboo flutes with red ribbons attached to them, creating the effect of the octagon within the area It is also advisable that you do not place any furniture directly under a beam.

Similar concepts to an odd shaped house, however whilst a piece of your Bagwa is not missing, without the required attention that area could become stagnant. If you cannot find a use for the room, firstly ensure that the room is keep clean and tidy. Secondly place an electrical item of some type in the room – a lamp, an electrical clock (even a wind up clock) or simply a plant. Anything that will create and keep Chi circulating in that area.

It is said that you will be unsettled and a nervous type of person if you cannot see anyone that might enter your room from your bed. Move your bed into a correct position – the best place is directly opposite the door. If this is not possible you can place a mirror in a position so as to allow you full sight of the door.

Similarly to a room in your home not being used a hot plate (or burners) on your stove not being used regularly is said to stifle your families ability to receive wealth. The kitchen is considered to represent wealth, and simply utilising all burners opens up many opportunities for wealth.

Symbols of death are considered ill luck, so anything to do with your business or your garden that makes an association with death or dying should be removed, covered or changed. Re-shape the garden or remove it completely.

  This can be especially unbalancing if the person you face is your superior. Your energies are in a constant state of flux, with your boss constantly scrutinising you. Place a crystal ball (as shown in yellow) or crystal paperweight or even a gold fish in a bowl, between the two desks to balance the chi and create a more harmonious working environment.

Your desk position and computer position can influence not only your working environment but that of other team members, especially if you are the leader. You need to have a peaceful environment in which to work and must not have your back to the door – so as to be constantly “on guard” in case someone comes up to you. Your desk and computer needs to be diagonally opposite the door to your office, endeavour to make sure it does not block your view of the door. This positioning will allow you to see anyone who enters your office. If you are in a situation where your back is to the door, you will need to place a mirror in front of you so as to reflect anyone behind you.

Burglar alarms have been around a lot longer than you first thought. Feng Shui principles have a couple of years on some of the more modern alarms. This principle can be applied in your home equally as well. Attach a bell to your door – so anyone wanting to steal from you is said to be unnerved by the bells when the door opens.

No-one wants to enter an office to be met by a pokey, small confined area. It is believed that if the entrance to an office is small, dark and narrow – so shall the effect be placed upon the business. Place either a crystal, stronger lighting or mirrors in the entrance area to displace any negative chi and enhance and strengthen positive chi.

The right placement for your cash register can dictate many aspects of your business. Cash registers should not be positioned in a way so as to block the view of the front door and equally not so far away so as to be considered “out of reach”. Mirrors and crystals hung behind the register can increase business and metaphorically double the contents of the register, a great place for your I Ching coins.

If the manager in an office shares with a subordinate the one that sits further from the door is considered the boss. Again, desk position dictates seniority with the person furthermost away from the door having a greater view and said to be more relaxed and open, the person closest to the door is said to be thought of as the underling. If you are the leader you may need to re-locate your desk to place it further away from the door. (Red desk, would be good placement for manager).

Having your back to the door during your business hours can lead to many obstacles, all generated by the fact that you are constantly on edge, having no prior warning when people approach. If you have two doors in your office, the door that is used more commonly by visitors is said to be the main door, and therefore judged as the pivotal positioning peg. At a preference you should be diagonally opposite the door. If you cannot move and your back is to the door you will need to place a mirror in front of you so as to reflect anyone behind you.

Source: http://www.newagestore.com/research/