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Eastern Medicine Reveals How Face Mapping Exposes Hidden Stress

June 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Face mapping began in China around 3,000 years ago, and they believe this practice can show one’s inner health, as well as expose hidden stress. Most people deal with occasional skin breakouts and redness and usually turn to skin creams for relief. However, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine state that skin problems point to underlying health issues, so skin creams just serve as a bandage for the real problem.

Practitioners of face mapping say that each area of the face corresponds to different organs. And that when one goes out of balance, the skin will reflect it. The Chinese believe that an energy force, called qi, or chi, flows to and from organs on invisible pathways in the body. Below, we’ll go over what face mapping can tell you about different aspects of your health, and typical lifestyle habits that sabotage our well-being.

What is face mapping?

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First of all, let’s talk a little about what face mapping entails, and how you can use it to analyze your health. Face mapping considers many aspects of what makes up a person’s health, such as allergies, stress levels, hormones, genetics, diet, age, personality, and body type (or dosha, in Ayurveda). Most people seek a face mapping practitioner due to acne, as flare-ups in certain areas mean that specific organs have an imbalance.

However, you can also use face mapping for skin conditions such as redness, wrinkles, rashes from skin allergies, and other facial conditions. While Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have slight differences in face maps, they divide the face into at least ten zones corresponding to various organs.

Here’s how each area of the face corresponds to a different organ, and what that means for your health:

Pimples on the forehead — governed by the bladder and small intestine, may be tied to unmanaged stress, poor digestion and lack of sleep.
Breakouts between/above your eyebrows or nose — corresponds to an imbalance in the stomach, kidneys, liver, bladder, or spleen. If you notice acne near your nostrils, it may represent an imbalance of gut bacteria and inflammation in the small intestine.
Lines or wrinkles near the eyes or between eyebrows — can indicate repressed negative emotions or a poor diet. Represents problems with the liver or spleen
Breakouts or lines above the eyebrows — correspond to problems with the heart.
Puffiness under the eyes — poor kidney function, likely due to inadequate water intake
Acne below the lips and on the jaw — hormone imbalance, problems with the reproductive system, as well as the large intestine, colon, and stomach. If acne forms below the mouth, it could mean an imbalance in the entire digestive tract. For women, especially, it could mean a problem with the hormones.
Red cheeks — usually mean a blockage in the stomach or respiratory system. May indicate gut bacteria imbalance. Breakouts here point to allergies or sinus problems.
Red nose — redness or blackheads on the nose may mean heart troubles or high blood pressure.
Irritation on your neck — points to stress that affects the immune system.

While face mapping is widely used in Eastern cultures to diagnose illnesses and treat stress, there isn’t a whole lot of evidence to back up the claims. Western medicine tends to ascribe to the idea that pimples appear on the face simply because of overactivity in glands that secrete oils. Some doctors believe that redness on the face may indicate hormonal problems or stress.

Modern dermatology lists the following reasons for acne or redness on the face:

Hormonal imbalances, especially androgen dominance which is known to cause acne
Elevated stress levels
Overactive oil glands in the T-zone of the face, which can lead to breakouts
Lack of quality sleep
Not washing the face, which allows dead skin and oils to build-up.
Poor gut health and poor diet in general
Allergies and immune responses
Irritation or allergies from skincare and beauty products
Genetics
Sunburns
Lack of circulation
Diseases such as heart disease or diabetes
Environmental toxin exposure

Face mapping also addresses many of these issues above, especially stress. However, most dermatologists say that you should look at your daily skincare routine and lifestyle choices to figure out the culprit. Do you clean your face every day with non-toxic facial washes? Use sunscreen while you’re out in the sun? Do you eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly? Get enough sleep?

If you follow a healthy lifestyle and still have breakouts, you should consider making an appointment with a face mapping practitioner or dermatologist for more help. While face mapping doesn’t have much science behind it yet, you shouldn’t rule it out as a possible treatment route. After all, they’ve been using it in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, so there must be something to it.

Face mapping can be compared to acupuncture in that they both use the qi, or meridian system, to diagnose underlying problems. However, most studies show that this system “lacks a physical anatomical basis.”

Differences between Ayurvedic and Chinese face mapping

In traditional Chinese medicine, they focus more on the body’s meridian system, while Ayurveda diagnoses underlying problems based on someone’s body type or dosha.

There are three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and they determine one’s mental constitution as well. Any physical or spiritual imbalances show up in different parts of the body, depending on the dosha.

In Chinese medicine, they believe that any underlying problems will show up on the face. In Ayurveda, they listen to a patient’s issues and give them a specific treatment based on what dosha they determine suffers from an imbalance.

Dermalogica Face Mapping

Dermalogica is a company that offers skin treatment based on a combination of scientific knowledge and Chinese medicine. While they rely on ancient wisdom from Ayurvedic and Chinese face mapping, they mainly treat issues due to sun exposure, inadequate water intake, irritation from skincare products, and hormonal problems.

According to the Dermatologica website, the skin analysis they perform on patients “involves looking at your skin with a trained eye, touching your skin, and asking you questions about your lifestyle and environment.”

Dermalogica gives you a “Personalized Skin Fitness Plan” based on the results you get from your skin analysis as well as solid dermatology advice. They want to identify each patient’s skin goals and get an idea of their lifestyle so they can recommend products and lifestyle adjustments to fit each patient.

Here are some common recommendations made by the consultants at the company:

Avoiding irritating skin care and perfume products
Avoid using makeup that clogs pores.
Preventing sun damage
Getting adequate water intake
Addressing stress
Eating a balanced diet.
Avoiding foods that cause skin reactions
Clean your cellphone, pillows, and anything else that touches the face regularly.

The service only takes a few minutes to complete and is done by a qualified representative at Dermalogica. If this interests you, you can look on their website to find a nearby store to get your skin analysis.

In general, doctors and scientists recommend the following to take care of your skin and overall health:

Watch your intake of high calorie and processed foods.
Avoid too much salt or sugar in your diet.
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
Get enough sleep
Exercise regularly
Protect your skin when you’re out in the sun
Keep your mindset positive.
Get regular checkups with your doctor.

Final thoughts on face mapping and how it can reveal hidden stress

According to Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, the face can reveal deeper issues with the organs, such as heart disease, diabetes, stress, and other health problems. Redness, acne, wrinkles, or lines on the face mean that the energy flow is imbalanced in the body. Poor functioning of the body’s organs shows up in the skin because the energy needs somewhere to go, and the skin is the largest organ in the body.

Most people use face mapping because of problems with acne, which practitioners believe could point to a kidney or digestive issue. Also, acne on the chin and jaw could represent higher stress levels and hormone imbalances. Dermalogica face mapping is prevalent in many locations, including in salons and spas. If you’d like to get face mapping services, this one only takes a few minutes and is done by a qualified professional.

How to Make Disinfectant Wipes at Home

June 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

There’s nothing quite as satisfying than having a home that is sparkling clean. As you survey each room, you feel pleased that they are clutter-free, and all surfaces are dustless and pristine. It’s what you don’t see that maybe the problem, even in a spotless house.

Studies indicate that we share our abode with billions of bacteria and viruses. While many bacteria are harmless and even beneficial, many more are a health hazard to humans and pets. Cleaning your house does not eliminate all the microbes in the air or the ones that can survive on surfaces for days.

Because of these invisible invaders, you must clean your home with a disinfectant. You’d be surprised where harmful germs are lurking. They cling to nearly all household surfaces, but they can also be present in the air you and your family breathe.

Have you noticed that you or your family get sick often? You may have more asthma flareups or a nagging cough that doesn’t seem to get better. Could your impeccably clean dwelling be hiding germs that are making you sick?

Whatever microbes are in your home’s air that you don’t inhale will settle on household surfaces. When you use a powerful disinfectant on everything in each room, you can kill most harmful bacteria and viruses. Anything that your family touches needs to be properly disinfected to keep illnesses and viral infections at bay.

Common Hiding Places for Microbes In Your Home

If you are like most people, your strictest attention goes to the kitchen and bathroom when you’re cleaning your house. Although you may scrub your kitchen from top to bottom, rouge microbes may be hiding in places you never imagined. Check out these areas when you use a disinfectant.

• Kitchen

Remember that food draws microbes like a magnet, so it’s imperative to keep anything that comes in contact with it clean. Your kitchen sink is a potential breeding ground for bacteria, so disinfect it often. To disinfect your kitchen sponges, run them through the dishwasher or microwave them for two minutes.

• Bathroom

Would you brush your teeth with the same brush you scrub your toilet? Each time you flush with the lid up, you send microscopic fecal matter throughout the bathroom, which can land on your toothbrushes and towels. Sanitize or replace your toothbrushes often and wipe down faucet handles with disinfecting wipes. Finally, close the lid to your commode before you flush it.

• Electronics

Television and gaming controls are notorious for harboring hazardous bacteria because many people don’t think of washing their hands before or after touching them. You can also collect countless germs and viruses on your cell phone, so be sure to disinfect all these technological gadgets.

• Bedrooms

Did you know that you share your bed with millions of microscopic freeloaders each night? You bring germs on your body from outside and in your home, but most mattresses have mites. Vacuum and disinfect your mattress, bedclothes, and bedroom furniture regularly.

• Your Floors

Think of all the disgusting things you walk through in a day. If you and the kids wear your shoes in the house, you are depositing these microbes everywhere you step. To be on the safe side, leave your shoes at the door and go barefoot or wear slippers in the house, and ask guests to do the same.

Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting

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We often use the words cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting interchangeably, but they are not the same. While each aspect is necessary for a clean and safe home, disinfecting completes the germ-killing task. Once you add it to your list of chores, disinfecting becomes second nature.

Almost everyone has a regular house cleaning routine. When you clean, you remove visible dirt, grime, and dust from everything in the house. Using proprietary or homemade cleaning products as well as other cleaning tools, make your home less inviting to invasive microbes.

You may remove a few germs by cleaning, but you will kill more when you sanitize. Many cleaning products also have sanitizing ingredients for all the surfaces in your home. Sanitizing typically removes enough microbes that scientists deem is enough to be safe.

In addition to regular cleaning and sanitizing, health experts recommend that you also use a disinfectant. When you disinfect surfaces in each area of your home, you can expect to remove nearly 100 percent of bacteria and viruses that can make your family sick.

Choosing a Disinfectant

Do you want to save money and make disinfectant wipes at home? You’ll need a disinfectant, which is inexpensive and easy to find in the store. Buy the best quality brand that your budget allows.

• Isopropyl or Ethyl Alcohol

You probably recognize these as rubbing alcohol. To make wipes that will disinfect efficiently, purchase alcohol that is at least 70%. If you add a little bit of water, you can strengthen the alcohol’s effect.

• Chlorine Bleach

In the household world of disinfecting agents, chlorine bleach has been the reigning Queen of Clean for generations. Bleach effectively kills germs and viruses on contact. The only downside to using chlorine bleach is that it has a strong smell, can be corrosive to some surfaces, and is dangerous if accidentally mixed with other compounds.

• Vodka

If you want to make some disinfecting wipes in a hurry and can’t find anything else, go to your liquor cabinet. Did you know that vodka at least 120 proof can kill bacteria and viruses in your home? It is clear, odorless, and evaporates quickly without the need to rinse.

How to Make DIY Disinfectant Wipes

Are you tired of paying high prices for proprietary disinfecting wipes at the store? Why not make your own and have fun while you are saving cash. Since you are using chemicals, it may be a good idea if you do this project without the kids. Here are the things you will need:

An inexpensive roll of paper towels or reusable cloths
Your choice of disinfectant
If using paper towels, a round container with a lid
For reusable materials, use a flat square container with a lid
A few drops of essential oil, optional

If you are using chlorine bleach, add four teaspoons of bleach to a quart of water. Remember to use gloves when you are handling full-strength bleach. Never add essential oils or any other solution directly to chlorine bleach because you can create a hazardous chemical reaction.

First, put your paper towels or cloths in the container. Add either enough bleach solution, alcohol, or vodka, so it doesn’t overflow. If you are using alcohol or vodka, feel free to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a natural scent.

Did you know that many essential oils are naturally antibacterial and antifungal? Lavender and tea tree oil smell heavenly and will destroy most microbes in their path. You may also choose citrus oils like lemon or grapefruit or make a pleasing combination of scents.

Seal your container and allow the wipes to soak in the solution for at least five minutes or overnight. If you are using paper towels, you may need to cut the roll in half to fit into the container. Use a dedicated box that isn’t used for food and label it so that you will know the contents.

When you use paper towels, you can turn your container into a handy dispenser. Use a craft knife to carefully cut an X in the center of the container lid. Remove and discard the center cardboard from the roll and thread the first inner towel into the lid’s opening. Your homemade wipes will dispense just as quickly as the store-bought ones.

Using Your Disinfecting Wipes

While chlorine bleach is a powerful disinfecting solution, it’s strength quickly fades when you dilute it with water. Wipes made with a bleach solution are only good for a day, so that you may consider only making a few. Always wear rubber gloves when using bleach wipes, so they don’t irritate your skin.

Use your wipes on non-porous surfaces in your home to disinfect them. Avoid using bleach products on natural stone or stainless-steel surfaces. These wipes are handy to use on doorknobs, handles, and other germ collectors that are often forgotten.

For a disinfecting wipe to work effectively, the solution must stay on the surface between five and ten minutes. A solution made with alcohol or vodka will usually evaporate on their own. However, you should wipe bleached surfaces with a plain cloth to remove residue.

While it’s commendable to be thrifty, don’t take it too far when using disinfecting wipes. Once you use a wipe on a surface, discard it, or put the cloth ones in the wash. If you keep using the same wipe in a room, you are just transferring germs to another surface.

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Final Thoughts on Saving Cash and Make Disinfectant Wipes at Home

You needn’t spend a lot of cash on store-bought disinfecting wipes. You can make ones at home that work just as well for a fraction of the cost. For your family’s well-being, try to disinfect your home at least once a week during your cleaning regimen and develop some new, clean, healthy habits.

New Research Reveals a Connection Between Negativity and Alzheimer’s

June 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Scientists have uncovered a lot of new research about Alzheimer’s in the past decade. For instance, they’ve found a clear link between a sugary diet and Alzheimer’s, as well as how the disease could present with anxiety symptoms in its early stages. However, most people wouldn’t think twice about the connection between negativity and Alzheimer’s.

Negative thinking can cause a lot of health problems. Issues range from headaches to insomnia to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Over time, negativity can rewire your brain, lower your immune system, and decrease cognitive functioning. All of this can lead to Alzheimer’s in the long run. Of course, no one can feel happy all the time. But for the sake of our health, we should try to maintain a positive disposition more often than not.

Below, we’ll go over the research that links negative thinking with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. And we will discuss how you can lower your risk of getting it.

Here’s how negativity can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s:

In a study of 292 people over the age of 55, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, researchers found ‘repetitive negative thinking’ (RNT) led to cognitive decline as well as higher deposits of dangerous proteins associated with Alzheimer’s. The researchers now believe that RNT poses a significant risk to brain health and that scientists should do more research on its link to dementia. They also say that mitigation tools such as mindfulness or meditation should be investigated to see how they can help lower Alzheimer’s risk.

Lead author Dr. Natalie Marchant of UCL Psychiatry said: “Depression and anxiety in mid-life and old age are already known to be risk factors for dementia. Here, we found that specific thinking patterns implicated in depression and anxiety could be an underlying reason why people with those disorders are more likely to develop dementia.

“Taken alongside other studies, which link depression and anxiety with dementia risk, we expect that chronic negative thinking patterns over a long period of time could increase the risk of dementia. We do not think the evidence suggests that short-term setbacks would increase one’s risk of dementia.

We hope that our findings could be used to develop strategies to lower people’s risk of dementia by helping them to reduce their negative thinking patterns.” -Dr. Natalie Marchant

The Alzheimer’s Society helped fund the study, and the research team included scientists and psychiatrists from UCL, INSERM, and McGill University. They studied 292 people in one group, as well as 68 from another cohort, all over the age of 55. Over two years, they asked them questions about how they think about negative experiences. Researchers made sure to focus on RNT patterns such as rumination about the past and worry over future events. Participants also completed questionnaires about anxiety and depression symptoms.

About the study

Researchers assessed their cognitive function as well, measuring memory, attention, spatial cognition, and language. 113 of the participants also underwent PET brain scans, which measured deposits of tau and amyloid proteins. These proteins in the brain can cause Alzheimer’s disease when they build up over a long period.

The researchers found that people who showed higher RNT patterns experienced a more significant rate of cognitive decline over four years. They also had poorer memory (which usually points to early-onset Alzheimer’s), and they had more amyloid and tau deposits in their brain. Depression and anxiety caused a more significant cognitive decline, but not amyloid or tau deposits. These factors led scientists to conclude that RNT could be a factor in why depression and anxiety increase Alzheimer’s risk.

“We propose that repetitive negative thinking may be a new risk factor for dementia as it could contribute to dementia in a unique way,” said Dr. Marchant.

Here are five signs someone could have Alzheimer’s

How exactly does negativity cause Alzheimer’s?

Researchers believe that RNT might contribute to Alzheimer’s because of its impact on markers of stress, such as high blood pressure since other studies have linked greater levels of stress to amyloid and tau deposits.

Co-author Dr. Gael Chételat (INSERM and Université de Caen-Normandie) commented: “Our thoughts can have a biological impact on our physical health, which might be positive or negative. Mental training practices such as meditation might help to promote positive- while down-regulating negative-associated mental schemes.

“Looking after your mental health is important, and it should be a major public health priority, as it’s not only important for people’s health and well-being in the short term, but it could also impact your eventual risk of dementia.” -Dr. Gael Chételat

Researchers want to do more investigating the impact of mindfulness and targeted talk therapy on people at high risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some of the doctors involved in the study, as well as other European researchers, have started working on a project to see how mindfulness or meditation may reduce dementia risk in older people.

Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Understanding the factors that can increase the risk of dementia is vital in helping us improve our knowledge of this devastating condition and, where possible, developing prevention strategies. The link shown between repeated negative thinking patterns and both cognitive decline and harmful deposits is interesting, although we need further investigation to understand this better.

The study participants

Most of the people in the study were already identified as being at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, so we would need to see if these results are echoed within the general population and if repeated negative thinking increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease itself.

“During these unstable times, we are hearing from people every day on our Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect line who are feeling scared, confused, or struggling with their mental health. So it’s important to point out that this isn’t saying a short-term period of negative thinking will cause Alzheimer’s disease. Mental health could be a vital cog in the prevention and treatment of dementia; more research will tell us to what extent.”

Here’s how you can lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s:

Another study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia provides hope for those predisposed to Alzheimer’s and outlines a specific plan for people to follow to reduce symptoms within 18 months. The program involves diet changes, exercise routines, and cognitive exercises. The study, led by Dr. Robert Isaacson, founder of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic in New York, involved 154 patients between the ages of 25-86. Isaacson and his staff asked some of his clients to volunteer for the study.

While the patients didn’t show any symptoms of Alzheimer’s, they had a history of it in their family. They also showed a decline in cognitive functions on specific tests but did not have a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Thirty-five of the volunteers showed beginning stages of cognitive impairment, but not enough to where it affected their daily lives significantly.

Researchers asked all the volunteers many questions about family health and medical history. Then, they gave them cognitive tests to determine their overall health. For the patients who showed cognitive impairment, researchers gave them further evaluations. Then, the research team presented the members with a specialized list of 21 activities to follow. They placed the most significant importance on nutrition and exercise and gave each patient a personalized plan for both areas.

Here were some of the recommendations given by the research team:

Sleep
Alcohol intake
Dairy consumption
Vitamins and minerals
Listening to music
Meditation
Learning something new
Stress and avoidance of negativity
Overall medical care

The results of the study

Shockingly, the patients who showed mild cognitive impairment who followed at least 12 of the 21 activities had markedly improved memory and cognitive skills just 18 months later.

Those with cognitive decline who didn’t follow at least 60% of the activities showed no improvement. Instead, they declined in cognitive health. Those who had a family history of Alzheimer’s but didn’t show any symptoms also had improved cognitive health. That outcome occurred even if they followed fewer than 60% of the recommendations.

Final thoughts about the connection between negativity and Alzheimer’s

Research about how to prevent Alzheimer’s is still in the beginning stages. However, scientists have come a long way in understanding the disease. They know that dwelling on negativity for extended periods could increase your risk for developing it. That’s especially relevant information for those predisposed to it. They’ve found that negative thinking can exacerbate depression and anxiety, which have also been associated with Alzheimer’s in some cases.

To prevent the disease, it all starts with taking your health into your own hands. Here are some changes you can make to decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s:

Exercise regularly
Follow a healthy diet.
Get enough sleep
Keep your stress low through meditation.
Get enough sunshine
Have positive relationships

Above all else, keep negativity out of your mind as much as possible. When you think negatively, it keeps you in a lower vibration. And that only invites disease into your mind and body.

You can’t separate the mind and body, because what we do to one affects the other immensely. As you practice more positive thinking, you will start to see the benefits in all areas of your life.

Therapists Reveal 10 Behaviors of Unhappy Couples

June 22, 2020 by Deborah Tayloe

Relationships are hard work. At first, things may seem easy when you’re in the cupcake phase. Love, romance, and a genuine connection initially seem to flow like water, but over time, these things may dwindle to the occasional show of affection. Unhappy couples result from not being mindful of the effort it takes to maintain affection for the long haul.

The easy solution to an unhappy or toxic relationship is to leave it, but many people don’t. This situation is because, deep down, they either want to save the relationship or they don’t want to be alone. A human’s innate need for companionship often keeps them in a bad partnership.

Whether you’re reading this to figure out if someone in your life is in an unhealthy relationship or reading this for yourself, these ten therapist-curated signs can help you identify unhappy couples.

10 Red Flags of Unhappy Couples, According to Therapists

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1. Passive aggression becomes common.

Unhappy couples have passive aggression down to a science. They don’t want to get into a full-out argument but want to make a point. They want their significant other to feel that point. In many cases, an annoyed partner may be unaware of passive aggression.

Passive aggression comes in certain degrees or levels. It can be mild and easy to miss (for a while). However, if it’s a substantial degree, it can lead to full-out arguments anyway, causing even more unhappiness. Things become worse as the passive-aggressive behavior continues without a resolution. It’s common to see discontent couples be aggressive about passive-aggressive behavior.

2. New experiences rarely happen.

Remember when it seemed like you were always sharing something new with your partner? The thrill of a shared, unique experience kept the relationship alive and exciting. You were probably in love and loving it. The spontaneity of it kept you excited because you never knew what was around the corner.

Unhappy couples can find that those new experiences aren’t happening anymore. One big reason is that they probably aren’t spending as much time together. Some of it is just that the magic hides underneath resentment or depression. Either way, a lack of new experiences is one of the signs of unhappiness.

3. Unhappy couples often compare current behaviors to past behaviors.

Daydreaming about how a partner used to be is a tell-tale sign that someone is unhappy in their current relationship. This wishful thinking means that there is nothing new to dwell on. The connection is stagnant or worse. The significant other has changed.

It’s not uncommon for both partners to reminisce about how the other person used to be. When one partner changes, the other partner can often mirror the behaviors. They can be unaware that they’ve changed, also. It’s worse when the couple decides not to discuss what they’re missing. This miscommunication leads to two miserable people who may have trouble admitting they’re no longer happy.

4. The excitement in the relationship is replaced with mundane living.

Unhappy couples may find that their relationship is no longer exciting. Fun dates, secret rendezvous, spontaneous trips, passionate sex, or even unique gifts have replaced work, kids, chores, or other boring life activities. Even worse, it may have been replaced by drugs or alcohol.

For couples with troubled relationships, it can be hard to bring excitement into a relationship they aren’t excited about. The spark just isn’t there anymore. Doing things that once were exciting can now feel like a chore. Getting back to a relationship that keeps you on your toes once you hit this point is hard, but it’s not impossible. Both parties must be willing to put aside their differences and try.

5. Date night has disappeared.

Going on dates is an essential part of any relationship. It’s a way for couples to connect, build friendships, and keep the fire burning in a relationship. The date doesn’t have to be some grand event. As long as it involves the couple spending quality time alone with each other, it’s a perfect bonding experience.

When couples aren’t going on dates, you can be sure that one or both parties are unhappy. Dianne Grande, a licensed clinical psychologist, wrote, “when there is strong resistance to planning couples time, I wonder whether both partners are avoiding time alone together. If this is a long-standing pattern, it is worth considering whether one or both of you have a fear of emotional intimacy and deal with that fear by always including other friends or family in your free time.”

If date night has disappeared from the relationship, that’s a definite sign that something is wrong, and not dealing with that can zap the happiness away fast.

6. Disagreements on who is right or wrong happen often.

One of the most prominent signs of unhappiness is constant disagreements or arguments. It can be about something as significant as being accused of cheating or as minor as whose turn it is to do the dishes. When someone is in an unhappy relationship, everything has the potential to get on their nerves.

Many disagreements happen because unhappy couples don’t discuss things like they need to. This discontent could be the source of unhappiness – a lack of communication. Neither party expresses what they want or need from the relationship when communication breaks down. This outcome can lead to resentment, anger, and disappointment, contributing to unhappiness.

7. Unhappy couples don’t know each other’s schedules.

People don’t need to know their partner’s schedule minute by minute, but they should have some general idea of where their partner is during the day. This is because happy couples take an interest in each other’s lives. Happy couples probably text each other about exciting things during their days, which allows them to know where their significant other is.

Then you have the couples who seem to have no clue of their significant other’s whereabouts. Even stranger, they seem not to care. They might also change the subject away from their significant other. This is a glaring indicator of an unhappy couple.

8. Flirting and touching become a thing of the past.

Sometimes couples can get so used to each other that they feel they don’t need to work hard to keep each other. That means gentle whispers in the ear, playful touching, and flirting no longer happen. This could signify a relationship that needs a refresher but is paired with other symptoms. You can bet that the couple is unhappy.

This is especially true if they don’t touch each other at all. The absence of hugs and kisses says a lot. They may even go out of their way to avoid touching each other. This is a sign of severe relationship problems.

9. They don’t have a lot of meaningful conversations.

Healthy, happy couples talk about any and everything. They love talking to each other because they’re friends and lovers. Conversations can often get intense and intellectual when couples mesh well. It’s almost as if they’re on the same wavelength.

This is why it would be strange if they don’t have meaningful conversations. One-liners and one-word answers indicate tension between the two. There may even be a lack of eye contact when they talk. This means that things need to be said but are being held in. These suppressed feelings and expressions can lead to a lot of unhappiness.

10. They’re always on their phones in the presence of each other.

Have you ever tried to talk to someone who is always on their phone? You quickly feel that they aren’t paying you attention, mainly because they won’t even look at you. In most cases, that’s what’s happening, exactly.

Couples who are always on their phones when around each other are merely not paying each other any attention. This could be because they’ve lost interest in each other or, as mentioned previously, avoiding each other. Either way, paying more attention to social media than a significant other is a clear sign of unhappy couples.

Learn how to grieve for a lost relationship.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Signs of Unhappy Couples

No matter how much they may try to hide it, unhappy couples are apparent. Everything can be a giveaway, including their words, actions, and glances. Interestingly, unhappy couples will stick together and not try to fix what’s making them depressed. Sometimes, they may not also be aware of how miserable they are.

Some couples grow so accustomed to living the way they do that they don’t even recognize the signs, no matter how obvious they are. Whether you’re reading this article for a friend or trying to discover if you’re in an unhappy relationship, these ten signs will clue you in on what’s happening.

10 Reasons to Include Butter Coffee in Your Ketogenic Diet

June 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you one of the countless people across the country who isn’t alive until you’ve had your morning cup of Joe? You savor the warm, enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the kick of caffeine to take you through another hectic day. What if this delicious beverage could benefit your efforts on a keto diet?

Do You Know About Keto?

Even if you’re a newcomer to the diet and fitness world, you’ve probably heard about the ketogenic diet. Whether you are browsing through the grocery store, Internet surfing, or reading a magazine, you’ll see something about it. The popular food has spawned a plethora of books, magazines, and websites devoted to helping people lose weight the keto way.

The premise of the keto diet is to severely reduce your carbohydrate intake while increasing your fat grams, which goes against the fat-free diet craze of the past decades. Research suggests that when your carbs are reduced, your body begins to burn fat for energy, a process called ketosis.

While keto-conscience might seem like a wave of the future, it’s not a new concept. Dr. Russell Wilder developed an eating plan in the early 1920s to help his epileptic patients. His research found that when his subjects’ bodies went into ketosis, it benefited his patients. He also noticed that his patients were losing weight.

Like most dieting trends, what’s old is new again. Research has gleaned more information since Wilder’s studies and promote the keto diet as a sound way to lose weight. As a backlash against the current anti-fat campaign, many Americans have embraced keto as a silver bullet for weight loss.

Proponents of keto claim that they have more energy and lose weight and inches than on previous diets. Instead of tolerating bland reduced or fat-free foods, keto encourages dieters to enjoy full-fat versions, including butter. So, you can ditch the margarine and slather on the butter.

Are You Better with a Bit of Butter?

For the past few years, butter and other venerable dairy products were demonized by the fad diet industry. As medical science discovered more about saturated fat and its link to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, they sounded the anti-fat alarm. They encouraged an overweight America to shun butter and other fat-laden foods, only to replace them with foods that presented another issue.

Not only do most keto diet plans urge you to eat full-fat foods, but some encourage you to be creative with them. Keto websites share a plethora of recipes for tasty fat bombs, which are snacks that are supposed to jumpstart ketosis. One of the most popular of these unique fatty recipes is buttery rich coffee.

Please Pass the Butter for Coffee?

For generations, coffee aficionados have sipped their favorite beverage in every way imaginable. Various roasting styles and added ingredients created iconic coffee drinks popular around the world. From cream-laden mochas, lattes, and cappuccinos to intense espressos, everyone has a favorite.

While many coffee fans prefer their brew au naturel, you may be like others and like to add a dash of sugar and a splash of cream. You might also be adventurous and experiment with the myriad of flavored syrups available to enhance your java experience. You might be open to new taste sensations for your cup of Joe, but would you consider butter?

Doctors reveal that butter is healther than margarine.

How to Make a Delicious Hot Cup of Butter Coffee

Pure, creamy butter lends a lovely rich flavor to meats, vegetables, and baked goods. When you consider adding butter to your coffee for taste and keto benefits, it makes sense. If literature’s favorite junior wizard and his friends are spellbound over butterbeer, then butter coffee could be a tasty treat.

Recipes for this creative concoction abound in books and online, with slight variations. The most basic formula is as follows:

•16 Ounces of Coffee of Your Choice
•1 Tbsp. Ghee, Pure Butter, or Clarified Butter

You should mix this thoroughly till you get a creamy consistency.

Ten Reasons Why You Need to Add Butter Coffee to Your Ketogenic Diet

If you’re on the fence about adding buttered coffee to your diet, then here are some things that might help to convince you. Here are ten reasons why this new trendy coffee should be part of your day.

1. It Fills You Up

Butter has such a high-fat content that it helps to fill you up when added to your coffee. It’s incredible how mixing a little bit of butter in your coffee can make such a difference in your hunger levels. Many people have found that they are not hungry until lunchtime by having a cup of coffee for breakfast and their favorite butter or MCT oil added.

If you use MCT oil, it gives you all the macronutrients you need, which only help to keep hunger at bay.

2. It Gives You Energy

Since fat is the most energy-dense macronutrient, adding a tablespoon to your coffee helps to rev you up. You will be amazed at the energy you have by merely drinking buttered coffee. There’s nothing that says you can only have this drink at breakfast, either. If you need a little kick after lunch, it’s easy to mix up this brew.

3. It Helps with Sleep

Americans get into a pattern where they are sleepy all day and wide awake at night. This process is a vicious cycle caused by the inability to get the proper rest the night before. When you drink bulletproof coffee, you have the energy to go all day long.

You may not need naps anymore as your stamina has improved so much. The result is that you’re ready to go to bed when it’s bedtime. You won’t have to fight sleep because of all the energy you have during the day, and you are more than ready for bed at night.

4. It Gives a Mental Boost for Clarity

The energy boost that you feel helps sustain you throughout the day, but people are reporting mental clarity with this coffee for some odd reason. Could fat not be as toxic as what people thought? For some reason, it seems to increase mental clarity as the fats boost brain chemicals.

Just make sure you’re using clarified butter, ghee, or MCT oil as margarine is a processed food that has toxic chemicals in it.

5. It Tastes Great

Buttered coffee tastes fantastic. You might think that it would be greasy, have an oily film floating on top, and be hard to drink. It feels like a little bit of heaven in your mouth. It’s not at all greasy and tastes great!

6. It Speeds up Weight Loss

Is it any wonder that weight loss is enhanced? Caffeine has long been taunted to speed up the metabolism, and coffee is loaded with it. However, when you add butter to it, it changes everything.

7. Butter is Better Than Sugar and Cream

Adding sugar and creamer packs on the calories. While it may taste good, butter can taste just as good, and you get all that beneficial fat. Sugar is terrible for your body and can slow weight loss, and it’s a no-no on the keto diet. However, butter is better in taste and health components.

8. Using Clarified Butter Gives You Healthy Omega 3s

It’s always best to use clarified butter because it’s full of healthy Omega 3s. Your body needs these healthy fats to protect your heart from disease. It’s incredible to think that adding clarified butter to your diet can protect your heart.

Clarified butter has a nutty flavor, so it enhances the taste of your coffee too.

9. Reduces Caffeine Sensitivity & Crashes

For some odd reason, people who drink lots of coffee can become sensitive to this “drug” found in coffee. They may experience heart palpitations and have nervous energy. Strangely, adding butter to your coffee, in addition to the ketogenic diet, helps to reduce any caffeine sensitivity you might have.

Plus, people report that they have fewer energy crashes during the afternoon when drinking it at breakfast. If you are always sleepy after lunch, then maybe a cup of this brew can help.

10. It Curbs Appetite and Cravings

The extra fat content is beneficial to helping you feel fuller longer, which means you eat fewer calories. When you eat fewer calories, you lose weight. Who doesn’t need help on their weight loss journey, not to mention anything extra it does to your metabolism.

Final Thoughts on Trying Butter Coffee

If you can’t imagine putting butter in your coffee, what do you have to lose? If you’re already on the ketogenic diet, what will it hurt to try a cup of buttery coffee? You may find that it’s the magic elixir that you’ve been looking for in your weight loss journey.

10 Red Flags of Anorexia Nervosa

June 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Eating disorders are a complicated mental illness that goes undiagnosed in America each day. Of the three different types, most people are probably familiar with anorexia nervosa. Unfortunately, many who have it continue to suffer because of denial.

While you’ve heard of anorexia, do you know its signs and symptoms and how dangerous it can be? Anorexia nervosa distorts people’s sense of reality while their body wastes away day by day. Knowing the facts about this debilitating disorder can empower you to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one if needed.

The Origins of Anorexia Nervosa

Although the medical world described symptoms of anorexia as early as the 17th century, the term anorexia nervosa wasn’t created until the mid-19th century. One school of thought credits an English physician for coining the word, while another claims it originated in France.

Either way, this devastating eating disorder entered the global spotlight and has intrigued medical experts ever since. The word anorexia is a transliteration of the original Greek meaning, no appetite. Since anorexia had several subcategories, Dr. Richard Gull added the qualifier Nervosa in the 1850s, which means nervous.

Together, the term denotes having no appetite because of nerve problems. We now know that the word anorexia may be a misnomer because patients often have a ravenous appetite but refuse to eat. It remains a mystery to scientists if the disorder is based on genetics, environmental influences, or both.

Social Backdrop of Eating Disorders

Thanks to Hollywood and the American media, we have generations of young people who never feel good enough. In past eras, full-figured men and women were considered healthy, wealthy, and attractive. Consider the Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

The global sense of beauty shifted on the scales in the latter 18th-early 19th century. Women endured painful undergarments and dangerous medications to keep an hour-glass figure. Some went to the extent of having ribs removed to create a wasp-like waistline, and eating disorders were commonplace.

This delusional concept of the ideal feminine form created self-body shame that has only worsened. Images of painfully thin supermodels like Twiggy and Kate Moss enticed young women into serious eating disorders like anorexia. Even after beloved songbird Karen Carpenter succumbed to the disease in 1983, many women continue to be blinded by false media body images.

Statistics of Anorexia Nervosa

Did you know that at this moment in America, at least four out of 100 women are anorexic? You may be shocked to discover that at least one out of every 100 men are too. The statistics may be higher since these only represent diagnosed cases, and not the ones left undiagnosed.

Anorexia nervosa is a recognized mental illness and is cataloged in the DSM-V used by mental health professionals for diagnoses. Sadly, this eating disorder has some of the highest relapse and mortality rates than all others. Because people with anorexia often have coexisting disorders such as depression and anxiety, suicide is usually the cause of death.

It’s a prominent misconception that this eating disorder is exclusive to women. Perhaps the illusion stems from the fact that more female cases are documented. Medical experts believe that because many men are hesitant to admit and be treated, male anorexia often goes unnoticed.

Could You Have Anorexia Nervosa?

As with any mental disorder, the first step in being treated for anorexia is to realize you have a problem. Unfortunately, one of the symptoms of this eating disorder is a skewed sense of self-reality, so patients continue to decline. If you believe a friend or loved one is anorexic, it’s essential to recognize the signs and symptoms before it’s too late.

Although eating disorders are more prominent in young women, don’t dismiss these warning signs just because you’re a guy. Many of these symptoms overlap with other serious eating disorders, so it’s crucial to consult with your professional healthcare provider.

Could you or someone you love be anorexic? Early intervention can save lives. These are the top ten red flags that usually indicate this life-threatening eating disorder.

10 Signs Someone Has Anorexia Nervosa

1. You Obsess About Your Body Image

Do you avoid mirrors because you hate your body? People who are anorexic can’t look beyond the bathroom scales to appreciate their unique beauty and talent. You may have an eating disorder if you are obsessed with weight loss and dream about liposuction and plastic surgery.

2. You’ve Lost Too Much Weight

Although standards of height and weight may vary slightly, they are a reasonable gauge for figuring your ideal weight and body mass index. Losing too much weight can be just as hazardous to your health as being overweight.

3. You Consider Your Body Image as Your Self-Worth

We are as unique as snowflakes and are a triune being of body, mind, and spirit. The sum of these plus your character makes your self-worth. If your self-esteem relies on your weight and body shape, you’re missing the whole picture.

A person who is anorexic feels constant self-loathing because of this body image distortion.

4. You Only Eat Low-Fat and Low-Calorie Foods

Of course, medical and fitness experts recommend eating whole, nutritious foods to maintain optimal health. Yes, we should make low-fat and low-calorie foods a priority in our meal plans. However, those with anorexia obsess about calories and fat content, always trying to lose more weight.

In addition to being obsessed with dieting and losing weight, those who are anorexic often are passionate about exercise. They will often spend hours in the gym or at home, exercising themselves into a frenzy. Unfortunately, their body is in starvation mode, and they can only lose muscle mass, which encourages the delusion.

5. You Won’t Eat in Public

People who have social anxiety don’t feel comfortable in a crowd, regardless of the gathering involves food. You could have an eating disorder like anorexia if you avoid eating in public for fear that people are watching what you eat. You may not want them to notice your eating habits or how little you eat.

Perhaps you may depend on a few slights of hand to detract attention from yourself if you cannot avoid eating a meal with family or friends. Maybe you put a few things on your plate and move them around with your fork to give the illusion of eating. Perhaps you claim you are full and put your food in a doggie bag, which you will probably feed to your pet instead of yourself.

6. You Often Skip Meals for Days

It’s normal to skip a meal when you are in a rush or don’t feel well. When you make it a daily habit, it becomes a problem, especially if you crave the food. Skipping meals and self-induced starvation is a classic symptom of anorexia.

7. You Use Baggy Clothes to Hide Your Thin Body

Take a few minutes to inspect your wardrobe and notice if you are wearing the appropriate size. While most people enjoy a baggy outfit for lounging or working in the yard, your wardrobe may be dominated by oversized clothes that cover you entirely. Ask yourself if you are trying to mask your dangerously thin body to avoid questions from others.

How long has it been since you’ve worn form-fitting clothes or ones that show a little skin? If you can’t remember or don’t have any clothes like this in your wardrobe, it’s time to be concerned.

Why are you covered up in hoodie and sweatpants in the heat of summer?

8. If You are Female, You’ve Missed Three or More Periods

After you’ve experienced your first menstrual period, you will soon recognize your pattern for each month. Although it’s normal to miss a period occasionally, some medical conditions and medication may make them erratic or stop entirely.

Malnutrition from anorexia can wreak havoc on your reproductive system, including period cessation and infertility.

9. You Avoid Social Scenes That Involve Eating

Women and men who are secretly hiding anorexia often become reclusive. Not only do they avoid eating in public, but they tend to decline any social gatherings that may include food. The resulting depression and isolation not only worsen their depression but can increase the anorexic symptoms.

10. You Continually View Yourself as Overweight

If you’ve changed your lifestyle and have reached your targeted weight, you have a right to feel proud. However, do you continue to see an overweight person in the mirror regardless if you continue to lose too much weight? As a mental disorder, anorexia nervosa erodes your self-worth and deludes your mind into thinking you are fat, even when you are emaciated.

Final Thoughts on Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa

Treatment for anorexia and other eating disorders usually combine psychological therapy and behavioral modification. Individuals are often hospitalized for an extended period for therapy and medical supervision. Like alcoholism, anorexia recovery is often ongoing for life.

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa are life-threatening conditions. If you or a loved one recognize one or more of these symptoms, seek help from your professional healthcare provider as soon as possible. With intervention, compassion, and the right treatments, you can overcome anorexia and reclaim a healthy life.

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What is face mapping?

Here’s how each area of the face corresponds to a different organ, and what that means for your health:

Modern dermatology lists the following reasons for acne or redness on the face:

Differences between Ayurvedic and Chinese face mapping

Dermalogica Face Mapping

Here are some common recommendations made by the consultants at the company:

Final thoughts on face mapping and how it can reveal hidden stress

Common Hiding Places for Microbes In Your Home

• Kitchen

• Bathroom

• Electronics

• Bedrooms

• Your Floors

Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting

Choosing a Disinfectant

• Isopropyl or Ethyl Alcohol

• Chlorine Bleach

• Vodka

How to Make DIY Disinfectant Wipes

Using Your Disinfecting Wipes

Final Thoughts on Saving Cash and Make Disinfectant Wipes at Home

Here’s how negativity can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s:

About the study

How exactly does negativity cause Alzheimer’s?

The study participants

Here’s how you can lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s:

Here were some of the recommendations given by the research team:

The results of the study

Final thoughts about the connection between negativity and Alzheimer’s

10 Red Flags of Unhappy Couples, According to Therapists

1. Passive aggression becomes common.

2. New experiences rarely happen.

3. Unhappy couples often compare current behaviors to past behaviors.

4. The excitement in the relationship is replaced with mundane living.

5. Date night has disappeared.

6. Disagreements on who is right or wrong happen often.

7. Unhappy couples don’t know each other’s schedules.

8. Flirting and touching become a thing of the past.

9. They don’t have a lot of meaningful conversations.

10. They’re always on their phones in the presence of each other.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Signs of Unhappy Couples

Do You Know About Keto?

Are You Better with a Bit of Butter?

Please Pass the Butter for Coffee?

How to Make a Delicious Hot Cup of Butter Coffee

Ten Reasons Why You Need to Add Butter Coffee to Your Ketogenic Diet

1. It Fills You Up

2. It Gives You Energy

3. It Helps with Sleep

4. It Gives a Mental Boost for Clarity

5. It Tastes Great

6. It Speeds up Weight Loss

7. Butter is Better Than Sugar and Cream

8. Using Clarified Butter Gives You Healthy Omega 3s

9. Reduces Caffeine Sensitivity & Crashes

10. It Curbs Appetite and Cravings

Final Thoughts on Trying Butter Coffee

The Origins of Anorexia Nervosa

Social Backdrop of Eating Disorders

Statistics of Anorexia Nervosa

Could You Have Anorexia Nervosa?

10 Signs Someone Has Anorexia Nervosa

1. You Obsess About Your Body Image

2. You’ve Lost Too Much Weight

3. You Consider Your Body Image as Your Self-Worth

4. You Only Eat Low-Fat and Low-Calorie Foods

5. You Won’t Eat in Public

6. You Often Skip Meals for Days

7. You Use Baggy Clothes to Hide Your Thin Body

8. If You are Female, You’ve Missed Three or More Periods

9. You Avoid Social Scenes That Involve Eating

10. You Continually View Yourself as Overweight

Final Thoughts on Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa

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