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10 Red Flags That Indicate You Might Have Bell’s Palsy

February 26, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Bell’s palsy (BP) is a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis in the muscles on one side of the face. It occurs when the facial muscles become compressed, inflamed, or swollen. Bell’s palsy has a sudden onset; the patient may wake up with it or suddenly notice they are having trouble eating and drinking. The condition is usually temporary and goes away on its own within several months.

Bell’s palsy owes its name to the Charles Bell (1774 – 1842), the Scottish anatomist and surgeon who first described the condition. While anybody can develop BP, it is most common in patients who are between 15 and 60 years old.

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy

1. Loss of Control Over Facial Muscles

A sudden inability to control the facial muscles is the best-known sign of Bell’s palsy. The affected side of the face may appear stiff, or it may droop. The patient will not be able to smile, frown, or exhibit other facial expressions. Anybody who develops this symptom or the other seen in BP should call their doctor, as they can occur with more severe conditions like a brain tumor or stroke.

In severe cases, the affected part of the face will completely freeze, so it will appear immobile and expressionless. The patient is sometimes unable to close their eye, and they may not have a corneal reflex so their eye doesn’t close if they touch their cornea.

2. Slight Fever

A mild fever may be one of the early symptoms of Bell’s palsy, along with a stiff neck, pain behind the ear, and rigid or weak muscles on one side of the face. The symptoms can appear suddenly and rapidly develop over several hours.

For the record, doctors define a fever as a temperature of above 100.4°F. A slight or mild fever is one between that and 102° F.

3. Pain Around the Ear

In many cases, the very first symptom of Bell’s palsy is a dull ache behind or in the affected ear. The patient may have this symptom for a day or two before developing the characteristic weakness of the facial muscles.

In 2014, The Scientific World Journal described a study in which researchers tracked the development of symptoms in 269 patients. They found that ear pain was the first symptom to appear in over half the patients. Many other patients reported dry eye or a distorted sense of taste as affecting them from the outset.

While Bell’s palsy itself is not life-threatening, its symptoms can resemble those of conditions that are. The doctor’s first step in diagnosing it will thus be to rule out conditions like stroke. During the medical history, the doctor will ask the patient about any recent viral infections or other illnesses. They will also discuss the patient’s symptoms and perform physical and neurological examinations. The doctor will order a variety of tests like blood tests and imaging tests. They may test the patient’s hearing and balance and measure the patient’s tear production.

4. Abnormal Tear and Saliva Production

The facial nerve also sends signals to the saliva glands and the lacrimal or tear glands. Bell’s palsy disrupts those signals, so the patient’s glands may produce too little or too much saliva and tears. The patient may thus have a dry mouth and eye, or they could drool and have a continually watering eye. The symptoms will depend on the part of the facial nerve affected. For example, if it is near a nerve branch, the patient may develop a dry eye, a dry mouth, or both.

5. Numbness

The damage to the facial nerve will also impair that nerve’s sensation. Consequently, the patient will often lose feeling in the affected side of the face. The exact cause of BP is not yet known. Doctors, however, have observed that it usually develops after a viral infection like the flu or a cold. Patients may also develop BP after a bout of Lyme disease or chronic infection of the middle ear.

6. Twitching Muscles

Bell’s palsy can also cause muscles in the face to twitch. It can, for example, cause myokymia or muscle spasms in the eyelids. While such contractions are generally not severe, they can eventually irritate the eye.

Researchers have noticed that patients with certain conditions are more susceptible to BP. For example, the journal Medicine published a 2019 study in which scientists found that people who developed migraines had a higher chance of also developing BP, which they also called idiopathic acute peripheral facial palsy.

The researchers used data taken from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, which contained information collected from 2002 to 2013. The scientists found 45,164 patients who had had migraines. They also found 180,656 controls who had not. The records also listed 5,244 patients who had been diagnosed with BP. The researchers found that a higher proportion of the migraine patients had been diagnosed with the condition. The results thus indicated that susceptibility to migraines increased a patient’s chances of developing idiopathic acute peripheral facial palsy. The researchers noted that migraine patients who were between 30 and 60 years old were particularly susceptible to BP.

Lyme disease, certain viral infections, and migraines aren’t the only conditions that can increase the risk of developing idiopathic acute peripheral facial palsy. Other conditions that can increase the risk include high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and sarcoidosis. Pregnancy also increases the risk of developing BP.

Here is how cupping therapy can relieve muscle cramps.

7. Dysgeusia

Dysgeusia is a distorted sense of taste, and it is another symptom of Bell’s palsy. In 2017, the Journal of Audiology & Otology described a study in which scientists researched the possibility of a patient’s age or the severity of their BP, affecting their sense of taste.

The researchers noted that the facial nerve has multiple functions that include the following: controlling the facial muscles, controlling tear and saliva glands, controlling nerve fibers around the ears, and controlling the taste buds. Paralysis of the facial nerve can disrupt all of these functions.

The scientists worked with 29 patients who ranged from 14 to 70. They divided them into two groups consisting of people who were under 40 and those who were at least 40. They subdivided both groups by the severity of their symptoms. The researchers also had a control group of healthy volunteers.

The results of the tests showed that patients with paralyzed facial nerves had higher “taste thresholds” than did the control group. They were thus less sensitive to taste. The differences were far more marked in the younger patients than in the older ones. Dysgeusia, therefore, is more likely to affect a more youthful patient than an older one severely.

8. Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis describes an abnormally high sensitivity to sound. There are four types of hyperacusis: annoyance, fear, pain, and loudness. The last example is most common in people with Bell’s palsy. Loudness hyperacusis is sometimes nicknamed “supersonic hearing,” for the patient can hear softer sounds than a person with normal hearing.

Hyperacusis occurs in a variety of conditions and has multiple causes that typically involve damage to the ear or nervous system. In a patient with Bell’s palsy, for example, the paralyzed facial nerve has caused paralysis in the stapedius, which is a tiny muscle in the inner ear that is attached to a bone called the stapes that conducts sound vibrations. The stapedius is supposed to keep the stapes stable and prevent it from oscillating too widely. In BP, the stapedius is often paralyzed, and the stapes transmits more sound vibrations to the ossicles than it usually does.

9. Stiff Neck

A stiff neck may be another sign of Bell’s palsy. In 2018, the Bionomics Health Institute published a case study by a doctor who had treated a patient with BP. The patient was a middle-aged woman who ran a horse farm, which required a lot of manual labor on her part. She developed BP after several particularly strenuous weeks and reported having a sore neck and back along with her other symptoms. The doctor found that she had a lot of tight muscles, especially on the left side of her neck and face. After giving the patient treatments to relax her muscles, the doctor speculated that extremely tight muscles could press on the facial nerve and thus cause BP.

10. Slurred Speech

A patient with Bell’s palsy will often have trouble generally speaking since half their face is paralyzed or weakened. The facial nerve also controls the sensory and motor functions of the mouth and tongue. In BP, one side of both the mouth and language will be paralyzed. The patient will consequently have trouble talking.

Final Thoughts

Bell’s palsy occurs roughly equally in men and women. It also develops in all races and ethnicities. The condition usually affects only one side of the face. While bilateral (affecting both sides) BP can occur, it is quite rare.

As alarming as it can look, Bell’s palsy is not life-threatening. Moreover, as many as 90 percent of patients may recover completely—about 80 to 90 percent of patients who receive treatment recover within three to six months.

10 Conditions That Surprisingly Benefit from Physical Therapy

February 25, 2020 by Power of Positivity

So you’ve suffered an injury from exercise or developed an aging-related condition. You fear that the doctor will insist on surgery to relieve your pain. Thankfully, though, physical therapy is one of the first recommendations that doctors promote to heal patients. Looking for physical therapy Roanoke contact Roanoke Rehabilitation & Wellness.

Surprisingly to most people, many conditions respond very well to this method of treatment. And that helps them to avoid pain-killing medications or surgeries. So today, we’ll outline who should see a physical therapist and what injuries or conditions respond best to this type of treatment.

What is Physical Therapy?

First, let’s examine who should consider physical therapy (PT) as a treatment option. Those who have injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system enjoy the most significant benefits of this type of treatment. Those who have suffered from a stroke often benefit tremendously from PT as well, especially if they have experienced paralysis in a limb.

Patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis also see significant improvement as a result of physical therapy. Anyone, including infants and the elderly, can seek this form of treatment. PT helps to prevent or at least lessen the effects of muscle atrophy in patients. Those who have suffered major wounds or burns that impact one’s movement are also prime PT patients.

In other words, most anyone with any condition or illness can benefit from physical therapy.

Physical therapy exists in many forms. Subgroups of PT include the following practices:

Orthopedic PT, which focuses on getting joints moving once again
Pediatric PT, which is particular to infants, children, and adolescents
Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, which helps patients recover from heart disease and to increase their cardiopulmonary function
Wound care therapy, which includes treatment for those who have been burned and underwent skin graft surgery. Wound care therapy may consist of manual therapy, which aids the patient in re-learning how to move after a significant injury or burn, electrical stimulation to the affected area(s), and compression therapy.

Now that you understand what physical therapy is and who can benefit from this practice, we can now begin to explore ten conditions and injuries that benefit from this form of treatment.

PT can teach you the right moves to heal your body and prevent further inuries.

Conditions That Benefit From Physical Therapy

This list includes a combination of circumstances that arise from either sports injuries or the aging process. Regardless of the cause, patients are relieved to try physical therapy and avoid a long recovery from surgery.

1 – Herniated Disc

Physical therapy is often a step in the prevention of surgery when treating a herniated disc. First, PT can provide almost immediate relief for painful herniated discs. A therapist may utilize passive therapy, such as TENS (a form of electrical stimulation) or hydrotherapy.

Conversely, the therapist may also incorporate a physical activity regimen. This routine will be developed by the therapist utilizing both passive and active therapy. Finally, treating a herniated disc with PT is an excellent option because activity typically strengthens the muscles around the affected disc, further alleviating pain.

2 – Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spurs

Plantar Fasciitis (and the related heel spur) is a painful condition of the foot. However, treatment with PT is often highly effective. Indeed, most physicians will use this as a first line of alleviating a patient’s Plantar Fasciitis. Often, simple stretches and massaging the affected area will help to lessen the pain of this condition. The therapist will typically teach a patient what exercises to do daily to treat Plantar Fasciitis, and the patient can repeat these as necessary.

Heal your heels with PT.

3 – Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain isn’t always the result of a herniated disc, but the benefits of PT for the condition are often the same. Many spinal physicians will recommend PT for lower back pain before trying any other type of treatment. One who undergoes physical therapy for lower back pain experiences decreased pain and increased function of the affected area.

Furthermore, the patient is often put on a maintenance program by the therapist to provide healing to the area after the initial therapy is complete. Therapists will typically work to strengthen the lower back as well as stretch the involved muscles for immediate pain relief.

4 – Tendinitis or Tendonitis

First, let’s establish the difference between those two conditions (yes, they are separate conditions). Tendonitis is considered a chronic problem (meaning it is ongoing). Tendinitis is known as an “acute” issue, meaning it is sudden and often short-lived. Whether you are affected by either a chronic form of pain or one that is sudden. Thus, you can utilize physical therapy to correct the problem.

Tendonitis can occur anywhere in the human body, but typically it occurs in the joints (the knee, elbow, shoulder). Often, physicians initially treat cases of tendinitis with RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Exercise. The same therapy would be recommended for a chronic case of tendonitis. The exercises would be determined by a physical therapist, and any maintenance exercises or stretches would also be a part of a patient’s PT.

5 – Tennis Elbow/Golf Elbow

Tennis elbow is often the result of repetitive movements that cause inflammation in the elbow. Golf elbow is, by definition, much the same. The only variation in the conditions is the location of the inflammation.

With tennis elbow, the tendon on the outside of the joint is inflamed (this is the outer epicondyle). With golf elbow, the medial, or interior, epicondyle is the area that experiences inflammation. Regardless, sports medicine can help to lessen the swelling and pain associated with these similar conditions.

The physical therapist may suggest a RICE regimen. Ice compresses will naturally lessen the inflammation in the elbow. Once the inflammation is under control, the patient can begin a regimen of exercises or stretches that will strengthen other muscles and tendons to treat and prevent further episodes of tennis elbow or golf elbow. Activities that improve the motions of the elbow will help to alleviate this typically temporary condition.

6 – Sciatica or Other Pinched Nerves

If you’ve ever experienced the burning agony of sciatica, you might be surprised to learn that physical therapy, mainly stretches, can significantly reduce this condition. Sciatica is another condition arising from inflammation, and PT can lessen the swelling that presses on the sciatic nerve.

A pinched nerve can occur anywhere on one’s body, and sciatica is a form of a pinched nerve in the back. When treating sciatica, a physical therapist will prescribe dances that loosen the gluteus maximus and piriformis muscles to alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Often, therapists will start by applying heat to the affected area, then asking the patient to perform stretches that loosen the muscles, as mentioned earlier.

Physical therapy also treats other pinched nerves in much the same way that it can handle a case of sciatica.

7 – ACL Tear

Physicians will usually order a round of exercise therapy before recommending surgery when individuals tear the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tendon in their knees. PT often strengthens the quadricep muscles in one’s affected leg, and this helps to alleviate pain from the ACL tear. PT will also improve the patient’s range of motion. These exercises can help the patient to heal. If your damage is severe enough that you must use crutches to get around, the therapist will help the patient to learn how to utilize that support device. You’ll hear them refer to this as “gait training.”

The therapist will also recommend RICE (rest, icing, compressing, and elevating), and he or she may also utilize electrical stimulation to strengthen the major muscles of the leg.

ACL and MCL injuries respond well to physical therapy.

8 – Rotator Cuff Injury

Physicians usually recommend PT as an initial treatment for rotator cuff tears. Although some experts contend that PT will not fully heal a rotator cuff tear, many patients have avoided surgery with a regimen of PT. Even so, the benefits of PT are so numerous that therapists can help patients to avoid surgery.

PT works to strengthen smaller muscle groups. It also improves the overall mechanics of the shoulder joint. This enhances the range of motion of the shoulder. It also promotes flexibility of the shoulder. When the therapist implements isometric exercises in the treatment regimen, the shoulder joint is then better able to allow the rotator cuff tear to heal on its own.

9 – Bursitis and Osteoarthritis

PT often treats forms of bone and joint pain, such as bursitis and osteoarthritis. Spondylosis is another form of joint pain in the spine, and it can also alleviate the pain associated with this debilitating disease.

As with other skeletal conditions, PT strengthens the muscles that surround the affected joints to alleviate the pain therein.

9 – Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the interior of your spinal column. This narrow passage occurs most frequently in conjunction with osteoarthritis or from the natural aging process. Because surgical intervention for Spinal Stenosis is somewhat invasive, doctors will first recommend physical therapy to lessen the impact.

10 – TMJ

Those who have TMJ are often delighted to learn that they can try physical therapy to alleviate this uncomfortable joint pain. This form of natural treatment also prevents many patients from having to undergo surgery or take medications. A 2018 publication hails physical therapy as “one of the most effective conservative treatments for temporomandibular disorders.”

Sadly, though, the same paper describes a dilemma–41% of the dentists that they surveyed knew about this treatment option. So if you suffer from TMJ, ask your dentist specifically to help you learn more about receiving physical therapy.

Final Thoughts: Your Doctor Might Overlook Physical Therapy

Physical therapy delivers natural, healthy benefits for a wide range of physical ailments and athletic injuries. Do not assume that your doctor will recommend it as a first treatment, though. Open a frank discussion about all your options with your physician–and inquire if this treatment could be the best alternative for you.

12 Tai Chi Benefits Most Women Overlook

February 25, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Tai Chi is a Chinese method of exercise and meditation that emphasizes control over your movements and breathing. Instead of high-intensity exercise like spin class, the exercise promotes a general sense of well being instead of focusing on weight loss.

Many women now enjoy these classes due to its accessibility and ease. Plus, the world of Eastern exercise provides a new mindset on health that can be quite enlightening. However, there are probably benefits that you haven’t even considered.

Here are 12 tai chi benefits most women overlook.

1. Increase Strength

Even if the exercises are relatively low impact, they still require you to use your muscles. As you work the muscles, they will continue to get stronger. If you don’t use the muscles, they will become weak and depleted, making normal tasks more and more difficult. You will also strengthen your bones, which is especially important for woman as they get older. Older women become vulnerable to osteoporosis, a disease that makes the bones brittle. Women with osteoporosis are more likely to break a bone or get seriously injured when they fall. After a serious injury, you may never be able to fully regain your strength again. If you have been injured, talk to your physical therapist about how classes can help improve your mobility.

2. Increased Energy

People in motion stay in motion. Going to a tai chi class will spark your endorphins, giving you energy. Go to classes at the beginning of the day to increase your energy levels for the rest of your day.

Endorphins are a compound in the brain that energize your body and mind. The levels come up at times of exercise or excitement. Some exercise options actually use up all of your endorphins making you even more tired when you’re done. You won’t want to do anything for the rest of the day. Natural energy is healthier for you than caffeine. You may even save money by not having to buy coffee every day.

Read more about how to activate your endorphins.

3. Cardiovascular Health

As we get older, heart health becomes more and more important. Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in adults. As we age, our arteries can become clogged with all of the bad food we’ve eaten throughout the years. This can make your heart need to work harder than normal, even when you are just relaxing. Your heart may also become more susceptible to unexpected events. Tai chi puts your heart at work through a variety of different exercises, keeping it healthy. Remember that you need to exercise regularly and be mindful of what you eat to keep your heart healthy.

4. Improve Respiratory Functions

Tai chi emphasizes breathing throughout the exercises. During every class, your teacher will tell you when to take long breaths and when to take short breaths. You will be able to take these lessons about breathing into the rest of your day. This will help strengthen your lungs. You won’t get winded during simple tasks, such as walking up the stairs. Improved cardiovascular health will also help you get up those stairs without getting winded.

5. Help Flow of Liquid in Your Body

Your body has a number of fluids running through it at all times. It’s important that your body spread the fluids evenly. If you don’t have good blood circulation, you won’t deliver oxygen through your body evenly. This will allow your organs to function as optimally as possible.

Poor circulation could result in some serious body malfunctions and even the loss of limbs or organs.

Blood isn’t the only fluid that tai chi will help, either. You have a number of other fluids to regulate in your body, too. Lymph fluid helps lube up your lymphatic system. You also have synovial fluid that helps protect your joints and cerebrospinal fluid that helps protect your back.

6. Increase Flexibility

Movement gets more difficult as we get older. Soon, extreme movements can cause pain. You will start to lose mobility. You will notice you can’t do certain things that you used to be able to do physically. Tai chi gives you the opportunity to stretch out your body and regain flexibility. Even better, you will stretch out the small muscles in your body that most exercise routines don’t target. Targeting these small muscles will improve even the most detailed and unusual body movements.

7. Safe and Gentle Exercise

As we get older, the gym can become more and more dangerous. This is especially true for anyone with a heart condition or limited mobility. Tai chi is perfect since it is a very low impact on the body and heart. You do simple exercises that won’t exasperate you too much. It’s safe for just about anyone. You don’t need to worry about hurting your heart or straining yourself. Of course, you should still ask your doctor if it’s safe for you if you are unsure about your health.

8. Improve Balance

Falling is a serious problem for people when they get older. Avoid falling by doing everything in your power to keep up on your balance, including going to a tai chi class. You will get stronger, and you will also increase your balance. through performing a variety of different exercises. You may even be asked to stand on one foot.

In time, you will be able to walk up and down stairs without the fear of falling. When you do get to the point where you can’t balance comfortably due to bad knees or another problem, it’s time to find a place without stairs. When in tai chi class, only do what you feel comfortable doing.

9. Pain Relief

Conditions such as fibromyalgia and MS can cause significant chronic pain. You may also have chronic pain from bad joints. While it may seem counter-intuitive, the exercise will get your joints and muscles accustomed to the activity. The small amounts of became don’t seem to hurt as much anymore. With time, you won’t feel the pain as severely throughout the day. You may even be able to get rid of the pain medication that can come with bad side effects.

10. Strengthen Cognitive Functions

With time, the brain starts to go a little bit. It is normal. Many people forget names or walk into a room and forget why we were there in the first place. That doesn’t mean you have to help the process along, though. One of the best ways to keep your brain working is by providing it with plenty of mental stimulation. Tai chi can provide stimulation by giving you orders to focus on. You will have small routines to do during the class that you have to remember. This will spark your brain. You may even notice that you’re able to remember things better outside of class.

This exercise may help improve your memory.

11. Better Sleep

Sleep is extremely important to the body. We don’t know exactly why the body requires sleep, but we know that poor sleep can lead to a number of physical problems. The cells won’t get the rest they need, and almost every function will be affected. You won’t be able to concentrate as well, you won’t be able to move as quickly, and you increase your chances of having heart problems and diabetes. Tai chi can help regulate your entire system, allowing you to get the sleep you need at the end of the day. It may also help you achieve REM sleep, deep sleep that we need to really get the benefits of slumber.

12. Reduce Depression and Anxiety

Every day, we come across a number of different stressors. These stressors include family, work, marriage, managing the homestead, and friendships. It’s easy to understand why someone can start to feel depressed or anxious. Some people will go to a therapist or even take medication to help with the symptoms. There may be a better way in the art of tai chi. The class is not only about your physical health.

It’s also about your mental health and emotional health. Throughout the class, you will be encouraged to release the tension you may have built up inside of you. The exercises are soothing, helping you maintain calm no matter what you may be up against. For people who suffer from an existential crisis in life due to tragedy or monotony, tai chi is also known to help with a person’s spiritual health. This can also help someone achieve peace.

Final Thoughts About How Tai Chi Benefits Women

Tai chi is a great way to stay healthy at any age but especially as you get older. The classes are perfect for people who don’t want to put too much strain on their heart or their body. It’s also great for people who want to promote mental stimulation. Try it for yourself by going to a class with you and your friends. If you like it, sign up for a whole session and enjoy the benefits.

10 Yoga Poses to Mitigate Negative Energy

February 25, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and let go of negative emotions. New research reveals that there are specific yoga poses that mitigate negative energy.

Yoga for stress may be recommended by physicians. There are so many beneficial exercises that you can do to reduce stress, along with taking time to relax.

Here are the ten yoga poses that help you release the pent-up negativity from your being.

10 Yoga Poses That Mitigate Negative Energy and Help You Refocus

Yoga is often suggested by mental health therapists to aid in letting go of negative energy. These five poses are recommended to get you started.

1. Baddha Kanasana (Bound Angle Pose).

The “bound angle pose” is also known as “butterfly pose,” “cobbler’s pose,” or “throne pose.” This yoga pose is recommended to reduce stress for the following reasons.

Can be used for meditation
Aids in releasing tension
Aids in reducing fatigue
Can help to release feelings of guilt or shame

There are other benefits to this pose, including relieving digestive discomfort and improving flexibility of the groin muscles and relief for menstrual pain.

2. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog).

One of the most popular poses is “Downward Facing Dog.” The “Upward Facing Dog” isn’t mentioned often, but it is one of the best yoga poses recommended for letting go of negative energy in the following ways:

Aids in reducing symptoms of depression
Aids in reducing fatigue
Reduces posture
Improves digestion

The Upward Facing Dog is also suitable for relieving symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, eases asthma symptoms, and stimulates the abdominal organs.

3. Salamba Sirsana (Supported Headstand).

Research shows that turning the head upside down can calm the mind. Holding this pose for about two minutes, according to the study, can help lower the heart rate and improve the body’s sympathetic responses. Here are other benefits of doing this pose?

Relieves depression
Relieves anxiety
Improves sleep
Improves stimulation for the pituitary and pineal gland
Relieves the symptoms of menopause

Although this one of the yoga poses utilized for removing negative energy, it also increases focus. With the head below the heart, you produce endorphins. These chemicals make you feel fantastic.

4. Marjaryasana (Cat-to-Cow).

Breathing correctly and focusing on the breath is at the core of practicing yoga. The purpose is to slow the breathing down and bring the body to a resting state. The Cat-to-Cow pose is beneficial in the following ways:

Opens the chest to encourage deep breathing
Calms the mind
Relieves stress
Releases tension in the shoulders and neck

The history of the Marjaryasana is the cat, representing balance. They also represent patience and quiet for other cultures. It goes without saying that the way a cat stretches appears to be a great example of stretching out the back and breathing deeply.

Read about eight healthful reasons to try yoga.

5. Sukhasana (Easy Pose).

The “Easy Pose” is one that noted for bringing peace to the helm. A forward bend, when practiced correctly, can aid in bringing calm. Breath calmly, slow and easy without straining or difficulty. Allow the body to fall forward at the hip and lengthen the back of the leg and hip.

Practice forward bends can bring calm and a focus on breathing where it needs to be. Try this yoga pose for the following concerns:

Controlling and reducing stress
Decreasing anxiety
Reducing strain on the hamstrings

6. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend).

The Standing Forward Bend is a pose that can bring calm, and it is also used in between yoga sequences to relax the body before more active yoga conditioning.

The goal of this yoga pose is to:

Increase exhalation
Stress reduction
Release tension in the shoulders and neck
Release the hamstrings from any tension

It should be reiterated that forward bends can bring calm to the mind when they are practice correctly. The blood rushes to the brain and brings calm to reduce stress and anxiety.

7. Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend).

Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend is a yoga pose similar to Standing Forward Bend. The legs are wider apart as you line your feet outside of the hip itself. Placing hands on the floor, they should be no further than the distance of your shoulders.

A Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend offers the following benefits:

Reduces stress
Reduces anxiety
Freeing the belly
Aids in breathing in a relaxed fashion

New research has shed light on why the Wide-Legged Forward Bend is so beneficial for reducing stress. The new insight is into navel radiation. As infants, we breathe like this, almost like a starfish.

Breathing from the belly allows us to unlock our limbs, torso, and chest. We can open up and breathe better. This is what helps to reduce anxiety and stress. This makes it a breathing pattern that is vital for our good mental health.

Pushing the bones back that you sit on will help you open up the space that you need to breathe. Move them back, resting most of the weight on your heels. It will help you get the angle that you need to do the pose correctly.

This yoga pose is known for being one of the most balanced of all standing poses. It is beneficial to “recoup” the body in between more strenuous poses, but bringing balance and calm is a major benefit for all who practice yoga.

8. Vrksa Asana (Tree Pose).

Tree pose is one of the most popular poses in yoga. It is fun to pose like a tree, but the pose itself has many benefits. It is also what a tree represents that makes it special.

Tree pose contributes to physical and mental stability. While many poses are known for their meditative qualities while seated, there are also meditative qualities in standing poses.

Standing on one foot can help bring calm and focus while in the pose. The focus always comes back to the breath. Standing on one leg can help you focus and regain balance in your posture.

Just like a tree can withstand the elements without breaking, so can the tree pose show help you stand strong physically and emotionally with whatever you are facing.

Tree pose helps to bring calm and focus to the center of your life. Because it encourages a meditative state, it should be used to bring calm to your mind when you feel out of balance.

Dr. Andrew Weil said about tree pose, “One of my favorite yoga poses, the Tree Pose is a great way to promote relaxation. I imagine myself as a tall, deeply rooted cottonwood while performing this pose.”

9. Chaturanga Dandasana (Plank Pose).

Plank Pose is known for assisting in the release of endorphins. These are the “feel good” chemicals that get released during physical activity.

Plank Pose may also help to improve the following:

Improve your mood
Reduce stress
Increase feelings of happiness
Good stretching for the entire body

These are all tremendous benefits, including its ability to release tension in the body. Adding a plank pose is a good way to mitigate negative energy, and look forward to life.

Learn why it’s necessary to work on your core strength.

10. Vajra Asana (Thunderbolt Pose).

Thunderbolt Pose is amongst the best poses for yoga for reducing stress and negative energy. It has many benefits of regular practice, including:

Improved posture
Improved pelvic bones
Relieves digestion and gas
Great for long periods of meditation
Reduces stress
Reduces anxiety

Many who meditate for great, long periods choose this ancient pose, thanks to the seated posture. However, it is also known for its other benefits. This pose is similar to the Hero’s Pose, but you hold the feet in a different position.

The significance of this pose is that it means “strong,” “like a diamond.” You will derive the following benefits from this yoga pose, including the following:

The regular practice causes it to calm the mind
Induces a sense of stability
A great posture for breath work, which brings focus

Final Thoughts on Using Yoga to Release Negativity and Focus on Positivity

“Yoga is the alchemy of our minds into purity.” ~T.K.V. Desikachar

The ability to sit in the pose for long periods of time is what makes it possible to bring about relaxation. As always, exercise caution when practicing certain poses–you don’t want an injury to complicate matters.

It is wise to use all of these best yoga poses for reducing stress and mitigating negative energy on a regular basis. The consistent practice of yoga is essential for the absolute best results.

Start by getting some yoga training with an experienced and reputable yoga teacher. This helps to ensure that you are learning the proper form. Additionally, you’ll get the best benefit for living a stress-free life.

Ophthalmologists Reveal the Causes and Symptoms of Cataracts

February 25, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Cataracts are the world’s most common age of vision loss. In this condition, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, so light does not pass through it properly.

There are at least three types of cataracts, and they differ by the part of the lens from which they originate. They also have somewhat different symptoms and causes. A nuclear cataract, for example, develops in the nucleus or central area of the lens. A cortical cataract forms in the cortex surrounding the nucleus. A subcapsular cataract originates in the back of the lens, and it tends to progress more quickly than the other types.

Causes of Cataracts

1. Aging

Many people find their vision declines as they get older. For example, the lens of the eye gets stiffer and less able to adjust to changes in distance, which is why people often need reading glasses after the age of 40. Similarly, people become more likely to develop clouded lenses after they reach 60.

The lens of the eye is comprised mainly of water and protein, and the protein is arranged in a pattern to keep the area clear. As a person ages, however, the protein starts to clump together, and those clumps cause the lens to become cloudy.

Doctors explain how your DNA makeup impacts aging.

2. Birth Defect

Some patients are either born with cataracts or develop them in early childhood. These conditions may have a genetic cause, or they may stem from an injury or infection that occurred in the womb. Known causes of congenital disabilities affecting the lens include rubella, galactosemia, myotonic dystrophy, and neurofibromatosis type 2.

3. Use of Steroid Medications

Researchers have established that high doses of oral corticosteroids can increase the risk of damage to the lens – and some fear that lower doses may not be risk-free.

In 2006, the European Respiratory Journal described a study in which scientists researched the risk of using nasal corticosteroids. The scientists collected data from Quebecois medical records that covered the years 1988 to 2001. They examined the records of patients who were at least 65 years old and took nasal corticosteroids to treat upper respiratory conditions. These patients included those who were either diagnosed with a cataract or had surgery within four years of using the corticosteroids. They described a patient as having “severe cataracts” if they needed surgery within two years after diagnosis. The researchers only considered patients who had never developed the condition.

The scientists examined the records of 101,850 patients and found that 27,708 had either been diagnosed with clouded lenses or undergone cataract surgery. Of that group, 10,754 had had severe cases.

The researchers found that patients who utilized nasal corticosteroids were more susceptible, and that risk increased with larger doses.

4. Diabetes

There are two primary classifications of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make sufficient insulin for the body, or the body doesn’t respond to it. Both types result in abnormally high blood sugar or glucose levels.

The aqueous humor, which is the liquid in the front of the eye, transports glucose, and oxygen to the lens. Abnormally high amounts of glucose can make the lens swell. The lens also contains an enzyme that converts glucose into a substance called sorbitol. Too much sorbitol affects the proteins and other cells in the lens and can cause the lens to become increasingly opaque. The patient thus eventually develops a cataract.

Patients with diabetes are not only more susceptible to cataracts, but they are also more likely to develop eye problems at a younger age than non-diabetics. Even worse, their eyes will probably deteriorate more quickly.

5. Ultraviolet Rays

Not only do ultraviolet rays damage the skin, but they can also harm the lens of the eyes. Scientists have been trying to unravel this out for years. The National Eye Institute funded a study asking that question in 2014.

Scientists know that oxidative stress causes or contribute to both aging and age-related diseases. The oldest parts of the lens, however, get little oxygen, so they should not be susceptible to oxidative stress. Yet a cataract can still develop in those parts of the lens.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University, located in Cleveland, Ohio, conducted experiments in which they exposed the chemicals and proteins found in the lens to UVA rays. They discovered that UVA rays could damage the proteins in the lens in the same way that oxidation stress does. That damage caused the lens of the eye to become cloudy.

Symptoms of Cataracts

1. Blurry Vision

A cataract is among the many eye conditions that cause blurry vision. In fact, blurry vision is one of the first symptoms that the patient notices. Some patients have described the state as being similar to looking through a fogged window or frosted glass. For example, while they can see somebody standing in front of them, they may have trouble making out that person’s facial features.

2. Increasing Difficulty Seeing at Night

A clouded lens will impair the patient’s night vision. That can make it increasingly difficult to do things like go driving at night.

In 2010, researchers associated with the Curtin University in Australia conducted a study on the impact of cataract surgery on the rate of car crashes. They studied the records of 27,287 residents of West Australia who had had cataract surgery between 1997 and 2006. 1715 of the residents had been involved in 1762 accidents during that time.

The researchers found that surgery reduced the risk of crashing by nearly 13 percent. The researchers hoped their results would reduce the wait time between a diagnosis of cataract and surgery. At the time of the study, patients could wait weeks or even months after diagnosis to have their defectives lenses removed.

3. Seeing Halos around Lights

A halo is a bright ring around a light source, such as a car’s headlights. People are most likely to see halos in dim or dark places or at night. While people with healthy eyes may see halos, they often indicate an eye problem. This is especially true if the halos appear suddenly or accompany symptoms like blurry vision or pain.

The journal Applied Ergonomics published a 2009 study in which researchers used a new device called the Halometer DG to test the visual acuity of older adults who drove. One group had cataracts, and the other did not. The scientists exposed the volunteers to a device that created halos and had the Halometer DG measure the effects on their eyes. The volunteers also filled out a questionnaire about their driving habits. The scientists found that the subjects with clouded lenses were more likely to see halos and glare and that they were more likely to have trouble driving at night and in other challenging conditions.

4. Double Vision

Double vision or diplopia describes a state in which the patient sees two separate or overlapping images of a single object. In some cases, one copy is hazier than the other, creating a condition called “ghost image.” Double vision can be horizontal or vertical.

Some people develop double vision after drinking too much or if they’re exhausted. This type of double vision is typical and goes away after sobering up or getting proper rest. Persistent or recurring double vision, on the other hand, can indicate problems with the eyes or nervous system. A patient with cataracts, for example, is particularly likely to develop a type of diplopia called “monocular double vision,” in which the patient still sees double after closing one of their eyes.

5. Changes in Color Perception

A patient with clouded lenses will gradually perceive colors less intensely. Colors will appear faded or even yellowed. This symptom is particularly common in people with nuclear cataracts, for the lens in their eye may turn yellow or even brown. That discoloration increasingly impairs the patient’s ability to distinguish colors.

6. Sensitivity to Light and Glare

Sensitivity to light is a common symptom. A patient with a subcapsular cataract is especially likely to find bright light painful.

7. Second Sight

Second sight is a symptom seen in patients who develop nuclear cataracts. A patient with second sight finds that their near vision has improved. Unfortunately, as the cataract develops, that improvement turns out to be temporary.

8. Spokes in the Eye

A patient with a cortical cataract will form what looks like white wedges that appear on the edges of the lens and gradually extend toward the center.

Final Thoughts on Cataracts and Your Vision

Researchers still question whether cataracts are wholly preventable since they commonly stem from the aging process. Other risk factors, however, include previous surgery or injury to the eye, alcoholism, obesity, and smoking. You can control some of these, and you can also limit your exposure to UV rays. While you probably can’t prevent the development of cataracts altogether, you can reduce your risk.

Eye surgeons often resolve cataracts through surgery. In the process, the doctor removes the cataract and replaces it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure takes around 15 minutes per eye. Cataract surgery is prevalent. Indeed, over three million people in the US undergo cataract surgery every year.

Never Overlook These 10 Natural Air Purifiers For Your Home

February 24, 2020 by Power of Positivity

For most people, owning their own home means having a calm and inviting place that they can retreat to after a long workday. It is also a great place to unwind and spend time with their friends and family. And buying your own home is still arguably a sound investment, according to most economists and financial experts. However, as a homeowner, it will be your responsibility to maintain your home. And making sure that it has good air quality is no exception in this regard.

According to a study published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for setting and enforcing national pollution-control standards, the air in most homes contain a higher concentration of pollutants compared to that of outside air.

This news is especially alarming. That’s true especially when you consider that, aside from work, the average American spends a large percentage of their day at home. Fortunately, there are numerous things that homeowners can do to improve the air quality in their home without breaking the bank.

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ALLERGIES IN AMERICA

A study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology revealed that allergies account for more than $18 billion in healthcare costs every year, most of which are related to treating asthma and allergic diseases. Some of the most common allergic diseases caused by indoor allergens include allergic rhinitis, which can cause sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, and watery eyes, and eczema, a condition characterized by patches of inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough skin.

Most people develop asthma or allergic diseases after they have come in contact with pollen, mold, and dust mites in the very sanctuary that they call home. While the allergic reaction triggered by being exposed to these allergens is typically limited to sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, and other mildly unpleasant symptoms, they can sometimes trigger severe asthma attacks.

In some cases, exposure to these allergens can also cause anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis. For those who may not be familiar with this condition, anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that causes a drop in blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure deprives cells and organs in the body of the oxygen they need to function correctly. Some of the most common symptoms of anaphylactic shock include the following:

Abdominal pain
An increase in body temperature
Hives
Flushed or pale skin
A swollen tongue
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Difficulty swallowing

If you develop any of these symptoms after being exposed to indoor allergens, you should be seen by a physician as soon as possible to avoid life-threatening complications. The same also applies to outdoor allergens.

HOW KEEPING YOUR HOME CLEAN CAN LEAD TO BETTER AIR QUALITY

Along with pollen, mold, and dust mites, more than 50 percent of homes in America are plagued with cockroach droppings and pet dander, all of which can make their way into bedding, flooring, linens, and much more, according to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Some of the best ways to go about removing these allergy-causing bacteria from your home naturally include

Vacuuming regularly
Washing sheets and other bedding in hot water once per week
Promptly removing mold spores off the walls
Keeping your windows closed to prevent pollen from getting into your home
Keeping your home free of cockroaches and other pests

10 NATURAL AIR PURIFIERS TO IMPROVE THE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME

Along with keeping your home clean, using all-natural air purifiers is yet another way to rid your home of allergens and improve its overall air quality. That said, some of the most effective, natural air purifiers include the following:

1. INDOOR PLANTS

Along with absorbing carbon dioxide, indoor plants do a remarkable job when it comes to removing indoor allergens as well. They can also help remove allergy and asthma-inducing bacteria, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, according to a study conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). That said, some of the plants that double as natural air purifiers include Peace lilies, Boston Ferns, Snake Plants, English Ivy plants, Dragon Trees, Spider Plants, and Lady Palms.

2. BEESWAX CANDLES

Unlike traditional paraffin candles, which can sometimes make the air quality in your home worse, beeswax candles are natural air purifiers that can be used to rid your home of allergens. Studies show that these air purifier-based candles, which, unsurprisingly, smell very much like honey, can help remove dust mites and dander in your home by releasing negative ions into the air. And in doing so, they reduce your risk of developing asthma or allergic diseases.

3. HIMALAYAN PINK SALT LAMPS

Himalayan pink salt lamps, as the name might suggest, are lamps made from salt that comes from the Pakistan Himalayas. And similar to candles made from beeswax, when switched on, they release negative ions that can help rid your home of indoor allergens. Also worth noting, a 1998-study published by the American Psychological Association found that the dim, amber light produced by these lamps may even be a viable treatment for those struggling with seasonal affective disorder.

4. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Activated charcoal is another cost-effective way to go about improving the air quality in your home. Also commonly referred to as activated carbon, activated charcoal can be found in air filters as well as many professional-grade air purifiers. In either case, they do an excellent job in terms of removing harmful bacteria from the home that would otherwise cause asthma, allergic diseases, and other health problems.

Filters and air purifiers that contain activated charcoal work by trapping volatile organic compounds, odors, and other unsavory household contaminants in charcoal before they have a chance to invade the air in your home, not to mention linen, bedding, and carpeting. Indeed, activated charcoal is an effective, low-cost way to keep your home smelling fresh and, above all else, free of allergens.

Learn seven uses for activated charcoal.

5. SODIUM BICARBONATE

Also known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is another must-have for homeowners as it can help absorb foul odors that can make your home feel less inviting. Because most household odors are highly acidic, using baking soda in your kitchen or bathroom, for example, can help lower the pH levels that give off those foul smells. It can also absorb moisture, which can lead to mold. Furthermore, this particular natural air purifier is one of the least expensive on this list.

6. ESSENTIAL OILS

When discussing natural air purifiers for your home, essential oils should be a part of that conversation. That said, some of the oils that can significantly improve the air quality in your home include pine, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, oregano, thyme, and lemon. All of these oils can reduce the microbes in the air that carry viruses, fungi, bacteria, and toxic particulates. For maximum air purifying results, it is best to use these amazing oils with a diffuser.

7. HEPA FILTERS

HEPA filters, also known as high-efficiency particulate absorbing filters, are a must-have for homeowners who take purifying the air in their home seriously. Studies show that these mechanical air filters are effective in trapping over 99 percent of particles measuring 0.3 microns or less. That aside, these high-efficiency filters can help rid your home of the following:

Pet dander
Dust mites
Tobacco smoke
Pollen

8. EXHAUST FANS

While not a natural purifier per se, exhaust fans do an excellent job when it comes to improving the air quality in a home. In short, they are whole-house ventilation fans that can improve air circulation in your home. More than that, they help remove excess moisture that can lead to mold as well as foul odors, tobacco smoke, dust mites, and a host of other contaminants that would otherwise make you and your family sick.

9. AIR IONIZERS

Are you or a family member prone to asthma attacks? Then it might be a good idea to invest in an air ionizer for your home. These devices work by producing negatively charged ions and discharging them into the air. Once this happens, these same charged ions capture allergens and other pollutants in the air. Those particles could potentially trigger asthma symptoms, especially among those who are already struggling with the respiratory condition. As a natural air purifier, ionizers also do a phenomenal job when it comes to removing odors as well.

10. KEEPING YOUR WINDOWS CLOSED

When the air in one’s home feels stuffy, the first thought that most people have is to open the window. However, doing so might be a bad idea. After all, if you open the windows in your home, you will essentially be inviting pollen, ragweed, and other allergens into the home, which can make you and your family sick. A better option would be to make use of your home’s built-in fan system if you have one or trying some of the natural air purifiers detailed in this article.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON NATURAL AIR PURIFIERS

In summary, as a homeowner, investing in an air purifier of some kind just makes sense. After all, asthma and allergic diseases. Moreover, both are byproducts of poor air quality, are two of the leading causes of hospitalization in America today.

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