Why You Should Have Sex In The Morning?

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Increased Bonding With Your Partner: Psychologists point to the fact that when you begin your day making love to your partner, the feeling of bliss shared, remains with each one throughout the day, providing reassurance and a secured feeling of ‘being there for each other’. This helps each one to deal with the problems better and face challenges. Research proves, that somewhere in the sub conscious mind, a feeling of oneness does exist when it has been sparked off early morning. Having sex in the morning releases the feel-good chemical oxytocin, which makes couples feel loving and bonded all day long.

.Improves Fertility in Men and Women: Frequent morning sex can also improve sperm quality and even improve fertility in a woman. In a study conducted at the Sydney IVF Clinic in Wollongong, AU, researchers studied 118 men who had higher than normal DNA sperm damage accessed by the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI). The Australian scientists instructed the men to ejaculate daily for a week to lessen their DNA sperm damage. The results of the study showed that 96 of men experienced a 12 percent decrease in sperm damage. The less DNA damage a sperm has the more likely a woman’s fertility increases.

. Contributes to Healthy Hair and Skin: An orgasm during morning sex releases chemicals that can increase estrogen levels in the body and improve the tone and texture of your skin, and hair. Blood circulation is improved during sex which helps get oxygen to the skin and provides a natural glow to your face and possibly nourishes hair.

. Decreases Cardiovascular Risks: The act of having morning sex multiple times a week can reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke by half. In a study conducted at Queens University in Belfast, researchers followed 1,000 middle-aged men over a period of 10 years. Researchers in Belfast compared the participants of their study to the participants of a study published in the British Medical Journal to study how having an orgasm can affect a man’s health. As a follow-up, researchers focused on the cardiovascular health of the men and found that a man can reduce his risk of cardiovascular disease by half if he has sex two to three times a week.

. Increases Immunity: The production of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) -an antibody that protects against infection is increased during morning sex. During sexual activity, the production the IgA antibody takes place in mucosal linings of the female genital tract that provides a barrier to prevent transmission of infectious diseases.

. Better Performance: Men’s testosterone levels are highest in the morning after guys have recharged with hours of sleep, which helps them perform better.

22 Ayurveda Sex Rules For A Healthy Life

22 Ayurveda Sex Rules For A Healthy Life

Ayurveda considers sex as a part and parcel of our everyone’s life. But as with most of the rules of life, – control and moderation are the keywords.

Healthy sex rules as per ancient Ayurveda texts:

Avoid Sex:

1. With a woman who is not lying with her face upward:This concept is for the people seeking conception. In olden days, there were no real contraceptives and sex was predominantly seen as the way to beget children. So, the olden Ayurveda teachers used to think that with women-on-top positions, the entry of semen into the vagina would not occur properly.

2. During her menstrual period:

It is contra indicated from a health perspective. Read my detailed article about it – sex during periods

3. With a person who is not liked (wicked), whose activities are displeasingThis refers to the mental aspect of sex. If the women does not possess good mental qualities, then she may take advantage of the man.

4. With a person whose private parts are dirty

5. With people who too obese or very emaciated.

6. During pregnancy and childbirth. 
After delivery if it is normal delivery, a gap of 2 – 3 months is considered desirable. If it is C section, a gap of 5 – 6 months is desirable.

7. With any woman, other than one’s wifeAyurveda strictly recommends fidelity and being faithful. It concentrates more on love factor than lust factor.

8. With animals like the goat, buffalo etc- Ayurveda is against bestiality.

9. In the abode of the teacher, gods and kings in monasteries, burial ground, places of torture and of sacrifice and meeting of four roads.

10. On days of special significance
Special days like new-moon, full-moon, eclipse, festivals, mourning days and others. This technique not only gives a break to both the partners from sex but also brings freshness. Occasional restraint is key for a healthy and refreshing sex experience.

11. With organs which are non-sexual (oral etc.)

12. When it is violent:
Avoid violence during sex. Ayurveda advocates sex as the means to express mutual love and respect and NOT anger, enmity and hate.

13. After a heavy meal:
Sex is also a form of exercise. This advice is akin to the rule that one should not do exercise immediately after meals. In Ayurvedic terms, it will cause indigestion problems and Vata imbalance.

14. When hungry and thirsty:
Sex is, like told before, an exercise and it will cause Vata increase. When you are hungry, there is already Vata and Pitta increase in the body. If you have sex when hungry, it may cause Vata and Pittarelated issues like dizziness, headache, bloating, gastritis etc.

15. In uncomfortable postures. – May cause injury

16. With children and old women

17. When there is urge to urinate or defecate.

18. During illness.As per Ayurveda, Sex and immunity power are inter-related. That is why, abstinence is highly recommended during youth. Read my article on Asbtinence – Brahmacharya. The immunity power is explained with the term Ojas, in Ayurveda. During illness, Ojas is depleted. At that time, if you indulge in sex, it would further deplete the ojas. This will delay the healing process. 

19. Sex frequency in different seasons –

- During winter, person can have sex everyday. This is because, the body strength is maximum during winters.
- Once in three days in Vasanta (spring) and Sharat (autumn). Moderate body strength during these seasons, hence moderate sex frequency.
- Once in 15 days in Varsha (rainy) and Nidagha (summer) – low body strength and hence very low sex frequency.

20. Improper sex side effects -

Giddiness, exhaustion, weakness of the thighs, loss of strength, depletion of tissues, loss of acuity of senses and premature death occur from improper indulgence in the woman.

21. Benefits of following healthy sex rules:

Good memory, intelligence, long life, health, nourishment, acuity of sense organs, reputation, strength and slow ageing accrue from disciplined (controlled) sexual life.

22. Things to do after sexual intercourse:

Post intercourse one should indulge himself in bath, applying scented paste, exposure to cool breeze, drinking of syrup prepared from sugar candy, cold water, milk, meat juice, soup, Sura – fermented liquor prepared from grains, Prasanna – clear supernatant fluid of Sura and then go to sleep; by these, the vigour of the body returns quickly to its abode again.

6 Magical Tips to Cope with Migraine Attacks

6 Magical Tips to Cope with Migraine Attacks

Migraines affect up to 18 percent of women and 6 percent of men in the United States. Today, migraines affect as many as four out of every five people in America.  Doctors are still unraveling the mysteries of migraines. Most doctors believe a combination of things that cause people to have migraines. The causes of migraines range from genetics to neurovascular imbalances in the brain.

Why Do Most People Experience Weather Related Migraines?

It is not entirely clear why some people experience more migraines around the change of weather.  Even though the cause of weather related migraines has not been identified, there are ways to decrease the severity, reduce and prevent migraines from occurring.

In a recent survey by the National Headache Foundation, headache sufferers were given a list of possible causes. They were asked to rank them in terms of what commonly brought on their migraines. Three out of every four respondents said that weather triggered their headache pain.

Specific weather triggers included:

• Changes in humidity
• Changes in temperature
• Storms
• Extremely dry conditions

Most people have an idea of what causes their migraines, but the real question is what can you do to help reduce the amount of migraines, decrease the severity or prevent the migraines from occurring?   Below are six tips to help you cope and find a solution to preventing your migraines. 

6 Tips on How to Cope With Your Migraines

Tip # 1 – Keep a Diary of Your Migraines:

Keeping a diary is the first step toward finding a solution, so your migraines do not disrupt you and stop you from having a healthy, happy and productive life.  The first step is to try to figure out what triggers your migraines.  One way to do that is to keep a diary of all your migraines.  If you think weather is a reason for your migraines then record any of the common weather and environmental factors that may have initiated your migraines. Keep a detailed diary and bring this diary to your doctor, so your doctor can figure what the best treatment is for you.

In your diary, you should include:

• What part of the brain do you feel the pain?
• What does the pain feel like?
• The time your headache began and when it ended
• Any changes in the weather, such as storms, high winds, or high humidity
• Any warning signs – symptoms before the migraine occurred
• Any treatment you tried, and whether it helped or made the migraine worse

Tip # 2 – Making Changes in Your Daily Regimen:

Making changes in your everyday life can help reduce the number and severity of migraines you are experiencing. Here are some changes you can incorporate into your life that can help improve the number of migraines you are experiencing.

• Sleep: Make sure you get enough of sleep and try going to sleep around the same time each night.  Interruptions in your sleep schedule, getting too much or too little sleep, can trigger a migraine.
• Exercise regularly: Research has shown that regular, moderate aerobic exercise may reduce the severity, duration, and number of migraines in many people. Regular exercise also helps control stress, another migraine trigger.
• Eat regular meals: Eating healthy meals regularly are important to maintain level blood sugar. A drop in blood sugar can trigger a migraine.
• Drink plenty of water: Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can trigger migraine.
• Limit stress: For many migraine sufferers, stress is plays a big factor. Take time each day to relax. Find something that helps you relax like listening to soothing music, taking short walks, meditating or doing yoga.
• Try complementary therapies: Try using complementary therapy to help prevent migraines. For example, you may be able to manage stress and prevent migraines through acupuncture, massages and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Tip # 3 – Incorporate Certain Foods into Your Diet:

If you are a migraine sufferer like me, you are constantly looking for prevention ideas. Certain foods can help fight off and prevent migraines.  These foods include:

• Cayenne: Cayenne peppers are widely recognized as culinary ingredients that add intense heat and flavor to southwest American, Caribbean, Indian and Asian dishes. However, this pepper may also offer healing benefits. Capsaicin, the chemical that gives cayenne peppers their heat, may help reduce blood vessel constriction. This may help prevent rapid blood pressure fluctuations that can trigger migraine headaches.
• Coffee: When it comes to coffee, caffeine can give you migraine relief. It is a major ingredient in many headache medications. However, if you consume too much, it can actually cause migraines. Moderation is key!
• Flaxseed and Fish: An anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial to preventing migraines.  Flaxseeds and fish are packed with omega-3s and fiber can actually help prevent migraines.
• Riboflavin-rich Foods: Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B-2, is one of eight B vitamins necessary for the metabolism of nutrients and protection of your central nervous system. A deficiency of this vitamin may also contribute to headaches, particularly migraines. Adding foods high in riboflavin may help stop recurring migraines by correcting deficiencies. Eggs, avocados, broccoli, romaine lettuce, alfalfa, asparagus, walnuts and mushrooms are abundant sources of riboflavin.
• Magnesium-rich Foods: About 60 percent of migraine sufferers may have magnesium deficiencies. Magnesium is a trace mineral that may help normalize nerve impulses in your brain that transmit pain signals. This may help stop intense pain associated with migraine headaches. It may also help regulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter chemical that may contribute to sudden changes in blood pressure – a contributing factor of migraines. Increase your magnesium intake by consuming foods such as kale, tofu, lima beans, kelp, garlic, apples, bananas and apricots.

Tip # 4 – Consider Dietary Supplements:

• Magnesium: This is probably the most important one as it contributes to relaxing the brain blood vessels that cause the pain. Magnesium penetrates cell membranes, including the mitochondria. Some of the best drugs used to treat migraines are calcium channel blockers.
• Vitamin B2: (riboflavin) – Riboflavin, which is vitamin B2, converts energy from carbohydrates. The riboflavin gives your brain more energy, which makes it less likely to be bothered by migraine triggers.
• Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is needed so the body can properly use serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are necessary for normal nerve cell communication. Researchers have found lower levels of serotonin in people with migraine headaches. Therefore taking Vitamin B6 may help the body better use these crucial chemicals and it is thought be a key vitamin for migraine aura and a natural remedy for migraines.
• Vitamin B12 & Folic acid:  Vitamin B-12 supplements may also be effective for migraine relief if taken along with vitamin B6 and folic acid. A study published in “Pharmacogenetics & Genomics” in June 2009 showed that participants who took all three supplements together saw a reduction in migraine headache frequency and the severity of their pain.

Tip # 5 – Consider the Possibilities of Herbal Supplements:

For centuries, many people have used alternative therapies to help or cure common conditions.    Certain herbs have been used to help reduce or prevent migraines.  Some can be just as strong or effective as prescription drugs. Therefore, it is important to remember, if you consider using any type of herbal supplements, consult your doctor first.  Make sure it does not conflict with any medications you are currently taking.   You should not take any herbal supplements or drugs unless your doctor says it is OK and if you are pregnant, you should not take any herbal supplements because it may harm the baby.

Herbal supplements used to reduce and prevent migraines include the following:

• Alfalfa Leaf
•  Barberry Root
•  Bay Leaf
•  Brazilian Guarana
•  Butterbur
•  Catnip
•  Cayenne
•  Chamomile
•  Dong Quai
•  Evening Primrose
•  Feverfew
•  Ginger Root
•  Green Tea
•  Griffonia Seed
•  Hawthorne Leaf
•  Honeysuckle
•  Kola Nut
•  Lemon Balm
•  Passion Flower
•  Peppermint Leaf
•  Valerian Root
•  White Willow Bark
•  Wintergreen
•  Wood Betony

Tip # 6 – Prescription Medications:

Not all experts would recommend using medication to prevent temperature-change-related migraines.  However, if you have tried natural, holistic and alternative therapies to try to eliminate your migraines and nothing seems to be effective then you should focus on other alternatives such as prescription medications specifically made to help people suffering from migraines.

Below are some prescription medications for patients suffering from migraines:

1. Antiepileptic drugs: Certain medications used to control seizures are also effective for preventing migraines as well. These drugs may work by calming the neurons in the brain. Neuron “hyperexcitability” plays a role in migraine and epilepsy. Up to 20% of people with epilepsy also suffer from migraines including myself.  Anti – seizure medications that help migraines include:
   1. Depacon (valproate)
   2. Depakote (divalproex)
   3. Topiragen, Topamax (topiramate)
2.  Beta-blockers: These medications are frequently used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. It is not clear how they help prevent migraines. Nevertheless, beta-blockers improve the blood flow and this may be significant reason why beta-blockers help prevent migraines.  Beta-blockers that have been proven effective for the prevention of migraines include:
   1.  Blocadren (timolol)
   2. Inderal, Innopran XL (propranolol)
   3. Lopressor, Toprol XL (metoprolol)
3. Antidepressants: These medications affect the level of the brain chemical serotonin. Research has shown that Elavil (amitriptyline) and Effexor (venlafaxine) work well for preventing migraines.

When using medication to prevent migraines, keep in mind:

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose and gradually increase it over time. It may take several months to find the best dose with the fewest side effects.  It is important to remember that you should never stop taking preventive medications because it could trigger a severe migraine caused by stopping the medication immediately.  Preventive medications need to be reduced slowly under your doctor’s supervision.  Preventive migraine medications may not get rid of your migraines completely.  If the preventive medication is not getting rid of your migraines, you may still need to take acute medications when you do have a migraine.