Britney Spears

What has become of our little Britney Spears? The once innocent school girl who was the fastest rising pop star in music is now the sex-addicted slut who wears t-shirts with sayings like “Virgin (But this is an Old Shirt)” and has now become an inside joke amongst crowds and an easy target for tabloid magazines looking to exploit her recent chain of bad decisions. Born in 1981 in Kentwood, Louisiana, Britney has been lighting up the stage since she made her stake as a “Star Search” contestant at only eight-years-old. She didn’t win, but she did nail an audition for the new “Mickey Mouse Club” variety show three years later, joining the ranks of fellow Mouseketeers and soon-to-be stars Keri Russell, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Ryan Gosling for two years before the show’s eventual cancellation. Britney returned back home to a normal life after the show’s last episode and enrolled at her local high school, but the dreams she had of leaving the small town to pursue a musical career weren’t sidetracked for too long. Before she knew it, Britney was saying her goodbyes to high school friends and packing her bags for New York City with one thing on her mind: a major record label contract. She quickly signed with Jive Records and began promoting her first album, …Baby One More Time, on tiny stages in the middle of local malls for crowds of less than a hundred before her first single, “Hit Me Baby, One More Time” hit the airwaves and the lyrical farm girl was transformed into the newest pop princess on the market. The album went platinum in no time, with the help of other hits like “Crazy” and “Sometimes,” and Britney became an instant star.
Following numerous tabloid stories attempting to knock the young singer off of her pedestal, Britney released her second album in 2000, Oops!...I Did It Again, to mobs of awaiting fans. The Britney craze was in full swing and the humble princess fast became the Queen of Pop with sold out shows, respect from the music critics and a million-dollar contract with Pepsi. A year later, after countless news stories of her ongoing feud with Christina Aguilera and hush-hush relationship with ‘NSYNC front man, Justin Timberlake, Britney released her third and self-titled album. While Britney continued to rise with the success of her third LP, the pop star also began to lose a lot of her younger fans when she ripped off the schoolgirl gear and pranced around in skimpy underwear with giant snakes wrapped around her neck. In what appeared to be a desperate attempt to reach out to the under-18 girls that continued to swarm the streets of Times Square and vote for their Most Requested Video, Britney released her first feature film, “Crossroads,” to newspapers filled with bad reviews and a Razzie Award for Worst Actress
Britney continued to display her rebellious, “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” attitude when she began popping up in People and US magazines as a wild party girl who was no longer promoting herself as the momma’s girl she claimed to be. With her fourth and most recent album, In the Zone, Britney dumped the pop sound from her past albums in place of an experimental beat that was supposed to prove to critics that she had matured as an artist. The merely decent album wasn’t what everyone was talking about in 2003 though, but rather it was the infamous onstage kiss that she shared with Madonna during MTV’s Video Music Awards. If the luscious lip-lock wasn’t enough for trigger-happy photographers and juicy magazine articles, Britney’s 55-hour Vegas marriage to friend Jason Alexander (not George of “Seinfeld’) was one of the biggest news events of the year. Now that Britney has replaced the good girl image with a tabloid-led lifestyle of dirty secrets and an untamed nightlife, we beg to gamble on how much longer this self-styled princess has before she expires.

Britney Says

On her favorite songs:
"I always listen to 'NSYNC's 'Tearin' Up My Heart.' It reminds me to wear a bra. "

On rumors that she had a breast enlargement:
"I did not have implants, I just had a growth spurt."

On the perks of being a singer:
"I get to go to lots of overseas places, like Canada."

On her new image:
"I've turned from a little nice school girl, into this sexy, slutty seductress. And I like it... I like it a lot."

Migraine Headache 5

Medical literature is full of examples of how natural hormones effect migraine headaches. As early as 1953, the British Medical Journal published Dr. Kathleen Dalton’s first hand account of how her own menstrual migraines were relieved by injections of natural hormones. This same doctor started using this therapy on her own patients, claiming an 83% success rate.

In July of 1983, Dr. Penny Budoff, writing in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, cited successful trials of natural hormone therapy dating back to 1964, showing alleviation of multiple symptoms, including migraine headaches. She later went on to describe a Boston clinic that offered natural hormone treatments, saying they “provided effective therapy.”

There was some controversy about her findings, probably related to disagreement over how the actual hormones were introduced into the body - intramuscular, intravenous, orally or also by vaginal suppositories. There was even controversy over the dosages required. Apparently, how the treatment is given affects the overall outcomes and results.

In 2000, The Mayo Clinic announced the usage of a new type of natural hormone by one of their leading endocrinologists - Lorraine Fitzpatrick, M.D. The conclusions were natural hormones can improve the quality of life for post-menopausal women, such as decreasing the risk of endometrial cancers, sleep disorders, hot flashes, anxiety and symptoms of depression. This same study was also published in the Journal of Women’s Health.
Neuroprotective Effects

Dr. Donald Stein, with Emory University School of Medicine noted in the June, 2005, Annals of New York Academy of Sciences, that natural hormones:

“may be a potent neuroprotective agent especially in the treatment of traumatic brain injury, stroke, and certain neurodegenerative disorders.”

He continued:

“The literature surrounding [natural hormones] influence on mood, cognition, and memory in healthy subjects is not very large,”

but in general he found natural hormones do indeed offer helpful treatments in humans.

Citing animal model studies, natural hormones consistently demonstrated “beneficial effects.” Among these benefits are substantially reducing edema (swelling) in the brain as well as effectively reducing free radical damage. They also decrease brain damaged areas following a loss of blood supply and reduce nerve cell injury after a nerve contusions.

Natural hormones have anti-seizure properties and are the subject of two NIH funded clinical trials for natural hormone treatment of epilepsy in women. Finally, Dr. Stein notes natural hormones “have the potential to enhance neuronal (nerve cell) repair.”

The Annals of the New York Academy of Science in 2005 published a study by Dr. M. Singh stating that ovarian (sex) hormones:

“…can no longer be considered strictly within the confines of reproductive function, and the brain is just as important a target for hormone function.”

He goes on to write: “Indeed, recent evidence supports the neuroprotective potential of [sex hormones] itself.”
Migraines and Seizures

Dr. Andrew Herzog of the Harvard Medical School’s Neuroendocrine Unit published two articles in the journal Neurology, describing how natural hormones influence nerve cells in the brain by demonstrating a dramatic reduction (68%) in a condition called Catamenial Seizures.

These seizures paralleled the time course of migraine headaches during the menstrual cycle so closely, that the seizures are now labeled as “menstrual seizures”.

Dr. Vincent T. Martin, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, is the WORLD’S FOREMOST AUTHORITY on the relationship of migraine headaches with sex hormones. In October of 2005 he wrote that “…migraine headache and epilepsy may show a similar pattern of response to changes in ovarian hormone encountered during the menstrual cycle. …”

Describing hormonal interventions in women during their menstrual cycle, Dr. martin wrote:

”If ovarian hormones played no role in the headaches of these women, then hormonal manipulations would be expected to have no effect.”

But when hormones were added back – headaches did improve - even when measured and compared against a placebo.

Dr. Martin further wrote, “Our study also suggests that [ovarian hormones] modulate migraine headaches.” Additionally, the doctor indicated: “…the presence of [natural hormones] provided a preventative benefit for migraine headaches.”

He theorizes that natural hormones produced this benefit by enhancing a brain neurotransmitter called GABA. An increase in the GABA receptors helps suppress electrical stimulation in the trigeminal ganglion in the brain - thought to play a major role in activation of pain sensation in migraine headaches.
New Research

More recently, in special issues of this year’s journal Headache, Dr. Martin published two more review articles on ovarian hormones and migraine headaches. He opened the review with:

“Ovarian hormones have a profound influence on the central nervous system of women.” This is followed by “Migraine headache in particular appears to be strongly affected by ovarian hormones.”

His team noted that in the brain ovarian hormones are converted into metabolites, enhancing their effects. Some of the metabolites found in the brain have 100 times the concentration than found in the rest of the body.

Dr. Martin observed: “Therefore, substantial clinical evidence suggests that changes in ovarian hormones affect migraine headaches.”


The Serotonin System

In Part 2 of the review, Dr. Martin writes: “Migraine headaches are likely influenced by the different “hormonal milieus (situations)” encountered during reproductive life events that begin during menarche (first periods) and continue through menopause.”

Once inside the brain, ovarian hormones “have a prominent effect” on various neurotransmitter systems, including the serotonin and GABA systems. Again from Dr. Martin:

“Substantial evidence exists to suggest that the serotonergic system is important in the pathogenesis of migraine headache.”

Triptan medications (Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, etc.) enhance the action of the hormone serotonin, and are, according to Dr. Martin:

“efficacious abortive treatments for migraine headache.” “Because ovarian [hormones] play a critical role in serotonin synthesis, reuptake, and degradation they could theoretically affect migraine through their action on the serotonergic system.”
The GABA System

As Dr. Martin describes, this is a complex issue.

“GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter within the central nervous system. GABAergic neurons are strongly modulated by ovarian [hormones].”

“The effect of ovarian hormones on neurotransmitter systems may be dependent on a number of variables.”

“The pathophysiology of migraine headache is a complex, but probably involves activation of a number of different “pain processing networks” within the central nervous system…” “Ovarian hormones … modulate these structures/pathways to increase or decrease the frequency, severity or duration of migraine headache.”

He cites an animal model study of migraine headaches where the brain’s main pain firing network (the trigeminal nucleus) is electrically activated. Observable symptoms decreased by 42% when pretreated with a natural hormone metabolite.

Leakage of neurotransmitter stimulators, known to cause headaches, were also suppressed as well. This was thought to be caused by the natural hormone’s ability to regulate the nerves GABA receptors.
Autonomic Nervous System

“There is evidence that the sympathetic nervous system is involved in the pathophysiology of migraine headache.” Dr. Martin

Ten to fifteen percent of patients with migraine headaches have a condition called Horner Syndrome during their headache-free periods.

Horner Syndrome is a weakness in the sympathetic nervous system. Abnormally weak eyelid muscles and the pupil causes these people to respond to light differently than those non-afflicted with this disease.

Changing the mix of ovarian hormones has actually been shown to improve this condition.
Vascular Effects

One of the most observed properties of migraine headaches has been the abnormally increased blood flow through brain arteries (vasodilation). Certain ovarian hormones counteract this effect - thereby relieving the condition.
Estrogen Withdrawal Theory

Dr. Martin stated in all of his articles:

“The most plausible theory to explain the pathophysiology of menstrual migraine is that of “excess withdrawal” of estrogen.”

When high circulating levels of estrogen are suddenly withdrawn or dropped – a migraine can occur. This has been supported by other studies as well. Migraines were induced by adding excessive estrogen early on in the menstrual cycle – then suddenly stopping it.

However, when estrogen was added later in the cycle, migraines were not suppressed. Only the onset of the next headache was delayed. As Dr. Martin noted:

“Estrogen in particular appears to modulate the frequency, severity, and disability of migraine headache.”

Other systems also had to be involved, including prostaglandins, magnesium, alterations of neurotransmitters (serotonin, GABA, opiates), sympathetic nervous system, and of course, birth control pills.

What We Can Conclude

Through Dr. Martin’s groundbreaking research, it’s obvious the right mix of ovarian hormones is crucial in maintaining a migraine free life. Too little ovarian hormones in the body – and the risk of getting a migraine greatly increases. Returning the body’s balance often reverses the situation – meaning no more migraine headaches – and no more pain.
Supplementing the body’s deficiencies with bio-identical hormones and returning the natural balance is a critical part in effectively treating and curing migraine headaches.
a migraine cure certainly eliminates the migraine nausea altogether - and concern over the ensuing migraine headache may no longer be necessary – at least in women.
APPLIES TO:
• migraine
• migraines
• migraine headaches
• headaches
• migraine headache
• migraine headache relief
• migraine relief
• headache treatment cure
• women's health
• birth control pills
• oral contraceptives

Migraine Headaches 4

Vertigo, which is an illusion of movement in relation to the environment, is commonly experienced as part of a migraine headache.

Migraine is a disease characterized by periodic headaches, but patients often experience other symptoms, including dizziness. In some patients, dizziness can be the only symptom. The dizziness associated with migraines is called vertigo.

Vertigo is basically a sensation of a room spinning around you, while at rest. Nausea and sometimes vomiting is always associated with vertigo.

Motion sickness is a common migraine accompaniment as well. Most studies report about 50% of patients with migraines have motion sickness. Patients with migraine-associated vertigo often provide a long history of motion intolerance during car, boat, or air travel or all three. People with migraines are, in general, more sensitive to motion of the environment and to busy environments.

The symptoms of migraine-associated vertigo are variable and may feel like a room spinning at rest (true vertigo), a constant feeling of imbalance, and/or dizziness associated primarily when moving and not at rest. Symptoms directly associated with a migraine headache can occur prior to the onset of headache or during a headache.
Vertigo Without Headaches

It is also quite common to experience vertigo during a headache-free interval. As such, many patients who experience migraine-associated vertigo will experience dizziness as the main symptom even in the absence of a headache! In fact, most patients with migraine-associated vertigo have dizziness that occurs independently of the headache.

This last condition of someone experiencing vertigo without any headache confuses doctors and patients alike. It is far more common than thought and most of the time is a missed diagnosis and thereby a missed opportunity for treatment.
Prevalence of Migraine-Associated Vertigo

Reports indicate that 27-42% of all migraine patients report episodic vertigo. What is interesting is that about a third (about 36%) of these patients experienced vertigo during headache-free periods. The remainder experienced vertigo either just before or during the headache. The incidence of vertigo during the headache period was higher in patients with aura as opposed to those without aura.

Duration:

The vertigo symptoms may last for a few minutes or may be continuous for several weeks or even for months! In women, there is a strong association of dizziness occurring within the menstrual cycle.

The duration of the vertigo can also be quite variable. The frequencies of different durations of vertigo spells in migraine-associated vertigo are as follows:

o 7% experience vertigo for a duration of seconds.
o 31% experience vertigo for minutes to up to 2 hours.
o 5% have vertigo for 2-6 hours.
o 8% have vertigo for 6-24 hours.
o 49% experience vertigo for longer than 24 hours.

What Causes the Vertigo Associated with Migraines?

The most commonly accepted theory regarding the pathophysiology of migraine-associated vertigo is the Cortical Spreading Depression theory (CSD). Multiple authors propose that episodes of dizziness are similar to that of a migraine aura or are actually part of the aura.

But since only about 20% of migraine sufferers actually experience an aura, researches attribute the vertigo as part of a fluctuation of nerve cell ion channels. Recent understandings in a particular type of migraine – Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) have shown two genes responsible for controlling ion flow across nerve cell membranes.

These two genes affect changes in calcium, sodium and potassium channels. This alters the electrical conduction potentials of nerve cells. The result is a transient wave front that suppresses central neuronal activity. This depression spreads in all directions from its site of origin. These changes result in a reduction in cerebral blood flow in the areas of spreading depression.

Two authors have suggested that when dizziness is unrelated to headache, the dizziness occurs from the release of neuropeptides, including substance P, neurokinin A, calcitonin and gene–related peptide [CGRP].

No single hypothesis explains the headache or dizziness process in migraine at this time. Thus, the causes of the symptoms of migraine remain controversial.
Meniere’s Disease

There is another relatively common form of vertigo called Meniere’s Disease. Meniere’s Disease is not related to migraines at all. It has a classic triad of vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing of the ears). The vertigo of Meniere’s Disease is frequently confused with migraine-associated vertigo.

Fortunately, the vertigo associated with the more common forms of migraines rarely have any hearing loss and also does not have much in the way of tinnitus.

Basilar Migraines

The is one ominous variant of migraine headaches called Basilar Migraines (or also known as Bickerstaff ‘s syndrome) which is a cross between a migraine and occasionally ends up in a stroke. Some features of Basilar Migraines include vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus. Up to 80% of patients with Basilar Migraine have been reported to have sensorineural hearing loss.

So in the case of the Basilar Migraines, the vertigo might be indistinguishable from Meniere’s Disease during the headache-free intervals. Otherwise the presence of the headache would lend it toward the migraine component and should be treated as a migraine.

Clearly, Basilar Migraines are a more pernicious variety of migraine headache. Even though Basilar Migraines are classified as a sub-group of migraines, some believe that the stroke-like damage that is frequently associated with this group of headaches places it in a different category and should be treated very differently from the typical migraine.
Treatment

Unfortunately, the vertigo component of migraines is extremely resistant to standard treatment. The triptan class of drugs is relatively ineffective. Also, the standard anti-vertigo drugs like meclizine and phenergan also do not work well.
A Better Method For Migraine Relief

There is another option to relieve migraine pain – a migraine cure. Cure the migraine and never worry about migraine-associated vertigo again.

Recent reports indicate migraine headaches can indeed be totally abolished – as a number of elite medical clinics catering to women have testified. Under their treatment protocols, migraines are completely eliminated in 80% of their patients.

These successes are limited to women only, as addressing a woman’s hormones is the basis of the cure. Some clinics have published their treatment protocols and even made them available to the public.

APPLIES TO:
• migraine
• migraines
• migraine headaches
• headaches
• migraine headache
• migraine headache relief
• migraine relief
• headache treatment cure
• women's health
• birth control pills
• oral contraceptives

Migraine Headaches 3

Almost every article you read about migraine headaches mentions something called the “classical migraine.” But how many people really have this “classical” condition?

Migraines are typically divided into two major categories: Classical and common.

Classical migraine headaches typically start with an “aura” lasting 10 minutes to an hour before the headache itself begins.

The aura frequently is a sensation of flashing lights, blind spots, visual zig zag lines, tingling or even numbness. Other classic symptoms may include confusion, slurred speech or weakness in an arm or leg. (Please see our previous article: “The Migraine Aura – Tricks From The Brain” for more information.)

Common migraine headaches are not preceded by an aura. These headaches generally just arrive without warning. They may start off with just a mild pain, but then quickly intensify over a matter of minutes. But the headache in a common migraine can be just as painful as the classical variety - regardless of whether the sufferer had an aura or not.
How Common Are Migraines?

Depending on whose statistics you use, migraine headaches are found in about 10% of the population. Since women officially have three times more incidences of headaches than men, the number of females experiencing migraines approaches18%. As women approach the age of 35, the peak incidence of migraines increases to nearly 35% - nearly one in three!

These figures are consistent worldwide – and not just limited to the United States.

Earlier studies raised the issue that Asians experience far few migraines than Westerners. However, recent surveys seem to refute this finding. This is interesting – because it would seem to indicate that migraines are a universal human condition and not cultural or developmental phenomena.

It’s also estimated another 5% of the worldwide population have migraine headaches but don’t know it! These people have either incorrectly self-diagnosed their condition - or had their pain misdiagnosed as tension or sinus headaches.

Of all the people who experience migraine headaches, properly diagnosed or not, about 20% are supposed to have the “classical” aura type of migraine.
Migraines Much More Common Than Realized

In real practice however, my observations have shown migraine headaches are much more common in the general population than formerly reported. Twice as many women as previously thought, about 1 in 5, will experience at least one migraine in their life. But of those women, very few of them experience an aura.

Furthermore, official statistics indicate that 60-70% of women experience “hormonal” headaches - headaches based on their monthly cycle.

Again, my actual experience is that far more women experience migraine headaches to menstrual cycle changes than officially recognized. In all likelihood, this is due to external stimuli affecting the body – such as birth control pills and certain prescription medications.
Migraine Headaches Swelling Worldwide

What’s even worse, migraine headaches seem to be increasing worldwide, especially over the last 50 years, and particularly in women. Preliminary observations indicate that virtually every family in America has at least one female member experiencing migraine headaches.

The Centers for Disease Control reported a 60-percent increase in the incidence of migraine headaches from 1980 to 1989. A Mayo Clinic study released in 1999 showed similar findings where migraine headaches in women increased 56 percent during the 1980s while the incidence of migraine headaches in men increased 34 percent during the same period.

The clinic’s author speculated the reasons were four-fold:

* “Stress “
* A rise in the number of single-parent households
* An increase in the number of women in the workforce
* An increase in women who are dieting for weight loss

With all due respects to the Mayo Clinic, the Women’s Health Institute of Texas believes in alternate explanations for the increasing incidence of migraines:

* Increased use of birth control pills since 1960
* Progressive exposure to “xenoestrogens” over the last 50 years
* Worsening dietary habits over the last 25 years

All three reasons certainly account for the disturbing uptrend in women’s migraines. The last two reasons apply to men just as well as to women. The entire population is being exposed to high levels of xenoestrogens, and the dietary habits of both men and women have progressively declined - as evidenced by the ever-rising numbers in obesity.
What are Xenoestrogens?

Xenoestrogens are chemicals exhibiting estrogen-like activity. “Xeno” means foreign, so xenoestrogen simply means “a foreign estrogen.” There are tens of thousands of chemicals that exert hormonal effects, with xenoestrogens exerting estrogenic effects.

Examples of xenoestrogens include pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables, hormone additives to grain fed beef and “gas off” from plastic water bottles.

Too much exposure to estrogen can cause numerous medical difficulties, manifesting as a myriad of “female” problems in women. These range from Depression to uterine fibroids to breast cancer. In men, these can range from gynecomastia (development of breast tissue) to prostate cancer.

Incidentally, this problem doesn’t just involve humans. A recent article in “The Week” magazine cites estrogen-like contaminants being responsible for male fish in Maryland’s Potomac River actually carrying eggs! What used to be a one in a million abnormality now affects 80% of the smallmouth bass population.

APPLIES TO:
• migraine
• migraines
• migraine headaches
• headaches
• migraine headache
• migraine headache relief
• migraine relief
• headache treatment cure
• women's health
• birth control pills
• oral contraceptives

Migraine Headaches 2

Migraine headaches generally come in two forms: With and without auras. The headaches themselves can be equally painful – whether or not an aura is present.

Statistics indicate that only about 20% of migraine sufferers actually experience these auras. However, I’ve actually observed that the prevalence of aura type migraines is substantially less than that.

What Is A Migraine Aura?

The aura is a distortion in perception. Most often a migraine aura is a visual alteration or other sensory phenomena occurring just before the pain phase of a migraine headache starts. The aura also typically ends before the headache itself begins.

Symptoms associated with auras may include flashing lights, geometric patterns, or distorted vision.

However, some people may have non-visual auras involving hearing sounds (usually buzzing), olfactory auras involving smelling odors, or tactile auras that manifest like a physical touching sensation.

Characteristics Associated With Auras Include:

• Flashing lights
• Wavy or zigzagging lines
• Visual spots or other shapes
• Blind spots or partial loss of sight
• Blurry vision
• Olfactory hallucinations, or the smelling of aromas that aren’t really there
• Tingling feeling or numbness about the face or extremities
• Difficulty speaking or forming words
• Confusion
• Vertigo (dizziness)
• Partial and temporary paralysis
• Hearing loss
• Reduced sensation to touch
• Hypersensitivity to feel and touch

Migraine auras normally lasts from 20 minutes to an hour; however some sufferers have been known to experience aura symptoms lasting up to two days. Migraine aura symptoms can and do vary tremendously from one migraine sufferer to the next.

“Negative” and “Positive” Symptoms

The most commonly reported aura consists of flashing lights or zigzagging lines, known as the so-called “positive” symptoms.

Partial or total visual field loss or vision blackouts are called “negative symptoms”.

A combination of so-called “negative symptoms” (such as vision loss) with the “positive symptoms” (like zigzagging lines) make up the typically distinctive features of a migraine aura.

Vision blackouts - the “negative symptoms” - are caused by a depression of nerve activity. On the other hand, zigzagging lines are caused by hyperactivity in the nerve cells.

Cortical Spreading Depression (CSD)

Special imaging and magnetic brainwave studies strongly suggest that Cortical Spreading Depression (CSD) forms the biological basis for the “negative symptoms” of a migraine aura.

From studying a particular type of migraine - Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) - recent findings have shown two genes are responsible for causing this symptom. These genes - which control the ion flow of calcium, sodium and potassium to the nerve cells - are damaged in people inclined to this type of migraine. It’s believed this genetic mutation makes a person’s neurons susceptible to CSD.

In essence, the nerve cells (or neurons) don’t get properly “recharged” – resulting in diminished or depressed neural activity. Whatever the reason, this reduced activity slows down normal body functioning. If the affected neuron complex happens to control the sight centers (visual cortex) then visual disturbances or losses may occur.

However, as these neurons begin to react to or recover from the CSD, they may become hyper excitable, resulting in visual phenomena such as flashing lights and zig zag lines. (It’s sort of like the neuron’s compensate by rebounding and going into overdrive!)

This hyper excitability then activates the major nerve complex behind the eye (trigeminal nerve). This initiates migraine headaches by activating the highly pain-sensitive “dura mater” - the membrane sheet wrapping around the brain.

Calcium Channel Blocker Drugs

Researchers speculated that blocking the ion channels flowing through the neuron cell membranes would help reduce migraine pain. Some suggested using drugs to slow down and block these channels – for example “calcium channel blocker” medications.

Calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil) are widely used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure. They’re also now extensively used to prevent migraine headaches. Unfortunately, their effectiveness in migraine prevention is minimal at best.

A Better Method

There is another option – a migraine cure. Cure the migraine and never worry about their associated auras or pain again.

Recent reports indicate migraine headaches can indeed be totally abolished – as a number of elite medical clinics catering to women have testified. Under their treatment protocols, migraines are completely eliminated in 80% of their patients.

These successes are limited to women only, as addressing a women’s hormones is the basis of the cure. Some clinics have published their treatment protocols and even made them available to the public.

APPLIES TO:
• migraine
• migraines
• migraine headaches
• headaches
• migraine headache
• migraine headache relief
• migraine relief
• headache treatment cure
• women's health
• birth control pills
• oral contraceptives

Migraine Headaches

Prior to the introduction of a new class of medications in the 1990’s, medical management of migraines was limited to either narcotics (which are addictive) or just not very effective. With the introduction of a class of medications called triptans, migraine headache management was revolutionized.

The more technical name for this class of medications is selective serotonin receptor agonists. Triptans are not pain medications as we traditionally think of them. Traditional pain medications don't end the pain. They simply increase our tolerance to it -- temporarily. Unless the migraine attack has run its course while a pain medication is working, the symptoms will return when the pain medication wears off.Triptans are termed abortive migraine medications. They cannot prevent migraines. They are used to abort a migraine attack in an effort to stop the attack itself and the associated symptoms.

The effect on the blood vessels is considerable in that they seem to tighten up or vasoconstrict arteries. This is consistent with observed vasodilatation or opening up of the arteries during a migraine headache attack.

The potential danger of this class of medications is that someone who has borderline blood flow to the heart or brain, for example in ischemic heart disease, is at risk for a full blown heart attack or stroke if these medications are taken. Most migraine sufferers are younger so this is generally not that great a concern for the vast majority of people with migraine headaches.

With the first medication called Imitrex®, made by Glaxo-Smith-Kline, the triptan revolution swept across migraine headache management. The initial product was an injectible medication and had a quick onset of action. Many people were relieved relatively quickly and thought it was a godsend, despite the steep price.

Imitrex® was also sold under the name Imigran®. It also became available in a tablet and nasal spray forms. Soon after Imitrex came to the market, other drug companies began rolling out their own triptan medications. Imitrex® had been followed by Maxalt®, Zomig®, Amerge®, Avert®, Frova® and Relpax®. All of the other manufacturers made their triptans into a pill form, with Maxalt® and Zomig® having a dissolvable pill.

The various routes of administration are important. For example, the injectible Imitrex® has the fastest onset of action and to this day still provides the greatest amount of relief once the headache strikes. The dissolvable forms are for those people whose nausea is so significant that they are unable to keep down a swallowed pill. The nasal spray is also an option to bypass the stomach.

Side effects to watch for include chest pain, throat pain or abdominal pain. The reason why these pains are important to look for is that they may indicate a reduction in blood supply to the heart or major organs of the body. People with angina pectoris or ischemic heart disease are advised to not take these medications.

Secondary side effects include shortness of breath, wheezing, heart palpitations, facial or eyelid swelling, skin rashes, tingling and flushing, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, muscle pain, feeling tired and sick. The tingling is a particularly common observation.

The good news is that the secondary side effects are not going to kill you. Most people are willing to trade a reduction in the migraine headache attack for a little discomfort.

Another medication that is still commonly used, even though it is not part of the triptan class of medication is called ergotamine, or more precisely, dihydroergotamine (brand names Migranal®, DHE-45®). This medication works to constrict blood vessels, similar in action to the triptans. Side effects are similar with the same warnings to those people with bad hearts.

Prophylactic Approach to Migraines

Waiting for the headache to start and subsequent rushing to take a triptan or ergotamine medication is the most common method of migraine headache management in those people who do not experience a high frequency of headaches.

For those who are plagued with frequent headaches, another major approach involving medication is through an attempt of preventive or prophylactic measure to stop the headaches from coming in the first place.

This method has shown to be very disappointing. It barely exceeds results found in placebo methods.

The most common attempt at migraine prevention is the use of beta-blockers. Propranolol (Inderal®) is the most commonly prescribed beta blocker for this purpose.

Anti-depressant medications are also extremely commonly used. The thinking here is that there is some relationship with serotonin levels, which anti-depressants do have some type of effect on. I have never seen anyone with migraine headaches benefit from anti-depressants.

The medical profession, as a rule, is generally pretty quick to prescribe anti-depressants for virtually any condition which they don’t understand. Doctors particularly like to prescribe anti-depressants for women.

Calcium channel blockers like verapimil are occasionally prescribed as a preventative. Verapimil is used primarily to treat high blood pressure and is also used to treat irregular heart rhythms.

If a migraine sufferer also has high blood pressure or an irregular heart rhythm, many doctors will prescribe verapimil to treat all of these conditions at the same time. One drug treats multiple conditions. Otherwise, calcium channels do not tend to be used for migraine treatment.

Rarely, the drug methysergide will be prescribed. There are some pretty scary side effects associated with this drug, and it is nowhere near the top of the list in being prescribed any more.

Finally, in the traditional prevention class, a whole new set of medications that had been used to treat seizure disorders has been tried. Depakote®, Neurontin® and Topamax® are the top three anti-seizure medications now being used for migraine headache prophylaxis.

All three of those medications have potentially significant side effects and are frequently not tolerated by people long-term. Some people do benefit significantly, however.

Pain Management

Finally, there is the general pain management approach to migraine headaches. This approach is not specific to migraines, but to pain in general.

There are basically two types of pain medications: Non-narcotic and narcotic pain medication.

Non-narcotic pain medications consist of anti-inflammatory medications called NSAIDS. These are the aspirin-like compounds found in prescription strength and over the counter at a local pharmacy. The public is well versed with the brand names like Motrin®, Nuprin® and Aleve®. I will not go into any further detail here. Another major non-narcotic medication, but is technically not an NSAID, is Tylenol®. Again, the public is knowledgeable about this drug.

The narcotic pain medications are the other pain management method to migraine headaches. Vicodin® and Lorcet® are perhaps the most familiar first-line narcotic pain medications. There are tighter prescription controls on doctors for other narcotics like Percodan®, Darvon®, Equigesic®, and Oxycontin®, just to name a few. There are many, many narcotic medications available.

Narcotics are almost never advisable unless there is an emergency room situation whereby this is the initial presentation of a migraine headache or a dramatic worsening compared to past headaches. Some unfortunate sufferers of cluster headaches require narcotics. Many have committed suicide.

Once you go down the road of requiring narcotic pain medications for a medical condition that does not resolve, addiction and tolerance is a near certainly. There are numerous political and legal implications for both the doctor and the patient when this occurs.

Virtually all 50 state boards of medicine that regulate doctors and grant their licenses to practice medicine are taking a strong look at narcotic-prescribing habits of doctors. This is why doctors are extremely reluctant to prescribe narcotics almost under any situation. As a result, many people who require these medications cannot obtain them.

Conclusion

In summary, traditional medical management of migraine headaches is frankly ineffective and burdensome. Only with the advent of triptan medication class just 15 years ago have there been some strides made in this regard.

Unfortunately, the triptans, which are indeed helpful, are only taken AFTER a migraine headache has started. Frequently they don’t help to completely eliminate migraine attack symptoms. It is not unusual for these medications to get “tolerated” and lose their effectiveness in the same person over time.

Switching brands of triptans in order to find the brand that proves to be the most effective one is the rule. Even though they do help, this is still a fairly miserable lifestyle. The waiting for the next migraine headache is always lurking, particularly when noone knows if this next migraine headache is going to respond to the latest triptan drug.

None of the other “traditional” approaches to migraine headache management are effective. Unfortunately, there is essentially no good mainstream preventative drug out there that works. Traditional pain medications with narcotics or NSAIDS are simply ineffective and just not the right way to treat this condition.

Something is clearly missing in this picture. What is needed is a CURE, not a band-aid. If someone can nail down the actual reason why migraine headaches are contracted in the first place and find something to eliminate that condition, then we won’t have to worry about all the other techniques that are aimed at combating the outbreaks.

Sure enough, if we found something that simply eliminates the cause of migraine headaches to begin with then we should definitely apply that knowledge. Almost quite by accident, I have discovered in my practice an association between migraine headaches and the relative deficiencies of certain sex hormones.

Replacing the deficient hormones and satisfying the deficit has led to a complete resolution and cure of the migraine headaches in patient after patient. Admittedly, we don’t necessarily understand the exact biochemical mechanism as to why and how exactly do migraines result from a hormone deficiency.

But achieving complete cure in 80% of the times, my patients don’t seem to mind the fact that we don’t have all of the answers. They are pain-free and completely cured and are quite happy in that knowledge. What this information offers is a path to complete cure to your migraine headaches and even cluster headaches. It is simple, natural, safe and very inexpensive with zero side effects.

The information contained is known to all doctors, because they learned it in their first year of medical school – and most have since forgotten it. Doctors (and I was part of that mindset for many years) are trained to prescribe drugs. That is what they do and all they know. Thanks to the US patent laws, these drugs are never natural or bio-identical. They are all chemical compounds, foreign to the body and fraught with side effects.

APPLIES TO:
• migraine
• migraines
• migraine headaches
• headaches
• migraine headache
• migraine headache relief
• migraine relief
• headache treatment cure
• women's health
• birth control pills
• oral contraceptives

Apparel Articles

Corduroy is a textile made of twisted fibres that are woven in a form parallel to one another which makes the 'cord' in the fabric. The word 'corduroy' is derived from the word, 'corde du roi" which means 'cord or cloth of the king'. It is a ridged form of velvet. It is considered as a long-lasting cloth. Clothes from corduroy are preferred by people..
Apparel supply chain is a network of distribution options performing various functions starting from the procurement of raw materials to the transformation into finished products, and its distribution to customers. In olden days, various divisions of the present supply chain like procurement of raw materials, planning, manufacturing, and...
Clothing is a form of non-verbal communication. Clothing has a powerful communicating effect, and tells 'something' about the person wearing it, and creates an impression in the minds of others. Different types of clothes suit different surroundings. Environmental factors affect the choice of clothing. Clothes with antistatic and aesthetic properties are...
This study analyzes the criticality of design factors that contribute to discernable differential in the experiences of goal-focused shoppers on dress model Web sites. Focused on the apparel industry, the study examines factors of accessibility and convenience, availability of information, lack of sociality, media richness, and product.
The science of clothing has evolved drastically. Innovations in the field of textiles are now way ahead. A niche in the field of elite sports wear is apparels that have entered our lives and will monitor our heart beats and other vital signs. Apparels are manufactured with textile based electrodes to receive biophysiological signals from the user. Textronics Inc, has developed...
Corn is used; not just for eating but the fibres acquired from it is also used to manufacture pretty garments. This is a natural renewable fibre and does not come from petro chemicals. Dextrose, a material extracted from corn amylum is fermented to make lactic acid. Water from this substance...
Heat is required for the survival of any living being. Human body should be able to produce and retain heat depending on the ambient external temperature. When temperatures drop very low during winter it becomes a challenge to remain safe and warm. ThermoLogic Apparel is the latest advancement in heated clothing which enables the wearer to have control over the environment...
Does the government really have a plan for South Africa’s clothing and textile industry sectors? Recent historical analysis reflects that government policies are full of contradictions leaving one to wonder if it is serious about finding equitable and sustainable solutions to "save the industry...
Fashion is now developing with a richness and creativity that is remarkable. Changes in the fashion world are constant and always include an inspiration of the past. Fads change over the years and some even make a comeback. Latest trends of today may be a redefined fad of the past...
A simple and low cost equipment for measuring fabric hand has been designed. This method is based on the nozzle extraction method, which measures the force generated while extracting a circular fabric specimen through a nozzle. Instrument gives a single value (specific handle force-SHF), which is easy to determine and understand...
A button is a small plastic or metal knob, usually attached with clothing to secure an opening in the garment or can also be used for decorative purposes. Its name originates from the French word 'bouton' meaning a metal piece to connect different parts of a garment. Its legend can be traced back to the primeval ages. Ancient p... Researchers of the Auckland University of Technology have discovered recently that there is a big change in the way manufacturers use measurement techniques to take the customers body measurements. During the past decades, there has been a vast change in the living style, demography, body size and shape of individuals, but the measurement techniques did not keep pace...

Fashion Industry 02

Selecting your wedding gown is a very special time. There are important things to consider, in addition to the "pretty" factor. Style and cut are two such points which need to be considered when choosing the fabric.
Another determining element is the season. A designer original with a high neck, full sleeve and a-line skirt with a chapel train made from a lovely white velvet would not be the right choice for a Garden Wedding in May. Fabrics are chosen largely for their texture, weight, and how they flow or cling. Most designers choose the softness and elegance only the natural fiber fabrics can offer.


Silk is, undoubtedly, the most popular thread used by designers. When woven in a certain way, or combined with other materials, a vast variety of fabrics is the result. Silk satin is one resulting fabric which is very frequently used by top designers. Duchesse satin is a blend of silk and rayon which results in a lighter, wrinkle resistant fabric. It's also less expensive than pure silk satin. Charmeuse is a soft, lightweight silk satin that has a lower sheen than Duchesse satin and is perfect for the designer gowns that flow and cling. If the designer is looking for a low sheen silk fabric she'd probably use shantung, which has a rough rather nubby texture.


The fabrics that are most used to create those gorgeous ballroom skirts are the filmy, gauze-like silks. Chiffon, French for cloth, is a lightweight sheer fabric that, due to the alternate weave, has a slight pucker in both directions giving it stretch and a slight texture. Chiffon is also a popular choice for illusion sleeves. Silk tulle is the super fine, lightweight netting that many designers use in several layers to produce the poofy skirts and also for bridal veils. Organza is a thin, plain silk weave, stiffer than chiffon, used for bridal gown skirts, sleeves, backs and overlays.
For the bride who would like the effect of brocade without the weight, damask would be the fabric of choice. It's woven with the same raised and lowered areas, so there would be the white-on-white design, and it could be worn comfortably for spring and summer weddings. A designer gown with a crystal-beaded, damask bodice and silk satin skirt with brush train would be a stunning summer choice.


Brocade is a lovely jacquard-woven fabric with a raised design which normally is of beautiful colors, but for a bridal gown could be white-on-white. This is a heavier silk fabric and, therefore, would be a perfect choice for the bride who has set a fall or winter wedding date. Silk faille is another heavier fabric that's ribbed, resembling grosgrain ribbon. A Vera Wang designer original made of silvery white faille would make an absolutely enchanting winter bride.
This is the year to accessorize! Big bright, bold, colorful accessories are the fashion trend for this season. From fashion handbags, trendy belts, leather gloves and colorful winter hats adorn all the models and celebrities. Head bands are hot! Chic jewelry is bold and beautiful. Finger nails and lips are painted bright red. Fall is here and now is the time to pack on the layers, accessorize like crazy and look exceptionally chic!

Casual jackets, coats and vests are seen warm and fuzzy with lots of fur. Collars and cuffs, as well as knee high boots sport plenty of multihued fur. Sweaters and sweater vests may have a hood of fur. Double breasted capes and coats are lined and trimmed in various types and colors of faux fur or the real thing! Hats and purses may even be embellished with feathers, fur or colorful gem stones.

Knitted or crocheted cuffed chenille hats, beanies, faux fur hats, and felted cloche hats are found in specialty boutiques. Newsboy hats and the knit beret hat accessorize even the most casual outfit. A wool felted fedora dresses up denim jeans and boots. For outer wear, a crocheted confetti scarf, knitted scarf, or cashmere muffler will keep in the warmth. Matching cashmere gloves may be trimmed with suede or embellished with buttons and fur lining. Gloves may even have a small zippered pocket.

Purses come in everything from animal inspired fabrics to the metallic clutch. Shoulder bags have magnetic top closures for ease of use. Beautiful Italian leather tote bags and cross body flap bags are seen in bold colors. Imported drawstring bags have cell phone pockets. Stylish mini wristlets, either zippered or with a fold over flap and clutch bags are just as popular as large hobo handbags.

Jewelry trends this fall are plentiful. Wide silver or gold plated cuff bracelets are embellished with crystals, glass and cubic zirconia. Charms of all shapes and sizes from animals, flowers, hearts and freshwater pearls adorn chain bracelets. Sterling silver hoop earrings are still in fashion as are drop earrings with semi-precious gemstone accent pieces. Chandelier earrings with swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and peridot find their way into many jewelry boxes. Blue is a popular color for jewelry this fall. We see pendants, bracelets, earrings and necklaces in lapis, sodalite, iolite and fire polished glass. Beautiful dichroic glass pendants of multiple colors hang from sterling silver chains. Three stone drop pendants and circle pendants with gemstone accents are very chic. Silk ribbon necklaces with beads of unusual types of stones are trendy. Chic beaded charm, multi-strand, and beaded swag necklaces as well as hammered sterling silver embellished with pearls, glass and stones are seen in one of a kind artisan jewelry.

The trend for this fall is for plenty of bold vibrant accessories perfect for your mood. Whether your outfit is casual, classic, elegant or business attire this is the season to just have fun mixing and matching all your accessories to create your amazing fall fashion statement!

Fashion Industry 01

In life you will find many different occasions where you will need to be dressed quite smartly and look formal. One place where this formal look is needed is that of the church. While you are dressing you will find that you can use various types of top hats to achieve this look of smartness and the formality that is required at certain occasions.

The different top hats that you can buy are available in different styles and colors. The materials which are used to make these hats are as varied as the hats themselves. You can find this type of hat for the church made in the Edwardian style.

These top hats can be adorned with satin ribbons that match the hat in stylish beauty. To highlight the look of simple elegance you will find that these top hats can come in some colors that enhance the looks of the wearer.

Besides finding top hats that are made with a variety of materials you will also find there are some short top hats that can be made from stiffened silk. The style for these top hats is that of a black Fedora. The stark coloring of this hat that you can wear for the church is relieved by bright colored ribbons.

Of course these are not the only types of top hats that you will find men wearing. These will include top hats that are made from straw. The different shapes and styles that you will see in the range of straw Church hats will allow you to see how this simple hat material is a popular medium.

While you may feel that going to church requires you to wear sober looking clothes and accessories there are various hats that seem to deny this need. You will discover that the design of these different top hats provides the hat with the foundation for the embellishments on the person that will make the hat and its wearer stand out with elegance and style.

By choosing the right types of top hats for the occasion at hand you can be in the forefront of fashion while you are still paying your respects to the church. The sheer elegance and beauty of these many top hats allows the formality of the church atmosphere to make you feel as if is dressed in the height of fashion that few men will be able to emulate.

In life you will find many different occasions where you will need to be dressed quite smartly and look formal. One place where this formal look is needed is that of the church. While you are dressing you will find that you can use various types of top hats to achieve this look of smartness and the formality that is required at certain occasions.

The different top hats that you can buy are available in different styles and colors. The materials which are used to make these hats are as varied as the hats themselves. You can find this type of hat for the church made in the Edwardian style.

These top hats can be adorned with satin ribbons that match the hat in stylish beauty. To highlight the look of simple elegance you will find that these top hats can come in some colors that enhance the looks of the wearer.

Besides finding top hats that are made with a variety of materials you will also find there are some short top hats that can be made from stiffened silk. The style for these top hats is that of a black Fedora. The stark coloring of this hat that you can wear for the church is relieved by bright colored ribbons.

Of course these are not the only types of top hats that you will find men wearing. These will include top hats that are made from straw. The different shapes and styles that you will see in the range of straw Church hats will allow you to see how this simple hat material is a popular medium.

While you may feel that going to church requires you to wear sober looking clothes and accessories there are various hats that seem to deny this need. You will discover that the design of these different top hats provides the hat with the foundation for the embellishments on the person that will make the hat and its wearer stand out with elegance and style.

By choosing the right types of top hats for the occasion at hand you can be in the forefront of fashion while you are still paying your respects to the church. The sheer elegance and beauty of these many top hats allows the formality of the church atmosphere to make you feel as if is dressed in the height of fashion that few men will be able to emulate.

Fashion Industry

Fashion is now developing with a richness and creativity that is remarkable. Changes in the fashion world are constant and always include an inspiration of the past. Fads change over the years and some even make a comeback. Latest trends of today may be a redefined fad of the past
London fashion week came and went but the issue still remains. UK fashion bosses want to ban the obviously underweight models and let our more "real" size women talk to the Catwalks. Where do we draw the line? The issue has been around for years and is always present in the media. Substantial changes have not come about...
Wouldn't it be nice if we could skip over the dark, dank, dreary days of winter and jump into the bright, bird- chirping, flower-filled days of spring? Well that's what happens in the fashion world. Fashion magazines are already tantalizing us with happy, brilliantly colored clothes to distract us from the grey days of winter....
To cope with the ever-changing technologies, the markets and consumer are rapidly evolving from traditional, static, demographic-based criteria to more towards dynamic, modern, mood, lifestyle and psycho graphic influences. Fashion trend forecasting resources help predict trends in the fashion industry. Fashion & trend forecasting is the prediction of mood..
Fashion and celebrities work hand in hand, either of them is incomplete without other. Celebrities rely on fashion to become celebrated and plug in the social circuit whereas fashion uses celebrities to brand their products, they are like two sides of the same coin, both have mass appeal, everyday reach and a quotient of unprecedented glamour attached to them. To give an example a brand of jeans wore by a celebrity becomes a hot cake...
The focus on men's wear is shifting big time and designers are giving due attention to the men's wear, recent fall / winter collection 2008 paid due homage to the fact. The fall winter collection will expand horizons and revolutionalized men's wear, but to what extend only time will tell, however some fantastic pieces and designs came to the stage and some slashed in the backdrop...
Fashion’s most startling move this season is the high waist line. This trend started off with a catwalk shock and initial resistance followed by head-long rush, at present we are rushing towards a belted high waistline trend. Fashion world has not one, but various waistlines; it changes its position here and now to evoke new comprehensions of emphasis. Designers are hiking the waistlines this season...
Clothing is always subject to change based on changes in fashion. Fashion is now developing with a richness of creativity that was unidentified previously. The world of fashion looks constantly for a change with an inspiration of the past. The latest trends will be a modern interpretation of the past. Mostly fashion trends stay for a year...
London is a hot bed of ethical fashion. It is renowned for being one of the world’s most vibrant and creative capitals that attracts top designers. The London fashion show is one of the premiere events, with an audience of fashion enthusiasts, key performers in the fashion world, international press and photographers...

Designers also may travel frequently to meet with fabric and materials suppliers and with manufacturers who produce the final apparel products. Designers must have a strong sense of the esthetician eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion..
The world of fashion is constantly changing, more and more designers are looking to the past for inspiration; what's old is new, and nowadays fashion is shaped by all the cultural influences from around the globe. The past continues to be the inspiration for the future but more than ever, designers are concerned about...
Those of us who grew up as plus-size girls may have less than fond memories of proms, homecoming dances, or even our quinceanera. Back in our day, self-esteem and body image issues were compounded by the sheer lack of plus-size prom dresses and formal eveningwear...
Hats have been around for centuries. They were originally used to protect the head from the heat of the sun, but over the years, hats have been worn for so many different purposes. Men and women alike have used them as fashion accessories and even as status symbols in some parts of the world...
You've probably had some very important dresses in your life. Your first party dress was pretty important. And maybe there was communion in your childhood, how special was that dress? You may have saved that one! Then came Prom; what a fabulous gown you and your Mom found for that wonderful night...

Ashtanga Yoga

Yoga is more than just a physical discipline. It is a way of life—a rich philosophical path. And the yamas (restraints) and niyamas (observances) are ten good common-sense guidelines for leading a healthier, happier life for bringing spiritual awareness into a social context. They are for you to think about and ponder over with a rational mind, because yoga is not about mindlessly accepting externally imposed rules—it is about finding the truth for yourself—and 'connecting' with it.

Yamas:
There are many interpretations of and opinions about the yamas and niyamas. While the ancient Indian text, the Bhagavata Purana assigns 12 yogic restraints the Parashar Smriti, another text, puts forward ten. But the yamas as described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra are only five, which are also known as the great universal vows or the sarvabhauma maha vratas, because they are not limited by either class, creed, time or circumstances. They are the guidelines for how we interact with the outer world, the social disciplines to guide us in our relationships with others. These five are:

• Ahimsa (non-violence),
• Satya (truthfulness),
• Asteya (non-stealing),
• Brahmacharya (celibacy) and
• Aparigraha (non-covetousness)

According to the Yajnavalkya Samhita, ahimsa or non-violence is the awareness and practice of non-violence in thought, speech and action. It advocates the practices of compassion, love, understanding, patience, self-love, and worthiness.

Patanjali describes truthfulness as: "To be in harmony with mind, word and action, to conduct speech and mind according to truth, to express through speech and to retain it in the intellect what has been seen, understood or heard." A perfectly truthful person is he who expresses in his speech exactly what he thinks in his mind and in the end acts according to it.

Non-stealing or asteya is the third constituent of the yamas of Ashtanga Yoga. It upholds forgoing the unauthorized possession of thought, speech and action. Asteya stands against covetousness and envy. It advocates the cultivation of a sense of completeness and self-sufficiency in order to progress beyond base cravings.

The Vedas, Smritis and Puranas all glorify the fourth constituent of celibacy. It is believed to be a behavior, which brings man nearer to the Divine. This yama believes in avoiding all sensual pleasures, whether mental, vocal or physical.

The literal meaning of apigraha, the fifth yama, is the non-accumulation of worldly objects, caused by covetousness and attachment. The commentator Vyasa says that this last state of yama is attained when one remains totally detached from sensual pleasures of all kinds and so effectively refrains from committing himsa or violence of any sort.

Niyamas:
The niyamas are the second constituents of Ashtanga Yoga. How we interact with ourselves, our internal world. The niyamas are about self-regulation—helping us maintain a positive environment in which to grow. Their practice harnesses the energy generated from the cultivation of the earlier yamas. According to sage Yajnavalkya, there are ten niyamas and the Bhagavad Gita lists 11 constituents. But Patanjali names only five:

• Shaucha or purity,
• Santosha or contentment,
• Tapa or austerity,
• Swadhyaya or self-education and
• Ishwar-Pranidhan or meditation on the Divine

Shaucha implies both external as well as internal purity. In the words of sage Manu, water purifies the body; truthfulness the mind; true knowledge the intellect and the soul is purified by knowledge and austerity. It advocates the practices of intellectual purity, purity of speech and of the body.

The second niyama is that of contentment, which is described as not desiring more than what one has earned by his honest labor. This state of mind is about maintaining equanimity through all that life offers. Santosha involves the practice of gratitude and joyfulness—maintaining calm at all costs. This state of mind does not depend on any external causes.

Austerity, the third niyama, is described in Yoga philosophy as power to stand thirst and hunger, cold and heat, discomforts of place and postures, silent meditation and ritual fasts. It also maintains that the perfect man is he who practices both mental as well as physical austerity.

According to the commentator Vyas, self-education or swadhyaya consists of scriptural studies. The scripture being, the Vedas and Upanishads together with the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra and the Om mantra.

Commentators describe Ishwar-Pranidhan, the last of the niyamas, as the dedication of all our actions, performed either by intellect, speech or body, to the Divine. The results of all such actions are by definition, therefore, dependent upon Divine decision. The mortal mind can simply aspire to realize the Divine through dedication, purification, tranquilization and concentration of the mind. This Divine contemplation spills over to all aspects of the yogi's life.


The Benefits of Practicing Yamas and Niyamas:
The yamas and niyamas help in managing our energy in an integrative manner, complementing our outer life to our inner development. They help us view ourselves with compassion and awareness. They help in respecting the values of this life, in balancing our inner growth with outer restraint. In short they help us to lead a conscious life.

Yamas and niyamas are not about right and wrong. They are about being honest with the true Self. Living according to these principles are about living our lives in a better way, about moving towards an understanding, about making it possible to 'connect' with the Divine.

pranayam
is a compound term ('prana' and 'yama') meaning the maintenance of prana in a healthy throughout one's life. More than a breath-control exercise, pranayama is all about controlling the life force or prana. Ancient yogis, who understood the essence of prana, studied it and devised methods and practices to master it. These practices are better known as pranayama. Since breath or prana is basic to life, the practice of pranayama helps in harnessing the prana in and around us, and by deepening and extending it, pranayama leads to a state of inner peace.

According to Hatha Yoga, pranayamas can be classified under:

• Sahita Kumbhaka,
• Surya Bhedi,
• Sitali,
• Bhastrika,
• Bhramari,
• Murchha and
• Kewali.

The first is a breath retention technique, which gives agility, strength and flexibility to the body. They also quieten the mind and the sense organs besides enabling the meditator to control his hunger and thirst.

The Surya Bhedi pranayama consists of inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. This practice promotes good digestion and through perspiration, it purges the body of all its impurities.

Ujjayi pranayama involves the travel of breath between the nose and the heart only. It acts like an expectorant and increases digestion together with removing all impurities of nerves as well as thoughts.

Bhramari pranayama involves a very concentrated and fixed breathing exercise. It helps in strengthening one's breath besides quietening the mind and increasing the powers of concentration. This breathing technique is very helpful in the last meditative stage of samadhi.

Murchha pranayama is an extreme form of breath retention, which only experienced yogis can achieve. This practice quietens the mind and helps it to reach the near-unconscious state.

The last technique of Kewali pranayama, is a breath retention technique in which, the yogi stops both inhalation as well as exhalation. This form balances inhalation and exhalation besides helping the mind to concentrate better.

Benefits of Pranayama
The practices of pranayama—the correct breathing technique helps to manipulate our energies. Most of us breathe incorrectly, using only half of our lung capacity. Pranayama is a technique, which re-educates our breathing process, helps us to release tensions and develop a relaxed state of mind. It also balances our nervous system and encourages creative thinking. In addition, by increasing the amount of oxygen to our brain it improves mental clarity, alertness and physical well being.

When practiced along with yogasanas the benefits of pranayama are more pronounced. According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, pranayama enables the mind to acquire the capacity to concentrate on any given object of attention. It also says that scientific breathing helps in unveiling true knowledge from the darkness of ignorance. But it is eminently advisable to be aware of all the of pranayama before practicing them.

ASANAS OR EXERCISES

	Surya Namaskar means greeting or bowing the sun. Usually all sessions of Yoga asanas begin with the 'Surya Namaskar' or sun salutation. It nourishes and energizes the upper part of the body.

'Utthan' means to raise up and 'Pada' means legs. In this posture the legs are lifted upwards. It strengthens the spinal code and removes disorders of the back.

	Paschimothan Asana also known as touching toes posture, means stretching the back. It brings flexibility and corrects disorders of the

'Bhujanga' means serpent or snake. This asana is named after the king of the snakes, It provides a youthful appearance and for women, makes child birth easy.

	'Salabha' or locust is a type of grass hopper. It is a reverse of cobra posture. It is strenuous and can be practiced in parts at the initial stage. It favourably activates all the organs of the lower part of the body.

'Sarva' means all and 'Anga' means body, so Sarvanga is the posture of the whole body. As the whole body weight in this posture rests on the shoulders, it is also called 'Shoulder Stand Posture'. It is a purifying, nourishing and energizing asana beneficial to the whole body.

	Matsya Asana is so called because in its perfect posture, one is supposed to float like a fish in water. It is beneficial to perform this asana after Sarvanga Asana. It has corrective effects for the neck and shoulder troubles.

The body form in this asana resembles a bow or 'dhanur'. It is one of the best asana for activating and strengthening the joints of the body. It has some special benefits for women.

	The plow or Hala Asana is an extreme forward bending . It has some excellent benefits and occupies a very prominent place in asanas. It is a unique asana for gaining sexual powers.

'Shava Asana' means posture of a dead body. Also known as 'Yoga Nidra' which means yogic method of sleep. It is an asana which claims to provide a satisfactory relaxation of both the body and the mind.

SURYA NAMASKARA

Stand erect with the head and body straight but relaxed. The feet are together, and knees are straight and the arms are relaxed at the sides. Inhale deeply and begin.
Bring the hands up from the sides, place the palms flat against each other at the center of the chest. The elbows are pushed out of the sides.
nhale and raise the arms upwards. Inhaling and raising of hands should synchronize. By the time you have stretched your arm, you should complete inhaling.
Exhale slowly bending forward, touch the ground keeping the hands parallel to the feet and head touching knees. By the time your hands touch the ground, you should complete exhaling. Retain the breathe and remain in the same position for about 6 to 8 seconds. If you cannot touch the ground, then let your hands go only as far as they can.
Inhale and move the right leg back away from the body in a wide backward step. Keep the hands and feet firmly on the ground, with the left foot between the hands. Raise the head.
Exhale and bring the left foot together with the right. Keep the arms straight, raise the hips and align the head with the arms.
Inhale and slowly lower the hips to the floor, (hips should be slightly raised above the ground) and bend backward as much as possible.
Exhale and lower the body to the floor until the feet, knees, hands, chest, and forehead are touching the ground.
Inhale and slowly raise the head and bend backward as much as possible, bending the spine the maximum
Then exhale slowly and keeping the arms straight, raise the hips and align the head with the arms, forming an upward arch.
Slowly inhale and bend the left leg at the knee taking a wide forward step. Keeping the hands firmly rooted, place the left foot on the ground between the hands. Lift the head upwards.
Exhale slowly and keeping hands firmly in place, bring the right leg forward, so that both feet are together to align them with the hands. Touch the head to the knees, if possible.Inhale slowly and raise the arms upward. Slowly bend backward, stretching the arms above the head.