Handwriting is a neurological function. As you write, your brain sends messages through the nervous system into the movements of your hands and fingers. Since no one else has the exact same neurological make-up as you do, your handwriting is s much a part of your true identify as your fingerprints.

Graphoanalysis is defined as the study of the individual strokes of handwriting to determine the essential character and personality of the writer. This study includes: how the strokes are formed, spacing of the letters, slant and depth of the writing.

Personality Revealed

How you dot your I’s and cross your t’s can say a great deal about your motivation, your ideals and how you go about actualizing your drams. People are often very surprised when their handwriting analysis reveals characteristics of which they may have been completely unaware. It’s not uncommon to discover certain untapped talents as well.

Handwriting analysis can reveal whether the writer is honest or dishonest, industrious or lazy, weak or strong willed, thrifty or wasteful, calm or nervous … and a host of other attributes that, when weighted one against another, add up to a clear, comprehensive psychological portrait of the writer.

To the trained Graphoanalyst you have few secrets. Your handwriting is such a sensitive barometer of who you really are that it can reveal not only your character and personality traits but even, to some extent, your current mood.

As you change, your handwriting inevitably reflects those changes.

Applications

Given its high degree of accuracy, Graphoanalysis is applicable to a wide range of both personal and business situations. Human resources personnel apply it as an aid in their hiring and placement practices to avid the costly ‘square-peg’ syndrome. Educators employ handwriting analysis to pinpoint students’ possible emotional disturbances and/or hidden potential. The science of handwriting analysis often gains most press coverage, though, when it is used in the courtroom to evaluate questioned documents. Its primary value, however, is to those individuals seeking greater self-knowledge as a means to creating positive life changes.

Psychological Patterns

In this “Age of Transition” when so many are actively seeking deeper understanding of self and others, Graphoanalysis offers a valuable tool for perception. Perception, true awareness, is the foundation for change. If your handwriting analysis should disclose some less-than-positive psychological pattern of fears and defenses, you can use that knowledge to understand the reasons behind those fears. Once the reasons are looked at and dealt with, you have the power to transform those limiting thought patterns. You always have the power to change.

Graphotherapy

Awareness, however, must be followed by a decision to change followed by action taken to effect those desired changes. That’s where Graphotherapy enters the picture … as an effective method of creating positive change.

Graphotherapy involves deliberately altering those strokes in your handwriting that indicate fears and defenses, by replacing them with positive attributes. Essentially, Graphotherapy provides a focus for the use of ‘positive will’.

Taking the initiative for effecting change in your life empowers you; it serves to give you control over those fears that can adversely affect personal development, relationships, career direction … any and all areas of life.

This is not to claim that Graphotherapy is some magic cure-all: Far from it. Our defenses serve us as survival mechanisms and, as such, are often not easily altered. Forcing such changes is never advisable, since strong resistance will only activate compensating defense mechanisms.

Re-Progamming

However, if the individual is ready to deal with certain issues, then the process of Graphotherapy works somewhat along the lines of affirmation-decision to change followed by the action of deliberately and repeatedly altering the specific handwriting strokes. This method acts as a powerful, conscious, re-programming that, if practiced over time, can alter the individual’s self image. It is this acceptance of enhanced self-image that creates the inner strength o change old, self-defeating patterns and move forward into new areas of learning and experience.

There’s no magic to either Graphoanalysis or Graphotherapy. Graphoanalysis merely provides us with a clear mirror that reflects ourselves to ourselves, while Graphotherapy offers a simple, self-controlled method of effecting desired life changes. Together, they are a potent combination in helping to accelerate our evolution.

When we go through the list of services offered at a spa, we often tend to imagine how each massage therapy might be like, before deciding on what we would like to avail. Often, we end up availing a random massage, because the name is very fascinating. In the end, after the massage, we conclude that all massages are the same. But in reality, every massage is different than the other and each massage has its own benefits.

Let’s know the difference between Swedish massage and Deep Tissue Massage.

Swedish massage is a type of massage that utilizes firm pressure on the muscles. It also involves a series of long gliding strokes. This massage uses various essential oils which have various aromatic benefits and these oils help reduce friction as well.

Swedish massage increases blood circulation in the muscles which eases the tension in the body and improves flexibility. It stimulates the skin and the nervous system, hence, soothing the nerves and reducing both physical, mental and emotional stress.

A Swedish massage involves the application of five strokes, namely:

1. Effleurage – Long flowing strokes that allow the therapist to spread the oils on the body and feel the muscle tone.

2. Petrissage – Kneading strokes that lifts and squeezes the tissues, flushing out the metabolic waste in that area.

3. Friction – A type of stroke that involves fast short movements creating heat in that area that brings blood flow to that area. This helps in loosening the ligaments.

4. Tapotement – This stroke is popularly known as ‘the karate chop move’, it involves a series of light blows to the body which helps in relaxing the muscles.

5. Vibration – This stroke creates movement in the entire body. When done properly, results are very relaxing.

Deep Tissue massage Is a type of massage that aims at targeting the deep tissue structure of the body muscles. This massage is concentrated mainly on the connective tissues.

Deep tissue massage helps in fast recovery of small muscle injuries and chronic problems. This massage is an excellent way to deal with sports injuries, postural misalignment, treating spasms and muscle tension. It also helps to release specific chronic muscle tension like the muscular knots and adhesions.

This massage involves a series of slow, specific, and deliberate strokes, which is best for postural deviances and abnormal muscle tone. The therapist here applies several different strokes depending on the type of the muscle that they are working on. During this massage, the muscles will slowly begin to loosen up, allowing the therapist to move along it.

According to recent studies performed by medical researchers and pediatricians, children today may be the first generation to not outlive their parents. With diseases that were normally reserved for adults, we now have children with Type II Diabetes, Heart Disease and skyrocketing cancer rates.

Among the causes for such conditions includes the litter seen in almost every American household: candy wrappers, empty fast food bags, plastic juice bottles and aluminum soda cans, hours of TV and a silence in the streets where kids used to play. Yes, we currently may be living with the first generation of American kids who will be less healthy than their parents and potentially not outlive them.

In just 20 short years, children have become twice as large as their parents at the same age. More than a third of American children are overweight. Asthma is skyrocketing and suicide is one the leading causes of death in the United States. Although our kids are popping ADD/ADHD medications left and right- they still seem to be suffering from attention issues, depression and malnutrition.

But there is a small percentage of children who seem to be immune from this westernized, industrialized lack of health phenomena. Interestingly enough this small percentage of children who are maintaining their health consist of a group of kids who do something in common: receive chiropractic care.

According to recent studies, chiropractic care improved the overall health status and quality of life in children who received treatment when compared to children who were not under care. Kids getting chiropractic adjustments reported less instances of flu like symptoms, ear infections, asthma, complications of obesity as well as an overall higher sense of well being.

The current theory behind this phenomena consists of protecting one of the most vital organ systems in your body: the human nervous system. The nervous system is protected by the skull and spinal column. This is why preventing spine decay or taking care of your spine is one of the most important concepts for you to understand. If your spinal column is healthy, then your spinal cord must be healthy. However, if your spinal column is mis-aligned or worse, degenerated, then your spinal cord will become diseased and degenerated.

Today we have the means to detect, prevent and even restore normal spinal function of the column and vertebrae. However, just like any form of care, early detection equals maximum medical improvement.

Is low back or leg pain and sciatica causing problems with your pregnancy? Should this be the case, Chiropractic is a great natural, drugless approach to help with your pain. Many people often wonder if Chiropractic care can help a mother and their baby achieve a healthier pregnancy and delivery. Not only is chiropractic gentle and safe, but it is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many mothers who waiver from taking prescription and over the counter drugs during pregnancy. In fact, many clinical studies have shown chiropractic to be the choice for pregnant mothers experiencing pain.

One particular study by a member of the American Medical Association, Dr. Irvin Hendryson showed that women who were in their third trimester of pregnancy who received chiropractic adjustments were able to carry and deliver children with more comfort. A fellow orthopedist by the name of Per Freitag, M.D., showed in a hospital study that used chiropractic adjustments on pregnant patients and found that mothers need for pain killers during delivery decreased in half.

Along one’s spine are 24 vertebrae (bones in the spine), with a sacrum and coccyx bone directly beneath them, and they work in tandem and surround the central nervous system. The brain produces neurological signals that travel down your spinal cord throughout the nerves to all of a person’s limbs, organs, and muscles in the body. These signals direct all of the body’s functions, and contribute to growth, repairing cells and tissues, and the natural healing mechanism of the body. When your spine is subluxated, or misaligned, nerves become tensed, and these pathways of signals become altered, causing the body to function inefficiently. Such imbalances in posture can occur with pregnancy such as a high hip, rotated pelvis, spinal curvature, sway back, dropped shoulder or any of many variations in structure, which can contribute a more difficult pregnancy. According the the American Jounal of Pain Management, the authors state: “posture affects and moderates every physiologic function from breathing to hormonal production. Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture.”

Chiropractors focus on the cause of many symptoms and specialize in the detection and correction of these spinal subluxations to improve body function. Much like orthodontics, this process can take from several weeks to months depending on the spinal structure and misalignment severity of the patient. As subluxations decrease and the central nervous system can work better, healing takes place more efficiently.

During pregnancy; women go thourgh a series of physiological and hormonal changes to create the most optimal environment for their developing baby. Every system of the pregnant woman’s body. As a pregnant woman’s boy changes during baby development, their center of gravity is skewed, altering their posture, placing more pressure on their lower back and pelvis, which may result in pain. A study by MJ Mantle showed that fifty percent of all pregnant women complained of low back pain.

When random people were polled in our community, Sherry Grieco of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania said that “Chiropractic has helped me and my family tremendously. During my last trimester of pregnancy, Chiropractic care made me feel more comfortable. It helped me with my hip and sciatic pain.” Traci LaGanke of Wilmington, Delaware has also gotten much relief with her pain during her two pregnancies. “I suggest to anyone with lower back pain to see a Chiropractor. Carrying 30-40lbs. of excess weight and lugging car seats have only added to my pain, and chiropractic care has kept me pain free throughout my pregnancy. Helene Neidig of Hockessin, Delaware is eight months pregnant, and works in an office setting. “Regular Chiropractic adjustments make me feel looser and rid me of acute back pain. I used to have chronic back pain before pregnancy, that would become more aggravated at my desk working ten hours a day. I highly recommend seeing a chiropractor before, during, and after pregnancy. I thought that my chronic back pain would come back and it has not!”

The best time to seek chiropractic adjustments is throughout the entire pregnancy and immediately concluding labor and delivery, a great option if a mother is or wants to help eliminate back and leg pain.

There are a number of herbs that can be used as natural remedies for hyperactivity. If the hyperactivity is not accompanied with a difficulty in focusing attention, herbs that have a calming and soothing effect on the brain and nervous system may be able to address the symptoms adequately.

Some calming herbs that can be used as herbal remedies for hyperactivity are valerian, passionflower, lemon balm and lavender.

If the hyperactivity is accompanied with a difficulty in focusing attention, herbs that are being used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be more appropriate.

Skullcap is an herb known to help produce calmness and balance in the mind as well as a healthy attitude. This has been proven through traditional use and shown in clinical studies as well.

The herb german chamomile is used to soothe nervous tension and ease feelings of frustration and general fatigue.

The herb gotu cola helps to strengthen mental clarity, memory and to encourage balanced moods.

Ginkgo Biloba is very popular for the positive effects it has on brain function. Benefits include mood balancing and enhancing focusing ability.

Rooibos is an herb containing high level of minerals and nutrients that encourage brain function. This makes it a possible choice for herbal remedies for hyperactivity, especially when the ability to focus attention is also affected.

The herbs mentioned are being used successfully as natural remedies for hyperactivity. To avoid negative side effects, it’s important not use prescription medication together with herbal remedies.

The herbs passionflower, lemon balm and lavender are used mostly in calming herbal formulas for agitation, stress and hyperactivity when the ability to focus attention is not affected.

For hyperactivity along with difficulty in focusing attention the herbs skullcap, german chamomile, gotu cola, ginkgo biloba and rooibos are an effective Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) herbal treatment.

A knowledgeable natural health care provider will be able to answer any questions you may have about natural remedies for hyperactivity. If you do decide to try herbal remedies, remember to give them at least a few weeks to fully take effect.

Do you need icebreaker games for small groups? Are looking to provide some women’s retreat icebreaker games, group games for a youth group or even group therapy activities? Whatever your need may be it is important that you understand your purpose and goal of using an icebreaker. Understanding what an icebreaker is and how to optimize its effects will make for a more fruitful, attention grabbing and satisfyingly fun experience.

Definition of Icebreaker: A stimulating and thought provoking activity that educates and entertains with the intent of leaving a permanent and long lasting impression while increasing communication and cohesiveness of the peoples involved.

First and foremost your activity must be stimulating. It been said “the mind can only absorb what the butt can endure”. This means, don’t let your audience go stir crazy. You need to keep their attention with something interesting and fun. An icebreaker activity promotes interaction and socialization which is stimulating the brain, body and spirit.

Educating people while playing a game and doing an activity is a very effective way to teach. When lots of information has to be taught at one time it is hard for the brain to collect it all because the person may become bored or uninterested. Its been said that a kindergartner has an attention span of 5 min. that’s why all the Elmo and Baby Einstein shows change the characters and theme so often. I believe this is also true with adults only way top off at 20 minutes. Keeping your class or lecture exciting WILL increase your groups’ ability to remember the information.

If an ice breaker game includes these key traits you will have the perfect women’s retreat icebreaker games, the perfect group therapy activities and for small group games.

There are three things men can do to enhance their sexual performance. Often times men will go to see their health care provider and never discuss this important issue that weighs on the mind of so many men at one time or another. Aside from the usual advise about diet and exercise men are often left to wonder and speculate about what they can do to help themselves perform at the top of their sexual game.

1) Eat Well: This means eating a variety of foods that are rich in nutrients. Often times in an effort to get healthy many men will try to reduce their cholesterol by eliminating animal products from their diet. The problem in doing this is the man is missing out on essential nutrients that are vital to overall sexual performance. Animal protein is particularly helpful for the brain and nervous system as it contains fats and proteins essential for the nerves. These include the omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Some key foods that are especially good for the nervous system include eggs, meats, and oily fish such as sardines and salmon. Seafood also contains zinc which is said to be the nutrient of virility.

Good circulation equals good sex

In addition to exercising regularly men should strive keep their body size within appropriate limits. Many experts use the body mass index (BMI) as a means of deciding healthy weights from unhealthy weights. The problem for men using BMI as a means of gauging how fit they are is that this measurement does not take into account lean muscle mass. Lean muscle mass weighs more than fat. So a man may be labeled obese based on his BMI but really have a very low percentage of body fat.

How should a man measure his level of fitness? Men should have a waist less than 40 inches (measured 1 inch above your hip bone). This will significantly decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease which directly affects sexual performance and your ability to get and maintain an erection. Ideally the waist should be around 32 inches (give or take 2 inches) depending on body frame. So in addition to getting regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training and eating a nutrient dense and calorie appropriate diet. There is one exercise specifically related to your manhood that can help enhance your sexual performance.

2) That exercise is called Kegel’s Exercise

The pubococcygeal (PC) wraps around the base of your penis in a figure 8 shape and around your anus . This is the muscle that allows you to stop peeing mid stream. This muscle is also vitally important to the ability to achieve and maintain erections as well as achieving orgasm. You have heard the expression use it or loose it? That could not be more true than in this department. This muscle can atrophy in men and women if it’s not exercised regularly. The more you exercise your PC muscle the firmer your erection can be. The way you do it is to contract the muscle and hold it for five seconds and release. Repeat this 10 times and do at least 5-6 sets a day. Kegel exercises restore muscle tone and strength in the PC muscle. The next time your see a health care provider for an annual physical exam you can ask if you are performing it correctly if your still unsure.

There is more to the male genitalia than just the penis and testicles

About 1-2 inches behind your bladder lies an organ that is often over looked in terms of men’s health until something serious occurs and it needs to be removed. That organ is the prostate. The prostate is a vitally important gland responsible for the volume of semen produced during an ejaculation. In fact the prostate makes up 70% of the ejaculate. That being said it should be attended to sooner than your 50th birthday when you typically would have it examined for the first time.

3) Prostate massage is once again becoming more widely recommended as researchers discover that prostate massage complements and increases the effectiveness of antibiotics when used to treat chronic prostatitis. Many find that prostate massage itself is successful where other remedies have failed. Or would rather have the massage instead of long term medication. Prostate Massage can ease symptoms, improve the circulation of blood in the prostate, help drain the gland, promote bladder health, and enhance sexual capabilities. Why? Because a large part of sexual function is circulation dependent as mentioned earlier.

Prostate massage can be used as a therapeutic health promotion strategy by increasing circulation to the prostate gland. Much like a massage to the rest of your body yields a therapeutic effect on your muscles and overall well being. It can be done 1 to 3 times per week to relieve chronic prostatitis symptoms. There is also some data to suggest that prostate massage can be helpful in treating premature ejaculation. If you do not have any symptoms and would like to reap the benefits of a prostate massage then anywhere form once weekly to twice monthly is sufficient to promote prostate health.

A word of caution about prostate massage

While there are benefits to having this done it is very important to be sure you do not have a condition called acute prostatitis because this can cause a severe infection requiring hospitalization. For this reason it is recommended that you only see an experienced health care provider like a nurse practitioner (NP) or a doctor (MD or DO). Not all medical providers perform this service because it is typically not covered by insurance and is a bit time consuming. It can take up to 20 minutes for the drainage to occur. It may be possible to find an NP or MD/ DO that does not accept insurance anyway and may be willing to do this. Some massage therapists have been trained in this special massage technique. They be a suitable and alternative. If this is done to vigorously significant damage (bleeding and tearing) can arise. It should be done with no more pressure than you put to your eyeball.

The three steps men can take to improve their sexual performance. Eat well, do your Kegal’s exercise, and get a prostate massage from a qualified health care provider.

Aluminum in Drinking Water Poses Health Risks

We’re all familiar with aluminum, the light weight metal used in cans, window frames and other common items. Less known is aluminum’s presence in drinking water. Scientists know that aluminum causes dementia, or memory loss, and drinking water turns out to be a major source of aluminum for many people.

Aluminum, in its molecular form, can be combined with other chemicals for use in drugs, skin products, and as a chemical used in water purification plants. It also comes from natural sources when some kinds of rock break down in the rain or in streams and rivers. All of these sources put aluminum in drinking water.

Water treatment plants use large amounts of aluminum sulphate (a salt) to remove organic matter from water. It’s also used to remove phosphates, a by product of many soaps and fertilizers. Companies put it in antacids, deodorant, and cookware. It’s clear it can damage our nervous systems as it builds up in our bodies over the years.

Once we absorb aluminum into our bodies, its hard to remove it. It tends to accumulate in our tissues and over time it may hasten Alzheimers or Parkinsons disease. A study conducted by Dr. C. McLachlan found that many cases of Alzheimers disease could be prevented if aluminum was kept below a safe standard level in public water supplies. Aluminum damages our nervous systems.

The US government does not regulate aluminum in drinking water supplies. It is one of at least 200 unregulated chemicals commonly found in the US drinking water supplies. The Environmental Protection Agency has set a non enforcement (no legal limit) standard for aluminum in our taps.

Aluminum is tricky to remove from water. Two kinds of filters can remove aluminum molecules. First, a filter called “alumina” can take it and other metals out of water. Second, a reduction or “redox” filter causes some metals to come out of water.

With the dangers of aluminum clear, we need to protect ourselves from it by not using aluminum surfaced cookware, avoiding aluminum foil, and filtering our home water supplies for drinking and cooking. A good quality home water purification system can go a long way towards giving you peace of mind with so many contaminants in water supplies.

Click the link below to learn about a high quality home water purification system.

Deep breathing is important from the standpoint of both health and spiritual development. Deep breathing increases our vitality and promotes relaxation. Unfortunately, when we try to take a so-called deep breath, most of us do the exact opposite: we suck in our bellies and raise our shoulders. This is shallow breathing. We will now summarize the benefits of deep breathing. Deep breathing produces the following benefits:

1. Improvement in the quality of the blood due to its increased oxygenation in the lungs. This aids in the elimination of toxins from the system.

2. Increase in the digestion and assimilation of food. The digestive organs such as the stomach receive more oxygen, and hence operates more efficiently. The digestion is further enhanced by the fact that the food is oxygenated more.

3. Improvement in the health of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerve centres and nerves. This is due again to the increased oxygenation and hence nourishment of the nervous system. This improves the health of the whole body, since the nervous system communicates to all parts of the body.

5. Rejuvenation of the skin. The skin becomes smoother and a reduction of facial wrinkles occurs.

6. The movements of the diaphragm during the deep breathing exercise massage the abdominal organs the stomach, small intestine, liver and pancreas. The upper movement of the diaphragm also massages the heart. This stimulates the blood circulation in these organs.

7. The lungs become healthy and powerful, a good insurance against respiratory problems.

8. Deep slow, yoga breathing reduces the workload for the heart. The result is a more efficient, stronger heart that operates better and lasts longer. It also means reduced blood pressure and less heart disease. The yoga breathing exercises reduce the workload on the heart in two ways. Firstly, deep breathing leads to more efficient lungs, which means more oxygen, is brought into contact with blood sent to the lungs by the heart. So, the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to deliver oxygen to the tissues. Secondly, deep breathing leads to a greater pressure differential in the lungs, which leads to an increase in the circulation, thus resting the heart a little.

9. Deep, slow breathing assists in weight control. If you are overweight, the extra oxygen burns up the excess fat more efficiently. If you are underweight, the extra oxygen feeds the starving tissues and glands. In other words, yoga tends to produce the ideal weight for you.

10. Relaxation of the mind and body. Slow, deep, rhythmic breathing causes a reflex stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which results in a reduction in the heart rate and relaxation of the muscles. These two factors cause a reflex relaxation of the mind, since the mind and body are very interdependent. In addition, oxygenation of the brain tends to normalize brain function, reducing excessive anxiety levels.

Of course you’ll be nervous–it’s an interview! Accepting that you will be nervous allows you to work on some strategies to help before and during the interview.

The Pen is Mightier… I find that many people are helped by the act of writing. I suspect that it’s the act of writing as well as what you write. What to write? If you are nervous about forgetting something, write down a list of what you need. If you are nervous about certain interview questions, then write out your answers. You won’t deliver them exactly as you write, but you will remember most of what you write. If you are nervous about certain behaviors (talking too fast, giggling, not smiling), then in the corner of a piece of paper write a coded symbol that reminds you to smile, listen, etc.. If you are waiting outside of the interviewer’s office, write a thank-you to the interviewer in advance. Writing that thank-you allow you to focus on the successful outcome of the interview. You will drop off the thank-you as you leave the interview and appear well-organized.

Help someone else. If you need to practice for an interview, find someone else who needs to practice. Use your new partner to practice with and seek opportunities to offer advice. When you realize that your problems are similar and normal, you will relax. Although you may face similar challenges and concerns, you will find it much easier to solve their problems than yours. Along the way you’ll get insights into your own challenges.

Be your own third party. Even if you don’t have a buddy to work with, consider pretending that you do. Take a look at your situation and ask “if I were someone else what would I do?” This technique is particularly powerful if you identify someone you feel handles these situations well. If you know that ‘Bob’ is always good at discussing his career, then imagine how ‘Bob’ might handle a tough interview question.

Find you ‘peaceful place’. Before an interview consider the place you’ve always felt safe and relaxed and happy. Practice seeing yourself in this place. When you get nervous picture yourself again in this place.

Concentrate on a detail around you. Nervous people relax when their attention is diverted, so this is a good waiting room strategy. That’s partly why doctor’s offices have magazines. But you can find an interesting painting to look at, or window to study the clouds outside. Focus on details and try to memorize what you see.

Ask questions. During an interview if you ask questions the interview will become more comfortable for both you and the interviewer. Have a few questions prepared for the interviewer, “How long have you worked here?” Making an interview into a conversation allows you to feel the normal comfortable rhythm of conversation.

Nervousness is normal. Accept that your nerves might help you stay energized. Then, use simple strategies to manage the stress level.