Soothe Your Sciatic Pain with These 8 Natural Remedies

8 Natural Remedies for Sciatic Pain
 
 One of the largest nerves in the body is the sciatic nerve, running down from your lower spine all the way to your feet. This nerve is vital for your legs' movement, feeling and strength. A condition called sciatica can occur where the spinal nerve root in the lower back is compressed. This pain is often mistaken for being leg cramps or lower back pain. It can be quite debilitating.
 We'd like to suggest 8 natural therapies that are reported by many people to reduce spasms, cramps, pain, and numbness.
 You might also suffer sciatic pain from when a herniated disk develops. This is a tear or crack in a spinal disk that bulges into the spinal canal, sometimes resulting in the sciatic nerve getting pinched. If your pain persists, it’s important that you visit a doctor, as surgery may be required to correct it.
 ~ Note: This advice should not replace medical advice, please consult your doctor before deciding on a treatment path.
 1. Acupuncture
 This alternative therapy involves hair fine needles, which are inserted into specific points in your body. The inserted needles stimulate energy flow and help improve nerve function. Many people report noticing a difference after one session. However, it is recommended you have several sessions (at least 12) to see a noticeable improvement. More symptoms can be relieved when you try warming acupuncture, a practice of acupuncture where needles are heated.
 2. Chiropractor
 Although dismissed by many, this treatment was shown to offer pain relief, with benefits that can last for up to a year. Chiropractic care is a form of spinal manipulation that incites a response in the nervous system, which can restore normal mobility to an injured area and considerably reduce the amount of pain. The treatment creates an environment that promotes natural healing. The practice is also known to reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.
 3. Alternate Temperatures
 Using ice packs, or even wrapping a bag of frozen peas in a towel, can offer instant relief to the nerve. You can ice the area for 20 minutes every two hours, as needed. While ice soothes the outer pain, the sciatic nerve lies deeper in the body and ice packs can’t penetrate beyond the surface and won’t ease the inner inflammation. This is where heat can be effective. After icing, you can take a very hot bath or apply a hot pack. This boosts the blood circulation and lymph flow, reducing the inner inflammation, and assists the healing process.
 4. Deep Tissue Massage
 Trigger point therapy, the type of massage experts recommend for treating sciatica, is not a gentle massage. This targeted deep tissue massage can improve issues such as muscle spasms, as well as reduce pain and numbness in the legs and toes. The sciatic nerve rests underneath the piriformis muscle, located beneath the glutes. When this muscle tightens, it can pinch the sciatic nerve and cause the leg to go numb or tingle. Applying pressure to the inflamed areas, (or trigger points) in the glutes, lower back and piriformis muscles can ease sciatic pain. It might take up to 4 sessions before this therapy works. Each treatments session should be 7 days apart.
 5. Devil's Claw
 Taking this herbal medication has been reported to be effective at reducing sciatic pain. The herb is a strong natural anti-inflammatory and works much like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. The daily recommended dosage is 1,500mg, twice a day. You should find a brand with 50mg of harpagoside, which is the active compound. This is a safe pill, tested by safety reviews, however, keep away from this option is you are taking blood thinning medication or have peptic ulcers.
 6. Tennis Ball Therapy
 This treatment relieves sore muscles and muscle tension caused by sciatica by using the principles of massage, acupressure and reflexology. Like the deep tissue massage, this technique focuses on treating the piriformis muscle. Pressing the tennis ball against these muscles, the muscle tension, pain and rigidity in the buttocks and legs are reduced. This exercise also improves mobility and blood circulation in the affected area.
 7. Epsom Salt Bath
 These therapeutic salts are well known for relaxing the nervous system and extracting toxins from the body. They’re commonly purchased at any pharmacy and are effective when added to a hot bath. Add 2 cups of the salt to your tub and soak for 20 minutes. The salts will do their magic while the heat will help reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation.
 8. Yoga and Mild Stretches
 When you’re in pain the last thing you want to do is move, however when you’re inactive the condition gets aggravated. Exercise can increase your blood flow, strengthen you muscles and improve your mobility. The journal of Pain reports that regular yoga practice can reduce pain by 64% and disability by 77%. It is recommended that you choose a gentle form. The improved flexibility and poses employed help you position yourself in ways that don’t aggravate the sciatica.


Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar

21 Rules for a Good Old Age...

Thought you might enjoy this!
 
 Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years.
 Some of us have reached our golden years, and some of us have not. But these suggestions should be read by everyone. They have been collected from many a senior, each with his or her own piece of advice. Some you know, some may surprise you, and some will remind you of what's important. So read well, share with your loved ones, and have a great day and a great life!
 1. it's time to use the money you saved up. Use it and enjoy it. Don't just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Remember there is nothing more dangerous than a son or daughter-in-law with big ideas for your hard earned capital.
 2. Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren, and don't feel bad spending your money on yourself. You've taken care of them for many years, and you've taught them what they could.
 3. Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well and get your sleep. It's easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy.
 4. Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other. The key goal is to enjoy your money with your partner.
 5. Don't stress over the little things. You've already overcome so much in your life. You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present.
 6. Regardless of age, always keep love alive. Love your partner, love life, love your family, love your neighbor and remember: "A man is not old as long as he has intelligence and affection."
 7. Be proud, both inside and out. Don't stop going to your hair salon or barber, do your nails, go to the dermatologist and the dentist, keep your perfumes and creams well stocked.
 8. Don't lose sight of fashion trends for your age, but keep your own sense of style. There's nothing worse than an older person trying to wear the current fashion among youngsters.
 9. ALWAYS stay up-to-date. Read newspapers, watch the news. Go online and read what people are saying. Make sure you have an active email account and try to use some of those social networks.
 10. Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideals as you, but they are the future, and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them of yesterday's wisdom that still applies today.
 11. Never use the phrase: "In my time". Your time is now. As long as you're alive, you are part of this time. You may have been younger, but you are still you now, having fun and enjoying life.
 12. Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and surly. Life is too short to waste your days on the latter. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people, it'll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better. Spending your time with bitter people will make you older and harder to be around.
 13. Do not surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren (if you have a financial choice, that is). Sure, being surrounded by family sounds great, but we all need our privacy.
14. Don't abandon your hobbies. If you don't have any, make new ones. You can travel, hike, cook, read, and dance. You can grow a garden, play cards, checkers, chess, dominoes, and golf. You can paint or use computer to connect with social groups.
 15. Even if you don't feel like it, try to accept invitations, Baptisms, graduations, birthdays, weddings, conferences. Try to go. Get out of the house; meet people you haven't seen in a while.
 16. Be a conversationalist. Talk less and listen more. Some people go on and on about the past, not caring if their listeners are really interested. That's a great way of reducing their desire to speak with you. Listen first and answer questions, but don't go off into long stories unless asked to. Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticize too much unless you really need to.
 17. Pain and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older. Try not to dwell on them but accept them as a part of the cycle of life we're all going through.
 18. If you've been offended by someone - forgive them. If you've offended someone - apologize.
 19. If you have a strong belief, savor it. But don't waste your time trying to convince others. They will make their own choices no matter what you tell them,
 20. Laugh. Laugh A LOT. Laugh at everything. Remember, you are one of the lucky ones. You managed to have a life, a long one. Many never get to this age.
 21. Take no notice of what others say about you and even less notice of what they might be thinking. They'll do it anyway, and you should have pride in yourself and what you've achieved. Let them talk and don't worry. They have no idea about your history, your memories and the life you've lived so far. There's still much to be written, so get busy writing and don't waste time thinking about what others might think. Now is the time to be at rest, at peace and as happy as you can be!
 AND REMEMBER: "Life is too short not to sing, dance, and live happy". Always Tell her…I love you.


Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar

Rules for Happiness

Rules for Happiness
 
 1. Do not expect anything from anyone.
 2. Let go – Do not hold on to any issue.
 3. Forget everything Old – Forget the Past – Past is Past
 4. Forgive all people unconditionally.
 5. Do not try to change others – Let it be. Accept them as they are.
 6. Accept Situations, Relations and Work as they are, if you cannot change them.
 7. Do not compare yourself with those who are more 'fortunate' than you are – Be contented.
 8. Always be positive in all situations.
 9. Have no regrets for anything that has happened, just learn the lesson that was required.
 10. Enjoy each moment of life – Life is Very Very Beautiful.
 11. Love all – Life is Very Short.


Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar

Hugging

Hugging a Loved One Has a Number of Health Benefits
 
 But, with all these benefits (and more), should we be selective about who we hug? According to research conducted at the University of Vienna, giving a polite embrace to someone we may not know well can have the opposite effect. In fact, when we receive unwanted hugs - be it from strangers, or people we know, the hormone oxytocin is not released - rather, anxiety levels rise and the stress hormone, cortisol is released.
 So prior to hugging someone, just ensure that it will be reciprocated. Other than that, here are 10 reasons why we should hug our loved ones more often.
 1. Hugs combat the common cold and flu
 A hug a day can keep stress-related infections and the common cold at bay. This notion has been confirmed by studies conducted by Carneige Mellon University. It was found that hugging was effective in protecting people from stress-induced vulnerability to infection, such as a viral infection.
 2. Hugging boosts your immune system
 Aside from uplifting your spirits and making you feel good, the oxytocin hormone released while hugging also increases the presence of other hormones that fight infection. The combined effect of feeling good and healthy, in turn, helps boost your immune system.
 3. Hugs help alleviate pain
 While hugs have the ability to boost your immune system, the oxytocin hormone that is released also decreases pain levels. Usually, when we feel pain, our natural response is to rub and massage the affected area. In fact, it has been found that such a simple touch releases enough oxytocin to make us feel better.
 4. Hugs lower blood pressure levels
 Once again, the hormone oxytocin plays an important role here, as it reduces cortisol in the body, thereby lowering blood pressure levels. Furthermore, when you hug another person, a type of pressure receptor on the skin, known as a Pacinian Corpuscle, is activated and sends signals to the brain that lowers blood pressure.
 5. Hugging relaxes tension in the muscles
 Hugs release tension in the body by combating pain and improving blood circulation. they also promote blood flow in soft tissues, thereby relaxing tense muscles.
 6. Hugging promotes brain health and memory
 The oxytocin hormone is truly beneficial for our bodies. When this hormone is released through hugging, it boosts our memory power. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to strike a balance between activeness and calmness.
 7. Hugging burns calories
 Though it may be hard to believe, hugging burns around 12 calories - it may not be much, but it's a fact worth noting.
 8. Hugging lowers your risk of heart disease
 As you may have suspected - all thanks to the oxytocin hormone! As this hormone plays such a vital role in keeping your stress levels, anxiety and blood pressure low, it also contributes to a lower risk of heart disease.
 9. Hugging reduces worries of mortality
 According to a study published in the journal of Psychological Science, hugging has the ability to keep fears of mortality at bay. The study also looked into hugging an inanimate object a teddy bear - which they found, was enough to soothe an individual's existential fears. It was also discovered that simply imagining hugging a person you love can release serotonin, dopamine and endorphine levels in the brain, triggering feelings of happiness and joy. Consequently, this will negate any worries related to mortality, as these hormones contribute to lower levels of stress.
 10. Hugging elevates your mood
 When your serotonin levels are low, you are more ly to experience feelings related to depression and loneliness. But hugging can increase the production of serotonin in the brain, helping to boost your mood as well as your self-esteem. So, if you are feeling blue - give someone you love a big hug!


Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar

10 Signs Someone Is Smarter Than You

10 Signs Someone Is Smarter Than You
 
 Unless you think you're the smartest, who doesn't want to be smarter? Of course I want to be smarter too, so I try to find out who's the real smart guy that maybe I can learn from. James Gardner has got me an answer on Quoraabout whether someone's smart or not.
 Here are the signs of smart people:
 1. They don't talk as much as you do, because they know they got smart by listening.
 2. They know lots of things other than what they're specialised in. Theirs is the gift of a broad mind, constantly fed with the stimulant of being interested in what everyone else is doing.
 3. They juggle home, work and personal interests with dexterity and never fall back on the tired old refrain about "work life balance". And when they're juggling, they somehow manage to seem 100% engaged with what they're doing, on all fronts simultaneously, even though you know they're taking appropriate steps behind the scenes to make sure their lives are perfectly, serenely balanced.
 4. They probably do social media. Not always, but probably. It is not only another chance to listen, but one they use to ensure they can feed their brains with things they otherwise won't have come across.
 5. Even when things go very badly wrong, they'll be smiling. Smart people never get ruffled because their smart brains present them with alternatives faster than the bad stuff can happen.
 6. They know they are usually the smartest person in the room, but they don't spend their time dwelling on that. Instead, they take it as a personal challenge to see if they can make everyone else the smartest person in the room too.
 7. If they are managers, they will make every effort to get people smarter, more connected and more popular than them in their teams. They're not threatened because they know that smartness is synergistic. They also make sure that their smart people get to look smarter than them for the same reason.
 8. They have hidden skills that never get rolled out until they're needed. They don't have any need to show their full capabilities for reasons of proving they're better than others.
 9. They may or may not have expensive educations. You'd never know just by being with them unless you had their CV in front of you.
 10. They never, ever, under any circumstances, make you look stupid, even though it would be easy to do so. They've learned through bitter experience that the only thing that happens when you make someone look bad is you look bad yourself.
 Now you should know who the smart people are. If you want to be the smart one, let me give you this extra advice from Steve Jobs "Stay hungry. Stay foolish."


Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar

Bad Parenting..!!

Regards

Ankush D Shilimkar

17 Body Language Mistakes We All Make

In several famous studies by Dr. Albert Mehrabian, it was found that 7% of communication is verbal, 38% is vocal (sounds) and 55% is NON-VERBAL.
 That means that most of the signals we send to those we talk to involve no words, no sound, just our body language. Studies show that most of us commit these little errors every day without being aware of them. So if you want to better protect your thoughts and avoid offense, check out these 17 common mistakes we all make with our daily body language.
 1. Smiling only with our mouths
 I love smiling, and it's great to see one, no doubt. But when the smile isn't naturally occurring, when you only smile with your mouth but don't let the rest of the face participate - you create a silly impression at best and appear phony at worst. If you feel the need to smile, remember to smile with your entire face and truly mean it.

 2. Looking up or around you
 When your eyes start to wander in the middle of a conversation, especially going up, this sends the message that you are not listening, not interested or not focused. When people are talking to you, look right at them.

 3. Fiddling with objects around you.
 When we're tense we tend to fiddle with stuff in our hands - roll, tear or play with an object (this includes personal grooming or removing cat hair from your shirt). You may be surprised to hear this, but body language experts agree that this doesn't show nerves, it looks you are not agreeing with what the other person is saying.

 4. Crossing your arms and legs
 Crossing your arms and/or legs is a comfortable position, and when we're tense we often feel a strong urge to do so because it makes us feel more protected. However, the other side of this coin is that the person in front of you feels as if you are closing yourselves off to the conversation and to them emotionally.



 5. Fidgeting
 Restless legs, changing postures every minute, drumming with your fingers or moving your head from side to side - may just indicate you find your chair uncomfortable or perhaps you need to go to the bathroom. But for the person in front of you, the feeling is of nervous ticks that may distract them from what they were saying, or make them feel you aren't really listening.



 6. Not looking the other person in the eyes
 This is one of the staples of inter-personal communication: Avoiding eye contact, say body language experts, is the first step to bad communication. If you meet someone and they almost never look you in the eyes, you probably felt quite uncomfortable during the conversation. That said, eyeballing someone isn't good either, as it can seem aggressive. Keep eye contact for a few seconds at a time, then look away, and return to eye contact when the other person is talking to you.



 7. Keeping our hands on our hips
 Many of us place our hands on the hips, with elbows facing outwards, so in an subconscious way we feel the need to 'enlarge' ourselves and leave more room for our personal space. This is a defensive position but one that can be interpeted as threatening to the other person. So unless you are going for intimidation, leave the hands relaxed and placed on the thighs or the sides of the body.




 8. Keeping our head low
 Lowering your head sends a message of shyness, surrender and even shame. Without even noticing, it places you on a lower status than the person you are talking to. So remember to lift your head and look at the other person directly.


 9. Nodding too much
 When we listen to another and want to show him we agree without interrupting him, we nod. So far so good. The problem is that too much nodding can show you as submissive, as if you are trying to please the other person too much. If you feel you're nodding too much, try to catch yourselves doing it and deliberately switch to some verbal cues "yes" or "I agree".




 10. Doodling on a piece of paper
 Sometimes, during a meeting, you need to write some things down, and that's fine. But while you're not writing something important, don't doodle. Keep that for another time. Why? Because that lack of focus is transmitted to the other person, telling them they are wasting their time with you, and of course - it prevents eye contact.



 11. Rolling our eyes
 Sure, this gesture can be comical around friends and family, but we might be so u ...sed to it we do it in an official meeting, which can cause very bad results. Doing this amongst strangers shows not only that you do not agree with what they are saying, but may also convey a lack of respect. It summons the image of a sullen teenager who is just waiting to be left alone. In short - it is rude, and you'd be best avoiding it.
 



 12. 'Melting' into our chair
 The antidote to a stressful meeting is not lounging or melting into your chair or sofa (lowered shoulders, putting your elbows on the table, leaning back with spread legs etc.) This kind of posture may transmit a lack of caring to the other side, and that you're not really interested in having a conversation at the moment. Sit straight but not rigid, and if you are standing - stand firm.


 13. Playing with our hair
 Playing with your hair is very common in flirtation, so its perfect for a romantic date. However, if we're talking about a business meeting or any other stressful event, keep your hands away from your hair. Playing with your hair may be interpeted as being nervous, rolling or even chewing the hair may be signs of a lack of maturity.


 14. Pinching our nose while closing our eyes
 This movement is what experts see as if you saying to the other person that you are not happy with them and have a negative view of their actions. If you have a headache or sinus pain, you may be doing it without noticing. But try to explain why you are doing it to avoid giving the wrong impression.



 15. Touching our nose too often
 If you feel an itch, by all means, scratch that nose. But often touching the nose may, subconsciously, send the message you are either lying or hiding something. There's even a medical explanation for it: When our blood pressure rises ( when we lie), our nose tissue and cells create histamine, which causes an itch. Your partner may not know this, but subconsciously they can feel the connection between nose touching and lying.



 16. Standing with our body pointing at the exit
 This is true in any culture. If you want to show your conversation partner respect and interest, you must face them. If you are turning, even with only half your body, towards the door or any other exit in the room, the message is sent that you cannot wait to finish this conversation so you can leave and do other things. If you notice this, correct yourselves and face your partner once again.



 17. Cross our hands behind our back
 In movies and television shows, we see this kind of stance as connected to learned types or grizzled army men. In reality, standing with your hands behind your back transmits anger, disagreement with what is being said and even a hint of threat or violence. So please, leave this pose to the actors.


Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar

Your Body Talks: The A to Z of Vitamin Deficiencies

The A to Z of Vitamin Deficiencies
 
 Because many people eat unhealthy and processed foods, many essential vitamins might be skipped in a daily diet, leaving your body not functioning as it should. The human body shows us when something is not quite right. This article will help you understand the symptoms of vitamin deficiencies, helping you prevent damage and disorders from rearing their ugly heads.
 Since vitamins participate in all body functions and reactions, a deficiency or even poor intake of one of them, can affect your body’s daily functioning. This creates the perfect opportunity for diseases to occur.
 These 5 common indicators suggest that you have a vitamin deficiency.


 1. Hair loss and rashes
 When you frequently experience body rashes and hair loss, an indication as to why it occurs could be low zinc, as well as vitamins B7, A, D, E and K. Hair loss is especially indicative of an insufficient intake of zinc. Similarly when you lack iron, wounds will take longer to heal, skin will be drier, and rashes, red spots, and dark bruises may appear. While you can take vitamin supplements, iron and zinc can be consumed through diet.
 Try increasing the amount of dried fruit, whole grains and dairy products you eat. Button mushrooms, bananas, pumpkin seeds, avocados, raspberries and brewer’s yeast are especially helpful. It is also recommended that you eat less eggs, as they may interfere with your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B7.


 2. Cracked mouth corners
 This unpleasant symptom is commonly associated with a vitamin B deficiency, specifically B12, B2, and B3, and may also indicate a lack of iron or zinc. Vitamin B can be found in seafood such as clams, oysters, salmon, and tuna. Eating more eggs also helps.
 If you are vegetarian increase your intake of lentils, peanuts, dried tomatoes, sesame, and chard. It’s also important to increase your intake of vitamin C, as this allows iron to be absorbed more easily. Try combining these foods with broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and red peppers.


 3. Cheek, arm and thigh acne
 When red spots start to appear on your cheeks, arms and thighs, this could indicate that your body is lacking in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and D. The spots will appear small sacks with sebum. They can sometimes be painful to touch. To solve this issue, you need to reduce the amount of saturated and trans fats you eat. Switch to healthier fats flax seeds, fish, almonds, dried fruit, and walnuts. You can also increase your vitamin A levels by eating more sweet potatoes, red peppers, and carrots.


4. Cramps and dull pain in your feet and legs
 This will start to happen when your body doesn’t have enough calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This can also be due to strenuous exercises, whereby your body loses water-soluble vitamins Vitamin B. Your vitamin B levels often drop when you sweat excessively. But, this doesn't mean that you need to live in the North Pole or stop exercising. Rather, increase your intake of nuts and fruit such as bananas, almonds, hazelnuts, cherries, apples and grapefruit. Vegetables pumpkin, spinach, broccoli and cabbage also help.


5. Burning, itching and numbness in your arms and legs
 When these you feel these symptoms it’s ly due to a lack of vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12. When you have insufficient amounts of these vitamins, your skin’s nerve endings are affected and it can also cause fatigue, anemia, depression and hormonal imbalance. You can increase your intake of legumes,as well as more vegetables asparagus and spinach. You can also try to up your intake of seafood and eggs.
 Here’s a handy visual guide to help you


Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar

Happiness

It is the art of living, the purpose of our existence. Happiness is the true index of quality of life. Without happiness, life is dry and meaningless. With happiness, life immediately becomes fulfilling and wonderful. Happiness is an infectious feeling that immediately lifts the sagging spirits of people. Happy people keep themselves happy because they know the little ways to appreciate themselves and to see the humour and magic in each moment.


Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar

Ego and the Waiting Vultures!

EGO the WAITING VULTURES
 
 Two Lions with inflated EGO, reached the pool at the same time to drink water.
 Both of them wanted to have water first.
 A ferocious fight to the finish as to who will drink water first, broke out. Soon they were bloodied all over.
 It is then they saw Vultures flying over them, looking down hungrily. Soon they realized their folly, stopped the fight and started Drinking water TOGETHER.

 Had they continued to fight, both of them would have been devoured by Vultures.
 There is a Lesson for all of us to Learn in this short story.
 TOGETHERNESS is Bliss. Together you Achieve More.
 Pushed by Ego, when you fight with each other specially for petty things, always remember, Vultures are waiting above or on the sidelines.
 ***
 When someone shares with you something of Value,
 You have an obligation to share it with others.
 ***
 Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle
 and the life of candle is not shortened.
 Same way, Happiness never decreases by Sharing.
 ***
 Don’t live as taker member of society, but live as a Giver Member. Life will then, become an enjoyable experience.
 ***
 Never believe what lines of your hands predict.
 Because, people who don’t have hands, also have Future.
 Instead, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.


Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar