The Raw Journal
Eternal Jing by Rehmannia Dean Thomas
Jing is our life-force, accumulated from our ancestors; this “epigenetic” inheritance is called Pre-natal Jing. How we were nourished during our formative years is called Post-natal Jing. Our Jing can be traced back four generations; the diets and lifestyles of our great-grandparents are imbedded in our bloodline, our genome. Jing is our treasure. How much will we accomplish during our lives? How adventurous will we be? How resilient are we against life’s stresses and destructive elements? How creative are we? How effectively do we avoid sickness and recover from bodily damage? How ready are we to take on challenges and new endeavors? This is the measure of our Jing. When we feel vulnerable at our core, weak at our root, we are depleted of this all-important treasure. We will show signs of aging more quickly, and what’s worse, our children will inherit the same energy deficits. Fortunately for us living in today’s stressful and toxic environment, we have discovered ancient Chinese herbs long documented to replenish Jing. I cannot stress how monumental this is; we can replenish our deep life reserves and reclaim super-empowerment, to help us accomplish our dreams and live our adventures! Historically, these tonic herbs have been sequestered to the elite of China, and were only recently revealed in the Western World. I feel blessed to have attained the knowledge of Jing herbs, and to have created these stellar combinations, based on thousands of years' use. The Jing herbs are safe for everyone, and as I mentioned, there is no more important time than now to learn about them and incorporate them into your dietary regimen. Some of the premier Jing herbs are: He Shou Wu, Astragalus, Cistanche, Rehmannia, Reishi, Eucommia and Schizandra. This is an edited extract from an article by Rehmannia Dean Thomas. You can find his Eternal Jing product here.
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Spotlight On Schizandra
Schizandra is one of the most important herbs in Chinese Tonic Herbalism. It is said to be the herb that "does it all": it works on every organ and meridian in the body. The Chinese name is "Wu Wei Zi," or "five flavour fruit"; it is bitter, sweet, salty, sour and spicy all at once, so benefits each one of the Chinese Five Elements. It is a small red berry that looks like a redcurrant, and when dried looks more like a peppercorn. It is one of the premier Chinese beauty herbs, along with Pearl and Goji, and notably for our current times, it is high in shikimates which help the body neutralise spike proteins. It regulates the nervous system, supports the liver in detoxification, and as a mind tonic, it helps with concentration, alertness and memory. As you might expect, there are many ways to enjoy Schizandra. We love it in tea form: you can use the berries as they are, enjoy them in our Eterniteea blend, or appreciate the convenience of Dragon Herbs eeTee (great when travelling!). Spring Dragon tea is one of our most popular products, which delivers schizandra in teabag form. If you prefer powders, our own Raw Living schizandra is great value for money at £8.99 for 100g. You can also find it in many blends such as Shaman Shack Three Jewels or RDT Connoisseurs' Allure. If tinctures are your thing, then as well as Dragon Herbs tinctures, Anima Mundi Herbals do a stunning Schizandra Rose elixir. Living Libations offer a Schizandra essential oil, or you can just opt for straightforward capsules from Dragon Herbs or Jing Herbs. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, we highly recommend including schizandra in your home apothecary. With its unique flavour profile, it combines particularly well with cinnamon, goji, strawberry or rose. It can be added to smoothies, milks, chocolates, and lattes for an increased depth of flavour that adds an interesting twist to your culinary creations. We honestly have too many Shizandra products to mention in one article! You can check more of them out here.
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Adaptogens by Adriana Ayales
This is an edited extract from the book Adaptogens by Adriana Ayales, founder of Anima Mundi Herbals. ANCIENT MEDICINE FOR MODERN TIMES Wellness is a cosmology, an all-encompassing landscape that embodies the emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual worlds of existence. A true state of wellness is not merely dependent on the condition or mindset a person currently inhabits. Our level of wellness is finely interwoven with the intimate relationship we have with our community, our environment, and ourselves. The multifaceted universe of health and healing is cyclical, a living organism in constant metamorphosis. Healing echoes the logic of quantum physics, suggesting that we exist in a relative, process-oriented ecosystem in which there is no “objectivity” to the world we’re experiencing. The components essential to healing disease cannot be resolved simply by measuring the illness in itself; rather, this healing ecosystem is active, with its own unique interactions and relationships. It is through this process that the healer balances the equation of physical, mental, and social well-being. In Eastern healing traditions, human beings are perceived as microcosms of the universe, suffused with the same forces controlling the cosmos. In Daoism, for example, humans are imagined as part of the unbroken whole, called Dao—a singular relational continuum expressing itself within and without. This thinking predates the separation of the mind from the body. It was the Western mind that created the idea that human beings are independent living systems, unbound by basic natural needs. We escaped from our dependency and attachment to the natural world, pursuing egotistic principles of invulnerability, invincibility, and immortality. The long-term survival of our species is threatened by an unrestrained lust for short-term gain, deceitful beliefs about accomplishment, and false assumptions about our civilization’s autonomy from nature. Modern-day human beings have contaminated their own nests, a clear sign of disease and future troubles, especially considering the consequences of our actions on the wider animal kingdom. Today, many of us seek to reclaim the sense of connectedness that existed universally in ancient cultures, when human fate was wholly entwined with nature. In the ecological understanding of these cosmologies, all things were inextricably bound together. The world was seen as a symbiotic entity in which all living organisms interacted with and supported each other, from the innermost cellular level to the outermost cosmological level. The call for plant medicine in today’s culture is a symbol of humanity returning to its source. A profound rebirth is in process, and the role of the plant kingdom is increasing in significance. An essential bridge is being rebuilt between humans and nature, allowing us to access the realm of the transcendent and the land of the luminous. Plant medicines aren’t just here to provide us nourishment, shelter, and protection from pathologies—they’re here for a much larger purpose, and that is to bring us back to the original consciousness that prevailed on earth for millenia. Herbalism is the medicine of belonging, a gateway through which we keep alive a very sacred aspect of this same consciousness. Shop Anima Mundi Herbals full range here.
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Spotlight On Astragalus
Astragalus is one of the premier Chinese tonic herbs. Tonic herbs are recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine to take on a regular basis to keep the body functioning optimally. Chinese medicine looks at the body through a very different lens than Western medicine, and the tonic herbs are dispensed in order to help prevent a person getting sick, rather than waiting until symptoms appear and then diagnosing and treating the resulting conditions. It really is the inverse of the modern pharmaceutically-driven medical industry, where doctors profit from sickness rather than health. Astragalus roots come from a flowering plant which grows in China and Korea. It is an adaptogen which is high in saponins, polysaccharides and flavonoids. It contains a unique substance called astragalosides, which stimulate T-cell production. and restore telomere growth. T-cells are white blood cells which play a vital role in the adaptive immune response, particularly important with this new attack on our immune system over the last two years. Shorter telomere length is a major factor in the risk of chronic disease; herbs that extend telomere length are said to be anti-aging. Astragalus is available in tincture, powder and capsule form. Explore our range here. Also check out Dragon Herbs' Supreme Protector formulation, which is composed of the four "kings of defence": Astragalus, Reishi, Schizandra and Cordyceps, and the RDT Connoisseurs range, many of which include Astragalus.
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The Birth Of Tachyonization
Through the years there have been dozens of global research programs demonstrating the profound effects of Tachyonized material. In 2010 a US patent was issued providing the only patented Tachyonized Material Testing Method. This has led to the exposure of companies who have claimed to provide Tachyonized materials. Tachyonization was Invented in 1990 Through the search for Free Energy, science postulated at first — and then indirectly proved — Tachyon Energy’s existence. Today, we all envision its potential. Despite all opposition, the Tachyon era has begun. In 1966, Gerald Feinberg defined Tachyon Energy as a "faster-than-light, subatomic particle" in order to unify the scientific world’s view and nomenclature of faster-than-light energy. We give thanks and acknowledge the various scientists, past and present, who have provided the foundation for this new era and have thus paved the way for the Tachyon revolution. The problem is no longer in proving the existence of Tachyon Energy. Rather, it is in harnessing the energy. Many distinguished scientists have worked in this field with mixed results. What these scientists were and are trying to accomplish is the conversion of Tachyon Energy into usable electrical energy. David Wagner is globally celebrated as the father of Tachyonization and founder of Advanced Tachyon Technologies. Wagner had a different vision of the benefits of Tachyon Energy. His vision was the clear realization that the conversion of Tachyon Energy into usable electrical energy would, in fact, not solve this planet’s growing crisis, because it is not a crisis of energy. It is a crisis of consciousness. Wagner recognized that everything evolves out of the Tachyon field and his breakthroughs in applied physics are directly responsible for the Tachyonization™ process. Tachyonization restructures certain natural materials at the sub-molecular level, creating permanent Tachyon antennas. Wagner's ability to harness Tachyon Energy, and the scientific world’s ability to prove the outcome, are directly responsible for the Tachyon revolution that is taking place in over 93 countries. The Tachyonization breakthrough harnesses the infinite potential of Tachyon Energy in ways that benefit life on Earth and aid in elevating consciousness. "Understanding how Tachyon works is to understand one of the secrets of the Universe"The use of Tachyonized products normally results in a natural detoxification, increased absorption of available vitamins and minerals, increased energy for physical activities, increased awareness of subtle energies, increased brain function, increased circulation, and exceptional improvements in athletic abilities and muscle recovery. When athletes use these products, they notice a significant decrease in fatigue, allowing for increased performance. This is an edited extract from an article on the Advanced Tachyon Technologies website. You can find Tachyon products on our site here.
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What Is Earthing?
Beneath your feet lies a most marvelous gift from Nature − the very Earth itself, naturally equipped with extraordinary healing power that may just be the single-most effective medicine available. Earthing, or grounding as it is often called, connects you to this overlooked natural energy that nurtures and balances your body at the deepest levels, draining it of inflammation, pain, stress, and fatigue. Earthing is accessible to all, as simple as walking or sitting barefoot outdoors, and if that isn’t an option, you can use indoor grounding products that generate the same benefits conveniently while you sleep, relax, or work. Earthing represents a health breakthrough, an effortless lifestyle add-on with surprising, and often dramatic, healing results. A simple concept, yes, but a profound one. Earthing restores an essential electric connection to the Earth, lost over time because of the ways we humans live. Many people go through life with pain and weak health precisely because of this disconnection. When reconnected, people feel, sleep, and look better. They are healthier, with less pain and stress. Earthing is a health and healing reconnection that works for all ages, from babies to seniors. It restores a broken link to an abandoned natural protector – the Earth’s healing touch. Vitamin G − G for ground You get vitamin D when your body receives energy from the sun above. The Earth gives you energy as well, from below, that contributes to health in a big way. This energy is based on an unseen and virtually limitless supply of sub-atomic particles called electrons. Constantly replenished and stimulated by the sun, lightning, and the deep-down molten core, they vibrate at different frequencies and give our landmasses and oceans a subtle negative charge. Some people feel this charge as pleasant tingling or warmth in the feet when walking outside. Think of it as a kind of electric nutrition, or “natural electricity,” or “vitamin G” as some people call it. This natural planetary charge keeps the bioelectric machinery of global life humming in rhythm and balance — for everything that lives on the land or in the sea. Both animals and plants. They have a constant electric connection with the Earth. Except for most humans. Humans are disconnected. Unlike other creatures in Nature, and your own ancestors, modern human society is disconnected. You get little or no vitamin G. Today’s generations lack an energy hook-up with our planet. We’ve lost our electrical roots. We’re vitamin G deficient, so to speak. We’re not receiving the Earth’s built-in energy and signals. This disconnection may very well be precisely a seriously overlooked cause of the global epidemic of chronic illness, pain, and dysfunction. Top to bottom benefits When you are grounded, your body absorbs the Earth’s electrons like a sponge. They then move throughout your body, impacting it from top to bottom. Some 20 years of research, along with repeated “success stories” from people around the world, provides intriguing evidence to support the surprising concept that contact with the Earth is of great medicinal value. That we need the Earth’s electrons for our well-being. That they are foundational for health, representing an indispensable kind of “nutrient” that if deficient or missing can cause health problems just like a deficient vitamin or mineral. There’s a good analogy with the electric systems that power our world – from whole cities down to the appliances you use in your house. These systems are stabilized by the Earth. They are grounded, connected to the Earth. So, too, our bioelectric bodies become stabilized when we are grounded and connected to the Earth. This is a vital hook-up because our bodies work electrically. Every movement or thought is based on frequencies and electric transmissions in the body. The heart, brain, and immune system are obvious examples. The daily rhythm of chemical and hormonal cycling in the human body is regulated and maintained by faint electromagnetic signals generated by the Earth’s electrons. The human body is exquisitely receptive to these signals that set up the rhythm of day-night functions or circadian rhythms. Earthing studies, using sophisticated laser and thermal imaging, have also demonstrated how grounding, even for just an hour, improves blood flow to the face. The findings suggest enhanced nourishment of facial tissues and functions, and provides a scientific explanation for why many people over the years have told us they look younger and healthier after they start grounding. A revival of a forgotten law of Nature Earthing is nothing really new. It’s a revival of a timeless practice and a forgotten law of Nature: that we all belong to Nature, and part of the very connection with Nature is our connection with the Earth. Earthing is among the most natural and safest things you can do. If you are sceptical, put it to the test by simply sitting, standing, or walking with your bare feet on the ground outside. If you have PMS or arthritic pain or a backache or indigestion or just plain fatigue, or feel highly stressed, note your level of discomfort at the start and then again after about a half-hour or so. At the end you will feel better. You will realize that there is indeed something marvelous about the ground beneath your feet, something you’ve been missing all these years. Kate's note: I try and spend as much of the day barefoot and outside as possible; unless its raining or freezing, I work in my garden. I go for regular barefoot walks in my local park: just 20 mins a day is enough to get your vitamin G! I sleep grounded, and I have the sleeping bag version, so I can use it for full coverage, or I can just use it as a sheet. Whenever I travel, I always pack my grounding bag, and take the grounding rod in case there is no power point to plug into. This is an edited extract from an article on The Earthing Institute website. For our full range of Groundology products, click here.
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Purple Corn Extract From Peru
Purple Corn Extract is one of our all-time favourite products. We’ve been selling it since 2006, when we were introduced to it alongside the other Peruvian products such as maca and lucuma. It was David Wolfe who first asked the Peruvian farmers if they could start producing raw cacao, back in 2005, and I guess the farmers then introduced him to a whole bunch of other crops as well, and that’s how they started being popularised in the raw food movement. We love it for four main reasons: Unlike many superfoods, it has a great taste, a bit like Ribena. It is a beautiful vivid purple colour, unmatched by any other natural food colouring. It is rich in anthocyanins; this is the antioxidant that makes it a true superfood. More on those shortly. It is third-eye opening, pineal gland stimulating, and so mildly psychoactive. Yep, we’ll explain that in more detail as well! When buying purple corn, it’s vital to get the extract, not the flour. When it started getting popular in the West, many people jumped on the bandwagon and started producing the flour, which is, to be quite honest, a waste of money. Purple corn is literally that: it’s maize, so if you buy the flour, you’re basically buying cornflour. What makes purple corn exciting, as we mentioned, are the anthocyanins, so it’s those that we want to isolate. Purple corn flour doesn’t taste of much, doesn’t turn your food purple, is no more antioxidant rich than a food like blueberries or red grapes, and won’t do much for your third eye either. The extract however; that’s a different matter, and we advise only using it in very small doses because of its potency. We sadly lost our supply at the beginning of the year, and it’s taken us this long (over 9 months) to find some more. In the process, I’ve spoken with many Peruvian farmers, and I have to say, I love the energy of the Peruvian people and I can’t wait to go and visit when the freedom to travel is back on the cards. But the good news is, our new Purple Corn Extract is a 30:1 extract. Previously, we had always had 7:1. What this means is that they take 30kgs of purple corn to make 1kg extract. This is the most pure and potent purple corn available in the world today! Our new supplier sent us some info which I’m about to share with you, but before I do, there’s just one more thing I need to mention. One of the things we were told about Purple Corn, when there was the initial wave of interest in it, in the mid 2000s (when people were still thinking for themselves and before our brains had been destroyed by social media), was that there was an ancient Hopi prophecy that said, “When Purple Corn comes to the West, that is the time of the Great Awakening.” Well, having sold more purple corn over the past 15 years than probably anyone else in the West, we are honoured to have played our part in that, and we urge you to try purple corn extract for yourself, and let us know if it contributes to your awakening. So, this is what our new supplier had to share (I’m taking this straight off the info he sent me, complete with annotated references below). The word Anthocyanin is derived from the Greek “Anthos” meaning flower, and “Kyanos” meaning blue. Anthocyanins are responsible for the purple, blue and red colours of many plants. Anthocyanins belong to the class of plant chemicals called flavonoids. Researchers from a university in Texas determined that the anthocyanin content of purple corn is 16.4 mg whereas blueberries are no more than 3.8mg. 1 It’s also very high on the antioxidant scale. Antioxidants is a term thrown around a lot, but it’s kind of hard to explain what they actually are. Basically, when there is an excess of oxygen-based free radicals in the body, that puts the body into oxidative stress; antioxidants are like scavengers which mop up these free radicals. In experiments on rats, purple corn was shown to reduce inflammation2, reduce the spread of cancer cells3, decrease cholesterol, and reduce atherosclerosis4. In Japan, they showed that purple corn can help prevent diabetes and obesity5, and in Ohio, they noted that it protects the retina, and so improves vision. Pretty impressive stuff, right? So what are the best ways to enjoy purple corn extract in your diet? Chica Morada is a staple drink in Peru, which is in essence, purple corn, lime juice and sugar. You can make your own version, or also make it as a hot drink with chilli – there’s a recipe in my Raw Magic book. As a food colouring, it’s perfect for mylks, smoothies and desserts. Purple guac is also a hit! As Peruvian crop, it combines well with Cacao and we put it in our LuckyMe raw chocolate bar. It is also one of the essential ingredients that makes the legendary Quantum Cake quantum. But don’t forget, as we said, our experience is that purple corn has serious psychoactive properties. This means it awakens the pineal gland: what that actually looks like is different for each individual, but for sensitives, you could start to feel a little tripped out. If you’re someone who is aware that they are acutely sensitive to the effects of different foods, then we would strongly recommend taking it very slowly on the purple corn extract. Just quarter of a teaspoon is enough to get a heightened sense of awareness, and a whole teaspoon? Let’s just say, we don’t recommend operating heavy machinery! And if the psychoactive benefits are something that appeals to you, then take one whole teaspoon, and mix it up with suma or mucuna for a real party vibe. If you are familiar with purple corn, then you will be as excited as we are that it’s back in stock. And if it’s not something that is already in the superfood section of your kitchen cupboards, then now’s the time to get some in and discover why we rate it in the top ten superfoods that we sell on our site. Buy purple corn extract here. Cevallos-Casals BA, Cisneros-Zevallos L. Stoichiometric and kinetic studies of phenolic antioxidants from Andean purple corn and red-fleshed sweet potato. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51(11):3313-3319. Tsuda T, Horio F, Osawa T. Cyanidin 3-O-b-D-glucoside suppresses nitric oxide production during zymosan treatment in rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 2002;48(4):305-310. Hagiwara A, Miyashita K, Nakanishi T, Sano M, Tamano S, Kadota T, Koda T, Nakamura M, Imaida K, Ito N, Shirai T. Pronounced inhibition by a natural anthocyanin, purple corn color, of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazol[4,5- b]pyridine (PhIP)-associated colorectal carcinogenesis in male F344 rats pretreated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Cancer Lett. 2001;171:17-25. Tsuda T, Horio F, Osawa T. Dietary cyanidin 3-O-? -D-glucoside increases ex vivo oxidation resistance of serum in rats. Lipids. 1998;33(6):583-588. Tsuda T, Horio F, Uchida K, Aoki H, Osawa T. Dietary cyanidin 3-O-? -D-glucoside-rich purple corn color prevents obesity and ameliorates hyperglycemia in mice. J Nutr. 2003;133(7):2125-2130.
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What is 'Methylsulphonylmethane'?
MSM is simply organic Sulphur: widely overlooked, it's the third largest ingredient in our bodies. It's in rainwater and plants, but our soils are depleted and our cooking destroys it. It's many benefits depends on the quality, it must be organic, not synthetic. There are two methods used for purifying MSM, crystallisation and distillation. Crystallisation is cheaper and risks impurities. Our Raw Living MSM is purified by distillation, and is 100% pure. MSM helps all biological processes work more effectively, dramatically improving the permeability of the cell. MSM is a carrier - it helps draw oxygen and nutrients into the cell, and escorts toxins out. MSM is known to increase energy, accelerate healing, aid detoxification, improve flexibility and is known as the 'beauty mineral', because of its benefit to skin, teeth, nails and hair. How Much Should I Take? We recommend around 30g-40g a week, especially for sports professionals, yogis, manual labourers, those recovering from an accident or injury, and anyone with inflammatory joint issues. If you’re doing extreme amounts of exercise, or you’re looking to heal quickly, you can take up to double that. But be warned, if you take too much it can become detoxifying, and you might find yourself feeling enervated and restless, as if you’ve drunk too much coffee. This is just excess energy being released in the body, and nothing to worry about, simply slow down your dosage to a level that feels more comfortable. What’s the best way to get your daily dose of MSM? Unfortunately, unlike a lot of other superfoods, you can’t just put it in a smoothie! MSM has a strong, bitter, and well, sulphurous flavour, which is hard to disguise. Add it to a fruit smoothie or some date and nut energy balls, and you’re going to ruin them, sadly. So here are our suggestions on how to get it down: Just put it in a glass of water, stir well, and knock it back. Quick and easy! 1tsp in your water makes a great first thing in the morning drink, especially for those of us who are getting older, and feel a little creaky in the mornings. Add it to orange juice. The sweetness of the orange juice will mask the flavour a little. It still won't taste great though! Make MSM lemonade with coconut water and lemon juice. This is a very refreshing, cleansing drink, perfect after exercise. The tartness of the lemon disguises the bitterness of the MSM a little. Add some honey, stevia or maple syrup if you wish. If you are familiar with naturopathic techniques, you may also want to consider MSM enemas. Putting MSM in your enema water is a very effective way to get it absorbed into the body. Add 1T MSM to 1 litre water and blend to dissolve, before using it in your enema bag. I'm Looking To Heal Fast, Help! For those who are recovering from an injury, a daily dose of MSM can really speed up the process of healing, especially when taken in conjuction with Chlorella powder. Chlorella powder contains a unique substance called CGF, which means it supports the body in repairing and rebuilding cells. We can also recommend high strength Curcumin, for reducing inflammation and lessening the pain. Take three capsules, as many times a day as you feel the need (not more than once an hour). Sleeping grounded is also a great practice for those with painful inflammatory conditions. And we have some great topical MSM creams that you can apply externally. Shop MSM here.
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How To Deal With Computer Eye Strain
Technology has become a standard part of the lives of millions of people around the world. Whether it's using a smartphone, laptop, tablet, video games, or television, looking at a screen in some form is a daily occurrence. In addition, more people are working from home. As a result, you may be experiencing computer fatigue and need eye strain relief. Protecting your eyesight is essential. It's important to fully understand vision issues related to computers since your eyes do so much work. Once you know what your eyes may be dealing with, you can focus on solutions. When on a computer, or any screen, you take in a lot of information. Your eyes are always focused on something, whether you're watching a video or typing. In fact, U.S. adults spend nearly four hours on computers every day. With prolonged exposure, issues start to arise. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is an overarching term that encompasses all screen fatigue and eye strain-related problems. It affects people of all ages, too. Therefore, adults and children alike need to understand what their eyes are enduring. Examples of CVS include repetitive stress injuries, digital eye strain, and computer fatigue. Your eyes may hurt from moving them too much, you could be having trouble seeing or concentrating, or you might find yourself struggling to look at the screen. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you should try to identify contributing factors. They include having poor posture, ocular diseases, lighting, resolution, contrast, viewing distance, and ergonomics. These issues can be subtle — you may not even notice them. Other times, they start small but become a major hindrance when you're trying to work or enjoy some downtime. It can get to the point where you need a prescription for contact lenses or glasses. Since CVS is a broad category, the eye strain and computer fatigue issues that it brings will present various symptoms. They often overlap but are sometimes clear indicators of what eye impediment you're dealing with. For instance, if you find yourself needing eye strain relief, you may be looking at the computer for too long. It's vital to have the right comfort, setup, and ergonomics. Further, you might not have the right glasses prescription. Minor adjustments can go a long way — and you may need your first prescription ever if the strain is significant enough. Keep in mind blue light can be a common cause of irritation for many people. The harsh light from screens can negatively affect your sleep schedule. This situation can then result in similar symptoms — with fatigue, eye irritation, and headaches leading the list. Some overall symptoms of CVS-related fatigue or strain include neck stiffness, backaches, tearing, dryness, redness, grittiness, burning, double vision, myopia, and slowness of changing your focus. Luckily, there are solutions that can bring you comfort for your CVS impediments. The first step is to see if blue-light-blocking glasses are right for you. Often, blue light from your screens causes irritation, worsening headaches, and eye strain. You can purchase glasses with blue-light blocking abilities. You can get daytime glasses that are perfect for protecting your eyes when spending prolonged periods in front of a screen. Nighttime glasses provide high protection rates, helping your eyes adjust to the dark. Add your current or new prescription for extra strength. You should then follow the 20-20-20 rule with your new glasses. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away, and do this for 20 seconds. Don't forget to blink a lot, too. Rearrange your setup so you're more comfortable when you type, and the words and images on your screen are clear. Be sure to take breaks when possible so you give your eyes a rest from the screen. Computer fatigue and all CVS-related eye strain issues can be an obstacle when working or when you're trying to enjoy some screen time. Understanding how they occur and what their symptoms are will help you avoid the pain. That way, you can work or enjoy a video without interruption and create a better computer-vision dynamic. This is an edited version of an article by Shannon Flynn, taken from the Swanwick website. You can find Blue Light blocking glasses from Swanwick here.
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What Is Miso?
Miso is a fermented Japanese soya food made using the special koji fermentation culture and different types of grains.
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The Science Of Health
Scientific understanding of health and the body has progressed particularly rapidly in the past couple of decades. In particular, our understanding of the importance of the microbiome, the function of hormones and neurotransmitters, and how deeply connected the systems of the gut, the brain, and the immune system all are have all made huge leaps.
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The Three Treasures, Guest Blog by Dr. George Lamoureux
The three fundamental energies that are housed in all living beings are call Jing, Qi, and Shen. The integration of these three energies constitutes our very existence and they are considered to be treasures that should be protected, nourished, and balanced. When they are sufficiently preserved and cultivated, health and longevity of the body, mind, and spirit are achieved. Keeping them abundant should be the goal of every person. To neglect them is to neglect life itself. Jing Essence (Jing), “the giver of life,” is the First Treasure. The foundation of our existence. It is the root energy of the body that is responsible for procreation, physical energy, sexual energy, creativity, longevity, and youthfulness. The concentrated, refined, and regenerative energy that we receive at our conception that is meant to last us our entire lives. To preserve Essence (Jing), the Taoists avoided extremes and sought to maintain balance in their lives and activities. Find Jing Herbs Restore the Jing here. Qi Energy (Qi), “the breathe of life,” is the second Treasure. While Essence (Jing) is our deep reserve, Energy (Qi) is our day to day vitality. It is the energy we derive from the air we breathe and foods we eat. It is also our actual breathing. The deeper and more regulated our breathing, the healthier we become as blood and energy are more efficiently and deeply circulated to every cell of the body leaving them more nourished and vitalized. Find Jing Herbs Activate the Qi here Shen Spirit (Shen), “the light of life,” is the third Treasure. It is our mental, emotional, and spiritual well being as well as our connection to our higher self and the Divine. Spirit (Shen) is housed in the Heart and provides us with feelings of peace, calm, and serenity. It gives us proper perspective on our life and our place in the universe. When the Spirit (Shen) is strong, attachment to the mundane dissipates and we become more childlike, awakened, and at ease in the world around us. We become compassionate for and caring of others. Find Jing Herbs Awaken the Shen here. About Dr. George With a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture from the prestigious Yo San University and an extensive background in clinical and tonic herbalism, Dr. George Lamoureux is considered one of the world’s top authorities of Taoist tonic herbalism, health, longevity, and nutrition. He has over 25 years of experience dedicated to the principles of protecting, nourishing, and balancing Essence, Energy, and Spirit for thousands of clients who have sought his expertise. Find our extensive range of Jing Herbs products here. Not sure whether it's Jing, Qi or Shen that you need most support with? Pick a packet and work through it and just notice what effects it has. Or book a consult with Kate who can advise the right herbal and supplement programme for you.
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Pineal Gland Support
What is the Pineal Gland? The size of a pea, it sits right in the centre of the brain, behind the pituitary. It is a pine cone shaped endocrine gland, responsible for melatonin production in the body, which you probably know regulates the sleep-wake cycle, as well as some serotonin production. But more than that, it is known as the inner eye or the third eye. It's our inner vision, our own unique perspective on the world. Mystics know that through meditation, we can strengthen that third eye vision and our own insight. What is Pineal Gland Calcification? Modern lifestyles are full of toxins that block the activity of the pineal gland. Chemicals like fluoride, mercury, aluminium and organophosphates in our air, food and water cause a crust to form over the gland to stop it being effective. This can lead to insomnia, depression, and a general sense of disconnection. Why Do We Want to Decalcify the Pineal Gland? When our pineal gland is active, we are superconductors, communicating from the energy world to the physical world in a beautiful continuous feedback loop. We are spiritually awakened, in communication with worlds beyond the five senses. We are connected to our higher selves, and in touch with our life's purpose. How Can I Decalcify the Pineal Gland? There are many wonderful foods which help break down the calcium phosphate in the brain and power up this important gland. Here are just a few: Turmeric Kelp Powder MSM Iodine Klamath Lake Algae Purple Corn Extract Cacao Shilajit Ormus With the constant bombardment of chemicals we are exposed to in an urban environment (and most rural environments, to a lesser extent), it's vital that we consciously take care of our pineal glands. With so many delicious foods to choose from, it's not hard! Check out our collection here.
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