Music Helps With Chronic Pain

For those who suffer or have ever suffered with chronic pain, you know how debilitating that can be. It colors your whole world. I have fortunately kept mine, for the most part, in check with herbs and supplements (with a very occasional Aleve).  But in some cases certain herbs that are good for pain and inflammation aren't always good for people on certain allopathic medications. Turmeric (Curcumin), for example, is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and part of my Rheumatoid Arthritis regimen, but people on blood thinners (Coumadin etc) should not take Turmeric.  Same thing with ginger.  And sometimes, just like western medicine, certain herbs are of no help either..  So what can people who would rather shun western medicine, or can't do herbs turn to for help with pain?  Music, apparently.

According to an article in the U.K. Telegraph, research by Lloyds pharmacy found that listening to music can actually help ease pain. It's not a huge percentage but 41 percent- or four in ten people- found some relief.

The younger generation seemed to benefit the most, with 66 percent of  16 to 24-year-olds finding relief.

As for the genre of music:

Pop music was found to be the most effective for 21 per cent of patients, followed by classical (17 per cent) and rock or indie (16 per cent).

The most effective songs were "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel, "Angels" by Robbie Williams, and "Albatross" by Fleetwood Mac.

These were followed by "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John, and "Easy" by "The Commodores".

Lloyds Pharmacy is now adding music as part of its "pain service" in some of its locations on a trial basis.

According to David Bradshaw of The University of Utah Pain Management Centre:

 "People in pain should try to find some activity to get fully engaged in. Listening to favourite music is excellent for that because it can involve both thoughts and feelings. No matter how anxious you may feel, if you can get absorbed in the music this can help with your pain. Choose music you like and know well, humming or singing along can help you engage in listening and distract you from your pain."

So grab whatever music makes you feel good and see if it works for you.

Sometimes All That's Needed Is A Hug- Video Edie The Scared Dog

I can't believe how long it's been since I last wrote. Things got overwhelmingly busy and this blog took back seat to other things. But I am back, and will be posting more regularly.

Thought I would start with this video. It's an oldie from 2010, and although I already posted this a while back, it's too powerful not to share again. It's about Edie, an extremely scared, shaggy dog who was about to be euthanized.  You can see why no-one was interested in adopting the poor thing, it was a mangled mess that wouldn't let anyone near it. Its yelps and screams are absolutely heartbreaking. Yes, I needed some Kleenex. But someone at the shelter saw there was more there than meets the eye, that maybe all it needed was a hug and a whole lot of love. See what happens when that's what Edie gets, the transformation is miraculous.



This applies to people as well. Sometimes that's all it takes to transform a challenging person. Hugs and a whole lot of love can make a huge difference in someone's life. And the best part is it's free, so share amply and willingly, it will transform your life as well.

Video: Treating Common Ailments With Food With Dr. Nieca Goldberg

It's always better to get your vitamins and minerals from foods, if you can. It's also preferable to treat common ailments with food.   Dr. Nieca Goldberg shares some great tips in this short video, including how to deal with cracks in the side of your mouth, eat milk or spinach, and puffy ankles, eat bananas, apricots or oranges.  She explains why, and has some tips for some other common health troubles.

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Video- With A Piece Of Chalk - finding joy through dance

Starring Dutch break-dancer Justen Beer, Jubafilms produced this powerful short film about how a young boy with a turbulent home life and bullied at school finds peace, joy and freedom through his break-dancing.

What's most impressive is Justen is only 12, and the equally talented filmmakers- 4 of them based in Germany- are pretty young themselves.

Enjoy.



The UK Daily Mail has more information on Justen and Jubafilms.

Figs For Good Health

When thinking of figs, the first thing that comes to mind are fig newtons, those little cakey cookies with some mashed up, sugary fig stuff inside. But unless you buy the healthy kind, they are full of sugar and fat, and since they are processed you aren't getting the full benefit of eating them fresh or dried.  And who knew there were so  many benefits of eating figs.

Figs are the fruit of the Ficus carica tree, which is part of the mulberry family. You can eat them dried year-round, or fresh during the season- approximately June through September. The healthful benefits come from the fact that they are high in alkaline (which can help lower acid levels in the body), magnesium, manganese, calcium, potassium, phenol antioxidants, iron, pectin, Vitamin B-6, omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Aside from the  benefits in the chart above, the alkaline can help lower acid levels, and figs can help lower triglycerides, boost energy and brain power, and help with inflammation. They're also beneficial in protecting against postmenopausal breast cancer, and protecting against macular degeneration. They are also good for the skin.  Apparently, if you want help with acne, mash two ripe figs, and slather on your face. Leave on for 15 minutes.

For more info on figs, check out whfoods.com

Fireflies- Mike Tompkins Song Video

I'm sharing this because it just makes me smile, and we certainly can't have enough of that.

The sound of the instruments are made with singer Mike Tompkins' mouth, voice and some glasses.  I'm sure he synthesizes some of the vocal sounds, but nothing on here is an instrument, other than his own voice.

Pretty amazing.  I love this, other than the chicken mid-way through the song.

It's his version of Fireflies by Owl City.

Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Viral Video: Laughing Tram Man- Laughter Is Contagious Proves Rituals Cosmetics

Ella Wheeler Wilcox starts off her poem "Solitude" with:

 "Laugh, and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone."

And how true that is.

I came across a video that has gone viral called the Laughing Tram Man, and it's all over FaceBook.  Turns out the video was part of a campaign by the UK-based body and cosmetic company 'Rituals' to promote their newest product line the Laughing Buddha. Their motto:

"Smile to the world and the world smiles back."

Not quite laughter, but it has the same result. It's contagious, and makes us feel good. Try it sometime, walk around smiling (or laughing) and  notice the difference it makes in your life and those you come in contact with. And the actual physical action of smiling will put you in a good mood.

Anyway, Rituals set off for the Netherlands where they planted a man at a tram stop, along with some hidden cameras, to see what would happen to the people around him when he started laughing.  See what happens below. I dare you watch it without laughing yourself.

I am going to make sure to watch this often, since laughter cures many ills.

War Vet Amputee Turned Model

Alex Minsky was a marine who lost his right leg on his first tour in Afghanistan. Recipient of a Purple Heart, Alex went through hell and back- including 3 DUIs in 3 months, until he was discovered by a photographer in a gym. No longer drinking, he models underwear and is spokesperson for Manning Up, a website for positive change and overcoming adversity.

Alex had a few detours down the wrong path, but he never let the loss of his leg slow him down.

With determination anything is possible.