Lifestyle

Archived Posts from this Category

July 4, 2010

Let’s Talk about SEX, baby…

Posted by shenlife under General, Health Related, Lifestyle, Living, Self Improvement, sex, spiritual
[2] Comments 

There is so much confusion and misinformation regarding sex within the human potential and spiritual growth movement. Is it bad? Is it good? Is it the key to development and spiritual growth? The questions keep going.

So, what is the real truth about sex and it’s relation to human development and spiritual growth other than the obvious – pleasure and procreation?

First, let’s define what I am referring to when using the term sex. I prefer– copulate. To copulate, means to engage in sexual intercourse, derived from the Latin word, copulare, which means, to join together. So, there it is. The true meaning of sexual relations is to join together.

What is being joined together? Is it just man and wife, the male and female gender or any two adult human beings?

Suppose I should put out a disclaimer here: I am not making any value judgments regarding sexuality. This article is purely to provide another perspective on copulating besides the common one.

Allow me to explain.

As I have mentioned before, while incarcerated almost two decades ago, I experienced a Kundalini Awakening. (I’ll get into that further below.) In East Indian Spirituality, a Kundalini Awakening refers to an activation of the dormant energy that lies coiled at the base of the spine. When awakened, the energy travels upward in a serpentine fashion along the spinal column through several pathways until finally reaching the top of the crown. This process liberates an individual’s awareness to allow him/her to experience a greater connection to Self, others and the rest of the world. Yes, many other cool changes and exciting healings happen, too.

Typically though, an Awakening doesn’t transpire in one quick explosion. Rather a series of ongoing bio-energetic transformations strung together that can last for many years is the common occurrence. It depends on each person’s lifestyle choices.

Yes, I said choices.

The Kundalini process is either expedited or impeded by lifestyle behaviors. The primary lifestyle habit that will either speed up the process or slow it down relates to sexual behavior. The energy referred to as the coiled serpent is none other than the sexual energy or Kundalini. As we, humans, move into adulthood, more and more of this vital energy is spent in the game of life, particularly in sexual relations (either personally or with a partner). As a result, the Kundalini Energy Reservoir is very deficient in most people. Weak reserves will make any Kundalini Experience almost impossible, never mind a full-blown Kundalini Awakening.

This correlation reflects the reasoning behind why some monks, priests, and other religious zealots guard against sexual relations all together. Sadly though, most of these folks don’t possess the true understanding of the relationship between the sexual energy and their spiritual practice. Many times the true knowledge is replaced with fallacies like, “sex is bad” or “unholy behavior except in marriage.” This outlook on sex or copulating creates a host of health problems and relational issues. (But, that is another topic for another time.)

In the right context, sex and the sex energy can be a huge asset to our potential, both in health and growth. Mindful copulating will encourage and build the vital force that leads to a Kundalini Experience, and even possibly a full-blown Kundalini Awakening. As you may know, there are a great many sexual practices that foster the growth of the Kundalini Energy. Some of them are Sexual Qi Kung, Tantric Practices, and Spiritual Coupling. Careful though, one must guard against sexual addiction or abdicating personal responsibility onto the partner for spiritual development. Each of these practices help (and I’ve personally gained from them), however, I found a spiritual aspirant will develop faster once he/she can let these practices go and learn “true coupling” within.

The true coupling I am referring to is the joining of the male and female energies within ourselves.

How do you do this?

Well, it’s rather simple, but it is not easy!

Let’s go back to my experience. When I first arrived in prison, I was overwhelmed by where my life ended up and who I’d become – a drug and alcohol addicted, a violent-tempered criminal, a first-class mess. From rock bottom, I reconciled to find out why I’d made such poor choices, and to discover how to never to make them again.

Unknowingly, I began a contemplative practice.

Up to that point, my life experience was focused outward. Then, I took a 180-degree turn inward. There is the key. My “attention” was staying home so to speak. I minimized the loss of any vital power of the Kundalini Force (sexual energy), and that reservoir began to build, strengthen and compound.

Along with the contemplation practice, my lifestyle was more balanced. I went to bed at the same time and got up at the same time. I ate three balanced meals at the same time. I exercised each day by walking, stretching, and light strength training, plus I breathed much deeper while doing so. I no longer watched television nor engaged in fruitless conversation. And most importantly, I did not participate in any sexual activity.

Well, unknown to me, the combination of that radical lifestyle change and abstinence built up a brew of powerful energy. After about 9 months of this practice, a huge explosion happened within me…at least, that’s how it felt. A powerful surge of energy shot up from my pelvic floor all the way up to my skull and beyond. Following, a complementary force began from somewhere above my head and moved downward along the same path. My general experience was of pure exhilaration and ecstasy.

Two other experiences occurred that are worth noting. A great sense of connection to everything or whole oneness washed me, like a coupling or joining together of all my parts. Plus, time seemed to slow down to near slow-motion. Of course, all of these cool experiences didn’t last very long. After the big bang, I was left with a surging force that, for much of the time, was torturous physically, emotionally, and mentally. From time to time, I would have the more enjoyable experiences, but for many years afterward, there was mainly the excruciating surging force. Until one day, I noticed my general experience had shifted into an expansive feeling of delight accompanied with a sense of wholeness or unity – true spiritual coupling.

In one word, the key to all of this is attention.

Energy follows attention, and if attention is focused on material life from moment-to-moment, energy follows it. The more I relaxed attention inwardly, the stronger the Kundalini grew. Therefore, it is imperative to gradually bring attention back home into the body, so that the Kundalini can build and eventually lead to total liberation.

Hopefully, you can see how important the sexual energy is in reaching your full potential – both spiritually and humanly. Without it, we won’t get very far.

In my next article I’ll outline the basic practice of attention, which is taken from the section, The Work, in my upcoming book, Shen Life, Reach For It, The Next Step In Human Potential.

Until then, keep it in your pants! ;-)

 

June 13, 2010

The Fountain of Youth, A Review

Posted by shenlife under General, Health Related, Informational, Lifestyle, Living
Leave a Comment 

By: Erica Eddleman Rogers

Recently, I stumbled onto a book that shared some simple information to improve health and stretch the common concept of aging. I truly enjoyed the emphasis of the book—our well being and vitality depends on the integrated, balanced relationship of our unseen bio-energy (chi, ki, prana or lifeforce). When all the centers of bio-energy are active and harmonious, then we experience the magic of life and even the fountain of youth.

Written by Peter Kelder, Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth shares the personal story of his relationship with Col. Bradford. The colonel becomes the ultimate before-and-after testimony to the power of life force on our health. Peter met the colonel in a random encounter when Mr. Bradford was in his late sixties. Then, the colonel sets off on a trip. In the midst of the colonel’s travels, he chose to trek to the source of a myth. He heard that the fountain of youth could be found in a village in the Himalayas. Without spoiling the story line too much, I’ll say that he discovered healing practices that reversed aging, not an actual water source. Peter goes on to describe what he learned when the colonel returned. It is inspiring!

In case you don’t plan on reading the book, I’m going to cut to the chase. The colonel discovered a village where no one appeared old. The secret lied in the energy-exercises everyone did that restored youth to old bodies. These rites are very effective. The power accessed is not in the muscular development of the exercises so much as the effect of stimulating the bio-energy centers. When the body’s major energy centers are turned “on” and in balance with one another, it is like turning on all of the power stations in a city, so there’s ample electricity flowing throughout.

Let me get to it. There were 5 rites to practice daily. With consistency, they will reverse the symptoms of aging. If you’ve ever practiced yoga, or the like, then the moves will be familiar. The number of repetitions varies per person. For beginners or challenged individuals, start with a cycle of 3, then 5, then 7, and so on working up in intervals of 2 week-by-week, until reaching 21 repetitions total. Even if you know that the movements are doable, start slow then work up. (The spinning rite will indicate where best to start.)

Here are the rites:

  1. Spinning—like a top, the first move is to twirl around as a child would. Arms extend to sides in a T, feet flat, spot a wall like a dancer, spin and breathe. Rotate toward the right only (clockwise). In the beginning, spin to the point of dizziness and stop; note how many turns it took until dizziness sets in, say 7, then that is your count to use in the other rites.
  2. Straight leg raises—for the core, lie on the floor flat (on the back facing up). Start with the legs together on the ground and the hands under the hips for support. Use the breath exhaling to lift the legs and head simultaneously. The chin will tuck to the throat and the legs should stop once vertical at a 90 degree angle from the floor. Then, with the breath, lower down to return flat. If the movement strains the back, do it with bent legs and gradually work the legs toward straight. Also, leaving the head down the whole time is an easier option. Continue with the breath to do as many as your count indicates, like 7 from the example in rite #1.
  3. Camels—to be done immediately after the leg raises, start with the body upright kneeling. Knees hip width apart, tops of the feet on the floor and hands on the hips. From this neutral position, exhale forward into a rounded position, like trying to touch the forehead to the navel. Don’t bend at the hips, just the torso. Then, inhale back to neutral. Next, exhale arching back with the arms supporting the low back or the back of the thighs depending on ability. Arch as far as the spine can go without any pinching or pain sensations. Inhale back to neutral and repeat.
  4. Swinging table top—from a seated position, plant the hands alongside of the hips, and extend the legs straight out, shoulder-width apart. Start by pressing into the hands and bending the legs to get the feet on the floor. Follow by swinging the weight toward the feet, lifting the hips off the floor and moving the torso towards a horizontal position, flat like a table. The head can stay tucked, chin to the chest, or if comfortable looking backward. Once lifted as high as possible, breathe and pause. Then, return. Swing down to the seated position. Next, round the upper body forward, forehead toward the navel while exhaling. Finally, inhale to return up to neutral. Repeat.
  5. The Dogs—start in Downward Facing Dog. (To find your down dog, kneel on all fours—hands lined up and the shoulders and knees under the hips. Then stub your toes to shift the weight back and lift the hips up in the air, ultimately looking like an inverted V.) Ideally the limbs are straight, but bending the knees helps ease the intensity. With the breath, float forward to a plank (push up position) and ease further into Upward Facing Dog, where the body arches open. The hips sink down, and the shoulders and head lift up, while pressing into the hands and feet. Then, return back to down dog by exhaling and squeezing the navel to the spine. Of course this can be challenging, so bend the knees in either Dog to ease the position. Repeat.

There was in fact a sixth rite explained in the book. However, I think that it is best to leave it to the author to share. Or better yet, I’ll pass that off to Stephen to write about in the next installment. I will give you a hint: it requires a lifestyle commitment and it harnesses the most potent bodily force we all have to work with in life.

All in all, the book was a very easy read.  And even though the author didn’t touch on it, I’d add that a whole lifestyle would support the power of the rites—balanced breathing, eating, drinking, sleeping, eliminating, and copulating along with moving. Additionally, I recommend getting a boost from nature in my favorite adaptogenic formula, ShenTrition.

There you have it. Now, make time to access your own fountain of youth. It is pretty easy. After all, who wouldn’t mind the wisdom gained from living long, as long as we don’t have to suffer helplessly old.

Live long and prosper!

 

June 13, 2010

ShenTrition, A Full Spectrum Formula

Posted by shenlife under Health Related, Informational, Lifestyle
Leave a Comment 

If given the choice of only one supplement to take, it ought to be ShenTrition!

Why?

Besides the quality ingredients and care put into ShenTrition, a big reason is because ShenTrition is a full spectrum formula – meaning it nourishes all Three Treasures that comprise our being – Shen, Qi, and Essence. They are the stuff we’re made of or in other words the basis of who we are.

Each Treasure has a Prenatal (prebirth) and Postnatal (postbirth) aspect. For instance, Shen has a Prenatal aspect, which is awareness, soul or spirit, whereas, Postnatal Shen is the mind or the mental aspect. It’s the basis from which we can use reason, intellect, and judgment. It supports our ability to formulate intentions and thoughts. Prenatal Qi is our inborn life force given to us at the time of conception. On the other hand, Postnatal Qi is acquired from food air and water, and it gives rise to emotional energies and desires throughout life. Prenatal Essence is our inborn congenital essence that is contributed from our parents of which DNA is a big part. The DNA projects the blueprint used to build the physical portion of our bodies (blood, tissues and body fluids). Postnatal Essence gives rise to our sensory perception, will and ability to take action. It is replenished through food, air, and water.

A full spectrum formula such as ShenTrition nourishes and protects the Three Treasures. It also helps to bring the body into harmony with its environment. ShenTrition reduces the negative effects of stress, stimulates the immune function, boosts the body’s healing capacity, and helps the body’s systems to maintain homeostasis.

In particular, ShenTriton stimulates Wei Qi, also referred to as Adaptive Qi. Adaptive Qi is the result of the overall health of the Three Treasures. Since we are interconnected and interdependent with our environment, any change, whether it is psychological stimulation, climate fluctuations or a traumatic experience, affects our Adaptive Qi. How we respond and adapt to change determines our overall health and well being. However, our ability to respond and adapt effectively requires Adaptive Qi.

Living life requires effort and effort creates stress. Greater levels of stress and change require greater amounts of Adaptive Qi. ShenTrition provides the extra boost of Adaptive Qi for those additional adaptive needs and the Adaptogenic Herbs in ShenTrition are right up there among the best tools to deal with stress. With greater amounts of Adaptive Qi, situations that would cause most people to shrink in fear instead are easily handled. The surplus of Adaptive Qi helps us to mitigate the negative effects of stress and strengthens our overall health and wellness.

Along with the Adaptogenic Herbs, ShenTriton boasts of a wide array of other Superfoods! This combination of Superfoods and Adaptogenic Herbs takes the ShenTrition Formula to a whole other level. The blend gives the formula a kick in the pants, strengthening the immune function, alkalizing and detoxing the cells and tissues, and nourishing the blood and hormones.

All in all, ShenTrition is the most complete Adaptogenic-Superfoods Formula for strengthening the Three Treasures which strengthens Adaptive Energy, and thereby leading to a more balanced, healthy, and successful life experience!

 

January 13, 2010

Adapting to Stress

Posted by shenlife under Health Related, Informational, Lifestyle, Living | Tags: , , , , |
1 Comment 

By: Erica Eddleman Rogers

“Where do I start?”

That’s the same question I asked myself over 11 years ago.  As a sophomore in college, I anxiously questioned the direction of my life.  There are many transitional moments in the course of our lifetimes that spark similar questions. “What do I want now?” “Why am I in this situation?” “How can I change things?” From such introspective moments we can often obtain the right answers.  And sometimes those answers may lead to an inspired life, which is exactly what happened to me.

After much study and practice in holistic health and wellness, I came to believe that in order to build an ideal life we must build a solid foundation, and the foundation we must invest in is in our health. I’m referring to our whole health, or wholeness, as the origin of the word denotes. The online etymology dictionary defines health as, “wholeness, a being whole, sound or well.”

(http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=health )

Whole health or wholeness is more encompassing than what’s practiced in allopathic medicine. Wholeness is even more engaging than what an acupuncturist or naturopath can treat. True whole health requires the highest level of personal responsibility. It incorporates all of the dimensions of our being: physical, emotional, mental, energetic and spiritual. Whole health is the result of embodying whole consciousness, and that is a whole lot.

There are many systems that outline a path toward wholeness and you may already have a routine that works for you. Likely it may include exercise, meditation and a nutrition regimen, and, when followed diligently, it works.  However there are times when we are unable to apply our routine and there are times when maintaining healthful habits seem impractical.

Why? What happens then? Why are those times tougher than others? Does something get in our way?

That something is known as stress. It sounds like a mischievous goblin looking to sabotage everything that hard work builds. Think about it. When someone describes an obstacle, more often than not, stress is the culprit. Call it an invisible sidekick to adversity. Fortunately, stress isn’t a masked bandit running amuck, and we can better manage its impact on our lives.

For many of us, the word stress is somewhat ambiguous. Wikipedia states, “stress is how the body reacts to a stressor, real or imagined, a stimulus that causes stress.”  According to another definition, stress relates to the pressure, pull, or other force exerted on one thing by another. The source of the tension is a stressor, and the quantity, quality and duration of the tension helps to categorize it as a specific type of stressor. To better understand stress, we need to take a closer look at the types of stressors:

  • Mental stressors—all mental illness, chronic unresolved issues, major life changes, overburdened with responsibility, self-image issues, and obsessive thinking
  • Emotional stressors—anger, rage, irritability, worry, anxiety, fear, fright, terror, depression, desire, lust, sadness, grief, and over-excitement
  • Physical stressors—too much strenuous activity such as overwork and too much exercise, physical trauma, starvation, medical issues, suffocation, alcohol and drug use, lack of sleep, illness, and child-birth
  • Environmental stressors—sudden changes in climate or exposure to severe climate conditions, electromagnetic waves (Wi-Fi networks), excessive exposure to sun, exposure to harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, molds, and parasites), exposure to chemical toxins (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, heavy metals, households and industrial chemicals); also, consumption of nutritionally deficient foods such as refined foods, irradiated foods, trans fats, caffeine and other stimulants
  • Spiritual stressors—loss of direction and life purpose

As we can see there are many kinds of stressors. Certainly, it is important to minimize our exposure to unnecessary stressors even though stressors are a part of life. Therefore our focus should be on how we process stress.  Our bodies metabolize stress in two different ways; either as helpful eustress, which is anabolic in nature (meaning it builds us up) or as destructive distress, which is catabolic (meaning it breaks us down). The old saying is true, “what doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.”

Hans Selye outlined our stress response in more detail, and earned the nickname “the father of stress research.” In his General Adaptation Syndrome, Selye delineates a sequence of reactions the body goes through when responding to a given stressor. First, in the alarm stage, we experience an internal alert where the body prepares for action with adrenaline and cortisol. This is commonly known as a fight-or-flight response. Next if the stressor persists, the body goes into the resistance stage. Here the body reallocates its primary force to deal with the stressor. This is the “cope and adapt…or else” stage. If the tension persists, then the body will fall into the exhaustion phase. This is the danger zone. In the exhaustion phase we are vulnerable to illness and weakness. Selye’s research proves that the key factor to our body’s survival is its ability to adapt. Our ability to adapt depends on our adaptive energy. He coined that phrase because in situations when our adaptive energy is high, we move through stress unscathed. But when our adaptive energy is low, all things can go wrong and likely do.

Bravo Hans! Good job.

The importance of adaptive energy has been a part of ancient wisdom for centuries. Adaptive energy is the same force that mystics and scholars realized is the foundation for spiritual growth, as well as physical health and well-being. They called it prana, ki or qi (sounds like chi). Because of its vital significance, sages of antiquity sought out ways of enhancing qi.  They found help through Mother Nature. There’s an actual solution—a group of rare botanicals that enhances adaptive energy more than anything else. These plants cultivated strong adaptive power because they grow and thrive in harsh conditions. When consumed, the body absorbs their extra adaptive power. In Chinese Medicine these plants are called tonic herbs for their tonifying effects. This group of herbs is also found within Ayurveda’s rasayan formulas for spiritual alchemy.  As fate would have it, these botanicals were rediscovered in the West in the 1940’s when Russian scientists unlocked their secret and named them adaptogens.  The Russians used adaptogens to help alleviate the distress their Olympic athletes experienced from over-training and they were also used as healing aids after the nuclear accident in Chernobyl. Their modern research proves that adaptogens have a unique ability to bring the body to homeostasis and lessen the effects of stress on a person, be it physical, emotional, mental or environmental stress.

These herbs are amazing.  Just take a look at some of these herbs and their benefits!

American Ginseng

By far the most popular adaptogen, Ginseng (pronounced “gin-sing”) is considered the most lucrative legal crop in the world. Ginseng has been used for thousands of years to prevent an extraordinary amount of problems, from premature aging, to low libido, low energy and cancer. It can, to a certain extent, be supported with scientific research regarding its anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. American Ginseng is the best variety of the ginsengs because of its neutral healing properties.

Astragalus

Astragalus has been considered one of the most potent immune tonics by ancient physicians and modern researchers alike. For over 2,000 years, it has been used for lifting the mood, strengthening muscles, increasing metabolism, reducing stress, and strengthening the body as a whole.

Atractylodes

Atractylodes is a powerful energy tonic. Also, it is well-known for balancing the digestive system. It is widely used by athletes and those interested in weight loss because of its mild diuretic action, and ability to increase metabolism and vitality.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is renowned as a powerful energy and endurance tonic, because, it increases oxygen capacity, battles weakness and fatigue, and boosts lung function and capacity. Also, it strengthens the immune system and improves sexual vitality. Cordyceps is a superstar among the longevity tonics!

Gynostemma

Gynostemma is the all-time stress-fighting botanical. Gynostemma calms the mind, eases tension in the body, and increases vitality and energy; plus, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and powerful immune tonic.

Licorice

Licorice root has been used for thousands of years to rid the body of unwanted toxins, increase energy, and harmonize herbal formulations. It is one of the most commonly used adaptogens.

Fo Ti

Also called Polygonum Multiflorum Root, it has incredible rejuvenative effects. It is often used to bring about mental clarity and to invigorate the brain. However, its real claim to fame is its ability to restore youth to a tired, old body! In China, it is said to help return an aged person to youthfulness.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi is one of the most powerful, potent tonic herbs known to man. It is an immune booster as well as a mood regulator. It is widely used among meditators for calming the mind and inducing expanded states of consciousness.

Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake mushroom, one of the most highly prized botanicals of Chinese and Japanese herbalism, is used to improve energy, blood circulation, and strengthen the body as a whole.

Ashwagandha

Ancient physicians have used ashwagandha for everything from hiccups to cancer. No doubt it has impressive adaptogenic properties. This powerful herb is one of the best adaptogenic herbs for restoring homeostasis!

Lycium

It is said that Lycium will brighten the eyes, promote happiness, and strengthen vitality, plus, it is a strong sexual tonic! In essence, it restores and builds the hormones that keep us vital and youthful!

Rhodiola

The story goes that those who regularly took Rhodiola lived to see 100 years. Science has now proven this herb to have powerful longevity attributes, and helps control stressful situations that lead to chronic diseases. Rhodiola also has been observed by researchers to have a potent detoxing effect on the body’s systems.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola boosts the body’s energy reserves, thus strengthening the brain. This is why it is referred to as a brain tonic. This action of boosting the brain by revitalizing the body’s energy is known as the “secret of immortality.”

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng strengthens sexual performance, builds energy and stamina, and improves mental abilities. It was given its fame by Russian Olympians who used it to expedite the recovery process from over-training.

Adaptogens are my safety net or insurance policy. They help me stay in control of my reaction to stress and with their help I avoid the desperate choices that I could make because of exhaustion. And most often they provide a boost of energy and mental clarity.

We are fortunate to have access to these herbs with the click of a mouse. In the book, Adaptogens; Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, by Winston and Maimes, multi-herb formulas are recommended for the harmonizing and boosting effects. Though single herb preparations are fine, a wide array of adaptogens in a single combination prove to be more powerful and balanced. Because these herbs primarily restore balance in the body they are safe to take on a regular, long-term basis, unlike treatment-oriented formulas.

Supplementing with adaptogens is the easiest step I’ve taken to build an ideal life. Of the many choices available, my personal favorite adaptogenic product is ShenTrition. I think it is the most powerful and effective.

Do yourself a favor and take these herbs regularly! Safeguard your health and growth with adaptogens.

 

July 4, 2009

Introducing the Big Picture of Shen Life p1

Posted by shenlife under General, Health Related, Lifestyle, Living, Self Improvement
Leave a Comment 

Intro to Get Shen 1/2

Here’s a great introduction to Shen Life and it’s lifestyle products.

 

September 9, 2008

Increase Your Mojo and Energize Your Life!

Posted by shenlife under Lifestyle, Social | Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
1 Comment 

As many of us know, our mojo (male or female vitality or libido) declines as we age. This happens as result of a decline in sex hormones, because as we age these vital hormones become depleted.

But, they don’t have too!

If you’ve surfed the web long enough, then you are fully aware of the endless sites offering remedies for male enhancement. If you haven’t stumbled upon the sites themselves, perhaps they found their way to you via email; just check your bulk mail folder. These products don’t actually increase the size of the penis, at least not beyond its original dimensions; rather they increase the supply of vital hormones that give men an erection.

Every man remembers the time when having an erection was a problem: waking up in the middle of the night because of painful throbbing loins, or hiding that uncontrollable chubby in their pants during algebra class. Those were the days. Well, if you are approaching forty, then those days are far and few between. Why? Well, the wick in our candle has burnt down quite a bit as we approach middle age, no pun intended. I again am referring to our supply of vital hormones. There are many reasons for this depletion, some of which are stress, excessive loss of semen for males and poor lifestyle habits—females grow depleted from blood loss. Whatever the reason, low mojo affects every part of our lives. These sex hormones are not only vital for attaining a healthy sex life, but they are the foundation of sound health and vitally. Sex aside, this energy is the pep in our step, our get up and go. It’s the reason and force behind our creativity…get it, “for creation”—pro-creation. Our mojo is really the pro-creative energy in our lives. This power is vital for living a happy, healthy, abundant life.

Knowing its importance, herbalists of the Far East found particular herbal substances that enhanced the pro-creative force. They had the remedy long before Viagra. Since the feelings associated with sexuality are much more relaxed in Asia than here in the United States, people are comfortable discussing issues of impotence or declining sex drive. As a result, utilizing these mojo enhancing herbs as preventative maintenance became a part of their everyday lifestyle for both men and women.

Couple swing dancing!

Are you wondering, “What are these amazing substances?”

The substances that I am speaking of are known as tonic herbs or adaptogens. Adaptogens have the unique ability to normalize the body’s systems, meaning they neither over stimulate nor inhibit the body’s normal functions. They are always helping to bring the body into homeostasis. To summarize their core function, adaptogens restore the adrenals. Our adrenals are the body’s primary mechanism for responding to stress—whether it’s mental, emotional, physical, spiritual or environmental. As we live life, we endure stress—whether we know it or not. This is crucial, because stress depletes the adrenals, which depletes the sex hormones, which means stress exhausts our mojo! Adaptogens are known to restore the sex hormones in the adrenal cortex for both men and women. Herbs, such as He Shou Wu (or Fo Ti), increase fertility in women and virility in men. Studies show the herb America Ginseng strengthens the overall constitution, male libido, female vitality, immune function, and general energy levels.

Fortunately, there are many adaptogenic herbs available. When supplementing with adaptogens, we need to do some due diligence by researching the quality of manufacturing and the origin of the herbs. Also, make sure the formula uses a wide array of adaptogens. Lastly, try to find out what percentage of the product is actually adaptogens versus fillers or other ingredients. Many manufacturers will state they have several adaptogens in their product, but many times the total amount of adaptogens is small.

To get more information regarding adaptogens and how they restore the sex hormones visit www.shentrition.com.

 

July 31, 2008

Powerful Stress Relief

Posted by shenlife under Lifestyle | Tags: , , |
[2] Comments 

Are you stressed?

In our not too distant past, we humans were under much different external threats than we are today, such as being eaten by wild animals and violence from hostile invaders. Thankfully, today those life threatening stressors are almost non-existent. However, our bodies still respond to stress in the same way as when we were running from tigers. This stress response is termed as “fight or flight.” To help us protect, defend, and safeguard our survival more efficiently, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and others into our blood stream during the “fight or flight” response. These hormones give us a boost of super-human strength similar to nitrous oxide in a racecar. When a racecar driver needs an extra boost of power, he hits the button that releases a much higher-octane fuel into his engine—NO2. The car’s horsepower increases greatly. However, as every racecar driver knows, nitrous oxide significantly reduces the life span of the car’s engine. This is very similar to the way the “flight or fight” response works in us: though the strength we get is incredible, it expedites aging and decay in our tissues and cells!

In extreme situations, this “fight or flight” function is needed; however, very rarely do we find ourselves in extreme situations. Yet, based on our hard-wired history, we react to today’s stressors as they were the equivalent of escaping from wild animals. Consequently, most of us, unknowingly, are under a low-grade stress response all day long…and some of us even while we sleep. Like the racecar’s engine, these stress hormones are very dangerous to our bodies if they are released for extended periods of time. That is why medicine regards stress a chronic condition.

Heal Stress Naturally with Adaptogens!

Achieving a completely stress-free life where we aren’t switching into “flight or fight” may not be possible for most, but you can reduce it significantly! Here’s how.

Take adaptogenic herbs, or adaptogens for short.

What are adaptogens? The key word here is “adapt.” Even though we aren’t being chased by large animals anymore, unless you go hiking in the Alaskan wilderness, we do have stressors such as a financial troubles, job worries, family dramas, and health concerns. To many of us, these stressors are experienced with the same intensity as the wild animals were in the past. Therefore, it is important that we learn to “adapt” better to these stressors, so that we are better equipped to deal with them.

Adaptogens were popularized by Russian scientists when they discovered the amazing effects they had on their Olympians. They found that adaptogenic substances greatly reduce the recovery time during training, therefore, helping them to better “adapt” to the extraordinary amount of stress imposed on their bodies. They borrowed this technology from ancient Chinese Physicians who had been using adaptogens for thousands of years in wound healing, stress reduction, mental clarity, alleviating depression, longevity and energy rejuvenation.

The miraculous ability to help us “adapt” to stress comes from these herbs’ unique dual-directive function; meaning they neither over-stimulate, or under-stimulate the body’s systems, but have a normalizing effect on the body and mind. Simply put, adaptogens enable the body to better cope, resist, and adapt to any stressor, whether it be ment

al, emotional, physical, or environmental. Additionally, they have the miraculous ability to aid the body in maintaining homeostasis (the crucial balance needed for optimum functioning within the body). Balance translates into deeper relaxation, optimum function, and better health!

Your body will still respond to stress appropriately, but the negative effects are minimized when supplementing with adaptogens. More importantly, these herbs relax the roller coaster highs and lows we experience from the stress response.

Boost Your Immune System!

Though stress itself is not an illness, it has been linked to a myriad of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. In fact, studies have shown that stress is the #1 cause of all disease. The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates that around two-thirds of all trips to the doctor are for stress-related complaints. With this in mind, stress is a serious threat to our immune system compromising our health and well-being. Luckily, adaptogens help to heal the root cause of stress. In turn, the immune system flourishes as the protector of health.

Here is a little known fact: adaptogens were given to over a half a million people after the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl in 1986 to help offset the negative effects of radiation poisoning and strengthen their immune systems. These herbs must have some serious power to be used in that situation.

Not only is stress dangerous to our internal health, but most, if not all, accidents and mishaps are caused by stress. When we are under stress we make poor decisions. When we are gripped with anxiety, our awareness is occupied; therefore we tend to pay less attention to details. Sometimes, those details can cost us dearly. Like when we don’t see that car pulling out in front of us, or when we make an expensive blunder at work that ends up costing our job. Details matter, and supporting our ability to stay on top of them is worth it.

Energize your Body!

To be more specific, regarding stress, adaptogens have the amazing ability to restore the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are the body’s primary mechanism for responding, and adapting to stress. Sometimes referred to as the body’s batteries, the adrenal glands supply the pep for our step. When we are under chronic stress, the adrenals glands get taxed until exhausted. Therefore, if they are weak, we are weak.

But, nature has provided us with a solution to low energy, and it is to recharge the adrenal glands with adaptogenic herbs, thereby producing a natural boost of energy. Yes, adaptogens recharge the adrenal glands, which this gives us more abundant energy!

Alkalize Your Body

As stress levels increase and remain, our acidity rises to dangerous levels. Stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, are part of the reason for this. I’ve heard some say in the medical field that these hormones in the blood stream over long periods of time act like battery acid slowing eating away at our health. High acidity levels increase the risk of diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and a host of other fatal diseases.

In fact, one study has shown the one common characteristic in all types of cancers is a high acidity level—that is the pH is highly acidic. The study went on to show that no type of cancer can survive in a body with a balanced ph – that is its alkaline and acid levels are in the correct balance.

Along with healing stress, strengthening the immune system, and providing a clean boost of energy, adaptogens help to normalize the body’s pH level — a biomarker of sound health!

What to look for in an adaptogenic supplement!

An adaptogenic supplement needs to have a broad range of adaptogenic herbs such as Eleuthero Root (Siberian ginseng), American Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Astragulas, Shitake Mushroom, Miatake Mushroom, Polygonatum Multiflorum, Atractylodes, Cordyceps, and others.

Stress healing supplement - ShenTrition

It needs to be delivered in a macronutrient base (that is a proper balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates), since the body better metabolizes herbs and other micronutrients with a food or macronutrient based delivery system.

Make sure that the sources of ingredients are all-natural!

And lastly, make sure the product was developed by a qualified herbalist who understands internal medicine, not simply a nutritionist who has studied herbs or worse a businessperson looking to simply make a buck.

If you are interested in more information on adaptogens and where to receive the best adaptogenic supplements, go to www.shentrition.com. Or email a question to Stephen@Shen-Life.com.

 

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.