Dark Matter's Cosmic Web Revealed

BBC News, January 9th 2012

Astronomers have mapped dark matter for the first time on the largest scale ever observed. Edinburgh astronomers studied the way light emitted from 10 million galaxies was bent as it passed massive clumps of dark matter on its journey to Earth.

They found web-like strands of dark matter stretching in all directions. Dark matter is believed to make up 90% of the physical universe but cannot be detected directly.

Binds Galaxies

Scientists have no idea what it is made of, but know it exists because of its gravitational effect on galaxies. Dark matter is believed to act as a "glue" that binds galaxies together. Without it, the universe would not exist in its present form. Until now, most of what is known about dark matter has been based on computer simulations.

The new study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Austin, Texas, provides the first "real" glimpse of dark matter at cosmic scales. Dr Catherine Heymans, from Edinburgh University, said: "By analysing light from the distant universe, we can learn about what it has travelled through on its journey to reach us. "We hope that by mapping more dark matter than has been studied before, we are a step closer to understanding this material and its relationship with the galaxies in our Universe."

Light Years Away

Professor Ludovic Van Waerbeke, of the University of British Columbia in Canada, said: "It is fascinating to be able to 'see' the dark matter using space-time distortion. "It gives us privileged access to this mysterious mass in the Universe which cannot be observed otherwise. "Knowing how dark matter is distributed is the very first step towards understanding its nature and how it fits within our current knowledge of physics." The international project involved studying images collected over a period of five years by the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHC) on Mauna Kea mountain in Hawaii. Galaxies included in the survey were typically six billion light years away. They emitted their light when the universe was six billion years old, roughly half the age it is today.

Source, BBC News

December 21, 2012 - The End of the World?

by Chiff.com

Fasten your seat belts.

According to a famous prognosticators and interpreters of ancient knowledge, it's the end of the world as we know it.

As 2012 draws near, watch for predictions of the apocalypse (or, alternatively, a new age of enlightenment) to be the subject of books, songs, and even movie blockbusters. Already come and gone is the hit film I Am Legend, set in 2012 Manhattan, when a mysterious malady wipes out all human life on earth, save for a few fortunate souls who survive a deadly virus. Also watch for other 2012 films and TV specials such as 2012, The Hidden Agenda 2012, 2012: Ice Age and Doomsday 2012 , all predicting cataclysmic events that will strike the planet specifically at the winter solstice on December 21.

These are all based on calculations in the ancient Mayan calendar charting an unusual planetary alignment as the solar system wends its way into the center of the Milky Way.

2012 and the Mayan Calendar

In ancient Mexico, the Mayan civilization was extraordinarily sophisticated in mathematics and astronomy. Today, they are best known for being obsessed with keeping time by creating a calendar containing not only months and years, but a "wheels-within-wheels" clockwork coordinating the movements of the sun, moon and cosmos. The Mayans predicted these movements in a "long calendar" reaching 5,000 years into the future, which abruptly ends with the winter solstice in 2012 AD. Not everybody is in agreement on whether it means the end of time, or the end of a cycle. The Mayans may have simply decided to stop calculating beyond 2012.

Experts in ancient Mexican history say the Mayans usually saw the end of cosmic cycles as a time of great celebration and new beginnings, which may explain why - in rather striking contrast - other modern prognosticators look forward to a mysterious spiritual awakening.

Others interpret it as the "end time," the Apocalypse, or Armageddon, fueled by a handful of polar shift theories and other predictions.

Further reading: The Everything Guide to 2012, The Mayan Calendar and the Transformation of Consciousness and The Order of Days: The Maya World and the Truth About 2012

Nostradamus Predictions

Nostradamus saw world
war, plagues, pestilence,
and violent cataclysms...

The famous 16th century seer credited with predicting the terrorist attack on 9/11 also holds strong sway with 2012 adherents. His cryptic quatrains, they say, perfectly fit the events of World War III.

Nostradamus never mentions a specific date, but he appears to envision a global war that begins in the Middle East, accompanied by deadly chemical and nuclear attacks. The terrible upheaval will not only see the rise of the Antichrist, but will be coupled with an equally devastating "perfect storm' of plagues, earthquakes, volcanoes, and an asteroid falling to earth. The forces of good eventually prevail, but not before a long and devastating struggle finally ends World War III.

In other writings, Nostradamus saw the earth's destruction following an explosion of the sun in AD 3797, but the story of humankind doesn't end there. The old seer predicted that humanity would have already moved to colonies on other planets by then.

Further reading: The Nostradamus Inheritance and Three Temporal Kings: Nostradamus Prophecies of the Divine Plan

Edgar Cayce predictions

"America's greatest prophet", the 20th century psychic and spiritualist Edgar Cayce, also saw cataclysmic events occurring at the turn of the 21st century. In particular, his visions of coastal flooding (when the notion of global warming could not have been imagined) are eerily reminiscent of today's news headlines. Foreseeing the northern Atlantic seaboard as the most hard-hit, he pinpointed New York City as almost completely engulfed by water. He also predicted related upheavals in the Arctic and Antarctica, and saw violent volcanic activity in northern Scandinavian countries, along with the utter destruction of Japan.

Further reading: Crossing the Cusp: Surviving the Edgar Cayce Pole Shift and The Edgar Cayce Companion: A Comprehensive Treatise of the Edgar Cayce Readings.

Visit our other related topics including Middle of the World and Andrew's Cosmic Solstice pendants.

Decluttering Your Life

-excerpt from Andrew Pacholyk's: The Complete Feng Shui Journal

The first lesson is to start small! Start with your desk, a closet, or one room. It is easy to get overwhelmed when deculttering. Do not allow it.

1. I love to clear the space of everything. Take a look at the empty space. Ahhh…. Remember when this last occurred? How do you feel in this space now?

2. Take a look at the items you removed. One by one, look over each and every item. Do you absolutely love it? How does it serve you? Is there an emotional attachment to it? Is it a good one or a bad one?

3. Items with bad emotions connected to them or items you do not absolutely love or serve you, get rid of them now!

4. The items that you do love, why is it? How well does it serve you or play a particular purpose? If you save it, find a great place for it, where it will do the most good.

5. Make a pile, box or space for all the items you do not need, want or do not serve you. You can separate them into smaller piles to give them away, gift them or sell them. Throw out the items you wish to discard ASAP. There is an amazing feeling attached to an item (or emotion) we let go of!!

6. Note on giving or gifting items: Charities such as the Salvation Army, shelters or churches are usually very happy to take the items you wish to give them. They usually prefer clothes to be cleaned or dry cleaned. The items you decide to gift should be something very special to a specific person who you feel would really love the item or could really benefit from it. Do not just gift it to get rid of it. It is better to just throw it out if you cannot find an appropriate outlet for it!

7. The power of letting go offers the possibility of two types of peace: peace of mind -- the potential healing of old emotional connections, wounds, or a clearer consciousness and peace with others -- the possibility of new, more gratifying relationships in the future.

8. It takes no strength to let go. . . only courage. Life either expands or contracts in direct proportion to your courage to let go.

By giving this fear up to the Universe to handle, you are essentially allowing yourself to let go and release this fear, and in turn, strip away any kind of meaning or significance it may have upon you.

By letting go, this allows us to move to the next level in our lives, the next natural process. Often times, this is a fear in itself. The fear of "what will happen when I DO move to my next stage in life?" Feeling protected always comes by letting go of the fear.

Crystal Protocol for Depression

by Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac. (excerpt from Crystal Medicine - A Clinical Approach to Healing Mind, Body, Spirit

Depression is the most prevalent of all the emotional disorders. Symptoms may vary from feelings of minor sadness to sheer misery and dejection. When sadness persists and impairs daily life, it maybe an indication of a depressive disorder. Depression brings together a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, which together constitute a syndrome. Depression is considered "Anger turned inward". (See also: Anger). This is a situation that should be addressed. The external manifestations represent a cry for help from the tormented mind of the depressed persons. The severely depressed patient feels worthless and is finally convinced that he himself is responsible for his undoing and his present state of hopeless despair. Depleted functioning of the adrenal glands is one of the main causes of mental depression.

The Root Chakra represents physical identity, oriented to self-preservation. This chakra forms our foundation. It represents the element earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts, and to our sense of grounding and connection to our bodies and the physical plane.

Also address the Heart Chakra when healing abandonment issues. This chakra is most important in all facets of love, when it is balanced; you trust in others, take risks, love and feel loved.

Allow The Universe To Take Over!

- Learn to breathe deeply and fully. Your breath is your connection to relaxation and inner peace.

- I relax and let go. Say this 4 or 5 times and watch how your body and mind relax.

- You have no motivation: MOVE!! Exercise is the key to regulating your mind and body.

- Metaphysical expert Louise Hay sees depression as: Anger you feel you do not have a right to have. Hopelessness.

- Use this affirmation: I now go beyond other's fears and limitations. I CREATE MY LIFE!

Create a Crystal Net with clear quartz points. Use any energizing grid that encircles the body. Ask the patient to choose from a pink or green stone. The crystal they choose, place at the Heart Chakra.

Consider the following stones by color:

Yellow - Associated with joy and happiness. It is a stimulant to the brain, the liver and the spleen. It is also effective in the treatment of indigestion, kidney and liver disorders, constipation, eye and throat infections, syphilis and impotence. In using yellow, it allows clarity of thought. It gives good ideas and awareness. It has a powerful effect on the nervous system and assists the left brain in operation.

Orange - Orange is the best stimulant, helping us in times of depression, loneliness, and boredom. It is the best emotional stimulant. Joy comes from orange energy. Orange has the love from red and the wisdom from yellow. It strengthens confidence and allows independence. In using orange, you can learn to understand how the stomach tells us about our physical situations.

Specific stones can benefit on many levels:

Blue Lace Agate relieves repression and suppression of feeling stemming from fear.

Hematite is grounding, protecting. Dissolves and protects negative energy from entering the aura

Sunstone brings light and sunshine to life. It is a great stone for depression.

Fire Opal is for those feeling disconnected, indifferent and empty.

Amber helps with feeling of suicide and depression.

Pyrite helps with melancholy and deep despair.

Jet balances mood swings, helps one “take control” and lifts depression by bringing balance.

Lapis Lazuli helps us express ourselves. It amplifies and stimulates the higher mind.

Moonstone soothes emotional instability, calms overreactions and helps us understand old emotional patterns.

Support this treatment by making a gem essence of any of the above stones.

Carry 4 of the above stones with you.

Make a grid for self-realization and self-expression. Use a place mat or grid mat. On a piece of paper, write a positive affirmation or realization of how you want to heal yourself. Be specific with the intention. Fold the paper and place it under a clear quartz stone in the middle. Around that stone place 5 or 7 stones that you (or patient) relate to. Trace the grid with a single terminated stone to transform the intention and then let it go.

For further reading, please see Alternative Answers for Depression

Dermatomal Testing for Crystal Application

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Basic anatomy explains that our central nervous system (CNS) is
comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system
(PNS) consists of cranial nerves, which branch out of the brain, and
spinal nerves, which branch out of the spinal cord. The region where
the nerve branches out from the spinal cord is known as the Nerve
Root. Each nerve travels from the spinal cord and then divides into a
posterior division (dorsal rami) and an anterior division (ventral
rami). The dorsal rami innervate the posterior muscles and skin of
the trunk; the ventral rami, from, T1 to T12, innervate the anterior
and lateral muscles and skin of the trunk.

Motor fibers and sensory fibers emerge from the spinal nerves. The
motor fibers innervate particular muscles, while sensory fibers
innervate particular areas of the skin. A skin area innervated by the
sensory fibers of a single nerve root is known as a Dermatome.

A group of muscles primarily innervated by the motor fibers of a
single nerve root is known as a Myotome (muscle). There is a total of
31 sets of nerves branching out of the spinal cord.

A Plexus is formed by the remaining anterior nerve divisions, which
then distribute to the rest of the body. The nerves from each plexus
innervate specific muscles and areas of skin in the body and are
numbered according to the location in the spine from where they exit.
The following are the four main plexuses:

The Cervical and Brachial plexuses innervate the upper limbs. The
Lumbar and Sacral plexuses innervate the lower limbs.

Cervical plexus, C1 - C4, innervates the diaphragm, shoulder and neck
Brachial plexus, C5 - T1, innervates the upper limbs
Lumbar plexus, T12/L1 - L4, innervates the thigh
Sacral plexus, L4 - S4, innervates the leg and foot.

Having knowledge of dermatomes and myotomes can help us to
differentiate different dysfunctions. Certainly if there is no
dysfunction, massage techniques that focus on massage in the
direction of the dermatomes and myotomes make for a soothing,
intuitive experience in touch therapy.

The sensory perception is what our body acknowledges. this is another
reason why the "flow" of the massage is so very important.


A dermatome is the area of skin supplied by nerves orginating from a
single spinal nerve root. The spinal roots innervating the wrist and
hand are C5, C6, C7, C8, T1, T2.

If vibration, position sense, and subjective light touch are normal
in the fingers and toes you may assume the rest of this exam will be
normal.

Pain
Use a suitable sharp object to test "sharp" or "dull" sensation.

Test the following areas:
Shoulders (C4)
Inner and outer aspects of the forearms (C6 and T1)
Thumbs and little fingers (C6 and C8)
Front of both thighs (L2)
Medial and lateral aspect of both calves (L4 and L5)
Little toes (S1)

Temperature
Often omitted if pain sensation is normal.
Use a tuning fork heated or cooled by water and ask the patient to
identify "hot" or "cold."

Test the following areas:
Shoulders (C4)
Inner and outer aspects of the forearms (C6 and T1)
Thumbs and little fingers (C6 and C8)
Front of both thighs (L2)
Medial and lateral aspect of both calves (L4 and L5)
Little toes (S1)

Light Touch
Use a fine whisp of cotton or your fingers to touch the skin lightly.
Ask the patient to respond whenever a touch is felt.

Test the following areas:
Shoulders (C4)
Inner and outer aspects of the forearms (C6 and T1)
Thumbs and little fingers (C6 and C8)
Front of both thighs (L2)
Medial and lateral aspect of both calves (L4 and L5)
Little toes (S1)

Application of crystals in dermatomal regions often have a direct
effect on the Chakra centers. It is always good to refer back to your
chakra information and treat according to the pain as well as the
energy center and crystals/colors it is associated with.


Chakra/Dermatome/Crystal Correlations

The Root/Base Chakra
Location: Base of the spine
Color: Red/Black
Associated Gland: Adrenal
*Controls body solids, such as the spinal column, bones, teeth, and
nails. Also the blood, building process of cells, the colon, and
rectal area
Gemstones: Agate, Bloodstone, Hematite, Red Coral, Red Garnet, Ruby,
Black Obsidian, Black Tourmaline and Black Tourmaline in Clear Quartz
Related Dermatomes: L1 - S4


The Sacral/Spleen Chakra:
Location: Below the navel
Color: Orange
Associated Organs/Systems: Reproductive organs, kidneys, bladder
Gemstones: Carnelian, Coral, Gold Calcite, Moonstone, Blood Citrine
and Orange Jasper
Related Dermatomes: S4 -T10


The Solar Plexus Chakra:
Location: Above the navel, but below the chest
Color: Yellow
Associated Organs/Systems: Pancreas, liver, stomach, spleen, gall
bladder, autonomic nervous system, lower back, muscles
Gemstones: Amber, Citrine, Tiger's Eye, Topaz, Yellow Sapphire,
Sulphur, Yellow Jasper
Related Dermatomes: T10 - T4, C1 - C4 also innervated the diaphragm


The Heart Chakra:
Location: The center of the chest
Color: Green/Pink
Associated Gland: Thymus
*Controls the heart, blood circulation, immune system, lower lungs,
rib cage, skin, upper back
Gemstones: Emerald, Green Jade, Rhodonite, Rhodochrosite, Rose
Quartz, Ruby, Kunzite, and Watermelon Tourmaline.
Related Dermatomes: T4 - T1

The Throat Chakra:
Location: the throat area
Color: blue
Associated Glands: Thyroid
*Controls the jaw, neck, throat, voice, airways, upper lungs, arms
Gemstones: Aquamarine, Blue Sapphire, Chalcedony, Turquoise, Blue
Quartz, Blue Kyanite, Angelite, Blue Obsidian, Apatite, Blue
Tourmaline, Azurite, Calcite, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite
Related Dermatomes: T1 - C3


The Third Eye Chakra
Location: Middle of the forehead
Color: Indigo
Associated Glands: Pituitary
*Controls the endocrine system, the left brain hemisphere, the left
eye, nose, ears, sinuses, and parts of the nervous system
Gemstones: Lepidolite, Iolite, Strawberry Quartz, Lapis, Azurite,
Sodalite
Related Dermatomes: C3 - C2


The Crown Chakra:
Location: the top of the head
Color: Violet or white
Associated Glands: Pineal
*Controls cerebrum, right brain hemisphere, right eye, central
nervous system
Gemstones: Alexandrite, Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Diamond, Selenite,
Herkimer Diamond, Kundalini Quartz, Tiger's Eye, Amethyst, Citrine,
and Smokey Quartz, Tourmalinated Quartz.
Related Dermatomes: C1

Desert Stones and their Energetic Properties

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Desert climates around the world have a powerful and charismatic persona! My allure towards the desert has grown over the years as I discover more and more their illustrious beauty, as well as their treasures. I have learned much about the unique desert plants with curative and healing properties including cacti, the creosote bush, sage, saguaro, desert marigold or the pincushion flower, as well as the palm, elephant and joshua trees. The desert has expressed its beauty through the rising and setting suns, painting the desert floor and sky with a multitude of fascinating colors. The desert air has shown me a sense of empowerment as I associate it through music. I have had the opportunity to visit some of the world's greatest deserts in search of rocks. As a rockhound, I have gathered a wonderful collection of some of the most powerful and energetic stones on the planet.

Desert Rose: This is a beautiful variety of gypsum that forms in the spaces between sand particles. It traps the loose sand in a unique flower-like crystal structure. Desert roses are usually formed in sherical, disc-shaped crystals with gentle, graceful curving lines creating a beautiful floral image. The formation of these stones are only possible in the coarsest sand found below the water table. Desert rose is helpful in releasing old belief systems and useful in strengthening affirmations with heartfelt intent. Also called the selenite rose, it is useful for gently grounding scattered energy or energy that is wasted on old ideas.

Sedona Vortex Stone: Famous for its energy centers or vortex, Sedona has become a magnet for those seeking powerful enlightenment and a spiritual connection. These amazing stones pulse with energy! My stones have been gathered at the Cathedral Rock Vortex. This vortex, also loving referred to as "mama rock", has a compassionate, nurturing, feminine energy that engulfs you when you work with these stones. Cathedral Rock Vortex is famous for sacred Native ceremonies of the heart, as well as weddings. Cathedral Rock suggests a grand scale of spiritual energy, sacred presence and a nuturing attraction and it does not disappoint. The warm, red stone has a feeling of reverence and heavenly respect, offering peace, solace and a feeling of unity to the vortex.

Moqui Ball: This is a sacred stone from the Navajo Sandstone formations. They are made of iron and sandstone. These stones offer insight, as they are able to sharpen the eye of its owner, bringing knowledge of what is natural and right. They bring inner peace and harmony to those who embrace them. Said to be used to contact extra-terrestrials, they are used for visioning and for journeys. They act as a protector when placed in one's environment. They synthesis male/female duality, liberate one's nature and help to recognize and understand of the self. Used to realign the energy centers, relieving energy blockage, stimulate Qi energy, and offer a feeling of being grounded, centered and balanced.

San Andreas Fault Stone: The San Andreas fault is a crack in the Earth's crust in California, some 684 miles long. Recently, I was lucky enough to visit the Southern Segment of the infamous San Andreas Fault on a recent visit to Palm Springs. This earth line crosses the Coachella Valley from the Chocolate Mountains in the southeast corner and along the centerline of the Little San Bernardinos. The fault traverses California's Coachella Valley on the east side. Because of this fault, the Valley has many hot springs. The Santa Rosa Mountains to the West are part of the Lake Elsinore Fault zone. The results of a prehistoric "earth slide" reveals rocks from the Precambrian, Tertiary and Quaternary formations bringing forth stones from the earth's inner sanctum. Geological researchers have been able find significant amounts of the mineral serpentine, granite, shale and sandstone. These earth stones are grounding especially during times of upheaval in our lives. Considered a "guardian stone", it embodies the elemental powers of fire and earth, molding together material that brings security, guarded protection and steadfastness. This stone can literally change your life's "landscape" and offer you a whole new picture or perspective on something that may have been lying just beneath the surface. A great stone to encourage new beginnings.

Barite Rose: These very unique stone is an aggregate of barite (barium sulfate) crystals and sand whose iron content gives it a reddish hue. The barite crystals form a circular array of flat plates, giving the rock a shape similar to a rose blossom. Rose rocks appear either as a single rose bloom or as clusters of blooms. The rose rock was selected as the official state rock of Oklahoma in 1968. The rose rocks I have are lovingly hand picked in Oklahoma by Steve Kowalski. These stones are more rare than diamonds due to the fact they only formed in a small area 250 million years ago from a sea eroding barite deposits. American Indian legend tells that spirits of Indian warriors returned to carve the Barite rose. It provides a strong and delicate connection to the spirit world, and assists one on the path toward the journey and the goal. It can help relax the nervous system. In addition to the dream and spiritual journeying, they offer a good solution for relationship loyalty, addiction, cleansing.

Atacama Desert Halite: The Atacama Desert of northern Chile is the driest desert on Earth in which, aridity not only formed the halite deposits, but has also preserved them almost unaltered. These deposits are largely composed of Ca sulphate and halite. This special white salt is only waiting for the moment to have its inherent stored energy and its bio-photon content set free, by adding water to it. Place some healing salt in a hot bath. Heat magnifies the natural healing properties of the salt. The salt will dissipate slowly, prolonging your enjoyment.

Black Obsidian: Volcanic eruptions in the Black Spring area of the Black Rock Desert in western Utah spewed out the volcanic rocks of rhyolite, pumice, and obsidian. This rich obsidian is a dark colored volcanic glass formed when molten lava cools quickly. It is usually black but colored varieties range from brown to red. Snowflake obsidian, a black obsidian with whitish and gray spots (spherulites) of radiating needle-shaped cristobalite, a high-temperature quartz crystal, and is also found in the Black Rock Desert.

Thundereggs: These stones are rough spheres usually containing centers of chalcedony in the form of agate, jasper or opal. These stones usually look like ordinary rocks on the outside, but when sliced in half and polished, they often reveal a star-like pattern or other intricate patterns and colors. A characteristic feature of thundereggs is that the individual beds they come from can vary in appearance, though they can maintain a certain specific identity within them. Thundereggs are not synonymous with either geodes or agate. A geode is a simple term for a rock with a hollow in it, often with crystals growing on the inside walls of the geode. A thunderegg is a nodule-like, geological structure and is just one of the forms that agate, jasper or opal can assume. These stones, when sliced in half, reveal a non-hallow structure. Another words, it is filled with crystal. These particular stones in my collection are found in the Black Rock Desert, as well as within a rhyolitic lava flow region. Mount Hay Australian Thundereggs are called "Amulet Stones". It was their belief that if they were powerful enough to contain and hold the energies of a volcanic eruption they could also store the energies of humans making them ideal for healing or protective amulets.

Arizona Meterorites are magnetic and magical. The meteorites that have iron in them are actually attracted to magnets. Magnetic meteorites attracts and repel energies and are use for sedation. It acts as a grounding stone. because of its magnetic charge, it may temporarily align the Chakra, as well as stimulate the subtle auric and etheric bodies. It assists in telepathy, meditation and visualization. They can provide stability and balance including balancing the intellect and our emotion state. It brings a centering perspective and trust within your own intuition. Try using it to alleviate negativity such as fear, anger and grief. It brings positive qualities such as tenacity and endurance.

Alternative Answers for Diarrhea

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. Acute diarrhea, appears rapidly and may last from one to ten days. Chronic diarrhea lasts much longer and is the second cause of childhood death in the developing world. Diarrhea is sometimes accompanied by abdominal cramps or fever. It may be caused by infection, allergy, or could be a sign of a serious disorder, such as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), which is Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease.

Secretory diarrhea occurs when the gut is secreting more fluids than usual, or it cannot absorb fluids properly. In such cases structural damage is minimal. This is most commonly caused by a cholera toxin - a protein secreted by the bacterium Vibrio cholera.

Osmotic diarrhea occurs when too much water is drawn into the bowels. This may be the result of celiac disease, pancreatic disease, or laxatives. Too much magnesium, vitamin C, undigested lactose, or undigested fructose can also trigger osmotic diarrhea.

Motility-related diarrhea is caused by the rapid movement of food through the intestines (hypermotility). If the food moves too quickly there is not enough time to absorb sufficient nutrients and water. Patients who had a vagotomy (removal or severing of the vagus nerve) as well as those with diabetic neuropathy are susceptible to this type of diarrhea.

Exudative diarrhea also called inflammatory diarrhea occurs with the presence of blood and pus in the stool. This occurs with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and other severe infections such as E. coli or other forms of food poisoning. The lining of the gut becomes inflamed. This is usually caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, parasitic infections, or autoimmune problems. Tuberculosis, colon cancer and enteritis can also cause inflammatory diarrhea.

Dysentery, in general, is the presence of blood in the stools is usually a sign of dysentery, rather than diarrhea. Dysentery is caused by a release of excess water caused by an antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary gland. Dysentery is one of the symptoms of Shigella, Entamoeba histolytica, and Salmonella.

What causes diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea (short term diarrhea)

This is usually caused by an infection, and is also a symptom of a bowel infection when the stomach and the intestines become inflamed (gastroenteritis).

This may be caused by:

1. A virus - most commonly a norovirus or a rotavirus. It could also be caused by a hepatitis virus, or the herpes simplex virus. Viral diarrhea spreads easily.

2. A bacteria - if food or water is contaminated bacteria and parasites can be transmitted into the body. Parasites may include Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium. Examples of bacteria are campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Traveler's diarrhea is usually caused by bacteria or parasites. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified the structure of bacteria responsible for traveler's diarrhea.

3. An antibiotic - antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in our intestines, which can lead to infection, commonly with a bacterium called Clostridium difficile.

The following may also be causes of acute diarrhea:

Anxiety
Consuming too much alcohol
Consuming too much coffee
Some other medications, other than antibiotics

Causes of chronic diarrhea (persistent, longer term diarrhea)

Bacteria
A virus
Laxatives
Some dietary habits - long term regular alcohol, coffee consumption may cause persistent diarrhea. Regular eating of candy (sweets) can too. Many sugar-free chewing gums containing a sweetener called sorbitol can cause chronic diarrhea.

The British Medical Journal reported that the following long-term conditions can cause chronic diarrhea:

Celiac disease
Crohn's disease
Diabetes
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Ulcerative colitis

Treatment for Diarrhea

Remember: B.R.A.T. diet
Bananas, Applesauce, Rice and Toast (dry)....these are known foods to bulk up stools when sick or have diarrhea.

In the vast majority of cases the diarrhea will disappear within a week or so. Before it does, the following steps may help ease symptoms:

1. Drink plenty of fluids: diarrhea often carries a risk of dehydration, especially if it includes vomiting. It is important to make sure babies and children are getting plenty of fluids.

2. Diarrhea may affect the balance of: salts and electrolytes in the body. Special dehydration drinks can be bought in a pharmacy to restore their balance. A pharmacist can advise on which drinks to consume.

3. Eat as soon as you feel up to it: doctors used to tell people not to eat until the symptoms went away. They now recommend patients start with foods such as pasta, bread, rice or potatoes, foods high in carbohydrates, as soon as possible. Add a bit of salt to the food to replace salt loss. Avoid foods that are high in fat.

4. Medications: such medicines as loperamide may slow down bowel movements and may also increase the gut's water absorption. Do not give anti-diarrhea medications to children without checking first with a doctor. Do not take anti-diarrhea medications if there is blood in the stool or if you have a fever.

5. Breastfeeding or bottle: feeding babies doctors recommend that feeding continue as normal if the baby has diarrhea. If necessary, add rehydration drinks that are bought from a pharmacy.

6. Painkillers: for fever or headache doctors recommend Tylenol (paracetamol) or ibuprofen. If you have kidney, liver or long-term stomach problems do not take ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin if your child is under 16 years of age.

7. Probiotics: these are supposed to treat diarrhea, among other things. However, a study published in the British Medical Journal indicated that some of them don't work, while others do. Doctors may prescribe specific medications, depending on the results of the stool test.

Prevention

1. Hand washing: regular hand washing with soap and warm water helps reduce the risk of catching or passing on germs. Especially after going to the toilet, playing with pets, gardening, and before touching food. An intensive program of handwashing education and promotion in Pakistan decreased the incidence of diarrhea by more than 50 percent among children, according to a study.

2. Keeping the kitchen and toilets: as clean as possible also reduces the risk. When handling raw meats wash your hands before touching other things, such as other foods, work surfaces, cutlery, etc.

3. If you are traveling: to a warm country remember that uncooked foods are more likely to have bacteria than hot food. Depending on where you are, it is sometimes advisable to avoid having ice in your drinks if you are not sure where the water to make the ice came from.

References:

1. National Health Service (NHS), UK, The Mayo Clinic, Wikipedia, HHS (Department of Health and Human Services USA), NIH (National Institutes of Health, USA).

2. PCOM - Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

3. MAYO Clinic

Demystifying Diverticulosis

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

About 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40 have diverticulosis. This is a condition where the colon (large intestines) develops small pockets that bulge outward through weak spots, similar to a hernia. About half of all people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis. The pockets form when pressure inside the intestines build up, usually because of constipation. This condition is called Diverticular Disease.

Symptoms of diverticulosis are sometimes never experienced. Although they may include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation. Other disorders, which mimic these symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and stomach ulcers. These symptoms do not always mean a person has diverticulosis.

When these pockets become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain or tenderness around the left side (quadrant) of the lower abdomen. Diverticulitis can lead to bleeding, infections, perforations, tears, or blockages. These complications always require treatment to prevent them from progressing and causing serious illness. If infection occurs, the severity of symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and constipation. It is not known how infection can occur, but it may begin when stool or bacteria are caught in these pockets. An attack of diverticulitis can develop suddenly and without warning.

The most likely cause of diverticulosis is a low-fiber diet because it increases constipation and pressure inside the large intestine. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet may reduce symptoms of diverticulosis and prevent complications such as diverticulitis.

Other causes you should consider are bowel habits, related pain, diet and medications. This is also considered a stress-related disorder. It is known that stress and smoking make symptoms worse.

Dietary fiber is an important part of our daily diet. Although most fiber is not digested, it gives us many important and healthy benefits. Fiber retains water, which allows for softer and bulkier stools, lowers pressure inside the intestines so that bowel contents can move through easily, which in turn prevents constipation and hemorrhoids Fiber binds with cholesterol and eliminates this substance from the body. A high-fiber diet can also reduce colon cancer risk as well as keep our digestive tract clean. The recommended amount of fiber is 25 to 35 grams each day.

You can increase your fiber intake by eating these foods: whole grain breads and cereals such as whole-wheat bread, cooked brown rice, bran cereal, plain, cooked oatmeal, cooked white rice; fruits like apples, pears, tangerines and peaches; vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, squash and tomatoes; and starchy vegetables like kidney beans, baked beans, lima beans and potatoes.

Foods such as nuts, popcorn hulls, and seeds including sunflower, pumpkin, caraway, and sesame should be avoided.

In some people, the seeds in tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries, raspberries and poppy seeds, may cause a problem.

People differ in the amounts and types of foods they can eat. Decisions about diet should be made based on what works best for each person. Keeping a food diary may help identify individual culprits in your diet.

Alfalfa is a great source of Vitamin K, which is often deficient in people with intestinal disorders. 2,000 mg in capsules or tincture is recommended.

Aloe Vera promotes the healing of inflamed areas. Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice, 3 times a day. It can be mixed with 1/2 a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile.

Pau D'arco is an antibacterial and cleansing herb. Drink two cups of this herb as tea, daily or as a tincture.

Green drinks or whole green food drinks contain chlorophyll and are extremely beneficial for this condition.

To relieve pain, massage the left side (quadrant) of the lower abdomen. Stand up and do gentle stretching exercises.

A Flushing New Body Detox

By Cheryline Lawson

Toxins invade our body everyday. It ranges from the foods that we eat to toxins in the atmosphere that are called antioxidants. There are a variety of pills and potions on the market that have a lot of fluff and boast results that seem very unrealistic.

However, flushing toxins from the body is not a quick fix, but an ongoing process to continually improve health and develop a healthy lifestyle. As long as we remain alive, toxins will affect us so we must find a product to help us to fight these dangerous pollutions to our body.

There are two easy ways to rid the body of toxins. One is by a foot detox patch or spa and the other is by alkalizing the body. A detox patch is easy because all you need to do is to attach the foot patch on the sole of the feet before retiring to bed at night and when you awake, the toxins will appear in the patch (it will turn an almost black color). This is a safe, natural, effective and recommended method of removing toxins from the body.

A detox foot spa is almost the same process except you may have to go to a holistic center or spa. Your feet are immersed in foot spa with the water mixed in a solution. After the thirty-minute detox experience, the water is filled with toxins drawn from the body. Each substance is color coded to determine what part of the body the toxins came from. It is quite an eye-opening experience.

The other method is also safe. This requires the intake of a substance called energy green drink. The ingredients in this product help to flush the acids and toxins from the body to alkalize the body and restore health. Our body is naturally acidic, but the foods that we eat add to this acid to make us overacidic. Toxins and fat feed on this excess acid to make us sick and overweight.

The Energy Green drink is a natural remedy to detoxification and weight loss success. Alkaline foods supply us to with less toxicity and the energy green contains alkaline substances in the form of vitamins, vegetables, and fruits. This neutralizes the acid and toxins in our body to give us a more balanced and healthy body.

These are the easiest, most unobtrusive ways to assist your body in the removal of pollutants that invade our bodies on a daily basis; and also from the health-repressive toxicity accumulations that impede our bodies from achieving the true wellness we really should be experiencing. A toxic body (with an overburdened liver and a sluggish and congested lymphatic system) simply cannot maintain the normal cleansing performance required to maintain optimal health. Also, in addition to the over abundance of naturally-occurring toxins, it is estimated that well over 400 synthetic chemicals and other man-made toxins permeate the body of the average individual today. So a lot of us are walking around full of toxins without being aware of it. We must not wait until we get sick to take control of our bodies. Now is the time to flush the body and revitalize our health. You owe it to yourself.

Cheryline Lawson, author and owner of website at http://www.alkalinedietdetox.com. You are welcome to use this article, but be sure to use it in its entirety with the resource box intact.

Better Diagnosis Series: Know Your Cranial Nerves

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

I. The Olfactory Nerve, or First Cranial Nerve, is the pathway taken by Olfactory impulses from the Nasal mucosa to the Brain. The Olfactory Tract connects the Olfactory Bulb with the Olfactory Tubercle, where it divides into a Medial and Lateral Olfactory Tract.

II. The Optic Nerve, or Second Cranial Nerve, lies just Posterior and Inferior to the Medial Olfactory Tract. It carries information from the Eye for Vision and Ocular Reflexes.

III. The Oculomotor Nerve or Third Cranial Nerve, arises at the Ventral aspect of the MesenCephalon and transverses through the Cavernous Sinus to the Orbit. It supplies all the Intrinsic Ocular Muscles and all Extrinsic Ocular Muscles except for the Lateral Rectus and Superior Oblque. The ParaSympathetic Fibers from this Nerve innervate the Ciliary Muscle of the Lens and the Sphincter Muscle of the Pupil.

IV. The Trochlear Nerve or Fourth Cranial Nerve,supplies only the Superior Oblique Muscle of the Eye, and it arises just below the Inferior Quadrigeminal Bodies of the BrainStem. It emerges from the Posterior aspect of the BrainStem and passes around the Lateral side of the Cerebellar Peduncle into the Margin of the Tentorium and into the Cavernous Sinus, where it goes to the Orbit.

V. The Trigeminal Nerve or Fifth Cranial Nerve, is the Largest Cranial Nerve, and it carries Fibers that give Sensation to the Face and Motor Fibers to the Muscles of Mastication. It exits from the BrainStem through the AnteroLateral surface of the Pons.

VI. The Abducent Nerve or Sixth Cranial Nerve, supplies the Lateral Rectus Muscle of the Eyeball and issues from the Brain at the Inferior border of the Pons, just above the Pyramid of the Medulla Oblongata.

VII. The Facial Nerve or Seventh Cranial,consists of two parts: The Motor Root, which supplies the Superficial Muscles of the Scalp, Face, and Neck. A smaller Sensory Root, which contains the Afferent Taste Fibers for the Anterior two thirds of the Tongue and the Afferent ParaSympathetic Fibers for supply of the Lacrimal and Salivary Glands The Facial Nerve arises from the Lateral aspect of the Ponto- Medullary junction.

VIII. The Auditory Nerve, or Eighth Cranial Nerve, is entirely Sensory, and consists of Vestibular and Cochlear divisions.

IX. The Glossopharyngeal, or Ninth Cranial Nerve is a Mixed Nerve consisting of an Afferent part, which supplies the Pharynx and Tongue and the Carotid Sinus and Body. The Efferent part supplies the Stylopharyngeus Muscle. It arises from the Medulla Oblongata by five or six Rootlets attached to the side of the Medulla Oblongata, close to the Facial Nerve.

X. The Vagus Nerve, or Tenth Cranial Nerve is also a Mixed Nerve, which contains a large number of ParaSympathetic Fibers and passes through the Neck and Thorax into the Abdomen. It supplies Afferent Fibers chiefly to the Pharynx, Esophagus, Stomach, Larynx, Trachea, and Lungs. It's attached by numerous Rootlets to the side of the Medulla Oblongata, in series with the Accessory Nerve below and the Glossopharyngeal Nerve above. The Rootlets unite to form a Single Tract, which exits from the Cranial Cavity through the Jugular Foramen.

XI. The Accessory Nerve, or Eleventh Cranial Nerve, consists of Bulbar and Spinal portions. It arises in series with the Vagus and Glossopharyngeal Nerve and controls Motor Function of the Sternomastoid and the Trapezius Muscles.

XII. The Hypoglossal Nerve or Twelfth Cranial Nerve, is a predominantly Efferent Nerve that supplies all the Muscles of the Tongue, both Intrinsic and Extrinsic, except the Palatoglossus Muscle. It arises from numerous Rootlets from the Anterior portion of the Medulla Oblongata. The Rootlets are arranged in double bundles and unite in the Anterior Condylar Canal, where they emerge from the Cranial Cavity.

There are several mnemonics or rhymes to help remember the 12 cranial nerves. Consider these"

"On Old Olympus Towering Tops A Finn and German Viewed Some Hops."

OOO to touch and feel gorgeous virgins, AH!

OOO to touch and feel a good vein, ah heaven.

*Info courtesy of John Hopkins University

Better Diagnosis Series: The 10 Questions

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Diagnosis is general judgement about diseases and syndromes as well as state of health of the human body by collecting and analysing clinical data on the basis of its diagnostic methods.

Diagnostics is a discipline to study the basic theories, methods and techniques of diagnosis in medicine. With its substantial content, it is regarded as the foundation of every clinical intake. Diagnosis includes diagnostic methods and differentiation of syndromes.

Diagnostic methods consist of interrogation, inspection, auscultation and olfaction, pulse-feeling and palpation. All these methods aim mainly at providing objective basis for differentiation of syndromes by collecting symptoms and signs from the patient.

Differentiation of syndromes refers to the process in which analysis and inference are made on the basis of clinical materials acquired through various diagnostic methods to determine the type of a disease. Such modes of logical thinking as concept, inference and judgement are adopted in the differentiation of syndromes. The type of a disease is drawn from a large amount of perceptual materials. As a pathological generalization of a disease in its certain stage, syndromes reflect the law and nature of a disease, serving as a basis for treatment. Therefore, they differ from symptoms.

Determining if a disease pattern is acute or chronic, more exterior or interior, more hot or more cold are some of the basic diagnosis techniques that tell you where to look next as well as what to ask when working with a patient or client.

The etiology and pathology of the disease can tell you where it may be stemming from and where it may be heading.

Asking questions is one of the strong points of an acupuncturist's diagnostic process. While many of the questions may seem irrelevant to the patient at the time, they help to form a complete picture of the patient which allows for a uniquely suited diagnosis and treatment protocol.

Traditionally the framework for asking diagnosis is the 10 questions:

* Hot, Cold, Fever, Chills
* Sweat
* Head Ears, Eyes, Nose Throat (HEENT)
* Pain: Head, Thorax, Abdomen, Below the waist
* Urine: amount color, smell, Stool: amount, frequency, const/diarr.
* Digestion, Thirst, Appetite, Taste, Diet
* Sleep: difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, nightmares
* Gynecological
* History

* History should include:
* Medical History, past, present
* Constitution, self, parents, family
* Emotional State
* Drug Use - Recreational and Prescription