Comprehensive men's sexual health information, tips and news about men's sexual health.

Men who feel inadequate, and who are unable to compete with their peers because of lack of skills and training, may put great emphasis on their ability to get their partners pregnant, some talking of their plans to have a football team. Condoms are mocked; they split and tear and cannot hold back their powerful sperm. Sometimes it seems that there is a continuous battle being waged between the sperm and egg on one side, and the contraceptive methods on the other. ‘If you’re meant to have a lot of kids then even that Pill can’t stop you,’ said one woman who helped the process by forgetting a few Pills. Thus masculinity and femininity are often defined in a stereotypical way firmly linked to the ability to have children.

Parenthood is often idealized in an attempt to give children what the parents themselves did not have. The problem lies not in the intentions, which are often very well meaning, but in not being able to address the real needs of their children. Sometimes the children are expected to parent the parents, and are denied their own childhood. In other families any form of separation – weaning, walking, the negative phase of ‘the terrible twos’ – is experienced by the parents as rejection, and is resisted. A replacement may be sought by having another baby. As one mother of five children put it, she wanted another now her youngest was four because he no longer needed her; he could walk and talk. Being a separate individual with different needs in such families is felt to be too threatening, and importance is given to being the same, of one mind. Family therapists have described these families as emotionally enmeshed.

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White -The Colour of Purity, Innocence and Trust

White is the combination of all other colours. It is a great colour to use if you are confused about which colour is needed. White cleanses and purifies the soul and body. White is the divine, white light can be called upon for any imbalance. This clear colour helps to remove negativity, fear, toxins and mental blocks. It is therefore a purifier on all levels – emotional, spiritual and physical.

Avoid White

There is no time when it is necessary to avoid white.

Natural Sources of White

White clouds, swans, whitewash from waves, stars, the moon, nuns’ uniforms (black and white), robes of high priests, white roses (signify friendship), flowers, snow, cauliflower, parsnips, radish (inside), nuts, milk and seeds.

Pink – The Colour of Unconditional Love

Pink is one of my favourite colours. Surrounding yourself in pink evokes feelings of romance, unconditional love and peace. Pink is a great colour to use in creative imagery and meditation. My favourite imagery techniques involve using pink bubbles. Pink has a soothing effect on the body and muscles. Pink is often painted on the walls in prisons, juvenile and drug centers to calm and tranquilize aggressive and violent people. It is a great colour for anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Pink is the colour to open the heart.

Avoid Pink

There is no time when it is necessary to avoid the beautiful colour of pink.

Natural Sources of Pink

Pink flowers, birds, guava fruit, clouds, rose quartz, sunsets and sunrises.

Black -The Colour of Power, Success and Drive

Black increases strength, drive and self-confidence. Think of high powered business people in smart black suits. They seem to give off a powerful and successful aura -exactly what black is representative of. If you want to feel more confident, put on a glamorous little black number and watch the doorways of success open right before your eyes. Black is also a very effective appetite suppressant. Placing black tablecloths on the dinner table will decrease one’s desire to eat heartily.

Avoid Black

Avoid black if suffering from underweight problems.

Natural Sources of Black

Night skies, black cats, slinky black dresses, crows and blackberries.

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Slow Deep Breathing or Simple Yoga Breath

This exercise relaxes your mind and body, increases your oxygen supplies and centers your awareness. Sitting or lying in a comfortable position with your eyes closed, brine in your breath slowly and fully to the pit of your stomach. Breathe in and out through the nose only. Place your hands on your abdomen where you can feel each breath coming in and out. As you breathe in, concentrate on letting your abdomen expand. As you breathe out, concentrate on letting your abdomen slowly pull in. Do not force the breathing or hurry. This is a relaxing, deepening and centering practice. Keep your breathing steady, slow and full. Continue for up to five minutes or more.

Vigorous Deep Breathing or Full Yoga Breath

Sit upright, comfortable and in a relaxed position. You can either sit in a chair, in lotus position or cross legged. Make sure your back is completely upright. Take moderate and deep breaths in and out through the nostrils. First begin by filling the lungs. Breathe in and out through the nostrils, bringing the breath only to the chest area. Continue to do this for a few minutes. On the out breath, do a forceful exhalation through the nostrils.

Next, breathing in and out through the nose, bring your breath down to the diaphragm area. Concentrate on bringing the breath through the chest and down to the diaphragm. Continue to do this for a few minutes – bringing the breath down through the lungs to the diaphragm. On the out breath, do a forceful exhalation through the nostrils. Continue to do this for a few minutes.

Next, concentrate on bringing your breath to the lungs, to the diaphragm and down to the stomach area. Breathe in and out, taking the breath right down to the stomach. On the out breath, do a forceful exhalation through the nostrils. Continue to do this for a few minutes.

Deep Relaxation Exercise

This exercise induces a state of deep relaxation. It also helps to rebalance the emotions, controls cravings and relaxes the body’s nervous system. Inhale deeply and quietly through your nose to a count of four. Hold the breath for a count of four. Then exhale through the mouth to a count of eight, making a whooshing sound.

Inhale a second time, hold, and release again to a count of eight with a whooshing sound. This can be done in any position at any time of the day. If you are sitting, remember to always keep your back straight.

Tension Release Exercise

This exercise is great for releasing tension and built up anxiety and stresses.

Standing upright with your back perfectly straight, stretch your arms out straight in front of you with fingers outstretched. Breathe in through the nose very slowly. As you do this, slowly curl your hands into fists and bring them close to your body.

Clench your fists as tight as you can as you hold your breath for a count of four. When you are ready to exhale, breathe out through your mouth with a big ‘aaaahhhh’ and as you do, throw your hands straight out in front of you, releasing your clenched fists.

Repeat this at least 10 times. Remember, when you clench your fists on the inhale and bring your arms close to your chest, imagine pulling all of your tensions back with this. When you exhale and throw your arms out in front of you releasing your fists, release all of your tensions and stresses with a big ‘aaaahhh’.

Oxygenation Exercise

This exercise increases oxygenation throughout the body and increases general lung capacity. Holding your left nostril down with your left finger, breathe in deeply through your right nostril. Hold your breath for three seconds. Change to your right index finger and hold down the right nostril. Breathe out of the left nostril until there is no air left in your stomach.

Next, begin by holding the right nostril down with your right index finger. Breathe in deeply through your left nostril. Hold your breath for three seconds. Change fingers to the left nostril and breathe out of the right nostril, until your stomach and lungs are completely empty. Repeat for 10 breaths. Try to breathe more deeply with each repetition.

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Chaparral (Larrea divaricate)

Chaparral contains a potent anti-oxidant, nor-dihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). NDGA has been found to have anti-tumour activity and life-extension properties. Being a potent antioxidant, chaparral is able to scavenge free radicals and toxins that contribute to cancer formation. People around the world who have used chaparral tea have claimed to have regressed malignant melanomas, lymphosarcomas and other types of cancer.

The oil obtained from the resin of chaparral decreases inflammation of the respiratory and intestinal tract. It has strong anti-bacterial properties and is very effective in the treatment of wounds. It has the ability to enhance energy levels by increasing vitamin Ñ levels in the adrenal glands and it stops the production of LDL cholesterol, the ‘bad guy’ in fats. It stimulates respiration in the mitochondria of body cells and protects against the toxic effects of radiation. It also protects against skin cancer and improves liver and lung function.

Chaparral has been used for centuries as an anti-cancer remedy in Mexico. When combined with red clover, it is believed effective at removing cancerous growths and tumours by purifying the bloodstream. However, in rare cases it may stimulate tumours, particularly lymphomas. Use of chaparral in cancer treatment should only be pursued by qualified, experienced practitioners.

The major ingredient of chaparral, dihydronorguaiaretic acid has antioxidant properties and is useful for detoxification. It is also useful in the treatment of acne, warts, arthritis, backache, increasing hair growth, improving eyesight, kidney infections, weight reduction and as a laxative.

What is the best way to use chaparral?

Take only as directed — consult with your health practitioner, naturopath or herbalist.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a single-celled, freshwater green algae that grows in shallow ponds. The name chlorella comes from the fact that it contains the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant. There is approximately 100 times more chlorophyll in chlorella than there is in green leafy vegetables. Chlorella stimulates the production of interferon and macrophage activity. The active ingredient, chorellan, is responsible for this and has strong immune-stimulating properties.

Chlorella has anti-tumour properties and it is believed to prevent or inhibit cancer. Many papers have been written on the photodynamic qualities of chlorophyll (found in high quantities in chlorella) against cancerous tumours. Chlorella is also an excellent detoxifier, removing wastes from the body. It is particularly useful in detoxifying heavy metals including uranium, mercury, cadmium, copper and lead. It helps to remove pesticides, insecticides and polychloridebiphenyl (PCB) from the human body.

Chlorella is useful in the treatment of liver toxicity, alcohol hangover prevention, bowel toxicity, pancreatitis, constipation, ulcers, skin problems, allergies, high cholesterol levels and heart problems. Chlorella also contains high amounts of protein (approximately 58 per cent), Â vitamins, carbohydrates, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, amino acids and rare trace minerals. It contains higher amounts of vitamin B12 than liver, plus considerable amounts of beta-carotene. The high chlorophyll content in chlorella enhances blood cleansing.

In addition, chlorella helps to protect against the effects of ultraviolet radiation and orthodox radiation therapy.

What is the best way to use chlorella?

Chlorella normally comes in liquid form. Take as directed by your health care professional.

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Silica, Silicon

Foods rich in silica are essential for healthy hair, skin and teeth. It is the major beauty mineral required for hair growth, proper eyesight, repair of damaged tissues, efficient cell growth, the formation of red blood cells, good circulation and internal cleansing.

Silica-rich foods are believed to protect the body against the development of cancerous growths.

Silica is part of the ‘nutrient team’ that helps to remove arsenic from the body. One nasty side-effect of cancer treatment is incontinence. Silica helps to strengthen bladder muscles if used regularly for over three months.

Two of the richest sources of silica are the herbs horsetail and dandelion. Lettuce, parsnips, asparagus, rice bran, spinach, onions, cucumber, strawberry, cabbage, leeks, sunflower seeds, artichoke, pumpkin and celery are also rich in silica.

Sulphur

Sulphur is contained in all tissues in the body and is a component of blood haemoglobin, where it acts as an oxidizing agent. Sulphur is able to purify and cleanse the digestive tract, making it an essential cancer preventative. It not only provides oxygen to the blood, it is also required for the healthy formation of blood plasma. Sulphur-rich foods prevent the accumulation of waste body toxins, keeping the body clean and healthy. Sulphur helps to protect against many of the dangerous effects of radiation and pollution making it a valuable cancer-preventative and anti-ageing tool.

This mineral is regularly advertised as ‘nature’s beauty mineral’. An age-old therapy used around the world is balneotherapy or sulphur mud baths. The sulphur contained in these mud baths is believed to alleviate pain, skin disorders and arthritis.

Good food sources of sulphur include Brazil nuts, green vegetables, onions, garlic, kelp, watercress, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, snap beans, turnips, cauliflower, and kelp.

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The amazing healing potential contained within vitamins is often underestimated, especially in their advantageous use against cancer. There is nothing more beneficial than the incorporation of specific vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into your daily lifestyle in suitable amounts. Vitamins can boost the body’s immune system, decrease tumour size, prevent further cancer production, increase energy levels and improve the metabolic functions of various body systems.

Vitamins are essential to life. They contribute to good health by regulating metabolic processes and assisting biochemical processes that release energy from digested food. Vitamins function as coenzymes helping in a range of metabolic reactions within our body. They are simply helpers in metabolism – essential to growth, vitality and health and are helpful in digestion, elimination and resistance to disease. Deficiencies can lead to a variety of disorders and general health problems, according to which vitamin is lacking in the diet.

For many decades, orthodox medical practitioners have played down and even denied the healing benefits contained within vitamins for the treatment of disease and the maintenance of good health. It is only in recent years that the use of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of disease is becoming more widely accepted within the medical profession.

During my fight against cancer, I used powerful vitamin and mineral supplements as a major part of my healing along with a wholesome diet, fresh juices, herbal teas, meditation, yoga and a small amount of orthodox treatment. During this period, if I ceased taking vitamin supplements, my energy levels dropped dramatically and the side effects experienced with chemotherapy treatment increased.

With a disease such as cancer, the body’s levels of cancer fighting nutrients are depleted and often diet alone does not rebalance these rapidly enough. Our body requires extra amounts of vitamins including antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, selenium, zinc and other specific nutrients. Aggressive orthodox treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy tends to deplete these vitamins even further.

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that insufficient amounts of antioxidants can increase the risk of cancer. In groups of people who have low levels of these nutrients, the cancer rates are higher. Antioxidants neutralize metabolic products, including free radicals, prevent carcinogens from attacking DNA and cell membranes, inhibit chromosome aberrations, suppress actions of cancer promoters and induce regression of pre-cancerous lesions.

It is ridiculous to deny the amazing healing potential contained within vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and other nutrients rich in life-force. To deny the healing power of vital nutrients is a crime against the human race.

‘Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food’ was a belief of the great physician Hippocrates from the fifth century ÂÑ. All those years ago, he understood the amazing healing power of vitamins contained within foods and today researchers and scientists around the world are re-confirming his findings.

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Try buying poultry or meat from different shops or supermarkets to see if you can find one which suits you better than others. Some people find that one shop’s produce makes them ill, while they tolerate another shop’s quite well. This could be due to different feedstuffs or drugs used in production.

Some people tolerate fat on meat and poultry but not lean, and vice versa. Try cutting off fat, or only eating the fat on meats and poultry, and see if it helps.

Chew your food thoroughly. It can help break down foods and make them more digestible. It can be enough to make a difference. Take time to eat and digest food properly if you can. Do not eat on the run, and sit down for a short while to digest.

Try eating large meals at different times of the day to see if this helps at all. Some people find they cannot digest a large meal in the evening and have problems overnight, and are best having their main meal at lunch, or even breakfast. Other people are better if they have a large meal before sleeping. See what suits you. Grains and proteins, being slow to break down in the body, are especially affected by the timing of meals.

Some people find that they tolerate a food or drink if they eat it completely on its own but not if they combine it with any other foods. Eat foods and drinks singly, one food or drink for a meal, or else at a short interval apart, to see if this makes them tolerable.

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The fourth strategy for eliminating chemicals is a radical clear-out. It is only worth doing this if you are seriously affected by chemicals and, even then, most people come to it only after a period of selective elimination. It can be disruptive and can cause a lot of tension with family and housemates, so you have to weigh up whether it is worth it to you to do it. Sometimes, however, it is the only way actually to know what you react to, or what you can use without trouble.

The basic approach of this strategy is to clear potential troublemakers out of your environment, especially your home, for as long as you can. If your symptoms improve or clear, this will confirm that chemicals are responsible. Then, to work out what you can tolerate, you reintroduce things you would like to use again systematically – one at a time (preferably one every few days and not more than one a day) -and see if you can tolerate them.

This strategy will achieve what is known as ‘unmasking’ of chemical sensitivity. If you are surrounded constantly by a chemical or chemicals to which you react, you will have permanent symptoms; you may not even identify them as symptoms if you are used to things like constant gut pain, headaches, cystitis, sweating and irritability. When you unmask through avoidance, you clear away these masking, background symptoms and you will recognise them when they recur on exposure. You learn, in effect, what it is like to feel well again.

The strategy of reintroducing everyday chemicals you want to use will also help you to decide what you can tolerate. To get through life, you may well have to use some things that upset you, but if you use them seldom, or do it in an environment basically clear of chemicals, they become manageable. You are starting from close to a zero-base and you have some degree of control over the load of chemicals in your life.

To carry out a radical clean-out elimination programme, follow the instructions given below. Use this for testing, work out what you can tolerate, then go on to the next part of this section for advice on long-term measures for avoidance.

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It is possible to obtain untreated pure cotton furnishing fabrics. These are mostly fabrics from India where chemical treatments are less applied. Sources for these are given below. Some of these fabrics are washable. There is no problem at all about using these untreated fabrics for curtains, soft furnishings or bedding under fire safety regulations. You can also use them for upholstered furniture, but you need to take care to comply with the fire safety regulations.

New upholstery

For new upholstery, untreated pure cotton furnishing fabric does not pass a fire safety test known as the match test; but it can be used to upholster furniture, provided that the furniture on which it is used contains a fire-resistant interliner. This interliner can be of pure cotton fabric but it has to be treated to meet the regulations.

The fire-retardant chemicals used on interliner fabrics are known to be less irritant than Pyrovatex or Proban. Some manufacturers of cotton interliner use water soluble phosphate salts which do not cause sensitivity but can irritate. Others use proprietary chemicals which bind and adhere to the fabric. None of these chemicals is 100 per cent free of reports of reactions, but reports are very rare. The interliner cotton fabric is covered by a layer of upholstery fabric and hence is:

• Not directly in contact with your skin

• Less freely inhaled

Most chemically sensitive people will have no problems with this combination.

For new upholstered furniture, therefore, the best solution to meet fire safety regulations for the chemically sensitive is to use either:

• Wool fabrics since they meet regulations without treatment

• Untreated pure cotton fabric with a fire-resistant interliner underneath

Re-upholstering Old Furniture

The fire safety regulations for fabric fire resistance do not apply to the sale or re-upholstery of furniture made before 1950. You can therefore buy older (pre-1950) or antique furniture covered in totally untreated materials, re-upholster yourself or have such furniture re-upholstered in untreated materials of your choice. Contact the Association of Master Upholsterers for specialists in

upholstery who may be able to help.

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Water-based gloss paints for indoor use are produced by Dulux (who also produce a water-based satin paint), by B & Q, and by Green Paints. The first is available from DIY shops, the second from B & Q stores, and the third can be ordered through the trade or direct from Green. None of these firms provides small samples for testing. Water-based primers are available for all water-based gloss paints.

Indoor water-based gloss paints do not generally achieve a high gloss finish like solvent-based paints and they are less sturdy in use; they chip and wear more readily. They dry very fast, however, and, although they give off fumes at first, from the acrylic resins that form the permanent coating, they are well tolerated. Other advantages are that brushes can be cleaned, and the paint thinned, with water; organic solvents such as turpentine or white spirits are not needed at all.

Crown Paints make a low taint, solvent-based gloss paint which has the high gloss finish and wear advantages of solvent-based paints, but which has a low level of fumes. This is often acceptable to chemically sensitive people. This can be ordered through the trade or via DIY shops. They do not provide small samples.

For outside woodwork, water-based gloss paints are also available, made by Sandtex (Exterior Gloss Paint), Sigma (Sigmatorno), Solignum (Solocote AQ), Jotun (Demi Dekk) and Sadolin (Superdec). Some of these are only available to order through the trade (the manufacturers’ addresses are given below). The Sandtex exterior gloss water-based paint has, according to Which? surveys, consistently out-performed other paints, including solvent-based ones, over five-year tests.

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