GoutPal Interactive

Post edited 9:36 pm – July 25, 2010 by metamorph

vegetarianGuy said:

Well said Zip!

Metamorph I choose to live in reality and deal with verifiable facts…….no matter how tough or cruel they can be. Bottom line is that you are here on the Gout forum and so am I Which goes to show that your mystic mindset did not help you in anyway as far as not getting Gout or lowering your SUA is concerned.

Do continue with the cut and paste as it is highly entertaining

hans said,

As you well know, I don't agree with everything you say or post, however, this is one post I agree with you. Particularly this “American society” allows “POWERFUL MINDS” to exploit “millions with LESS powerful minds”.

vegGuy,

As I have mentioned, this is not meant to cure GOUT, but to take our MINDs off GOUT.  What I have posted are indeed abstracts from articles.  I am glad that you find it highly entertaining.

zip & hans,

You are absolutely right that many “POWERFUL MINDS” got immensely rich by exploiting “millions with less powerful minds”. Two very good examples are: the PONZI SCHEMES, MULTI LEVEL MARKETTING. The are many others and the the list is inexhaustable.  We must admit that these people really have POWERFUL MINDS to be able to drum up such schemes that even highly educated and very influential people fell for them. 

This does not affect only the American society.  This happens in every nook and corner of the Earth – even Third World countries where people are extremely poor.

Post edited 11:41 am – July 27, 2010 by metamorph

More often than not, shamans, charlatans, priests/preachers and even some medical professionals are often synonymous with the following terms – deception, delusion, exploitation, misguiding, control, swindling/cheating (of simple minds). This dates back to time immemorial and is now becoming even more sophisticated, high-tech and widespread.  A multitude of self proclaimed psychics, mystic healers, healers of alternative medicine, etc. are flourishing and making $billions from millions of desperate and “simple minded” people. Many so-called inspirational leaders are using “End of the World” prophesies (oracles/pitches) to deceive their followers and believers and relieve them of their wealth. Many are so easily taken in that they give up whatever they have to prepare themselves for the “Doomsday”. We also know that miracle cures, faith healings are often staged to deceive the gullible. So, understandably, the mention of those names would invariably evoke strong negative reactions and responses.

What I would like to discuss here has nothing to do with all those people or their practices mentioned above.  It has nothing to do with $$$$$ or other material gains. It is natural and simple. It is all about ourselves – what each and everyone of us already possesses within us. It is therefore free and easy, yet the benefits to our general health and well-being can be immense. All you need is to spare a little time in the privacy of your home.  It has nothing to do with religion, culture, creed or race – it is Universal.

The Life Force – Our Breath

“We can go without food for days, but if we stop breathing for a few minutes we are dead. Life Force is therefore contained in the breath that we breathe. Proper breathing has profound effects on our health. Over 70% of waste by-products are eliminated  through our breathing and our skin. When our blood is heavily oxygenated it becomes very difficult for virus' and bacteria to grow in our body. Good breathing supports muscle growth and energy to get things done. Very often our “breathing mechanism” is in need of healing as a result of the breathing trauma we sustained at birth. Whenever we undergo difficult moments in life now we tend to hold our breath. This then shuts down the musculature of the whole “mechanism” , creating body armor, thus locking in place the tension of the difficult moment. Moments begin to pile up like this and soon we are only using 20% of our capacity to breath, thus having only 20% of our energy capacity.”

The Breathing Exercise

The breathing exercise should be done in one continuous operation both the inhalation and the exhalation. Do it slowly and in a most relaxed manner. No effort or strain should ever be exerted. This is very important. Keep mouth closed. One should do it with ease, without any tension or strain whatever. In deep breathing, exhalation is as important as inhalation because it eliminates poisonous matter.

Do not try to take too full a breath at once. Start by breathing to the count of four. Then hold the breath, counting to two, and start slowly exhaling, again to the count of four. Breathing in and out to an equal number of beats is called rhythmic breathing. You allow four beats to fill your lungs, two to retain the breath, and four to breathe out. The respiration should be timed in such a way that at the end of the four beats you have completed the exhalation. Don't just stop at the end of the count when there is still air to be expelled. You should adjust your breathing to the timing. Repeat, but do not take more than 5 or 6 deep breaths at one time during the first week. You shouldn't do more even if you are enjoying it.

Slower, deeper breathing not only stimulates the lungs into healthier action, and brings more of the body muscles into play, but it has the effect of calming the nerves. Although other factors must be taken into consideration, the slower your respiration rate the calmer you feel. You can deliberately reduce this rate for beneficial effect. However, you can maintain this only if you breathe more deeply.

          Basic Instructions For The Breathing Exercises

          1. Find a quiet place where you won't be distracted. If doing the exercises inside, make sure the window is       open to allow plenty of fresh air into the room.

          2. Sit on a comfortable chair or if you prefer, cross-legged on the floor. Sit straight. Unless your spine is erect, some of the benefits of the breathing exercises will be lost.

          3. Breathe deeply and slowly, without strain. Feel the breath moving slowly in and out the nostrils.

          4. To gain maximum benefit, do the exercises twice a day, in the early morning before breakfast, and in the early evening. It's best not to eat for about fifteen minutes after the exercises.

Post edited 9:22 pm – July 27, 2010 by metamorph

hans,

I cannot but agree with you that laziness often gets the better of us.  I also agree with you that we often “invent the most credible and incredible excuses why we should or should not do something”  because this happens to me very often - maybe,  to everyone else too.

Could you share with us your experiences with yoga exercises and the benefits  derived from it?

Thanks. Please take your time. We shall looking forward to it.

I did Yoga and Meditation for many years and really ought to get back to it.

The basic lesson is that the mind follows the breath and slowing everything down is a good idea.

The body exercises are very good in Yoga and, though neither practices will cure gout, it is a good way to use regular physical and mental practices to strengthen the body and lessen the negative impacts pain and anxiety.

The spiritual benefits are also tied together with good practice and readings - and the teachings are there for anyone to find.

Meta- I don't wish to be negative, but a Gov't think tank is probably already working on this  'Air Tax'.

Trouble is, people still notice when they're beiing throttled -but no doubt a 'free' chewing gum is due out that may accomplish this minor difficulty.  

On the more serious point of training standards- It is most important to get a good teacher for Yoga, in particular if there are medical [esp.spinal] issues.  Also , best to start gently and not try too much. Gouties are seemingly rather prone to overacheiving!

There are many schools – I found the best one I ever had was from the 'British Wheel of Yoga' very balanced and not as tough as 'Iyenga', the 'top model' :)  ~ which is too strict for me… 

However, having tried many different methods over the years past, all the accredited methods that I came across – using public facilities [like : Local Authority halls, typically], were fine.

Post edited 10:08 am – August 4, 2010 by metamorph

We are taught at an early age to suck in our stomachs and puff out our chests This results in “chest” breathing which is in complete contradiction to healthy breathing. You can see if you are a chest breather by placing your right hand on your chest and your left hand on your abdomen. As you breathe in, see which hand rises more. If your right hand rises more, you are a chest breather. If your left hand rises more, you are an abdomen breather.  

Chest breathing is inefficient because the greatest amount of blood flow occurs in the lower lobes of the lungs, areas that have limited air expansion in chest breathers. Rapid, shallow, chest breathing results in less oxygen transfer to the blood and subsequent poor delivery of nutrients to the tissues. You can take your conscious breathing one step further and find deeper relaxation by training the body to improve its breathing technique.. With regular practice you will breathe from the abdomen most of the time. In fact, this is exactly how we breathe while asleep.

The benefits of abdominal breathing

Abdominal breathing is also known as diaphragmatic breathing. The diaphragm is a large muscle located between the chest and the abdomen. When it contracts it is forced downward causing the abdomen to expand. This causes a negative pressure within the chest forcing air into the lungs. The negative pressure also pulls blood into the chest improving the venous return to the heart. This leads to improved stamina in both disease and athletic activity. Like blood, the flow of lymph, which is rich in immune cells, is also improved. By expanding the lung's air pockets and improving the flow of blood and lymph, abdominal breathing also helps prevent infection of the lung and other tissues. But most of all it is an excellent tool to stimulate the relaxation response that results in less tension and an overall sense of well being.

Abdominal Breathing Technique

When you inhale, you should breathe in slowly until the lungs are almost full. Your abdomen should protrude, not your chest. When you exhale, it should be slow and until almost all air is expelled. Your abdomen should flatten. 

Each breath, in and out, should be through the nose, not the mouth, — deep, complete, long and slow. 

Place your hands on your abdomen, if they rise and fall with each breath, then you are breathing correctly. 

Breathing exercises such as this one should be done twice a day or whenever you find your mind dwelling on upsetting thoughts or when you are experiencing pain.

Basic Deep Breathing Exercise

Breathe in as described above.

Breathe out as described above.

Do at least eight deep breaths in and out at a time, 16 or 20 is most effective.

I find that combining rhythmic breathing with walking seems to boost my energy and calmness. As I walk, I count the paces into groups of 4 and match 4 breathing phases. So, breathe in during 4 paces, hold for 4 paces, breathe out for 4 paces, and hold again with expelled lungs for 4 paces. 4 seems right for me, but other numbers may work.

Deep Breathing Exercise is Simple, Natural, Easy and Free – yet very Effective & Beneficial

 ”Deep Breathing Exercise” alters our brainwaves and the body's nervous system, and soothes the stress response system, resulting in a more relaxed and harmonious state of mind and body. Therefore, it induces a calming, quieting and clearing effect on our mind. It is about connecting more deeply with ourselves – going inwards and spending time with our real and deepest inner-self. The goals are many. Our purpose here is simply to achieve a more relaxed, less stressful frame of mind and balance of our body system. It is a most affordable, convenient and natural self-care exercise which most of us had never thought of, and all these done in the comfort of our home.

• Dr Herbert Benson, recognized that real physical changes do occur, during such exercises. According to him these changes can alter metabolism, blood pressure, brain chemistry and the respiratory system and produce what he called the “relaxation response” – what happens within or body when we are able to bring our body to a fully relaxed state.
• Dr James Austin mentioned that such exercises actually rewire the brain circuitry which has been confirmed with imaging techniques that record brain activity.
• A study published in the American Medical Association Journal reports that such relaxation exercises are just as effective for controlling high blood pressure as prescription drugs.
• Psychologist, Dr Gregg at Harvard University, found in his study that 75 percent of people with long-term insomnia were able to fall asleep within 20 minutes after retiring with the use of relaxation exercise.

One very important point I must stress is that we need not be caught up in any tradition, method, technique or formality as has been promulgating. You don't have to be a guru or embrace any particular belief or practices of any particular form – sitting in any particular stance, wear special clothing or make unusual noises. Those things are not important and can, instead, be a hindrance.

It is good if you can spare 20 minutes.10 minutes here and there will be fine, but if not then do the best you can. Don't get caught up with time limits. As you begin to feel the benefits you will be motivated to go for 20 minutes.  Do not be discouraged if you are unable to remain focused on your breathing, as you are likely to drift off to thoughts of this and that every now and then. Gently guide your focus away from those thoughts and back to your breath. Like any skill it takes time to develop and master.

As you practice deep breathing regularly and become more skilled, it becomes a part of your life. It can occur in your day to day activities like walking, eating, watching a movie/TV, etc. This can be very helpful for those who are living with chronic pain or health conditions.

Hans, you're right to laud the influence of Yoga- and far from reducing your experience, learning from a book is indeed harder- but proves that it's still useful in life enhancement from your interesting account.

I found 'leaning' on a nice, competent teacher [they're mostly female] very good :) – esp. the relaxation period when occasional snores could be heard, sometimes a little from myself :~/  , shame to say!

Sometimes people with medical problems had been encouraged to participate, also.

Just something to add, in accord with your protestations on age- I used to do 10 minute morning and evening practice before meditation [Yoga was originally a precursor to meditation] and this can be made up by yourself.

Mine always included Salute to the morning sun, for example [AM] and more relaxing moves for the PM.

These were not so much postures as 'limbering' exercises and would still have good value for anyone. When I get going again- this is how I'll approach it. [I even included stuff from my Service gym days!]

I think the main lesson is, that whatever you do- if done with good intentions will get easier in time, and reward one.