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·         Other Suggestions

 

Research Topics

 

My Theories

Former Theories

 

E-Mail

The Cause of Internet and TV Addiction?

www.causeof.org

 

Notes

 April 2008 – August 2008

 

·          I have more notes than I can publish at the moment. So, instead of leaving you in the dark until I do publish them, I’ve decided to post them here.

·          Notes will be removed when they become moot.

 

08/08/08

Research Topics: Dust Allergy

 

“While almost everyone is irritated by exposure to large amounts of dust, only some people have a true allergic reaction to house dust.

     This true allergic sensitivity is just as real and just as specific as an allergy to ragweed, tree pollen, or cat dander. It may cause

·        nasal symptoms,

·        eye inflammation,

·        asthma, or

·        eczema.”

Mission: Allergy Educational Information: 'About Dust Allergy'

 

Research Topics: Allergy and Addiction

 

The cycle of allergy/addiction is well documented. This concept of allergy/addiction applies especially to drugs, alcohol, caffeine and food. Allergies to any substance; however, whether it be to chemicals, food, air, water etc. increase stress in our body which stimulates addictive patterns of behavior, and contributes to ADD, ADHD and hyperactivity.

http://www.remediesforrecovery.com/allergy_addiction.php

 

Indoor Air Pollution: Dust

 

“The electrical fields created within computers and monitors are literally magnets for dust and corrosive particles, which enter the computer cover and monitor through multiple small openings. Computer fans, while necessary for dissipating heat can compound the problem by either creating a vacuum inside the PC and causing more dusty outside air to enter the case, or by blowing directly unto components inside the PC, causing a hardened, caked layer to develop.”

http://www.computerdust.com/clean_computer/clean_computer.html

 

·        Amazon.com: Covers - Computer Accessories: Computer Dust Covers & More

·        ComputerAirFilter.com: 'Dust prevention techniques'

·        dust site:www.causeof.org - Google Search

 

07/16/08

Research Topic: Hugs and Stress and Sleep

Lilias! Yoga Gets Better With Age by Lilias M. Folan: 'Garuda Arms' (Page 57) (additional information on page 56)

 

07/05/08

Research Topic: Hugs and Stress and Sleep

·        Hugs & stress & sleep - Ineternational Natural Hygiene Society Hygienic Review 1-2007

·        Carol's Pot of Gold: Tips: How to Give Yourself a Hug

 

6/29/08

Research Topic: Reiki

Reiki hand Positions:

One of the reiki hand positions found at the page below are similar to the Bates method palming exercise (probably a good idea to follow the tips for Bates’ palming exercise—i.e.. don’t put pressure on eye sockets, slightly more pressure is placed on the forehead than the cheekbones, done for four minutes). Others may help to stimulate breathing by stimulating the rib cage and other parts of the body such as the neck, may help to relieve TMD and hyperacusis caused by TMD by relaxing the jaw, may also relieve a winged scapula condition by relaxing the shoulder blades:

 

·        Creighton University: Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Reiki: Hand Positions

·        rib site:www.causeof.org - Google Search

 

06/07/08

New Theory

Sometimes when people are sitting at a computer and they’re tired they rest their elbow on the desk or table in front of them and lean forward, using their hand to support their head.

 

This posture appears to restrict breathing. The shoulder of the supporting arm is pulled forward, in a ‘rounded shoulders’ position. Also, even though the head is elevated, there is added tension in the neck. Problems with breathing can exacerbate stress, and can lead to light-headedness, and more likely to become distracted (e.g. distracted from surfing the Internet or a computer game).

 

Maybe people tend to sit in this position when they become tired not only to rest the upper body, but to also increase their stress level by restricting breathing, to keep themselves awake. This position also brings the head closer to the monitor, so that they eyes are exposed to more brightness, which also keeps the person awake, and increasing serotonin and endorphin levels as well.

 

Additional Information:

·        breathing site:www.causeof.org - Google Search

·        don't lean forward site:www.causeof.org - Google Search

·        rounded shoulders site:www.causeof.org - Google Search

·        'Breathing Exercises: The Proper Standing Position' from the "Nature Cure: Philosophy and Practice Based on the Unity of Disease and Cure" book, by Henry Lindlahr

 

05/31/08

Affirmations vs. Visualization, Senses

A combination of affirmations along with visualization and/or stimulating the senses may be more effective than doing one or the other. This may be because affirmations stimulate the left brain and visualization and stimulating the senses stimulates the right brain.

 

“Engage all your senses when you say your affirmations. Smell the scent of the roses growing on the front lawn of your desired home; feel yourself bathing in your deluxe Jacuzzi; sense the joy you experience while watching beautiful sunsets from your bedroom window. Have fun and let your imagination  soar [visualization]. After all, why would you want to experience anything less in your own fantasy!”

SelfGrowth.com: Articles: 'Grow Your Dreams With An Affirmation Board!' By Tal Shai

 

More Links:

·        smell site:www.causeof.org - Google Search

·        Other Suggestions: Mirror Work (affirmations)

·        affirmations site:www.causeof.org - Google Search

·        visualization site:www.causeof.org - Google Search

 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Some people with OCD have found that focusing on a higher power (doesn’t have to be a god or religion) has been helpful for overcoming ritualistic behavior:

 

Links:

obsessive +rituals +"higher power" - Google Search

Research Topics: Higher Power

Other Suggestions: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

 

5/20/08

Research Topics

 

Chlorine Hypersensitivity

Chlorine and Chloramine Gas

“Chlorine and chloramine gas are frequently produced in the home when cleaning products are mixed [chlorine from unfiltered tap water may also become vaporized in hot water during showering, cooking, or making tea and coffee]. These gases are strong irritants with the potential for tissue damage.”

Southern Medical Journal: 'Home exposures to chlorine/chloramine gas: review of 216 cases.'

 

Early response to chlorine gas

Chlorine gas, when mixed with ammonia, reacts to form chloramine gas. In the presence of water, chloramines decompose to ammonia and hypochlorous acid or hydrochloric acid.

     The early response to chlorine exposure depends on the (1) concentration of chlorine gas, (2) duration of exposure, (3) water content of the tissues exposed [i.e. wheter or not these tissues are dehydrated or hydrated?], and (4) individual susceptibility.

Immediate effects

The immediate effects of chlorine gas toxicity include         acute inflammation of the

·        conjunctivae [inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelid; conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye],

·        nose,

·        pharynx [inside of the throat; what the doctor looks at when you say 'ahh'],

·        larynx [the voice box],

·        trachea [the windpipe], and

·        bronchi [the large air passages of the lungs; bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes].”

eMedicine Specialties  >  Emergency Medicine > Toxicology: Toxicity, Chlorine Gas

 

·        Irritation of the airway mucosa [A membrane lining all body passages that communicate with the air]

·        leads to local edema [accumulation of fluid in organs and tissues of the body; swelling]

·        secondary to active arterial and capillary hyperemia [an excess of blood in an area or body part; usually indicated by red, flushed color or heat in the area].

·        Plasma [the fluid portion of the blood] exudation [the slow escape of liquids] results in filling the alveoli [air cells of the lungs] with edema fluid, resulting in pulmonary congestion [congestion in the lungs].”

eMedicine Specialties  >  Emergency Medicine > Toxicology: Toxicity, Chlorine Gas

 

4/30/08

Anxiety vs. Asthma:

·        “Sometimes, asthma can cause anxiety or a panic attack.

·        Other times, anxiety or a panic attack can trigger an asthma attack.

Incidentally ‘attack’ is an alarming word, therefore, I will just refer to it as ‘asthma episode.’”

Mind Publications: 'Anxiety and Stress can Aggravate Asthma Symptoms' by Vijai P. Sharma, Ph.D

 

“Chronic stress, anxiety, or panic attacks have a direct impact on breathing.

·        Seeing an asthma episode coming, a person may experience anxiety or a panic attack, which may lead to further aggravation of its symptoms.

·        Breathing is immediately affected when we sense even the slightest danger.”

Mind Publications: 'Anxiety and Stress can Aggravate Asthma Symptoms' by Vijai P. Sharma, Ph.D

 

“Therefore, in an anxiety or a panic attack, patients often experience

·        severe problems with their breathing, described as, ‘shortness of breath,’ ‘smothering,’ ‘choking,’ ‘can't get enough air,’ along with

·        complaints of dizziness, lightheadedness,

·        chest tightness or severe chest pains.”

Mind Publications: 'Anxiety and Stress can Aggravate Asthma Symptoms' by Vijai P. Sharma, Ph.D

 

4/22/08

Amazon.com: Home & Garden: 'shower filter' (sorted by bestselling)

 

4/21/08

Sense of Smell

 

Things to Consider

Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis and Shower Filters

·        Buzzle.com: Editorials: 'Respiratory Illness and the Shower Filter Solution'

·        Buzzle.com: Editorials: 'Shower heads with filters'

 

04/19/08

Sense of Smell

 

Things to Consider

Exercise-Induced Asthma:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=exercise-induced+asthma+tilt+head+back&btnG=Search

 

04/15/08

Sense of Smell

 

Things to Consider

Head and Neck Pillows:

·  Sleep: Sleep on Your Back: Tips: Head and Neck Pillows

 

Tilting head slightly upward, and focusing on a point on the ceiling (slightly, e.g. just enough to see the ceiling of a room):

Does sense of smell improve when tilting head back slightly? Does tilting the head, while upright, help to clear the airway similar to the technique used in CPR? Tilting head slightly upward seems to have a relaxing effect.

 

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

“Based on observations by Bandler and Grinder,

·           When people look up, they're visualizing [the eyes diverge and accommodate more easily when looking up, improving far visualization].”

NLPcoaching.com: 'An Introduction to NLP'

 

“Typically, people who are in a visual mode

·        Stand, or sit, with their heads and/or bodies erect with their eyes up [meaning tending to look upward?]…”

NLPcoaching.com: 'An Introduction to NLP'

 

Forward Head Posture

"If you slump or have forward head posture, try to lift your head up by inhaling and lifting your chest. This will put your head on top of your shoulders and reduce the stress on the traps [trapezius muscles] from forward head posture."

WebMD: Answers to Questions: How can I improve my posture?

 

Vision and Gaze

·    “To make matters even more interesting, looking upward suggests that a person is using images or visual memories.”

http://itotd.com/index.alt?ArticleID=211

http://www.causeof.org/notes_0605.htm

 

”As Krimsky (1948) noted, ‘When looking upwards, the eyes tend to diverge . . . when they look down, the effort to converge is much easier.’”

http://www.combo.com/ergo/vangle2.htm

http://www.causeof.org/notes_0605.htm

 

·           “Looking upward 30-degrees, the resting point of vergence goes out to about 53 inches [more eyestrain when monitor is only 20 inches away].

·           But with a 30-degree downward gaze angle, it moves inward to 35 inches.”

http://www.combo.com/ergo/vangle2.htm

http://www.causeof.org/notes_0605.htm

 

Looking upward

*imagination, alpha-theta (eyes tend to diverge)

http://www.causeof.org/notes_0705.htm

 

*looking upward and EMDR

*myopes tend to look down more often, hyperopes tend not to look downward unless required

*looking downward or upward and self-esteem

*convergence and diveregence and alpha-theta brainwaves

*looking downward for long periods of time->muscular imbalance in the eyes?

*”looking downward is associated with kinesthetic or emotional memories”: what impact does this have on depression, self-esteem, stress, endorphin levels?

*signs of eyestrain: if you start tilting your head forward while using a computer (which would move the direction of your gaze upward as you look at the screen) take a break and look upward in the distance for a while to allow your eyes to diverge and relax

*vision improvement exercises: look upward to improve exercises that are intended to cause your eyes to diverge? look downward to improve exercises that are intended to cause your eyes to converge?

*not looking upward for long periods of time causes problems with proprioception, sense of space

 http://www.causeof.org/notes_0705.htm

 

“…Recent brain research that tells us that we can cause our right brain to become more responsive by looking up [should probably say looking up and to the right] with our eyes. In other words, we use our eyes to help us think, as well as to see. When the student is looking up, he is ‘seeing’ the word in his head.”

http://www.diannecraft.com/r-brain.html

http://www.causeof.org/notes_0705.htm

 

Looking up vs looking at ceiling:

Looking up seems to relieve the symptoms for some people;

You may notice different sensations when you just look up (e.g. at the top of a wall) vs looking at the ceiling (note: important to do slowly to avoid damaging the neck)

http://www.causeof.org/notes_2Q07.htm

 

Lying on your back and looking upward (e.g. stargazing, cloud-watching) helps to reduce pressure on the extraocular (eye) muscles and helps to improve divergence (looking into the distance)? Allows a person to more easily enter an alpha-theta state (brainwaves)?

http://www.causeof.org/notes_0905_0106.htm

 

 

4/9/08

Sense of Smell

 

Studies

Correlation between extraversion and regional cerebral blood flow in response to olfactory stimuli:

·        “Results: During the pleasant smell condition, extraversion was correlated with rCBF in the amygdala and occipital cortex. During the unpleasant smell condition, extraversion was correlated with rCBF in the occipital cortex and inferior temporal gyrus.

·        Conclusions: These results provide important evidence for the biological basis of extraversion and indicate that there are systematic individual differences in patterns of brain activation in response to affective stimuli.”

Vaidya, J G., S Paradiso, N C. Andreasen, D L. Johnson, L L. Boles Ponto, and R D. Hichwa. "Correlation Between Extraversion and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Response to Olfactory Stimuli." Am J Psychiatry. 164 (2007): 339-341. PubMed. 8 Apr. 2008

Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice:

Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice.

 

Sense of Smell

 

Depression

 

“Pause and colleagues suspect that the depressed patients' reduced brain responses to odors relates to deviations in two intimately connected brain areas, called the orbitofrontal cortex and the amygdala, which play significant roles in processing emotional information and are also connected with sense of smell.

     Meanwhile, their reduced responsiveness to visual emotional stimuli occurs via another brain area, called the dorsal prefrontal cortex.”

Science a Go Go: 'Sense Of Smell Linked To Depression' by Kate Melville

 

“’Studies on the role of the orbitofrontal cortex and the amygdala in emotion strikingly parallel the studies on these brain structures in olfaction [the smell sense],’ Pause says. The amygdala may help ‘encode’ odors and emotions, while the orbitofrontal cortex helps develop strategies for how to respond to such stimuli, according to the study.”

Science a Go Go: 'Sense Of Smell Linked To Depression' by Kate Melville

 

“The researchers target a dysfunctional state of the main olfactory bulb, a pea-sized structure located below the orbitofrontal cortex that receives sensory input, as potentially playing a pivotal role in depressed patients' reduced sense of smell, and well as ‘their intensified experience of sadness and fear,’ according to the study.”

Science a Go Go: 'Sense Of Smell Linked To Depression' by Kate Melville

 

 

 

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