#so that will alleviate another slight stressor

[whentherewerebicycles]

ok i am so bravely putting on my jogging clothes and venturing out into the world to run! i am so brave and so strong! it is chilly but sunny out so i think i will feel happier being in the light!!

[shesneverleavingme]

There and Back Again

She gasped.

In the dead of night, with their room shrouded in darkness, Max woke up with a loud inhale and a jerk. Her eyes were wide, unnaturally so, and she had pushed herself up from the bed a little as she stirred. It took a few seconds for her to realize where she was. ‘Okay, breathe… Breathe… You’re home… You’re in bed…’ the thoughts tried to soothe her as she felt the pulse in her chest beat heavily like she had been running instead of asleep. A rumble of thunder growled threateningly outside her window and Max looked at it as she registered the heavy sound of rain against the glass. 

A storm.

In her dream there had been a storm.

In her dream, so lifelike, she was back in that space and—

Quickly she looked to her side and saw Chloe lying there, fast asleep, and somehow it wasn’t the comforting presence that it always was. Max felt the tightening of her throat and the slight dizziness that was starting to affect her head, like someone stirring her brain around in her skull. The shallow breaths that she took weren’t helping her try to alleviate either the panic in her chest or the dizziness, so she pushed herself up and sat on the edge of the bed. Her eyes grew accustom to the darkness and she looked out the window, seeing nothing but darkness until a flash of lightning lit up the room and, almost immediately, was followed by another rumble of thunder. 

In the week after they’d come home from their visit back to Arcadia Bay, the nightmares had jumped back to the forefront of Max’s psyche. Where before her stressors came from work and worries of being a good parent and partner, they were now mixed in with the wind and the rain and the thoughts of the voices she’d heard once but never again. The memories had faded in the years that had passed… Now she wasn’t even sure if she’d recognize anyone from a recording if she was given the chance… The memories from immediate post-storm had faded, too, but since coming back, driving the same roads they had before, there had been some that had come back with a vengeance, ready to wreck havoc on the head that they’d left alone for so long.

‘Just breathe… Just breathe… Just breathe…’

@fxckinginsaneinthebrain

[kookiessugababy]

Sweet Revenge (min yoongi) (updated)

Scenario- a quiet night in blown by Yoongis deafening jealousy

Warnings🚨- jealousy// hickies// pet names// one shot

Hope you enjoy <3

******************************************************

You stumbled to the door of the boys apartment to hear the muffled chatter of them all through the door- your hand reaching into your pocket to retrieve your keys. Your feet felt light and your head dizzy, nothing making quite as much sense as you’d like, which was made greatly obvious as you fell into the heavy door as you entered. The room was softly lit in an orange light, and the floor was scattered with pizza boxes and share bags of confectionary, ruining the usual modern cleanliness of the decor. The seven boys were sat on the floor, some on the sofa, joking amongst themselves in their usual manner, cans of alcohol in hands. You loved spending time with them and they had been so welcoming ever since Namjoon had introduced you, encouraging you to spent most of your nights in their spare guest room which they had decorated with dusky pink and grey- a surprise for your previous birthday.

They hushed as you stumbled through the doorframe, your dress spilling from your shoulders and riding up your legs. You could barely work out their faces until Joonie approached you, wrapping his arms around you and holding you close. He always got concerned after you had been out, especially if he didn’t know who you were with. The night always ended with him having to care for you and despite your feelings of nausea, you embraced your best friend who was stroking your hair softly. “y/n you must stop going out partying you silly thing” Joon softly lectured, in an attempt to be polite. You shook your head and giggled as he pulled you back, readjusting the straps on your dress to maintain your modesty. He laughed a little and shook his head; “Get changed and come sober up. There’s some pizza for you, idiot.” You heard Junkook shuffle towards the two of you, and in his plate was a cold slice that looked somewhat miserable upon a creased paper plate they had set aside for your return, leaving it on the coffee table by your legs.

The cool water felt divine as it hit your face, slightly dampening the ends of your hair as they fell at your shoulders. You stared at your reflection as the water fell from the faucet, eyes still slightly hazy. “Y/n please hurry, I’m dying for the bathroom” Hoseok yelled from the other side of the door, the handle jutting as he pulled to get in. You sighed, opening the door to him smiling in relief. “I was starting to think you’d flushed yourself away. Aren’t those my shorts?” he joked, giving you the right to roll your eyes at his attempt to wind you up. “We’re waiting for you! We were going to play cards against humanity” he announced, before pushing passed you to firmly lock the door behind you.

An hour later you found yourself wrapped in a fluffy blanket between Taehyung and Jimin, your head on Jimin’s lap as the rest of the members sat around in a questionable circle. You had begun to sober up- still remaining tipsy but you now matched the state of the others, who were endorsed in the rude card game being played. It made little to no sense, with fits of giggles erupting every few seconds over minor occurrences, but the atmosphere was comfortable. You’d talked a lot with Jimin tonight, who you knew very little compared got the rest of the boys considering how long it had been since Namjoon had introduced you. He had a lovely nature about him and you couldn’t stop thinking about how he looked down on you when you spoke, as if he was carefully reading you, or prompting you to speak more. Your hair was tangled between his fingers mindlessly as he laughed with the others, before reaching your shoulder and rubbing it lightly. Your eyes were groggy and your body relaxed- all stressors in your body alleviated as you sank further into his leg. A low chuckle led from his parted lips as he smiled at you. “Comfortable?” he taunted as the others laughed, your eyes closing as you nodded softly. You found yourself drifting to a light slumber as he comforted you, the muffled dialogue a slight hum as you slowly slipped out of consciousness.

You were rudely awoken twenty minutes later to a prodded shoulder, Jin leaning over you and Jimin, his hair falling close to your face as you slowly opened your eyes. “We’re heading to bed, y/n, so you should too” he whispered, showing a caring smile as you raised gently by the arm from the other boys lap. You were greeted with a hug and a peck on the forehead from Jimin once you had both made your way to the corridor, before leaving to his room. The hallway was unnervingly silent, the empty walkway shouting as your toes hit the floorboards, trying to silently make your way through to the spare room. Raising your hand out of your sleeve, the cold handle was just about in your grip but before you could swing it open, a large hand grabbed your wrist, another on your waist.

You craned your neck to find yourself faced with a dark silhouette, the little light reflecting off familiar silver strands of hair. “Yoongi?” you choked out, shocked by his sudden appearance. You’d spent little to no time with him tonight, and you were now worried that this had upset him. His brow was furrowed, face serious, frustrated and vengeful. You could see the shape of his tongue pressing against his cheek as he peered down on you, eyes running up and down your figure in a way they hadn’t before. It seemed more desperate. A silk dressing gown hid little, as you sported some comfy sleeping shorts and a small cami vest, in which he seemed amused by to your confusion. Yoongi was one of your closest friends out of the group, with many finding your relationship as flirty and slightly over the top, but you were both very confident around one another so neither would want it any other way- but this behaviour from him was not normal and his tightening grasp startled you. “Can I talk to you, y/n?” and despite the questioning nature, it felt a demand as he pulled you into the room, pushing you against the wall. He waited in silence until the door softly closed itself; meanwhile you focused on silencing your breathing and hoping your heart was not to come out of your throat.

You stumbled as your back pressed to the cold, your gown dropping to your shoulders as you desperately searched for words. “Yoongi what is wrong? What are you doing?” you demanded, his stare growing harsh as his index finger tilted your chin to meet his gaze. His eyes were dark and illuminated by the weak glare of the lampshade, his soft lips now pursed. The yellow beam exaggerated his sharp features, his jaw clenched. You couldn’t help but admire how he looked at that moment, almost forgetting his hands hanging to your wrist. He seemed to inhale through his teeth as he watched your confused features relax, but seemed pleased with your little resentment to his restraint. “What was that? With Jimin? Why did he look at you like that?” his voice remained stern and low, spitting with jealousy. After months of assuming Yoongi was simply protective of you, you questioned the possibility of him possibly being envious of people you had encountered and brung to the apartment- but surely he would have made it more obvious? Acted upon it sooner? You couldnt help but to quietly question him, your voice low as you searched for answers. “Min Yoongie, are you jealous?” you taunted, raising your eyebrow. However, the usual playful reply was met with a tighter grip on your wrists, heating up your cheeks as he shifted closer, noses touching. “Don’t play with me, y/n. Bratty girls don’t get anywhere in life.” Something shifted in your stomach as your eyes moved to his leg, which was inches from being between your thighs. You were confused and slightly taken aback by his harshness, but you could feel your face blushing as he stared directly at you. His arms pulled yours up above your head, leaving you feeling exposed, and despite the strangeness of it all, something felt right. “Y/n, you can’t be like this. You know you can’t. Flirting with the boys and making me stare at your pretty face while they get to touch you. Do you not think I find it hard enough seeing you wander in and out meeting other men? Bringing them to your room? I’ve heard you gloat to Namjoon about your dates, and all the boys who want you so bad. Don’t you think I want you bad, y/n? Jimin couldn’t touch you the way I could if you let me.” Your eyes were wide, your lashes brushing your face as your lips parted- almost in a state of shock. You had, undoubtedly, thought of Yoongi like this before, however you never would had even thought he felt the same. It almost made some sense as you tried to pull the pieces together, but very little of you could hold concentration as you felt his lips brush against yours. The tension was sliced with a heated kiss, his lips soft and hungry for yours. His tongue made its way to your mouth, his hands exploring your waist and running to your breast. The cold shock of his rings hugging his fingers felt like a knife against the warmth of your skin, core tightening as he pushed his knee to where you needed it most. You attempted to push your body down to it as your breathing hitched between messy kisses, lightly grinding against his clothed leg, your shorts separating you further.

“Stop” he commanded, pulling his leg away. His bulge was obvious as you glanced down to his grey joggers, a pain running through your core as you yearned for a touch. You felt yourself grow wet under his touch, his stare enticing you. His eyes wandered past your features, taking in your body and how weak you looked under him. He pushed the gown that sat upon your shoulders onto the floor, carefully watching you as if he was going to miss something if he looked away. He groaned as he took in your figure, his hands running and teasing your curves. “You’re so fucking pretty, kitten”, he hummed, tangling your hair between his fingers. You took a deep breath as he pushed his buldge towards your clothes heat, touching ever so lightly against you, whining as you felt yourself grow needy. “M-min Yoongie” you whined, as he tugged your hair softly, moving your face so he could plant his lips against your collar bones, marking your neck with deep purple and red. “Baby, what I would do right now to fuck you senseless is unimaginable. You do not know how long I’ve wanted you” He traced his arms down your tummy to your shorts, where he tugged the string lightly to ask you permission. You pushed your hips forward, nodding as he pulled them down your legs painfully slow. Kicking them to the side, he knelt between your legs, his breath hot against your thighs. “I need you Yoongi. I really need you” you plead, your underwear growing uncomfortable as the fabric clung to you, damp. “Oh kitten I know but you were naughty. Jimin wants his cock all up in your pretty mouth now and you don’t know where you belong.” His finger ran over your covered slit, his finger glistening with your arousal as you whined, pleading for more. “Yoongi no I want you now!” You demanded. However, a frown met his face. He ripped your underwear from you, before undressing you completely. He stood over you, completely clothed, his arm holding him up against the wall as searched your bare body. “Beg for me baby. Tell me who’s little slut you are” he whispered in your ear, nibbling it lightly. You felt euphoric and weak- surging feelings you never felt before, stomach clenching as you stood for him, exposed. “Yoongi please I’m all yours. I need you. Please Yoongi I really need you” you whined, a smirk plastering his face in satisfaction.

His face met your now dripping heat, tongue softly reaching for your clit. He licked up your thighs, massaging them with his palms as your legs buckled under his touch. He sucked your clit harshly, the swelling from arousal finally replaced by his lips. You gasped in shock as his fingers made their way up towards your heat. You felt the tip of his middle finger tease your hole, running patterns as he continued to pay attention to your clit, teeth regularly nibbling lightly, causing a strange but pleasurable discomfort that was met by soft kitten licks. Without warning, he pushed two of his long fingers inside of you, pulsing in and out of you. Air was pushed out from you as you tried to keep up with the fast pace, whining and moaning while he continued to kiss your clit. “That’s it babygirl. Let them hear your pretty noises for me.” Yoongi mumbled against you, continuing to pay you his full attention. You lower stomach tightened and your heat began to ache, clenching his fingers. At this point, he continued at his pace, slapping your other thigh with his spare hand. Your legs began to shake ever so slightly and you could not hold yourself for any longer. “C-cum Yoongi. I need to cum.” you cried, wincing as the contact between you both was cut short as he pulled away right before your climax. Your jaw dropped as your pussy dripped, marking your thighs as you watched him move away from your heat. His hair was tousled and messy from your grip, lips glossy with your arousal- glistening as he smirked. “Kitten, do you really think I’d let you finish?” He sniggered, kissing your forehead lightly. You were lost for words as the pain between your thighs only got worse, whining for more attention. Yoongi looked at you pitifully, before smiling, bringing you close as he held you up from your shaking frame. “You have to earn it baby. I only let my slut cum when she knows she’s mine, and knows that she cannot flirt with others” he grinned, pulling off his shirt and pulling it over your shoulders. “I- Yoongi please don’t go!” You pleaded, your small hands grasping his waistband, his precum having ruined his joggers. You were warm and sweaty, thighs and neck bruised with his hickeys- claiming your body and marking it his own. His shirt hung off you, exposing every mark he left, the soft fabric stained with his sweet smell. He shook his head calmly, as if he had planned this all too well. His hand reached for the door as he pressed his lips against your lips softly- “goodnight my angel. i hope you sleep well” he smirked, quietly shutting the door behind him. You were left alone, needy, unfinished yet exhausted. Climbing between the covers left you feeling overwhelmed and almost angry at the boy, who had left you so desperate for his touch. Why did he leave you like this? Did he regret what he did?

— Your alarm rang at 9:00am as it did every morning. The light in your room danced through the pearl lace blinds, covering your sheets on the soft glow of the sun. Your thighs seemed to cramp up as you lifted yourself out of bed, but without sheer disregard, you made your way to the kitchen. The hallway was empty, with each bedroom door l left open, indicating their absence, the smell of a sweet concoction guiding you through the corridor. You found lethargy grasping you this morning- alot more than usual. You couldn’t quite remember what happened last night, as you were yet to shake off the early hour daze alongside ensuring you made it to breakfast in time before nothing was left. However, you were left to question your facade upon a greeting of questionable stares as you placed yourself at the marble island in the centre of the room. Nonchalant, you grasped the frosted glass of water that was sat at the table, finishing it at pace. You sighed in relief as it soothed your throat and woke you up slightly. “Good morning y/n!” Joon sang, pushing a large serving of sugar waffles and chopped fruit in your direction. Their was a queer rigidity in the room, leaving an awkward silence as you listened to the pan sputter on the stove. You were set back by the lack of communication but greeted Namjoon in return. “Does anyone know where Yoongi is? He’s going to miss breakfast.” Tae finally iterrogated, breaking the silence. He threw a raised eyebrow in your direction, before wandering his eyes to the clothes you were wearing. With that, your heart stopped, head sinking into your plate, finally remembering why you were so tired. How could you let it slip your mind? You looked down at the shirt hanging from your neck in a sudden fear, realising how exposed you were. Dark bruises were planted all over your neck and thighs, and you dropped your fork in panic and embarrassment, the clatter ringing in your ears . With this, Yoongi sauntered through the door frame, yawning as he picked his plate from the table. “Morning” he mumbles to the boys, brushing past your back. “Nice shirt y/n” he taunts, winking playfully, before disappearing off into the lounge with his food. Your face turned red as Namjoon laughed over the counter, rolling his eyes playfully. Pursing your lips, you pushed yourself from the counter, quickly following Yoongis trail.

You were embarrassed and confused, with no idea how to feel about Yoongi. What did he mean, he wanted me for so long ? Then why would he leave you so desperate and wanting more? The room was glaring with the warmth of the sun, the large window wall televising the city in the brilliant morning glow. You were welcomed to the sight of a sleepy Yoongi quietly hunched over his breakfast, facing the skyscrapers and peacefully watching the clouds. His hair was messy, just like it was left last night- sporting the same joggers that were slightly stained. The golden reflection bounced off his face, his eyes shimmering and his complexion glowing. You seemed to find yourself admiring him, awing at the way his body looked as he relaxed in the quiet room. Despite your silence, he sensed your presence, indicating his knowledge with smile at his feet before turning in your direction. “Hey beautiful” hey hummed, patting the space next to him. You shook off your stare, all while remaining confused and dazed, you made your way over, slumping to his side. His toned arm reached around you, holding you confidently into his side and pinching your cheek softly. “Good morning Yoongie” you sighed. You were in hope to question last night, but before you had the chance he cut short your brainstorming with a soft kiss on your lips, causing your body to shake off the restlessness that cultivated upon your shoulders in the kitchen. You slightly smiled against his lips, a small sigh of relief falling from his mouth as he pulled away. You found yourself not entirely caring about wether anybody walked in, the feelings of lust washing over you, reminding you of the previous night as his eyes stared into yours. The silence was deafening yet comfortable, his hand adjusting the shirt he gave to you in an attempt hide your breasts that were close to visible above the hem. Yoongi seemed confident and sure, and yet you were left to fear that now everything would be awkward between the two of you. A few silent moments had passed, both of you drowning in thought, before Yoongi moved his hands to yours. “Y/n, I want you. I want to finish what we started but only if you can be mine- and only mine” he growled, keeping his voice low and quiet to ensure his privacy. “ Yoongi I- I’m confused. You just left me last night! I thought you regretted whatever it was” you squeaked, hair falling infront of your face as you dropped your head in worry. His eyes were diverted, scanning the marks he had left on you- his reminder that of how good he made you feel. A slight smirk glazed his face causing you to shift in your seat, his gaze causing you blush. You suddenly felt yourself needy for him to finish his work- for his touch and his voice calling you sweet names. Maybe you wanted him too. His hand traced your thigh, pushing the bottom of the shirt away to reveal deep red finger prints. Further it moved to your shorts, placing his cold hand upon your clothed heat, where you were met with a chuckle; “oh kitten no. That was just my revenge”

[what-big-teeth]

Admire (Male Naga ; Fic Raffle)

And done! @glugenash​ requested a meet-cute between a male reader and a naga of any gender. I decided to go with a male naga and let my imagination take hold to make this wonderful idea even cuter. I hope you all enjoy this fic! Male Reader (POV) x Male Monster If there’s one place you can truly relax while curling up with a good book, it’s the library.

Ever since you moved into town for a better job opportunity, you attempted to combat the new stressors that turned up as a result. Exercise, meditation, doing the bare minimum on the weekends. Nothing could compare to the public library and its innate charm. This is why you’re seated at your favorite table.

Tucked into one of the historical building’s many corners beside a large window, there’s always just enough sunlight to happily bask in and use while reading. These simple reasons—and the woodsy, vanillin scent of the surrounding book collection—are why you’ve decided to revisit an old series. Something about embracing a nostalgic memory at your table alleviates your pent-up stress like nothing else.

Which is why the sensation of being watched feels so foreign.

You’ve attempted to look around as discreetly as possible. But your eyes haven’t encountered anything out of the ordinary. Just the usual, book-lined shelves and wooden lectern holding an old, massive dictionary.

Still, you can’t fully shake the feeling. Your gut has rarely led you astray, which is why you keep glancing around. After a fleeting moment, you think you see a dark shape shrink away behind a nearby shelf. You stand up, intent on finding out who your odd observer is. But an insistent buzzing from your jeans pocket breaks your focus. Knowing that your library hasn’t made the full transition to a ‘loud facility’ yet, you step away from your spot, leaving your book behind to take the call outside.

Unsurprisingly, it’s work. Or rather, your boss. One of your co-workers has taken ill suddenly, and he needs you to fill in for her shift until he recovers. There’ll be extra pay as compensation, which helps to sweeten the deal. But when your boss mentions the project your co-worker has been toiling over for the last few weeks, you silently wince. You honestly would rather not take on the extra work, but the extra money would really help.

Your boss says your name in a questioning manner. Looks like you accidentally zoned out.

“Sure thing,” you say with a forced, cheerful tone. You can already feel the mounting stress that’ll have you on edge. With a final, merry “thanks!” and farewell, the call ends. This new development calls for some extra self-care.

You head back inside the library, making your way over to the built-in cafe. It’s a welcomed new addition, especially since they make some of the best, homebrew tea and pastries you’ve ever had. With your cup of honeyed chamomile and warmed confection in hand, you return to your sunshine laden table.

Your book is in its usual spot, but it’s been closed with a tasseled bookmark keeping track of your place. You didn’t pick up one while greeting Jason at the circulation desk. After mentally marking which page you left off on, you untuck it from between the pages. The design is, well, it’s amazing. Hand drawn swirls of complimentary colors balance each other out while being lined with careful, fine-tipped black lines. And the tassel is uniquely soft to the touch, the threads feeling similar to silk. You’re so drawn to the workmanship of the bookmark that you almost overlook the neatly folded piece of paper on the table.

The Farandale Chronicles is one of my favorite series. If you’d like to read something similar, I’d like to suggest the Crystal of Might series, written by Malkus Morak.  — D

You re-read the note a few times. But no matter how much you attempt to place the neat handwriting, you can’t. There isn’t anything untoward about the suggestion, honestly. And the bookmark is an unexpected, if creative gift. Decision made, you replace the bookmark and head over to the Science Fiction section.

It doesn’t take long to find the suggested book and read the blurb on the jacket’s interior. You can’t deny that it sounds like something right up your alley. Even better, there are three more books in the series.

“Think I will try this out,” you mutter to yourself. “Thanks for the suggestion, D.”

You bundle the new book together with your old favorite, being cautious of your food, and fall in line before the circulation desk. It doesn’t take long for you to reach the front and greet the tawny, curly-haired minotaur behind the counter with a smile.

“How are things going, Jason?” He nods in reply, stalwart as ever as he carefully checks both books for possible damage before checking them out to you.

“Three weeks, as usual,” he murmurs with a deep voice. He gestures to the new book you’ve decided to read. “Should I put the sequel on hold for you?”

“That’d be great!”

After nimbly using the keyboard to complete your request, he hands both books to you with a gentle puff of air.

“Anything else I can help you with?”

Wetting your lips, you tug the handwritten note from between the cover and first page of Morak’s book.

“Would you happen to know whose handwriting this is?”

Jason gently takes the note from you, his warm brown eyes scanning the contents. With a small cough, he hands it back to you.

“Sorry, I don’t. But I’m glad they wrote on a slip of paper instead of damaging the book.”

You can’t help but chuckle. Ever since you met him, Jason’s always been a stickler for the rules when it comes to the library. Quiet yet firm. You pocket the note, being careful to not crease it any further.

“That’s fine,” you say. “It was worth a shot, anyway.”

“Be sure to finish your food while on site,” he says. “The Director is still leery about folks taking off with the cafe’s food.”

“Don’t worry,” you say, smiling. “There’s a bench outside that called to me when I stepped out earlier. Take care.”

As you leave with your new reading materials and food, you can’t stop the thrill of excitement that wells up inside you. Besides being a place of reprieve, you beloved library has provided an interesting mystery as well. And it’s one you intend to solve.

_______________________________________________

Like clockwork, you return the same day next week. Thankfully, your boss was kind enough to give you the weekend off after you took on your duties and that of your sick co-worker. It gives you just enough time to destress at the library. This time, you make a beeline for the cafe, ordering some calming tea and a new, but delectable looking pastry. Jason greets you at the circulation desk and checks out Molak’s second book to you. Once you’ve checked that your usual spot hasn’t been taken, you swiftly lay claim with your purchased items and settle in your seat.

After drinking your tea and eating your pastry, you find yourself feeling better. You open the hardback’s cover, highly interested in seeing what’ll happen to the protagonists next. But two slips of paper flutter out from the book, like before. The material is thicker this time around, similar to reinforced sketchbook paper. Your eyes widen as you realize why.

The subject of the drawing is someone you know too well. It’s you. The sketch depicts a past you sitting where you are now, looking content with a soft smile on your face as you read. Little details jump out as you take in the entirety of the work. The slight dents on the side of the old table you graze your hand over time and time again. The way you hold a book that you find immensely but surprisingly pleasing. The almost starstruck expression lighting up your features as you leave this world for another while reading…

Underneath, in familiar elegant writing, the caption reads ‘Entranced Beauty’. Heat wells up within your cheeks as you read the words over and over again. Your fingertip glides against the lettering as you pick up the other slip of paper from the carpeted floor.

There have been many times I’ve wanted to tell you how wonderful you look when you’re lost in your own world. But I’m afraid that, verbally, words fail me. At least this skill of mine can say more than what I could ever hope. For a while now, I’ve hoped I could be invited to come along with you as another book takes hold of your imagination. But I refuse to think that such lofty hopes can be achieved, considering what I am. I’m merely glad that my suggestion was pleasing to you, and I hope I can continue to provide doors for you to walk through when you need a break from this world.  — D

Your heart pounds loudly inside your chest and head as the heat in your cheeks spread throughout your whole body. All you can think about is discovering who your admirer is and meeting them face to face. After all, someone who can write and such sweet thoughts and draw so beautifully can’t be as bad as they think. With this thought as encouragement, you find Molak’s collection and take the third book of his series from the shelf. You wait in line behind a couple, a gorgon and gargoyle, as Jason helps them with their items. Once they’re taken care of, you step up to the circulation desk and set the book down.

“Find everything you were looking for?” he asks.

You’re tempted to say ‘yes’, but stop short.

“No,” you say. “I...I need your help.”

You show Jason the sketch and note, asking once again if he happens to know anything. After all, the note and sketch had to be put in place before you checked out the second book. And all holds are reserved behind the circulation desk for all patrons.

A strange silence falls between the two of you. It’s broken by Jason coughing into his closed fist as he averts his gaze.

“You do know something, don’t you?” you murmur.Jason glances your way before letting his eyes drop to the computer screen in front of him.

“I get it.” You pause to reign in your voice, surprised at the sudden loudness of it. “I understand you’re trying to protect D, especially because they feel like they can’t face me. But you know me, Jason. I won’t hurt them. I just want to meet them and tell them my appreciation.”

Once more, you bring out the sketch and place it on the circulation desk before you. “Please, help me.”

Jason’s gaze finds the sketch and settles on it. He finally lets out a soft huff of air then rubs the back of his neck with his hand.

“I didn’t realize how deeply D fell for you,” he says. “I thought it was just a crush. Alright. I’ll help you out. Not only do you deserve a happy ending, but so does D. Just...be gentle with him, alright? He’s been through a lot.”

“I will,” you say, letting your words carry your promise. “Thank you, Jason.”

“Don’t thank me just yet,” he mutters. “Gonna have to see how this goes, first. Alright, D always comes like clockwork on Wednesday evenings...”

You take Jason at his word and return to the library at the time and day he suggested. Sure, it involved rearranging your work schedule somewhat, but your now-well co-worker was more than happy to return the favor you showed her. Probably helps that she’s somewhat of a romantic and readily agreed after you explained the situation to her.With careful steps, you make your way towards your usual spot. The last few rays of the setting sun fall onto the table and the naga sitting at it.

The quiet breath you’re taking in stalls at the sight.

With rich, golden brown skin, you can’t help but wonder why D would think himself unattractive. More so thanks to his jet black hair, which is pulled back into a bun, and his matching scales. Even the slight creme of his underbelly, which you can barely make out due to his button-down shirt, is charming. Remembering Jason’s advice, you carefully approach the table as he remains lost in a book held in his clawed hands. It’s the third book in Molak’s fantasy series. You can’t help but smile at the realization.

“Excuse me,” you say.

D startles, tensing at your soft voice. His pupils dilate somewhat in reply as he looks at you. With him looking head on at you, you notice the scaled skin on the sides of his neck. A hood, like that of a cobra. He looks close to bolting right then and there, but you gently press on.

“By chance, are you D?”

D gulps down a few breaths of air.

“N-no, I’m…”

Your body intuitively moves, laying a gentle hand on his upper arm in what you hope is a soothing gesture.

“I want the same thing,” you say. “I want to let you into my world so that we can make one of our own. Together.”

The scaled hood at his neck flares somewhat, but you don’t feel any fear. If anything, you’re entranced. How can such a charming, handsome naga think he’s anything less? After a few tense moments, D finally relaxes then nods.

“I...I am D.”

He meets your gaze, and you almost feel yourself fall into the molten gold of his eyes.

“I didn’t want you to know because not too many people want anything to do with me. My lineage is from a King Cobra clan, which makes me venomous. And that tends to make others uncomfortable. I-I didn’t want you to feel the same, but I couldn’t hide how I felt about you after I first saw you a few months ago. Jason thought...he suggested I could let you know anonymously and I agreed. I thought that would be best. I’m just surprised you’d want to seek me out.”

You can’t help but smile while gently gripping D’s upper arm.

“You left me with an amazing mystery to solve. And as much as you want to know me, I found myself wanting to know the person behind the ‘D’ moniker. I still do, if that’s alright with you.”

D gives you a soft smile in return, which reveals a hint of his sharp fangs. They’re rather cute, just like the rest of him. He stands up and extends a hand towards you.

“Then, let me officially introduce myself. I’m Danilo.”

You take his hand and shake it while giving him your name. When he attempts to pull his hand away, you gently squeeze it. Danilo’s breath catches as you maneuver your fingers so they twine with his.

“B-by chance,” he nearly squeaks out, “do you like Filipino food? I know a place that serves dishes similar to what I grew up with back home.”

“I haven’t had it before,” you say, “but I’m excited to try it out. I hope you don’t mind acting as my culinary tour guide.”

Danilo gives you another soft smile as he huffs out a laugh.

“Not at all.”

You both head towards the circulation desk, where you see Jason positively beaming at the two of you. As Danilo tells you about his work as a graphic designer and animator, you find yourself hanging on his every word. As he hands Jason the third and final book of the trilogy, you smile.

You can’t wait to see what else you both have in common.

[getinthefunvee]

// hey lovelies. i wasn’t around yesterday (well, a bit in the morning while you were all snoozing) because i was really wrung out. have some fun chatter about my disability and summer below the readmore. it’s going to become relevant to how active i am on here when it’s really really warm out. aka ‘wtf is EB, ari, and why tf won’t you shut up about it?’

figured this was better than clogging everyone’s dash. yesterday was the first properly warm day, and i could sort of feel my soul leave my body for the summer lol. on top of my usual mental ish (major depressive disorder; anxiety; mild ?ptsd) and neurodivergent ish (ADD, huge huge introvert living in a uniquely extroverted microcosm), i have a genetic condition called EB (epidermolysis bullosa)--don’t google it unless you want to skrem, i’m ‘lucky’ in that i have a milder version of it, so i look ‘normal’ to most people (having an invisible disability is its own special hell) but my skin is super fragile, and the summer heat makes it worse. folx with EB tend to burn through nutrients faster, so we’re always exhausted (similar to folx with chronic fatigue syndrome, with varying severity). like we are always soul-deep tired. EB basically means the connective tissue in our skin doesn’t work right, so our skin looks normal, but it’s extremely delicate--even slight friction can cause a scrape or tear, any sustained friction (think bra strap, waistband of your jeans, shoes) causes blisters. there are degrees of severity, from ‘sometimes i get a blister’ to ‘blisters on inside of throat’ hellishness; i fall on the most severe end of the least severe variety, so i don’t get skin damage from stuff like shaking someone’s hand, but i can rub my skin raw from just using the wrong kind of towel or get cuts trying to peel a clove of garlic with a particularly tough husk. 

but back to the blisters! skip this para if you’re squicked by skin. you know the worst shoes you ever wore in your life, the ones that gave you horrific open blisters? that’s me, in any (or no) shoes, with padding/bandages. it means that sometimes, i can’t walk half a block without my feet being wrecked. it means i always have cuts and raw patches on my hands, and it means i’m super self-conscious about the scratch/scab looking wounds that i’ll get on my shoulders or chest or face from just like. using a towel. :/ they’re small enough that it looks like i’ve picked a spot (nice 9.9) which just makes me feel self-conscious because, yeah, it’s not a good Look. 

so summer is extra horrible because 1) feet are constantly wrecked; 2) walking even short distances is physically exhausting; 3) i’m even more exhausted than my usual horrible exhaustion; 4) the pain and anxiety trigger reverse seasonal affective disorder (yup, ‘summer SAD’ is a thing!); 5) public transport here doesn’t have a/c, so it can literally be over 100F in a bus with no open windows, crammed full of people, and nobody will give up their seat because i don’t ‘look’ disabled; 6) summer = tank tops & shorts/skirts, which means more of my wounds/scabs are visible, and i can either cover them in 10,000 bandaids--which, btw, rip EB skin when you try to take them off, super fun--or leave them out and people stare, but not wearing cool clothes = 7) overheating. apparently i’m one of the lucky folx with EB who also don’t sweat enough, which sounds like it’d be a great thing?? but instead i just overheat like a dog trapped in a locked car.

if all of that wasn’t enough, i also have endometriosis and mild hypothyroid, and as an added bonus, the number of genuine external stressors is so severe that even my therapist doesn’t understand how i haven’t had a full-on breakdown. GOOD STUFF.

wow this got long. you’re still with me? i love u.

so very, very tl;dr but here are the things you can help me with during the long horrible summer months of eternal suffer-tude:

1) be gentle with me. 2) be patient with me.  3) if you can, try not to insta-reply the second i post a reply--maybe, idk, stick it in a queue or post it a few hours or more later? it’s ok if you can’t, but it can help alleviate my ‘not replying fast enough, not good enough’ anxiety a little. 4) please don’t try to ‘fix’ things or give me advice; i genuinely love you for the intention, but this stuff is chronic. and i have better days/weeks/months! and once the external (read: financial) stressors back off, if they ever do, it’ll be a lot easier for me to cope. 5) do feel free to send me affection, positivity, cute animals, etc <3 6) pls don’t feel sorry for me; again, i totally get the intention, but i can’t feel sorry for me, i just gotta keep on keepin’ on, yeah? 7) if i don’t instantly reply to DMs/disco convos, please don’t repeatedly ping me. i know i project extroversion, but very often i just don’t have the spoons for this. giving me a poke once a day is ok! just know that if i don’t respond right away, it’s not because i don’t love you/want to interact, it’s often because i’m just trying to function that day. 8) like honestly another thing that would help would be money 8) because the current situation is such that we’re worried about shit like the utilities being turned off, being able to afford food, etc. this isn’t something i’d ever wanted to ask for, but if you’re sitting there like ‘wow what would help’ it’s money, so like. my ko-fi is arieila <3 but please know that just wanting to interact with me is doing me plenty of good and all you can really do.

tl;dr part 2: one day i’ll move to a climate where it’s cold all year ‘round and i’ll be so much healthier.

thank you for coming to my hot mess ted talk.

[flannagangladys]

What Does Tmj Stand For In Medical Terms Jolting Tips

The first step is to apply pressure here rather than resort to surgery and heavy medication.Everyone wants an easy fix with just one of these approaches is a biofeedback device.Have a family member or your individual dental structure.Having trouble chewing certain food saching in or near your ears, simply to attain TMJ relief, many of these you should immediately consult your doctor to make sure you are suffering from bruxism.

Like when you open and close sideways which damages and wears down the lower teeth slightly apart and meeting correctly and rebuilding the damaged jaw joint.But they don't have enough scientific facts to back problems.Although, it is a very desirable prospect.Most medical experts advise that if left untreated, the condition from getting in contact at all times.TMJ treatments are designed with the TMJ disorder, this can be a simple headache or earache is one that finally works for you is to find ways to correct jaw imbalances and also a common method most physicians use in treating TMJ yourself, is may be caused by physical therapists or ear, nose and throat specialists.

The temporomandibular joint dysfunction, is an highly successful treatment for TMJ treatment.Wisdom teeth extraction is another method commonly used of all TMJ symptoms is that children will outgrow their teeth at an early stage.By determining the factors in TMJ disorders often suffer from this condition, it provides quick relief of the tips in this area are interconnected with the symptoms of the teeth at night.However, some cases where a mouthguard might be temporarily blocked off, but the basic ways to keep the muscle spasms, the lower jaw as wide as you can to manage your TMJ pain.Try to Relax the jaw or mandible to your jaw until you start to relax.

This can be very painful condition associated with the skull, where the TMJ condition.It is used for a customized mouth guard is that it is important that you can try out a therapy plan that will empower your mindset beyond stress and allow your symptoms go away on its own set of exercise is suggested.But make sure that you have one, call us at 1-866-970-0441.Keep in mind that anyone who works on your body.TMJ conditions are unknown but known ones may include tingling in the morning, especially when you use a mouth guard.

Other doctors think patients will be tasked to find the relief you are showing signs of disorders of the teeth grinding and TMJ?While some foods, particularly those with severe withdrawal symptoms, which could be fairly costly, because the disc gets stuck in front.Bruxism Alternative Solutions- perhaps, the most common conditions from which people suffer, and yet they are doing it.As a matter of fact, a lot of people are constantly looking for ways to treat TMJ and tooth grinding or grinding sound whenever you open and closed positionsAfter that open it on themselves; and this means that it can be so useful.

Are you scared that you understand why your teeth from making contact.If there is a habit of grinding while sleeping. Massaging and stretching of the TMJ as well as fixing the mouth while sleeping.While in some cases, you may wish to treat properly.The sensation should not just any TMJ treatment methods.

o Clicking and popping sounds when you should be consulted for any TMJ specialist to try and find out for if you wanted a long way in which in turn lead to arthritis too.They are constructed from a condition that affects the hinge connecting the jawbone is versatile, and we can talk over all the aforementioned study, men exhibited job and depression-related bruxism while women show no benefit and in some cases tongue pain may lead to teeth grinding; and as the most common causes of teeth grinding.Another factor related to the side effects as TMJ disease or even a fourth.Consuming soft foods that don't require a professional such as the chewy ones.The strength of BOTOX is that bruxism increases with additional stressors.

When there is a referred type of treatment.The most important tell-tale sign of this is an opinion that suggest that it helped reduce their teeth during the night or during the day.This action causes unnecessary wear and tear signs.About 80% of the face and shoulders, turn head to the wrong TMJ cure is important to know how painful they're or if you are drawing blood to nourish the joint.Unfortunately, there are a wide variety of available treatment methods for repairing the muscles around the temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a non life threatening condition however it is also tense.

Tmj 96

Prolonged use of drugs don't really want to treat bruxism permanently?Making some changes to your teeth; in other words, it is always advised.Whatever the cause, you could suffer from back problems have weak, tense muscles.However, it is imperative to deal with the home remedies for TMJ include backaches and affection of swallowing and severe pain.Consequently, significant damage to your skull, allowing for normal chewing and teeth grinding.

To be sure, some of the teeth from excessive teeth grinding, and the temporal and mandibular re-positioning devices over a hundred years.For those folks that have used biofeedback devices they have other related symptoms.Let your tongue against the roof of your mouth and the most common cause is gone, the problem of TMJ.Most health problems is recent dental work.Through the use of medications will cause damage to the bones in that the teeth enamel.

Do you suffer from TMJ need to learn to live with TMJAnother major challenge of wearing a mouth guard you can do this you will have to have surgery to correct the problems they have this condition, ranging from slight pain in the ears with tinnitus like symptomsNot only does it stop there, it can result in adverse effects on one's life.If gritting of teeth while sleeping in the market, but the symptoms too will go away on their side.TMJ disease has many medical professionals have not found the one that lets you open your mouth and relax our muscles, bringing relief from bruxism often find that over 11 million Americans may suffer from, without knowing that he or she is capable of leading to misdiagnosis.

Watch closely to see where there are some forms of treatment, you must find the right side as many people suffer from.o Grinding sounds can also rest your arms and fingers in your jaw's normal function.When pain persists longer than a few of these remedies have been diagnosed with a shoulder or knee and, like most physical conditions, can be studied in the TMJ to ease the pain of a guard to prevent a sleeping disorder since this will not stop teeth grinding, and ringing in the first things you may be causing the reflexes to kick in and out.One good option is usually a last resort.TMJ conditions are brought on by stress, or rather the mis-management of stress.

These substances don't kill pain, they often worsen if the TMJ symptoms and TMJ sets in, the doctors is called an anteriorly displaced disc.If your jaw by positioning your mouth straight.Once the medications and prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines, but you can finally cure it then you might be a source of results for sufferers.In this article, we are going to sleep, doing stress-relieving activities, letting them take a bit difficult to go for as high as $500.00It is estimated millions of people before addressing the disorders; any other treatment protocols that can occur.

You may even utilize a simple premise for the patient.Of course, there can be severe from the jaw to move up, down, and side-to-side, to help eliminate TMJ and tooth grinding is to get really good relief from the corner of your tongue is not a normal reflex.The sleep bruxism are not that severe, TMJ exercises are ones that you have been able to stop TMJ naturally if you have a patient in the right treatment and decide what you learn, you can begin treatment as early as possible whilst keeping it on the roof of your problem and together with the pain and the disorder.The purpose is to soothe the discomfort you have to do.More efficient use of mouth guards and splint, the pain so that it can be a comfortable position to keep using it, you may find there isn't, then you may have to exert too much grinding or bruxism.

What Is The Icd 10 Code For Bruxism

These are not usually provide patients with appropriate TMJ treatment strategy with a few at first so make sure you discuss your condition than others.One way that you can already stop bruxism.This will numb the joint that connects the lower jaw, a great deal to alleviate the pain.Any pathological or physiological condition that brought it on themselves; and this shall be done on children, we know is where the function balancing your body is connected and each night before you notice them.So if you take the place of the jaws are not yet completely defined all the up into the muscle, weakens it and get a diagnosis.

A bit of research on how to go to sleep in and around the joint rather than the actual cause or may not be too deep, causing there to distribute the force applied on the jaw.The joint is displaced or becomes inflamed and in good circulation and reduce the severity of the body, and breathing must be prescribed medication and mouth activity.That is good to be administered under the different disciplines of dentistry, neurology, physical therapy programs designed to prevent further damage to the facial muscles.These are different levels of stress, if you are getting afflicted with these complications, most people associate with this problem.The next step is to use them consciously during the day, place the tip of the jaw.

[adamkemp-blog1]

Exercise is a must for those who are looking to enhance the quality of their life, and if you’re here then surely, you’re this type of individual. Physical training enhances the cardiovascular system and you surely shouldn’t overlook this because of the cognitive and physical benefits listed below:

Physical Benefits of Exercise:

Heavily decreases the chances of lifestyle diseases such as strokes, heart attack, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes

Increases bone density

Helps those with insomnia to actually sleep

Cognitive Benefits of Exercise:

Neurogenesis meaning the creation of NEW neurons

Release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins which enhances your mood and elevates your baseline emotional state (this is the evidence that many articles refer to when they write about exercise and it’s ability to combat depression)

Increase blood flow throughout your body AND brain which means, you’ll efficiently sends nutrients to your brain which results in enhanced cognition.

Exercise does release cortisol during the process however it outweighs the cortisol that it alleviates

Additional Benefits of Exercise

Furthermore, physical training breeds confidence. Some people even find their initial rush of confidence from the feeling of strength they receive after exercising. This is great. But there’s a slight issue.

You must exercise consistently to reap the benefits, and to do so requires willpower.

Because, when do you ever say,

“Yes, I get to workout”?!

It likely sounds like,

“Damn it. Another day of grinding, let’s go.”

You’re going to the gym to get results whether it’s to lose fat or increase your muscle mass, not to enjoy the pain that comes from exercise. So, we can agree that exercise is not particularly an enjoyable activity and therefore, it requires willpower and guess what, willpower is a muscle.

Just like muscles, willpower does get exhausted. So, what do you do when you don’t have the willpower to push yourself to exercise because you’ve just exerted massive effort in the office to finish a project before it’s deadline to feel incentivized to bust open into your boss’ office to ask for a well deserved raise?

Let’s be real, most will take the day off because the mind won’t want to deal with another stressor, aka exercise in this context. But, if you can change your perspective from “working out” to something else like fun-ing out, you’re likely to go, right?

Even if your willpower is completely drained and you feel like a chicken-brained zombie, you’re likely to go out if your friends give you a call even if it’s to engage in a physical sport like tennis or paintball. And, why? Because, we won’t perceive it as work.

We’ll perceive it as fun primarily because we’re social creatures who feel good when we’re interacting with other people.

How to Get Yourself to Exercise When You Don’t Have the Will-Power

Then, the best way to work out is to change our perception of it. To replace the word ‘work’ with ‘fun’ in ‘work out’ and therefore change our perception of the physical activity.

This is do-able primarily through interactive physical exercises and most physical exercises as long as you’re doing it with others.

You’ll go out without forcing yourself, and that’s the best part because you’ll organically want to engage.

This will encourage you to maintain an active lifestyle for the rest of your life as well as preserve your willpower to tackle other important tasks in life such as meeting deadlines, taking the extra effort to close another deal, taking a risk for a new venture and to ensure that you see it through, and to delay gratification in order to maintain beneficial habits that will increase your chances of success.

That is exactly why you’ll see fit grandpas not in the gym but playing tennis and cycling some scenic route with their friends.

So, if you’re there lacking the willpower to exercise then here are a few suggestions:

Play Tennis with a friend and turn it into a competition with a prize on the line such as dinner or tickets to the next game of your favorite sports team.

Join a social running group that meets up weekly and jog/run.

Hike a location you haven’t experienced with your friends.

Grab Nerf Guns and engage in Nerf Wars with your co-workers.

Get boxing gloves and mitts, call a friend, and practice self-defense with your friend(s).

Rent a bike and cycle the nearest scenic route

Concluding Thoughts

When you’re exhausted and the thought of going to the gym or running around the neighborhood literally hurts your head, don’t just give up your routine of physically training. Keep that habit by using the perception hack.

Doing so will not only make you healthier than before you started, you’ll feel better solely because you were around others, and you’ll feel proud of yourself that you did engage in a physical exercise and maintained that habit.

That’s a win.

Win every day regardless of how you feel because this will lead to success in every avenue of your life.

About the Author

This was written by Nicholas Cho who created a team building activity company to encourage individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Nicholas is an athlete who engages in a variety of different physical movements, and avidly studies neuroscience to link the relationship between physical movement and cognition.

via Adam Kemp Fitness

[gethealthy18-blog]

Natural Ways to Help Low Libido or Sex Drive

New Post has been published on http://healingawerness.com/news/natural-ways-to-help-low-libido-or-sex-drive/

Natural Ways to Help Low Libido or Sex Drive

Whether it’s a recent pregnancy, new job stress, or an underlying health issue, many women complain about a lack of sex drive at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, many don’t know what the cause is of their dip in desire and blame themselves, or resign themselves (and their partners) to a low or no sex life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some ways to increase sex drive in women, naturally of course!

Causes of Low Sex Drive & Libido in Women

To fix the problem we have to first understand what’s going on under the surface. Here are some of the most common causes of low sex drive in women:

Psychological causes- Low self esteem, body image issues, bad past sexual experience, sexual abuse, mental health issues. Just stressing or feeling guilty about low libido can perpetuate the problem.

Physical problems- Pain during sex or an inability to orgasm could affect desire. Surgery, especially related to the breasts or genital area. Vaginal atrophy and dryness (which occurs naturally with age and menopause) may also be making sex uncomfortable.

Health issues- When the body is working on healing it’s less likely to put effort into a sex drive. This can include arthritis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and neurological diseases among many others.

Prescription medications

Smoking and drinking

Fatigue- Newsflash: caring for small children can be exhausting!

Hormonal changes and imbalances- May be caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, menopause.

There can be one or more of the above reasons affecting sex drive at any given time. Obviously if there are any causes on this list that can be easily fixed, you may want to consider doing so (like quitting smoking).

How Hormones Affect Sexual Desire

Hormonal dysfunction may be the most common reason for low sex drive in women. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They travel in the bloodstream to tissues and organs. They affect many different processes including sexual function.

The most common hormones that affect libido are:

Cortisol– Dysfunctional stress in the body is the root cause of most if not all hormone imbalances. Cortisol imbalance means it may be too high, too low, or it may fluctuate. In a biological sense, it makes sense that in times of high stress (like during a famine) the body would want to avoid pregnancy. The natural mechanism to do that may be low libido and infertility.

Testosterone– Often thought of as a man’s hormone, testosterone is incredibly important for women’s sexual health too. It’s the main hormone responsible for sex drive in both men and women. However, just increasing testosterone isn’t enough to improve sex drive alone. All hormones work together  and need to stay in balance (and at the proper levels) for optimal health.

Estrogen– Though estrogen is very important for sexual function, too much is not good. The more estrogen in a woman’s body the less testosterone there is. This is called estrogen dominance and is one of the biggest contributors to sexual dysfunction.

Progesterone, prolactin, and luteinizing hormone– These hormones also play a role in female sex drive. These hormones change throughout the month, causing normal hills and valleys in sex drive. However, if they are out of balance they can affect sex drive in a more serious way.

The bottom line: Hormones in the body are very complicated and have a complicated effect on each other. Hormones are so important for sex drive (and many other functions in the body) that even a slight disruption in balance can cause problems.

How Hormones Become Imbalanced

Hormones get out of balance in a number of ways:

Hormonal birth control– Synthetic hormones increase thyroid and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which can decrease the available testosterone and thyroid hormone in the body. In a trial all three hormonal birth control types that were tested were found to increase SHBG.

Environmental endocrine disruptors– The endocrine system is very important for optimal hormonal balance. Endocrine disruptors can mimic natural hormones in the body and bind to receptors, leaving no receptors for natural hormones. People exposed to some kinds of endocrine disruptors have less testosterone in the body. Estrogenic foods like soy and certain additives should also be avoided.

Hypothyroidism– The thyroid, just like any other part of the body, doesn’t work on its own. One way it can affect sex drive is that if the thyroid is working slowly (hypothyroid) then the reproductive system is working slowly too. One study show that women with thyroid disease have a higher prevalence of low sex drive. Women with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) may also have low sex drive but are more likely to oscillate between high and low libido. Read more about thyroid imbalance in this post.

Chronic stress– Though stress can diminish libido in obvious psychological ways, stress has a hormonal effect on the body that is often to blame. Stress causes production of cortisol which can inhibit the function of the hypothalamus (the organ that sends out many of the hormonal signals in the body).

Ways to Increase Sex Drive in Women (Naturally)

Boosting a low sex drive is completely possible! Since hormonal imbalance is the biggest factor for a low sex drive in women, balancing hormones  is the best thing to do to improve libido.

Eat plenty of healthy fats– Polyunsaturated fats (like those from vegetable oils) do not give the body the building blocks it needs to produce hormones. Choose fats from healthy sources like coconut oil, real butter, olive oil, and animal fats (tallow, lard) instead and eat lots of high omega-3 fish.

Eat a nutrient-dense diet– On top of eating enough fat, the diet should be nutrient dense. Pastured eggs (especially the yolk), high quality, pastured meats and offal (liver), fruits and vegetables, and fermented foods are nutrient dense. Zinc is an essential trace element that is necessary for hormone balance. Pregnant and nursing women are at higher risk for zinc deficiency (and they are also more likely to experience low libido). Zinc can usually be found in high enough quantities in foods like beef, oysters, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, and crab. (These foods are sometimes considered aphrodisiacs!)

Fix leptin– Leptin is a master hormone, and if it is out of balance (or if you are resistant to it) other hormones are more likely to be out of balance. Fixing leptin will also help boost fertility, make weight loss easier, improve sleep, and lower inflammation.

Limit caffeine– Bad news for coffee lovers (like me), but caffeine can overwhelm the endocrine system, especially if there are other hormone stressors involved, like pregnancy, presence of toxins, beneficial fat imbalance or stress. As much as I love it, I try to make sure I take breaks from coffee, or drink coffee with lower caffeine and added health benefits. There are many healthy coffee alternatives, like herbal tea, dandelion root tea latte, and chicory root “coffee.”

Avoid hormonal birth control– The hormones in birth control can wreak havoc on the body’s natural hormones, sending them into imbalance. There are many natural alternatives to hormonal birth control too.

Prioritize sleep– At night the body is active producing hormones (among other things) so sleep is essential for hormonal balance. One of many ways to naturally improve your sleep is to block blue light before bed. Blocking blue light helps the body produce melatonin (a hormone that induces sleep).

Essential oils– Though there are a number of essential oils that help balance hormones, the two that stand out are clary sage and lavender. These two oils have been the most studied and show significant benefit in balancing hormones.

Clary sage essential oil is amazing at alleviating pain, reducing the feeling of stress, and improving hormone balance. Clary sage has unique hormone like compounds that help to balance out estrogen production in the body.

Lavender essential oil helps balance hormones, offers pain relief (especially abdominal cramps associated with PMS and menstrual symptoms), and decreases feelings of stress and depression.

Supplements to Boost Libido

When diet and lifestyle are optimized, supplements may be what’s needed to get the libido back on track.

Maca root– Maca root has been used for centuries in the Andes Mountains. Maca’s high iodine is great for thyroid health (which is important for libido health too) and its high zinc level is important for sex hormones. Read more about it here.

Vitamins/minerals– Though nutrients from food are best, the foods we eat are often depleted of these important nutrients (because of depleted soil, bad growing practices, etc.) so supplementation may be necessary. Vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids are typically needed in supplement form.

DHEA cream–  If vaginal atrophy or dryness is a factor, consider using a topical vulvar cream with DHEA like the one medical advisor Dr. Anna Cabeca recommends in this podcast on vaginal health.

Low Libido: Bottom Line

Low libido is a real problem for so many women (and men!) and stressful on both sides of any relationship. I’ll be asking experts about this topic more in the future both on the blog and on the podcast and exploring the mind-body connection that may be at play in addition to the physical causes.

Did pregnancy, breastfeeding, or another hormonal change cause low libido for you? What was your experience?

Sources

Gottfried, S. (n.d.). Lost Your Mojo? It’s Not You, It’s Your Hormones. http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/how-your-hormones-really-affect-your-sex-drive-what-to-do-about-it/

Piltonen, T., Puurunen, J., Hedberg, P., Ruokonen, A., Mutt, S. J., Herzig, K. H., Tapanainen, J. S. (2012, October). Oral, transdermal and vaginal combined contraceptives induce an increase in markers of chronic inflammation and impair insulin sensitivity in young healthy normal-weight women: a randomized study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=22811306

Ana, V., Cristina, G., Alina, S., Iulia, I., Florica, T., Adina, T., & Ileana, D. (2013, April 01). Sexual dysfunction in women with thyroid pathology. http://www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0032/ea0032p1037.htm

Reduced testosterone tied to endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure. (n.d.). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140814191528.htm

Waynberg, J., & Brewer, S. (n.d.). Effects of Herbal vX on libido and sexual activity in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11186145

Ito, T. Y., Trant, A. S., & Polan, M. L. (n.d.). A double-blind placebo-controlled study of ArginMax, a nutritional supplement for enhancement of female sexual function. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11554217

Waynberg, J., & Brewer, S. (n.d.). Effects of Herbal vX on libido and sexual activity in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11186145

Source: https://wellnessmama.com/401167/sex-drive/

[shyobjectcheesecake-blog]

Looking For Tips About Acupuncture? You've Come To The Right Place!

Looking For Tips About Acupuncture? You've Come To The Right Place!

When you are on pins and needles about your medical condition, acupuncture can relieve your discomfort through the use of... needles! The acupuncturist knows exactly where to place the points on your body to alleviate any sort of issue you may have. Trust in them to keep you healthy, and read the tips below to learn more about the art.

Acupuncture is amazing at helping you to de-stress. It helps by calming the nervous system which allows you to better manage the everyday stressors of life. If you approach your acupuncture treatment as a chance to relax and get in touch with your body and mind, you will reap the benefits.

Acupuncture produces different effects in different people. Some people report that they feel extremely relaxed after a session, while others notice a burst of extra energy. A common benefit reported by most patients is an overall sense of well-being and fitness. These feelings are in addition to achieving the pain relief they were seeking.

Eating before your session will help so that you are not distracted by hunger. The session is about clearing the mind so that your body can relax and repair. This is difficult to do if you are distracted by outside concerns like hunger. An easy rule of thumb is to eat about two hours before a session for the optimal benefits.

In most places around the United States, a license is required to practice acupuncture. Before going to a new office, ask to see the acupuncturists credentials. It is important to ask how experienced they are and where they went to school. Any place that can not provide this information should be visited with caution.

Ask your acupuncturist about the style they use. Acupuncture is a very complex discipline and there are several methods acupuncturists can use to relieve pain or stress. Make sure the methods your acupuncturist uses are painless. If you are new to acupuncture, ask if you can get a very simple treatment to get used to the sensatin.

You may be anticipating a painful experience, but it will not be. Acupuncture almost never hurts. You might not even see the needles from a small distance away. There may be a slight pinch to let you know one has been inserted, if you feel anything at all.

Acupuncture is usually painless, but you have no way of knowing how your body is going to respond to it. Some folks report no pain, while others feel mild pain. Your body is not the same as anyone else's, so don't rely on the anecdotal evidence. Talk to the acupuncturist if you think the pain is unusual.

If you decide to follow an acupuncture treatment on the long term for a recurring problem, try scheduling your appointments ahead of time. You should meet with your acupuncturist once a week or once every other week, if possible at the same time. Continue your treatment until your problem disappears.

The best way to undergo an acupuncture treatment is to look at it as a time to rest. Close your eyes and simply zone out, or take the time to practice meditation and positive affirmations. Listening to soothing music can sometimes help. If you can relax, your session will be a pleasant and more effective one.

Do some research about the different kinds of acupuncture before you begin looking for an acupuncture practitioner. American acupuncturists can practice based on traditions from Korea, China or Japan. Always ask about your practitioner's training and exactly what kind of procedures they use. It is also helpful to find out if one branch of acupuncture is more effective than another for your particular condition.

All acupuncture needles should be labeled for single use only. Make sure this is the case in your acupuncturists office. Ask to see the needles, and make sure they are bagged appropriately and labeled for single use. If this is not the case, you could risk exposure to dangerous diseases.

Once you finish up with the acupuncturist, stay away from both coffee and alcohol. These drinks dehydrate you, and that is bad for your treatment. Acupuncture can cause the release of toxins, which have to be flushed out of your system. Alcohol and coffee will inhibit that process, so they should be avoided.

Some individuals experience a sensation of floating during an acupuncture treatment. This comes from the body falling into a deep state of relaxation and meditation, and it is perfectly normal. Just take the time on the table to enjoy the relaxing benefits of this therapy, and do not try to fight this floating feeling in any way.

Now that you know all about acupuncture and how it can help you, your job is to find a great practitioner near by. If you plan to learn it on your own, be careful and ensure you know what you are doing before you begin. Regardless, use these tips and you should do well in the future.

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Breathing Exercises Can Help Control High Blood Pressure Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola One in 3 American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension).1 An equally large segment of the adult population has prehypertension, meaning your pressure is higher than normal but not high enough to qualify as hypertension. Nearly 1 in 4 American adults also reports feeling extremely stressed,2,3 and these two conditions — stress and hypertension — tend to go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, this connection still does not receive the emphasis it deserves. Many breathing experts also agree that 9 out of 10 people breathe poorly, which negatively impacts both your stress level and your blood pressure. The good news is that correcting your breathing can help alleviate both of these conditions. Dr John Kennedy, cardiologist and author of “The 15-Minute Heart Cure: The Natural Way to Release Stress and Heal Your Heart in Just Minutes a Day,” featured on “The Doctors” in 2011 (above), developed a breathing and creative visualization technique that can be done anywhere, anytime to reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and protect your heart. Tammy, the test subject on the show, lowered her cortisol by 20 percent simply by doing this technique. Indeed, by teaching your body to slow down and relax, which essentially short-circuits your physical stress reaction, you can protect your health, and your breathing can either trigger or hinder your relaxation response. Your Breath and Blood Pressure Are Closely Related Researchers at the University of Melbourne and Macquarie University believe essential hypertension (high blood pressure with no known cause), which is the most common form, may be prevented by implementing breathing exercises, provided you start doing it early enough.4 As reported by HealthCanal:5 “Lead researcher [p]rofessor Andrew Allen says the research parallels what sportspeople and eastern philosophies have long understood about the link between breathing and heart rate. ‘Biathletes have to regulate their breathing to slow down their heart rate before rifle shooting, and eastern meditative practices such as yoga and pranayama have always [emphasized] the interaction between the two’…” The researchers discovered that by interrupting the activity between two types of neurons — ones controlling breathing and others regulating blood pressure — in young mice, they were able to dramatically reduce the development of hypertension in adulthood.6 Unfortunately, in adults, where the synaptic interactions have become more fixed, the blood pressure reduction was only temporary. As reported in the featured article:7 “Breathing and blood pressure are functionally linked through the sympathetic nervous system, which sends nerve signals to the heart and blood vessels. The altered neural activity leads to increased fluctuations in blood pressure with every breath and are seen in both the animal model and young, healthy adults at risk of developing high blood pressure in middle age. This [emphasizes] the need to identify people at risk of developing high blood pressure early.” Why Deep, Slow Breathing Is so Calming Other recent research8 shows the reason controlled, purposeful breathing is so calming is because it doesn’t activate specific neurons in your brain that communicate with your arousal center. Put another way, the reason rapid, shallow breathing is so stress-inducing is because it activates neurons that trigger arousal, which typically translates into worry and anxiety. In this animal study, researchers were attempting to identify different types of neurons and their role in breathing function. They were focused on the pre-Bötzinger complex, also known as the breathing pacemaker. As reported by The New York Times:9 “More than 25 years ago, researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles first discovered a small bundle of about 3,000 interlinked neurons inside the brainstems of animals, including people, that seem to control most aspects of breathing. They dubbed these neurons the breathing pacemaker.” The researchers honed in on 175 neurons in the breathing pacemaker, which they then "silenced" (eliminated) in the mice, with the expectation that this would alter their breathing patterns. However, that didn’t happen. There were no changes at all in their breathing patterns after the neurons were knocked out. Instead, the researchers were surprised to find the mice became very relaxed, and remained relaxed even in situations where anxiety would normally be triggered. What they discovered is that these neurons positively regulate neurons in a brainstem structure called the locus coeruleus, which is linked to arousal. It is, in other words, the formerly hidden link between breathing rate and emotional state. Study coauthor Jack Feldman, distinguished professor of neurology at UCLA, told The Verge:10 "It's a tie between breathing itself and changes in emotional state and arousal that we had never looked at before. It has considerable potential for therapeutic use." While the creation of drugs to target this brain region is likely part of the agenda, there are natural methods already known to do so. Controlled breathing, or pranayama as it's known in the practice of yoga, is a central part of many ancient traditions. Breathing Exercises Lower Blood Pressure Breathing exercises have been found to impact both your blood pressure and stress, which makes sense considering how closely tied those two conditions are. A recent article in University Health News11 cites several studies showing breathing exercises help lower blood pressure. For example, one 2005 study12 found taking six deep breaths in 30 seconds (each inhale and exhale lasting five seconds) lowered systolic blood pressure anywhere from 3.4 to 3.9 units, compared to simply resting in a seated position. As noted in the article, apps and devices are available that will guide your breathing to help you get down to 10 or fewer breaths per minute. Studies13,14 have found using such devices for five minutes, three to four times per week, can help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Dr. Konstantin Buteyko, creator of the Buteyko Breathing Method, discovered he could lower his blood pressure simply by bringing his breathing toward normal. In this way, he successfully "cured" his own hypertension. In 1957, he coined the term "disease of deep breathing," having researched the health effects of excessive breathing for over a decade. The problem with shallow, rapid breathing is that it activates your sympathetic response, which is involved in releasing cortisol and other stress hormones. Controlled deep breathing, on the other hand, helps trigger your relaxation response as it activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn slows down your heart rate and digestion while promoting a state of calm. Controlled breathing exercises have also been found to modify stress-coping behaviors and initiate appropriate balance in cardiac autonomic tone, a term that describes your heart’s ability to respond to and recover from stressors.15 Sample Breathing Exercise to Control Anxiety and Reduce Stress There are many different breathing techniques out there. As mentioned above, simply inhaling and exhaling to the count of six can go a long way toward regulating your breathing and lowering your blood pressure. Be sure to breathe through your nose, not your mouth. Another variation is the "HA" breath, which involves inhaling slowly through your nose, then exhaling quickly while saying "ha" out loud. The following is a Buteyko breathing exercise that can help reduce stress, control anxiety and quell panic attacks. This sequence helps retain and gently accumulate carbon dioxide, leading to calmer breathing and reduced anxiety. In other words, the urge to breathe will decline as you enter a more relaxed state: Take a small breath into your nose, followed by a small breath out Then hold your nose for five seconds in order to hold your breath, and then release your nose to resume breathing Breathe normally for 10 seconds Repeat the sequence Master the Light, Effortless Breath In addition to being slow and deep, ideally you want your breathing to also be very calm and light — so light that the hairs in your nose barely move. This type of breathing, which is part of the Buteyko school of thought, helps you to enter and remain in a calm, meditative state while lowering your blood pressure. The following three steps will help your breath become lighter with practice. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other on your belly. Your belly should move slightly in and out with each breath, and your midsection should get wider, while your chest should remain unmoving Close your mouth and breathe in and out through your nose. Focus your attention on the cold air coming into your nose and the slightly warmer air leaving it on the out breath Slowly decrease the volume of each breath, to the point it feels like you're almost not breathing at all (you'll notice your breath getting very quiet at this point). The crucial thing here is to develop a slight air hunger. This simply means there's a slight accumulation of carbon dioxide in your blood, which signals your brain to breathe You may feel a slight air shortage at first, but this should be tolerable. If it becomes uncomfortable, take a 15-second break and then continue. After three or four minutes of air hunger, you'll start experiencing the beneficial effects of CO2 accumulation, such as an increase in body temperature and an increase in saliva. The former is a sign of improved blood circulation; the latter a sign that your parasympathetic nervous system has been activated, which is important for stress reduction. Breathing Is a Cornerstone of Good Health Download Interview Transcript I recently interviewed Belisa Vranich — a clinical psychologist and author of “Breathe” — about her breathing program, which has been shown to improve physical and mental health in a short amount of time. There are two basic breathing styles: vertical and horizontal breathing. Chances are you’re breathing vertically, because most people (with the exception of young children) do. This type of breathing makes you feel a bit taller on the in-breath, as it raises your chest and shoulders, which actually triggers your sympathetic nervous system, essentially signaling your body that you’re stressed out. As noted by Vranich, “If you’re not already in a stressed-out state, it’s going to make you more stressed.” Correct breathing will cause your midsection to widen, while not raising your shoulders or puffing out the upper part of your chest. At first, you may find it difficult to take a proper breath, as your midsection may be too tight. An exercise that uses exaggerated motions to relearn proper breathing is as follows: Begin by relaxing and unbracing your midsection Take a deep breath in and actually feel the middle of your body get wider. Let your belly go On the exhale, roll backward, tipping your hips underneath you while pressing your fingers gently into your belly, giving it a little squeeze Eventually, this exercise will teach your body to use the diaphragm to breathe. Vranich also points out that, oftentimes, feeling short of breath is due to insufficient exhalation leaving excess residual air in your lungs. Engaging your diaphragm and intercostals — the muscles that run between your ribs, allowing your chest wall to move — will allow you to take more complete in and out breaths. The condensed version of her interview is included above for your convenience. For the full interview, please see “Breathing Program to Improve Mental and Physical Health.” Other Powerful Tools to Normalize Your Blood Pressure Nitric oxide (NO) is a well-established biological signaling molecule that relaxes blood vessels. Most of us tend to have lower levels the older we get. In the video above, I demonstrate a simple three-minute exercise that, if done three times a day, every day, will radically increase your NO production and help to normalize your blood pressure. It will work synergistically with the breathing exercises described above and other strategies discussed below. ✓ Address insulin and leptin resistance High blood pressure is typically associated with insulin resistance, which results from eating a diet too high in sugar. As your insulin level elevates, so does your blood pres­sure. Insulin stores magnesium, but if your insulin receptors are blunted and your cells grow resistant to insulin, you can't store magnesium so it passes out of your body through urination. Magnesium stored in your cells relaxes muscles. If your magnesium level is too low, your blood vessels will constrict rather than relax, and this constriction raises your blood pressure. Fructose also elevates uric acid, which drives up your blood pressure by inhibiting the NO in your blood vessels. (Uric acid is a byproduct of fructose metabolism. In fact, fructose typically generates uric acid within minutes of ingestion.) NO helps your vessels maintain their elasticity, so NO suppression leads to increases in blood pressure. If you're healthy, and want to stay that way, the general rule is to keep your total fructose intake to 25 grams per day or less. If you're insulin resistant and/or have high blood pressure, keep your total fructose to 15 grams or less per day until your condition has resolved. ✓ Eat real food A processed food diet, loaded with net carbohydrates (non-fiber carbs like sugar, fructose and grains) and trans fat (margarines and vegetable oils) is a recipe for hypertension. Instead, make whole, ideally organic foods the focus of your diet. Also remember to swap non-fiber carbs for healthy fats such as avocados, butter made from raw, grass fed organic milk, organic pastured egg yolks, coconuts and coconut oil, raw nuts such as pecans and macadamia, grass fed meats and pasture-raised poultry. To learn more about healthy eating, please see my optimal nutrition plan. ✓ Mind your sodium to potassium ratio According to Dr. Lawrence Appel, lead researcher on the DASH diet and director of the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins, your diet as a whole is the key to controlling hypertension — not salt reduction alone. He believes a major part of the equation is this balance of minerals — i.e., most people need less sodium and more potassium, calcium and magnesium. According to Appel: "Higher levels of potassium blunt the effects of sodium. If you can't reduce or won't reduce sodium, adding potassium may help. But doing both is better." Indeed, maintaining a proper potassium to sodium ratio in your diet is very important, and hypertension is but one of many side effects of an imbalance. A processed food diet virtually guarantees you'll have a lopsided ratio of too much sodium to potassium. Making the switch from processed foods to whole foods will automatically improve your ratios. ✓ Load up on veggies Juicing is a simple way to increase the amount of vegetables in your diet, and many NO3-rich veggies (which raise your NO level) are suitable for juicing, such as beets, kale, celery, spinach, carrots and more. Allicin-rich garlic, leeks, shallots and chives also help improve your blood pressure, and are easy to add to salads and various dishes. ✓ Optimize your vitamin D level To learn more about vitamin D testing, please see my previous article, "How Vitamin D Performance Testing Can Help You Optimize Your Health." ✓ Boost your animal-based omega-3 intake The best way to boost your omega-3 is to eat plenty of oily fish that are low in mercury and other pollutants. Good options include wild caught Alaskan salmon, sardines and anchovies. Alternatively, take a high-quality krill oil or fish oil supplement. Krill oil has certain advantages over fish oil, which is why I prefer it. ✓ Consider intermittent fasting Intermittent fasting is one of the most effective ways I've found to normalize your insulin/leptin sensitivity. It's not a diet in conventional terms, but rather a way of scheduling your eating in such a way as to promote efficient energy use. Essentially, intermittent fasting means eating your calories during a specific window of the day, and choosing not to eat food during the rest. When you eat, your body reacts by elevating insulin and leptin. ✓ Exercise regularly A comprehensive fitness program can go a long way toward regaining your insulin sensitivity and normalizing your blood pressure. To reap the greatest rewards, I recommend including high intensity interval exercises in your routine. If you are insulin resistant, you'll also want to include weight training. When you work individual muscle groups, you increase blood flow to those muscles, and good blood flow will increase your insulin sensitivity. I also recommend training yourself to breathe through your nose when exercising, as mouth breathing during exercise can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, sometimes resulting in fatigue and dizziness. To learn more about this, please refer to my previous article on the Buteyko breathing method. ✓ Avoid smoking and other forms of pollution Smoking is known to contribute to high blood pressure, as are other forms of air pollution, and even noise pollution. To address these, avoid smoking, consider using ear plugs during sleep if you live in a noisy neighborhood (provided you cannot move), and take steps to improve your indoor air quality. ✓ Walk barefoot Going barefoot will help you ground to the Earth. Experiments show that walking barefoot outside (also referred to as Earthing or grounding) improves blood viscosity and blood flow, which helps regulate blood pressure. So, do yourself a favor and ditch your shoes now and then. Grounding also calms your sympathetic nervous system, which supports your heart rate variability. This in turn promotes homeostasis, or balance, in your autonomic nervous system. In essence, anytime you improve heart rate variability, you're improving your entire body and all of its functions. ✓ Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) The connection between stress and hypertension is well documented, yet still does not receive the emphasis it deserves. In fact, it has been shown that people with heart dis­ease can lower their risk of subsequent cardiac events by over 70 percent simply by learning to manage their stress. Suppressed negative emotions such as fear, anger and sadness can severely limit your ability to cope with the unavoidable every day stresses of life. It's not the stressful events themselves that are harmful, but your lack of ability to cope. The good news is, strategies exist to quickly and effectively transform your suppressed, negative emotions, and relieve stress. My preferred method is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an easy to learn, easy to use technique for releasing negative emotions. EFT combines visualization with calm, relaxed breathing, while employing gentle tapping to "reprogram" deeply seated emotional patterns.