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You can indulge when you are expecting!

Sex-During-Pregnancy

Isn’t it is exciting to create something wonderful which is a part of you and your partner! Yes, I am talking about a baby here!. However, the 9 months are full of challenges for the mother and the father, physical intimacy being a major concern. In this article, I am trying to address the common concerns of sex during pregnancy, its benefits and when to abstain!

The roller coaster hormonal ride, change in the taste buds, fatigue, weakness and mood swings are just a few reasons which put women off their sex drive especially in the first trimester. Many women might also experience an increase in libido during pregnancy! Check, which side of the coin does your loved one fall on and indulge!

If you are an expectant mother, you will notice an increased blood flow to the pelvic area and engorgement of the genitals. It might be accompanied by sore and tender breasts which results in a heightened sensation. You might enjoy it or be put off. Communicate with your loved one and let him know.

Boys and girls, pregnancy is also the time for you to bond. So if you are up for it, go for it! As far as your baby is concerned, be rest assured he/she is safe in amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus. The mucus plug at the cervix prevents infections from entering the womb. Your baby, on the other hand, does not care what you do and neither does it know. In fact, you might experience some happy kicks once you are done!

Hitting the big ‘O’ during pregnancy is safe if you have a normal & low-risk pregnancy and cannot start labour or cause a miscarriage. Mild uterine contractions post an orgasm (or during nipple stimulation and the prostaglandins in semen) are harmless. Even if your climax is particularly intense these contractions aren’t harmful — they’re not a sign of labour. So let loose, enjoy the pleasure you deserve!

However, ensure your partner is tested for infections before indulging! Because you’re better off safe than sorry (with or without a baby on the way).

When is it off limits!

  1. As a woman, when your body says “no”, please listen to it!. Respect yourself and your decision.
  2. Your practitioner might declare your pregnancy as high risk depending on your tests and restrict sex
  • If you’re experiencing signs of preterm labour or, if you have such a history
  • If you’ve been diagnosed with incompetent cervix or placenta previa
  • If you’re experiencing vaginal bleeding or if you have a history of miscarriages

If you are restricted from being intimate, communicate with your partner to find ways to address the intimacy you’re both cravings. Focus on hand holding, cuddling, the old-fashioned making out… Your woman will love you for the support you give her during this time!

Ayurveda insists on listening to one’s body. Apart from this, sexual activity should be limited during the first trimester and post the 7th month since it is a delicate time. Also, at all times one should avoid compression of the abdomen.

While making love is beneficial, it is also beneficial during pregnancy if your practitioner has not advised otherwise.

1. Making love restores the functioning of the body with the release of certain hormones and ensures proper circulation. This means the fetus receives an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients when in the womb that aids growth and development.

2. If you are making love regularly during pregnancy, it can help keep your pelvic floor muscles toned and strong to help you deal with the arduous phase of labour. Don’t give your exercise a miss though!

3. Making love increases the level of IgA antibodies in the body that boost immunity during pregnancy.

4. It leads to release of endorphins in the body that makes both the mother and the baby happier by reducing levels of stress. Sex also increases production of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for attachment and love.

5. Better sex, better bonding and a surge in endorphins help an expectant mother to sleep better, fight fatigue and other nagging symptoms of pregnancy.

6. It helps keep pre-eclampsia at bay because man’s sperm has a special protein called HLA-G that helps regulate body s immune system and lowers blood pressure levels in a woman during pregnancy.

While you can try any position during your pregnancy, here are a few positions you might find comfortable instead of the common missionary.

position 1

 

position 2

 

position 3

 

position 4

 

position 5

So guys and girls, keep the myths at bay enjoy this special period with your special one!

 

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Health benefits of Blowing a conch

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When I was growing up, I used to frequently visit my maternal grandparents’ in Chandigarh. My grandfather would begin his day daily with a prayer and this also included blowing the conch (Big Shell) with full strength thus generating a loud noise. According to Indian spiritual beliefs, the Conch is a very auspicious object which is blown before the commencement of any auspicious work.

Apart from its spiritual significance, did you know it’s useful for maintaining good health? Well, this is one of the reasons I learnt to blow the conch from my grandfather. It is also believed that when a Conch is blown, it radiates positive vibes and wards off negative energy in the environment.

I still remember that day when at the age of 70, my grandfather underwent a lung test at a medical institute, where he goes for his general he used to go for a general check-up. The doctor was amazed to find that his lungs were functioning at full capacity. The observations of the doctor had not only made grandpa go gaga but, the family felt proud of him too.

Blowing the conch is beneficial in many ways to our health. Mentioned in the Indian scriptures as a shell, it is used in medicines in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Many diseases like jaundice, skin ailments, bones, teeth, stomach issues get resolved by drinking the water kept overnight in the conch. It has Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Sulphur.

The scalar sound waves that are generated by blowing the conch balance the chakras in the body-(https://goqii.com/blog/the-seven-chakras-in-human-body-and-kundalini/). The vibrations it produces purify the air and is believed to destroy the disease-causing germs in the atmosphere.

When the Conch is blown, energy is emitted from it, which reduces the strength of distressing frequencies. The other benefit is that it helps to develop good lung capacity. It is one of my favourite breathing exercises after Pranayama.

It not only enables us to inhale a lot of air but also helps in contracting the muscles from the face to the foot. Blood gushes and improves circulation supplying oxygen to each cell of our body.

The blowing of the Conch works on the thyroid, muscles of the neck and the vocal cords too. Not only this. It helps children and adults with problems with speech.

However, there is a word of caution, before starting on this, make sure you get in touch with someone who is in practice. Lastly, check with your doctor if you have high blood pressure, Hernia, Glaucoma as this process can cause extra pressure on the organs.

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All you wanted to know about Premature ejaculation

It is a pity that the rate of separation amongst couples has increased due to sexual dissatisfaction. I recently got a call from a friend whose wife asked for separation on the basis of the husband’s inability of physical love.

Unfortunately, the stress of ‘sexual performance’ is mostly on men. And one of the common issues faced by men is pre-mature ejaculation. This common problem has a common solution- in one’s mind itself! Before we delve into that-

Pre mature ejaculation mostly happens due to the psychological factors. But, I am describing biological factors also for the readers benefit.

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Psychological Factors

  • Anxiety about intercourse,
  • Being in a situation in which you hurry towards a climax,
  • Cultural guilt related to sexual pleasure,
  • Erectile dysfunction,
  • New partner,
  • Problems or lack of understanding between you and your partner,
  • Long time since last ejaculation.
  • Injury or trauma.
  • Sexual abuse
  • Guilt
  • Depression Image 1
  • One or combination of factors 

Biological Factors

  • Long standing illness
  • Hormonal problems with the thyroid gland or abnormal levels of sexual hormones in the body,
  • Problems with neurotransmitters in the brain, which therefore fail to carry right signals to the pleasure centers of the brain,
  • Problems with the reflex mechanism of your ejaculatory system,
  • Infection in the urethra or prostate,
  • Damage to the nervous or sensory system due to either surgery or trauma.
  • Side effects of some drugs.
  • One or combination of factors

There are no physical or biological complications of premature ejaculation. However, it could strain your relationships. Many men also find it humiliating due to our social construct. Occasionally, premature ejaculation may cause fertility problems. If you have been ejaculating too often or too prematurely, your sperm count may be low. Ejaculating prematurely may also prevent fertilization from taking place.

What can you do?

Enjoy..it is sex not a race!Pre-mature ejaculation gets better on its own with time and experience.Relax! Look at intercourse as something pleasurable and not a trophy to be won! 

Talk it out- Talk to your partner about your anxieties if it helps. It is ok to be not comfortable and feel stressed. Talking might help you feel ‘lighter’.

You might wish to take therapy from a sex therapist who will undertake a physical examination, talk to you and your partner about your sexual life to understand the root of your sexual problems. You could be prescribed medications along with techniques to delay orgasms. While the therapy ensures that your sexual encounters are stress free, medications ensure that your hormonal levels are in check and that you are healthy enough to have normal, pleasurable intercourse. While antidepressants and topical anesthetics are used, none of these drugs are medically approved for specifically treating premature ejaculation.

Kick the stress out: One of the best ways is to be happy and stress free. Keep your “mind” in check. Relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing relieves stress and gradually it settles down anxiety of intercourse.

If you have a lot of stress or if you are depressed as well, your doctor may advise cognitive behavior therapy. This is a psychological treatment for you to be more open and less anxious about sex. Counseling and cognitive therapy is usually used in conjunction with drugs like antidepressants or mood enhancers. 

Try the “Start-Stop” Technique. This is by far the simplest technique and can be done alone or with a partner.The technique involves stimulating the penis and stopping just before you feel you are about to ejaculate. Stop the stimulation for 30-60 seconds and start again once you feel that you have regained control. Repeat this process 4-5 times, stopping and “resting” every time you feel that you are about to have an orgasm. Finally, let the ejaculation occur, so that you can identify the “point of no-return”

PE-Image 2

“Squeeze” Technique- works by squeezing the penis in the area between the shaft and the glans (for about 30 seconds), just before you are about to ejaculate. This stops the ejaculation, but may affect your erection, at least until you are stimulated again. You should then repeat this process 4-5 times until you decide not to delay orgasm anymore.To be effective, this method has to be used for several months and it requires great perseverance from the man and his partner.The idea behind the “squeeze” technique is that, after a while, you are able to recognize the “point of no return” and may be able to delay future ejaculations.

Ayurveda prescribes gentle message of the penis with 1 ounce of sesame oil, 5 to 10 drops of mustard oil 1 hour before intercourse. Wash it off thoroughly before intercourse.  You can also use medicated ghees like brahmi ghee, shatavari or ashwagandha ghee to message the pubic bone and the glans penis before making love.

Yoga Asanasas answers!

Matsayasan- Fish pose Helps improve posture, strengthens the upper back and back of the neck muscles, stimulates and stretches belly and front of the neck muscles.                                                         

 PE Image 3

 Vajrasan relieves stress and tones the body.

Vajrasana

Bow Pose stimulates the spine, expands the shoulders and chest, and strengthens the lower back, hip’s gluteus, hip flexors and hamstrings. It helps strengthen the low back musculature which plays an important role during intercourse. This pose can stimulate organs of the neck and tone the abdominal organs.

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Ustrasana- Camel Pose helps improve the posture, strengthens the back muscles and stretches the hip, groins, ankles, chest, abdomen and the entire front body.

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For optimal results take deep 5 breaths in each asana. These asanas are not only effective in premature ejaculation but are also known to increase the libido.

So friends, it will be great if you recognized that there are numerous reasons for premature ejaculation and the most common of these being the cluttered mind. The issue is over once you gain confidence. Hopefully the above given techniques will of help all those trying to find a solution to this problem.

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My Love for ‘Ghee’ and its 14 benefits

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Whenever I close my eyes and recollect my childhood or pregnancy happiness’ I feel that amazing smell of Ghee, the pure, unadulterated, smooth and delicious ghee or better known as Clarified butter largely made out of Cow’s milk.

I still remember my childhood days when my mom used to fry Luchis also called Poories–Indian fried Wheat bread in ghee and I simply relished it the divine smell of ghee. And I equally relish Indian sweets made in pure claified butter. Even our lentils used to be tempered with ghee, rotis with ghee spread on them, ghee with steaming hot rice, ghee to top the veggies, ghee ke laddoos……. the list is never ending.

I grew up having loads of clarified butter, but it’s only when I did my Masters in Food & nutrition that I got a clearer view on ghee or clarified butter and my love for it.

Being a Nutritionist & a mom of two young kids, I have always been posed with the question how is it that I give my kids food with so much ghee? Well the fact is that Ghee is safe to have and that it has several nutritional benefits

Before we come to the benefits let’s look at some facts and what science says

FACTS

Ayurveda says

Among the four kinds of fat namely Gritha (ghee), Taila (oil), Vasa (fat), Majja (bone marrow) Ayurveda considers GHEE as the best among these. According to Ayurveda, ghee made from cow’s milk promotes memory, intellect and digestion. It also promotes healing of wounds, keeps the skin lustrous and maintains immunity.

Science says 

Modern science has discovered that ghee is rich in antioxidants. The fats in ghee aid absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from other foods, strengthening the immune system. Ghee is also rich in butyric acid, a fatty acid with anti-viral properties, which is believed to prevent cancers and tumours.

Recent research has also detected presence of linoleic acid in ghee. Linoleic acid retards the growth of some cancers and protects us from heart disease. This acid is often lacking in a vegetarian diet.

According to B S Raheja, the ex-director of All India Institute of Diabetes, the present epidemics of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers is due to not including ghee in our diets.

Benefits of Ghee

  • Ghee is a source of beta carotene and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Beta carotene and vitamin E are vital antioxidants. Vitamin A is naturally present in ghee, which is lacking in other edible oils.
  • Ghee has no milk solids, lactose or sugars. These get separated out when the butter is made into ghee, so it’s good for lactose intolerant people too
  • Organic ghee has no additives, preservatives, oxidized cholesterol or trans-fatty acids that clog arteries.
  • Ghee is highly stable and does not go rancid even at room temperature.
  • Clarified butter has a very high smoke point than butter but lesser than oil—it does not burn at high cooking temperatures. So it’s always better to cook in ghee than butter as butter burns very easily
  • Ghee is primarily saturated fat. One tablespoon of ghee provides 14g of saturated fat, 28mg of cholesterol and roughly 120 calories.
  • Ghee is useful for both external and internal use. Because ghee helps to increase immunity, that subtle essence of tissue that is responsible for life, radiant health, vigour, longevity and overall well being.
  • Slows down ageing process by adding a minimum of ghee to your food everyday.
  • It also removes toxins from body & mind.
  • Ghee is beneficial in promoting growth and development in children. It also improves memory and concentration power.
  • Ghee has its healing properties. If used directly on cuts, wounds or burns, it has powerful healing action. It can be used to cure gangerine . ulcers etc.
  • Pure ghee has anti-oxidant properties which promotes healthy metabolism and aids weight loss(when used in a moderation)
  • Intake of Ghee reduces the cholesterol both in the serum & intestine by triggering an increased secretion of biliary lipids.
  • Ghee is good for nerves & brains. It helps control eye pressure and is beneficial to glaucoma patients.

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