Mind Openerz

Mind Openerz.

Marijuana: REM Sleep Cycles And PSTD

How is it that marijuana affects dreams – and can this somehow benefit post-traumatic stress disorder patients? Chances are if you to ask the nearest Stoner… if they are aware of dreaming, the answer will come back a resounding no. Yet if that same marijuana smoker were asked to stop smoking pot for 7 to 14 days, they would again find their slumber state rich with vivid dreams… sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Its one thing for the average pot head to make that observation after years of smoking, it’s another to try and find any psychological research based on scientific studies.

As sure as there is day and night… the human condition has grown dependent on a good restful night’s sleep. Unfortunatelywhen that sleep, and its four stages are interrupted for any reason, the outcomes can be less than desirable. The normal daily ebb and flow of sleep and slumber is called a circadian sleep rhythm. Many species aside from humans bow before the circadian sleep rhythm master: dogs, cats, rats and bats all must succumb to the powers of a restful night’s sleep, should they hope for a productive tomorrow.

While sleep appears to be a rather reflexive activity, at least to us, the mind utilizes this time to processes the day’s activities. In studies, sleep volunteers have been shown through the use of an electroencephalogram [EEG] — the different cycles of sleep which occurs on a nightly basis and how the depth of your sleep affects your next day’s productivity. As scientists have noted, each stage of sleep becomes increasingly deeper and sounder, and is repeated several times within an evening’s rest. When the sleeping volunteers were awoken during the REM section of their sleep cycle, all test subjects reported having vivid dreams.

So the obvious question becomes… If dreams only occur during REM sleep — and REM sleep is adversely affected by marijuana smoke, can smoking marijuana cure post-traumatic stress disorder?

There are many scientific research papers which point to use of marijuana’s cannabinoids as a potential memory suppressant in the treatment of PTSD, specifically with the THC cannabinoid. As scientist gaze into the future of PTSD and the THC compound found in cannabis. It is believed that THC may have the curing properties so desperately sought by those that suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder.

This is the report of an open label clinical trial to evaluate the effects of  Nabilone (a synthetic cannabinoid) , used on treatment-resistant nightmares in patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Charts of 47 patients diagnosed with PTSD and having continuing nightmares in spite of conventional antidepressants and hypnotics were reviewed after adjunctive treatment with nabilone was initiated. These patients had been referred to a psychiatric specialist outpatient clinic between 2004 and 2006. The majority of patients (72%) receiving nabilone experienced either cessation of nightmares or a significant reduction in nightmare intensity. Subjective improvement in sleep time, the quality of sleep, and the reduction of daytime flashbacks and nightsweats were also noted by some patients. The results of this study indicate the potential benefits of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, in patients with PTSD experiencing poor control of nightmares with standard pharmacotherapy.

With the mounting proof showing support for medical marijuana as a treatment for PTSD continues to grow, the Department of Veterans Affairs finally decided that the scientific evidence was too strong to ignore. And back in July, 2010, finally gave in to common sense and scientific evidence. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs then made clear that it would permit certain war veterans the use of medicinal pot so long as they lived in a medical marijuana state, had received a doctors recommendation to smoke medical marijuana and were currently enrolled in a state approved program.

While marijuana continues to be classified as a schedule 1 narcotic under federal law, the newly adopted guidelines will potentially allow for doctors at hospitals and clinics to utilize medicinal cannabis; bringing marijuana back into the pharmacopeia of – ‘pain treatment plans’ offered to the vets which suffer from PTSD and the nightmarish dreams which accompany them.

Source: Marijuana.com

Marijuana: REM Sleep Cycles And PSTD | Marijuana.com.

Two Good Reasons To Practice Tantra | OMTimes Magazine

By Chandi Devi

Tantra brings you playfulness and pleasure

Spirituality is taken very seriously and often seekers become rigid and serious instead of flexible and light-hearted. To embrace life, we need to, as Jesus said, become like children again. This is the virgin spirit of the goddess Kumari– the sweet innocence, the pure joy, expressing through the exuberance of life. We often suppress our childlike qualities of wonder and enthusiasm, and replace those feelings with complacency, boredom, suspicion, seriousness, skepticism and other emotions that stop the flow of joy.

Evoking feelings of happiness is something that we all have to work at. It’s not always automatic. We have to make a conscious effort to create, develop and maintain emotions that sustain our feelings of wellbeing at all times. And we must learn how to live in a perpetual state of loving awareness. This is a huge challenge at times, but no one else can do this for us. Since we create our own reality every moment of every day, we really have no choice.

Part of tantric work requires playfulness as we explore our sensuality through music, dance, movement, singing, art and sexuality. In fact, play and pleasure, as well as every other aspect of life, such as work, eating, lovemaking are regarded as opportunities for spiritual development.

The mind is a world of complex images and concepts, but the body’s world is one of sensation. So we can only experience pleasure through the senses. Our bodies want to feel pleasurable sensations constantly — touching, breathing deeply, dancing, looking with curiosity, walking rhythmically, and making love.

Tantra increases intuition and psychic abilities

Intuition has also been called insight, revelation, inspiration, direct apprehension, gut instinct, a flash, a hunch, a premonition, “Eureka” or “Aha,” a sixth sense, an inner voice, “vibes,” a feeling, “reading between the lines,” “red flags,” a “nagging” feeling, sensitivity, “ringing true,” “an educated guess,” “reading him (or her) like a book,” “inner radar,” “a light coming on,” preconscious concept formation, and ESP (or “being psychic,” although intuition is not truly a psychic phenomenon).

Intuition is a natural function which we all possess. It cannot be developed; it is already fully functioning and accurate, such that this part of us always knows everything which is affecting our lives or will affect our lives.

But a reliable sense of “knowing” is developed only when our minds are free from thought, for only through this inner silence can messages from our higher self-reach us.

Tantra work helps us maintain a type of inner silence and stillness even when we are busy. I call it “active body, still mind”.

Clairvoyance… clairaudience…clairsentience…the abilities to see, hear and feel through paranormal senses could become prominent, as well as the ability to heal, see, feel and manipulate energy.

Manifestation of thoughts may occur and with that comes the realization that one has to be very cognizant of his or her thoughts, feelings and actions. With power comes grave responsibility.

I might add that this phenomenon is not sought, it is earned. It is a gift.

Two Good Reasons To Practice Tantra | OMTimes Magazine.  

Cunnilingus is great for your health!

We women believe the same to be true when it comes to our lady parts. Happy wife = Happy life! Isn't that the age-old adage? Why yes it is.

Hard evidence:

It has been determined that prostate massage in men actually reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Could it not be just as important for women to know if draining the gspot could also provide health benefits? When the female prostate (gspot) has become enlarged or caused discomfort it is called female urethral diverticulum or female prostatitis. Many urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been incorrectly diagnosed and treated due to this disregard for the female prostate.

Even beyond the health aspects of female sexuality, women's sexual pleasure is important solely for the sake of itself. 

It is actually good for you much like the benefits of prostate massage for men. Because it cleanses the urethra it can also PREVENT UTI's (Urinary Tract Infections).

A beautiful man once wrote:

"Once you're properly positioned, there are a number of things you can do in order to rock her world."

How often do you go down on your partner before intercourse? And intercourse aside, how often do you engage in oral sex just for the sake of... oral sex? If the numbers are low, I have to say: You and are your partner are missing out. I mean, I know. It can be near-impossible to resist diving in to sexy time penis first. But an intense session of cunnilingus can definitely add something to your intimate life that neither of you are getting from the same old in-and-out. So what's the big deal? For one thing, giving her oral sex can be a great form of foreplay. Your partner may not have mentioned this to you, but women typically are not ready for intercourse after just one arm caress and a boob grope. They often prefer a warming-up period in order to become physically and psychologically aroused, which, in turn, makes it easier for them to experience pain-free sex and, perhaps, even reach orgasm(s). But oral sex doesn't even have to be used as foreplay. For a really intense sexual experience, try making cunnilingus the main event. In many cases, women orgasm more reliably from cunnilingus than they do from intercourse. But you have do it right. Giving her oral sex is not as simple as merely thrusting your tongue into her vagina and making it do the wiggle. Nay. Mind-blowing oral sex requires some actual technique. Mark Coriddi, author of The Mount Method: a Guide to Pleasuring Women, suggests first establishing a "mount." Nope. Not a "dismount" (though cunnilingus does require a bit of oral gymnastics). Achieving a mount means that your mouth and her pubic area come together in such a way as to maximize the pleasure she experiences during your mouthy ministrations. Both men and women have a mount. According to Coriddi, a man's mount is the area of his upper lip just above his teeth. A woman's mount, meanwhile, is the center of the pubic bone, where there is a slight cradle into which your mount naturally fits. "Connecting your respective mounts and maintaining that persistent connection throughout the process of arousal is essential to mind-blowing oral sex," says Coriddi. "Specifically, it allows you to firmly place your mouth just where it needs to be for maximum stimulation of your partner’s clitoris." To make all of this easier, consider placing a pillow or two beneath her pelvis. It will make her hot spots easier to access. Once you're properly positioned, there are a number of things you can do in order to rock her world. First, warm her up by caressing her inner thighs, breathing naturally so she can feel your breath on her clitoris and on the other areas of her vulva. This will help build up anticipation, making her squirm for more as you prepare to really impress her. Then, once you’re ready, begin licking her like an ice cream cone, in long, thick strokes that cover the entire area down there. Let your licks gradually build up in intensity before plunging in fully. Once you’ve reached a certain rhythm, try mixing things up (though you should remain mindful of how she's responding to your touch; if she's finding a specific rhythm or touch particularly pleasurable, she may never forgive you if you suddenly change course)

"Lick her senseless with a short burst of energy and then return to the flat, still tongue, waiting for yet another opportune moment to spring to life again."

What else can you do down there? Use your lips to kiss her most intimate parts, alternating those particular kisses with smooches on her thighs. Lightly nibble and then suck on entire bits of her skin. The gentle suction will feel incredible, especially if you can still manage to continue using your tongue. Blow softly across her skin, teasing her with the new sensation. Don't be nervous about experimenting with different approaches when giving her oral sex. Once found, a skilled cunnilinguist rarely goes unappreciated. But if you’re not sure exactly how, just press a flat, still tongue against her vulva and let her do the work. It’s the cunnilingus equivalent of letting her get on top. One of my favorite tongue techniques that I talk about in my book She Comes First is the “Rope-a-dope”-- the strategy Muhammad Ali used to take down George Foreman during the edge-of your-seat Rumble in the Jungle. Let her push and grind against your flat, still tongue -- take it all in -- and then spring back with a series of fast vertical and diagonal tongue strokes. Lick her senseless with a short burst of energy and then return to the flat, still tongue, waiting for yet another opportune moment to spring to life again. What's most important while giving her oral sex is that you remain mindful of how she's responding to you. As I write in The Cliterate Male, you should never assume your partner is as excited as you are. Even if she's wet down there, her physical arousal may not be indicative of the psychological arousal she is -- or isn't -- feeling. Instead, you should be focusing on these other signs of physical arousal: -an increase in the pace of her breathing -an increase in her body temperature and heart rate -a high state of tension in her muscles -a tightening of her abdominal muscles -a throbbing of her pelvic muscles -a general "bearing down" on the pelvic area. As Coriddi so eloquently puts it, cunnilingus is "a delicate dance -- and she’s leading you." If she's not exhibiting the signs above, continue to mix up your technique. If she's showing one or multiple signs of arousal, for the love of god, don't stop! As you become more comfortable with the techniques above, you can even consider investing in a vibrating tongue ring, in order to pack some extra punch down below. But, honestly, you don't need all those bells and whistles. You just need an enthusiasm for the job at hand -- and a willingness to follow her lead. Read more: http://www.askmen.com/dating/love_tip/36_love_tip.html#ixzz2PWKQFLHv This guy cares and so should you! http://youtu.be/geHgn44ePe4 Positioning can change the whole ball game, mix it up! http://youtu.be/gCzQY3d0pkU

First Ever High Times Cannabis Cup, DENVER!!! 4/20/2013

If you've never attended a High Times Cannabis Cup before, buckle your seats and get ready for a dazzling whimsical ride through the back stage door of Canna culture! These folks sure do know how to put on a party, all while educating and spreading the good vibes of activism. Information as follows:  

US CANNABIS CUP SCHEDULE

Doors open at noon both days of the expo. The seminar stage is located in the main building of EXDO. The awards show will take place in the expo hall of EXDO’s main building. Friday, April 19 An Evening with Snoop Lion Details to come. Saturday, April 20 1:30 p.m. THE ART OF EDIBLES Elise McDonough (moderator) Jennifer Smith Jennifer Hawkins Scott Durah Jessica Laroux Tamir Wise 3 p.m. MARIJUANA WAR STORIES Michael Kennedy (moderator) Gerry Goldstein Michael Stepanian William Rittenberg Keith Stroup 4:20 p.m. A 420 WEDDING The nuptials of Tim Docken & Michelle Peterson 5 p.m. “FREE WEED FROM DANNY DANKO” 
A live podcast featuring cultivation experts: Adam from T.H. Seeds, Scott from Rare Dankness, Kyle Kushman and D.J. Short Expo closes at 8 p.m. 8 p.m. THE HIGH TIMES US CANNABIS CUP CONCERT AT RED ROCKS (featuring Slightly Stoopid and Cypress Hill) TICKET HOLDERS: Please come to the HIGH TIMES booth to pick up your concert tickets! Sunday, April 21 1:30 p.m. NEW CANNABIS DIRECTIONS AND CONNECTIONS Jen Bernstein (moderator) “Radical Russ” Belville Lenny Gaiter Coral Reefer Paul Tokin 3 p.m. CANNABIS CONCENTRATES 101 Bobby Black (moderator) Derek Cummings Daniel de Sailles K from Trichome Technologies Nikka T 4 p.m. ADVANCED CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES with Nico Escondido 5 p.m. COLORADO’S REVOLUTION/EVOLUTION David Holland (moderator) Rob Corry Christian Sederberg Mason Tvert Brian Vicente 7:30 p.m. THE OFFICIAL HIGH TIMES US CANNABIS CUP AWARDS SHOW Awards will be presented for the top sativas, indicas, hybrids, edibles, concentrates and more.   Source: http://www.cannabiscup.com/  

Medical marijuana goes on sale in Czech pharmacies

The new law does not foresee health insurance coverage for marijuana, touted by some as a medical miracle drug. The prescription-only drug formally became legal on Monday, but was virtually unavailable as most pharmacies across the ex-communist European Union state of 10.5 million were closed over to the Easter long weekend. Prague will first import the drug for about a year, reportedly from Israel or the Netherlands, until the State Institute for Drug Control starts issuing licences to local growers for a maximum of five years. The institute will also determine the crop area and organise tenders for marijuana purchases from farmers. An EU member since in 2004, the Czech Republic provides some of the most liberal access to soft drugs in Europe. People holding up to 15 grammes (0.53 ounces) of marijuana or growing up to five plants of cannabis risk just a small fine—an approach that often attracts smokers from other countries such as neighbouring Poland, where tougher laws apply. A 2011 national report on narcotics said 16.1 percent of Czechs aged 15-34 admitted to having used marijuana in that year, down from 20.3 percent a year earlier. (c) 2013 AF P
Medical marijuana goes on sale in Czech pharmacies.  

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