The New Nation - Internet Edition

Hobby ideas

Tired of the daily grind? Have daily chores become so mechanical and boring, you can do them with your eyes closed? Give fresh direction to your life with a hobby.

Enroll yourself in a craft or language class, turn wax into aroma candles, dabble in photographytthe options are endless. Remember, it is never too late to inculcate a new interest, no matter how busy or old you are.

Having a hobby is such a great way to de-stress that even therapists recommend it to patients as a means of relaxation. Put your heart into a new hobby and watch that negative energy evaporate. In addition to bringing you peace of mind, your little ventures can help you meet new people and make friends who will share your passions like reiki or rock climbing.

How do you select a new hobby?

Your first step to a fulfilling hobby would be identifying your interests. For those with a creative streak, the world of arts and crafts is waiting. For example, if you have a good voice or an ear for music, if you can differentiate the fine nuances or rhythms in songs, pursuing music can open many gates: learning instruments, online compiling and sharing songs, enrolling in associations which organize concerts, etc.

Make sure your hobby springs out of an innate desire or anything you always yearned to do. This way you will never lose your steam.

Read up as much as you can about your new interest.

Do your calculations. Ensure that your hobby is sustainable in the long run. If you enjoy photography, factor in the cost of purchasing expensive equipment, which could get even more expensive as your interest deepens. Buying a digital camera now might be a good idea because you can see and edit your pictures before printing them, and so get even more involved in your hobby.

After going through the basics, compile a list of teaching centers or associations you can learn and practice your skills. If you are on an art quest, keep your eyes open for art appreciation workshops and exhibitions taking place in your city.

After honing your skills, get set for the next level where you get a chance to display them. Participate in competitions, fairs and exhibitions. Those of you with green fingers will find the winter months to be a hectic and enjoyable period with various horticultural events in town.

Hobby ideas

Artistic hobbies like pottery, painting, word work, stained glass, art appreciation, dancing, singing, etc.

Home-based hobbies like interior decoration, gardening, cooking, feng shui, etc.

Sports-based hobbies like tennis, golf, badminton, chess, swimming, martial arts, etc.

Learning-based hobbies like learning languages, tarot cards, subjects, book societies, etc.

Computer-based hobbies like website designing, content writing, etc.

Spiritual and health-based hobbies like yoga, aromatherapy, reiki, acupressure, etc.

Collection-based hobbies like collecting stamps, pictures, antique artifacts, etc.

A hobby will be a joy forever if you don't lose patience, choose an expensive hobby, build it on negative interests like gambling or go about it in a haphazard and unorganized way. Above all, make sure you enjoy your hobby without compromising on your family time.

Careers in fashion

Considering changing your career or starting a career? Wondering what career advice to give your children? Fashion offers numerous exciting and lucrative opportunities.

Think of a career in fashion, and the first thought that comes to mind is fashion designing. "Oh, I'm not very creative," you think, and immediately start considering other options. Hold your thoughts for a moment. Fashion is a lot more than just designing. The industry of fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry, and there is plenty of money to be made in it. It is also one of the relatively easier options to get into at a later stage in life. If you are a housewife and are considering starting a career, or if you want a career change and are desirous of entering a more exciting and dynamic field, a career in fashion may be the answer.

The tailor-at-home option

If you are looking for the easiest way out, hunt for a skilled tailor, and once you have found that, you could start taking orders from customers at home. Gradually, your contacts with embroiders and fabric suppliers will improve, you will be able to get better deals, lower your costs, and gain a better understanding of designs and fabrics. This will help you earn a fairly decent amount a month, and if you have a flair for designing and you manage to get hold of a great embroidery-wallah who can do heavy work for you, you may start getting orders to design trousseau collections. There is good money to be made in this, especially during the wedding season. It would help if you have a degree in fashion design. However, these operations rarely take off on a large scale and don't offer much of the glamour and glitz that is otherwise so much a part of the fashion industry.

Fashion communication

The power of the brand is fast emerging, and along with it emerges a relatively new and exciting avenue: fashion communication. As international brands enter the Indian market, both Indian and international brands will be fighting for recognition, and it is here that fashion communication professionals come into play. They work on increasing brand awareness, and an awareness of fashion trends. NIFT offers a 4 year degree course in fashion communication, and after the course you could get a job as a fashion stylist and organise shoots for fashion magazines, travel abroad and within the country on shoots, attend fashion shows and the like. You could also become a fashion writer or correspondent, an event manager, join the advertising industry, or you could get a career in public relations. Public Relations is a career where after a few years experience it is relatively easy to branch out on your own, and once you land a few big clients, you have it made!

Why should you study fashion to get into the industry?

A lot of people simply stumble into the industry without much training. While it was easier for the previous generation to do this, there is much more skilled competition, and a course gives you a competitive advantage. It also helps you make contacts, and contacts help in this industry. If you are looking for a job in a buying house or export firm, a degree in fashion makes prospective employers take you more seriously. In addition, you will also get an idea of the tremendous scope in the fashion industry. Various international brands that import from India require representatives here, and pay incredible salaries, not to mention - free clothes! A degree in fashion management, fashion technology, fashion merchandising, can take you a long way.

A sampling of fashion jobs:

Brand manager, Fashion designer/ fashion illustrator, fashion marketing, pattern maker, textile designer, product developer, retail buyer, fashion merchandiser, showroom co-coordinator, costume designer (for films, stage shows), fashion columnist, fashion photographer or stylist.

Five Men You Should Avoid

Every time you meet a new guy, is it the same old story? Do you face the same pitfalls over and over again? Are you almost ready to check in with a shrink to see if you have some psychological issues about relationships? Maybe the problem isn't you, but the kind of men you date. Picking potential beaus can be a hard task. But fear not, ladies! We've compiled a survival guide to help you steer clear of men you are better off without. We'll tell you how to identify these particular specie of male and give you the real deal on what they're about.

The Player

How to spot him: He's well-groomed, a native speaker of sweet talk and confidence hangs on him like the Armani cologne he's wearing.

Why we fall for him: If there is one thing we all know it's that confidence is always sexy. The player knows he's hot and he's got the notches on his bedpost to prove it. Like a decadent chocolate brownie, we know he's bad for us, but sometimes you just can't resist those smooth-as-butter lines.

Bottom Line: Words are just words. You may think he's Prince Charming, but open your eyes to his commitment phobia. If a guy can't commit to sleeping in the same bed every night, he'll never be able to give you the 'Big C" you deserve.

The Mama's Boy

How to spot him: He's cute, respectful and remembers what his Mama told him about being nice to girls.

Why we fall for him: We find his concern and devotion to his mother just plain adorable. We think that if he treats his mother like a queen--he's bound to give us the royal treatment as well.

Bottom Line: Wake up and smell the tea. The reality is that his mother isn't just the queen--she's queen bee and she isn't cutting the cord anytime soon. There is only room for one woman in his life, so don't be surprised when he drops you for home-cooked naan and clean laundry.

The Bad Boy

How to spot him: He's cocky, macho and has more tattoos than Dennis Rodman. His idea of a perfect date is riding his harley at 100 mph down a wet highway.

Why we fall for him: The fact that he doesn't care what others think of him makes us swoon. He's dangerous, everything our parents warned us about and that makes us want him even more.

Bottom Line: Living on the wild side can be fun for awhile, but if you are planning to settle down with kids someday, chances are your bad boy may not want to join you for that ride. You can't change him, so stop trying.

The Scrub

How to spot him: He's young, parties like it's his job and never has any cash.

Why we fall for him: We are attracted to the scrub because he's younger than us. He brings a breath of fresh air to our routine life since spontaneity is his middle name. On top of that, he will dote on us because he is intrigued by "experienced" women.

Bottom Line: He's using you. Many younger men like to date older women because they know they can cajole them into buying them expensive gifts. But girls, those hard-earned dollars don't make themselves! Kick that parasite out of your home and stop feeding his Playstation 3 addiction. You are a successful, brilliant woman and you deserve someone better than a boy scout.

The Baggage

How to spot him: He's perpetually looking off into the distance with a dreamy look in his eyes, reminiscing about his old girlfriend. He's hurting inside and doesn't care to hide it.

Why we fall for him: We think we can rescue him from the dark depths of despair. He loves to talk to us, even though he's usually talking about his ex. He is able to let down his guard and open up to us about his emotions.

The Bottom Line: You misinterpret his trusting you with his personal information as a sign that he thinks you are special and different from other girls. Well, you are. But not in the way you think. You may be his confidante, but he's still hung up on what's-her-name. He's not ready to get over his past, and you shouldn't waste your time waiting.

This list may make it seem like we've eliminated 95% of males from the dating pool, but you have to remember that you deserve only the best. Don't sell yourself short by settling for Mr. Wrong. Just remember the five types of men to avoid and when you find yourself hitting all the right notes with Mr. Right across the room - you'll have us to thank for it.

Household tips help to solve your problems

Enjoy using these household tips. You are sure to find an idea or two that will help you with a household problem.

Troublesome Ants

A heavy chalk mark laid a finger's distance from your sugar box and all around (there must be no space not covered) will surely prevent ants from troubling.

To Drive Off Fleas

Sprinkle about area a few drops of oil of lavender.

To Keep Flies Off Items

Boil three or four onions in a pint of water and apply with a soft brush, let dry.

To Prevent Lost Children

Label children's hats, scarves, etc., with the name and place of residence so that, if lost, they may be easily restored.

To Preserve Old Books

Bindings may be preserved from mildew by brushing them over with spirits of wine. A few drops of perfumed oil will secure libraries from the consuming effects of mold and damp. The Romans used oil of cedar to preserve valuable manuscripts.

To Hang Pictures

The cheapest and best material with which to hang pictures is copper wire, of a size proportioned to the weight of the pictures. When hung the wire is scarcely visible, and its strength and durability is wonderful.

Finish For Room

A room with plain white walls is finished beautifully by placing a black walnut (or the same wood with which the room is finished) molding, around the room where the border of paper is usually placed, at the junction of wall and ceiling. The molding, finished in oil, is easily put up. The upper edge should be rounded, and a space of a quarter inch left between it and the ceiling.

To hang pictures, buy an "S" hook, sold at all hardware stores, place one hook over the molding, hang the picture cord on the other, and slip to the right or left to the desired position. This saves the wall from injury for picture nails.

Laying Carpets

A carpet wears better if put down well, and it is better to have it done by experienced persons when the expense can be afforded and such help can be had.

Stair Carpets

They will wear much longer if extra thicknesses of paper are placed over the edge of each stair, the full width of the carpet, before fastening down.

A Cheap Carpet

Make a cover for the floor of the cheapest cotton cloth. Tack it down like a carpet, paper it as you would a wall with paper resembling a carpet in figures, let it dry, varnish with two coats of varnish, and with reasonable usage it will last two years.

To Soften Corks

When corks are too large to go into a bottle, throw them into hot water a few moments, and they will soften.

To Keep Cutlery From Rust

Wipe dry, and wrap in coarse brown paper.

To Prevent Iron Rust

Kerosene applied to stoves or farming implements, during summer, will prevent their rusting.

To Destroy Cockroaches

The following is said to be effectual: These vermin are easily destroyed, simply by cutting up green cucumbers at night, and placing them about where roaches commit depredations. What is cut from the cucumbers in preparing them for the table answers the purpose as well, and three applications will destroy all the roaches in the house. Remove the peelings in the morning, and renew them at night.

To Banish Rats Or Mice

Sprinkling cayenne pepper in their holes will banish them.

Honey Uses

Honey is good for sore throat; also good for bee stings.

To Treat Neuralgia

For neuralgia nothing is better than a muslin bag filled with hot salt.

For headache

2 or 3 slices of lemon in a cup of strong tea will cure a nervous headache.

For Bilious Headache

A teaspoon full of lemon juice in a small cup of black coffee will relieve a bilious headache.

To Mend A Crack On Inside Of Kitchen Range

Use a filling made of equal parts of wood ashes and common salt, made up into paste with a little water, and plastered over the crack. This will prove hard and lasting whether the stove, etc., be cold or hot.

To Keep Out Red Ants

A small quantity of green sage placed in a pantry will keep out red ants.

To Cure A Burn

Cut open and scrape a raw potato, bind on burn. Repeat if burning sensation returns.

Cure For Hiccoughs

Sit erect and inflate the lungs fully. Then, retaining the breath, bend forward slowly until the chest meets the knees. After slowly rising again to the erect position, slowly exhale the breath. Repeat this process a second time, and the nerves will be found to have received an excess of energy that will enable them to perform their natural functions.

Flowers May Be Kept Very Fresh Overnight

If they are excluded from the air. To do this, wet them thoroughly, put in a damp box, and cover with wet newspaper, then place in a cool spot.

Household Tips

To Clean Hands

Tomato juice will remove stains from and whiten the hands.

To Keep Bar Soap

For this household tip to work with modern soap, you must first remove the bars of soap from their wrappers and allow them to dry out. Not only do the dry bars last longer, but they leave less of a soap residue in the soap dish. This tip works!

It is a great saving to have bars of soap dry. Dry, hard bars will last longer when used. It should be bought by the quantity.

To Soften Hands

Mutton tallow is considered excellent to soften the hands. It may be rubbed on at any time when the hands are perfectly dry. Another good rule is to rub well in dry oatmeal after every washing, and be particular regarding the quantity of soap. Cheap soap and hard water are the unknown enemies of many people, and the cause of rough skin and chapped hands. Castile soap and rain water will sometimes cure without any other assistance.

To Soften Hands After Soapsuds

One can have the hands in soapsuds with soft soap without injury to the skin if the hands are dipped in vinegar or lemon juice immediately after. The acids destroy the corrosive effects of the alkali, and make the hands soft and white.

To Soften Hands Where Roughened

Indian meal and vinegar or lemon juice used on hands where roughened by cold or labor will heal and soften them. Rub the hands in this, then wash off thoroughly.

Household Tips

To Prevent Wooden Bedsteads Creaking

If a bedstead creaks at each movement of the sleeper, remove the slats, and wrap the ends of each in old newspapers.

To Prevent The Cracking Of Bottles And Fruit Jars

If a bottle or fruit jar that has been more than once used is placed on a towel thoroughly soaked in hot water, there is little danger of its being cracked by the introduction of a hot liquid.

To Preserve Oil Cloth

If oil cloth be occasionally rubbed with a mixture of beeswax and turpentine, it will last longer.

Packing Glass Bottles

India-rubber bands slipped over them will prevent breakage.

To Remove Putty

A red-hot iron will soften old putty so that it can be easily removed.

Household Tips

To Make Rag Rugs

Cut rags and sew hit and miss, or fancy-striped as you choose; use wooden needles, round, smooth, and pointed at one end, of any convenient length. The knitting is done back and forth, always taking off the first stitch.

To Make A Rustic Picture Frame

A neat, rustic frame for pictures may be made of cattail rods. Hide the corners where they are joined with handsome autumn leaves and the berries of bittersweet.

To Make An Ant Trap

Procure a large natural sponge, wash it well and press it dry, which will leave the cells quite open; then sprinkle it with fine white sugar, and place it near where the ants are troublesome. The ants will soon collect upon the sponge and take up their abode in its cells. It is then only necessary to dip the sponge in boiling water, when the ants will be destroyed, and it may be set over and over again.

To send Messages in Cypher

This household tip is great for keeping kids busy playing spies on a rainy day.

Any document written in cypher, by which signs are substituted for letters, or even for words, is liable to be deciphered. The following plans are free from such objection:

The correspondents select two copies of the same edition of a book, the word to be used is designated by figures referring to the page, line, and number of the word in the line.

Or, the message may be written on a slip of paper wound spirally around a rod of wood; these can only be deciphered by bringing them into their original position, by wrapping around a second rod of the same size.

Household Tips

Castor Oil as a Dressing for Leather

Castor oil, besides being an excellent dressing for leather, renders it vermin-proof; it should be mixed, say half and half, with tallow or other oil. Neither rats, roaches, nor other vermin will attack leather so prepared.

Substitute for a Corkscrew

This old household tip might come in handy sometime when you find yourself without a corkscrew.

A convenient substitute for a corkscrew, when the latter is not at hand, may be found in the use of a common wood screw, with an attached string to pull the cork.

Another: Stick two forks vertically into the cork on opposite sides, not too near the edge. Run the blade of a knife through the two, and give a twist.

Another: Fill the hollow at the bottom of the bottle with a handkerchief or towel; grasp the neck with one hand, and strike firmly and steadily with the other upon the handkerchief.

To Keep Up Sash Windows

This is performed by means of cork, in the simplest manner, and with scarcely any expense. Bore 3 or 4 holes in the sides of the sash, into which insert common bottle cork, projecting about the sixteenth part of an inch. These will press against the window frames along the usual groove, and by their elasticity support the sash at any height which may be required.

To Repel Moths

Instead of moth balls, try using dried lavender blossoms, dried mint leaves, or cedar shavings (the kind available as pet bedding works well). The odors of these natural materials are pleasant, yet they repel moths, and there are no dangers involved as with moth balls.

Moth balls are poisonous and are considered a pesticide. Avoid inhaling moth ball fumes and do not use them around young children and pets.

For A Flower Bowl

Cut a piece of stiff paper the shape and size of the top of an ordinary bowl. Cut holes in it, as many as desired, for the stems of real or artificial flowers. Fit paper in bowl and put flower stems through holes.

To Make Rice Glue

Mix rice flour smoothly with cold water, and simmer it over a slow fire, when it will form a delicate and durable cement, not only answering all the purposes of common paste, but well adapted for joining paper and card board ornamental work. Rice glue is excellent for use in scrapbooks.

Economy In Carpets

In buying a carpet, as in everything else, those of the best quality are cheapest in the end. As it is extremely desirable that they should look as clean as possible, avoid buying a carpet that has any white in it. Even a small portion of white interspersed through the pattern will in a short time give it a dingy appearance.

If you cannot obtain a hearth rug that exactly corresponds with the carpet, get one entirely different, for a decided contrast looks better than a bad match. (Source: Agencies)

Home Safe Home

Create a safer home by taking simple precautions.

Be prepared

Have telephones in easy reach of both your bed and the place you sit most often.

Place emergency phone numbers on or near every phone in your home.

Buy a first-aid kit. Keep one in both your home and your car.

Avoid Fires

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house. Test them periodically to make sure they work. Batteries should be changed at least once a year.

Place fire extinguishers in the kitchen and other rooms. Make sure you know how to use them.

Never smoke in bed.

Turn off appliances when they are not in use.

Run electrical cords along walls, not under rugs.

Don't overload outlets and extension cords.

Never store flammable liquids such as cleaning agents and paint supplies near heating units.

Keep space heaters a safe distance from combustibles. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Have more than one escape route from your home. Practice these routes with your family.

A Recipe for Careful Cooking

Keep flammable objects such as curtains, aprons and dishtowels away from stoves.

Never wear loose clothing near a stovetop while cooking.

Never leave cooking unattended. Don't cook if you are drowsy.

Heat oil slowly. Heating oil too quickly can easily start a fire.

If a pan catches fire, carefully place a lid over the pan and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until completely cool.

Always clean appliances and surfaces after cooking to prevent grease buildup.

Make sure handles on cookware are secure and always turned toward the center of the stove when cooking.

Use a step stool instead of a chair to climb to a high shelf.

Avoid bumps, burns, bruises and falls

Make sure staircases are well lit and have convenient switches and night-lights at the top and bottom.

Securely fasten all carpeting and make sure all throw rugs or area rugs have non-skid backing.

Install rubber mats or safety decals in bathtubs and showers.

Close cabinet doors and drawers when they are not in use.

Keep staircases and hallways free of clutter.

Never go up and down stairs carrying things that could block your vision or put you off balance.

Digicam buying guide

Here's a quick list of things to remember while buying a Digicam:

1. Forget the megapixel count that the salesman is throwing at you. Really, after a 5-megapixel (MP) camera, a home user is not going to be able to tell the difference. If you want to pick up a digicam to click a few photos around the house or carry it for get-togethers, then buying a camera with a 5- or a 6-MP lens is quite sufficient. Still, if you're a little picky and want to hook up your device to your 32-inch HDTV, then a 7- or 8-MP digicam is what you should go for. But again, your megapixel count is not going to make a discernable difference, so if given a choice between a 7-MP camera with few features and a 6-MP one packed with other features, go for the latter.

2. Make sure the device uses a lithium-ion battery, and not AAA or AA cells. A digicam will drain pencil cells very fast - sometimes in the middle of a photo session - and you would need to carry an extra set or two around. Plus, this means a cost of buying new batteries all the time. So save yourself all the hassles and ensure it has a lithium-ion battery, which will last way longer. Also, if you pick up a camera with an external charger, do buy a second battery. It's really useful when you're going to be clicking away for a long time, such as on a vacation.

3. Before you pick up any camera, make sure you're comfortable with the size of the LCD screen. A quick and easy way to check this is to use the 'elbow test'. Stretch one of your arms outwards, and hold the digicam at your elbow with the other hand and have a look at the screen. Elbow-length is generally the maximum distance you'll hold a camera away from your body, so if you're satisfied with the picture, then that's all that matters in choosing the screen.

4. There are two features that most new digicams should have - image stabilisation and face detection. Image stabilisation is a must for a camera with a poor focus, because the technology will ensure you get much sharper images, even with a bit of a shaky hand. Face detection takes care of the auto-focus, which is the Achilles' heel of most digicams.

5. A quick list of other things to keep in mind - An optical zoom of 5x, although 3x is acceptable for most average users; Digital zoom doesn't matter as much, because it will give you grainy images anyway; Preset modes such as landscape, portrait, night, etc; And finally, if possible, get a gadget with in-camera image editing.

As long as you stick to these points, your camera buying should go smoothly.

SUJOK

SUJOK, as an accessible method of improving health, can become a popular method of treatment. This therapy is now becoming popular day by day. Since last two years "Astha" channel is regularly airing the programme on this therapy. Sujok- the treatment of 21st century consists of five types of therapies: Acupuncture, Acupressure, Magnetic Therapy, Seeds Therapy and Color Therapy. The dreaded diseases like Infertility, Obesity, Migraine, Diabeties, Hypertension, Asthma, Arthritis, Cerical spondylosis, Depression, piles can be treated without any medicine and side effect by SU JOK therapy. The word SU JOK has been derived from Korean words, in which SU means hand and JOK means foot. The hand and foot have the resemblance to the human body; particularly hands are too closely related to the human body in term of shape. All the parts of our body can be defined through our palm. Dr. Park Jae Woo has derived this therapy in 1964. After the introduction of this theory medical professionals and general citizens have studied these theories and recorded outstanding cure effect at home or abroad. These therapies are not very much popular in India but if it became popular every citizen can cure its chronic disease without having any allopathic medicines and side effects. If people use this therapy to cure their diseases, they will not have to go to the doctors regularly. The SU JOK therapy is a collection of natural therapies abstracted from the already developed SU JOK. Dr.J.B.Saini (SUJOK Therapist) at Sunder Lal Jain Hospital says that all diseases can be cured by these therapies. But if an immediate surgery has to be done then these may not be very effective. It can be a slow process, but we should wait for good results.

Acupuncture, a Chinese therapy involves insertation and manipulation of small needles at more than 360 points in the human body. Puncturing the skin with small needles is usually the method but an acupuncturist may also use heat, pressure, friction, suction. It is the most common therapy used in China, United States & Japan, but now it is started in India also. People are turning towards this therapy. This therapy can be used to treat Chronic Pain, Drug Addiction, Arthritis, Ulcer, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Appendicitis, Asthma and Mental Disorders/Illness. Heart diseases can also be cured by acupunture. Evidences show that it relieves you from nausea during pregnancy also. In past 40 years acupuncture has become a well-known and widely available treatment in both developed and developing countries According to this theory, diseases are caused by interrupted energy flow and inserting needles restores normal flow. Acupuncture is one of the most thoroughly researched and documented alternative medical practices.

Acupressure, another therapy under su jok. It is the health science of Nature and probably the 'do it yourself therapy' which tells us how to send the life currents to all the parts of the body. The treatment is given by the pressure by hand, or with a stick, blunt pencil, pen, matchstick etc. this therapy is capable of prevention, instant proper diagnosis and cure of most of the diseases without cost and side effects. Pain at any point on palms or soles when pressed is clear indication of some problem connected with the corresponding organ. The pain is very different from the pain just due to the pressure. This also helps to locate a developing disease even before its outward symptoms appear.

Magnetic therapy is a method in which practitioner uses magnets at the specific points of hands or foot to cure the diseases. The shape, color & size of the magnet may vary according to the need of the patient. Seed Therapy, Seeds are frequently used as natural stimulators at the different points on the hands. The color of seeds is selected on the basis of the disease. The seeds usually used are buckwheat, apples, millets, radish, beat, peas, beans, pepper, grapes etc. Now we come onto the Color Therapy, which is not at all common to the masses in India but those who know only go for it rather than allopathy. Every type of disease whether Chronic pain, ulcers, backache, diabetes, coldness, problems related to liver, heart, gall bladder, lungs, large intestine, kidney, small intestine, urinary bladder, spinal cord, arthritis, asthma, mental illness can be cured by using color therapy. This theory is all about to apply different colors on different points of the hand or foot. The general colors used in this therapy are green, red, brown, yellow, black & orange. It is preferred by the doctors to use right hand of ladies & left hand of gents for applying the color. Applying of the color is based on the age and disease of the patient. Basically there is no side effect of this therapy but once in millions vertigo, giddiness, nausea could happen then contact doctors immediately & only be effective if taken regularly. According to Dr.J.B.Saini (SU JOK Therapist, at Sunder Lal Jain Hospital) all disease can be cured by color therapy. But if an immediate surgery have to done then it may not be much more effective. It can be a slow process, but we should wait for good results. Deepika was suffering from depression and coldness in the body, take color therapy with yoga and now feels fit. Another patient Amarjeet, suffering from gastric problem & burning sensation in throat says, "whenever I have gastric problem & burning sensation I just apply dark blue color on the point and it effects immediately." The effects of this therapy can be seen within few minutes. The five basic elements to which the colors are connected with are wood, fire, earth, metal & water: the essence of our body. On asking that in how many days a patient can be cured completely, Dr. saini says that it depends upon the disease and & the duration of the disease prevailing in the body of the patient. There are different colors to be applied for different diseases. Color therapy on the basis of chakras has five elements-wind, heat, humidity, dryness & coldness. If anybody had a problem in kidney or urinary bladder -black color, liver or gall bladder-green color, spleen or stomach-yellow color, heart or small intestine-red color, lungs or large intestine-brown color would be applied on different points of the hand. Its effect is completely painless & has good results. Such therapies are convenient to use in pediatric practice & for patients with hypersensitivity to pain. It can also be done through passing different color laser beam on points. A polycolor light impulse (soft laser) has been developed to provide light therapy according to the method of sujok. In this there is a device that allows selecting the color.

When there is a deficiency of any energy, the related color should be used & in case of excess one should choose the color of the energy that calm/ sedates the excessive energy. The principle of color selection depends on the character of morbid processes. In a conversation Dr. Saini said, " There is very less expenditure involved in these therapies amounting Rs. 200-300. But for chronic diseases the amount can raise to Rs. 500-600." He further adds that it also depends upon the disease and the duration of the disease prevailing in the body of the patient.SUJOK, as an accessible method of improving health, can become a popular method of treatment. Through this therapy a fast & curative effects can be achieved after correct stimulation of points. The effects are so high that can be seen within some minutes. This works by the principle of the stimulation of accurate points results in improvement; & the stimulation of inaccurate points cause no harm. These methods are very simple to be used &are cost effective. Application of seeds, magnets, needles, pressure, color produces a good effect without any side

Body piercing

Planning to go for body piercing? Read about the procedures, the healing and the criteria for choosing a piercer.

Body piercing has been widely popularised by pop stars and artists. It has become a distinctive part of today's youth culture. However, even older people can go for it to infuse some excitement into their appearance. Body piercing is the piercing of a body part to insert an ornamental stud or ring. Depending on the part you pierce, the effect can border from aesthetic to outrageous.

Here is a list of some of the places where you can be pierced and the time it will take for the wound to heal:

Beauty mark (a mole generally at the corner of the lip): 8 - 10 weeks

Ear cartilage: 6 - 12 months

Ear lobes: 6 - 8 weeks

Eyebrow: 4 - 6 weeks

Lip/Labret: 4 - 10 weeks

Nostril: 4 - 8 weeks

Tongue: 4 - 6 weeks

Female Nipples: 4 - 12 months

Male Nipples: 2 - 4 months

Navel piercing: 6 - 12 months

Neck: 6 - 12 months

It is important to note that for piercing a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a consent form. There are restrictions with regard to where the minor can be pierced. These guidelines are provided by the Association of Professional Piercers.

Procedures

The most common method involves using a hollow medical needle. A hole is made in the part to be pierced, using the needle. Without removing the needle, the piece of jewellery is pushed through the opening, following the needle. There is no removal of flesh. The needle cuts a C-shaped slit and the hole is held open in the shape of the cross section of the needle. The needle can be the same gauge as the initial jewellery or larger, depending on the place to be pierced.

There are other ways of piercing. Some European piercers use the indwelling cannula method. The only difference here is that the needle contains a cannula, a hollow plastic tube that keeps the jewellery from slipping during insertion. It may also help in preventing irritation in the pierced area. For large-gauge ear piercings, the scalpelling method may be used. A medical scalpel is used to make a slit allowing jewellery of larger gauge. It is generally used on earlobes. A dermal punch may be used to remove both skin and cartilage, such as in upper ear piercings. Another instrument used is a piercing gun. However, its use is not endorsed by most professional body piercers as it results in longer healing time, cartilage bumps (hypodermic scarring), and increased discomfort. This is because the piercing artist applies great force with a quite blunt stud earring to make the piercing. In addition, these instruments cannot be autoclaved.

Once the piercing procedures are complete, the artist will insert a small piece of jewellery into the opening. The choice of jewellery is according to the part of the anatomy. Once the wound has healed, you can remove the jewellery and opt for another one of a similar size.

Choosing a Piercer

Choosing a professional piercer to suit your needs is imperative to ensure a safe and trouble-free body piercing experience. The Association of Professional Piercers has laid down some guidelines:

The piercing studio should be equipped with a good autoclave. An autoclave uses a combination of steam and pressure to sterilise the piercing jewellery, tools, and other equipment. A spore test or biological indicators evaluate the autoclave's efficiency. Ask to see the latest test reports and ensure that it can kill the most resistant of viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis.

Try to be present during the setting-up of the piercing room. The piercer should wash and glove their hands. Equipment should be in individual sterile packages. The needle that the piercer uses on you should not be soaked in liquid. All needles should be disposed off in a sharps container after use. Aftercare guidelines should be provided in writing and include instructions for abstinence from harsh soaps or hydrogen peroxide.

The studio should be clean and orderly. Take a look at their piercing portfolio. The accuracy of piercings should give you a good idea of the piercer's competence.

Aftercare

Your piercing studio should give you detailed aftercare guidelines as this is vital to avoiding irritations and reactions. Here are some brief pointers:

Do not touch the piercing or the area around it until it has healed. Your hands accumulate a lot of dirt and these can cause the healing area to get infected. In addition, the area may be sore.

The Association of Professional Piercers advocates that taking Vitamin C and Zinc may promote healing.

You may apply a very mild, saline soak to the piercing. This will aid healing and prevent infection by removing bacteria from the area.

A mild liquid soap is generally used to wash the pierced region, followed by rinsing. Ask your piercer for specific products available. Do not wash more than once or twice a day.

Abstain from use of hydrogen peroxide or alcohol in this area as they are too harsh.

Even antibiotic creams, gels and ointments are better kept away from pierced areas. They act as a web for dirt and germs, and block oxygen supply to the wound.

As with all cosmetic procedures, there are risks involved in body piercing as well. But with a professional piercer and the right procedures, these can be minimised. After all, earrings and nose rings do add to your beauty in a unique way!

Home D-Eco-Ration

There are a lot of ways to do your bit for the planet and get eco-friendly, and we're talking about going beyond switching your light bulbs off (although you must do that too.) Here's a guide to help make your house the environment's best friend.

Plant Yourself a Garden

It doesn't matter if you don't have space for one around your home; you can make a green nook for yourself right in the house. You have a lot of options available - a small tray outside a window, a few potted plants strategically placed around the house or even a whole section dedicated to a variety of gorgeous greens! What's great about this is that if you use mud or earthenware pots, you're not only being conscious but aiding the environment. Plus, if you choose your plants right, you can be the proud owner of a butterfly garden.

Refurbish

There are a lot of gorgeous spreads, curtains, throws and rugs out there that are a lot healthier for the planet than all those synthetic blends that currently adorn your sofa set. Yeah, it may be a bit easier to clean up, but hey - go get yourself some naturally fibred materials and use this as a reason to redecorate. They breathe better and feel more comfortable against the skin, too. Even if you don't want cloth, explore a bit and you'll find some great beaded, jute and bamboo products out there.

Refurnish

Uh huh, go all the way, if you dare. Go furniture shopping, pick out some awesome cane or rattan items and boot out all that clunky plastic/ faux stuff. These materials make some great furnishing - lovely to look at, durable, and extremely light-weight! You don't even have to make a drastic change, either - slowly start replacing old with the new, and make the shift gradual.

Use Your Surroundings

That's right, let the environment in! If you're blessed enough to have a balcony or huge windows lining your house, spread them open and utilize the natural light and wind to the fullest. Even if you aren't, make use of what you do have. Cracking open that window will add to the ventilation through the house, making it a fresher and happier place.

Another great tip is incorporating water in your home décor - it's widely known and acknowledged that water is both calming and cooling. Put out flat bowls with floating candles, and place some pretty containers at the windows to further cool the air blowing in.

There's a lot you can do if you set your mind to it - so get creative, have a blast, and do what you can for our ailing planet!