CDC Chart of Respiratory Illness Differentiation.
Read MoreStress Increases Itch, the brain areas involved
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32147148-effects-of-stress-on-itch/ Effects of Stress on Itch Rachel Shireen Golpanian 1 , Hei Sung Kim 2 , Gil Yosipovitch 3 Affiliations PMID: 32147148 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.01.025 Abstract Purpose: Psychological stress and ensuing modulation of the immune and nervous systems can have a significant impact on itch. Stress can exacerbate itch and vice versa, resulting in a vicious cycle that…
Read MoreImpact of sex and depressed mood on the central regulation of cardiac autonomic function
I think it reads better using “gender” not “sex”. But the conclusion is interesting nonetheless. I didn’t realize that depression and other mental conditions were more correlated with heart disease in women than men. I’m glad they included HFnorm values, something I can understand. The full article is behind a paywall, so not available to…
Read MoreSubmission to INS International Neuromodulation Society Conference, Paris
ABstract INS 2020 I will post this here. With all the uncertainty about Covid 19, the conference may be canceled anyway. For references, please click on link above Improving autonomic balance by decreasing sympathetic activity and increasing parasympathetic activity is of intense interest in the research community. Improved autonomic balance reduces inflammation implicated in medical…
Read MoreIntermittent Fasting from Nutrition Facts
I just learned about this website from friend Kathleen (thanks!!). I will be digging further into the website as time goes on. Intermittent fasting is something to consider as a long term strategy to keep weight down without having to go on a calorie restriction diet. Fasting Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food…
Read MoreGut Is Second Brain, Second Microbiome
The Gut is called the Second Brain, but there may be even more linkages through gut bacteria. I’ve been interested in vagal activity for longer than I want to admit (it might reveal my age) and it turns out that it’s more and more relevant to general health. We spoke about a possible autism link…
Read MoreIs Stimulation of the Tragus as Effective as Stimulation of the Cymba Concha in TAVNS?
In this letter the authors make the case that tragus stimulation may be as effective as cymba concha. This would be helpful since the tragus is so much easier to use a clip on. Filing here for info. Though the tragus may not have the same density of fibers, they may be easier to reach,…
Read MoreNeural networks and the anti-inflammatory effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in depression
Full article link here PDF hereTAVNS and antiinflammatory effect on depression 202012974_2020_Article_1732 Abstract Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a relatively non-invasive alternative treatment for patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). It has been postulated that acupuncture may achieve its treatment effects on MDD through suppression of vagal nerve inflammatory responses. Our previous…
Read MoreUse of TAVNS in conjunction with Acupuncture for Anxiety: Ma.Co edition
I’ve been working on trying to get a single HRV measure of efficacy for transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation. Readers know that I look at many parameters since the “best use” procedures are far from established. Some advocate time measures such as RMSSD, others LF/HF a frequency measure that I’ve found to be a great…
Read MoreIntermittent Fasting from the New York Times
We’ve discussed this topic before, here and here and other posts. A very good rundown on the benefits of intermittent fasting or time restricted eating. The general consensus is that 16 hours is the minimum for optimal effects. The comment thread was fun to read too. Her explanation is clear and accurate. Basically, you want…
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