Hi,
Photo : https://imgur.com/a/pK5Hc94
In past few months I found that my left side of my face is more tender and then I palpated a small pea/been sized tube like mass under my Zygomatic bone. I had scheduled dentist appointment for like 2 moths and today he looked at me. I have papilla visible on the left side too and I had left side cavity with left side Gingivitis in upper and lower tooths.
By normal palpation ( relaxed, closed mouth ), it is not noticeable ( maybe a little ) but when I take my index and middle finger and point them straight under Zygomatic bone, and use my nail to move up and down, I feel it and it is like straw that is bigger on the side of parotid and then narrowing and going straight to papilla. It is visible when I open my mouth and strongly flex masseter muscle ( also more easily palatable ).
Firstly doctor didn't saw anything but then told me that it looks like my left side is little swollen and it is maybe a stone, that those are common. He also look on it 3 times, 2 in laying position and one in standing position. He palpated it on the skin and also from the inside the mouth. He also looked at my papilla and were performing some salivary flow tests.
His final words were: Stenson duct papilla enlarged suspect from trauma ( bites ) with dilatated duct and small left side swelling. He told me to not worry about and that he will check it in 3 moths during next visit. He just fixed my left side cavity and told me try eat sour sweets to increase salivary production.
I asked if there is need to maybe to go to ultrasound and he told me that it is not needed.
I just want to be sure, should I go and try to find another opinion from other dentist? He was more focusing on fixing cavity that on my gland. I am scared it can be cancer and let it be there for at least 3 more months will not do any good. Just to mention, when I massage it , I feel flow of saliva and sometimes it is better for few days, also I don't think it is increasing or decreasing in size during past months ( 2-3 ).
Thank you!
Edit: no smoking, beer and wine consumer ( 3-4 times a week ). Palatable only on left side.

Last week in a post-deleted by the OP, there was discussion about how there is no point in stockpiling antibiotics and any attemps for lay people to practice any form of health care in a widespread grid down disaster was a waste of time
Myself and some colleagues wrote: Survival and Austere Medicine
Edit. New link. in a post below.
We are slowing working on a 4th edition with some new material and minor corrections - but it is taking longer than we thought!
But I thought given the above post, I would take the opportunity to post the introduction - which address the "why bother" question for a major long-term grid down situation. Apologies for the formatting and length
"There is a sense, when considering the issues around survival medicine practice, that everything is overwhelming, that it is impossible for lay people to provide a high level of medical care and maintain a high level of population health.
We don’t think this is the case at all. We believe that intelligent lay people with some basic medical knowledge, skills, and equipment can deliver high quality health care. While it is obviously impossible for lay people to safely and competently deal with every medical problem, and there remain many complicated diagnoses requiring equally complicated or technologically advanced treatments, for 80- 90% of the health problems afflicting humanity, simple things done well are all that is required to preserve life and limb and help alleviate suffering.
Consider the following:
1. Remote Medicine Practice:
Below are the results of one of our author’s experience in the provision of health care in various remote and austere locations (some third world, some first world) to nearly four thousand people over a cumulative 30-month period (spread over 18 years) – with more data there are few minor changes from the 2005 2nd edition, but the list is essentially the same – which is interesting. The record keeping was a bit unreliable at times, but the following summary is reasonably accurate.
Top 20 presentations (representing > 95% of consultations):
1. Minor musculoskeletal injuries - ankle sprains most common, included many minor fractures which didn’t require more than diagnosis and simple care
2. Upper respiratory tract infections
3. Allergic reactions/Hay feveAnaphylactic reactions/Rashes
4. Minor open wounds – included a mix of lacerations needing closure, many needing
cleaning and advice only, and some infected wounds
5. Gastroenteritis/Vomiting/Diarrhoea
6. Mental health problems
7. Sexual health/Contraceptive problems
8. Skin infections/Cellulitis
9. Dental problems
10. Abdominal pain - 4 confirmed acute appendix (2 treated with IV antibiotics and
subsequent delayed appendix removal / 2 required evacuation) + 1 gangrenous gall bladder. Many were "no cause found". Of the remainder with a clear diagnosis the most common were renal or biliary colic)
11. Fever /Viral illness
12. Chest infections
13. Major musculoskeletal injuries (fractures/dislocations)
14. Asthma
15. Ear infections
16. Urinary tract infections
17. Burns – mostly partial thickness within the realms of management in the environment the
patient was in. Several required evacuations. Several required rehabilitation due to location and sub-optimal initial treatment.
18. Chest pain
19. Syncope/Collapse/Faints
20. Early pregnancy problems
Major trauma was uncommon but was seen including several fractured femurs and a dozen cases of multi-system severe trauma resulting in a mix of in-country surgery and evacuations
Top 12 prescribed drugs (representing >90% of medications prescribed):
1. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
2. Loratadine (and other assorted antihistamines)
3. Diclofenac (and other assorted antiinflammatories)
4. Combined oral contraceptive
5. Flucloxacillin
6. Throat lozenges
7. Augmentin (Amoxycillin + clavulanic acid)
8. Loperamide
9. Nystatin (and other antifungals)
10. Hydrocortisonecream
11. Ventolininhalers(Salbutamol/Albuterol)
12. Morphine
What is of note here is that the clear majority of problems dealt with are simple and straight forward – there is still potential for serious consequences but there is scope for a well-informed lay person with a basic knowledge and access to a reasonable collection of reference books to provide reasonable care. Equally the vast majority of medication prescribed are from a very narrow well defined list – despite the fact 1000’s of drugs are on the market – the list of core lifesaving or comfort preserving ones is relatively brief.
2. Why children die
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the following conditions as having contributed to >75% of worldwide deaths in the under 5-year age group (in no particular order):
Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection of lungs. Prevention of this condition is somewhat limited – although good nutrition, clean and warm housing, and a reduction in the exposure to respiratory irritants (smoke) all can help. However, the most common bacteria which cause pneumonia are frequently sensitive to penicillin – which is discussed later in the book and can be produced in a low-tech environment.
Diarrhea Death from diarrhea (dehydration) is almost 100% preventable with appropriate use of oral rehydration therapy. Dirty water or poor food handling causes much diarrhea – this can be virtually eliminated by proper hygiene practices and care with drinking water.


Pre-term delivery While we are limited in the direct interventions available in an austere environment to mitigate this problem contributing factors to early labor are young age, malnutrition, smoking, poor maternal health, so there is scope for indirect intervention based on optimizing mum’s health and environment. For babies who are born prematurely the necessities of life are warmth and breast milk. With attention to detail for both things, it is possible for infants as young as 33-34 weeks to survive without high-tech intervention.
Malaria. Prevention is better than a cure, knowledge about clearing stagnant water, mosquito nets and long sleeved clothes can significantly reduce the risk. Equally quinine is derived from the bark of the Chincona tree and the Chinese have been using the herb, Artemisinin, effectively for the treatment of Malaria for years. So, while not as easy to treat or prevent as diarrhea, there is still scope for significant reduction in death rates in low-tech ways.
Blood infection Blood infection or septicemia is rapidly fatal. The ability to intervene depends on the cause of the infection and antibiotics available. Broadly, infections causing septicemia can originate from the skin, the lungs, the kidneys or bladder, and the abdominal contents. While specific treatments for these may be lacking in an austere environment – all have prevention strategies and basic low-tech treatments that can be lifesaving when applied appropriately.
Lack of oxygen at birth Of these problems, this is the one with probably the least scope for impact. Unfortunately, even if foetal distress is detected during labor (with heart beat monitoring or signs of distress like meconium), without the ability to deliver the baby quickly options are limited. That said, a caesarian section is not a massively complicated operation (and discussed in Chapter 10), and in parts of the third world is performed by trained lay people with safety and success.
Measles Again, there is limited scope to intervene directly with the disease. Measles is always around and while vaccination reduced the incidence of epidemics, sporadic cases still occur. In the absence of vaccinations epidemics of measles every few years will be inevitable. There is however some scope to minimize the spread during an epidemic with isolation and respiratory precautions during outbreaks. While some of the serious neurological complications are unavoidable in a
Prevention is better than a cure, knowledge about clearing stagnant water, mosquito nets and long sleeved clothes can significantly reduce the risk. Equally quinine is derived from the bark of the Chincona tree and the Chinese have been using the herb, Artemisinin, effectively for the treatment of Malaria for years. So, while not as easy to treat or prevent as diarrhea, there is still scope for significant reduction in death rates in low-tech ways. small number of patients, basic care such as maintaining hydration can also prevent complications such as dehydration.
Neonatal tetanus The prevention of neonatal tetanus is easy. You don’t let the site where the umbilical cord attaches to the baby get dirty. It is as simple as that.
HIV/AIDS Prevention of maternal infection is the key to prevention of infection of newborns. The steps required to prevent exposure to the HIV virus are widely known: abstinence (not undertaking sexual activity), monogamy (maintaining a single sex partner rather than multiple) and if neither is a palatable option, then safe sexual practices.
Most the conditions above have an element of either preventability or the ability to be treated to some degree in an austere environment and significant improvements in mortality and morbidity can be made.

3. The greatest advances in medicine
Several years ago the British Medical Journal ran a poll trying to identify top medical advances of the last 200 years. The following is the top 12 from that poll:
Sanitation 1st Antibiotics 2nd Anaesthesia 3rd Vaccines 4th DNA 5th Germ theory 6th = The oral contraceptive 6^th = Evidence based medicine 8th Imaging 9th Computers 10th Oral rehydration therapy 11th Smoking cessation 12th =
Just as with our discussion above about the causes of childhood deaths, this list is introduced to show just how much impact a very basic health care knowledge can have in terms of optimising health in a post-disaster or austere situation.
Of the biggest advances of medicine in the last 200 years, between 7 to 9 (depending on your knowledge and available resources) of the 12 can be applied to care in a austere situation. In particular, the knowledge of sanitation, germ theory, oral rehydration therapy, and simple manufactured antibiotics and anaesthetic agents all have the potential to be able to be continued to be applied in a post-disaster situation and to continue to contribute to a high quality of low-tech health care. In the same way that we can substantially reduce childhood death rates in a low tech post-disaster situation, we can still continue to have access to some of the biggest advances in medicine even at the end of the world.
4. Surgery in the third world
A non-specialist surgeon working at a isolated bush hospital in Papua New Guinea published his experience of Emergency Surgery over a 14 month period (similar articles have been published with similar data):
Emergency Surgery 243
Tendon repair 33 Open orthopaedics 32 Dilation and curettage 31 General surgery 29 Incision and drainage 26 Laceration repair 26 Obstetrics 23 Manipulation under anaesthesia 15 Urology 15 Gynaecology 9 Ear, nose and throat 2
Emergency anaesthesia 243
Ketamine – spontaneous breathing 166 Local anaesthesia 33 Ketamine – ventilated 16 Spinal anaesthesia 12 Propofol / thiopentone 10 Epidural 5 Epidural / GA 1
The point of this reference is to help illustrate what someone can achieve in primitive conditions with no formal surgical training and no dedicated anaesthetist. We are not suggesting that the average layperson can safely practice to this extent or breadth of surgery, but it does demonstrate that a non-surgeon can achieve much. It also shows that most anaesthetics for surgery in an austere situation can be done under local or ketamine anaesthetics.
Why this is relevant?
Each of these four references gives you insights, one way or another, into low-tech austere health care. First, it gives you an insight into the likely clinical problems that you may see in a survival situation, and how much can be dealt with in that sort of austere environment. Second, it demonstrates how medically speaking it is the small things and simple knowledge which save lives and some of the biggest killers can be mitigated with these relatively low level interventions or strategies.
In our opening summary – “Medicine at that end of the world”, we describe a pretty bleak medical reality post-SHTF. Will million’s really die from lack of access to modern heath care as we have alleged?
The short answer is yes – many will die much sooner than they otherwise would have, from disease and injury, which currently are not immediately fatal. But the answer is not nearly that simple nor bleak. The reality is that while cancer, diabetes, malnutrition or serious injury may claim many of its victim’s sooner than with today’s health care, most health problems can be treated or mitigated to a degree in a low- tech environment, with a narrow range of medications and interventions – including some cancers, non- insulin requiring diabetes and many major traumatic injuries.
Most medical problems are relatively mundane and not life threatening. Truly catastrophic problems in medicine are fortunately rare. You should focus on learning and preparing to deal with the common problems, and doing common procedures well, and you will save lives, and possibly also improve the quality of those lives.
There will be a significant change to health care but with knowledge and some preparation it isn’t quite as dire as many (including our own opening paragraph) predict. "

The white-haired chef, Syd goes to see his restaurant on her quest to reset her palate, and he’s also at Friends and Family with his entourage… any other real-life Chicago chefs you’d like to see in The Bear? I kept waiting for Grant Achatz (Alinea, modernist cuisine, compelling tongue cancer story) but it seems they haven’t called him up yet.

As a young medical student, I had initially set my sights on becoming an oncologist, driven by the devastating impact of my father's early passing due to cancer. However, a life-changing encounter during my surgical rotations would ultimately steer me towards a career in plastic surgery - a decision that has brought me immense fulfillment and a deep sense of purpose.

Discovering a New Calling

When I first entered medical school, my primary goal was to become a cancer doctor and dedicate myself to cancer research. I spent several years immersed in this field, but as I progressed through my rotations, I realized that oncology was not the path for me. Instead, I found myself drawn to the world of surgery, captivated by the intricate procedures and the profound impact they could have on a patient's life.
It was during my plastic surgery rotation, however, that I experienced a pivotal moment that would forever change the course of my career. I vividly remember sitting in the operating room, observing a surgeon meticulously repairing a child's cleft lip and palate. As I watched the transformation unfold before my eyes, witnessing the gaping hole become a normal, healthy lip, I was struck by a profound sense of awe and inspiration.
In that moment, I knew that plastic surgery was my true calling. The ability to restore function, alleviate suffering, and transform the lives of patients through the power of surgery resonated deeply with me. It was a feeling that I knew I wanted to experience on a daily basis, and I was determined to make it a reality.

Embracing the Plastic Surgery Journey

Over the years, my journey in plastic surgery has been a rich and rewarding one. I have had the privilege of working on a wide range of procedures, from reconstructive surgeries for breast cancer patients to cosmetic enhancements that boost my patients' self-confidence.
Each day, I am reminded of the profound impact that plastic surgery can have on a person's life. Whether it's the joy of seeing a patient's transformed appearance or the gratitude expressed through a heartfelt hug, the feeling of making a tangible difference in someone's life is truly unparalleled.

The Rewards of Plastic Surgery

As I reflect on my career, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment. The decision to pursue plastic surgery has been one of the best choices I have ever made. It has allowed me to combine my passion for medicine with my desire to help others, creating a rewarding and meaningful career that brings me immense joy.
The ability to witness the transformation of a patient's appearance, to see the confidence and happiness that radiates from them, is a privilege that I cherish every single day. It is a feeling that I first experienced in that pivotal moment during my surgical rotation, and it is a feeling that continues to drive me forward, fueling my dedication and commitment to the field of plastic surgery.
My journey from engineering to plastic surgery has been a transformative one, filled with unexpected twists and turns that ultimately led me to my true calling. It is a path that has brought me immense fulfillment and a deep sense of purpose, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients every day.
As I continue to evolve and grow in my practice, I am excited to see what the future holds. One thing is certain, however: my love for plastic surgery and the profound joy it brings me will never waver. It is a passion that has become a fundamental part of who I am, and I am honored to be able to share it with the world.

In recent years, the rise of ultra-processed foods has sparked significant concern among health professionals and consumers alike. These highly processed food products, characterized by their long list of artificial ingredients and additives, have been linked to various adverse health effects, including both mental and physical implications. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the intricate relationship between ultra-processed foods and human health, shedding light on the detrimental consequences that these products may have on our overall well-being.
Defining Ultra-Processed Foods
Before delving into the impact of ultra-processed foods, it's essential to understand what constitutes these products. Ultra-processed foods are typically defined as ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat products that undergo extensive processing, often containing additives such as preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. Common examples include sugary snacks, fast food items, packaged meals, and carbonated beverages.
Physical Health Implications
The consumption of ultra-processed foods has been closely linked to various physical health issues, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. These products are often high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, while lacking essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Mental Health Effects
In addition to its impact on physical health, the consumption of ultra-processed foods has also been associated with adverse effects on mental well-being. Research suggests that diets high in processed foods may be linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. The excessive intake of refined sugars and artificial additives found in ultra-processed foods can disrupt neurotransmitter function and lead to fluctuations in mood and energy levels.
Nutritional Deficiencies
One of the key concerns surrounding ultra-processed foods is their poor nutritional quality. These products often contain empty calories devoid of essential nutrients, leading to nutritional deficiencies and imbalances in the diet. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods can displace nutrient-rich whole foods from the diet, resulting in inadequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for optimal health.
Addictive Properties
Another factor contributing to the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods is their addictive nature. These products are specifically engineered to be highly palatable and crave-inducing, often containing a combination of sugar, salt, and fat that stimulates the brain's reward centers. As a result, individuals may find themselves craving and consuming these foods in excess, leading to a cycle of overeating and weight gain.
Environmental Impact
In addition to its detrimental effects on human health, the production and consumption of ultra-processed foods also have significant environmental consequences. The industrial processing and packaging of these products contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. Furthermore, the cultivation of ingredients such as palm oil and soy for use in ultra-processed foods has been linked to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Promoting Healthier Alternatives
To mitigate the negative impact of ultra-processed foods on human health, it's crucial to promote healthier alternatives and encourage dietary habits centered around whole, minimally processed foods. Emphasizing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients while reducing the intake of harmful additives and empty calories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proliferation of ultra-processed foods poses significant challenges to human health and well-being. From their detrimental effects on physical health and mental well-being to their environmental impact, these products represent a significant public health concern. By raising awareness of the consequences of ultra-processed food consumption and promoting healthier dietary choices, we can work towards creating a healthier and more sustainable food environment for future generations.

In recent years, the rise of ultra-processed foods has sparked significant concern among health professionals and consumers alike. These highly processed food products, characterized by their long list of artificial ingredients and additives, have been linked to various adverse health effects, including both mental and physical implications. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the intricate relationship between ultra-processed foods and human health, shedding light on the detrimental consequences that these products may have on our overall well-being.
Defining Ultra-Processed Foods
Before delving into the impact of ultra-processed foods, it's essential to understand what constitutes these products. Ultra-processed foods are typically defined as ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat products that undergo extensive processing, often containing additives such as preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. Common examples include sugary snacks, fast food items, packaged meals, and carbonated beverages.
Physical Health Implications
The consumption of ultra-processed foods has been closely linked to various physical health issues, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. These products are often high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, while lacking essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Mental Health Effects
In addition to its impact on physical health, the consumption of ultra-processed foods has also been associated with adverse effects on mental well-being. Research suggests that diets high in processed foods may be linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. The excessive intake of refined sugars and artificial additives found in ultra-processed foods can disrupt neurotransmitter function and lead to fluctuations in mood and energy levels.
Nutritional Deficiencies
One of the key concerns surrounding ultra-processed foods is their poor nutritional quality. These products often contain empty calories devoid of essential nutrients, leading to nutritional deficiencies and imbalances in the diet. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods can displace nutrient-rich whole foods from the diet, resulting in inadequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for optimal health.
Addictive Properties
Another factor contributing to the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods is their addictive nature. These products are specifically engineered to be highly palatable and crave-inducing, often containing a combination of sugar, salt, and fat that stimulates the brain's reward centers. As a result, individuals may find themselves craving and consuming these foods in excess, leading to a cycle of overeating and weight gain.
Environmental Impact
In addition to its detrimental effects on human health, the production and consumption of ultra-processed foods also have significant environmental consequences. The industrial processing and packaging of these products contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. Furthermore, the cultivation of ingredients such as palm oil and soy for use in ultra-processed foods has been linked to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Promoting Healthier Alternatives
To mitigate the negative impact of ultra-processed foods on human health, it's crucial to promote healthier alternatives and encourage dietary habits centered around whole, minimally processed foods. Emphasizing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients while reducing the intake of harmful additives and empty calories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proliferation of ultra-processed foods poses significant challenges to human health and well-being. From their detrimental effects on physical health and mental well-being to their environmental impact, these products represent a significant public health concern. By raising awareness of the consequences of ultra-processed food consumption and promoting healthier dietary choices, we can work towards creating a healthier and more sustainable food environment for future generations.

I got Saturn in Aquarius in my 1st house. For me this manifests in feeling a sense of duty in being different, breaking useless paradigms and rules. I feel like a liar and also get really bad karma when I try to act like a tame, palatable person.
It's kinda tough with my Mars in Cancer making me a wimpy cry baby whenever conflicts arise lol, but there seems no way around it.
Curious what else you guys have in store :)

For reference, the FIP (official) edition doesn’t talk about possession much. It was mostly stripped (censored) out by Helen and Ken. But the original Urtext covers this in depth and in interesting detail. Unfortunately, even the Urtext communicates this out of order and in a confusing manner. I will (hopefully) attempt to rearrange, fix the order, and summarize this more clearly. The concept has to be important…of all subjects Jesus chose for the first chapter of the Course (the most important chapter of any book), the main focus was on possession. Perhaps a safeguard/warning that future teachings could be used improperly or hurtfully if this concept wasn’t understood?
https://www.miraclesinactionpress.com/dthomp74/2008/ETEXTS/UR%207vol%20e-text%20ls.pdf
When Possession Started:

The fruit of only ONE tree was “forbidden” to man in his symbolic garden. But God could not have forbidden it, or it could not have BEEN eaten. If God knows His children, and I assure you he does, would he have put them in a position where their own destruction was possible? The “tree” which was forbidden was correctly named “tree of knowledge.” Yet God created knowledge, and gave it freely to His Creations. The symbolism here is open to many interpretations, but you may be SURE that any interpretation which perceives either God OR His creations as if they were capable of destroying their own Purpose is wrong.
Eating of the tree of knowledge is a symbolic expression for incorporating into the self the ability for self‐creation. This is the ONLY sense in which God and His souls are NOT co‐creators. The belief that they ARE is implicit in the “self concept,” a concept now made acceptable by its WEAKNESS, and explained by a tendency of the self to create an IMAGE of itself. Its fear aspect is usually ascribed to the “father figure,” a particularly interesting idea, in view of the fact that nobody means the physical father by the term. It refers to an IMAGE of a father in relation to an IMAGE of the self.

As children of God we create like God. We are also given free will. Creation is another synonym for love. We are to extend love/creation just as God does. But we used the combination of free will and creation/love, and perverted it. We miscreated by loving the lack of love. We discovered we could create love by stealing it from others. Sadism (taking pleasure from pain) and possession was the knowledge we weren’t supposed to learn. We cut ourselves from God and fell/separated.
ACIM Definition of Possession:

Fear of possession is a perverted expression of the fear of the irresistible attraction. (Aside. Yes, this DOES apply to homosexuality, among other errors, where the whole concept of possessing, or “entering” is a key fear. It is a symbolic statement of an inverted decision NOT to enter into, or possess, the Kingdom. In physical terms, which it emphasizes because of the inherent error of soul avoidance, REAL physical creation is avoided, and fantasy gratification is substituted.)

IMO Jesus is defining possession as the inappropriate taking over of another object or person. Or the reverse…the inappropriate being taken over. As children of God our real purpose is creation. But possession is false creation (fantasy/miscreation). Jesus indicates this relates to our decision not to enter the kingdom. Our proper role is to create within it…but when we fell/separate/left the kingdom of God and “created” on our own, we miscreated. We learned to possess and be possessed…which caused all sorts of issues. Creation was not supposed to come at the expense of other acts of creating/love.
Jesus then divides possession into four types.
Type 1 - Possessions of Bodies:

It (possession) can be associated with the body only. If this occurs, sex is particularly likely to be contaminated. Possession versus being possessed is apt to be seen as the male and female role. Since neither will be conceived of as satisfying alone, and both will be associated with fear, this interpretation is particularly vulnerable to psycho-sexual confusion.
…
When these solutions have been invested with extreme belief, 1) leads to sex crimes
…
It should be noted that 1) involves only the body
…
The corresponding denial mechanism for 1) is the sense of PHYSICAL inability, or IMPOTENCE.
…
T 1 C 10. Both 1) and 2) are likely to become compulsive for several
reasons, including:
a. They represent an attempt to escape from the real possession drive, which cannot be satisfied this way.
b. They set up substitute goals, which are usually reasonably easy to
attain.
c. They APPEAR to be relatively harmless, and thus SEEM to allay fear. The fact that they usually interfere with good interpersonal relationships can be interpreted, in this culture, as a lack of sophistication on the part of the OTHER (not the self), and this induces a false feeling of confidence in the solution, based on reliability NOT validity. It is also fairly easy to find a partner who SHARES the illusion.

I’m not sure I understand this completely but it is interesting. Jesus seems to suggesting a link between sex and possession. Part of the attraction is being possessed or possessing another body. Taken too extreme it results in sex crimes…but incorrectly corrected it seems to result in physical inability or impotence. This might be symbolic…we do not want to enter the kingdom of God (which we left), so we subconsciously recreate reentering the kingdom of God through sex. But because it is not real, it can result in suffering.
Type 2 - Possession of Things:

From a rather similar misperceptual reference point, possession can also be associated with things. This is essentially a shift from 1), and is usually due to an underlying fear of associating possession with people. In this sense, it is an attempt to PROTECT people, like the superstition about “protecting the name,” we mentioned before.
…
When these solutions have been invested with extreme belief, 2) to stealing. The kleptomaniac is a good example of the latter.
…
Both 1, 2, and 4 are more likely to produce neurotic 99 rather
than psychotic states, though this is by no means guaranteed.
…
2) involves an attempt to associate things with human attributes.
…
The denial mechanism for 2) is often bankruptcy. Collectors of things often drive themselves well beyond their financial means, in an attempt to force discontinuance. If this idea of cessation cannot be tolerated, a strange compromise involving BOTH insatiable possessiveness and insatiable throwing away (bankruptcy) may result. An example is the inveterate or compulsive gambler, particularly the horse‐racing addict. Here, the conflicted drive is displaced both from people AND things, and is invested in animals. The implied DEROGATION of people is the cause of the underlying EXTREME superstition of the horse racing addict. Here, the conflicted drive is displaced both from people AND things, and is invested in animals. The implied DEROGATION of people is the cause of the underlying EXTREME superstition of the horse racing
Addict.
…
Both 1, 2, and 4 are more likely to produce neurotic 99 rather than psychotic states, though this is by no means guaranteed.
…
T 1 C 10. Both 1) and 2) are likely to become compulsive for several reasons, including:
a. They represent an attempt to escape from the real possession drive, which cannot be satisfied this way.
b. They set up substitute goals, which are usually reasonably easy to attain.
c. They APPEAR to be relatively harmless, and thus SEEM to allay fear. The fact that they usually interfere with good interpersonal relationships can be interpreted, in this culture, as a lack of sophistication on the part of the OTHER (not the self), and this induces a false feeling of confidence in the solution, based on reliability NOT validity. It is also fairly easy to find a partner who SHARES the illusion.

Here Jesus seems to suggest out of guilt of possessing bodies, we instead sometimes turn to possessing things (obsessively). It is a lessor evil, but it can be destructive. Many strange robberies we hear about in the news likely suffer from this type of possession. Collecting appears to be a form of this possession as well.
Type 3 - Possession of Spirit:

Another type of distortion is seen in the fear of or desire for “spirit” possession. The term “spirit” is profoundly debased in this context, but it DOES entail a recognition that T(59) -59 the body is not enough, and investing it with magic will not work. This recognition ACCEPTS the fact that neither 1) nor 2) is sufficient, but, precisely BECAUSE it does not limit fear so narrowly, it is more likely to produce greater fear in its own right. Endowing the Spirit with human possessiveness is a more INCLUSIVE error than 1) or 2), and a step somewhat further away from the “Right Mind.” Projection is also more likely to occur, with vacillations between grandiosity and fear. “Religion” in a distorted sense, is also more likely to occur in this kind of error, because the idea of a “spirit” is introduced, though fallaciously, while it is excluded from 1) and 2).
…
Witchcraft is thus particularly apt to be associated with 3), because of the much greater investment in magic.
…
Three, on the other hand, is a more serious level confusion, because it endows the Spirit with EVIL attributes. This accounts both for the religious zeal of its proponents, and the aversion (or fear) of its opponents. Both attitudes stem from the same false belief.
…
The pseudo‐corrective mechanism of three is apt to be more varied because of the more inclusive nature of the error, which has already been mentioned. Some of the possibilities are listed below:
One aspect of the possession/possessed conflict can be raised to predominance. If this is attempted in connection with POSSESSING, it leads to the paranoid solution. The underlying component of “being possessed” is retained in the “persecution” fantasies, which are generally concomitants. If “being possessed” is brought to ascendance, a state of some sort of possession by external forces results, but NOT with a major emphasis on attacking others. Attack BY others becomes the more obvious component. In the more virulent forms, there is a sense of being possessed by demons, and unless there is vacillation with a), a catatonic solution is more likely than a paranoid one. The FOCUSED paranoid has become more rigid in his solution, and centers on ONE source of projection to escape from vacillation. (Aside: It should be noted that this type of paranoia is an upside down form of religion, because of its obvious attempt to unify into oneness.)
…
However, 3 is inherently more vulnerable to the psychotic correction, again because of the more fundamental level confusion which is involved.
…
It should be noted, however, that the greater fear which is induced by 3 can ITSELF reach psychotic proportions, thus forcing the individual closer and closer to a psychotic solution.

This is the most interesting type and the most supernatural. In this dimension it appears this can result in negative manifestations or as Jesus puts it “possessed by demons”. But what’s interesting is the subject who is possessed is not the attacker per say…but the victim. The possessing entity seems to appear to paint a bullseye target on your soul for other entities to attack. These result in your vibration being stepped down due to fear and the hosting entity being able to feed at a more palatable/lower vibration level. Like changing the temperature of milk to make it more palatable.
Jesus also seems to indicate a correlation between spirit possession and psychosis. Somebody who is psychotic has frequently interrupted thoughts and trouble discerning between what is real and what isn’t. Psychotic people are thus very likely possessed and to a high degree.
Type 4 - Possession of Knowledge:

Knowledge can also be misinterpreted as a means of possession. Here, the content is not physical, and the underlying fallacy is more likely to be the confusion of mind and brain. The attempt to unite non‐physical content with physical attributes is illustrated by statements like “the thirst for knowledge. The fallacious use of knowledge can result in several errors, including: a. The idea that knowledge will make the individual more attractive to others. This is a possession‐fallacy.
b. The idea that knowledge will make the individual invulnerable. This is the reaction formation against the underlying fear of vulnerability. T(61) -61
c. The idea that knowledge will make the individual worthy. This is largely pathetic.
Both you and B. should consider type 4) VERY carefully. Like all these fallacies, it contains a denial mechanism, which swings into operation as the fear increases, thus canceling out the error temporarily, but seriously impairing efficiency.
…
Both 1, 2, and 4 are more likely to produce neurotic 99 rather than psychotic states, though this is by no means guaranteed.

Unfortunately I think either Helen or Jesus gets sidetracked and we won’t learn what the denial mechanism is for this fourth type of possession. I’m not sure I completely understand the relationship between the lust for knowledge and possession, but it is interesting. Certainly there are those who use knowledge as an ego boost and vanity (eg Neil deGrasse Tyson) and that isn’t good.
Possession and Speaking in Tongues:

The concept of “speaking T(60) -60 in many tongues” was originally an injunction to communicate to everyone in his own language, or his own level. It hardly meant to speak in a way that NOBODY can understand. This strange error occurs when people DO understand the need for Universal communication, but have contaminated it with possession fallacies. The fear engendered by this misperception leads to a conflicted state in which communication IS attempted, but the fear is allayed by making the communication in Comprehensible.

This is hilarious. Evangelists who are so proud of speaking in strange languages appear to be misinterpreting the bible to mean its complete opposite AND are opening themselves up to possession.
How Possession Happens

No one CAN be “taken over” unless he wills to be. However, if he places his mind under tyranny, rather than authority, he intrudes the submission/dominance concept onto free will himself. This produces the obvious contradiction inherent in any formulation that associates free will with imprisonment. Even in very mild forms, this kind of association is risky, and may spread quite unexpectedly, particularly under external stress. This is because it can be internally controlled ONLY if EXTERNAL conditions are peaceful. This is not safe, because external conditions are produced by the thoughts of many, not all of whom are pure in heart as yet.

Possession seems to a prison created by our own free will at the highest level. On this dimension though, possession can be a byproduct of external conditions and external thoughts (“not all of whom are pure in heart”).
Possession and Homsexuality

The re‐interpretation of defenses is essential to break open the INNER light. Since the Separation, man’s defenses have been used almost entirely to defend themselves AGAINST the Atonement, and thus maintain their separation. They generally see this as a need to protect the body from external intrusion (or intruding), and this kind of misperception is largely responsible for the homosexual fallacy, as well as your own pregnancy fears. The so‐called anal” behavior is a distorted attempt to “steal” the Atonement, and deny its worth by concealing it, and holding onto it with a bodily receptacle, which is regarded as particularly vicious. “Oral” fantasies are rather similar in purpose, except that they stem more from a sense of deprivation, and insatiable thirst which results. “Anal” fallacies are more of a refusal to give, while oral fantasies emphasize a distorted need to take. The main T(86) -85 error in both is the belief that the body can be used as a means for attaining Atonement. Perceiving the body as the Temple is only the first step in correcting this kind of distortion.
…
Seeing the body as the Temple alters part of the misperception, but not all of it. It DOES recognize, however, that the concept of addition or subtraction in PHYSICAL terms is not appropriate.

This is a controversial statement. Many have rejected the Course when they found this. Ken Wapnick used this statement as justification for needing to edit (mostly censor) significant material from the first four chapters. However it rings true. There is a subconscious motive behind all of our actions. To heal, we must understand them.
Helen’s Fate:
It’s very probable that Helen herself was possessed. Jesus made a remark that she had messed up as a scribe (aka channel) before in Atlantis as a past life and mislead people (this sounds like possession). She also made significant mistakes…eg quoting bible verses that didn’t exist. There are odd references to Jesus speaking as ‘we’ (53 times in the Urtext…changed to about 10 in FIP), sometimes to himself in third person, and using the term “legion”. At times this “Jesus” would get impatient with Helen and seemingly chastise/yell at her (for wasting time and introducing inaccuracies). During one of these “grumpy” periods “Jesus” chastised Bill for trying to preserve material that Helen wanted to “consolidate”. But then a couple of paragraphs later this same “Jesus” makes an extraordinary error by falsely claiming Edgar Cayce was illiterate. The real Jesus would not make that error. Other channeled sources have indicated Helen would conflate Jesus with other entities, but I do think one of the voices was the real Jesus.
Ultimately Helen would die badly from cancer...not just physically but mentally. During this time she displayed classic signs of possession. In her excitement to open herself up to Jesus she perhaps opened herself up to some unwelcome company.

"I hate that damn book," she often told him, and regularly disavowed its teachings.
…
Most troubling to him by far was the "black hole of rage and depression that Schucman fell into during the last two years of her life," the priest explained. She had become frightening to be with, Groeschel recalled, spewing psychotic hatred not only for A Course in Miracles but "for all things spiritual." When he sat at Schucman's bedside as she lay dying, "she cursed, in the coarsest barroom language you could imagine, `that book, that goddamn book.' She said it was the worst thing that ever happened to her. I mean, she raised the hair on the back of my neck. It was truly terrible to witness."
…Fr. Groeschel wrote (2), "This woman who had written so eloquently that suffering really did not exist spent the last two years of her life in the blackest psychotic depression I have ever witnessed."
https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/2004/07/the-making-of-a-course-in-miracles.aspx

Other Resources:
Helen’s ego likely acted as a filter limiting what she could say on this topic. For those that are interested there are other resources that go into far greater depth and detail.

• Remarkable Healings: Psychiatrist Discovers Unsuspected Roots of Mental and Physical Illness by Shakuntala Modi.
• Jesus Channeled by Kim Michaels

Hi, 28 years Female, non smoker, no medications previously, only took l carnitine and beta carotene as supplements casually, European native. Almost 2 weeks ago I started having sore throat. It happened one morning and it went away. Then on another day I felt like I had temperature but it was normal. Other symptoms appeared: heavy chest, short of breath, pain in epigastric region, lump feeling in my stomach, lump feeling in my throat, and it didn’t go away.. I went to the doctor for lung xray, came back normal. Went to do endoscopy, sadly without sedation It was not possible for me. They prescribed me esomeprasole 40mg twice a day while I wait for my endoscopy. Since I’m taking these I don’t have burning pain in my esophagus, stomach, just a mild discomfort after I eat for some time. And that sore throat.. It feels so scratchy and painful and then it goes away. And it can come back after several hours. I even noticed that my eyes could be burning, irritated, even red. I do not have enlarged lymph nodes nor do I have any sores in my mouth. The only thing i noticed that my soft palate is a bit yellow. Because there is a line where its more pink, and yellow. What could possibly be wrong? All I read on the internet is cancer….

Age: 25 Sex: Male Weight: 195
Medications: Lisinopril 10mg, Seroquel 100mg, Hydroxizine as needed 25 mg
Medical Conditions: Arenal Agenisis, High BP, BPD
Hello all! I’ve recently been dealing with recurring/constant uvulitis. I’ve gone to PCPs, Urgent Care, etc. and they are all saying the same thing. My violent snoring mixed with my blood pressure medication and social habits (drinking and smoking) are the root of it. I’m just very nervous about soft palate cancer. It’s an irrational fear as I don’t have any lesions growing on my uvula, no difficulty swallowing food, or any voice changes and I have many obvious causes. It’s also just super annoying. Anyway I can get this to go away without have to go a sleep specialist or ENT? Just looking for some reassurance I guess as well.

I’m looking for any insight - my sister was recently diagnosed with tongue cancer SCC that we were originally told was stage 3/4. PET scan results came back Monday as: intense increased metabolic activity centered on the left side of the tongue corresponding to a left sided malignancy of the oral cavity. Metabolic activity appears to involve the hard palate and extending along the left side the oral cavity to the tongue base and floor of mouth. There was some central areas of photopenia suggestive of necrosis. Metastatic hypermetabolic left level 2 and level 3 lymphadenopathy. Subcentimeter mild metabolic activity within the right-sided level 3/level 5 lymph nodes is nonspecific and may be reactive.
She is having issues with pain management. She has originally been prescribed morphine but they have changed the amount/timing. She ran out, pain was at 10, she went to the ER. She had been admitted to hospital a week ago and got a PEG tube and she doesn’t meet with her palliative care team until tomorrow. So it’s like she is between her hospital team which is no longer because now at home versus her at home team which she hasn’t met with her. Last night was bad.
How do we advocate, what am I missing, how do we get the pain under control - who should I be chasing to get this managed?

A chronic neurobiological disease with genetic, social, psychological and environmental risk factors.
Addiction refers to a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.
It is a biological process induced by repeated exposure to an addictive stimulus.
Its a biopsychosocial disorder characterized by persistent use of drugs, including alcohol, despite substantial harm and adverse consequences.
Known also as substance use disorder.
Genetics and environmental risk factors each , account for roughly half of an individual’s risk for developing an addiction.
Associated with impaired ability to control drug use, compulsive drug use, and craving for additional drug exposure despite adverse consequences of such behavior.
The use of drugs alters brain circuitry involved in self-regulation and reward processing,and alters brain circuits that process mood and stress.
Addiction manifestations: impaired control over substances or behavior, preoccupation with substance or behavior, and continued use despite adverse consequences.
Addiction is characterized by immediate gratification with short-term reward, coupled with delayed deleterious long-term costs.
Stimulus-driven behavioral responses tend to dominate one’s behavior in an addiction.
Behavioral addiction refers to a compulsion to engage in a natural behavior that is inherently rewarding despite adverse consequences.
Drug and behavioral addictions include alcoholism, marijuana, amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine, opioids, food, chocolate, video games, gambling, and sexual addictions.
Long-term frequent and excessive consumption of high fat or sugar foods can produce a food addiction:chocolate.
Gambling elicits a natural reward which is associated with compulsive behavior, meeting diagnostic criteria for an addiction.
Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter of the reward system in the brain.
Dopamine helps regulate movements, emotion, cognition, motivation, and feelings of pleasure.
Natural rewards, like eating, and recreational drug use cause a release of dopamine, that reinforce these stimuli.
Nearly all addictive drugs, directly or indirectly, act upon the brain’s reward system by heightening dopaminergic activity.
Excessive intake of many types of addictive drugs result in high amounts of dopamine, which in turn affects the reward pathway directly through heightened dopamine receptor activation.
Prolonged, high levels of dopamine in the synaptic cleft can induce receptor downregulation in the neural pathway: and can result in a decrease in the sensitivity to natural rewards.
Gambling behavior to meet criteria of an addiction, shows mood modification, compulsivity, and withdrawal.
Neuroimaging studies suggest that gambling activates the reward system and the mesolimbic pathway in particular.
There is a reward cross-sensitization between amphetamine and sexual activity, meaning that exposure to one increases the desire for both, and is clinically as a dopamine dysregulation syndrome.
Certain drugs, such as cocaine, affect cholinergic neurons that innervate the reward system, in turn affecting dopamine signaling in this region.
Chronic addictive drug use causes alterations in gene expression in the mesocorticolimbic projection of the brain: most important transcription factors ΔFosB, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB).
ΔFosB is the most significant biomolecular mechanism in addiction.
The overexpression of ΔFosB in the medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens causes neural adaptations and behavioral effects of increases in drug self-administration and reward sensitization seen in drug addiction, while decreasing sensitivity to aversion.
ΔFosB has been implicated in mediating addictions to many different drugs and drug classes, including:alcohol, amphetaminedps, cannabinoids, cocaine, methylphenidate, nicotine, opiates, phenylcyclidine, and propofol, among others.
Addiction is a disorder of the brain’s reward system.
Addiction arises through the overexpression of DeltaFosB (ΔFosB), a transcription factor, in the D1-type medium spiny neurons of the ventral striatum.
ΔFosB is an inducible gene which is increasingly expressed in the nucleus accumbens as a result of repeatedly overdosing on an addictive drug or overexposure to other addictive stimuli.
Virtually all drugs causing drug addiction increase the dopamine release in the mesolimbic pathway,
The nucleus accumbens is one output of the VTA projections.
The nucleus accumbens itself consists mainly of GABAergic medium spiny neurons.
The nucleus accumbens is associated with acquiring and eliciting conditioned behaviors, and is involved in the increased sensitivity to drugs as addiction progresses.
Hundreds of genes in the cells of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) exhibit histone modifications following drug exposure.
Drug seeking behavior is induced by glutamatergic projections from the prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens.
Drug seeking behavior can be prevented following the inhibition of AMPA glutamate receptors and glutamate release in the nucleus accumbens.
DeltaFosB expression is required for this cross-sensitization effect, which intensifies with the level of deltaFosB expression.
Reward sensitization is a process that causes an increase in the amount of reward assigned by the brain to a rewarding stimulus, such as a drug
Reward sensitization to a specific stimulus, like a drug, an individual’s desire for the stimulus itself and its associated cues increases.
Cue-induced wanting is a a form of craving that occurs in addiction, that is responsible for most of the compulsive behavior that addicts exhibit.
The repeated association of neutral and non-rewarding stimuli with drug consumption triggers an associative learning process that causes these previously neutral stimuli to act as conditioned positive reinforcers of addictive drug use.
The interaction between natural and drug rewards suggests that dopaminergic psychostimulants such as amphetamines and sexual behavior act on similar biomolecular mechanisms to induce ΔFosB in the nucleus accumbens.
Reward sensitization normally occurs with chronically high levels of exposure to the stimulus.
ΔFosB (DeltaFosB) expression in D1-type medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens has been shown to regulate reward sensitization involving drugs and natural rewards.
Dopaminergic psychostimulants, such as amphetamine and sexual behavior act on similar biomolecular mechanisms to induce ΔFosB in the nucleus accumbens and possess bidirectional cross-sensitization effects that are mediated through ΔFosB.
Altered dopamine neurotransmission is frequently observed in the nucleus accumbens following the development of an addictive state.
The projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are a network of dopaminergic neurons that respond when stimuli indicative of a reward are present.
The VTA supports learning and sensitization development and releases dopamine into the forebrain, and release into the nucleus accumbens through the mesolimbic pathway.
The prefrontal cortex, including the anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices, is another VTA output in the mesocorticolimbic pathway.
Additional brain structures involved in addiction:
The basolateral amygdala projecting into the nucleus accumbens, and relates to motivation.
The hippocampus is involved in drug addiction as manipulating cells in the hippocampus alters dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and firing rates of VTA dopaminergic cells.
Cross addiction is when one already has an addiction and then starts to become addicted to something different.
If one family member has a history of addiction, the chances of a relative or close family developing those same habits are much higher than one who has not been introduced to addiction at a young age.
Environmental risk factors interact with the individual’s genetic composition to increase or decrease vulnerability to addiction.
The term addiction is frequently misused to refer to other compulsive behaviors or disorders, particularly dependence.
A distinction between drug addiction and dependence is that drug dependence is a disorder in which cessation of drug use results in an unpleasant state of withdrawal, which can lead to further drug use.
Addiction is the compulsive use of a substance or performance of a behavior that is independent of withdrawal.
Addiction can occur in the absence of dependence.
Dependence can occur in the absence of addiction, although the two often occur together.
Cognitive control, and inhibitory control over behavior, is impaired in both addiction,as well as in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Addicts frequently lack, fear, and avoid emotional intimacy and seek comfort and soothing elsewhere, typically from sources that do not require emotional vulnerability.
Addicts engage in their addiction as an adaptive distraction from their painfully unmet womb-to-tomb emotional dependency needs.
The lifetime prevalence of addictions to alcohol and illicit drugs has been estimated to be approximately 8% and 2–3% respectively.
The lifetime prevalence of prescription drug addictions is around 4.7%.
Addiction is a disorder of the brain’s reward system.
The reward pathway, known as the mesolimbic pathway, or its extension, the mesocorticolimbic pathway, interacts with several areas of the brain.
Signaling events in the brain’s reward center are induced by chronic high-dose exposure to psychostimulants.
Psychostimulants that increase the concentration of synaptic dopamine are amphetamine, methamphetamine, and phenethylamine.
The presynaptic dopamine and glutamate released by psychostimulants, trigger postsynaptic receptors for these neurotransmitters through a cAMP-dependent pathway and a calcium-dependent pathway that ultimately result in increased CREB phosphorylation.
CREB’s transcriptional activity decreases user’s sensitivity to the rewarding effects of the substance is in contrast to ΔFosB’s reward-sensitizing effect,
CREB transcription activity in the nucleus accumbens is implicated in psychological dependence and symptoms involving a lack of pleasure or motivation during drug withdrawal.
Phosphorylated CREB increases levels of ΔFosB.
ΔFosB represses the c-Fos gene with the help of corepressors.
c-Fos repression acts enables the accumulation of ΔFosB in the neuron.
ΔFosB stable form persists in neurons for 1–2 months, accumulating following repeated high-dose exposure to psychostimulants, as noted above.
ΔFosB functions helps control proteins that produces addiction-related structural changes in the brain.
ΔFosB accumulation, with the help of its downstream targets, such as nuclear factor kappa B, induces an addictive state.
Drugs of abuse induce gene expression of DeltaFosB in the nucleus accumbens and chronic acquisition of these rewards result in similar pathologic addictive states through DeltaFosB overexpression.
Overexpression of ΔFosB in the nucleus accumbens is a necessity common for all known forms of addiction.
ΔFosB is a strong positive modulator of positively reinforced behaviors.
ΔJunD, a transcription factor, and G9a, a histone methyltransferase, both oppose the function of ΔFosB and inhibit its expression, and can reduce, or with a large increase block, many of the neural and behavioral alterations that result from chronic high-dose use of addictive drugs mediated by ΔFosB.
Increases in nucleus accumbens ΔJunD expression or G9a expression reduces, or with a large increase can even block, many of the neural and behavioral alterations that result from chronic high-dose use of addictive drugs: alterations mediated by ΔFosB.
ΔFosB has important roles in regulating behavioral responses to natural rewards, such as palatable food, sex, and exercise.
Drugs of abuse, induce gene expression of ΔFosB in the nucleus accumbens, and chronic acquisition of these rewards can result in a similar pathological addictive state through ΔFosB overexpression.
ΔFosB is the key transcription factor involved in addictions to natural rewards.
ΔFosB in the nucleus accumbens is critical for the reinforcing effects of sexual reward.
Nearly 20,000,000 people in the US have substance use disorders.
The total economic cost to society of addiction is greater than that of all types of diabetes and all cancers combined.
Costs of addiction: direct adverse effects of drugs, healthcare costs such as emergency medical services and outpatient and inpatient care, long-term complications of the addicting substance, the loss of productivity and associated welfare costs, fatal and non-fatal accidents. suicides, homicides, and incarceration.
Addiction develops through transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms.
Substance abuse disorders occur more frequently in individuals with a comorbid mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or post traumatic stress disorder.
Early aggressive behavior as a risk factor for substance use.
A majority of mental health patients participate in the abuse of substances: 38% alcohol, 44% cocaine, and 40% cigarettes.
Epigenetic genes and their protein products provide the mechanism through which environmental influences can affect the genes.

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is a a phenomenon in which environmental influences on the genes of a parent can affect the associated traits and behavioral phenotypes of their offspring.

Regulators of G protein signaling, particularly RGS4 and RGS9-2, have been implicated in modulating some forms of opioid sensitization, including reward sensitization.
Altered epigenetic regulation of gene expression within the brain’s reward system plays a role in the development of drug addiction.
Addictive drugs are associated with three types of epigenetic modifications within neurons:
histone modifications,
epigenetic methylation of DNA at CpG sites at particular genes,
epigenetic downregulation or upregulation of microRNAs which have particular target genes.
Epigenetic mechanisms play a role in the pathophysiology of addiction.
Some alterations to the epigenome which arise through chronic exposure to addictive stimuli during an addiction can be transmitted across generations.
Epigenome alterations affectthe behavior of one’s children: the child’s behavioral responses to addictive drugs and natural rewards.
Epigenetic alterations implicated in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and downregulation or upregulation of microRNAs.
The inherited behavioral phenotypes resulting from addiction-induced epigenetic alterations and transmitted from parent to children may serve to either increase or decrease the offspring’s risk of developing an addiction.
It arises over time from chronically high levels of exposure to an addictive stimulus: food, cocaine, sexual activity, participation in high-thrill cultural activities such as gambling.
Exposure to high doses of an addictive drug for a long period of time can result in an addiction, even in individuals with a relatively low genetic risk.
Studies estimate that genetic factors account for 40-60% of the risk factors for alcoholism.
Similar rates of heritability for other types of drug addiction have been indicated.
Tolerance is the process by which the body continually adapts to the substance and requires increasingly larger amounts to achieve the original effects.
Physical dependence occurs when the body has adjusted by incorporating the substance into its normal functioning as it attains homeostasis. and therefore physical withdrawal symptoms occur upon cessation of use.
Withdrawal refers to physical and psychological symptoms experienced when reducing or discontinuing a substance that the body has become dependent on.
Symptoms of withdrawal generally include but are not limited to body aches, anxiety, irritability, intense cravings for the substance, nausea, hallucinations, headaches, cold sweats, tremors, and seizures.
Drug use alters brain circuitry involved in self self-regulation and reward processing.With drug addiction there is altered brain circuits that process mood and stress.
Chronic addictive drug use causes alterations in gene expression in the mesocorticolimbic projection, which arise through transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms.
The most important transcription factors that produce these alterations in gene expression are DeltaFosB, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB).
.
The most important transcription factors that produce these alterations are ?FosB, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB).
DeltaFosB is the most significant biomolecular mechanism in addiction.
Increases in the expression of DeltaFosB through repetitive and excessive exposure to a natural reward induces the same behavioral effects and neuroplasticity as occurs in a drug addiction.
DeltaFosB is the most significant gene transcription factor in addiction since its overexpression in the nucleus accumbens is necessary and sufficient for many of the neural adaptations and behavioral effects that are seen.
DeltaFosB is identified with compulsive sexual activity as an addiction.
The overexpression of deltaFosB in the spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens is necessary and sufficient for many of the neural adaptations and behavioral effects, such as expression-dependent increases in drug self-administration and reward sensitization, seen in drug addiction.
((FOSB)) The DeltaFosB gene transcription factor, is common to the development of all forms of addictions (dug, behavioral).
ΔFosB expression could be used to diagnose an addiction in humans, but this would require a brain biopsy and therefore is not used in clinical practice.
DeltaFosB overexpression has been implicated in addictions to alcohol, cannabinoids, cocaine, methylphenidate, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidine, propofol, and substituted amphetamines, among others.
DeltaFosB Has important roles in regulating behavior response to natural rewards, such as palatable food, sex, and exercise.
Addiction occurs, and is associated with compulsive behavior changes with the
overexpression of DeltaFosB in the spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens.
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read more: https://standardofcare.com/addiction/

Introduction
Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a lesser-known yet immensely nutritious grain that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Its versatility and health benefits make it a standout choice for anyone looking to add more nutritional value to their diet. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the wonders of ragi, exploring its nutritional profile, culinary uses, and health benefits.
​

Discovering Ragi's Nutritional Bounty

The Nutrient-Rich Composition of Ragi

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Exploring Culinary Delights with Ragi

Ragi's Culinary Versatility

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Ragi Recipes for Every Palate

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Embracing Ragi for Optimal Health

The Health Benefits of Ragi Consumption

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Ragi's Role in Disease Prevention

Research suggests that regular consumption of ragi may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Its antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are implicated in the development of these conditions. Incorporating ragi into a balanced diet may contribute to overall health and well-being.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Potential of Ragi in Your Diet

In conclusion, ragi in english is a nutritional gem that deserves a place in everyone's pantry. Its impressive array of nutrients, culinary versatility, and health benefits make it a standout choice for individuals looking to optimize their diet and improve their overall well-being. Whether enjoyed in traditional dishes or modern recipes, ragi offers something for everyone.

FAQs

1. Is ragi suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance?

Yes, ragi is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

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There are numerous ways to enjoy ragi, from traditional dishes like ragi mudde to modern recipes like ragi pancakes and smoothies. Experimenting with different preparations can help you discover new and delicious ways to incorporate ragi into your diet.

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Hello :)
About a month back I (40/M) had a diagnostic endoscopy / colonoscopy based upon some changing GI symptoms (frequency, consistency, nausea, family history etc.).
Colonoscopy found about 50 polyps (from tiny to upto 20-30mm), in my colon of which DR removed 20 of those which appeared furthest along. Pathology for those 20 came back as either benign or precancerous. I have an appointment to do some genetic cancer risk testing in a few weeks to better understand what innate risk factors have contributed to having so many colon polyps, along with another colonoscopy coming up soon to remove / test the remaining polyps.
My Dr has been great, reassured me its not a five-alarm fire scenario despite the unexpected amount of polyps present, so I feel like im just in a bit of a holding pattern until get more info on the implications of any genetic predisposition / pathology for the polyps still to be removed. Based upon what I've heard so far its likely I'll do a yearly colonoscopy to get ahead of any polyp development if testing confirms a predisposition.
Anyhow, ive read this sub a little before and after my procedure to learn from folk but have observed that most thankfully have very few if any polyps to contend with - I'm curious to ask: has anyone else had a scenario where they had many polyps and how that has developed for them so far? Would appreciate to learn from your experience please <3
Thanks for your time and wish everyone the best!
Colonoscopy tip for bearing with me - I found the jug they have you mix and drink way more palatable WITH the lemon flavor packet and served cold (put it in the fridge!). I was afraid I'd like the flavored liquid less and was reluctant to make it worse, but it helped my prep a lot after adding it to the jug.

Sorry if this post isn’t for here… My mom is 52 years old, around 40kg (last time she measured) and around 150-160cm tall. She is a vegetarian. She was first diagnosed 13 years ago with tongue cancer, underwent surgery and then had 30 rounds of radiation and had lymph nodes and saliva glans (?) removed as means of prevention. I am also confident that it was HPV positive. 10 years later, she underwent two more I would say minor surgeries due to the same diagnosis. I wasn’t aware of these diagnoses. Fast forward to now, she noticed something that looked like an infection and went to get checked out by, no joke, around 15 to 20 doctors and professors. They did not find anything worrisome up until two months ago. It’s located on the hard palate on the same side as previously, they told us that it was malignant (SCC I believe), 1 by 1.5cm and that there were no mets. After a few more lab tests, we were informed about a month ago that her results regarding immunotherapy compatibility were excellent, that there is no room for panic and that it will eventually become smaller or disappear. So far, we are two doses in, her lymph node on the neck has reduced. When I asked if the doctors knew about the lymph node she told me that they told her it’s only reactive. She currently has a feeding tube and a tracheotomy, and I assume that during some of these procedures she caught a bacteria that can only be transmitted in a hospital environment, and she’s currently taking IV antibiotics, so that might be one of the reasons that the lymph node is reducing in size. She often has low blood pressure accompanied by a light fever, although she normally has lower blood pressure. My parents are divorced and I’m the only one taking care of her. I am diagnosed with generalized anxiety, and tend to panic a lot. I am looking for some external thoughts and experiences.

Hello
I am very desperate. I am a 35 years old male with a long history of psychological issues, anxiety and panic disorder, emetophobia and since COVID hit intermittent massive health anxiety.
Here is my story so far:
This started some time in end of 2023, but so subtle that I didn't pay attention to it. I remember getting a few hefty twitches above my right knee. Before that I remember being in the office propping up my arms on my desk to take seat. Upon releasing muscle tension the left triceps above the elbow twitched a few times, rapidly in a row. I thought that's odd.
Fast forward to November when the drama started. Suffering from health anxiety I noticed that something was off and since I had increased Prolactin since 2022 I went to the GP who assessed Prolactin level. It was 41 ug/l - MRI was ordered to rule out Prolactinoma. Instead of Prolactinoma something else was seen. Possible DX Meningioma. 2nd MRI ruled that out (was some bone anomaly). Then I had six consecutive weeks swallowing pain near the right tonsil. I feared throat cancer. Went to see the ENT and was found to have nerve inflammation there. Then I had to catch up with a endocrinologist to investigate the root cause of the high Prolactin. He found that I had Hashimoto's thyreoiditis. It was about then when I noticed the silent twitching of both calves. I feared *** from then on.
Further blood panels revealed high NSE (Neuron-specific enolase), which made me fear small-cell lung cancer as it is a specific tumor marker for this cancer. Little did I know that it is also increased in neurodegenerative disorders such as ***. Anyway I had a Thorax CT scan on March 1 which came back clean. Two weeks later I noticed enlarged lymph nodes which gave me fear of Lymphoma. Ruled that out too. A week later I noticed petechiae on my soft palate and body. I was terrified I had Leukemia. Ruled that one out too...
And then started what I am in for the past four weeks. The twitching was amplified, it is like 10 times stronger than it was a month ago and spread to body wide twitching within 10 days. Whenever I rest, no matter if I sit or lie down, I get muscle twitches all over my body. I would say 75% legs and the rest everywhere else. The twitches are like Popcorn. Here and there and everywhere. Some of them are actual thumps, huge twitches. Mostly it feels like bugs crawling under the skin. I twitch 24/7 and it didn't stop for at least these four weeks. I doubt it stopped even before, but since I was so consumed by the cancer fears I didn't specifically focus on the twitches as I thought it wouldn't matter anyway since I will die of cancer.
I am so consumed by this crippling fear that it is ***. I can elicit muscle twitches when moving, yawning, coughing, sneezing, poking muscles, you name it. Of course it says that this is an abnormal finding. I know. I feel jittery all the time. I lost strength in my whole body. All muscles tire so quickly and tremble when they are flexed. They also twitch upon releasing the flex. Head to toe muscles are hyperreflexive. I tested my knee jerk reflex and it isn't brisk, it is super brisk (bilaterally), my legs fly away upon hitting the patellar tendon. Another bad sign. Recently I noticed that my facial muscles including tongue and throat tire easily too and feel sore. I can't speak fast when I have to repeat the same word as fast as I can. It would sound slurred. I also feel that when swallowing fluids a little bit enters the trachea.
So I fear bulbar onset ALS very much. I know it could well progress as rapidly. I don't know what to do.
Question: Here is a 20 sec video of my tongue at rest:
a) Does this look normal, no atrophy or abnormality?
b) Would tongue fasciculations appear AFTER facial, mouth and throat weakness?
https://youtu.be/TWHLS4Gk7rE?feature=shared
Thank you.

I don't really know if I get answers here but I am so desperate. I am 35.
This started some time in end of 2023, but so subtle that I didn't pay attention to it. I remember getting a few hefty twitches above my right knee. Before that I remember being in the office propping up my arms on my desk to take seat. Upon releasing muscle tension the left triceps above the elbow twitched a few times, rapidly in a row. I thought that's odd.
Fast forward to November when the drama started. Suffering from health anxiety I noticed that something was off and since I had increased Prolactin since 2022 I went to the GP who assessed Prolactin level. It was 41 ug/l - MRI was ordered to rule out Prolactinoma. Instead of Prolactinoma something else was seen. Possible DX Meningioma. 2nd MRI ruled that out (was some bone anomaly). Then I had six consecutive weeks swallowing pain near the right tonsil. I feared throat cancer. Went to see the ENT and was found to have nerve inflammation there. Then I had to catch up with a endocrinologist to investigate the root cause of the high Prolactin. He found that I had Hashimoto's thyreoiditis. It was about then when I noticed the silent twitching of both calves. I feared *** from then on.
Further blood panels revealed high NSE (Neuron-specific enolase), which made me fear small-cell lung cancer as it is a specific tumor marker for this cancer. Little did I know that it is also increased in neurodegenerative disorders such as ***. Anyway I had a Thorax CT scan on March 1 which came back clean. Two weeks later I noticed enlarged lymph nodes which gave me fear of Lymphoma. Ruled that out too. A week later I noticed petechiae on my soft palate and body. I was terrified I had Leukemia. Ruled that one out too...
And then started what I am in for the past four weeks. The twitching was amplified, it is like 10 times stronger than it was a month ago and spread to body wide twitching within 10 days. Whenever I rest, no matter if I sit or lie down, I get muscle twitches all over my body. I would say 75% legs and the rest everywhere else. The twitches are like Popcorn. Here and there and everywhere. Some of them are actual thumps, huge twitches. Mostly it feels like bugs crawling under the skin. I twitch 24/7 and it didn't stop for at least these four weeks. I doubt it stopped even before, but since I was so consumed by the cancer fears I didn't specifically focus on the twitches as I thought it wouldn't matter anyway since I will die of cancer.
I am so consumed by this crippling fear that it is ***. I can elicit muscle twitches when moving, yawning, coughing, sneezing, poking muscles, you name it. Of course it says that this is an abnormal finding. I know. I feel jittery all the time. I lost strength in my whole body. All muscles tire so quickly and tremble when they are flexed. They also twitch upon releasing the flex. Head to toe muscles are hyperreflexive. I tested my knee jerk reflex and it isn't brisk, it is super brisk (bilaterally), my legs fly away upon hitting the patellar tendon. Another bad sign. Recently I noticed that my facial muscles including tongue and throat tire easily too and feel sore. I can't speak fast when I have to repeat the same word as fast as I can. It would sound slurred. I also feel that when swallowing fluids a little bit enters the trachea.
I am utterly scared and convinced that I have nothing but ***. I never felt so convinced. I just know it. I didn't check in with a Neurologist yet as I am a 100% certain he/she would hand me the death sentence then and there. I went to my GP beginning of April who was dismissive and naming the symptomes "another round of your psyche playing tricks on you". He did a very basic neuro exam but he didn't know what he was doing anyway, so I don't trust that. He checked three deep tendon reflexes (brachial, knee, ankle). No answer elicited brachially, normal answer in knees, no answer in ankles, however, he rather slightly patted me with that hammer instead of doing the exam properly. No referral to a Neurologist, it's all in my mind. Yes sure.
I would love to read your experience with this. I am devastated beyond belief.