5 Ways to Fight the Flu and Cold Season with Sex #fluseason #fightacold #sexhealth

It's that time of year when everyone seems to be getting sick. With the dreary winter bringing on sickness and more time spending indoors, it's the perfect time for cuddling and, arguably, more time for sex... and all the benefits of sex. Winter sex can actually help fight the cold and flu season, and it's a great way to save on heating bills without freezing your butt off. So if you're trying to stave off the inevitable sore throat or you're already sick and hoping for sexual healing, here's five ways that getting it on can combat seasonal sickness.

Why sex is good for your skin. And hair. AND it’s all backed by science!

Last week, when I was ranting to my dermatologist about a sudden outcrop of acne and dull-as-dishwater complexion, she said all I needed was more sex. Um? Uh? What? Because… WHAT?

Strangely enough, it seems she isn’t the only skin expert who believes that more sex might be the answer to everything from acne to wrinkles. The more I research this subject, the more fascinating it gets… and there is loads of science to prove the connection as well. Dr. Yvonne Fulbright, author of The Better Sex Guide to Extraordinary Love Making, recounts a study where 3,500 men and women were put on one side of a two-way mirror and participants on the other side had to guess their age. The group with an active sex life had their age underestimated by an average of 10 years, while consensus was that the group with infrequent sex actually looked older!

So, forget those expensive moisturisers and serums: maybe a tumble in the sheets is all that your skin needs. And if you need any more convincing, we’ve asked a few experts to explain exactly how having more sex is good for our skin.

Why sex is good for your skin. And hair. AND it’s all backed by science!

Last week, when I was ranting to my doctor about a sudden outcrop of acne and dull-as-dishwater complexion, she said all I needed was more sex. Um? Uh? What? Because… WHAT?

Strangely enough, it seems she isn't the only skin expert who believes that more sex might be the answer to everything from acne to wrinkles. The more I research this subject, the more fascinating it gets… and there is loads of science to prove the connection as well. Dr. Yvonne Fulbright, author of The Better Sex Guide to Extraordinary Love Making, recounts a study where 3,500 men and women were put on one side of a two-way mirror and participants on the other side had to guess their age. The group with an active sex life had their age underestimated by an average of 10 years, while consensus was that the group with infrequent sex actually looked older!


So, forget those expensive moisturizers and serums: maybe a tumble in the sheets is all that your skin needs. And if you need any more convincing, we've asked a few experts to explain exactly how having more sex is good for our skin.

It makes you glow

Beauty companies have long been trying to bottle the ridiculously glow-y aftereffects of sex (NARS Orgasm, anyone?) so it stands to reason that skin experts should follow suit. The contributing cause, they have figured, is that a roll in the sheets improves blood circulation, which helps pump oxygen to your skin and make it brighter. As a friend summarized: “It’s happy skin!”

It releases anti-inflammatory molecules

You know all about internal inflammation, right? The kind that gives you acne, wrinkles and a host of other skin and health related problems? Having sex literally bathes your bloodstream in anti-inflammatory molecules such as oxytocin and beta endorphins. Plus, it releases a key hormone called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) that can boost the immune system, give you healthier skin and even decrease depression.

It prevents dry skin

Having regular sex increases estrogen levels and also improves blood circulation. Both these give our body the moisture it needs to stay healthy, while simultaneously improving skin elasticity. Translation: no more dry skin.

It clears acne breakouts

Yes, a good and vigorous session in bed (or on the kitchen platform, for that matter) doesn't just help you build up a sweat, it also balances your hormone levels. Result: clearer skin. Goodbye, miracle creams and acne meds!

It prevents wrinkles as well!

Sex does 3 things that prevent premature ageing. First, it boosts natural collagen production, which staves off age spots and sagging. Secondly, it releases the human growth hormone, which helps keep the skin elastic. Thirdly, it increases the levels of DHEA (we spoke about this just a minute back), which gives skin a more youthful appearance. Logical deduction? More wrinkles in bed equals fewer wrinkles on the face.

It cleanses your pores

A sexy, sweaty session is something like a deep cleansing facial. The sweat de-grimes your pores of accumulated dirt, pollutants and makeup residue. Yes, you can get the same effect on a treadmill but that’s not half as fun, is it?

It makes you thinner

It’s cold and dreary outside, so you’d rather snuggle down under your cozy quilt and not trudge to the gym? Don’t forget that sex counts as exercise too! Sex burns 200-300 calories in an hour, says my personal trainer.

Yoga will torch approximately 230 calories in that time, dancing will do 260 and walking 310. Do the maths.

And it’s not just the cardio quotient: Nookie releases testosterone, which goes a long way in building and maintaining bone and lean muscle tissue. Thin and toned? Bring it on!

It makes your nails stronger

The same glow-y hormones that are released post-lovemaking also keep your nails strong. Double bonus, at least where I am concerned!

It gives you great hair

Hormones not only control our libido but also the condition of our hair. Research shows that regular sex leads to healthy, luscious hair due to the body’s increased ability to metabolize nutrients efficiently.

Will you ditch your anti-aging creams and serums for more sex?

Why sex is good for your skin. And hair. AND it’s all backed by science!

Last week, when I was ranting to my doctor about a sudden outcrop of acne and dull-as-dishwater complexion, she said all I needed was more sex. Um? Uh? What? Because… WHAT?

Strangely enough, it seems she isn't the only skin expert who believes that more sex might be the answer to everything from acne to wrinkles. The more I research this subject, the more fascinating it gets… and there is loads of science to prove the connection as well. Dr. Yvonne Fulbright, author of The Better Sex Guide to Extraordinary Love Making, recounts a study where 3,500 men and women were put on one side of a two-way mirror and participants on the other side had to guess their age. The group with an active sex life had their age underestimated by an average of 10 years, while consensus was that the group with infrequent sex actually looked older!

A New Inner Bliss!

INNER BLISS @ OneTaste Urban Retreat Center

The brainchild of founder, Nicole Daedone, the OneTaste Urban Retreat Center, located in San Francisco, is a unique foray into the study and practice of female-centered spirituality and sexuality. The center, which is home to 38 men and women, focuses on the use of yoga and meditation to empower women and encourage spiritual freedom using a combination of Eastern spirituality and feminism. One technique used by the residents, which is called “morning practice” on the website calendar, is known as orgasmic meditation. This ritual focuses solely on female orgasm and sexuality, although participants claim that the practice is not sexual in nature.


Daedone Influences



Ms. Daedone’s mentor was Ray Vetterlein, a sex therapist who claimed to lengthen the female orgasm to 20 minutes. He was inspired by Lafayette Morehouse, who operated a community that still exists in California where women are publicly brought to orgasm. The community has been in existence since 1976, and its founder, Victor Baranco, called the process “responsible hedonism,” but was often controversial as many who lived in the community said he used coercive mind control techniques. Ms. Daedone studied semantics at San Francisco State University, and eventually opened an art gallery. When she learned her father was dying of cancer in prison, where he was sent after being convicted of molesting two young girls, caused her to seek self-awareness. Ms. Daiedone delved into Buddhism, intending to live in a Zen community, until, at a party, she met a Buddhist who practiced what he called “contemplative sexuality.” That was her first experience with the process she now calls orgasmic meditation.

Orgasmic Meditation

Ms. Daedone says that she was asked to lie, unclothed, while the gentleman set a timer and began stroking her, narrating in detail the beauty he saw in her feminine region. She says that she just “broke open” and at that moment, “decided to live.” At the retreat center, the residents have an oddly clinical relationship. Eye contact during the sessions is not permitted, and the focus is to extend sensation and share it publicly before climaxing. Only women are touched during the process, yet the men say they also experience satiation, likening the process to the hydration of the body.

Ms. Daedone hopes to create mainstream urban centers throughout the country, and offers weekend workshops and private training sessions in orgasmic meditation, as well as mindful sexuality. She says that the American culture is that women are to have open feelings and closed sexuality, while men are to have open sexuality and closed feelings. She hopes to open men up to feelings while opening women up to sexuality to eliminate the resistance and shame that come with sexuality.

A New Inner Bliss!

INNER BLISS @ OneTaste Urban Retreat Center

The brainchild of founder, Nicole Daedone, the OneTaste Urban Retreat Center, located in San Francisco, is a unique foray into the study and practice of female-centered spirituality and sexuality. The center, which is home to 38 men and women, focuses on the use of yoga and meditation to empower women and encourage spiritual freedom using a combination of Eastern spirituality and feminism. One technique used by the residents, which is called “morning practice” on the website calendar, is known as orgasmic meditation. This ritual focuses solely on female orgasm and sexuality, although participants claim that the practice is not sexual in nature.


Daedone Influences

Tantric Sex

Have you ever experienced a moment of sexual ecstasy? How did it make you feel? Exhilarated? Luminous? Deeply connected? Intense sexual experiences are one of our greatest sources of pleasure.

At the same time, sex is often regarded with an equal measure of fear and fascination. We may crave sexual intimacy to the core of our being, yet also take great pains to avoid it. We may wish to be touched with all of our heart, yet fear our own vulnerability. We may long to rekindle lost passion, but have forgotten how to light the fire.

The practice of Tantra shows us how to reclaim the sexual intimacy that is our birthright. And through this most ancient of arts, we may discover new joys of the erotic and expand mere moments of sexual ecstasy into a lifetime of sexual bliss. At a time when the stresses, fears and distractions of daily life threaten so many relationships, the age-old practice of Tantra shows us how to open our hearts, our emotions and our sexuality.

For my Fiance!

Vivek... this is for you!

5 Most Common Fetishes

The subject of sexual fetishism is one of those taboos that is, well, not all that taboo. In the right atmosphere, people barely hesitate to share what "really turns them on," and you'd be hard-pressed to find a women's magazine that hasn't delved into the subject of fantasies, sex toys and stuff-he-won't-tell-you-he-wants.

Are these fetishes? Sometimes. Technically, a sexual fetish is an intense focus on an inanimate object (like a shoe), a body part (like a foot) or a medium (such as leather or silk) that's essential to a person's arousal but does not have any inherent sensuality. A true fetishist cannot have a satisfying sexual experience without it, and it's a problem, often interfering with real intimacy and sometimes resulting in destructive behavior.

Top 10 Natural Ways to Boost Libido

Do you feel like your sex drive just isn't what it used to be? You aren't alone — many people feel that way at some point in their lives. In some cases, a decrease in libido may be due to a medical issue. For many people, however, the situation may be remedied without resorting to medication. Check out the top 10 natural libido boosters, from Dr. Catherine Hood. You just may find one that puts the spark back into your love life.

10 Exercise Tips for a Better Sex Life

We all know that regular exercise has myriad health benefits. It can help you drop pounds or just keep your weight in a healthy range. Exercise can combat conditions like high blood pressure and reduce your risk of maladies such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. You'll have more energy and sleep better. It improves your mental health, too -- increasing your self-esteem, mood and combating depression.