Adolf Hitler and the Jews
Reasons for hatred leading to mass extinction
Why did Adolf Hitler hate the Jews? It's a question that has confounded historians for a long time. Did he hate only the Jews? Or was it others too such as gypsies, the handicapped, homosexuals, Russians (communists) and Poles?
The beginnings
Hitler’s hatred for the Jews seems to have been sparked by a number of causes. Some historians believe that during the early years of his struggle, Hitler lived in a state of poverty in Austria. He wished to become an art student, but the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts rejected his application. They did not want a landscape artist. He was further rejected by the Vienna School of Architecture because as he did not have a school leaving certificate. Hitler believed that 4 out of the 7 members of the board who rejected his application were Jewish and were responsible for his failure.
Historians also suggest that his mother’s death fueled the hatred, as she was not treated well by a Jewish doctor. Her death left an ineffaceable mark on the then 18-year-old Adolf. Although she died from breast cancer, Hitler could never forgive the Jewish doctor as he held the doctor responsible for his mother’s death.
The years from 1907 to 1913 were the most difficult for Hitler. As the eldest child of the family, he inherited some money from his father’s will and his father’s civil service pension to live on. He stayed in Vienna making postcards and clearing snow from the pathways of the beautiful town houses. He believed that rich Jews lived comfortably in these homes while he was on the streets. And by 1910, his mind was full of hatred.
Strengthening of views
Another theory is that Hitler’s hatred was a result of his experiences after World War I. At this time, Jews not only dominated but held high-ranking positions in the textile industry, commerce, crafts, medicine and legal practice; they owned almost half of the newspapers, banks and stores. With such governance, they nearly ran the markets. In Europe, many believed that Jews were communists and gave rise to the Judeo-Bolshevist conspiracy (anti-Semitic conspiracy which states that communism is a Jewish conspiracy). Hitler at this time was living in Munich when Jews played an important role in the revolution against the German monarchy in 1918. He blamed the Jews for the revolution in Russia, for the collapse of the German economy, and for its poverty and suffering. He also apparently believed that the Jews had deceived Germans (stab-in-the-back theory) in World War I. As Germany lost World War I and its economy was in ruins, Jews were held responsible for capitalism and the rise of Bolshevism. Amid the rumors and the middle class sentiment regarding Germany’s defeat in World War I, Hitler felt that it was normal to blame Jews, and he believed that they needed to be trodden upon.
After the Great Depression, Germany was in ruins. Anti-Semitism was deeply rooted in the European and American culture as Christianity initially blamed Jews for the death of Christ (In 1960, the Catholic Church stated that Jews were not to be blamed for the death of Jesus).
Anti-Semitism had set in Hitler’s mind.
Final Solution by the ‘prime mover’ of the holocaust
Hitler had been devastated by Germany’s loss and his already-poisoned mind led to further conflicts and frustrations. As Hitler wrote in Mein Kampf, “My views with regard to anti-Semitism succumbed to the passage of time, and this was my greatest transformation of all. Gradually, I began to hate them (the Jews)....For me this was the time of the greatest spiritual upheaval I have ever had to go through.. I had ceased to be a weak-kneed cosmopolitan and become an anti-Semite. As I recognized the Jew as the cold-hearted, shameless and calculating director of this revolting vice traffic in the scum of the big city, a cold shudder ran down my back...”
Jews had become the scapegoats.
Hitler and many Nazis were also influenced by the notorious anti-Semitic book called "Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion." In a speech on anti-Semitic racism on July 1922 in Munich, Hitler said, "His is no master people; he is an exploiter: the Jews are a people of robbers. He has never founded any civilization, though he has destroyed civilizations by the hundred...everything he has is stolen. Foreign people, foreign workmen build him his temples, it is foreigners who create and work for him, it is foreigners who shed their blood for him." Hitler declared, "The war is to be a war of annihilation". His henchman Heinrich Himmler declared: "All Poles will disappear from the world. . . . It is essential that the great German people should consider it as a major task to destroy all Poles." Majority of Poles were Jews during Hitler’s supremacy and had become the mere victims of mass annihilation.
Hitler had begun to believe that only through bloodshed and brutality could the societal problems be solved. He was obsessed with hatred towards the Jews and he had utmost faith in his beliefs. He believed that if Jews were eradicated, there would be a new and united Germany. All these beliefs led to the horrible brutality of the holocaust during World War II (when the real Holocaust started in 1941). He built extermination camps and killed thousands of people at one time. He considered Jews, Poles, gays, gypsies, Russians and mentally challenged people as lower class and made them work as slave laborers. He considered them sub humans and gassed them. Hitler believed only he knew what was good for his country and everyone had to follow his orders.
Historians give a number of reasons for this hatred which led to genocide. But his irrational and fanatical behavior against the Jews and others still leaves people disturbed and wondering.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Holidays and Domestic Violence
Holiday financial stress sparks domestic violence
Idealistic pressures lead to abuse
Holidays are a time for merriment, parties and family get-togethers. People exchange gifts and enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and News Year’s. But for many women and children, it is a time of fear, abuse, depression and increased domestic violence.
David Schneider, M.D., chair of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University, states that, “There’s a lot of stress associated with the holidays, from pressure to provide for the family and money issues to spending more time with distant family. Domestic violence often revolves around high stress times. Additionally, people tend to drink more alcohol around the holidays, and about half of all domestic violence occurs when either the perpetrator or victim is under the influence of alcohol.”
Statistics on domestic violence
Domestic violence increases around Christmas and New Year's all over the world. The US, UK and Australia report a rise of about 20% during this festive season. Overall, one in every four women experiences domestic violence in her lifetime. Most of it comes in the form of physical assault by the intimate partner. 85% of domestic violence victims are women. They are victims of stalking, torture, and physical or sexual assault. And the nasty truth is that most of the cases are never reported to the police.
Expectations and Reality
The economic downturn can lead to overall stress among all members of a family. But for many people, seasonal expectations lead to unrealistic demands, exacerbating the problem. Spending time and money on vacations and gifts leaves people at an edge for money. Some families just want to feel good among their peers, friends and families, spending until their budgets are in tatters. Stress is usually high which sometimes leads the family breadwinner to excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, hence domestic violence.
Avoiding domestic violence
Too often, women do not complain or do not wish to see the seriousness of the issue until it becomes dangerous or fatal. Schneider warns that when a partner is threatening suicide or there are guns in house, these are very dangerous situations. If you find yourself in one of these situations, you need to find a way out.
- Communicate and let things cool down before starting a conversation.
- Plan according to your budget, stick to it and avoid being a spendthrift.
- Stand up for yourself, and go to a relative's or a friend’s house. Get away from a situation which is beginning to get downright nasty.
- Accept help from churches, shelters, or your local police department.
- Get a restraining order.
- If this is happening to a friend or a relative, offer support and encouragement, and arrange for transportation to either your own home or to a local woman’s shelter.
It’s important to not let the situation go out of hand. Manage financial pressures by taking a look at your budget. Don’t go overboard. And be realistic.
Idealistic pressures lead to abuse
Holidays are a time for merriment, parties and family get-togethers. People exchange gifts and enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and News Year’s. But for many women and children, it is a time of fear, abuse, depression and increased domestic violence.
David Schneider, M.D., chair of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University, states that, “There’s a lot of stress associated with the holidays, from pressure to provide for the family and money issues to spending more time with distant family. Domestic violence often revolves around high stress times. Additionally, people tend to drink more alcohol around the holidays, and about half of all domestic violence occurs when either the perpetrator or victim is under the influence of alcohol.”
Statistics on domestic violence
Domestic violence increases around Christmas and New Year's all over the world. The US, UK and Australia report a rise of about 20% during this festive season. Overall, one in every four women experiences domestic violence in her lifetime. Most of it comes in the form of physical assault by the intimate partner. 85% of domestic violence victims are women. They are victims of stalking, torture, and physical or sexual assault. And the nasty truth is that most of the cases are never reported to the police.
Expectations and Reality
The economic downturn can lead to overall stress among all members of a family. But for many people, seasonal expectations lead to unrealistic demands, exacerbating the problem. Spending time and money on vacations and gifts leaves people at an edge for money. Some families just want to feel good among their peers, friends and families, spending until their budgets are in tatters. Stress is usually high which sometimes leads the family breadwinner to excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, hence domestic violence.
Avoiding domestic violence
Too often, women do not complain or do not wish to see the seriousness of the issue until it becomes dangerous or fatal. Schneider warns that when a partner is threatening suicide or there are guns in house, these are very dangerous situations. If you find yourself in one of these situations, you need to find a way out.
- Communicate and let things cool down before starting a conversation.
- Plan according to your budget, stick to it and avoid being a spendthrift.
- Stand up for yourself, and go to a relative's or a friend’s house. Get away from a situation which is beginning to get downright nasty.
- Accept help from churches, shelters, or your local police department.
- Get a restraining order.
- If this is happening to a friend or a relative, offer support and encouragement, and arrange for transportation to either your own home or to a local woman’s shelter.
It’s important to not let the situation go out of hand. Manage financial pressures by taking a look at your budget. Don’t go overboard. And be realistic.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Tui Na for Respiratory and Digestive Disorders
Tui Na for Respiratory and Digestive Disorders
Tui Na (literally means ‘push and grasp’) is an oriental massage (bodywork) therapy. Founded on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, Tui Na’s principles are based on the effective flow of chi energy (ch’i, qi, or ki), blood, and yin/yang through the energy meridians of the body. Tui Na is accompanied with manipulation techniques of acupressure points, energy trigger points, and muscles and joints around the affected area to treat diseases. This relieves pain and allows the body to naturally heal itself. Tui-Na also heals the muscular tension around bony structures thereby reducing the outcome that follows treatments.
TCM theory states that pain and disease occurs when disharmony (yin and yang, and Qi energy stagnates) arises in the body. Tui Na focuses on correcting these imbalances by balancing the flow of Qi (life force) throughout the body. The advantages of Tui Na are lack of side effects or complications, low cost and effectiveness. Tui Na helps the body restore its balance (corrects physiological imbalance), reduces hyper function of internal organs, improves immunity, increases resistance against external pathogens, and promotes blood circulation.
Tui Na focuses on a specific problem rather than a wide spectrum thereby making it an excellent alternative medicine. Qi Gong Tui Na massage uses the internal energy of the practitioner by emitting Qi into specific energy centres in the patient’s body. Nei Gong uses internal Qi development to trigger the patient’s Qi for healing. These tried and tested body therapies in the world are the most effective western-style massage therapies.
Tui Na uses the technique of massaging soft tissues (muscles and tendons) with hands by applying pressure on the pressure points. It is extremely effective in the treatment of chronic stress related disorders of the respiratory (acute rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, cough, common cold, hay fever, bronchial asthma) and digestive (IBS, bloating, hyperacidity, abdominal, epigastria and flank pain, nausea, gastrointestinal reflux disease, ulcers, constipation, gall bladder inflammation, diarrhoea, colitis) system.
Clinical studies have shown that Tui Na Chinese medical massage or the ‘hands-on therapy’ has been extremely effective in treating chronic and critical medical problems. This massage therapy uses finger pressures to stimulate the various points thereby relieving pain and stress. It also invigorates/balances organs systems for healing. This therapy is usually coupled with acupressure, moxibustion, cupping therapy, and traditional herbs.
Manipulation techniques are used to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous system. Palms and fingertips are used to press, tap, and knead the affected area’s surrounding. Tui Na is not a general body massage and should not be used for relaxation, fractures, phlebitis, infections, open wounds, lesions, pregnancy and menstruation.
Scientifically, the gate control theory in neurophysiology was used to describe the analgesic principle of Tui Na. It was found that changes of circulating speed of blood and lymph-vascular fluid before and after Tui Na treatment were helpful in reducing swelling and blood stasis. Tui Na lowered blood pressure and the contents of 5-HT in the blood increased after the therapy. Another therapy of squeezing the spine encouraged the incorporation of the small intestine.
Choose a licensed practitioner for Tui Na massage after consulting a primary health care provider.
Tui Na (literally means ‘push and grasp’) is an oriental massage (bodywork) therapy. Founded on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, Tui Na’s principles are based on the effective flow of chi energy (ch’i, qi, or ki), blood, and yin/yang through the energy meridians of the body. Tui Na is accompanied with manipulation techniques of acupressure points, energy trigger points, and muscles and joints around the affected area to treat diseases. This relieves pain and allows the body to naturally heal itself. Tui-Na also heals the muscular tension around bony structures thereby reducing the outcome that follows treatments.
TCM theory states that pain and disease occurs when disharmony (yin and yang, and Qi energy stagnates) arises in the body. Tui Na focuses on correcting these imbalances by balancing the flow of Qi (life force) throughout the body. The advantages of Tui Na are lack of side effects or complications, low cost and effectiveness. Tui Na helps the body restore its balance (corrects physiological imbalance), reduces hyper function of internal organs, improves immunity, increases resistance against external pathogens, and promotes blood circulation.
Tui Na focuses on a specific problem rather than a wide spectrum thereby making it an excellent alternative medicine. Qi Gong Tui Na massage uses the internal energy of the practitioner by emitting Qi into specific energy centres in the patient’s body. Nei Gong uses internal Qi development to trigger the patient’s Qi for healing. These tried and tested body therapies in the world are the most effective western-style massage therapies.
Tui Na uses the technique of massaging soft tissues (muscles and tendons) with hands by applying pressure on the pressure points. It is extremely effective in the treatment of chronic stress related disorders of the respiratory (acute rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, cough, common cold, hay fever, bronchial asthma) and digestive (IBS, bloating, hyperacidity, abdominal, epigastria and flank pain, nausea, gastrointestinal reflux disease, ulcers, constipation, gall bladder inflammation, diarrhoea, colitis) system.
Clinical studies have shown that Tui Na Chinese medical massage or the ‘hands-on therapy’ has been extremely effective in treating chronic and critical medical problems. This massage therapy uses finger pressures to stimulate the various points thereby relieving pain and stress. It also invigorates/balances organs systems for healing. This therapy is usually coupled with acupressure, moxibustion, cupping therapy, and traditional herbs.
Manipulation techniques are used to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous system. Palms and fingertips are used to press, tap, and knead the affected area’s surrounding. Tui Na is not a general body massage and should not be used for relaxation, fractures, phlebitis, infections, open wounds, lesions, pregnancy and menstruation.
Scientifically, the gate control theory in neurophysiology was used to describe the analgesic principle of Tui Na. It was found that changes of circulating speed of blood and lymph-vascular fluid before and after Tui Na treatment were helpful in reducing swelling and blood stasis. Tui Na lowered blood pressure and the contents of 5-HT in the blood increased after the therapy. Another therapy of squeezing the spine encouraged the incorporation of the small intestine.
Choose a licensed practitioner for Tui Na massage after consulting a primary health care provider.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Massage Therapy and Scoliosis
Massage Therapy and Scoliosis
Scoliosis (literally means crooked) is a disorder which causes a lateral curvature of the spine. It begins in the cranium causing a twist in the spine due to distortion of cranial bones followed by asymmetrical hips and ribs. Scoliosis is usually combined with a rotation of the vertebrae.
The cause of scoliosis is idiopathic (unknown). Names given to idiopathic scoliosis are infantile (children less than 3 years), juvenile (between 3-10years), and adolescent (over 10 years). There are two forms of scoliosis (structural and functional scoliosis); and it occurs more in women than men. The various causes are due to congenital, neuromuscular or degenerative problems and spine tumours.
Symptoms are noticeable if a child bends to a side, shoulder height is unequal, imbalanced hip, imbalanced rib cage, head is not exactly above the pelvis, lopsided waist, or skin on the spine has dimples, hairy patches, and changes colour.
If scoliosis goes untreated, it can cause overload on the spine. The worsening curve of the spine can affect pregnant ladies. Severe scoliosis alters the quality and life expectancy of the individual, leading to lower self-esteem and unemployment. It leads to respiratory and cardiac problems causing other types of further severe disabilities.
Treatments for scoliosis are surgery, observation, orthopaedic bracing, electrical stimulation, rolfing, chiropractor manipulation, aquatic exercise, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, physiotherapy, and massage therapy.
According to the ‘American Massage Therapy Association’ massage is being recognized as a factor of health and wellness. It has been used for respite from pain, injury rehabilitation, migraine control, stress management or overall wellness. 22% of Americans have received massage between July 2008 and July 2009, and 34% have received it in the last 5 years; wherein 86% agree that massage helps in reducing pain.
As per ‘Institute of Integrative Healthcare Studies, ‘Cranial-sacral therapy’ (addresses restricted tissue thereby balancing the spine), ‘Deep tissue massage therapy’ (uses stretch techniques on hypertonic muscles, balancing circulations and relieving pain), and ‘Neuromuscular therapy’ (focuses on stretching muscle fibres and alleviating pain) are being considered as alternatives medicines for relief from scoliosis.
‘Press stretch massage therapy’ deals with pressing and stretching small areas or the whole back. ‘Balanced massage therapy’ deals with pushing out pressure away from the tense sides of the spine. ‘Neck and shoulder massage therapy’ focuses on the ‘S’ curve of the back, pushing the knots and shoulder blades out. ‘Seated massage therapy’ works on the inside of the curvature thereby applying pressure.
‘Bowen technique’ focuses on cycles of placid movements such as cross-fibre manoeuvring of muscles, tendons and ligaments causing deep relaxation and helps in balancing the nervous system. In ‘Muscle Energy technique’ indirect pressure is applied by asking the patient to contract a muscle of one side thereby relaxing the muscles on the other side.
‘Sports massage therapies’ are used for curing scoliosis by freeing the tension in the muscle and accelerating blood flow. Some are effleurage, petrissage, stripping the muscles technique, frictions to the muscle attachments, circular and transverse friction to the muscle, and finishing off.
Massage therapy helps in the healing and prevention of scar tissues, furthermore aligns and relaxes the very tense muscles. It is recommended to take professional advice in the treatment of scoliosis.
Scoliosis (literally means crooked) is a disorder which causes a lateral curvature of the spine. It begins in the cranium causing a twist in the spine due to distortion of cranial bones followed by asymmetrical hips and ribs. Scoliosis is usually combined with a rotation of the vertebrae.
The cause of scoliosis is idiopathic (unknown). Names given to idiopathic scoliosis are infantile (children less than 3 years), juvenile (between 3-10years), and adolescent (over 10 years). There are two forms of scoliosis (structural and functional scoliosis); and it occurs more in women than men. The various causes are due to congenital, neuromuscular or degenerative problems and spine tumours.
Symptoms are noticeable if a child bends to a side, shoulder height is unequal, imbalanced hip, imbalanced rib cage, head is not exactly above the pelvis, lopsided waist, or skin on the spine has dimples, hairy patches, and changes colour.
If scoliosis goes untreated, it can cause overload on the spine. The worsening curve of the spine can affect pregnant ladies. Severe scoliosis alters the quality and life expectancy of the individual, leading to lower self-esteem and unemployment. It leads to respiratory and cardiac problems causing other types of further severe disabilities.
Treatments for scoliosis are surgery, observation, orthopaedic bracing, electrical stimulation, rolfing, chiropractor manipulation, aquatic exercise, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, physiotherapy, and massage therapy.
According to the ‘American Massage Therapy Association’ massage is being recognized as a factor of health and wellness. It has been used for respite from pain, injury rehabilitation, migraine control, stress management or overall wellness. 22% of Americans have received massage between July 2008 and July 2009, and 34% have received it in the last 5 years; wherein 86% agree that massage helps in reducing pain.
As per ‘Institute of Integrative Healthcare Studies, ‘Cranial-sacral therapy’ (addresses restricted tissue thereby balancing the spine), ‘Deep tissue massage therapy’ (uses stretch techniques on hypertonic muscles, balancing circulations and relieving pain), and ‘Neuromuscular therapy’ (focuses on stretching muscle fibres and alleviating pain) are being considered as alternatives medicines for relief from scoliosis.
‘Press stretch massage therapy’ deals with pressing and stretching small areas or the whole back. ‘Balanced massage therapy’ deals with pushing out pressure away from the tense sides of the spine. ‘Neck and shoulder massage therapy’ focuses on the ‘S’ curve of the back, pushing the knots and shoulder blades out. ‘Seated massage therapy’ works on the inside of the curvature thereby applying pressure.
‘Bowen technique’ focuses on cycles of placid movements such as cross-fibre manoeuvring of muscles, tendons and ligaments causing deep relaxation and helps in balancing the nervous system. In ‘Muscle Energy technique’ indirect pressure is applied by asking the patient to contract a muscle of one side thereby relaxing the muscles on the other side.
‘Sports massage therapies’ are used for curing scoliosis by freeing the tension in the muscle and accelerating blood flow. Some are effleurage, petrissage, stripping the muscles technique, frictions to the muscle attachments, circular and transverse friction to the muscle, and finishing off.
Massage therapy helps in the healing and prevention of scar tissues, furthermore aligns and relaxes the very tense muscles. It is recommended to take professional advice in the treatment of scoliosis.
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