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Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is a unique wellness practice that brings together mindfulness, touch, and pleasure. For those unfamiliar, this partnered activity involves one person gently stroking the upper-left quadrant of the clitoris in an up-and-down motion for 15 minutes. The intention? Not climax — but connection, presence, and awareness.
The technique is precise: the stroking must be no firmer than one would touch an eyelid. Usually, the person performing the strokes wears latex gloves lubricated with a personal lubricant. Notably, there is no genital stimulation of the stroker, and the act itself is not meant to serve as foreplay.
Despite its name, OM is less about achieving orgasm and more about exploring sensation and emotional intimacy. Practitioners often describe the experience as meditative — a path to becoming fully present in one's body.
While the traditional meditation practices aim at connecting the individual with themselves, these new age techniques are more focused towards reducing anxiety and calming the mind. OM was introduced by OneTaste. Founded by Nicole Daedone and Rob Kandell, this company promoted OM as "A pleasurable place for your body to be."
However, OneTaste later came under scrutiny, with former members accusing it of coercive financial practices and describing it as a "sexual wellness cult." The backlash led to a rebranding — OneTaste became the Institute of OM. Still, the practice continues to attract individuals seeking deeper sexual connection and personal fulfilment.
Traditional meditation is often seen as spiritual or philosophical. Today, it's more commonly embraced as a health tool — a method to reduce stress, improve focus, or even aid therapy. But at its core, meditation is about being fully present and tuning into one’s authentic self.
Still, OM is not for everyone. It involves physical intimacy and often costly sessions. For those who prefer less intensive alternatives, traditional meditation apps and guided practices are widely available.
Practitioners often claim increased happiness, reduced anxiety, and more connected relationships. Some report better communication, heightened confidence, and a deeper understanding of their partner’s emotional and physical needs.
While orgasm is not the goal, some do experience it—and with it, potential health benefits like the release of endorphins, reduction in cortisol, and temporary relief from pain. Moreover, OM shares many of the known benefits of conventional meditation: better sleep, sharper focus, reduced blood pressure, and mood improvement.
There are plenty of resources online—articles, audios, and videos—to help beginners explore OM. While there is a common structure, there's no strict right or wrong way. You can even try a solo version of the practice.
Amid today’s fast-paced routines, OM offers a new form of self-care — one that asks for just 15 minutes of intentional touch and total presence. For many, it’s a meditative practice that bridges the gap between sexuality and mindfulness.
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Two made-in-India HPV test kits, which are essential for diagnosing cervical cancer, have been rolled out after successful evaluation by doctors at AIIMS Delhi. The results of this scientific review were announced in a meeting by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The two evaluated HPV kits—Truenat HPV-HR Plus by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics, and Patho Detect by Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solutions—were developed under the Department of Biotechnology.
The evaluation of these kits was carried out by a team of experts at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, in collaboration with National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) Noida, and National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH) Mumbai, along with support from the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Talking about the new test kits, Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, said, "Truenat HPV-HR Plus represents the kind of diagnostic innovation we need — dependable, scientifically rigorous, locally developed, and built to serve our public health system. It’s a huge step forward in strengthening cervical cancer screening across India."
The newly validated kits use a chip-based real-time PCR (RT-PCR) technique, which is known for its accuracy and speed. These kits are designed to detect eight high-risk HPV genotypes, which are responsible for over 96% of cervical cancer cases globally. "The key feature of these kits is the inclusion of only the seven-eight most common cancer-causing types that will allow a very efficient and cost-effective screening programme which will be most suitable for India," Dr. Neerja Bhatla, former head of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS, Delhi and chief coordinator of the programme said in a statement.
Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the layers of the cervix. It is caused by abnormal cell growth that can spread to another part of your body. There are two main types of cervical cancer. These are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with around 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths in 2022, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is also the second largest cause of death in women in India, resulting in nearly 18% of total deaths.
Cervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread.
Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Symptoms
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There are millions of people who carry anti-cholesterol pills in their pockets. Official records state that eight million people consume statins to lower their risk of heart and circulatory diseases. Now, new research suggests that they do more than just benefiting your heart, they also mitigate the risk of cancer.
Recently, a study was conducted on blood cancer patients who were taking these pills at the start of their treatment. It was found that 61% per cent of them had a lower risk of cancer as compared to those not taking statins.
The research involved 1,467 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (a type of blood and bone marrow cancer) or small lymphocytic lymphoma, with an average age of 65. Patients were enrolled in one of four trials looking at the effects of a targeted cancer drug called ibrutinib.
The dose of statin was adjusted according to varied factors like age, gender, among others. Regardless of those factors, patients taking statins were found to have a 61% lower risk of dying from their cancer, a 38% lower risk of dying from any cause, and a 26% lower risk of their disease progressing.
Cancer is the leading cause of death across the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it killed 10 Million people in 2020, with breast and lung cancer. and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs; the latter process is referred to as metastasis. Widespread metastases are the primary cause of death from cancer.
The study was led by Dr Ahmad Abuhelwa, an assistant professor of pharmacy practice and pharmacotherapeutics at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Talking about the research, he said, "These findings don’t allow us to say for certain that statins directly improve cancer outcomes."
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When singer and actor Nick Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 13 years old, he described the moment as feeling like his dreams had been shattered. In a recent Instagram post, he reflected on that difficult time, saying, “It felt like someone was shutting the door on my dreams.” Now, as he returns to the Broadway stage, Nick shares a powerful message of hope: “I wish that I could go back and tell my younger self that everything turns out better than I could ever imagine. I know that diabetes can’t hold me back.”
Nick’s story is one that resonates with countless young people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. While the diagnosis may initially seem overwhelming, it’s important to remember that diabetes can be managed—and that life, dreams, and success are still very much within reach.
Early diagnosis is crucial in managing type 1 diabetes. The sooner it is detected, the sooner a child or teen can begin treatment and avoid potential complications. Common symptoms in children and adolescents include:
In some cases, children may also experience nausea or vomiting. Parents and caregivers should consult a doctor immediately if any of these signs appear consistently. With a timely diagnosis and treatment, children can adjust to their condition and live full, healthy lives.
Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes means adapting to a new lifestyle—but it doesn’t mean giving up on your goals. As Nick Jonas shows, success and diabetes can go hand in hand. Here’s how young diabetics can take care of their health:
Regular Monitoring: Checking blood sugar levels every day is important to prevent highs and lows that can be harmful.
Balanced Diet: Eating nutritious meals with whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while keeping an eye on carbohydrate intake can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Exercise Routine: Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthy weight. It's best to stick to a consistent workout routine.
Insulin Management: Taking insulin as prescribed and learning how to adjust doses based on meals, exercise, or illness is key to managing the condition.
Support and Education: Understanding diabetes and having a support system—whether it’s family, friends, or an online community—can make the journey easier and more empowering.
Nick Jonas’s journey is a reminder that diabetes doesn’t mean the end of dreams—it simply means learning to live differently. With self-discipline, awareness, and care, young people can still thrive in school, sports, art, and beyond. Nick’s words serve as both reassurance and motivation: “Diabetes can’t hold me back.”
And for young diabetics everywhere, the takeaway is clear: this condition is just one part of your story—not the whole of it.
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