Your face reveals your health problems

You can spot your health problems in the mirror. Here's how to combat them

Lines on the forehead: This may indicate digestive issues.
Fix it: They can be combated by drinking warm water mixed with lemon juice first thing every morning.

Ageing lines: Ageing lines around the mouth is mostly caused by smoking
Fix it: The effects can be lessened by regularly applying lip balm.

Itchy ears: Itchy ears are often the sign of an allergy or low tolerance. Psoriasis and eczema here are signs that the person is depleted in vitamin D.
Fix it: Ten minutes with the arms and face exposed will give the body vital sunshine and plenty of vitamin D.

Pimples on the forehead: This could indicate internal symptoms of problems with the liver and stomach congestion.
Fix it: Drink plenty of water to flush out any toxins. You should also eat more liver-friendly foods, such as leafy green vegetables. Cut out processed foods and caffeine.

Dark circles under eyes: Dark circles that persist despite regular, restful and sufficient sleep may be a result of food intolerances.
Fix it: Sufferers should remove dairy and wheat from their diet and see if the dark circles lighten. Another culprit is alcohol — even in moderate amounts, this can cause dark circles.

Acne around jawline: Oestrogen is a friend to our skin, suppressing sebaceous activity. But when levels reduce as women get older, skin lacks lustre and you may experience acne cysts deep in the dermis and commonly found on the jawline and hairline.
Fix it: Try eating apricots, shiitake mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and mangoes as they all contain vitamin A to normalise the production and life cycle of skin cells.

Acne on the jawline: Acne may result from eating lots of dairy, sugar and refined foods, such as burgers, chips, crisps and fizzy drinks.
Fix it: Eat more fresh foods and replace fizzy drinks with water to flush out toxins. Ensure the affected areas are cleansed thoroughly.

Pronounced frown line: A pronounced frown line between the eyes shows the liver is under pressure. Environmental and emotional factors, or an allergy to foods can also cause the problem.
Fix it: Try gently massaging the brow area with circular moves.

Dark patches: These can be caused by medication or illness. Age spots, on the other hand, may be the body's way of ridding itself of toxins.
Fix it: Eat fresh foods, drink more water and apply a small amount of castor oil on to existing age spots.

Dry lips: Dry lips show possible internal dehydration, vitamin B and iron deficiency.
Fix it: Check with your GP and drink plenty of water.

50 Oscar snubs that surprised us

Shame, the Steve McQueen sex-addiction drama was not among the nominees in any major category for the 2012 Oscars - a big surprise, given the critical accolades for the director and star Michael Fassbender in an emotionally raw performance.




George Clooney's Ides of March, Ryan Gosling-starrer Drive and David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo have been snubbed too. But this isn't the first time that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Movies has left out well-deserved films out of the nominee list. We rewind to some of the choices that have surprised fans and critics the world over.





Traffic

Which year? 2000

Lost to: Gladiator

The 2000 Oscar show was arguably one of the tightest races in the history of the awards. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon rolled in international praise. Steven Soderbergh scored an impressive feat with Erin Brockovich and Traffic. Our odds were on Traffic taking home the win, but Soderbergh's double-noms may have split the vote on that tip. So Traffic settled for the Best Director win and the Academy gave an Oscar to the Russell Crowe swords-and-sandals epic.



It's a wonderful life

Which year? 1946

Lost to: The Best Years of our Lives

This vintage Christmas classic was nominated for five Oscars (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Editing, and Best Sound Recording), but didn't win a single one. Yet, it went on to become the No. 1 most inspiring film of all time according to the American Film Institute.



The Truman Show

Which year? 1998

Lost to: Shakespeare In Love

Not only was this Jim Carrey-starrer the most underrated film of the year, it was completely overlooked by the Academy, which favoured a tepid Elizabethan romance.



The Pianist

Which year? 2002

Lost to: Chicago

The Pianist earned Roman Polanski the Oscar for Best Director and Adrien Brody the Best Actor award. Chicago only nabbed Best Supporting Actress for Catherine Zeta-Jones. However, in the year after 9/11, the Academy was bound to side with the more comforting film when it came time to decide Best Picture. So, Chicago, a high energy musical about women on Death Row who ride their infamy to successful showbiz careers, took home the statue while The Pianist, a stark account of starvation and hard-won survival during the Holocaust, got shoved aside. Rude.



True Grit

Which year? 2011

Lost to: The King's Speech

Nominated for 10 awards, Joel and Ethan Coen's remake of the Oscar-winning 1969 Western came up totally empty-handed on the big night. By the time this film was released, critics had already anointed The Social Network and The King's Speech.



Citizen Kane

Which year? 1941

Lost out to: How Green Was My Valley

You'll find this Orson Welles film at the top - or in the Top 10 - of every film critic's 'All-Time Greatest Movies' list. Many attributed this major snub to the fact that it was strongly based on the life of the very powerful and infuriated Randolph Hearst. And critical accolades didn't matter when this award was given out: On Oscar night, Citizen Kane was booed each of the nine times it was announced for an award.



Pulp Fiction

Which year? 1994

Lost to: Forrest Gump

Robert Zemeckis' politically conservative epic is a pleasant-enough travelogue through the life of Forrest Gump, but, in hindsight, its saccharine take on nostalgia does not hold up as well as Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. The movie changed the way people thought about moviemaking; it inspired legions of film students to write only in meta, pop-culture references. And last time we checked, Gump's lasting contributions was "My mama said..." quotes.



Fargo

Which year? 1996

Lost to: The English Patient

A brilliant offering from the Coen Brothers that wonderfully merges black comedy with elements of suspense and humorous horror, Fargo is one of those films that you can't help but revisit. The English Patient, which beat Fargo to the Best Pic gong, happens to be the polar opposite. Released to a plethora of accolades, the film screamed of Oscar: lavish cinematography of epic scale and a grand, overstated narrative. While the former isn't entirely awful, Fargo offers a unique edge to its narrative that allows it to leave a firm impression on viewers: something that the former doesn't.





The Shawshank Redemption

Which year? 1994

Lost to: Forrest Gump

The Shawshank Redemption's reputation has grown in the ensuing years due to Frank Darabont's brilliant adaptation of author Stephen King's source material and for memorable performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.



The Usual Suspects

Which year? 1995

Lost to: Braveheart

This crime movie invoked the same sensation that Reservoir Dogs did - the feeling that you've just watched an instant crime classic.



Goodfellas

Which year? 1990

Lost to: Dances With Wolves

Goodfellas is such a great gangster flick that it has spawned several imitations, but when it came down to crunch time, Martin Scorsese lost out to Kevin Costner for Dances with Wolves.



Gosford Park

Which year? 2001

Lost to: A Beautiful Mind

Robert Altman took a witty and absorbing look at the foibles of the British class system in this intelligent murder mystery set in the early '30s. Altman picked up a directing and Best Picture nod, and both Helen Mirren and Maggie Smith got a nod in the Supporting Actress category. However, only Julian Fellowes' script won a statuette, and the Academy chose to give gold to a boring Ron Howard movie.



Taxi Driver

Which year? 1976

Lost to: Rocky

How Taxi Driver didn't win the Best Picture statuette is a mystery we'll never solve! Can anyone honestly say that Rocky is a better film than Martin Scorsese's gritty, disturbing neo-noir film? With a narrative that undertakes the issue of loneliness and isolation within the big city and the droves of scum that inhabit it, this Robert De Niro-starrer is emotive and disturbing on many levels.



North By Northwest

Which year? 1959

Lost to: Ben Hur

Alfred Hitchcock was once again snubbed by the Academy when arguably his best movie failed to get a Best Picture nomination.



Raging Bull

Which year? 1980

Lost to: Ordinary People

Some argue that snubbing Raging Bull was in response to Taxi Driver providing inspiration for an attempt on President Ronald Reagan's life. Others say that Ordinary People got gold because Robert Redford (it was his directorial debut) was more popular with voters than Scorsese at the time, hence the Oscar going to Redford's attempt. Regardless of the "why", revisionists would now give the Oscar to Raging Bull, as 32 years later Scorsese's masterpiece continues to pack audiences for screenings.





Apocalypse Now

Which year? 1979

Lost to: Kramer vs. Kramer

1979 saw the year that praised the awkwardness of divorce more than the atrocities of evil on the battlefield of Vietnam. Francis Ford Coppola received no recognition for this film whatsoever, even after losing his mind to make it over the course of over five years.





The Graduate

Which year? 1967

Lost to: In The Heat of the Night

A drama of crime and racism in a small town, In the Heat of the Night took the honours over this ground-breaking Dustin Hoffman-starrer.



Bonnie And Clyde

Which year? 1967

Lost to: In The Heat of the Night

Producer-actor Warren Beatty had to convince Warner Bros. to finance this film, which went on to become the studio's second-highest grosser. It also caused major controversy by redefining violence in cinema and casting its criminal protagonists as sympathetic anti-heroes.





Alfie

Which year? 1966

Lost to: A Man For All Seasons

Michael Caine's first starring role was a foray into dramatic irony, scripted by Bill Naughton from his novel and play. The historical drama of one courageous man standing up against King Henry VIII's desire for a divorce is a fine film, but A Man For All Seasons beat out the superior Alfie.





The Color Purple

Which year? 1985

Lost to: Out of Africa

Despite a whopping 11 nominations, Steven Spielberg's film that covers various dark themes like racism, abuse, lesbianism and incest found little favour with the Academy. Another major letdown was Geraldine Page (The Trip to Bountiful) winning Best Actress over Whoopi Goldberg.



The Elephant Man

Which year? 1980

Lost to: Ordinary People

Agreed, actor John Hurt and director David Lynch aren't Oscar favourites - but this cult film didn't win a single Oscar that year.





All The President's Men

Which year? 1976

Lost to: Rocky

As enjoyable as Rocky is, the Academy could have picked a more worthy winner from all the other choices in 1977 - including All the President's Men, Bound for Glory and Network.



The Postman Always Rings Twice

Which year? 1946

Lost to: The Best Years of Our Lives

While The Best Years of Our Lives is touching, it has slipped from the public conscience and is probably only viewed on film courses. However, Postman... is superb film noir.



Dr. Strangelove

Which year? 1964

Lost to: My Fair Lady

Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove is a film that was ahead of its time, in turns thrilling and vital. My Fair Lady? Not so much, though Audrey Hepburn does her best to salvage the situation.





Brokeback Mountain

Which year? 2005

Lost to: Crashl.a. confidential

Which year? 1997

Lost to: Titanic

"I do think it was a bit of a joke that L.A. Confidential got beaten by Titanic 15 years ago," Guy Pearce recently told a website. "I just kind of went, ugh, all right, okay." And so did we. Titanic was being praised as a spectacle even though it has been proven that any spectacle without good storytelling is only impressive until the next spectacle comes along. L.A. Confidential on the other hand is as fresh and watchable in 2012 as it was then.

Never had gay cowboys been talked about so much in cinema until Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain broke barriers and box-office records in 2005. As actor Jack Nicholson was about to announce the winner, no one was even holding their breath; it was practically a given. But Nicholson said Crash instead, and a collective gasp went around the mountain.





The Crowd

Which year? 1928

Lost to: Wings

Legendary director King Vidor lost as Best Director and the film lost to Wings, but is still considered one of the greatest silent films ever made. The story about the day-to-day problems of a working-class family during the Jazz Age in the big city, lost to a weaker film about World War I fighter pilots.





Pulp Fiction

Which year? 1994

Lost to: Forrest Gump

Robert Zemeckis' politically conservative epic is a pleasant-enough travelogue through the life of Forrest Gump, but, in hindsight, its saccharine take on nostalgia does not hold up as well as Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. The movie changed the way people thought about moviemaking; it inspired legions of film students to write only in meta, pop-culture references. And last time we checked, Gump's lasting contributions was "My mama said..." quotes.



A Clockwork Orange

Which year? 1971

Lost to: The French Connection

Gregory Peck threatened to resign his post as President of the Motion Picture Academy if this dark Kubrick picture was to win Best Film, giving some insight into what the more conservative members of the Academy thought about the picture.





Citizen Kane

Which year? 1941

Lost out to: How Green Was My Valley

You'll find this Orson Welles film at the top - or in the Top 10 - of every film critic's 'All-Time Greatest Movies' list. Many attributed this major snub to the fact that it was strongly based on the life of the very powerful and infuriated Randolph Hearst. And critical accolades didn't matter when this award was given out: On Oscar night, Citizen Kane was booed each of the nine times it was announced for an award.

10 Foods for a gigantic orgasm

If you are still searching for the right ingredients to constitute a 'sex-friendly' platter, here's a low down on foods that facilitate theBig O! 

Climaxing issues keeping you off sex? Hitting the so-called 'Big O' remains a dream for you? Well, a major reason for your poor sexual prowess can be what lies on your platter. 

Nutritionist, Ishi Khosla explains, "Everything that can be summed up as good sex depends to a great extent on your body's blood circulation, which is made or marred by the food that you consume. Food that facilitates the proper pumping of blood in the body adds to your sexual prowess." 

So, if you are still searching for the right ingredients to constitute a 'sex-friendly' platter, here's the low down on foods that facilitate the Big O! 

1. Go green 
And you thought, Popeye, the sailor man gulped cans of cans of spinach just like that! Well, it won't be wrong if we tag spinach as a natural Viagra. This green leafy vegetable is loaded with sexual benefits. "It is rich in Vitamin E, which is a major catalyst in the production of sex hormones in the body. It is also rich in manganese, which facilitates the production of the female hormone estrogen. A deficiency of magnesium also affects a woman's fertility levels," informs nutritionist Aishwarya Rajan. "Green leafy veggies are also loaded with zinc, which is known for its libido and sperm production qualities men," holds dietician Charu Dua. 

2. Seeds of fertility 
Seeds like flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, chickpeas and sunflower seeds etc. are again friends of sexual hormones. "Consuming one tablespoon of flaxseed every day helps to increase the testosterone level in the body. These seeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, a drop in which affects hormone levels leading to a plummeting sex drive. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc which is a mineral needed to produce testosterone," suggests Delhi-based nutritionist Sanjana Saikia. 

3. S for Sea-food 
If you have an aversion towards the aqua-species, you better start loving them as they guarantee a smooth sailing sex drive. Be it fish or oysters, they contain the wonder sex drug in them! "Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which fires up your metabolism, keeping you fresh. It's also found to boost the hormone dopamine that lights up the brain's pleasure system. Besides, it even contains Vitamin B that is linked to fertility. Oysters known for their aphrodisiacal traits are the richest source of zinc which nourish the prostate gland and boosts testosterone production in men," explains Aishwarya. 

4. Go nutty 
"All kinds of nuts provide one with energy that's directly proportional to your stamina while having sex," suggests Sanjana. So, feel free to consume your daily dose of nuts, including almonds, pistachios, walnuts, groundnuts etc. After all, stamina and energy are the driving force behind a satisfying sex life. 

5. Fruity Pleasure 
All fruits, especially those rich in vitamin C can be vital in sexual gratifications. "The body needs vitamin C to keep the sexual organs fine tuned. Tests reveal that consuming 500-1,000 milligrams of vitamin C in a day increases the number and quality of sperm produced," holds nutritionist Aishwarya. Some fruits which fall in this category include citrus fruits, specially kiwi, blackcurrants and strawberries. 

6. Spice it up! 
The right kind of spices not only spice up your palette, but also your bedroom. "Chilli pepper, red chillies and ginger perk up blood circulation," says Sanjana. So, dig into some spicy food when spicing up things between the sheets. 

7. Dark chocolate 
You've got another reason to fall in love with chocolates, specially the darker varirties. Studies reveal that women who eat chocolate daily lead more sexually satisfying sex lives. "Chocolate contains a chemical called phenethylamine that triggers feelings of relaxation, intoxication and pleasure. It releases mood-boosting, stress-reducing serotonin and stimulates physical contact desires and lowers inhibitions," explains endocrinologist Dr Pankaj Aggarwal. So, shun those weighty issues for a while and don't shy away from gorging upon a piece or two of dark chocolate daily. 

8. Bananas 
Bananas are a great sex food. "Bananas are ideal to give you endurance in the bedroom as they are a rich source of vitamin B that converts carbohydrates into energy. It also helps your body to produce sex hormones such as testosterone, "suggests Aggarwal. Having a banana a few hours before getting into action can keep you pepped up! 

9. Olive oil 
Orgasm worries in women find an answer in olive oil, which triggers the production of the testosterone hormone. "A lack of this hormone can lead to lack of desire and sexual pleasure and an inability to achieve an orgasm. So, be liberal with monounsaturated fats like olive oil," suggests Charu. 

10. Garlic 
Though, you'll have to take special care of your breathe before you get into some steamy action after having this wonder sex booster, but a "regular consumption of garlic in food can bring a marked difference in your sexual prowess," suggests Sanjana. 

Begin your day with a glass of green juice

Macrobiotic expert Shonali Sabherwal tells you why green juices should be preferred over their fruity counterparts 

There are facts about juices that are commonly known such as drink vegetable juices as opposed to fruit juices, ensure that you use a mixer and not a juicer so that you get the fiber from the veggies. Other known facts are — don't strain the juice, but have it with the pulp and almost always, include doodhi in your juicy diet. 

However, few know that one must opt for green juices as opposed to just vegetable juice. So what makes the green juice a better option? This is because without the fiber, fruit juice is basically sugar, which will add to your weight. So juice fruits as a treat but try and eat them whole as far as possible. While the fiber content takes a beating, juices do deliver a powerful array of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are absorbed immediately into the blood stream. However, avoid combining vegetables with fruits, as they require different enzymes for digestion. The only exception is an apple, which has a more neutral effect. 

Benefits of green juices 

Green juices are power-packed with nutrition. Green vegetables have the ability to transform sunshine into the food that all creatures consume. True to their nature, greens produce chlorophyll, which oxygenate your body. This enables us to release stored toxins in the body. Your hemoglobin (that has a similar molecular structure as that of your red blood cells) will get elevated, improving the blood circulation as a result and giving your body a boost of energy. A green juice will cleanse your digestive system, lungs, liver (which will rev up, if sluggish — causing you to retain weight) and uterus. So if you are a smoker, this is an excellent supplement to your diet. 

Fact file 

Magnesium is essential for efficient calcium utilisation. The chlorophyll molecule has magnesium at its centre and its impact on the body's magnesium levels is highly significant. When you include green juices in your daily diet, it helps them absorb calcium better. All green plants have Vitamins A and C, which are important co-factors for calcium absorption. Chlorophyll foods also act as a form of 'stored sunshine', to regulate calcium and Vitamin D deficiency. So if you get no sunshine, then increase the greens in your diet. 

Methods to follow 

-Always rotate your greens, don't use one green all the time. Plants carry a trace of alkaloids (which in small doses is okay) and you don't want the same alkaloids to build up in your system.

-If you have a strong digestive system, blend greens in a mixer and if not, juice them. 

-Even though you eat a gree vegetable everyday, your body will assimilate many more nutrientsfrom blended greens rather than the ones chewed. It's always beneficial to add spirulina and wheat grass powder, as it increases the chlorophyll quotient in the juice. 

-If taste is important to you, mix dates in your juice. However, watch out if you have yeast, candida, diabetes or hypoglycemia. 

-They are best consumed fresh, but you can keep them only for a day at the most in the fridge. Add some lime to preserve them. 

-Green juices should be ingested on an empty stomach, so have it first thing in the morning or inbetween meals. 

A recipe to start with 

-3-4 leaves of spinach and rotate it with pak choy on other days 

-A fistful of parsley 

-A fistful of celery 

-3 inches of carrots 

-3 inches of doodhi or zucchini (optional) 

-4 broccoli florets 

-½ a tomato 

-1 green apple (optional) 

Blend all the above in a blender with ¼ cup water, do not strain, squeeze a lime into it and add some cumin (jeera) powder. You could thin it down with some warm water. While drinking it, roll it in the mouth before taking it down (this aids in digesting the juice).

Hair care: 20 ways to stronger hair

Hair fall or hair loss does not spare age or gender. To be honest hair fall is a natural process of the body, but the problem arises when new hair fails to grow in its place.




Hair loss is a common problem if you do not take care of it in these stressful times. But we give you 20 ways that you may have not thought of to make your hair longer and stronger. Dr. Nipun Jain, Senior Consultant in Dermatology from Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi let's you in on how to maintain, improve and strengthen your hair.



Have a good balanced diet and lots of water.



Iron deficiency causes a lot of hair loss. Thus, consumption of food which contains high iron like green and yellow vegetables, and fruits is recommended.



A high protein diet that includes egg whites, soyabeans, cheese, pulses, milk and curd is good for the hair.



A diet rich in zinc, selenium, biotin and essential fatty acids is necessary for hair growth.



Be gentle with your hair. Always use a wide toothed comb.



Making tight braids and pony tails or pulling your hair can cause hair loss called Traction Alopecia and therefore, should be avoided.



Application of heat on hair through blow drying, ironing or rebonding can damage it, leading to hair fall.



Protecting your hair from sunlight is important since excessive UV rays can cause hair damage and graying.



Chlorine water in swimming pools is harmful for the hair. Thus, wearing a head cap during swimming and taking a shower after a swim is advised.



Avoid exposing your hair to rain water as a lot of environmental chemicals are present in that water that can cause hair loss.



Gentle massaging of the scalp increases the blood circulation and is good for hair growth.



Avoid excessive combing of the hair as it can lead to 'weathering effect' and cause split ends.



Avoid self-medication as some medicines and excess of vitamins like vitamin A can lead to damaged hair.



Do not crash diet or starve to reduce weight as it will have a harmful effect on hair.



If you are suffering from thyroid, control of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is essential.



A good quality mild shampoo and conditioner should be used to clean the scalp and condition the hair.



Avoiding harsh chemicals like those present in hair colors and bleaching agents help in preventing hair fall.



Smoking leads to decreased blood flow resulting in increased hair loss and hence, should be avoided.



Antioxidants like Vitamin C and E and Beta Carotene are good for hair growth.



Meditation and yoga are helpful in reducing stress which is a major cause of hair fall.

First get naughty, then have sex!

Is it true that "real" sex is all about an Earth-shattering climax wherein foreplay plays no role? Is it possible to play by rules in the game of love? We explore. It may start with the morning tea you serve your spouse in bed and progress into a passionate rendezvous by the evening that eventually escalates into carnal bliss in the night. If you haven't guessed it yet, we are talking about the naughty acts before sex that are commonly referred to as foreplay. If legends like Vatsayan are to be believed, for a sexual intercourse to be a perfect experience, a prolonged and sensual foreplay is most important. Since time immemorial, tales of making love have abounded with instances of immaculate foreplay that is considered to be the most fundamental part of best sex. Its boundaries stretch much beyond mere skin to skin seduction. However, according to a study conducted on 2,360 Czech women, the act of foreplay is overrated. The study claims that when it comes to the likelihood of having an orgasm, foreplay has little or no significance. Is foreplay actually overrated? Is it true that "real" sex is all about Earth-shattering climax wherein foreplay plays no role? Is it possible to play by rules in the game of love? We explore... Importance of foreplay Explaining the findings of the controversial research, experts suggest, "Sex therapists and educators lay overwhelming emphasis on foreplay, but they need to be guided by the evidence which shows that it is not the case. Intercourse is significantly more important." On the other hand, in India, experts share a different perspective altogether. Dr. Shahid Ansari, a sex therapist, explains, "Love making is considered as one of the most efficient ways to get close to your partner. During the act you are with your soul-mate and have prepared yourself to forget all the other worldly worries and have set your mind to attain the ultimate experience - foreplay allows you to do exactly the same. It's not only restricted to bodily pleasure, but it's the moment when both the partners dedicate themselves to each other." Supports Rashmi Vaidye, a clinical physiatrist, "I totally disagree with those who condemn the importance of foreplay. It doesn't necessarily mean kissing, hugging, licking, touching etc., it has to do with anything that allows both partners to set the scene, much before you undress. It may be a combination of some acts or a mixture of all; it all depends on the way you want to treat your partner." Foreplay is an experimental phase - and the experiment that linger on for life, if you need to live healthy and happy! Expressing surprise on the latest revelation regarding foreplay, Jamshed Sighania, a 28-year-old software developer, says, "I guess these people are really short on time or sleep because for me, the extra minutes spent on fondling my partner are nothing less than true bliss." Foreplay makes love last? In the beginning of a relationship, lovers mostly can't get enough of each other. This has more to do with just chemistry...it stems from mischievous petting and touching! The first few years of togetherness are filled with steamy showers and lovemaking. But have you ever wondered why it fades later? Sexologist Dr. Renu Rai answers, "Making love in the beginning is very hot because of the touching and caressing (read foreplay). Making out is foreplay, but how often do people who have been married for ten or more years make out? They seem to just hop into the sack, aimed to achieve an orgasm. People forget that orgasm is only a brief part of making love." "Me and my wife are married since last thirty years, but still find the passion and desire we once experienced on our honeymoon. Love making is a holistic experience. To achieve maximum pleasure and to arouse your spouse to the peak level, both the partners need extra spice and that is attained via foreplay. All it takes is a bit (or more) of efforts to set the mood and ignite your partner's passion," shares Gaurav Bansal (name changed on request), a 54-year-old brand manager. Men from Mars and women from Venus! According to relationship expert Vandana Ganpathy, "Foreplay is the most critical part of sex. An average woman needs about 45 minutes of sensual intensification to reach an orgasm. I agree that a 'hot and fast act' has its own moments, but the simple truth is women need a little more time." Agress Samridhi Chopra, a 26-year-old marketing manager, "Women are emotional creatures, and that's why they like, enjoy and often need foreplay. This has held true since ages, for men sex tends to be a stress reliever, but for women we need stress relief in order to be romantic. So if our partners take the time to listen, comfort and cuddle us a bit, there's nothing more valuable and more gratifying". Foreplay is the one thing women can't get enough...errr...okay, there are a few other things as well. Jhanvi Sharma (name changed on request) shares her woes, "My boyfriend is in love with quickie sex. He gets some sort of kick out of it. A long, passionate lovemaking session is just not his cup of tea. By the time I get ready for sex, he is over with it. It's painful, annoying and I feel used. I would any day prefer a longer foreplay than the main course of the sexual act itself." "Unlike their male counterparts, women aren't raring to get down to it. This is because their bodies need the lubrication required for intercourse and their emotions dictate the same to them. They need to feel a sense of closeness and mutual respect with their partner. All of this can be achieved through foreplay, which will also help the woman in question feel desired. If you simply want to jump her bones, she'll feel like a tool or a machine," explains Dr. Shahid Ansari. So, ladies and gentleman, the verdict is out - even while you hustle and bustle and can't find time to spin around, it would be good for your relationship if you learn to please each other. Foreplay can actually rock your love nest and learning how to execute it will be your key to sexual success. Here are a few tips: 1. Be creative Unfortunately, for a majority of us, the perception of foreplay is merely kissing and petting. Forget dimming the lights and nibbling on your partner's neck (don't overlook them completely, just briefly). Try on edible lingerie, nibble on aphrodisical foods or soak in a warm bath with aromatic oils. 2. Don't rush things One of the most important things to remember about foreplay is to focus on everything, but the so-called "bull's eye" of the body. You can go near them, but don't focus on them. Let the act of arousal build gradually. If you rush right in for the end zone, the game will be over before you even knew it. Take it slowly. Concentrate on being the best kisser your partner's never had; treat every area of the body as an erogenous zone. Touch and kiss often-neglected areas such as the neck, throat, inner arms, stomach and eyelids before moving on further. 3. Foreplay is not exclusive to men Thought seducing a woman is a man's contractual obligation? Well, its time to dump the myth. Women can also resort to foreplay. Forget touching his hand, biting his lips, invading his private space and other feminine foreplay techniques, men respond favourably to visual stimulation, so try wearing a garter belt, slipping into those sexy heels or trying on the lacy lingerie. 4. Fantasise Many of the most effective pre-play techniques happen before you even get your partner's clothes off. It can start with a voice or text message sharing your deepest desire and fantasy with your beau. Even if you choose not to share your deepest, darkest desires, start using fantasy to get yourself in the mood for a rocking climax. 5. Pamper your partner Believe it or not, some women can even be brought to an orgasm through a sensual foot massage. An erotic massage will sexualise and wake up new parts of your spouse, increasing the scope of pleasure. The trick to giving an invigourating massage is to keep it sensuous, which means taking breaks between touches to lick and kiss your lover. 6. Put on a show Take tips from Dita Von Teese and perform a fabulous striptease for him/her. Make sure you're wearing something slinky under your clothes. Pep up your love den by making sure it looks seductive with dim lights, scented, aroma candles and fresh bed and bath linens. Have a fridge stocked with champagne, wine, beer, chocolate, strawberry, grapes and other aphrodisiacal foods to feed your lover. Put on some sultry instrumental music and sway to them. 7. Seal it with a kiss! Deep tongue kissing is one of the many formulas to turn you both on. As a matter of fact, couples like deep tongue kissing because it mimics sex. Instead of using the kiss as a two second start up, use it as a lingering moment to share your passion. If you don't feel kissing is one of your stronger skills, work on it! There are lots of tips available, but one of the key points to keep in mind: men prefer wetter kisses with more tongue action than women. 8. Choreplay This one is just for the men out there - want to spice up your love life? Grab a mop! Start by cleaning the kitchen, helping her with the dishes or preparing for next day's breakfast. Women are put in the mood for love-making when their stress and work load is reduced. Once you shoulder more of the domestic work load and actually get her in the mood, use some of the above tips to make your typical foreplay moves even better. 9. Foreplay 24*7 There is no such thing as 'the perfect foreplay' and there are no defined rules, time and techniques to set the ball rolling. Foreplay is all about giving pleasure and creating anticipation. Give your partner a long, lingering goodbye kiss in the morning, instead of a usual peck and send a suggestive E-mail from work. Foreplay is (luckily) a 24 hour a day thing. Use mental stimulation to make your lover yearn for you. 10. Oral Action Don't jump to conclusions, we are talking about communication. Foreplay starts with words. Irrespective of your gender, complimenting your lover is a sureshot way of not just breaking the ice, but also making the other person admire you. Tell your partner about something in your life that really excites you, or if you know him/her well enough, tell a story that will attract her even more.

6 Ways to get a stronger erection

Have you ever felt ashamed of not satisfying your partner because of erection problems? As you grow older you'll find it a little difficult to get a strong erection and satisfy your partner in bed. A weak erection can strain your sexual relationship, and hurt your pride as well, to say the least. So, it is always necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle for a fully satisfying sex life. Remember, a strong and hard erection is something women crave most for while you gear up for some action between the sheets. We bring you six ways to get a harder erection. 1. Eat well, keep it hard: Simple changes in your diet can increase your libido and give you a harder erection. Foods like bananas, eggs, nuts, figs, chillies, onions, and wine can increase your sexual prowess. Word of caution: Steer clear of junk food. 2. Your penis needs exercise: Healthy men are always sexually active. Exercise is one of the best ways to increase your sex drive and sexual potency. It reduces stress which is an erection-killer, and helps enhance testosterone production in the body. Kegel exercises are a perfect workout for the penis. 3. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol: You must have heard this a million times, smoking and drinking can really affect your sexual life. Smoking decreases your blood circulation, and results in less lung capacity. It can impact your ability to get and maintain an erection. And alcohol can numb the body and lead to temporary erectile dysfunction. 4. Don't masturbate too often: Save something for a real sex. Excessive masturbation can decrease your sexual appetite. Continual erections and ejaculations may lead to weaker erection the next day. So, control the urge! 5. Know the right sex positions: Always warm up with oral sex. Sexual positions like missionary and doggy style allow more blood flow, leading to a stronger and harder erection. And don't ever let her ride you first! 6. Throw away those tight undergarments: Avoid wearing tight, or any, undergarments, for that matter, while sleeping. It restricts blood flow to the penile tissues which in turn can affect erection strength. Always go for loose, airy underwear. Simply stop worrying about weak erections and lead a healthy sex life.