It only makes sense that methods of understanding our own and others’ thoughts and behaviors could also be incredibly useful tools for enhancing our sex lives and potential for pleasure. Enter: the erotic blueprint. The concept was developed by somatic sexologist Jaiya from her two decades of study and clinical research into sexuality, arousal, and pleasure. Throughout her work, Jaiya noticed certain patterns in desire and arousal, which she conceptualizes as five sexual archetypes, or “blueprints....

GABA is essentially your body’s “calm down” signal, pumping the brakes on overexcited neurons, contributing to an overall relaxing effect. Here, we unpack how GABA affects the brain and body, the benefits of maintaining healthy GABA levels, and how to optimize GABA levels as you age. That means it blocks certain signals in the central nervous system to counter the excessive neural “excitement” that can impact mental and physical well-being. GABA works in conjunction with another neurotransmitter called glutamate to maintain overall balance....

I went into this year, my 30th year, with the most hopeful, positive outlook possible. I spent over half a month in India. I was active, healthy, and happy. Growing up, I truly abused antibiotics. As a kid, I took at least one round a year. And I spent most of college in the health center requesting monthly antibiotics for my recurring sinus infections. I never really knew the damage that was taking place each time I took them....

Actually, no. Here are a few things every lesbian should know about their health: The medical community should take the lead by learning sensitive ways of asking necessary medical questions and building trust with all patients. It’s essential for everyone to find a health care provider with whom you feel completely comfortable. Not just the health care provider, but the entire office staff should be welcoming and receptive. From a medical standpoint, if a doctor knows whether a patient is gay, straight, or another sexual orientation, the doctor can be more sensitive and thorough with follow-up questions....

Some people naturally have thinner nails. However, there’s a plethora of reasons your nails might be on the softer side and plenty of ways to strengthen them as well. To come, everything you need to know about soft and bendy nails. However, it’s important to note that these effects can be lasting. Even if you stop getting acrylic and gel manicures, your nails may still be brittle for months to come until they can fully grow out untouched....

We all have nuanced circadian rhythms, unique sleep needs, and a host of other factors that contribute to how well (or not well) we’re sleeping. And the good news is, leading sleep researchers—and leading sleep products—are now setting the stage for everyone to achieve consistent, restful sleep. This is why in 2023, we can expect to see an uptick in people minding their sleep, and further, creating a sleep regimen that’s personalized to them....

But it’s important not to count our eggs before they hatch. Case in point: A newly released study found many men today still feel like they can’t open up about their feelings without being judged. What they found is most men know expressing their emotions is important—but they still feel like they’re punished for doing it. A whole 77% of men say they see talking as an effective way to deal with their problems, and 76% know it’s good for their mental health....