Lying Flat

The expression "lying flat" has become a popular expression in China in recent years. I asked Google's Gemini to expand on its meaning, even though I had a general idea of what the term meant.

What does the current Chinese expression "lying flat" actually mean?

The current Chinese expression "lying flat" (躺平, tǎng píng) is a slang term used to describe a social and personal philosophy that rejects societal pressures to overwork and overachieve. Here's a deeper look at its meaning:

Literal Translation:

The term translates literally to "lying flat" or "to lie down flat."

Figurative Meaning:

Figuratively, it represents a passive resistance or opting out of the "rat race" mentality. It's about prioritizing personal well-being and a simpler life over chasing material success or career advancement.

Underlying Factors:

The "lying flat" movement arises from several factors, including:

Economic Inequality: A growing sense of disillusionment with the traditional path to success due to increasing economic inequality and limited job opportunities.

Burnout Culture: A reaction against the intense work culture in China, often characterized by long hours and high pressure.

Desire for Balance: A longing for a more balanced lifestyle with time for leisure and personal pursuits.

Spectrum of Responses:

The "lying flat" movement isn't a monolithic concept. It can encompass a range of responses, from:

Minimalism: Choosing to live with less and work only to meet basic needs.

Quiet Quitting: Fulfilling work duties but not going above and beyond.

Pursuing Passions: Focusing on hobbies and interests rather than career advancement.

Criticisms and Concerns:

The movement has received some criticism for potentially hindering economic growth and innovation.

Some worry it might discourage ambition and hard work.

Overall:

The "lying flat" movement highlights a growing societal shift in China, with younger generations questioning traditional values of work and success. It's a complex phenomenon with both potential benefits and drawbacks, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape in the country.

I guess the term sums up my retirement lifestyle rather well but in this post I'm using the term quite literally. I've discovered that when I lie down flat to sleep a pain starts up in the socket joint of my right shoulder which seriously impairs a restful night's sleep. However, if I prop myself up, so that my upper body is no longer flat, the pain disappears and I mean it completely disappears. Naturally I asked Gemini.

When I lie down flat to sleep, I encounter pain in the socket joint of my right shoulder. This considerably impairs a restful night's sleep. However, if I prop myself up with pillows so that my upper body is no longer flat in the bed, then the pain completely disappears. What might be the reason for this phenomenon?

There are a few possible reasons why you experience shoulder pain when lying flat on your back, but the pain disappears when you sleep propped up with pillows:

Rotator Cuff Impingement: This is a common possibility. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. When you lie flat on your back, the space in your shoulder joint can become compressed. If you have rotator cuff impingement, this compression can irritate the tendons and bursa (fluid-filled sac) in the shoulder, causing pain. Propping yourself up with pillows takes pressure off the joint and allows more space for the rotator cuff tendons to glide smoothly, reducing pain.

Labral Tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket and helps keep the ball (humerus) of the upper arm bone in place. A labral tear can cause pain, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. Propping yourself up with pillows might shift the position of your arm and reduce pressure on the labrum, alleviating pain.

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis in the shoulder joint can cause pain and stiffness. Sleeping flat might compress the joint or stretch the capsule in a way that aggravates the arthritis, while sleeping propped up might provide some relief.

Sleeping Position:  Sometimes, simply the way your shoulder is positioned when lying flat can irritate nearby tissues. Propping yourself up might change the position and alleviate discomfort.

Recommendations:

See a Doctor: It's important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They can perform a physical examination, order imaging tests (X-ray, MRI) if needed, and recommend the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Self-Care Measures:  In the meantime, some self-care measures might help manage the pain:

Apply ice packs: Apply ice packs to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes at a time, wrapped in a thin towel, to reduce inflammation.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain.

Sleeping on your side: Sleeping on your unaffected side might be more comfortable than lying flat on your back.

Maintain good posture: Practice good posture throughout the day to help align your shoulder joint and avoid further strain.

Lying flat on my right side so that the shoulder joint is compressed might naturally cause pain and discomfort but the orientation of my body doesn't seem to matter. If I lie flat on my back, flat on my stomach or on my side with the right shoulder uppermost, it doesn't make any difference: the pain is always there. It really is caused by simply lying flat in any position and once I prop myself up, I'm fine.

The joint or its surrounding tissue is definitely damaged from an injury way back in my early thirties when I was playing tennis. At the time, I pushed through the discomfort and continued playing but the joint was never the same. However, it never caused me any day-to-day discomfort until now when it would seem all my chickens are coming home to roost.

I should be thankful I guess that I don't experience pain when I'm upright or else I'd be in a pickle. The Ibuprofen doesn't seem to have much effect so I've discontinued the use of that medication.

Ibuprofen

Today I ventured out and brought some ibuprofen to alleviate the pain in my aching shoulder and other areas. Of the ten tablets on the card, I'm taking three of the 400mg tablets daily. So far I've taken three and the relief is significant. However, the effect wears off after a few hours. What I'm hoping is that after three days, the inflammatory response that my body is generating will subside.

That probably will not happen but in the meantime, I'll enjoy some respite from the discomfort. However, I can't take ibuprofen forever so I'll need to get to the bottom of why my body is turning on itself. On the positive side, I've been forcing myself to walk more and as a result I don't feel as debilitated as I did earlier.

A trip to Medan is planned in early June which will provide me with the opportunity for some psychic healing, focused mainly on treating my thymoma, but perhaps assisting with my chronic inflammation as well. Perhaps the two are related so I asked Google's Gemini the following question and its response suggests that there may well be a link:

Is there any research available that links thymomas or thymic cysts to excessive inflammatory responses int the body?

The research on a direct link between thymomas or thymic cysts and excessive inflammatory responses in the body is limited and not entirely conclusive. Here's a breakdown of what we know:

Thymus Gland and Inflammation:

The thymus gland plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in T-cell development. T-cells are white blood cells that help fight infections.

In some cases, thymus dysfunction can lead to autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This suggests a potential link between the thymus and inflammation. 

Thymomas and Thymic Cysts:

Thymomas are tumors that grow in the thymus gland. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Thymic cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the thymus. They are usually benign. 

Current Research:

Studies haven't established a definitive link between thymomas or thymic cysts themselves and causing widespread, excessive inflammation throughout the body.

However, there are some associations to consider:

Paraneoplastic Syndromes: In rare cases, thymomas can be associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. These are groups of symptoms caused by substances released by the tumor that can affect various organs and sometimes trigger inflammatory responses. 

Thymitis: Thymitis is an inflammation of the thymus gland itself. This can occur in association with thymomas or independently. While thymitis can cause localized inflammation in the chest area, it doesn't necessarily translate to widespread body-wide inflammation. 

Further Exploration:

More research is needed to fully understand the potential connection between thymomas/cysts and systemic (body-wide) inflammation.

Some studies suggest that thymomas might be linked to specific inflammatory markers, but the clinical significance and cause-and-effect relationship aren't fully established.If you're concerned about excessive inflammation:

It's important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause. They can perform tests and rule out other conditions that might be causing the inflammation. 

Overall:

While a definitive link between thymomas/cysts and widespread inflammation is lacking, there are potential associations worth exploring further. If you have a thymoma or thymic cyst and are experiencing excessive inflammation, discussing it with your doctor is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.

DOMS

Ah, at this late stage of my life, I discovered DOMS. Let Gemini explain:

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common phenomenon you might experience after unaccustomed or strenuous exercise. It's characterized by muscle pain, tenderness, and stiffness that typically peaks 1-3 days after the activity.

Here's a deeper dive into DOMS:

Causes:

The exact cause of DOMS is still being researched, but the leading theory suggests it's a result of microscopic tears in muscle fibers caused by strenuous exercise, particularly activities that involve eccentric contractions (lengthening of a muscle under tension). These microtears trigger an inflammatory response in the body to repair the damaged tissue. This inflammation leads to the pain, tenderness, and stiffness associated with DOMS.

Symptoms:

Muscle pain and tenderness: This is the hallmark symptom of DOMS, typically felt most intensely 24-72 hours after exercise.

Muscle stiffness: The affected muscles might feel tight and difficult to move through their full range of motion.

Reduced muscle strength: You might experience temporary weakness in the affected muscles.

Risk Factors:

Unaccustomed exercise: People new to an exercise routine or those returning after a break are more prone to DOMS.

Strenuous exercise: Activities involving intense effort, eccentric contractions, or unfamiliar movements can increase the risk.

Poor exercise form: Improper technique can put additional stress on muscles, leading to more micro-tears.

Treatment and Prevention:

While DOMS can be uncomfortable, it's generally harmless and resolves on its own within a few days. Here are some tips for managing and preventing DOMS:

Rest: Allow your body adequate recovery time after strenuous exercise.

Active recovery: Light activity like walking or gentle yoga can promote blood flow and aid healing.

Stretching: Gentle stretching before and after exercise can help improve flexibility and potentially reduce DOMS severity.

Massage: Massage therapy can improve circulation and promote healing in the affected muscles.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.

Preventing DOMS:

Gradual progression: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to allow your muscles to adapt.

Proper warm-up and cool-down: Dedicate time to warm-up exercises before and cool-down stretches after workouts to prepare and relax your muscles.

Proper form: Ensure you use proper technique during exercise to avoid putting undue stress on your muscles.

Hydration: Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after exercise to support muscle function and recovery.

Additional Points:

DOMS vs. Injury: While DOMS can be uncomfortable, it's usually not a cause for major concern. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or bruising, it's best to consult a doctor to rule out a more serious injury.

Individual Variation: The experience of DOMS can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals might be more susceptible to it than others.

By understanding DOMS and following these tips, you can manage discomfort and optimize your workouts for better results.

Almost two weeks ago now, I tripped on the bottom stairs leading to the front door. I landed face down with my hands in front of me to brace myself for the fall. In the previous description, there's no mention made of age as a factor in the sudden onset of DOMS and yet it clearly is. I've suffered similar falls in the past and not shown any such symptoms. 

The day after the fall I was fine but next day I was a total wreck and remained that way for about two more days before gradually recovering. This was really a relatively minor fall and I wonder what the consequences would be have been had the fall been more serious. My body's inflammatory response was massively excessive. If a similar event happens I'll be sure to take some ibuprofen to ameliorate the symptoms. This time around I only took panadol which really didn't have much effect at all.

Maybe it's psychological but ever since turning 75 I've suddenly felt OLD. All I do is to ensure that I remain active and mobile. I've done a lot of sleeping during my gradual recovery and it's easy to fall into the taking refuge in the bed. Giving in to this tendency however, will greatly accelerate ones demise.

New Ailments

For the past several weeks I've noticed a dull ache in the area of the right shoulder joint. It's most often noticeable when I'm lying down in bed but it can occur at other times of the day. It's discomfort rather than pain. I've put some dencorub on it once or twice with some relief. Naturally I'll be monitoring the condition but at this point there doesn't seem any great cause for concern.

My thymoma has definitely continued to worsen and is affecting my lungs now, presumably thorough pressure of the expanding mass on the organ. I've occasionally had "heartburn". Sabina did some healing on the area and noticed that my condition had worsened significantly. It's now over five years since I first noticed the problem so it's unlikely to kill me anytime soon but it's definitely not going away and its spread is gradually causing mild but worsening effects on surrounding organs.

The tiny but annoying spot on the my left ear is also not going away. It gradually rises and becomes sensitive before falling off and becoming unnoticeable for a time until the process repeats. The other sensitive area on the right side of my lower back is slowly becoming active again. My treatment of the area with a cortico-steroid cream produced long-lasting desensitisation but I may need to repeat the treatment.

My teeth, as I said in my previous post, have been playing up but thanks to the cloves I've kept any discomfort under control. However, these past couple of days I haven't been chewing my two cloves of an evening and my botched root canal has been giving trouble. I need to make the clove chewing a regular evening activity.

I've not been doing any exercise at all apart from activity around the house. I seem to be afraid to do anything in case I strain something and make my current situation worse. Overall I can't complain. I'm ambulant and healthy enough for my age but the natural deterioration continues apace.

The Magic of Cloves

My decaying teeth were giving me trouble. The gum was swollen and the whole area was sensitive to the touch. I feared that I might have to throw myself at the mercy of a dentist. However, I discovered some cloves and started chewing on a couple. Within an hour or so, the swelling had subsided and all had returned to normal.

It was marvellous evidence of the efficacy of cloves and I've resolved to chew a couple a day at least as a prophylactic. In the following the health benefits are extolled but the advice is to take the cloves on an empty stomach. First thing in the morning and last thing at night would seem to be ideal.

State of Play

As my creaking old body approaches its 75th birthday, I've made some changes to my exercise regime. Having mislaid my pantyhose stretch band for a second time, I've taken to doing replacement isometric exercises. I'm finding these are working quite well and my legs are definitely feeling much stronger.

Balancing while standing on one leg for the count of fifty is another exercise for leg strength. Pushing away from the wall with my hands, front on and side on, helps to maintain upper body strength and step-ups provide aerobic exercise. I still go for walks of course but the step-ups are a good alternative if it's raining, if it's the wrong time of day or if I just don't feel like venturing out.

My neck is creaking and cracking and so I make sure to keep my flexibility in that area via neck rotations and various other stretching movements. Living in a house of steps is an added blessing and I keep busy in the garden and doing general cleaning around the house, both of which boost my fitness level. Overall, at the moment, I don't feel too bad. The discomfort in the area of my solar plexus has subsided a little and pain from my broken teeth is quiescent.

Figure 1 shows my median life expectancy based on 2016 data to be 87.17 years (using Wolfram Alpha). The prompt used was "life expectancy for an Australian male born April 3rd 1949":

Figure 1

We'll see about that. What was disturbing is Wolfram Alpha's low predictions for the length of life of Indonesians. Regardless of how long I last, I need to combine long periods of sitting with periods of physical activity. It's quite common for me to be seated watching episodes in a series for two or more hours. This must be balanced by physical activity of some form or another.

Mewing

I came across the word "mewing" recently and have finally gotten around to exploring its meaning. Here is what Bard had to say:

Mewing is a facial exercise technique that involves placing and holding your tongue in a specific position against the roof of your mouth. It's named after Dr. John Mew, an orthodontist who promoted a form of orthodontics called orthotropics, which focuses on "jaw posture" and tongue placement.

Here's what you need to know about mewing:

The practice:

Tongue placement: The main principle is to keep your tongue pressed against the roof of your mouth, including the back portion. The tip of your tongue should rest behind your front teeth without touching them.

Benefits claimed: Supporters claim mewing can reshape your jawline, making it more defined and prominent. It's also purported to improve sleep, breathing, and posture.

The controversy:

Lack of scientific evidence: Despite its online popularity, there's no scientific evidence to support the claims that mewing can significantly alter facial features. While studies show proper tongue placement can influence jaw development in children, their applicability to adults is unproven.

Potential risks: Improper mewing can strain jaw muscles and possibly lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

Association with the incel community: Unfortunately, mewing has gained traction in some online communities with controversial ideologies, raising concerns about its association with negative views on body image and relationships.

Overall:

Mewing is a popular but unproven technique with potential risks. While proper tongue posture can be beneficial for some aspects of oral health, the claims about dramatically reshaping your face lack scientific backing. If you're interested in trying mewing, it's best to consult a qualified healthcare professional or orthodontist to understand the potential risks and benefits for your specific situation.

Typical AI note of caution added to anything that is in the slightest degree not mainstream or challenges the accepted orthodoxy. I've watched a couple of YouTube videos on the topic and I think it's too late in the day for it to be of any use to me. However, the reference to the "incel community" got my attention. I had to seek Bard's help to find out what it's all about:

The "incel community" is a loosely connected online group of people, primarily young men, who identify as "involuntary celibates." They define themselves as unable to find romantic or sexual partners despite desiring them. However, the community is associated with toxic and potentially harmful ideologies.

Here are some key points about the incel community:

Ideology:

Resentment and hatred: Many incels blame women and society for their lack of romantic success, often expressing resentment and hostility towards both.

Misogyny and misanthropy: Incels frequently use misogynistic language and hold negative views about women. Some also display misanthropic tendencies, expressing hatred towards humanity in general.

Victimhood mentality: Incels often cultivate a shared sense of victimhood, believing they are unfairly denied something they deserve. This can discourage them from seeking personal growth or taking responsibility for their situation.

Blackpill Theory: A central belief in the incel community is the "blackpill" theory, which posits that romantic and sexual success is predetermined by biological factors beyond one's control. This fatalistic outlook can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Online Presence:

Forum spaces: Incels congregate in online forums and message boards, sharing their experiences, frustrations, and ideologies. These spaces can become echo chambers, reinforcing their negative views.

Extremism: Some corners of the incel community harbor extremist views, promoting violence and even inspiring real-world acts of violence. This has raised serious concerns about the potential dangers of incel ideology.

Important Disclaimer:

It's crucial to remember that not all people who identify as involuntary celibate subscribe to the harmful ideologies mentioned above. Some individuals simply feel frustrated by their romantic experiences and seek support or advice. However, the association of the incel community with misogyny, victimhood mentality, and even potential violence cannot be ignored.

If you're interested in learning more about the incel community, it's important to approach the topic with caution and critically evaluate the information you encounter. Consider reputable sources like academic research, news articles, and expert commentary. Be aware of the potential for biases and misinformation within the incel community itself.

Remember, it's important to treat everyone with respect and avoid judging individuals based solely on their association with a particular group.