Mehendi has been a part of our culture for a long time. Eid and weddings are incomplete without women applying mehendi to their hands and feet, embroidering themselves with beautiful patterns.
However, the natural form of hena has now been replaced with chemical-induced mehendi, which is harmful for the skin.
These days, there is a new type of mehendi, called the ‘black henna’, being used by shopkeepers and beauty salons alike – and this henna has components that can cause skin damage.
Traditionally, mehendi was made by soaking the mehndi leaves, drying them and later crushing them into powder form. This powder was then formulated into a paste and filled in cones for applying on hands. Since it was a detailed process, the time to prepare mehendi this way was longer.
The process of making black henna is shorter and cheaper – which makes it more dangerous. Many women have and still are falling prey to this harmful form of mehendi and the application of this henna has led to skin allergies and burning.
In many cases, the burning of skin is so severe that the patient is not able to recover. It is highly recommended to use reliable cones such as the ones sold by reputed stores as they do not use chemical substances.
If you really want your mehendi to be dark, then rub lemon juice on your henna or some vicks. Heating your hands over steaming water can also give you the desired tone.
Save yourself from the harmful cones and make your safety a priority. Natural mehendi has an earthly smell and has muddy green color, so if you are unsure of spotting the differences between natural and chemical mehendi, then watch out for and avoid cones that give out a pungent smell.
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ARM MUSCLE ANATOMY AND WORKOUTS
WHEN IT COMES TO BODYBUILDING, THE MOST POPULAR EXERCISE IS RELATED TO THE ARMS. BECAUSE, LET’S FACE IT, WHO DOESN’T WANT TO HAVE BUFFED UP ARM MUSCLES THAT CAN BE FLAUNTED EVERYWHERE?
Being one of the most used muscles of the body, we have broken down the workouts and components of effective arm muscle exercise for your assistance. However, in order to understand the mechanics and physiology behind the exercises, we will describe the anatomy and the components of the musculature of the arms first.
ANATOMY OF THE ARM MUSCLES
A regular arm of a human being extends from the shoulder joint to the joint at the elbow. It is divided into two compartments – the anterior compartment and the posterior compartment.
ANTERIOR COMPARTMENT OF THE ARM
The anterior compartment of the arm comprises of three muscles; the bicep brachii, the coracobrachialis and the brachialis. Innervations are through the musculocutaneous nerve.
- Bicep Brachii: The main function of this muscle is the rotation of the forearm. Apart from that, it also helps in flexion of arm at the elbow and shoulder region.
- Coracobrachialis: It flexes the arm at the shoulder region.
- Brachialis: This muscle serves as the main flexor of the elbow.
POSTERIOR COMPARTMENT OF THE ARM
The posterior compartment consists of a single muscle, the triceps brachii. As the name suggests, this muscle comprises of three heads; the long head, lateral head and medial head. It is responsible for extension of the arm at the elbow.
EXERCISES RELATED TO THE MUSCLES OF THE ARM
When it comes to training the arms, there is a plethora of exercises you can perform. We have picked out a few selective exercises which will help you in training your arm muscles. For your convenience we have classified the exercises for both the biceps and triceps, which are rather easy to perform.
BICEPS
DUMBBELL CURLS
Grab a pair of dumbbells in each hand, at arm’s length. Without moving your upper part of the arm, bend the elbow and move the weights as close to the shoulders as you can. Squeeze at the top, then slowly release the tension and return back to the starting position.
HAMMER CURLS
Grab a pair of dumbbells, at arm’s length, palms facing your thighs. Without moving your upper part of the arm, bend the elbow and move the weights as close to the shoulders as you can. Squeeze at the top, then slowly release the tension and return back to the starting position.
PREACHER CURLS
Grab an EZ bar. Keeping an approximate six inch gap in between the arms, place them on a sloping pad with elbows slightly bent. Without moving your upper part of the arm, bend the elbow and move the weights as close to the shoulders as you can. Squeeze at the top, then slowly release the tension and return back to the starting position.
CHIN-UPS
Using a shoulder width underhand grip, grab a chin-up bar and hang yourself at arm’s length. Squeeze your shoulder blades, pulling yourself up as your chest coincides with the bar. Now slowly lower down to the starting position.
TRICEPS
CLOSE-GRIP BENCH PRESS
Grab a barbell with an overhead grip (shoulder width apart). Hold the bar with straight arms above your sternum. Lower the bar straight down on to the sternum, pause, and then push it back up again using your triceps.
ROPE TRICEPS PRESS
Attach a rope onto a cable station. Hold it with an overhead grip whilst bending your arms in the process. Arms tucked next to the sides, push the rope/bar down until your elbows are locked. Squeeze at the end, then slowly release the tension and return back to the starting position.
LYING DUMBBELL EXTENSIONS
Lie on a bench with a pair of dumbbells, the palms towards the face and hands straight. Bending the elbow, lower the dumbbells until the forearms are not parallel to the floor. Pause at this position and then return to the starting position.
While exercises are effective, knowing a little bit about the anatomy of your body can help you do wonders with it.
