Forget Red Bull! Simple Origami Gives You Wings!

Simple origami and Red Bull have similarities. They both stimulate body and mind.
One through dedicated research. The other through balancing your physical self
with your mental being. This article is about the similarities and differences
between the two.

Both hail from Asia. Origami's journey begins in China. Before the sixth century
and was taken to Japan along with the secrets of paper making. Origami became part
of the Heian period of Japanese culture. The art was practiced by samurai warriors
as part of good luck rituals before battles. It was also incorporated into wedding
ceremonies. As the bride and groom were presented and gifts swapped. Red Bull
originates from Thailand. Taking it's cue from Krating Daeng and Lipovitan, which
was introduced from Japan in the 1970's. Being used to ward off fatigue,
predominately by blue collar workers. Krating Daeng sponsored Thai Boxing which
strengthened its brand amongst the crowds who gathered.

In the same way Red Bull has evolved for the European and American marketsSo to
origami has expanded into different schools. Modular, action and technical
disciplines are developments on the origami theme. The evolution of Red Bull stems
from the ingredients used, amongst others: Caffeine, Taurine, Glucuronolactone and
Aspartame. Caffeine is a naturally occuring stimulant found in teas and coffees.
Taurine is a synthetic alternative to bull bile. Which could be the origin of the
Red Bull logo. Red Bull was the first product Glucuronolactone has been used in.
It is naturally formed by metabolism of glucose by the liver. Gluconolactone
generates a feeling of well being and is thought to combat fatigue. Aspartame
courts controversy as there are claims that it is linked to brain tumors. As it
breaks down formaldehyde is produced. The reason Aspartame is used is, it does not
give off the same calorific content as glucose, lowering calories. It is also
forty times sweeter than glucose so less is used for the same effect.

Both these Asian derivations enhance the body and mind. Let's look at what
practicing simple origami does for us. Origami allows the body and mind to align
or balance more. This is because you engage your hands and your mind to fulfill
the objective of making the design. Taking a square piece of paper you follow the
instructions and so the objective is reached. The reason practicing origami is
beneficial is to do with how our brains are set up and the way in which
responsibilities for actions are distributed within. The two sides of the brain
are called hemispheres. Left and right. The left hemisphere controls the right
side of the body and vice versa. Each hemisphere looks after different aspects of
our body. For example speech and reasoning are attributed to the left hemisphere.
The right hemisphere looks after 3D forms and imagination. Each hemisphere
contributes a function.So the increase in activity from both hemispheres, means
that whilst we are making origami, our motor skills are encouraged. During this
process energy is created which results in a feeling of gratification. We are
happy because our objective has been reached and also due to the benefits of the
cerebral activities which went into that process.

So Red Bull uses its active ingredients to stimulate the mind, with possible side
effects. Simple origami brings a sense of relaxed satisfaction and a desire to
attempt more complex designs. The one question remains: how would origami
enthusiasts get on if they drank Red Bull before folding and creasing their
designs?!