Menopause is a unique experience for every woman. It is the ending of a woman's monthly menstrual periods and ovulation. It also signals other changes to the body and mind, brought on in part because the body begins producing lesser amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone (among others).
Menopause is not a disease. It is a natural process in a woman's life. How a woman views this time of her life can have a lot to do with how frequent and severe her symptoms are. If menopause is viewed as the end of youth and sexuality, this time will be much more difficult than if it is viewed as the next, natural phase of life, a time of greater freedom, liberation from the restrictions of youth. .
Although menopause is one of the important physical milestones in a woman's life, many women lack concrete information about what is taking place and what are their options. With a proper diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise and simple lifestyle changes, most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized to a great extent and with this knowledge and preparation you can step forward with grace and embrace it!
Ayurveda links menopause with aging. Aging is a ‘Vata’ predominant stage of life. Thus, the symptoms of menopause experienced by some women are similar to the symptoms seen when the Vata dosha rises and upsets the normal balance of the body. Vata-type menopausal symptoms tend to include depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Menopause may also manifest itself as a rise in the other two humors also. Women with Pitta-type symptoms are often angry and suffer hot flashes. Kapha type symptoms include listlessness, weight gain, and feelings of mental and physical heaviness.
The type of treatment depends upon the dosha in which the woman's menopausal symptoms are manifesting.
Here it is important to note that health problems at menopause represent imbalances in the body that were already growing in the body and are unmasked by the stress of shifting hormones. Menopause symptoms are Nature's wake-up call to let you know you need to start paying more attention to your health. Taking proper steps in the direction of balancing the imbalance doshas, paying attention to your diet and making lifestyle changes now is critical to ensuring that you age gracefully without the burden of chronic health problems.
Vata Unbalalnce
Symptoms – Nervousness, anxiety, panic, mood swings, vaginal dryness, loss of skin tone, feeling cold, irregular periods, insomnia, mild or variable hot flashes, constipation, palpitations, bloating and joints aches and pains.
Treatment:
Diet - Increase warm food and drinks, regular meals, and use spices such as fennel and cumin. Decrease caffeine and other stimulants, refined sugar, cold drinks, salads.
Lifestyle - Early bedtime, oil massage using almond and olive oil, meditation, yoga, Regular exercise like walking
Anti-Vata herbs include ashwagandha, arjuna, astragalus, cardamom, comfrey root, garlic, ginseng, guggul, hawthorn berries, licorice, myrrh, rehmannia, sandalwood and zizphus. One may take
Aswagandharishta 3 tsp (15 ml) with equal warm water after meals and
Dasmularishta 3 tsp (15ml) with equal warm water after meals
Pitta Unbalalnce
Symptoms - Prone to Hot Temper, anger, irritability, feeling hot, hot flashes, night sweats, heavy periods, excessive bleeding, urinary tract infections, skin rashes and acne.
Treatment:
Diet - Increase cooling foods, water intake, sweet juicy fruits (grapes, pears, plums, mango, melons, apples,) zucchini, yellow squash, cucumber, organic foods. Use spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and fennel. Avoid hot spicy foods, hot drinks and alcohol. no eating late at night.
Lifestyle - Go to bed before 10 PM , oil massage using coconut and sesame oil. Use Meditation and other techniques to reduce anger, hatred and resentment. Exercise and exposure to the sun are limited.
Anti Pitta herbs to be used include aloe vera, arjuna, barberry, golden seal, gotu kola, saffron, sandalwood and shatavari.
Kapha Unbalance
Symptoms - Weight Gain , sluggishness, lethargy, fluid retention, yeast infections, lazy, depressed, lacking motivation, slow digestion.
Treatment:
Diet – Prefer light, dry and warm food, Consume fruits, whole grains, legumes, vegetables. Use spices such as black pepper, turmeric and ginger. Avoid meat, cheese, sugar, cold foods and drinks. Weekly fasting is helpful. Most or all of the daily food should be consumed before 6 p.m.
Lifestyle - Get up early (by 6AM). Mustard oil and linseed oil are often recommended for massage.
Anti Kapha Herbs include bayberry, cayenne, cinnamon, guggul, motherwort ,mustard and myrrh.
Key factors in achieving graceful menopause –
A smooth menopause transition and great health in the years to come can be achieved with the help of -
1. Balancing Doshas - Ascertain the imbalance dosha according to your symptoms and follow the advice given above to balance that dosha.
2. Balancing Diet - Diet plays a key role in balancing hormones during and after menopause. It is well known that Japanese women rarely experience hot flashes, probably because their diet contains large amounts of soy/soya, a food rich in certain plant estrogens called "isoflavones." Soya products are not the only source of plant estrogens, however. Another equally healthful source of phytoestrogens are "lignans," compounds found in a variety of whole foods including grains and cereals, dried beans and lentils, flaxseed, sunflower seeds and peanuts, vegetables such as asparagus, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic and broccoli and fruits such as pears, plums and strawberries. Common herbs and spices such as thyme oregano, nutmeg, turmeric and licorice also have estrogenic properties.
Eat a varied diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dried beans .It’s a rich source of phytoestrogen. Variety and moderation are important because just as too much estrogen is unhealthy after menopause, too much phytoestrogen may also be dangerous.
Apana Vata, which governs the genito-urinary tract, elimination, and menstruation, is a key area to attend to when preparing for menopause. Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day. Eat plenty of cooked, leafy greens, as this helps elimination and is also a good source of calcium. For both Pitta and Vata imbalances, a breakfast of cooked apples and prunes and figs is a good way to start the day, as it balances the doshas and cleanses the digestive track.
3. Panchakarma - More serious symptoms, such as frequent hot flashes, continual sleep disturbance, and moderate to severe mood swings, are signs of deeper imbalances.
Ayurveda describes that these stubborn symptoms are usually due to the buildup of wastes and toxins, referred to as "ama," in the body's tissues.
In this case, a traditional Ayurvedic detoxification program "panchakarma," may be needed to clear the body's channels and gain relief. This internal cleansing approach is also the treatment of choice for more serious problems such as osteoporosis and high cholesterol.
Muscular Dystrophy and Ayurveda
Genetic flaws are responsible for debilitating effects
of different forms of muscular dystrophies. Our
genetics is regulated by life forces and the later is
influenced by the cosmic forces. This is purely a
scientific and holistic understanding.
Have you ever considered alternative approach using
Ayurveda and Yoga based techniques for management of
complex diseases like Muscular dystrophy? We wish to
inform you of the promising results that we have
achieved at our wellness clinic in treating the
debilitating effects of muscular dystrophy using
Ayurveda and Yoga based techniques. The Dystrophy
clinic being run at Sanjivani wellness Bhilai India,
focuses on - (i) Reducing weight, (ii) Improving
muscle tone and functional ability in patients using
Ayurvedic Panchkarma, scientifically verified
Ayurvedic medicines, and yoga.
Ayurveda considers this condition as Mamsa-vata-kshaya
(MVK) related to Beeja dosha and impairments of
Mamsagni (muscle enzyme). It involves deranged Vata
and subsequent degeneration of muscles and structures
related to it. Ayurvedic treatment might slow or stop
the progression of muscle degeneration. A combined
strategy of age-old Til-Mash Pinda sweda (TMP),
Pizhichil, Anuvasana Vasti, Mamsagni Rasayana and
Yogic support is effective in the long-term management
of muscular dystrophies.
So far, we have treated Duchenne type, Bucker type and
Limb-Girdle type of patients with very promising
results such as (i) weight loss (ii) Decrease in blood
CPK level (iii) Relief in Pain and Stress (iv)
Decrease in walking difficulty (v) Further check on
muscle wasting and contractures. These results suggest
that there is check on further muscle destruction.
Treatment Agenda:
Duration 10 days (to be repeated at
home)
Til-Mash Pinda Sweda, Pizhichil, and Anuvasana Vasti
along with yogic support of selected Asana, Pranayama,
special diet and Meditation.
Supplements & Ayurvedic Preparations (For 9-12 months)
(1) Mamsagni Rasayana 25 mg/ kg body weight twice
daily.
(2) Sukumar Guggul Rasayana
(3) Ashwagandharista 5-10 ml twice daily.
Pathya/Advicable food
Fresh fruits, juices, sprouted cereals (Munga, Methi,
Ajwain, Garlic and lemon), Buttermilk, Barley water
gentle massage with Ayurvedic oil (Shatbala Prasharni
Taila) and Yogic support.
Apathya/not to be taken:
Inactivity, sugar products and deep fried
foods.
of different forms of muscular dystrophies. Our
genetics is regulated by life forces and the later is
influenced by the cosmic forces. This is purely a
scientific and holistic understanding.
Have you ever considered alternative approach using
Ayurveda and Yoga based techniques for management of
complex diseases like Muscular dystrophy? We wish to
inform you of the promising results that we have
achieved at our wellness clinic in treating the
debilitating effects of muscular dystrophy using
Ayurveda and Yoga based techniques. The Dystrophy
clinic being run at Sanjivani wellness Bhilai India,
focuses on - (i) Reducing weight, (ii) Improving
muscle tone and functional ability in patients using
Ayurvedic Panchkarma, scientifically verified
Ayurvedic medicines, and yoga.
Ayurveda considers this condition as Mamsa-vata-kshaya
(MVK) related to Beeja dosha and impairments of
Mamsagni (muscle enzyme). It involves deranged Vata
and subsequent degeneration of muscles and structures
related to it. Ayurvedic treatment might slow or stop
the progression of muscle degeneration. A combined
strategy of age-old Til-Mash Pinda sweda (TMP),
Pizhichil, Anuvasana Vasti, Mamsagni Rasayana and
Yogic support is effective in the long-term management
of muscular dystrophies.
So far, we have treated Duchenne type, Bucker type and
Limb-Girdle type of patients with very promising
results such as (i) weight loss (ii) Decrease in blood
CPK level (iii) Relief in Pain and Stress (iv)
Decrease in walking difficulty (v) Further check on
muscle wasting and contractures. These results suggest
that there is check on further muscle destruction.
Treatment Agenda:
Duration 10 days (to be repeated at
home)
Til-Mash Pinda Sweda, Pizhichil, and Anuvasana Vasti
along with yogic support of selected Asana, Pranayama,
special diet and Meditation.
Supplements & Ayurvedic Preparations (For 9-12 months)
(1) Mamsagni Rasayana 25 mg/ kg body weight twice
daily.
(2) Sukumar Guggul Rasayana
(3) Ashwagandharista 5-10 ml twice daily.
Pathya/Advicable food
Fresh fruits, juices, sprouted cereals (Munga, Methi,
Ajwain, Garlic and lemon), Buttermilk, Barley water
gentle massage with Ayurvedic oil (Shatbala Prasharni
Taila) and Yogic support.
Apathya/not to be taken:
Inactivity, sugar products and deep fried
foods.
Water Now
Recently, subject and sales of "water" H2O is getting popular in
Japan. There are parlors and bars that offer to drink only WATER.
Nowadays, water business is good in most countries. There are big
malls where they offer free cold water to shoppers.
Most people say that they drink water when they feel that their
throat is thirsty. However, our research group says that simply
drinking when you are thirsty is insufficient in maintaining the
body's moisture (fluid). On the other hand, too much drinking can
cause "water intoxication" a.k.a. hyperhydration or water poisoning.
To get healthy, let us drink water at the right time and at the right
quantity. But when and how?
Do you know that our body has a certain cell that keeps water in it?
If we do not have such cell in the body, even teardrops won't come
out from our eyes. What is that? Is it a new discovery? It was just
found in 2003 by an American scientist.
The kidneys clean (filters) the blood with water, but don't you know
that the quantity of water that passes the kidneys is about 150
liters in a day!? The average person has approximately 4 – 5 liters
of water in the blood, and the kidney filters almost 99 % of it
repeatedly. Excessive moisture or water is discharged as urine.
We tried to analyze the quantity of sweat and urine after exercise
and quantity of water taken after being thirsty. The result – an
average person lost 520 ml of sweat and urine while they drank only
150 – 200 ml of water. Yet, why many were satisfied with just less
than a half of water intake compare to the 500 ml loss of water from
the body?
It is probably psychological or some mechanical effects of the mouth
that make us feel thirsty. It means that if you do something to your
mouth, although you are losing moisture from the body due to sweat
and urine, you may not feel thirsty at all. Bingo! We discovered that
if you stimulate the mouth, a certain wave or signal will go to the
brain, and you will not feel any thirst at all. Try it by yourself.
The thirst mechanism can be altered by "hallucination". That's what
it means and it is really true.
WATER INTOXICATION
The water you drink remains first in the stomach, and it slowly moves
to the intestine and from the intestine to the blood. This process
takes a little time to fill enough quantity of water in the blood,
and your brain may still trigger thirst. During this process, you
might drink too much water and may reach to a dangerous state
called "water intoxication" that can lead people to death.
Actually, in order to avoid such dangerous stage, a sensor in the
mouth and throat will tell your brain that water is present in the
mouth, and will no longer trigger thirst. This is the thirst
mechanism of the throat, which prevents you from drinking too much.
Therefore, by means of a certain kind of stimulation in the mouth,
throat wave or signal can cheat the feeling of thirst. Yes, it is
true and it is what we call "hallucination".
Let's chew a candy or gum, or pinch your lips several times, your
thirst will disappear. It is just like hallucination in the brain,
but only momentarily. Soon, you will feel thirsty until real water
reaches your blood.
When the moisture of internal body becomes insufficient, viscosity of
the blood becomes strong (sticky). And of course, there will be a
danger of myocardial infarction and other blood-related death as well
as brain damages or heatstroke.
We lose approximately 2.5 liters of water a day regardless of
climate. Of course, during a very hot summer, you may lose more than
3 liters due to sweat.
Our meals in a day contain approximately 1 – 1.3 liters of water.
Thus, it is necessary to drink some additional 1.5 liters of water to
keep our body's moisture to a normal level.
It is recommended to drink about one glass of water every one hour
during daytime and some cups of coffee, tea, or fruit juice during
morning and evening. It is not recommended to drink too much water in
a short period as the water you drink may just escape as urine. It is
also recommended to carry a water bottle with you during daytime. In
this way, your health condition will be improved dramatically.
We do not recommend drinking carbonated beverages because it contains
sugar and it might make you fat. Coffee and tea contains caffeine,
which increases number of urination and lose more water in the body.
This is just the same to beer and wine. If you drink alcoholic
beverages, you will lose more water in the body. Too much alcohol
might lead to death, too.
Proper drinking of water makes you healthy and young.
INTERESTING WATER TRIVIA
Here's some miscellaneous trivia that you may not have known. Test
your knowledge and share what you learn!
* Koala (well known as an icon of Australia) is an Aboriginal word
meaning "no drink". It is because there's no one who saw Koalas
drinking water. Such an idea is factually mistaken as Koalas do drink
water, but only rarely, due to their diet consisting of eucalyptus
leaves, which contain sufficient water.
* Another one is about Kangaroo. A common legend about the kangaroo's
English name is that it came from the Aboriginal words for "I don't
understand you." According to the books, Captain James Cook and his
companion Sir Joseph Banks were exploring Australia when they
happened upon the animal. They asked the natives what the creatures
were called. The local responded "Kangaroo", meaning, "I don't
understand you", which Cook took to be the name of the creature.
* The desert rat is another animal that get their liquid from the
food they eat. Although they don't actually drink, they still need
water from their food.
* Human blood is 83% water. Human bones are 25% water.
* Poor quality drinking water kills the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets
filled with children every day.
----------------------------------------------------------
About the Author:
Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher and has been studying
the causes of viruses since 1960. In 1968, he invented the Pyro-
Energen, the first electrotherapy device that eradicates viral
diseases effectively and without any side effects.
Japan. There are parlors and bars that offer to drink only WATER.
Nowadays, water business is good in most countries. There are big
malls where they offer free cold water to shoppers.
Most people say that they drink water when they feel that their
throat is thirsty. However, our research group says that simply
drinking when you are thirsty is insufficient in maintaining the
body's moisture (fluid). On the other hand, too much drinking can
cause "water intoxication" a.k.a. hyperhydration or water poisoning.
To get healthy, let us drink water at the right time and at the right
quantity. But when and how?
Do you know that our body has a certain cell that keeps water in it?
If we do not have such cell in the body, even teardrops won't come
out from our eyes. What is that? Is it a new discovery? It was just
found in 2003 by an American scientist.
The kidneys clean (filters) the blood with water, but don't you know
that the quantity of water that passes the kidneys is about 150
liters in a day!? The average person has approximately 4 – 5 liters
of water in the blood, and the kidney filters almost 99 % of it
repeatedly. Excessive moisture or water is discharged as urine.
We tried to analyze the quantity of sweat and urine after exercise
and quantity of water taken after being thirsty. The result – an
average person lost 520 ml of sweat and urine while they drank only
150 – 200 ml of water. Yet, why many were satisfied with just less
than a half of water intake compare to the 500 ml loss of water from
the body?
It is probably psychological or some mechanical effects of the mouth
that make us feel thirsty. It means that if you do something to your
mouth, although you are losing moisture from the body due to sweat
and urine, you may not feel thirsty at all. Bingo! We discovered that
if you stimulate the mouth, a certain wave or signal will go to the
brain, and you will not feel any thirst at all. Try it by yourself.
The thirst mechanism can be altered by "hallucination". That's what
it means and it is really true.
WATER INTOXICATION
The water you drink remains first in the stomach, and it slowly moves
to the intestine and from the intestine to the blood. This process
takes a little time to fill enough quantity of water in the blood,
and your brain may still trigger thirst. During this process, you
might drink too much water and may reach to a dangerous state
called "water intoxication" that can lead people to death.
Actually, in order to avoid such dangerous stage, a sensor in the
mouth and throat will tell your brain that water is present in the
mouth, and will no longer trigger thirst. This is the thirst
mechanism of the throat, which prevents you from drinking too much.
Therefore, by means of a certain kind of stimulation in the mouth,
throat wave or signal can cheat the feeling of thirst. Yes, it is
true and it is what we call "hallucination".
Let's chew a candy or gum, or pinch your lips several times, your
thirst will disappear. It is just like hallucination in the brain,
but only momentarily. Soon, you will feel thirsty until real water
reaches your blood.
When the moisture of internal body becomes insufficient, viscosity of
the blood becomes strong (sticky). And of course, there will be a
danger of myocardial infarction and other blood-related death as well
as brain damages or heatstroke.
We lose approximately 2.5 liters of water a day regardless of
climate. Of course, during a very hot summer, you may lose more than
3 liters due to sweat.
Our meals in a day contain approximately 1 – 1.3 liters of water.
Thus, it is necessary to drink some additional 1.5 liters of water to
keep our body's moisture to a normal level.
It is recommended to drink about one glass of water every one hour
during daytime and some cups of coffee, tea, or fruit juice during
morning and evening. It is not recommended to drink too much water in
a short period as the water you drink may just escape as urine. It is
also recommended to carry a water bottle with you during daytime. In
this way, your health condition will be improved dramatically.
We do not recommend drinking carbonated beverages because it contains
sugar and it might make you fat. Coffee and tea contains caffeine,
which increases number of urination and lose more water in the body.
This is just the same to beer and wine. If you drink alcoholic
beverages, you will lose more water in the body. Too much alcohol
might lead to death, too.
Proper drinking of water makes you healthy and young.
INTERESTING WATER TRIVIA
Here's some miscellaneous trivia that you may not have known. Test
your knowledge and share what you learn!
* Koala (well known as an icon of Australia) is an Aboriginal word
meaning "no drink". It is because there's no one who saw Koalas
drinking water. Such an idea is factually mistaken as Koalas do drink
water, but only rarely, due to their diet consisting of eucalyptus
leaves, which contain sufficient water.
* Another one is about Kangaroo. A common legend about the kangaroo's
English name is that it came from the Aboriginal words for "I don't
understand you." According to the books, Captain James Cook and his
companion Sir Joseph Banks were exploring Australia when they
happened upon the animal. They asked the natives what the creatures
were called. The local responded "Kangaroo", meaning, "I don't
understand you", which Cook took to be the name of the creature.
* The desert rat is another animal that get their liquid from the
food they eat. Although they don't actually drink, they still need
water from their food.
* Human blood is 83% water. Human bones are 25% water.
* Poor quality drinking water kills the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets
filled with children every day.
----------------------------------------------------------
About the Author:
Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher and has been studying
the causes of viruses since 1960. In 1968, he invented the Pyro-
Energen, the first electrotherapy device that eradicates viral
diseases effectively and without any side effects.
Soft Drinks and Your HEALTH
Expert links additive to cell damage
By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Published: 27 May 2007
A new health scare erupted over soft drinks last night amid evidence they may cause serious cell damage. Research from a British university suggests a common preservative found in drinks such as Fanta and Pepsi Max has the ability to switch off vital parts of DNA.
The problem - more usually associated with ageing and alcohol abuse - can eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.
The findings could have serious consequences for the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who consume fizzy drinks. They will also intensify the controversy about food additives, which have been linked to hyperactivity in children.
Concerns centre on the safety of E211, known as sodium benzoate, a preservative used for decades by the £74bn global carbonated drinks industry. Sodium benzoate derives from benzoic acid. It occurs naturally in berries, but is used in large quantities to prevent mould in soft drinks such as Sprite, Oasis and Dr Pepper. It is also added to pickles and sauces.
Sodium benzoate has already been the subject of concern about cancer because when mixed with the additive vitamin C in soft drinks, it causes benzene, a carcinogenic substance. A Food Standards Agency survey of benzene in drinks last year found high levels in four brands which were removed from sale.
Now, an expert in ageing at Sheffield University, who has been working on sodium benzoate since publishing a research paper in 1999, has decided to speak out about another danger. Professor Peter Piper, a professor of molecular biology and biotechnology, tested the impact of sodium benzoate on living yeast cells in his laboratory. What he found alarmed him: the benzoate was damaging an important area of DNA in the "power station" of cells known as the mitochondria.
He told The Independent on Sunday: "These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria to the point that they totally inactivate it: they knock it out altogether.
"The mitochondria consumes the oxygen to give you energy and if you damage it - as happens in a number if diseased states - then the cell starts to malfunction very seriously. And there is a whole array of diseases that are now being tied to damage to this DNA - Parkinson's and quite a lot of neuro-degenerative diseases, but above all the whole process of ageing."
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) backs the use of sodium benzoate in the UK and it has been approved by the European Union but last night, MPs called for it to investigate urgently.
Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat chair of Parliament's all-party environment group said: "Many additives are relatively new and their long-term impact cannot be certain. This preservative clearly needs to be investigated further by the FSA."
A review of sodium benzoate by the World Health Organisation in 2000 concluded that it was safe, but it noted that the available science supporting its safety was "limited".
Professor Piper, whose work has been funded by a government research council, said tests conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration were out of date.
"The food industry will say these compounds have been tested and they are complete safe," he said. "By the criteria of modern safety testing, the safety tests were inadequate. Like all things, safety testing moves forward and you can conduct a much more rigorous safety test than you could 50 years ago."
He advised parents to think carefully about buying drinks with preservatives until the quantities in products were proved safe by new tests. "My concern is for children who are drinking large amounts," he said.
Coca-Cola and Britvic's Pepsi Max and Diet Pepsi all contain sodium benzoate. Their makers and the British Soft Drinks Association said they entrusted the safety of additives to the Government.
By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Published: 27 May 2007
A new health scare erupted over soft drinks last night amid evidence they may cause serious cell damage. Research from a British university suggests a common preservative found in drinks such as Fanta and Pepsi Max has the ability to switch off vital parts of DNA.
The problem - more usually associated with ageing and alcohol abuse - can eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.
The findings could have serious consequences for the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who consume fizzy drinks. They will also intensify the controversy about food additives, which have been linked to hyperactivity in children.
Concerns centre on the safety of E211, known as sodium benzoate, a preservative used for decades by the £74bn global carbonated drinks industry. Sodium benzoate derives from benzoic acid. It occurs naturally in berries, but is used in large quantities to prevent mould in soft drinks such as Sprite, Oasis and Dr Pepper. It is also added to pickles and sauces.
Sodium benzoate has already been the subject of concern about cancer because when mixed with the additive vitamin C in soft drinks, it causes benzene, a carcinogenic substance. A Food Standards Agency survey of benzene in drinks last year found high levels in four brands which were removed from sale.
Now, an expert in ageing at Sheffield University, who has been working on sodium benzoate since publishing a research paper in 1999, has decided to speak out about another danger. Professor Peter Piper, a professor of molecular biology and biotechnology, tested the impact of sodium benzoate on living yeast cells in his laboratory. What he found alarmed him: the benzoate was damaging an important area of DNA in the "power station" of cells known as the mitochondria.
He told The Independent on Sunday: "These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria to the point that they totally inactivate it: they knock it out altogether.
"The mitochondria consumes the oxygen to give you energy and if you damage it - as happens in a number if diseased states - then the cell starts to malfunction very seriously. And there is a whole array of diseases that are now being tied to damage to this DNA - Parkinson's and quite a lot of neuro-degenerative diseases, but above all the whole process of ageing."
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) backs the use of sodium benzoate in the UK and it has been approved by the European Union but last night, MPs called for it to investigate urgently.
Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat chair of Parliament's all-party environment group said: "Many additives are relatively new and their long-term impact cannot be certain. This preservative clearly needs to be investigated further by the FSA."
A review of sodium benzoate by the World Health Organisation in 2000 concluded that it was safe, but it noted that the available science supporting its safety was "limited".
Professor Piper, whose work has been funded by a government research council, said tests conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration were out of date.
"The food industry will say these compounds have been tested and they are complete safe," he said. "By the criteria of modern safety testing, the safety tests were inadequate. Like all things, safety testing moves forward and you can conduct a much more rigorous safety test than you could 50 years ago."
He advised parents to think carefully about buying drinks with preservatives until the quantities in products were proved safe by new tests. "My concern is for children who are drinking large amounts," he said.
Coca-Cola and Britvic's Pepsi Max and Diet Pepsi all contain sodium benzoate. Their makers and the British Soft Drinks Association said they entrusted the safety of additives to the Government.
Overcoming Depression with Meditation
The Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
Marks of a Self-Realized Person
Lord Krishna said: When one is completely free from all desires of
the mind and is satisfied with the Supreme Being by the joy of
Supreme Being, then one is called an enlightened person, O Arjuna.
(2.55)
A person whose mind is unperturbed by sorrow, who does not crave
pleasures, and who is completely free from attachment, fear, and
anger, is called an enlightened sage of steady intellect. (2.56)
The mind and intellect of a person become steady who is not attached
to anything, who is neither elated by getting desired results, nor
perturbed by undesired results. (2.57)
When one can completely withdraw the senses from the sense objects as
a tortoise withdraws its limbs into the shell for protection from
calamity, then the intellect of such a person is considered steady.
(2.58)
The desire for sensual pleasures fades away if one abstains from
sense enjoyment, but the craving for sense enjoyment remains in a
very subtle form. This subtle craving also completely disappears from
the one who knows the Supreme Being. (2.59)
__________________________________________________________
Overcoming Depression with Meditation
by Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.
(Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya)
Modern America is a land of many interesting, and often painfully
ironic, contradictions. On the one hand, we supposedly enjoy more
prosperity, longevity, comforts, and conveniences in the United
States than any other civilization has even dreamed of in previous
history. Supposedly.
On the other hand, however, America is currently going through one of
the biggest mental health crises that any nation in history has ever
experienced. Various forms of depression, anxiety disorders and
neuroses are affecting millions of Americans. Depressive disorders
affect approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5% of
the U.S. population age 18 and older in any given year. For those
cases of depression that are reported, many more remain unreported,
and thus unknown. This current mental health crisis includes such
ailments as major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and
bipolar disorder.
What is especially disturbing is that depression is increasingly a
common occurrence among the nation's young, a demographic that should
be enjoying the fun and carefree life usually associated with
childhood. Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for
antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers -- over a
million! -- are considered clinically depressed. CNN recently
reported on a study that revealed that as many as 3 million teenagers
contemplated suicide in 2006. The rate of increase of depression
among children is an astounding 23%.
30% of women are depressed. Men's figures were previously thought to
be half that of women, but new estimates show that the actual figures
are higher than at first suspected.
Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by
2020 -- and medical studies have shown that depression is a
contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.
Depression results in more absenteeism and loss of employment than
almost any other physical disorder, and costs employers more than
US$51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not
including high medical and pharmaceutical bills.
The treatment modalities often used in the attempt to combat
depression are diverse and have varied results. Some of these
treatments include talk therapy and anti-depression medications.
Currently, several million Americans are on various anti-depressants,
including Prozac, Lexapro, and Amitriptyline. Many of these anti-
depression medications have had only mixed results.
Antidepressants work for 35% to 45% of the depressed population,
while more recent figures suggest as low as 30%. Standard
antidepressants, SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil (Aropax) and Zoloft,
have recently been revealed to have serious risks, and are linked to
suicide, violence, psychosis, abnormal bleeding, and brain tumors.
Though most doctors advise a combination of therapy and
antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has an 80%
relapse rate in the long term.
While medication and therapy can often take the edge off of the
experience of depression, they are far from successful in all
instances. The only truly effective cure lies in going to the root
of depression. That root is ultimately spiritual in nature.
Depression is itself only a direct symptomatic manifestation of the
radical secularization of human society. Previous to secular
modernity, depression was a much less prevalent phenomenon. And when
it was experienced, the reasons were more clearly environmental and
causal than they are now. In the past, depression was directly
associated with a specific event or occurrence in the person's life
that directly caused the depression. Today, however, an increasing
number of depressed persons are experiencing more generalized
depression, a type of general existential angst, the exact cause of
which it is difficult for them to pinpoint. Some of the leading
causes of depression today include a sense of meaninglessness;
consuming and generalized fear; spiritual crises, and the high
degrees of stress and anxiety that has become accepted as normal in
modern, radically secularized, everyday life.
For younger people, especially, when asked why they are experiencing
deep depression, many youth will point to a complete sense of
meaninglessness in their lives. The don't know why they are here,
what their purpose in life is, why they are bothering to learn and
work hard, and why our present-day, materialistic society is geared
in such a way as to provide them with no real answers to their quest
for meaning. While pop culture, technology, and the youth scene
serves as a temporary outlet for many teens, more often than not it
only serves to tremendously exacerbate the problem of depression.
Secular modernity presents us with a social-philosophical construct
that is artificial, anti-natural, and ultimately destructive and
unhealthy in nature. In our society, we have been deprived of the
age-tested, fundamental vehicles through which we can excel
spiritually, intellectually, and culturally. Spirituality and
Dharma, which form the basis of all meaningful human growth and
progress, has been systematically and viciously erased from modern
secular societies to such a radical extent that hundreds of millions
of persons worldwide are vividly feeling the ill effects of a life
devoid of meaning, value, nobility, goodness, heroism, and the quest
for Truth.
The search for truth has been replaced in the lives of billions with
the search for entertainment.
Rather than encouraging such spiritual values as courage, nobility,
and heroism, the modern world today encourages the coldly
unsatisfying propaganda of radical egalitarianism. Rather than
encouraging the nurturing of the inner life of the spirit, and the
natural joy, peace and fulfillment that results from a healthy
spiritually-centered life, today it is only selfish economic
advancement and the value of purchasing power that is advocated.
Rather than a lifestyle of mental, physical and spiritual health,
today lifestyles of selfish hedonism, consumerism, greed, fame, and
lust are upheld as the ideal course of behavior, and the values
toward which all should aspire.
Dharma, the principle of living one's life in accordance with Natural
Law and God's will in a manner that is healthy, fulfilling,
nurturing, and truly progressive, has now been replaced with an
artificial and life-denying lifestyle that only produces a profound
sense of meaninglessness and anxiety.
The ultimate cure for society's present crisis of depression and
meaninglessness is to re-embrace a life of meaning, a life of
Dharma. Dharma, by its very definition, denotes the sustaining
foundation of all reality. Dharma is the concept that all that we
experience in this world is based upon a higher, spiritual reality
that provides the ordering principles necessary for the proper
function of the world. To understand Dharma is to understand the
world, and the natural laws behind all things that make life a
meaningful and beautiful expression of the Divine in spacial-temporal
reality. To know Dharma is to know life's ultimate meaning. And the
way to fully know Dharma is through the process of meditation.
For millennia, a spiritually based practice of meditation has been
shown to be very effective in combating such problems as stress,
anxiety, fear, and feelings of meaninglessness. Because meditation
addresses the root causes of depression and anxiety, the time honored
techniques of meditation can be a much more effective cure for
depression than either talk-therapy or medication.
Meditation is a natural, easy and proven method that has been shown
in hundreds of clinical studies to bring about deep states of peace,
calm and mental clarity. In addition, a specifically spiritual
regimen of daily meditation can help to foster a deep sense of
meaning and spiritual comfort.
Meditation has been shown to work on two distinct levels: a) the
cognitive level, and b) the spiritual level. On the cognitive level,
meditation helps to bring about a deep equipoise and a calming relief
to one's overactive mind. Today, especially, the mind is constantly
bombarded with an unending stream of diverse information - some
valuable, most useless. As a direct result of such information
bombardment, the mind is in an almost constant state of agitation and
confusion. Meditation serves to calm the mind, allowing our
attention to shift from the storm of external stimuli to the deep
inner peace that is the natural state of the soul. As a consequence
of having a calm mind, we then find that we can think and make
important decisions with much more clarity, insight, and power. We
are now able to process information in a way that serves us, rather
than merely being the victims of myriad sensory impressions and
information overload.
On the more spiritual level, meditation has the ability to provide us
with deep levels of self-realization and God-realization that, up
till now, may have seemed to be impossible attainments to many of
us. By meditating with the expressed goal of making spiritual
progress, and knowing God and self, we then traverse beyond the
merely cognitive and mental, and begin to penetrate the inner realms
of eternal spirit. When we have self-realization, we now experience
the transcendent peace and calm that is the natural result of living
in spirit. When we have God-realization, we are now in communion
with the very source of our being, the eternal, loving Absolute who
is our very best of friends, and greatest of well-wishers. In such a
transcendent state of spiritual attainment, no anxiety, stress,
depression, or fear can ever burden our minds or hearts again. For
we have now, through the process of spiritual meditation, realized
the infinite well of spiritual peace that lies naturally within.
The root cause of most depression today, then, is the pervasive sense
of meaninglessness that naturally accompanies life in a radically
secularized, materialistic society. The cure to such existential
meaninglessness is to partake profoundly in the spiritual nature of
our true selves and the spiritual foundations underlying our everyday
concerns. The artificial construct of materialism needs to be
replaced with Dharma, and the natural lifestyle and spiritual way of
being that Dharma teaches us to embrace. The most effective way of
accessing the spiritual reality that is our true self, and thus to
over-come the unnatural state of depression, is God-centered
meditation as taught in the ancient tradition of Sanatana Dharma.
For further information about overcoming depressing and learning to
embrace happiness again through meditation, please contact the
International Sanatana Dharma Society: To contact
Sri Acharya-ji, email him at: info@dharmacentral.com.
www.dharmacentral.com
info@dharmacentral.com
(608) 280-8375
The Author:
Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D. (Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya) is an
American who has been practicing Sanatana Dharma for over 30 years.
He has a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and is recognized by the global
Hindu community as one of the leading Hindu Acharyas (Spiritual
Preceptors) in the nation. With a large international following of
both Indian and Western students, Sri Acharya Ji is especially
renowned for his highly authentic approach to Dharmic spirituality,
his authoritative and scholarly approach to teaching, and his clear
emphasis on serious spiritual practice and direct experience of self-
realization and knowledge of God. He has lectured on Sanatana Dharma
at such prestigious institutions as Harvard University, Columbia,
Rutgers, Cornell, Northwestern, as well as for such companies as Ford
Motor Corporation and Lucent Technology. He is the Founder and
President of the International Sanatana Dharma Society.
Marks of a Self-Realized Person
Lord Krishna said: When one is completely free from all desires of
the mind and is satisfied with the Supreme Being by the joy of
Supreme Being, then one is called an enlightened person, O Arjuna.
(2.55)
A person whose mind is unperturbed by sorrow, who does not crave
pleasures, and who is completely free from attachment, fear, and
anger, is called an enlightened sage of steady intellect. (2.56)
The mind and intellect of a person become steady who is not attached
to anything, who is neither elated by getting desired results, nor
perturbed by undesired results. (2.57)
When one can completely withdraw the senses from the sense objects as
a tortoise withdraws its limbs into the shell for protection from
calamity, then the intellect of such a person is considered steady.
(2.58)
The desire for sensual pleasures fades away if one abstains from
sense enjoyment, but the craving for sense enjoyment remains in a
very subtle form. This subtle craving also completely disappears from
the one who knows the Supreme Being. (2.59)
__________________________________________________________
Overcoming Depression with Meditation
by Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.
(Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya)
Modern America is a land of many interesting, and often painfully
ironic, contradictions. On the one hand, we supposedly enjoy more
prosperity, longevity, comforts, and conveniences in the United
States than any other civilization has even dreamed of in previous
history. Supposedly.
On the other hand, however, America is currently going through one of
the biggest mental health crises that any nation in history has ever
experienced. Various forms of depression, anxiety disorders and
neuroses are affecting millions of Americans. Depressive disorders
affect approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5% of
the U.S. population age 18 and older in any given year. For those
cases of depression that are reported, many more remain unreported,
and thus unknown. This current mental health crisis includes such
ailments as major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and
bipolar disorder.
What is especially disturbing is that depression is increasingly a
common occurrence among the nation's young, a demographic that should
be enjoying the fun and carefree life usually associated with
childhood. Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for
antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers -- over a
million! -- are considered clinically depressed. CNN recently
reported on a study that revealed that as many as 3 million teenagers
contemplated suicide in 2006. The rate of increase of depression
among children is an astounding 23%.
30% of women are depressed. Men's figures were previously thought to
be half that of women, but new estimates show that the actual figures
are higher than at first suspected.
Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by
2020 -- and medical studies have shown that depression is a
contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.
Depression results in more absenteeism and loss of employment than
almost any other physical disorder, and costs employers more than
US$51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not
including high medical and pharmaceutical bills.
The treatment modalities often used in the attempt to combat
depression are diverse and have varied results. Some of these
treatments include talk therapy and anti-depression medications.
Currently, several million Americans are on various anti-depressants,
including Prozac, Lexapro, and Amitriptyline. Many of these anti-
depression medications have had only mixed results.
Antidepressants work for 35% to 45% of the depressed population,
while more recent figures suggest as low as 30%. Standard
antidepressants, SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil (Aropax) and Zoloft,
have recently been revealed to have serious risks, and are linked to
suicide, violence, psychosis, abnormal bleeding, and brain tumors.
Though most doctors advise a combination of therapy and
antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has an 80%
relapse rate in the long term.
While medication and therapy can often take the edge off of the
experience of depression, they are far from successful in all
instances. The only truly effective cure lies in going to the root
of depression. That root is ultimately spiritual in nature.
Depression is itself only a direct symptomatic manifestation of the
radical secularization of human society. Previous to secular
modernity, depression was a much less prevalent phenomenon. And when
it was experienced, the reasons were more clearly environmental and
causal than they are now. In the past, depression was directly
associated with a specific event or occurrence in the person's life
that directly caused the depression. Today, however, an increasing
number of depressed persons are experiencing more generalized
depression, a type of general existential angst, the exact cause of
which it is difficult for them to pinpoint. Some of the leading
causes of depression today include a sense of meaninglessness;
consuming and generalized fear; spiritual crises, and the high
degrees of stress and anxiety that has become accepted as normal in
modern, radically secularized, everyday life.
For younger people, especially, when asked why they are experiencing
deep depression, many youth will point to a complete sense of
meaninglessness in their lives. The don't know why they are here,
what their purpose in life is, why they are bothering to learn and
work hard, and why our present-day, materialistic society is geared
in such a way as to provide them with no real answers to their quest
for meaning. While pop culture, technology, and the youth scene
serves as a temporary outlet for many teens, more often than not it
only serves to tremendously exacerbate the problem of depression.
Secular modernity presents us with a social-philosophical construct
that is artificial, anti-natural, and ultimately destructive and
unhealthy in nature. In our society, we have been deprived of the
age-tested, fundamental vehicles through which we can excel
spiritually, intellectually, and culturally. Spirituality and
Dharma, which form the basis of all meaningful human growth and
progress, has been systematically and viciously erased from modern
secular societies to such a radical extent that hundreds of millions
of persons worldwide are vividly feeling the ill effects of a life
devoid of meaning, value, nobility, goodness, heroism, and the quest
for Truth.
The search for truth has been replaced in the lives of billions with
the search for entertainment.
Rather than encouraging such spiritual values as courage, nobility,
and heroism, the modern world today encourages the coldly
unsatisfying propaganda of radical egalitarianism. Rather than
encouraging the nurturing of the inner life of the spirit, and the
natural joy, peace and fulfillment that results from a healthy
spiritually-centered life, today it is only selfish economic
advancement and the value of purchasing power that is advocated.
Rather than a lifestyle of mental, physical and spiritual health,
today lifestyles of selfish hedonism, consumerism, greed, fame, and
lust are upheld as the ideal course of behavior, and the values
toward which all should aspire.
Dharma, the principle of living one's life in accordance with Natural
Law and God's will in a manner that is healthy, fulfilling,
nurturing, and truly progressive, has now been replaced with an
artificial and life-denying lifestyle that only produces a profound
sense of meaninglessness and anxiety.
The ultimate cure for society's present crisis of depression and
meaninglessness is to re-embrace a life of meaning, a life of
Dharma. Dharma, by its very definition, denotes the sustaining
foundation of all reality. Dharma is the concept that all that we
experience in this world is based upon a higher, spiritual reality
that provides the ordering principles necessary for the proper
function of the world. To understand Dharma is to understand the
world, and the natural laws behind all things that make life a
meaningful and beautiful expression of the Divine in spacial-temporal
reality. To know Dharma is to know life's ultimate meaning. And the
way to fully know Dharma is through the process of meditation.
For millennia, a spiritually based practice of meditation has been
shown to be very effective in combating such problems as stress,
anxiety, fear, and feelings of meaninglessness. Because meditation
addresses the root causes of depression and anxiety, the time honored
techniques of meditation can be a much more effective cure for
depression than either talk-therapy or medication.
Meditation is a natural, easy and proven method that has been shown
in hundreds of clinical studies to bring about deep states of peace,
calm and mental clarity. In addition, a specifically spiritual
regimen of daily meditation can help to foster a deep sense of
meaning and spiritual comfort.
Meditation has been shown to work on two distinct levels: a) the
cognitive level, and b) the spiritual level. On the cognitive level,
meditation helps to bring about a deep equipoise and a calming relief
to one's overactive mind. Today, especially, the mind is constantly
bombarded with an unending stream of diverse information - some
valuable, most useless. As a direct result of such information
bombardment, the mind is in an almost constant state of agitation and
confusion. Meditation serves to calm the mind, allowing our
attention to shift from the storm of external stimuli to the deep
inner peace that is the natural state of the soul. As a consequence
of having a calm mind, we then find that we can think and make
important decisions with much more clarity, insight, and power. We
are now able to process information in a way that serves us, rather
than merely being the victims of myriad sensory impressions and
information overload.
On the more spiritual level, meditation has the ability to provide us
with deep levels of self-realization and God-realization that, up
till now, may have seemed to be impossible attainments to many of
us. By meditating with the expressed goal of making spiritual
progress, and knowing God and self, we then traverse beyond the
merely cognitive and mental, and begin to penetrate the inner realms
of eternal spirit. When we have self-realization, we now experience
the transcendent peace and calm that is the natural result of living
in spirit. When we have God-realization, we are now in communion
with the very source of our being, the eternal, loving Absolute who
is our very best of friends, and greatest of well-wishers. In such a
transcendent state of spiritual attainment, no anxiety, stress,
depression, or fear can ever burden our minds or hearts again. For
we have now, through the process of spiritual meditation, realized
the infinite well of spiritual peace that lies naturally within.
The root cause of most depression today, then, is the pervasive sense
of meaninglessness that naturally accompanies life in a radically
secularized, materialistic society. The cure to such existential
meaninglessness is to partake profoundly in the spiritual nature of
our true selves and the spiritual foundations underlying our everyday
concerns. The artificial construct of materialism needs to be
replaced with Dharma, and the natural lifestyle and spiritual way of
being that Dharma teaches us to embrace. The most effective way of
accessing the spiritual reality that is our true self, and thus to
over-come the unnatural state of depression, is God-centered
meditation as taught in the ancient tradition of Sanatana Dharma.
For further information about overcoming depressing and learning to
embrace happiness again through meditation, please contact the
International Sanatana Dharma Society: To contact
Sri Acharya-ji, email him at: info@dharmacentral.com.
www.dharmacentral.com
info@dharmacentral.com
(608) 280-8375
The Author:
Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D. (Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya) is an
American who has been practicing Sanatana Dharma for over 30 years.
He has a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and is recognized by the global
Hindu community as one of the leading Hindu Acharyas (Spiritual
Preceptors) in the nation. With a large international following of
both Indian and Western students, Sri Acharya Ji is especially
renowned for his highly authentic approach to Dharmic spirituality,
his authoritative and scholarly approach to teaching, and his clear
emphasis on serious spiritual practice and direct experience of self-
realization and knowledge of God. He has lectured on Sanatana Dharma
at such prestigious institutions as Harvard University, Columbia,
Rutgers, Cornell, Northwestern, as well as for such companies as Ford
Motor Corporation and Lucent Technology. He is the Founder and
President of the International Sanatana Dharma Society.
Uterine Fibroid and Ayuveda
Hysterectomy is now last option in modern science too; after many
having lost their lives on surgery table. Of course this state of
affacirs was 20 years ago. Colon and uterus are seats of "Prana" the
life force which keeps us alive, forms new cells after surgery and
drives our breath. Hysterectomy is seen to disturb the balance of
hormones, causing obesity and other post-menopause symptoms later.
e.g. one woman aged 44, put up 7 kg in just 4 months, and now
suffering from total lack of sensation in pelvic area, constant
fatigue and inflamations in calf muscle, thighs etc.
Nowadays a number of women suffer from formation of fibroids.
The fibroids can be dissolved by Yoga, diet and lifestyle. This is indeed very
encouraging addition to present Ayurvedic knowledge.
According to Acharya Bhavprakash, Aloe Vera dissolves the tumors
like fibroids. Hence in problems like uterian tumors: fibroids,
ovarian cysts, the formulations of Aloe Vera become useful. In
moderate and simple fibroids/cysts (less than 10 mm size),
Kumari Aasav alone 15 ml with equal warm water after meals should be
taken for three months and then check can be performed. While MD will
detect using sonogram, the experienced Vaidyas can judge
the progress by manual checks. Ayurveda did not have any complex
testing required by modern medical science. The hardness of the organ
to the touch and other symptoms were used to diagnose most complex
diseases.
The wide specturm of action of aloe vera is already discussed in many
other posts, including one by this author. The Aloe Vera also acts on
liver, spleen and enliven their function
to higher efficiency. Increased hunger, digestion are first results
to be seen. Increased efficiency of large intestines including colon
aids the excreation process, relieving the patient from constipation.
Some Vaidyas from Amritsar and Surat (in India) prepare a pickle of
Aloe Vera to give to Anorexia patients. Those who can not obtain
Kumari Aasav, Aloe vera pulp can be taken along with 1/4 tsp turmeric
powder and a pinch or two saindhav salt, early morning empty stomach.
Kanchnar Guggulu, 2 Tabs each 250 mg, slight chew and swallow after
meals is also a helpful suggestion. If you decide to take "ayurvedic" route, do it under supervision, as more tuned and focussed protocol can be formulated.
For both fibroids and painful/irregular menses, Apan Vata management
can be done by following naturopathy aid. In 'NO Medicine' approach,
this can be tried, but long time is needed to balance the Vata.
Use castor oil or Arka oil. Light massage on below navel area. Put a
thin butter paper over this area. Lie down. Cover the area with
heating pad or sea salt bag previously heated over hot plate, and let
temperature be what you can easily bear, without
discomfort. Enjoy heat for about 30 minutes daily, preferably on
empty stomach. Along with this, some patients will need cold hip bath also interspersed in this fomentation program.
One patient of the author used this method to get rid of fibroids
totally (upto 2 cms size). She used "Christian science" or faith healing simultaneously, which also may have contributed equally.
Endometrial ablation in modern science may be the modernised version of this old technique.
for consultation and help mail dr.ayur@yahoo.co.in
having lost their lives on surgery table. Of course this state of
affacirs was 20 years ago. Colon and uterus are seats of "Prana" the
life force which keeps us alive, forms new cells after surgery and
drives our breath. Hysterectomy is seen to disturb the balance of
hormones, causing obesity and other post-menopause symptoms later.
e.g. one woman aged 44, put up 7 kg in just 4 months, and now
suffering from total lack of sensation in pelvic area, constant
fatigue and inflamations in calf muscle, thighs etc.
Nowadays a number of women suffer from formation of fibroids.
The fibroids can be dissolved by Yoga, diet and lifestyle. This is indeed very
encouraging addition to present Ayurvedic knowledge.
According to Acharya Bhavprakash, Aloe Vera dissolves the tumors
like fibroids. Hence in problems like uterian tumors: fibroids,
ovarian cysts, the formulations of Aloe Vera become useful. In
moderate and simple fibroids/cysts (less than 10 mm size),
Kumari Aasav alone 15 ml with equal warm water after meals should be
taken for three months and then check can be performed. While MD will
detect using sonogram, the experienced Vaidyas can judge
the progress by manual checks. Ayurveda did not have any complex
testing required by modern medical science. The hardness of the organ
to the touch and other symptoms were used to diagnose most complex
diseases.
The wide specturm of action of aloe vera is already discussed in many
other posts, including one by this author. The Aloe Vera also acts on
liver, spleen and enliven their function
to higher efficiency. Increased hunger, digestion are first results
to be seen. Increased efficiency of large intestines including colon
aids the excreation process, relieving the patient from constipation.
Some Vaidyas from Amritsar and Surat (in India) prepare a pickle of
Aloe Vera to give to Anorexia patients. Those who can not obtain
Kumari Aasav, Aloe vera pulp can be taken along with 1/4 tsp turmeric
powder and a pinch or two saindhav salt, early morning empty stomach.
Kanchnar Guggulu, 2 Tabs each 250 mg, slight chew and swallow after
meals is also a helpful suggestion. If you decide to take "ayurvedic" route, do it under supervision, as more tuned and focussed protocol can be formulated.
For both fibroids and painful/irregular menses, Apan Vata management
can be done by following naturopathy aid. In 'NO Medicine' approach,
this can be tried, but long time is needed to balance the Vata.
Use castor oil or Arka oil. Light massage on below navel area. Put a
thin butter paper over this area. Lie down. Cover the area with
heating pad or sea salt bag previously heated over hot plate, and let
temperature be what you can easily bear, without
discomfort. Enjoy heat for about 30 minutes daily, preferably on
empty stomach. Along with this, some patients will need cold hip bath also interspersed in this fomentation program.
One patient of the author used this method to get rid of fibroids
totally (upto 2 cms size). She used "Christian science" or faith healing simultaneously, which also may have contributed equally.
Endometrial ablation in modern science may be the modernised version of this old technique.
for consultation and help mail dr.ayur@yahoo.co.in
Importance of Yoga for Athletes- Jumping
The movements in the various jumps involve one leg. The repeated use of the same side will result in asymmetry. The groin muscles are opened only on one side and hip joints are also subjected to one side strain.
Yogic Remedy
1. For the jumper Asana the open up the groin like the Upavishta Konasana and Baddha Konasana, Samakonanasa and Supta Padangushtasana are very useful to prevent imbalances.
2. Hanumanasana optimizes muscle usage in the triple and long jumper
3. Balancing asana is useful for the pole vaulter to train both sides of the body for load bearing
4. In particular, one side balances like Vaishtasana and Kasyapasna trains the side of body and Latissmus dorsi muscles
Yogic Remedy
1. For the jumper Asana the open up the groin like the Upavishta Konasana and Baddha Konasana, Samakonanasa and Supta Padangushtasana are very useful to prevent imbalances.
2. Hanumanasana optimizes muscle usage in the triple and long jumper
3. Balancing asana is useful for the pole vaulter to train both sides of the body for load bearing
4. In particular, one side balances like Vaishtasana and Kasyapasna trains the side of body and Latissmus dorsi muscles
Importance of Yoga for Athletes- Throwing
All the throwing events involve one arm. In the long run, the imbalance between the overused and under used muscles gives trouble.
For example in throwing the Discus - the palm of one hand is constantly folded and the other is not used.
In shot put throw the One – Side effect often lasts for years after the cessation of the sports. The most common is that of the spine being always rotated to the right. The excessive strain on the facet joints result in an uneven and premature wear and tear and a scholastic deformity.
Yogic Remedy
Lateral bends and twisting asana are useful to prevent the strain on the spine and maintain healthy evenness of usage
For example in throwing the Discus - the palm of one hand is constantly folded and the other is not used.
In shot put throw the One – Side effect often lasts for years after the cessation of the sports. The most common is that of the spine being always rotated to the right. The excessive strain on the facet joints result in an uneven and premature wear and tear and a scholastic deformity.
Yogic Remedy
Lateral bends and twisting asana are useful to prevent the strain on the spine and maintain healthy evenness of usage
Importance of Yoga for Athletes- Running
There is a tendency for long distance runner to push the body to a high level of training without recognizing the danger signals. The benefits of running are at the cost of inner organs. The heart and lungs are irritated. The abdominal organs are disturbed by constant movement, which causes the cramping of the circulatory flow. Due to age factors the endurance capacity of the athletes cannot be retained for long time.
Yogic Remedy
1. The Hamstring mucles, which are tough and hard due to hours of running, are softened by yogic stretches
2. Excess heat in the body is removed by Sheetali Pranayama. This is valuable in Marathon runners
3. The Heart and lungs are protected by back and forward bends.
4. The abdominal organs are toned by Asanas like-Supta Virasana,Purvottanasana, twisting and back bends.
5. The reproductive systems of women athletes are protected if asanas are practiced
Yogic Remedy
1. The Hamstring mucles, which are tough and hard due to hours of running, are softened by yogic stretches
2. Excess heat in the body is removed by Sheetali Pranayama. This is valuable in Marathon runners
3. The Heart and lungs are protected by back and forward bends.
4. The abdominal organs are toned by Asanas like-Supta Virasana,Purvottanasana, twisting and back bends.
5. The reproductive systems of women athletes are protected if asanas are practiced
Importance Of Yoga For Innate Side Effects Of various Sports
Sports give the entire world an opportunity to mingle together, exchange values and improve relations. Sporting events form an ideal condition for human race together. In general most people indulge in sporting event for the pleasure of it and also as a means of achieving fitness to tone up their bodies. The nature of competitive sports is entirely different from the recreational sports activities. Competitive sports demand continuous strenuous training for a long duration. As a result injury is quit common in competitive sports. The main problem here is that in competitive sports only one part of the body is given more work, where a s the other parts are neglected. As the sports are becoming more and more professionalized, players suffers from stress greater from the executives. In the case of the professional players, the right approach is to use yoga. Yoga is an ideal method for protecting the mind and body of the athlete. So the professional sports persons should realize yoga as an inevitable technique in maintaining the peak of physical and mental health.
Here we are now proudly presenting various yogic approaches for different sports items. Bookmark this page and become a regular reader of this content. Also send your request at riyazn123@yahoo.co.in
Here we are now proudly presenting various yogic approaches for different sports items. Bookmark this page and become a regular reader of this content. Also send your request at riyazn123@yahoo.co.in
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