According to the book of wisdom I read when I was a schoolboy 45
years ago, it said that God gave all living animals 500,000,000 times
to breathe.
Well, let us calculate. Let me see. My breathing cycle is about 10 –
12 times per minute. It means about 5,256,000 cycles a year. Let's
divide 500,000,000 by 5,256,000. It comes about 95, which indicates
that my life span is 95 years. Oh, I should reduce breathing to 8 – 9
cycles per minute in order to live more than 100 years...hahaha.
Dog's life span is about 15 years. Its breathing cycle is about 60
per minute. 500,000,000 divided by 31,536,000 a year equals to 15
years of life span. It may be a reasonable calculation, isn't it?
Of course, the above should be taken as a guide only, as your life
expectancy is influenced by a number of factors, from diet,
environmental condition, sickness, accident, pollution, and personal
lifestyle.
Let us breathe slowly in order to live longer.
***Warning of Measles Outbreak. Measles Are Invading the World.***
New strains of measles are now invading the world, especially among
students. We recommend you to get vaccination before anything else.
It is the cheapest and a sure way to combat measles.
***Tuberculosis Warning...New Strain of Tuberculosis Called XDR-TB
(Extensively Drug-resistant Tuberculosis)
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 450,000
people around the world are affected from XDR-TB, and continuously
increasing every day.
Extensively multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is expanding and it's
dangerous. At least four types of drug resistant Mycobacterium
tuberculosis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are growing.
Good diet, exercise, good sleep, less overwork, reduce stress, and
early medical checkup are required.
***Sodium Hydrogen Bicarbonate (Baking Soda/Powder)***
We all know baking powder. But there may be many people who are
against the use of baking powder, again and again. They are just
stupid people around us. Here, let us use baking powder for good
living.
Sodium bicarbonate is usually used for cooking or baking. You can rub
baking soda to meat, fish, and others for tendering. You can add a
teaspoon of soda to pineapple juice or any other drinks as health
drinks. Use it for cleaning your kitchen, stoves, dishes, and toys,
too.
Do you know that you can use baking soda for beauty purposes? Mix
soda with face creams. It will make your skin smooth, beautiful, and
healthy. How about baking soda poured to the washing machine? Doing
so will make your clothes whiter and better, so enjoy your laundry
work. Many people use only soda for laundry with washing machine.
Sodium bicarbonate can do a lot of things in our living. How about
cleaning of your pet? Your pet's fur will shine more and get
healthier.
Children love and enjoy sweet lemonade with sodium bicarbonate.
***Masks Prevent Inhaling Pollutants, Especially for People with
Pollen Allergies***
Schoolchildren hesitate to use mask because of shame or embarrassment
from other schoolmates. Why don't you decorate it with emblem or
sticker? It makes a new looking fashion in you.
See sample image:
http://www.pyroenergen.com/articles08/images/mask3.jpg
Usually, additional sterilized gauze is inserted inside the mask, for
pollutants not to pass through. How about sterilizing the gauze with
green tea? Gauze submerged in hot tea for about five minutes turns
the gauze color to brown. Dry it in a windy shade. The gauze will
have pleasant smell with medicinal power of green tea protecting you
from pollen allergies. You should know that green tea with its smell
has medicinal effects. Repeat the sterilization process with green
tea daily after a whole day use. Don't use black tea. Use green tea
or herbal tea.
CANCEROUS FOODS / PRODUCTS
INSTANT NOODLES
Dear instant noodle lovers,
Make sure you break for at least 3 days after one session of instant noodles before you eat your next packet! Please read the info shared to me by a doctor.
My family stopped eating instant noodles more than 5 years ago after hearing about the wax coating the noodles - the wax is not just in the Styrofoam containers
but it coats the noodles. This is why the instant noodles do not stick to each other when cooking.
If one were to examine the ordinary Chinese yell ow noodles in the market, one will notice that, in their uncooked state the noodles are oily. This layer
of oil prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Wanton noodles in their uncooked state have been dusted with flour to prevent them sticking together. When the hawker cooks the noodles, notice he cooks
them in hot water and then rinses them in cold water before cooking them in hot water again.. This process is repeated several times before the noodles
are ready to be served. The cooking and rinsing process prevents noodles from sticking together.
The hawker then "lowers the noodles in oil and sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking if they are to be served dry. Cooking instructions for spaghetti
require oil or butter to be added in the water when boiling the spaghetti to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Otherwise, one gets a big clump
of spaghetti!
There was an SBC (now TCS) actor some years ago, who at a busy time of his career had no time to cook, resorted to eating instant noodles everyday. He got
cancer later on. His doctor told him about the wax in instant noodles. The doctor to ld him that our body will need up to 2 days to clear the wax. There
was also an SIA steward who after moving out from his mother's house into his own house, did not cook but ate instant noodles almost every meal. He had
cancer, and has since died from it.
Nowadays the instant noodles are referred as " cancer noodles ".
SATAY LOVERS (BARBECUE)
If you all eat Satay, don't ever forget to eat the cucumber, because eating Satay together with carbon after barbequing can cause cancer.
But we have a cure for that... Cucumber should be eaten after we eat the Satay because Satay has carcinogen (a cancer causing element) but cucumber is anti-carcinogenic.
So don't forget to eat the cucumber the next time you have Satay's.
PRAWNS (SUGPO) & VIT C
DO NOT eat shrimp / prawn if you have just taken VITAMIN C pills!!
This will cause you to DIE in ARSENIC (As) toxication within HOURS!!
PORK AWARENESS
Try this and see whether the pork you bought has worms. There goes with your "Bak Kut Teh" for those who love it. Most men love to eat this so watch out
before it's too late. If you pours Coke (yes, the soda) on a slab of pork, wait a little while, you will SEE WORMS crawl out of it. A message from the
Health Corporation of Singapore about the bad effects of pork consumption. Pig's bodies contain MANY TOXINS, WORM and LATENT DISEASES.
Although some of these infestations are harboured in other animals, modern veterinarians say that pigs are far MORE PREDISPOSED to these illnesses than
other animals. This could be because PIGS like to SCAVENGE and will eat ANY kind of food, INCLUDING dead insects, worms, rotting carcasses, excreta including
their own, garbage, and other pigs. INFLUENZA (flu) is one of the MOST famous illnesses which pigs share with humans. This illness is harboured in the
LUNGS of pigs during the summer months and tends to affect pigs and human in the cooler months.
Sausage contains bits of pigs' lungs, so those who EAT pork sausage tend to SUFFER MORE during EPIDEMICS of INFLUENZA. Pig meat contains EXCESSIVE quantities
of HISTAMINE and IMIDAZOLE compounds, which can lead to ITCHING and INFLAMMATION; GROWTH HORMONE which PROMOTES INFLAMMATION and growth; sulphur containing
mesenchymal mucus which leads to SWELLING and deposits of MUCUS in ten dons and cartilage, resulting in ATHRITIS, RHEUMATISM, etc.
Sulphur helps cause FIRM human tendons and ligaments to be replaced by the pig's soft mesenchymal tissues, and degeneration of human cartilage.
Eating pork can also lead to GALLSTONES and OBESITY, probably due to its HIGH CHOLESTEROL and SATURATED FAT content. The pig is the MAIN CARRIER of the
TAENIE SOLIUM WORM, which is found in its flesh. These tapeworms are found in human intestines with greater frequency in nations where pigs are eaten.
This type of tapeworm can pass through the intestines and affect many other organs, and is incurable once it reaches beyond a certain stage. One in six
people in the US and Canada has RIC HINOSIS from eating trichina worms, which are found in pork.
Many people have NO SYMPTOMS to warm them of this, and when they do, they resemble symptoms of many other illnesses. These worms are NOT noticed during
meat inspections.
SHAMPOO!!!!! !
Cancer-causing substance in shampoos. Go home and check your shampoo. Change before it's too late... Check the ingredients listed on your shampoo bottle,
and see they have a substance by the name of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or simply SLS. This substance is found in most shampoos; manufacturers use it because
it produces a lot of foam and it is cheap. BUT the fact is, SLS is used to scrub garage floors, and it is very strong!!! It is also proven that it can
cause cancer in the long run, and this is no joke. Shampoos that contains SLS: the new Hemp Shampoo from Body Shop etc. contain this substance.
The first ingredient listed (which means it is the single most prevalent ingredient) in Clairol's Herbal Essences is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Therefore,
I called one company, and I told them their product contains a substance that will cause people to have cancer.. They said, Yeah we knew about it but there
is nothing we can do about it because we need that substance to produce foam. By the way Colgate toothpaste also contains the same substance to produce
the "bubbles". They said they are going to send me some information.
Research has shown that in the 1980s, the chance of getting cancer is 1 out of 8000 and now, in the 1990s, the chances of getting cancer is 1 out of 3,
which is very serious. Therefore, I hope that you will take this seriously and pass this on to all the people you know, and hopefully, we can stop "giving"
ourselves cancer-causing agents.
Notice
Reduce the amount of tea you consume
Do not eat bread which has only JUST been toasted
Keep your distance from hand phone chargers
Drink more water in the morning, less at night
Do not drink coffee twice a day
Reduce the amount of oily food you consume
Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning
Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm
Do not take alcohol more than one glass/cup/serving a day
Do not take pills with cool water
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping
Getting less than 8 hours of sleep affects your health
People used to napping will not get old easily
If you can't get do early morning runs, 5pm-8pm in the afternoon is a great time for jogging
When battery is down to the last grid/bar, do not answer the phone. The radiation is 1000 times
Answer the phone by left ear. It'll spoil your brain directly by using right ear
Do not use headphones/earphone for extended periods of time. Rest your ear awhile after 1 hour
Dear instant noodle lovers,
Make sure you break for at least 3 days after one session of instant noodles before you eat your next packet! Please read the info shared to me by a doctor.
My family stopped eating instant noodles more than 5 years ago after hearing about the wax coating the noodles - the wax is not just in the Styrofoam containers
but it coats the noodles. This is why the instant noodles do not stick to each other when cooking.
If one were to examine the ordinary Chinese yell ow noodles in the market, one will notice that, in their uncooked state the noodles are oily. This layer
of oil prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Wanton noodles in their uncooked state have been dusted with flour to prevent them sticking together. When the hawker cooks the noodles, notice he cooks
them in hot water and then rinses them in cold water before cooking them in hot water again.. This process is repeated several times before the noodles
are ready to be served. The cooking and rinsing process prevents noodles from sticking together.
The hawker then "lowers the noodles in oil and sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking if they are to be served dry. Cooking instructions for spaghetti
require oil or butter to be added in the water when boiling the spaghetti to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Otherwise, one gets a big clump
of spaghetti!
There was an SBC (now TCS) actor some years ago, who at a busy time of his career had no time to cook, resorted to eating instant noodles everyday. He got
cancer later on. His doctor told him about the wax in instant noodles. The doctor to ld him that our body will need up to 2 days to clear the wax. There
was also an SIA steward who after moving out from his mother's house into his own house, did not cook but ate instant noodles almost every meal. He had
cancer, and has since died from it.
Nowadays the instant noodles are referred as " cancer noodles ".
SATAY LOVERS (BARBECUE)
If you all eat Satay, don't ever forget to eat the cucumber, because eating Satay together with carbon after barbequing can cause cancer.
But we have a cure for that... Cucumber should be eaten after we eat the Satay because Satay has carcinogen (a cancer causing element) but cucumber is anti-carcinogenic.
So don't forget to eat the cucumber the next time you have Satay's.
PRAWNS (SUGPO) & VIT C
DO NOT eat shrimp / prawn if you have just taken VITAMIN C pills!!
This will cause you to DIE in ARSENIC (As) toxication within HOURS!!
PORK AWARENESS
Try this and see whether the pork you bought has worms. There goes with your "Bak Kut Teh" for those who love it. Most men love to eat this so watch out
before it's too late. If you pours Coke (yes, the soda) on a slab of pork, wait a little while, you will SEE WORMS crawl out of it. A message from the
Health Corporation of Singapore about the bad effects of pork consumption. Pig's bodies contain MANY TOXINS, WORM and LATENT DISEASES.
Although some of these infestations are harboured in other animals, modern veterinarians say that pigs are far MORE PREDISPOSED to these illnesses than
other animals. This could be because PIGS like to SCAVENGE and will eat ANY kind of food, INCLUDING dead insects, worms, rotting carcasses, excreta including
their own, garbage, and other pigs. INFLUENZA (flu) is one of the MOST famous illnesses which pigs share with humans. This illness is harboured in the
LUNGS of pigs during the summer months and tends to affect pigs and human in the cooler months.
Sausage contains bits of pigs' lungs, so those who EAT pork sausage tend to SUFFER MORE during EPIDEMICS of INFLUENZA. Pig meat contains EXCESSIVE quantities
of HISTAMINE and IMIDAZOLE compounds, which can lead to ITCHING and INFLAMMATION; GROWTH HORMONE which PROMOTES INFLAMMATION and growth; sulphur containing
mesenchymal mucus which leads to SWELLING and deposits of MUCUS in ten dons and cartilage, resulting in ATHRITIS, RHEUMATISM, etc.
Sulphur helps cause FIRM human tendons and ligaments to be replaced by the pig's soft mesenchymal tissues, and degeneration of human cartilage.
Eating pork can also lead to GALLSTONES and OBESITY, probably due to its HIGH CHOLESTEROL and SATURATED FAT content. The pig is the MAIN CARRIER of the
TAENIE SOLIUM WORM, which is found in its flesh. These tapeworms are found in human intestines with greater frequency in nations where pigs are eaten.
This type of tapeworm can pass through the intestines and affect many other organs, and is incurable once it reaches beyond a certain stage. One in six
people in the US and Canada has RIC HINOSIS from eating trichina worms, which are found in pork.
Many people have NO SYMPTOMS to warm them of this, and when they do, they resemble symptoms of many other illnesses. These worms are NOT noticed during
meat inspections.
SHAMPOO!!!!! !
Cancer-causing substance in shampoos. Go home and check your shampoo. Change before it's too late... Check the ingredients listed on your shampoo bottle,
and see they have a substance by the name of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or simply SLS. This substance is found in most shampoos; manufacturers use it because
it produces a lot of foam and it is cheap. BUT the fact is, SLS is used to scrub garage floors, and it is very strong!!! It is also proven that it can
cause cancer in the long run, and this is no joke. Shampoos that contains SLS: the new Hemp Shampoo from Body Shop etc. contain this substance.
The first ingredient listed (which means it is the single most prevalent ingredient) in Clairol's Herbal Essences is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Therefore,
I called one company, and I told them their product contains a substance that will cause people to have cancer.. They said, Yeah we knew about it but there
is nothing we can do about it because we need that substance to produce foam. By the way Colgate toothpaste also contains the same substance to produce
the "bubbles". They said they are going to send me some information.
Research has shown that in the 1980s, the chance of getting cancer is 1 out of 8000 and now, in the 1990s, the chances of getting cancer is 1 out of 3,
which is very serious. Therefore, I hope that you will take this seriously and pass this on to all the people you know, and hopefully, we can stop "giving"
ourselves cancer-causing agents.
Notice
Reduce the amount of tea you consume
Do not eat bread which has only JUST been toasted
Keep your distance from hand phone chargers
Drink more water in the morning, less at night
Do not drink coffee twice a day
Reduce the amount of oily food you consume
Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning
Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm
Do not take alcohol more than one glass/cup/serving a day
Do not take pills with cool water
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping
Getting less than 8 hours of sleep affects your health
People used to napping will not get old easily
If you can't get do early morning runs, 5pm-8pm in the afternoon is a great time for jogging
When battery is down to the last grid/bar, do not answer the phone. The radiation is 1000 times
Answer the phone by left ear. It'll spoil your brain directly by using right ear
Do not use headphones/earphone for extended periods of time. Rest your ear awhile after 1 hour
Bananas- Amazing Fruit.
A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas
on the brain. Read on:
Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of
energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the
world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making
it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This
is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally
make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US
Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure
and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch
in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the
help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly
successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps.
Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid
panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can
be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.
In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in
them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are
stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by
as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow
side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times
the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value
foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin,
and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !
on the brain. Read on:
Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of
energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the
world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making
it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This
is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally
make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US
Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure
and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch
in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the
help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly
successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps.
Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid
panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can
be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.
In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in
them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are
stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by
as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow
side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times
the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value
foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin,
and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !
Transmutation : Ancient Indian Concepts and Practices by B. V. Subbarayappa
The early concept of transmutation had perceivably two facets : one
of converting the base metals into gold of ever-lasting glitter, and
the other of transforming the transient human body into one of
permanence with the soul. The Bhagavadgita says: ". . . The soul has
neither birth nor death; it is not slain when the body is slain; it
is eternally the same. . . just as a person puts on new garments,
giving up the old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material body,
giving up the old and decaying ones".
The exalted imperishable status accorded, over the ages, to the soul
in the percipience of body-soul relationship had in it the seeds of
challenge to make the material mortal body itself immortal. The
responses to this challenge, which were varied in different cultures,
were often associated with a shroud of mystery. It took some time for
the human mind to cast off the esoteric envelope and, as a first
step, to conceive of rejuvenation, thus extending the longevity of
the material body, but within the concept that the body has birth and
death in contradiction to the soul.
In India, the beginnings of such endeavours can be seen in the
Rigveda wherein Somarasa was extolled as an exhilarating divine
elixir. Later in the Ayurvedic classic, Susruta Samhita, Soma elixir,
it was claimed, would enable its consumer to live for ten thousand
years with a youthful body and supernatural powers. The Ayurveda, the
Science of Life par excellence, has eight divisions and one of them
is entitled Rasayana, concerned with rejuvenating elixirs and
processes for arresting physical and mental decay. There are
references in both the Caraka and Susruta Samhitas to several other
compositions with the claim that they would confer on the consumer a
long youthful life of thousands of years. These elixirs were mostly
herbal and, what is more, certain amount of processed gold was added
to some of them to make them more effective. The rasayana of the
Ayurveda, it may be noted, was more in the nature of prolonging the
life of the material body than ‘transmuting’ it into an immortal
state. Even so, it seemed to have paved the way for speculating on
the immortality of the body.
The concept of material immortality per se received its sustenance
from a natural phenomenon, namely, the perennial glitter and colour
of gold, the anointed king of metals. Here was a metal, it was
believed, which had reached the highest state from the other inferior
metals and possessed imperishable characteristics. It was supposed
that the other metals would undergo transformation, eventually into
the immutable gold.
There was a sort of theoretical framework too for such a supposition.
The well-known Greek thinker, Empedocles (5th century b.c.) developed
a theory of four ‘elements’: Earth, Fire, Water and Air and the four
primary qualities: hot, cold, dry
The Four 'Elements' of Empedocles
and moist (wet). Aristotle (384-322 b.c.) conceived of these
‘elements’ and their qualities as emphasising the unity of matter
amidst all the changes. The ‘primary matter’, a potential one, would
become Earth with the pair of primary qualities, cold and dry; water
with cold and wet; Fire with hot and dryness; and Air with hot and
moist, thus explaining the phenomena of change. These postulates held
out the possibility of transmuting inferior metals into silver and
ultimately into gold, by changing their qualities. The most
perceptible of the changes effected was the colour and the object was
to bring about a change in the colour of inferior metals to that of
silver or gold. This theory was adopted by the Greco-Roman
(Hellenistic) and later the Islamic alchemists in furtherance of
their twin objective of the so-called transmutation of metals and the
preparation of elixir of life for attaining material immortality.
Strange it may seem, the Indian doctrine of five elements which had
provided a theoretical foundation for the Ayurveda and for the
explanation of the phenomenal world, did not lead to concepts of the
foregoing type. The Indian five ‘elements’ had also a metaphysical
undertone which often subsumed their physical concepts. Moreover, it
was a holistic doctrine and the concept of change was circumscribed
by it.
The seed ideas of Indian alchemy, which made their appearance in the
fifth-sixth centuries a.d., were at variance with the Hellenistic
ones. For, its inspirational source was not in the West, but in the
Far East, in the Chinese concepts and practices. Indian alchemy had
social compulsions too. The Ayurvedic elixirs and rejuvenating
treatment were reserved only for males of the upper castes, (women
were excluded), as enjoined by both the Caraka and Susruta Samhitas.
But, to live long in perpetual youth and to experience the best in
life have been the goals of all human beings. Such dispositions as
these react vehemently against rigid caste-structures and privileges
of the few. They go out in search of systems which are conducive to
the realisation of their goals. In India, the tantras offered such a
system and, more importantly, admitted into their fold all —
irrespective of caste, creed or sex in an esoteric, but ingenious
manner. The tantric concept of siddhi evolved certain pathways for
disciplined aspirants. And inherent in that concept was the
attainment of bodily immortality with even supernatural powers
(animadi astasiddhi). This was reinforced by the mythical male-female
symbolism, the union sublime of immortality.
The Chinese male-female symbolism of Yin and Yang, mercury-sulphur
union of cinnabar (mercuric sulphide) to which was attributed
extraordinary powers of attaining immortality, found a congenial home
in the Indian Tantric milieu. Buddhist pilgrims and the vajrayana
seemed to have played a seminal role in this alchemical transmission.
Be that as it may, Indian alchemy of both Sanskritic and Tamilian
traditions, developed a wide variety a chemical processes for the
ostensible transmutation of metals and preparation of elixir of life,
in which mercury occupied a prime position. The literature on Indian
alchemy called the Rasasastra is perceptibly voluminous and
methodical in the presentation of a variety of processes whose number
is legion. Of these processes, eighteen samskaras or complex
treatments, which were adopted for the potentiation of mercury,
deserve special mention:
Briefly stated, the eighteen processes concerning mercury as the
central element, are as follows:
1. Svedana: Steaming mercury with a number of plant substances, some
minerals, alkalis and salts;
2. Mardana: Rubbing steamed mercury in a mortar along with some
plant and acidic materials;
3. Murchana: Triturating mercury in a mortar with some more plant
extracts till it loses its own character and form;
4. Uthapana: Steaming mercury again along with alkalis, salts, the
three myrobalans, alum etc., and rubbing mercury again in sunlight so
that the characteristics of mercury, freed from impurities, are
brought into play again;
5. Patana: Three types, viz. urdhva (upwards); adhah (downwards);
and tiryak (sideways); grinding mercury with alkalis, salts and
others, and subjecting the product to distillation;
6. Rodhana: Mixing the distilled mercury with saline water in a
closed pot to restore the ‘vigour or potency’ of mercury;
7. Niyamana: Continuation of the process by steaming mercury for
three days with a number of plant products, alum, borax, iron
sulphate, etc., to restrain the motility of mercury;
8. Sandipana: Steaming this product with alum, black pepper, sour
gruel, alkali and some vegetables substances to ‘kindle’ the desire
of mercury to attain the power of assimilation;
9. Grasa or Gaganagrass: Fixation and assimilation of the ‘essence’
of mica (gagana) to the desired extent;
10. Carana: Boiling this product with sour gruel, leaves of certain
plants, alum and others for a week so that mica is fully assimilated;
11. Garbhadruti: Heating and treating mercury with the desired
metallic substances so that the ‘essence’ of the latter becomes
‘liquified’ and the resultant, after cooling, passes through a piece
of cloth;
12. Bahyadruti: Obtaining ‘essence’ of minerals or metallic
substances also externally;
13. Jarana: Heating the mercurial product with the desired minerals
or metals, alkalis and salts so that they are fully digested or
assimilated;
14. Ranjana: A complex process involving the treatment of mercury
with sulphur, gold, silver and copper as well as salts in such a way
that mercury attains colour;
15. Sarana: Digesting mercury with gold or silver in an oil-base to
increase its ability towards transformation;
16. Kramana: Smearing mercury with several plant extracts, minerals,
milk, etc., and then heating it carefully with a view to enabling it
to possess transmuting powers;
17. Vedhana: Rubbing the resultant mercury with a few select
substances including oil so that it acquires the transmuting power;
18. Bhaksana: Consuming the prescribed quality of the mercurial
product which has undergone the foregoing 17 processes, for the
rejuvenation and longevity.
(This sequence was rigorously followed by Indian alchemists; but
there were variations in the choice of plants and their extracts,
salts, alkaline and acidic substances, minerals and other ingredients).
The important, through esoteric, concept which lay behind these
extremely complex processes was that the mercurial product, after
undergoing sequentially the seventeen processes, was believed to have
all the powers of transmutation. At this stage, it was to be tested
for its efficacy in transmuting base metals into gold and, if the
test was positive, it was to be used for the eighteenth process. The
final product, if consumed in prescribed quantity would, it was
claimed, rejuvenate the body in such a way that it would make the
body as resplendent and imperishable as gold. One could see the ideal
of Philosopher’s Stone of the medieval European alchemy, in the
mercurial product emerging out of the seventeen processes.
There are hundreds of verses in the Rasasastra texts which overtly
deal with a wide variety of processes, some simple and many complex.
Three examples may be cited:
(i) Mercury, cinnabar, pyrites, alum of excellent quality borax,
black pepper — each one part — and sauvarcala salt in equal
proportions to them; six parts of rock salt; powdered iron in the
same proportion; and hundred parts of the juice of Emblic myrobalan,
are to be kept in a stone bowl which is to be deposited in a heap of
cow-dung. After one year, a liquid emerges out of it. This (liquid)
is divine as well as flawless, and is to be compounded with mercury
admixed with pure gold as ‘seed’. This compound possesses the
capability of transmuting a thousand times its weight of all metals
into gold. (Rasopanisat, XVI, 241-245)
(ii) One part of the essence of capula (bismuth compound); two parts
of mercury; four parts of gold (as seed); and sulphur of equal
proportion to that of mercury which is to be mascerated, are to be
heated in a closed crucible. Gold and capula of equal quantities are
to be blended with this mercury. If this mercury is infused with a
hundred times its weight of copper, it makes the latter red and this
attains the power of transmuting a hundred times its weight of silver
into gold.
(Rasasara, XV, 19-22)
(iii) One pala of powdered seed (gold); one pala of pyrites; one pala
of sulphur; one pala of mercury extracted from cinnabar; and one pala
of borax — all together mascerated with the juices of plants endowed
with the properties of ‘fixation’ of mercury. Heated over fire urged
by means of a blow-pipe, mercury attains ‘fixation’ and undergoes
colouration with the aid of sulphur. Blended with an equal weight of
gold by the sarana operation, it is ‘killed’ by heating in a puta.
This mercurial preparation transmutes sixty times its weight of
silver-copper into excellent gold. (Rasasara, XIV,1820)
The technique of effecting transmutation was of five kinds:
1. Lepa Vedha (smearing copper or silver foils with a potent
mercurial product);
2. Ksepa Vedha (throwing such a product into the base metals;
3. Kunta Vedha (pouring the transmuting agent into them);
4. Dhuma Vedha (subjecting the base metal to the action of the fumes
of mercurial preparation); and
5. Sabda Vedha (effecting transmutation by the ‘impact’ of the
transmuting agent)
It is well-nigh impossible even to surmise the nature and extent of
chemical or other types of reactions that occur in the process of the
so-called transmutation, until an experimental verification is
attempted from the modern chemical point of view. It would,
nevertheless, seem that the colour of the ‘inferior’ metal like
copper, tin or lead, would change into that of gold or silver. The
emerging colouration, might be too uniform and intimate enough with
the ‘inferior metal’ to expose, under ordinary conditions, its true
colour. The specific gravity and other physical characteristics of
the so-called transmuted metal might manifest themselves, as a result
of skilful manipulation of the ingredients such as mercury or its
compounds, arsenic sulphides, pyrites, sulphur as well as the
deliberate addition of the noble metals themselves.
Indian alchemists specially of Tamil Nadu, knew the distinction
between the transmuted ‘gold’ and the real one. A Tamil text
(Amudakalaijnanam by Agastya) states clearly that if the artificial
‘gold’ and the natural gold are separately subjected to prolonged
heating or calcination, the former gives out ashes and the real face
of the metal appears, while the natural gold remains uneffected by
this method.
The transmutation of metals and the preparation of elixir of life
which were vigorously pursued by Indian alchemists, were more
esoteric than scientific, despite their attempts at classification
and selection of substances, and the use of a wide variety of
apparatus (mostly earthern), for distillation, sublimation,
incineration, trituration and the like, which the Rasasastra texts
describe meticulously and in great detail. To transmute the base
metals into the noble one, and to make the perishable body an ever
immortal one, were goals ever in sight, but never reached.
It was, nevertheless, a pursuit which was not without a spin-off and
that was in the direction of formulating certain mineral medicines.
Mercury, sulphur, mica, arsenic and iron compounds, alum, gems and
others on the one hand and on the other, metals like gold, silver,
copper and its alloy brass, and lead were processed elaborately by
using a wide variety of apparatus. Generally it was believed by the
rasavadins that the minerals and metals would not acquire the
desirable iatro-chemical properties unless they were treated with one
medicinal plant or the other. The rasasastra texts give details of
the preparation of a large number of medicines, and their therapeutic
effects as well as their dosages. One of the popular preparations
called Makaradhvaja contains specially processed mercuric sulphide
and stimulants like camphor, pepper and cloves. During its
preparation a certain amount of purified gold is also added.
The most important medicinal preparations, as described in the
Rasasastra texts, relate to a class of what are called the bhasma of
metals and minerals. Although the process leading to the formation of
a bhasma is one of incineration of the metal or mineral concerned,
the original substance is subjected to several processes before it
undergoes prolonged heating. Even the heating known as the Putapaka,
is carried out of several days with extreme care. Various types of
Putas are mentioned in the texts, recommending a particular puta for
the desired product, along with its measurement and the quantity of
cow-dung cakes or husk to be used for prolonged heating in order to
obtain the most efficient composition.
This method is believed to impart extraordinary qualities, both
physico-chemical and medicinal, on to the treated substance. A bhasma
is an extremely fine powder, very light and, when thrown on water,
just spreads itself as a thin film on it. Of the bhasmas, that of
mica, gold and silver are most widely used in minute quantities and
are generally mixed with other medicinal compositions.
The Siddha (medical) System which is mostly prevalent in Tamil Nadu,
appears to have been evolved from the earlier alchemical concepts and
practices. Though the System had originally its own ways of preparing
certain substances of medicinal value, like muppu (a specially
prepared mixture of three salts), it assimilated gradually some of
the alchemical preparations and developed a number of mineral
compositions which go under the names, bhaspam (Skt.: bhasma),
cendurams (Skt.: sindura) and cunnams (probably calcium compounds or
earthly substances).
There is no denying that the Indian alchemists had realised the
importance of medicinal preparation more than of the transmutation of
base metals into gold. In the West, such a realisation came about
only in the sixteenth century a.d., as a result of the ceaseless
efforts of several thoughtful iatro-chemists led by Paracelsus. But
in India, a trend in this direction could be perceived even in the
eleventh century a.d. Although the Rasasastra is not regarded as an
integral part of the Ayurveda, some of the medicinal compositions of
the former have found a place for themselves in the traditional
medical care in India.
References
Primary Sources
Rasahrdaya-tantra of Govinda Bhagavatpada: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji
Acarya, Bombay, (eds.) B.V. Subbarayappa et. al., (under publication
by INSA) 1911.
Rasakaumudi of Jnanacandra Sharman: (ed.) S.S. Pranacarya, Lahore
(1928).
Rasamrtam: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji Acarya, New Delhi (1951).
Rasapaddhati of Bindu Pandita: (ed.) Madhava Pandita, Bombay (1925).
Rasasanketakalika: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji Acarya, Bombay (1912).
Rasaprakasasudhakara of Yasodhara: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji Acarya,
Bombay (1912).
Rasarnava: (ed.) P.C. Rayand Harish Candra Kaviratna, Calcutta (1910).
Rasarnavakalpa: (eds.) Mira Roy and B.V. Subbarayappa, New Delhi (1976).
Rasaratnakara of Nityanatha Siddha: edited (annoon) with Hindi
commentary, Bombay (1897).
Rasaratnasamuccaya of Vagbhata: (ed.) Vinayak Apte, Poona (1890).
Rasasara of Govindacarya: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji Acarya, Bombay (1912).
Rasendracintamani of Ramachandra: (ed.) Jivananda Vidyasagar,
Calcutta (1878).
Rasendracudamani of Somadeva: (ed.) Yadav Sarman, Lahore (1932).
Rasatarangini: (ed.) Sadananda Sarma, New Delhi (1953).
Rasopanisat: (ed.) K. Sambasiva Sastry, Trivandrum (1928).
The Rgveda: (tr.) H.H. Wilson, 6 vols, London (1860).
(t.) R.T.H. Griffith, Banaras, (1963) (reprint).
SECONDARY SOURCES
Holmyard, E.J., Alchemy, Penguin Books, London (1957).
Ray P., (ed.), History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India,
Calcutta (1956).
Ray P.C., History of Hindu Chemistry (2 vols), Calcutta (1902, 1905).
Read, John, Through Alchemy to Chemistry, London (1957).
Subbarayappa, B.V., ‘Chemical Practices and Alchemy’, In A Concise
History of Science in India, (eds.) D.M. Bose, S.N. Sen, and B.V.
Subbarayappa, New Delhi (1971).
Taylor, Sherwood, The Alchemist, London (1958).
of converting the base metals into gold of ever-lasting glitter, and
the other of transforming the transient human body into one of
permanence with the soul. The Bhagavadgita says: ". . . The soul has
neither birth nor death; it is not slain when the body is slain; it
is eternally the same. . . just as a person puts on new garments,
giving up the old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material body,
giving up the old and decaying ones".
The exalted imperishable status accorded, over the ages, to the soul
in the percipience of body-soul relationship had in it the seeds of
challenge to make the material mortal body itself immortal. The
responses to this challenge, which were varied in different cultures,
were often associated with a shroud of mystery. It took some time for
the human mind to cast off the esoteric envelope and, as a first
step, to conceive of rejuvenation, thus extending the longevity of
the material body, but within the concept that the body has birth and
death in contradiction to the soul.
In India, the beginnings of such endeavours can be seen in the
Rigveda wherein Somarasa was extolled as an exhilarating divine
elixir. Later in the Ayurvedic classic, Susruta Samhita, Soma elixir,
it was claimed, would enable its consumer to live for ten thousand
years with a youthful body and supernatural powers. The Ayurveda, the
Science of Life par excellence, has eight divisions and one of them
is entitled Rasayana, concerned with rejuvenating elixirs and
processes for arresting physical and mental decay. There are
references in both the Caraka and Susruta Samhitas to several other
compositions with the claim that they would confer on the consumer a
long youthful life of thousands of years. These elixirs were mostly
herbal and, what is more, certain amount of processed gold was added
to some of them to make them more effective. The rasayana of the
Ayurveda, it may be noted, was more in the nature of prolonging the
life of the material body than ‘transmuting’ it into an immortal
state. Even so, it seemed to have paved the way for speculating on
the immortality of the body.
The concept of material immortality per se received its sustenance
from a natural phenomenon, namely, the perennial glitter and colour
of gold, the anointed king of metals. Here was a metal, it was
believed, which had reached the highest state from the other inferior
metals and possessed imperishable characteristics. It was supposed
that the other metals would undergo transformation, eventually into
the immutable gold.
There was a sort of theoretical framework too for such a supposition.
The well-known Greek thinker, Empedocles (5th century b.c.) developed
a theory of four ‘elements’: Earth, Fire, Water and Air and the four
primary qualities: hot, cold, dry
The Four 'Elements' of Empedocles
and moist (wet). Aristotle (384-322 b.c.) conceived of these
‘elements’ and their qualities as emphasising the unity of matter
amidst all the changes. The ‘primary matter’, a potential one, would
become Earth with the pair of primary qualities, cold and dry; water
with cold and wet; Fire with hot and dryness; and Air with hot and
moist, thus explaining the phenomena of change. These postulates held
out the possibility of transmuting inferior metals into silver and
ultimately into gold, by changing their qualities. The most
perceptible of the changes effected was the colour and the object was
to bring about a change in the colour of inferior metals to that of
silver or gold. This theory was adopted by the Greco-Roman
(Hellenistic) and later the Islamic alchemists in furtherance of
their twin objective of the so-called transmutation of metals and the
preparation of elixir of life for attaining material immortality.
Strange it may seem, the Indian doctrine of five elements which had
provided a theoretical foundation for the Ayurveda and for the
explanation of the phenomenal world, did not lead to concepts of the
foregoing type. The Indian five ‘elements’ had also a metaphysical
undertone which often subsumed their physical concepts. Moreover, it
was a holistic doctrine and the concept of change was circumscribed
by it.
The seed ideas of Indian alchemy, which made their appearance in the
fifth-sixth centuries a.d., were at variance with the Hellenistic
ones. For, its inspirational source was not in the West, but in the
Far East, in the Chinese concepts and practices. Indian alchemy had
social compulsions too. The Ayurvedic elixirs and rejuvenating
treatment were reserved only for males of the upper castes, (women
were excluded), as enjoined by both the Caraka and Susruta Samhitas.
But, to live long in perpetual youth and to experience the best in
life have been the goals of all human beings. Such dispositions as
these react vehemently against rigid caste-structures and privileges
of the few. They go out in search of systems which are conducive to
the realisation of their goals. In India, the tantras offered such a
system and, more importantly, admitted into their fold all —
irrespective of caste, creed or sex in an esoteric, but ingenious
manner. The tantric concept of siddhi evolved certain pathways for
disciplined aspirants. And inherent in that concept was the
attainment of bodily immortality with even supernatural powers
(animadi astasiddhi). This was reinforced by the mythical male-female
symbolism, the union sublime of immortality.
The Chinese male-female symbolism of Yin and Yang, mercury-sulphur
union of cinnabar (mercuric sulphide) to which was attributed
extraordinary powers of attaining immortality, found a congenial home
in the Indian Tantric milieu. Buddhist pilgrims and the vajrayana
seemed to have played a seminal role in this alchemical transmission.
Be that as it may, Indian alchemy of both Sanskritic and Tamilian
traditions, developed a wide variety a chemical processes for the
ostensible transmutation of metals and preparation of elixir of life,
in which mercury occupied a prime position. The literature on Indian
alchemy called the Rasasastra is perceptibly voluminous and
methodical in the presentation of a variety of processes whose number
is legion. Of these processes, eighteen samskaras or complex
treatments, which were adopted for the potentiation of mercury,
deserve special mention:
Briefly stated, the eighteen processes concerning mercury as the
central element, are as follows:
1. Svedana: Steaming mercury with a number of plant substances, some
minerals, alkalis and salts;
2. Mardana: Rubbing steamed mercury in a mortar along with some
plant and acidic materials;
3. Murchana: Triturating mercury in a mortar with some more plant
extracts till it loses its own character and form;
4. Uthapana: Steaming mercury again along with alkalis, salts, the
three myrobalans, alum etc., and rubbing mercury again in sunlight so
that the characteristics of mercury, freed from impurities, are
brought into play again;
5. Patana: Three types, viz. urdhva (upwards); adhah (downwards);
and tiryak (sideways); grinding mercury with alkalis, salts and
others, and subjecting the product to distillation;
6. Rodhana: Mixing the distilled mercury with saline water in a
closed pot to restore the ‘vigour or potency’ of mercury;
7. Niyamana: Continuation of the process by steaming mercury for
three days with a number of plant products, alum, borax, iron
sulphate, etc., to restrain the motility of mercury;
8. Sandipana: Steaming this product with alum, black pepper, sour
gruel, alkali and some vegetables substances to ‘kindle’ the desire
of mercury to attain the power of assimilation;
9. Grasa or Gaganagrass: Fixation and assimilation of the ‘essence’
of mica (gagana) to the desired extent;
10. Carana: Boiling this product with sour gruel, leaves of certain
plants, alum and others for a week so that mica is fully assimilated;
11. Garbhadruti: Heating and treating mercury with the desired
metallic substances so that the ‘essence’ of the latter becomes
‘liquified’ and the resultant, after cooling, passes through a piece
of cloth;
12. Bahyadruti: Obtaining ‘essence’ of minerals or metallic
substances also externally;
13. Jarana: Heating the mercurial product with the desired minerals
or metals, alkalis and salts so that they are fully digested or
assimilated;
14. Ranjana: A complex process involving the treatment of mercury
with sulphur, gold, silver and copper as well as salts in such a way
that mercury attains colour;
15. Sarana: Digesting mercury with gold or silver in an oil-base to
increase its ability towards transformation;
16. Kramana: Smearing mercury with several plant extracts, minerals,
milk, etc., and then heating it carefully with a view to enabling it
to possess transmuting powers;
17. Vedhana: Rubbing the resultant mercury with a few select
substances including oil so that it acquires the transmuting power;
18. Bhaksana: Consuming the prescribed quality of the mercurial
product which has undergone the foregoing 17 processes, for the
rejuvenation and longevity.
(This sequence was rigorously followed by Indian alchemists; but
there were variations in the choice of plants and their extracts,
salts, alkaline and acidic substances, minerals and other ingredients).
The important, through esoteric, concept which lay behind these
extremely complex processes was that the mercurial product, after
undergoing sequentially the seventeen processes, was believed to have
all the powers of transmutation. At this stage, it was to be tested
for its efficacy in transmuting base metals into gold and, if the
test was positive, it was to be used for the eighteenth process. The
final product, if consumed in prescribed quantity would, it was
claimed, rejuvenate the body in such a way that it would make the
body as resplendent and imperishable as gold. One could see the ideal
of Philosopher’s Stone of the medieval European alchemy, in the
mercurial product emerging out of the seventeen processes.
There are hundreds of verses in the Rasasastra texts which overtly
deal with a wide variety of processes, some simple and many complex.
Three examples may be cited:
(i) Mercury, cinnabar, pyrites, alum of excellent quality borax,
black pepper — each one part — and sauvarcala salt in equal
proportions to them; six parts of rock salt; powdered iron in the
same proportion; and hundred parts of the juice of Emblic myrobalan,
are to be kept in a stone bowl which is to be deposited in a heap of
cow-dung. After one year, a liquid emerges out of it. This (liquid)
is divine as well as flawless, and is to be compounded with mercury
admixed with pure gold as ‘seed’. This compound possesses the
capability of transmuting a thousand times its weight of all metals
into gold. (Rasopanisat, XVI, 241-245)
(ii) One part of the essence of capula (bismuth compound); two parts
of mercury; four parts of gold (as seed); and sulphur of equal
proportion to that of mercury which is to be mascerated, are to be
heated in a closed crucible. Gold and capula of equal quantities are
to be blended with this mercury. If this mercury is infused with a
hundred times its weight of copper, it makes the latter red and this
attains the power of transmuting a hundred times its weight of silver
into gold.
(Rasasara, XV, 19-22)
(iii) One pala of powdered seed (gold); one pala of pyrites; one pala
of sulphur; one pala of mercury extracted from cinnabar; and one pala
of borax — all together mascerated with the juices of plants endowed
with the properties of ‘fixation’ of mercury. Heated over fire urged
by means of a blow-pipe, mercury attains ‘fixation’ and undergoes
colouration with the aid of sulphur. Blended with an equal weight of
gold by the sarana operation, it is ‘killed’ by heating in a puta.
This mercurial preparation transmutes sixty times its weight of
silver-copper into excellent gold. (Rasasara, XIV,1820)
The technique of effecting transmutation was of five kinds:
1. Lepa Vedha (smearing copper or silver foils with a potent
mercurial product);
2. Ksepa Vedha (throwing such a product into the base metals;
3. Kunta Vedha (pouring the transmuting agent into them);
4. Dhuma Vedha (subjecting the base metal to the action of the fumes
of mercurial preparation); and
5. Sabda Vedha (effecting transmutation by the ‘impact’ of the
transmuting agent)
It is well-nigh impossible even to surmise the nature and extent of
chemical or other types of reactions that occur in the process of the
so-called transmutation, until an experimental verification is
attempted from the modern chemical point of view. It would,
nevertheless, seem that the colour of the ‘inferior’ metal like
copper, tin or lead, would change into that of gold or silver. The
emerging colouration, might be too uniform and intimate enough with
the ‘inferior metal’ to expose, under ordinary conditions, its true
colour. The specific gravity and other physical characteristics of
the so-called transmuted metal might manifest themselves, as a result
of skilful manipulation of the ingredients such as mercury or its
compounds, arsenic sulphides, pyrites, sulphur as well as the
deliberate addition of the noble metals themselves.
Indian alchemists specially of Tamil Nadu, knew the distinction
between the transmuted ‘gold’ and the real one. A Tamil text
(Amudakalaijnanam by Agastya) states clearly that if the artificial
‘gold’ and the natural gold are separately subjected to prolonged
heating or calcination, the former gives out ashes and the real face
of the metal appears, while the natural gold remains uneffected by
this method.
The transmutation of metals and the preparation of elixir of life
which were vigorously pursued by Indian alchemists, were more
esoteric than scientific, despite their attempts at classification
and selection of substances, and the use of a wide variety of
apparatus (mostly earthern), for distillation, sublimation,
incineration, trituration and the like, which the Rasasastra texts
describe meticulously and in great detail. To transmute the base
metals into the noble one, and to make the perishable body an ever
immortal one, were goals ever in sight, but never reached.
It was, nevertheless, a pursuit which was not without a spin-off and
that was in the direction of formulating certain mineral medicines.
Mercury, sulphur, mica, arsenic and iron compounds, alum, gems and
others on the one hand and on the other, metals like gold, silver,
copper and its alloy brass, and lead were processed elaborately by
using a wide variety of apparatus. Generally it was believed by the
rasavadins that the minerals and metals would not acquire the
desirable iatro-chemical properties unless they were treated with one
medicinal plant or the other. The rasasastra texts give details of
the preparation of a large number of medicines, and their therapeutic
effects as well as their dosages. One of the popular preparations
called Makaradhvaja contains specially processed mercuric sulphide
and stimulants like camphor, pepper and cloves. During its
preparation a certain amount of purified gold is also added.
The most important medicinal preparations, as described in the
Rasasastra texts, relate to a class of what are called the bhasma of
metals and minerals. Although the process leading to the formation of
a bhasma is one of incineration of the metal or mineral concerned,
the original substance is subjected to several processes before it
undergoes prolonged heating. Even the heating known as the Putapaka,
is carried out of several days with extreme care. Various types of
Putas are mentioned in the texts, recommending a particular puta for
the desired product, along with its measurement and the quantity of
cow-dung cakes or husk to be used for prolonged heating in order to
obtain the most efficient composition.
This method is believed to impart extraordinary qualities, both
physico-chemical and medicinal, on to the treated substance. A bhasma
is an extremely fine powder, very light and, when thrown on water,
just spreads itself as a thin film on it. Of the bhasmas, that of
mica, gold and silver are most widely used in minute quantities and
are generally mixed with other medicinal compositions.
The Siddha (medical) System which is mostly prevalent in Tamil Nadu,
appears to have been evolved from the earlier alchemical concepts and
practices. Though the System had originally its own ways of preparing
certain substances of medicinal value, like muppu (a specially
prepared mixture of three salts), it assimilated gradually some of
the alchemical preparations and developed a number of mineral
compositions which go under the names, bhaspam (Skt.: bhasma),
cendurams (Skt.: sindura) and cunnams (probably calcium compounds or
earthly substances).
There is no denying that the Indian alchemists had realised the
importance of medicinal preparation more than of the transmutation of
base metals into gold. In the West, such a realisation came about
only in the sixteenth century a.d., as a result of the ceaseless
efforts of several thoughtful iatro-chemists led by Paracelsus. But
in India, a trend in this direction could be perceived even in the
eleventh century a.d. Although the Rasasastra is not regarded as an
integral part of the Ayurveda, some of the medicinal compositions of
the former have found a place for themselves in the traditional
medical care in India.
References
Primary Sources
Rasahrdaya-tantra of Govinda Bhagavatpada: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji
Acarya, Bombay, (eds.) B.V. Subbarayappa et. al., (under publication
by INSA) 1911.
Rasakaumudi of Jnanacandra Sharman: (ed.) S.S. Pranacarya, Lahore
(1928).
Rasamrtam: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji Acarya, New Delhi (1951).
Rasapaddhati of Bindu Pandita: (ed.) Madhava Pandita, Bombay (1925).
Rasasanketakalika: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji Acarya, Bombay (1912).
Rasaprakasasudhakara of Yasodhara: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji Acarya,
Bombay (1912).
Rasarnava: (ed.) P.C. Rayand Harish Candra Kaviratna, Calcutta (1910).
Rasarnavakalpa: (eds.) Mira Roy and B.V. Subbarayappa, New Delhi (1976).
Rasaratnakara of Nityanatha Siddha: edited (annoon) with Hindi
commentary, Bombay (1897).
Rasaratnasamuccaya of Vagbhata: (ed.) Vinayak Apte, Poona (1890).
Rasasara of Govindacarya: (ed.) Jadavji Trikumji Acarya, Bombay (1912).
Rasendracintamani of Ramachandra: (ed.) Jivananda Vidyasagar,
Calcutta (1878).
Rasendracudamani of Somadeva: (ed.) Yadav Sarman, Lahore (1932).
Rasatarangini: (ed.) Sadananda Sarma, New Delhi (1953).
Rasopanisat: (ed.) K. Sambasiva Sastry, Trivandrum (1928).
The Rgveda: (tr.) H.H. Wilson, 6 vols, London (1860).
(t.) R.T.H. Griffith, Banaras, (1963) (reprint).
SECONDARY SOURCES
Holmyard, E.J., Alchemy, Penguin Books, London (1957).
Ray P., (ed.), History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India,
Calcutta (1956).
Ray P.C., History of Hindu Chemistry (2 vols), Calcutta (1902, 1905).
Read, John, Through Alchemy to Chemistry, London (1957).
Subbarayappa, B.V., ‘Chemical Practices and Alchemy’, In A Concise
History of Science in India, (eds.) D.M. Bose, S.N. Sen, and B.V.
Subbarayappa, New Delhi (1971).
Taylor, Sherwood, The Alchemist, London (1958).
Back pain
Introduction
Back pain is a common complaint. Four out of five people in the United States will experience low back pain at least once during their lives. It's one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work.
On the bright side, you can prevent most back pain. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics will often heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional for the long haul. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
Causes
Your back is an intricate structure composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and disks — the cartilage-like pads that act as cushions between the segments of your spine. Back pain can arise from problems with any of these component parts. In some people, no specific cause for their back pain can be found.
Strains
Back pain most often occurs from strained muscles and ligaments, from improper or heavy lifting, or after a sudden awkward movement. Sometimes a muscle spasm can cause back pain.
Structural problems
In some cases, back pain may be caused by structural problems, such as:
Bulging or ruptured disks. Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. Sometimes, the soft material inside a disk may bulge out of place or rupture and press on a nerve. But many people who have bulging or herniated disks experience no pain from the condition.
Sciatica. If a bulging or herniated disk presses on the main nerve that travels down your leg, it can cause sciatica — sharp, shooting pain through the buttock and back of the leg.
Arthritis. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the hips, hands, knees and lower back. In some cases arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Skeletal irregularities. Back pain can occur if your spine curves in an abnormal way. If the natural curves in your spine become exaggerated, your upper back may look abnormally rounded or your lower back may arch excessively. Scoliosis, a condition in which your spine curves to the side, also may lead to back pain.
Osteoporosis. Compression fractures of your spine's vertebrae can occur if your bones become porous and brittle.
Rare but serious conditions
In rare cases, back pain may be related to:
Cauda equina syndrome. This is a serious neurological problem affecting a bundle of nerve roots that serve your lower back and legs. It can cause weakness in the legs, numbness in the "saddle" or groin area, and loss of bowel or bladder control.
Cancer in the spine. A tumor on the spine can press on a nerve, causing back pain.
Infection of the spine. If a fever and a tender, warm area accompany back pain, the cause could be an infection.
Risk factors
Factors that increase your risk of developing low back pain include:
Smoking
Obesity
Older age
Female gender
Physically strenuous work
Sedentary work
Stressful job
Anxiety
Depression
When to seek medical advice
Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care. Although the pain may take several weeks to disappear completely, you should notice some improvement within the first 72 hours of self-care. If not, see your doctor.
In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. See a doctor immediately if your back pain:
Is constant or intense, especially at night or when you lie down
Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
Causes new bowel or bladder problems
Is associated with pain or pulsation (throbbing) in the abdomen, or fever
Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury
Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
Also, see your doctor if you start having back pain for the first time after age 50, or if you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, or drug or alcohol abuse.
Screening and diagnosis
Diagnostic tests aren't usually necessary to confirm the cause of your back pain. However, if you do see your doctor for back pain, he or she will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs. He or she may also test your reflexes with a rubber reflex hammer. These assessments help determine where the pain comes from, how much you can move before pain forces you to stop and whether you have muscle spasms. They will also help rule out more serious causes of back pain.
If there is reason to suspect that you have a tumor, fracture, infection or other specific condition that may be causing your back pain, your doctor may order one or more tests:
X-ray. These images show the alignment of your bones and whether you have arthritis or broken bones. X-ray images won't directly show problems with your spinal cord, muscles, nerves or disks.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans. These scans can generate images that may reveal herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels.
Bone scan. In rare cases, your doctor may use a bone scan to look for bone tumors or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. In this procedure, you'll receive an injection of a small amount of a radioactive substance (tracer) into one of your veins. The substance collects in your bones and allows your doctor to detect bone problems using a special camera.
Nerve studies (electromyography, or EMG). This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of your muscles. Studies of your nerve-conduction pathways can confirm nerve compression caused by herniated disks or narrowing of your spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
Treatment
Most back pain gets better with a few weeks of home treatment and careful attention. A regular schedule of over-the-counter pain relievers may be all that you need to improve your pain. A short period of bed rest is okay, but more than a couple of days actually does more harm than good. If home treatments aren't working, your doctor may suggest stronger medications or other therapy.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or in some cases, a muscle relaxant, to relieve mild to moderate back pain that doesn't get better with over-the-counter pain relievers. Narcotics, such as codeine or hydrocodone, may be used for a short period of time with close supervision by your doctor.
Low doses of certain types of antidepressants — particularly tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline — have been shown to relieve chronic back pain, independent of their effect on depression.
Physical therapy and exercise
A physical therapist can apply a variety of treatments, such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and muscle-release techniques, to your back muscles and soft tissues to reduce pain. As pain improves, the therapist can teach you specific exercises to increase your flexibility, strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, and improve your posture. Regular use of these techniques will help prevent pain from coming back.
Injections
If other measures don't relieve your pain and if your pain radiates down your leg, your doctor may inject cortisone — an anti-inflammatory medication — into the space around your spinal cord (epidural space). A cortisone injection helps decrease inflammation around the nerve roots, but the pain relief usually lasts less than six weeks.
In some cases, your doctor may inject numbing medication into or near the structures believed to be causing your back pain. Early studies indicate that botulism toxin (Botox) also may help relieve back pain, perhaps by paralyzing strained muscles in spasm. Botox injections typically wear off within three to four months.
Surgery
Few people ever need surgery for back pain. There are no effective surgical techniques for muscle- and soft-tissue- related back pain. Surgery is usually reserved for pain caused by a herniated disk. If you have unrelenting pain or progressive muscle weakness caused by nerve compression, you may benefit from surgery. Types of back surgery include:
Fusion. This surgery involves joining two vertebrae to eliminate painful movement. A bone graft is inserted between the two vertebrae, which may then be splinted together with metal plates, screws or cages. A drawback to the procedure is that it increases the chances of arthritis developing in adjoining vertebrae.
Disk replacement. An alternative to fusion, this surgery inserts an artificial disk as a replacement cushion between two vertebrae.
Partial removal of disk. If disk material is pressing or squeezing a nerve, your doctor may be able to remove just the portion of the disk that's causing the problem.
Partial removal of a vertebra. If your spine has developed bony growths that are pinching your spinal cord or nerves, surgeons can remove a small section of the offending vertebra, to open up the passage.
Prevention
You may be able to avoid back pain by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics.
To keep your back healthy and strong:
Exercise. Regular low-impact aerobic activities — those that don't strain or jolt your back — can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good choices. Talk with your doctor about which activities are best for you.
Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises (core-strengthening exercises) help condition these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back. Flexibility in your hips and upper legs aligns your pelvic bones to improve how your back feels.
Quit smoking. Smokers have diminished oxygen levels in their spinal tissues, which can hinder the healing process.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts strain on your back muscles. If you're overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain.
Use proper body mechanics:
Stand smart. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods of time, alternate placing your feet on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back.
Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, arm rests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level.
Lift smart. Let your legs do the work. Move straight up and down. Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.
Complementary and alternative medicine
Many people choose hands-on therapies to ease their back pain:
Chiropractic care. Back pain is one of the most common reasons that people see a chiropractor. If you're considering chiropractic care, talk to your doctor about the most appropriate specialist for your type of problem. In addition to chiropractors, many osteopathic doctors and some physical therapists have training in spinal manipulation.
Acupuncture. Some people with low back pain report that acupuncture helps relieve their symptoms. The National Institutes of Health has found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for some types of chronic pain. In acupuncture, the practitioner inserts sterilized stainless steel needles into the skin at specific points on the body.
Massage. If your back pain is caused by tense or overworked muscles, massage therapy may help loosen knotted muscles and promote relaxation
Back pain is a common complaint. Four out of five people in the United States will experience low back pain at least once during their lives. It's one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work.
On the bright side, you can prevent most back pain. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics will often heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional for the long haul. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
Causes
Your back is an intricate structure composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and disks — the cartilage-like pads that act as cushions between the segments of your spine. Back pain can arise from problems with any of these component parts. In some people, no specific cause for their back pain can be found.
Strains
Back pain most often occurs from strained muscles and ligaments, from improper or heavy lifting, or after a sudden awkward movement. Sometimes a muscle spasm can cause back pain.
Structural problems
In some cases, back pain may be caused by structural problems, such as:
Bulging or ruptured disks. Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. Sometimes, the soft material inside a disk may bulge out of place or rupture and press on a nerve. But many people who have bulging or herniated disks experience no pain from the condition.
Sciatica. If a bulging or herniated disk presses on the main nerve that travels down your leg, it can cause sciatica — sharp, shooting pain through the buttock and back of the leg.
Arthritis. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the hips, hands, knees and lower back. In some cases arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Skeletal irregularities. Back pain can occur if your spine curves in an abnormal way. If the natural curves in your spine become exaggerated, your upper back may look abnormally rounded or your lower back may arch excessively. Scoliosis, a condition in which your spine curves to the side, also may lead to back pain.
Osteoporosis. Compression fractures of your spine's vertebrae can occur if your bones become porous and brittle.
Rare but serious conditions
In rare cases, back pain may be related to:
Cauda equina syndrome. This is a serious neurological problem affecting a bundle of nerve roots that serve your lower back and legs. It can cause weakness in the legs, numbness in the "saddle" or groin area, and loss of bowel or bladder control.
Cancer in the spine. A tumor on the spine can press on a nerve, causing back pain.
Infection of the spine. If a fever and a tender, warm area accompany back pain, the cause could be an infection.
Risk factors
Factors that increase your risk of developing low back pain include:
Smoking
Obesity
Older age
Female gender
Physically strenuous work
Sedentary work
Stressful job
Anxiety
Depression
When to seek medical advice
Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care. Although the pain may take several weeks to disappear completely, you should notice some improvement within the first 72 hours of self-care. If not, see your doctor.
In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. See a doctor immediately if your back pain:
Is constant or intense, especially at night or when you lie down
Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
Causes new bowel or bladder problems
Is associated with pain or pulsation (throbbing) in the abdomen, or fever
Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury
Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
Also, see your doctor if you start having back pain for the first time after age 50, or if you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, or drug or alcohol abuse.
Screening and diagnosis
Diagnostic tests aren't usually necessary to confirm the cause of your back pain. However, if you do see your doctor for back pain, he or she will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs. He or she may also test your reflexes with a rubber reflex hammer. These assessments help determine where the pain comes from, how much you can move before pain forces you to stop and whether you have muscle spasms. They will also help rule out more serious causes of back pain.
If there is reason to suspect that you have a tumor, fracture, infection or other specific condition that may be causing your back pain, your doctor may order one or more tests:
X-ray. These images show the alignment of your bones and whether you have arthritis or broken bones. X-ray images won't directly show problems with your spinal cord, muscles, nerves or disks.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans. These scans can generate images that may reveal herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels.
Bone scan. In rare cases, your doctor may use a bone scan to look for bone tumors or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. In this procedure, you'll receive an injection of a small amount of a radioactive substance (tracer) into one of your veins. The substance collects in your bones and allows your doctor to detect bone problems using a special camera.
Nerve studies (electromyography, or EMG). This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of your muscles. Studies of your nerve-conduction pathways can confirm nerve compression caused by herniated disks or narrowing of your spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
Treatment
Most back pain gets better with a few weeks of home treatment and careful attention. A regular schedule of over-the-counter pain relievers may be all that you need to improve your pain. A short period of bed rest is okay, but more than a couple of days actually does more harm than good. If home treatments aren't working, your doctor may suggest stronger medications or other therapy.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or in some cases, a muscle relaxant, to relieve mild to moderate back pain that doesn't get better with over-the-counter pain relievers. Narcotics, such as codeine or hydrocodone, may be used for a short period of time with close supervision by your doctor.
Low doses of certain types of antidepressants — particularly tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline — have been shown to relieve chronic back pain, independent of their effect on depression.
Physical therapy and exercise
A physical therapist can apply a variety of treatments, such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and muscle-release techniques, to your back muscles and soft tissues to reduce pain. As pain improves, the therapist can teach you specific exercises to increase your flexibility, strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, and improve your posture. Regular use of these techniques will help prevent pain from coming back.
Injections
If other measures don't relieve your pain and if your pain radiates down your leg, your doctor may inject cortisone — an anti-inflammatory medication — into the space around your spinal cord (epidural space). A cortisone injection helps decrease inflammation around the nerve roots, but the pain relief usually lasts less than six weeks.
In some cases, your doctor may inject numbing medication into or near the structures believed to be causing your back pain. Early studies indicate that botulism toxin (Botox) also may help relieve back pain, perhaps by paralyzing strained muscles in spasm. Botox injections typically wear off within three to four months.
Surgery
Few people ever need surgery for back pain. There are no effective surgical techniques for muscle- and soft-tissue- related back pain. Surgery is usually reserved for pain caused by a herniated disk. If you have unrelenting pain or progressive muscle weakness caused by nerve compression, you may benefit from surgery. Types of back surgery include:
Fusion. This surgery involves joining two vertebrae to eliminate painful movement. A bone graft is inserted between the two vertebrae, which may then be splinted together with metal plates, screws or cages. A drawback to the procedure is that it increases the chances of arthritis developing in adjoining vertebrae.
Disk replacement. An alternative to fusion, this surgery inserts an artificial disk as a replacement cushion between two vertebrae.
Partial removal of disk. If disk material is pressing or squeezing a nerve, your doctor may be able to remove just the portion of the disk that's causing the problem.
Partial removal of a vertebra. If your spine has developed bony growths that are pinching your spinal cord or nerves, surgeons can remove a small section of the offending vertebra, to open up the passage.
Prevention
You may be able to avoid back pain by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics.
To keep your back healthy and strong:
Exercise. Regular low-impact aerobic activities — those that don't strain or jolt your back — can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good choices. Talk with your doctor about which activities are best for you.
Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises (core-strengthening exercises) help condition these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back. Flexibility in your hips and upper legs aligns your pelvic bones to improve how your back feels.
Quit smoking. Smokers have diminished oxygen levels in their spinal tissues, which can hinder the healing process.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts strain on your back muscles. If you're overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain.
Use proper body mechanics:
Stand smart. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods of time, alternate placing your feet on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back.
Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, arm rests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level.
Lift smart. Let your legs do the work. Move straight up and down. Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.
Complementary and alternative medicine
Many people choose hands-on therapies to ease their back pain:
Chiropractic care. Back pain is one of the most common reasons that people see a chiropractor. If you're considering chiropractic care, talk to your doctor about the most appropriate specialist for your type of problem. In addition to chiropractors, many osteopathic doctors and some physical therapists have training in spinal manipulation.
Acupuncture. Some people with low back pain report that acupuncture helps relieve their symptoms. The National Institutes of Health has found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for some types of chronic pain. In acupuncture, the practitioner inserts sterilized stainless steel needles into the skin at specific points on the body.
Massage. If your back pain is caused by tense or overworked muscles, massage therapy may help loosen knotted muscles and promote relaxation
Medical Store
To get a genuine surgical instrument is one of the toughest things that you have to search when running a hospital. We have to take care of all these as it is important to prevent the spread of disease from one patient to other. So by using genuine products you can avoid the fear of transmitting disease from one patient to other.
Now there is an online store from where you can get good quality items like latex exam gloves and other items like massager etc. The gloves are ambidextrous, natural rubber latex examination gloves, powder-free to eliminate powder induced irritation. You can obtain all these at a reasonable price.
You can get these and more at this medical store
Now there is an online store from where you can get good quality items like latex exam gloves and other items like massager etc. The gloves are ambidextrous, natural rubber latex examination gloves, powder-free to eliminate powder induced irritation. You can obtain all these at a reasonable price.
You can get these and more at this medical store
There are many problems with vaccines. (An US Activist writes....)
Mercury, the preservative, is one of the dangers, but IS NOT the only
danger with vaccines.
1. Mercury has NOT totally been removed from vaccines
A. Those that say mercury-free, private testing has shown there is still
mercury
B. Many still have a trace of mercury
C. And many have full amounts of mercury - many flu vax (adult & children)
DT, tD, etc.
2. Mercury is NOT the only problem with vaccine
3. Other problems with vaccines
A. Contamination with mycoplasma and bacteria
B. Contamination with monkey viruses
C. Contamination with RNA, DNA
D. Aluminum and other adjuvants
E. The new preservative replacing mercury in some vaccines - 2PE, which is again a highly potent neurotoxin.
F. Other additives in vaccines - vary according to the vaccine - MSG,
formaldyhyde, antibiotics, phenol, sorbitol, gelatin and more
G. The antigen itself and how it effects the immune system
H. The whole theory is in error - stimulation of antibodies does not give
immunity - antibodies do not mean immunity - the are signs of exposure, but
one small aspect of the immune system
I. No long term research
J. No comparison in research with placebo group - only another vaccinated group
K. Ignoring post marketing data of reactions, injury and death
L. No individualization - one size fits all
M. No screening for immune problems and allergies
N. Children and adults have reacted with injury and death after MMR which
never had mercury in it.
My additions:
O. Suppressing common childhood illnesses can have serious effects.
P. Mental & emotional aspects of vaccine after effects not studied. As per a renowned physician, criminality, perverse behaviour, addiction, suicidal tendencies and a host of other mental & emotional disturbances are caused by vaccines.
Q. Vaccines increase stress by delivering potent poisons into the brain leading to lifestyle disorders.
R. The current crop of epidemics of chronic diseases can be attributed to vaccines.
S. Children are subjected to a lot of stress as it is, why increase their problems with vaccines? Watched "Tare Zameen Par"?
T. There is no science that says we can vaccinate infants.
U. Vaccines are now under the control of the Pentagon raising fears of their being used as biological warfare agents.
V. Population control is high on the agenda of international bodies. The heavy metals and neurotoxins in the vaccines adversely affect the endocrine system and can interfere with reproductive health.
W. Vaccines with a birth hormone which can cause abortions has already been covertly tested in many countries including India.
X. Vaccine manufacturers give upto 60% commission to doctors.
Y. Diseases "eradicated" by vaccines often recur thus putting a big question mark on the efficacy of vaccines.
Z. Jaundice, infantile diabetes, seizures, cancers and sudden death syndrome in infants have been traced to vaccines.
ZA. Vaccines can contain genetically modified viruses whose after effects are unknown.
ZB. Genetically modified crops as vaccines is scaring even the genetic engineers themselves.
ZC. Unvaccinated populations like the AMISH in the UK do not suffer from Autism or other complicated chronic disorders.
ZD. There is a lot of secrecy surrounding vaccines. Doctors probing vaccine after effects have been punished. Research money is being denied to scientists who wish to conduct vaccine safety studies.
What more arguements to you need to avoid vaccines?
danger with vaccines.
1. Mercury has NOT totally been removed from vaccines
A. Those that say mercury-free, private testing has shown there is still
mercury
B. Many still have a trace of mercury
C. And many have full amounts of mercury - many flu vax (adult & children)
DT, tD, etc.
2. Mercury is NOT the only problem with vaccine
3. Other problems with vaccines
A. Contamination with mycoplasma and bacteria
B. Contamination with monkey viruses
C. Contamination with RNA, DNA
D. Aluminum and other adjuvants
E. The new preservative replacing mercury in some vaccines - 2PE, which is again a highly potent neurotoxin.
F. Other additives in vaccines - vary according to the vaccine - MSG,
formaldyhyde, antibiotics, phenol, sorbitol, gelatin and more
G. The antigen itself and how it effects the immune system
H. The whole theory is in error - stimulation of antibodies does not give
immunity - antibodies do not mean immunity - the are signs of exposure, but
one small aspect of the immune system
I. No long term research
J. No comparison in research with placebo group - only another vaccinated group
K. Ignoring post marketing data of reactions, injury and death
L. No individualization - one size fits all
M. No screening for immune problems and allergies
N. Children and adults have reacted with injury and death after MMR which
never had mercury in it.
My additions:
O. Suppressing common childhood illnesses can have serious effects.
P. Mental & emotional aspects of vaccine after effects not studied. As per a renowned physician, criminality, perverse behaviour, addiction, suicidal tendencies and a host of other mental & emotional disturbances are caused by vaccines.
Q. Vaccines increase stress by delivering potent poisons into the brain leading to lifestyle disorders.
R. The current crop of epidemics of chronic diseases can be attributed to vaccines.
S. Children are subjected to a lot of stress as it is, why increase their problems with vaccines? Watched "Tare Zameen Par"?
T. There is no science that says we can vaccinate infants.
U. Vaccines are now under the control of the Pentagon raising fears of their being used as biological warfare agents.
V. Population control is high on the agenda of international bodies. The heavy metals and neurotoxins in the vaccines adversely affect the endocrine system and can interfere with reproductive health.
W. Vaccines with a birth hormone which can cause abortions has already been covertly tested in many countries including India.
X. Vaccine manufacturers give upto 60% commission to doctors.
Y. Diseases "eradicated" by vaccines often recur thus putting a big question mark on the efficacy of vaccines.
Z. Jaundice, infantile diabetes, seizures, cancers and sudden death syndrome in infants have been traced to vaccines.
ZA. Vaccines can contain genetically modified viruses whose after effects are unknown.
ZB. Genetically modified crops as vaccines is scaring even the genetic engineers themselves.
ZC. Unvaccinated populations like the AMISH in the UK do not suffer from Autism or other complicated chronic disorders.
ZD. There is a lot of secrecy surrounding vaccines. Doctors probing vaccine after effects have been punished. Research money is being denied to scientists who wish to conduct vaccine safety studies.
What more arguements to you need to avoid vaccines?
TREATEMENT FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME IN AYURVEDA
One of themost common disorders of the alimentary tract is that of long
standing dysfunction associated with abdominal pain.
Bowel habit is disturbed by diarrohea or constipation occurring alone or
alternatively.
Aetiolgy of the irritable bowel syndrome is uncertain, psychological
disturbances, especially anxiety or frequent tension, individual who worries
excessively about family or financial affairs some due to infective diarrohea,in
others certain foods may precipitate symptoms.
Disturbance of motility in colon, small intestine, stomach, lower oesophagus and
bladder, also causes bowel disturbance.
This is more frequent in women between 20 to 40 years of age the commonest
symptom is pain in the abdomen pain often occurs in attacks usually relieved by
defaecation, sometimes provoked by food and maybe severe patient notice pellet
like or ribbon like stools with or without mucus diarrohea maybe painless and
characteristically occurs in the mornings and almost neverat nights.
An urge to defaecate after meals maybe due to exaggerated gastrocolicreflex
other symptoms like abdominal distension, excessive flatus, sometimes dyspepsia,
dysuria and heartburn.
According to ayurvedda, disturbance in the movement of vyana and apana vayu is
responsible for these disorders it can be treated with internal medicines like
1.ashta churnam 2. jeerakaaristam 3. kutajaaristam 4. musthaaristam
5.kapaadamaatra 6. dadimaashtakachurnam 7. udarasudha etc.,
Panchakarma therapy [internal purification] commences from peyaadhikramam,
pichhavasthi, abhyangam, yoga vasthi, sirodhaara and kashayadhaara.
Diet is the important aspect to be taken care of it should be like
the one we start for an infant, start with vegetables pulses, pepper, ginger,
garlic and tomatoes. For drinking purpose, curry leaves boiledwith butter milk
and salt is taken
standing dysfunction associated with abdominal pain.
Bowel habit is disturbed by diarrohea or constipation occurring alone or
alternatively.
Aetiolgy of the irritable bowel syndrome is uncertain, psychological
disturbances, especially anxiety or frequent tension, individual who worries
excessively about family or financial affairs some due to infective diarrohea,in
others certain foods may precipitate symptoms.
Disturbance of motility in colon, small intestine, stomach, lower oesophagus and
bladder, also causes bowel disturbance.
This is more frequent in women between 20 to 40 years of age the commonest
symptom is pain in the abdomen pain often occurs in attacks usually relieved by
defaecation, sometimes provoked by food and maybe severe patient notice pellet
like or ribbon like stools with or without mucus diarrohea maybe painless and
characteristically occurs in the mornings and almost neverat nights.
An urge to defaecate after meals maybe due to exaggerated gastrocolicreflex
other symptoms like abdominal distension, excessive flatus, sometimes dyspepsia,
dysuria and heartburn.
According to ayurvedda, disturbance in the movement of vyana and apana vayu is
responsible for these disorders it can be treated with internal medicines like
1.ashta churnam 2. jeerakaaristam 3. kutajaaristam 4. musthaaristam
5.kapaadamaatra 6. dadimaashtakachurnam 7. udarasudha etc.,
Panchakarma therapy [internal purification] commences from peyaadhikramam,
pichhavasthi, abhyangam, yoga vasthi, sirodhaara and kashayadhaara.
Diet is the important aspect to be taken care of it should be like
the one we start for an infant, start with vegetables pulses, pepper, ginger,
garlic and tomatoes. For drinking purpose, curry leaves boiledwith butter milk
and salt is taken
How i got rid of fissure-in-ano without pharma medicine !
This is an experience of a friend who forwarded it to me my mail.Read this self experience
I want to share my experience about anal fissure i had. I had been
suffering of irritating anal fissure since last one year with bleeding
& horrible pain while passing stool. Suggested surgery by all surgeons
consulted.
Then i was suugested by one old man to apply gau-mutra ( cow's urine )
to affected area.I was told to hold gau-mutra in palms and keep palms
touching to affected area sitting like in indian style toilet so that
gau-mutra touches the affected area and heals the cuts of fissure.
But due to flat palms i was not able to keep gau-mutra in my palms
more than few moments ,all the gau-mutra drained away.
So i soaked cotton-wool in gau-mutra and kept it on the affected place
and asked my wife to pour more gau-mutra on cotton wool kept for 10-
15 minutes.
To my pleasant surprise 90% of the problem cured in a week and i
continued it for 3 months.
Now i have been cured almost 95%.Some times itching problem persists
to some minor extent for few mintues and goes away. Only one
occurance of bleeding have been occured but it was only due tomy bad
habbits of eating and/or perhaps of sentinal pile developed 1-2 year
back
I want to share my experience about anal fissure i had. I had been
suffering of irritating anal fissure since last one year with bleeding
& horrible pain while passing stool. Suggested surgery by all surgeons
consulted.
Then i was suugested by one old man to apply gau-mutra ( cow's urine )
to affected area.I was told to hold gau-mutra in palms and keep palms
touching to affected area sitting like in indian style toilet so that
gau-mutra touches the affected area and heals the cuts of fissure.
But due to flat palms i was not able to keep gau-mutra in my palms
more than few moments ,all the gau-mutra drained away.
So i soaked cotton-wool in gau-mutra and kept it on the affected place
and asked my wife to pour more gau-mutra on cotton wool kept for 10-
15 minutes.
To my pleasant surprise 90% of the problem cured in a week and i
continued it for 3 months.
Now i have been cured almost 95%.Some times itching problem persists
to some minor extent for few mintues and goes away. Only one
occurance of bleeding have been occured but it was only due tomy bad
habbits of eating and/or perhaps of sentinal pile developed 1-2 year
back
Myths and reality about Ayurveda
Large number of people has apprehension on Ayurveda medicines and treatment. These are not unfounded as they would have undergone various problems with the quacks and highly commercialized practitioners.
Ayurveda is a gift of God to mankind and this knowledge, derived by our ancient
Rishia through their spiritual pursuit, used to be passed on to generation by
Guru รข€“ disciple order, and as a service to humanity. Some how this system,
which was widely practiced from time immemorial, got sidelined with the
incursion of western culture.
Ayurveda is a system without side effect, a system which cures from root cause and a system which has remedies for almost all ailments. a spiritual and charitable
institution has taken up the task of reviving this ancient knowledge. In the
process, has set up medicine manufacturing plants, herbal gardens,
full fledged hospital, medical colleges, R&D centre and a chain of Ayurveda
Panchakarama centers throughout the country. has tied up with Government
of Andhra Pradesh to set up Ayurveda
centers throughout AP and to preach, practice and propagate Ayurveda in the
purest and traditional form.
Does an Ayurvedadic medicine have side effects?
Genuine Ayurveda medicines do not
have any side effect as the base of Aurveda medicines are natural herbs.
Taste bitter and quantity large?
Only few items of medicines are of
bitter nature. For eg: a medicine for a diabetes
patient will not have sweet taste. Arishtams, Lehya and certain choornas have sweet taste.
As for quantity, compared to allopathic
drugs, quantity could be bit large
How about cost, time duration and
recurrence in Ayurveda treatments?
It is must cheaper as
compared to some other methods. Most of the diseases can be cured at much
lesser cost than even the diagnostic bills. One should not deny the fact that
scientific and technological inventions have greatly helped in diagnosing and
treating various ailments under modern system. Yet there are various categories
of ailments where other systems fail and Ayurveda succeeds.
Many diseases can be cured much
faster than any other system.
Food restrictions?
The cause of many diseases is unsuitable
food habits. Untimely food, various combinations of spices which create
negative effects and excess comfort to body contribute to health hazards. Unhygienic
surroundings, adulteration, pollution etc. add
to the misery. Ayurveda clearly defines these.
A NOTE TO REMEMBER
Authenticity and credibility of
the institution should be verified before choosing a centre for treatment. In
Ayurveda the combination of three are equally importance, the quality of
medicines is equally important.
Ayurveda is a gift of God to mankind and this knowledge, derived by our ancient
Rishia through their spiritual pursuit, used to be passed on to generation by
Guru รข€“ disciple order, and as a service to humanity. Some how this system,
which was widely practiced from time immemorial, got sidelined with the
incursion of western culture.
Ayurveda is a system without side effect, a system which cures from root cause and a system which has remedies for almost all ailments. a spiritual and charitable
institution has taken up the task of reviving this ancient knowledge. In the
process, has set up medicine manufacturing plants, herbal gardens,
full fledged hospital, medical colleges, R&D centre and a chain of Ayurveda
Panchakarama centers throughout the country. has tied up with Government
of Andhra Pradesh to set up Ayurveda
centers throughout AP and to preach, practice and propagate Ayurveda in the
purest and traditional form.
Does an Ayurvedadic medicine have side effects?
Genuine Ayurveda medicines do not
have any side effect as the base of Aurveda medicines are natural herbs.
Taste bitter and quantity large?
Only few items of medicines are of
bitter nature. For eg: a medicine for a diabetes
patient will not have sweet taste. Arishtams, Lehya and certain choornas have sweet taste.
As for quantity, compared to allopathic
drugs, quantity could be bit large
How about cost, time duration and
recurrence in Ayurveda treatments?
It is must cheaper as
compared to some other methods. Most of the diseases can be cured at much
lesser cost than even the diagnostic bills. One should not deny the fact that
scientific and technological inventions have greatly helped in diagnosing and
treating various ailments under modern system. Yet there are various categories
of ailments where other systems fail and Ayurveda succeeds.
Many diseases can be cured much
faster than any other system.
Food restrictions?
The cause of many diseases is unsuitable
food habits. Untimely food, various combinations of spices which create
negative effects and excess comfort to body contribute to health hazards. Unhygienic
surroundings, adulteration, pollution etc. add
to the misery. Ayurveda clearly defines these.
A NOTE TO REMEMBER
Authenticity and credibility of
the institution should be verified before choosing a centre for treatment. In
Ayurveda the combination of three are equally importance, the quality of
medicines is equally important.
Suitable exercise for the person whose sign is Cancer
According to Vedic Astrology when the Moon is situated in the sign
Cancer Astrological sign of that person is called Cancer. The lord
of the sign Cancer is the Moon.
The Principal of the sign Cancer is Jala [Water or Liquidity]
mahabhuta.
Hence the person having sign Cancer will be governed by the
characteristics of the Moon, and Jala [Liquidity] principals.
Hence the balance of the fluids in the body whose sign is Cancer
must be maintained.
The exercise which causes heavy perspiration should be avoided and
to replenish body fluids fruit juices should be taken after
exercise.
Exercise till moderate perspiration should be done.
In case when active exercise is not possible steam bath till
moderate perspiration should be taken.
Swimming will be the best exercise for the person whose sign is
Cancer.
In short exercise till moderate perspiration and replenishment of
body fluids by fruit juices will be helpful for the person whose
sign is Cancer
Cancer Astrological sign of that person is called Cancer. The lord
of the sign Cancer is the Moon.
The Principal of the sign Cancer is Jala [Water or Liquidity]
mahabhuta.
Hence the person having sign Cancer will be governed by the
characteristics of the Moon, and Jala [Liquidity] principals.
Hence the balance of the fluids in the body whose sign is Cancer
must be maintained.
The exercise which causes heavy perspiration should be avoided and
to replenish body fluids fruit juices should be taken after
exercise.
Exercise till moderate perspiration should be done.
In case when active exercise is not possible steam bath till
moderate perspiration should be taken.
Swimming will be the best exercise for the person whose sign is
Cancer.
In short exercise till moderate perspiration and replenishment of
body fluids by fruit juices will be helpful for the person whose
sign is Cancer
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