As previously mentioned there are three main nadis in the body; Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. These nadis control all other in the body. The Sushumna provides prana for the whole body and uses the charkas to distribute the energy to various organs and endocrine glands on a subtle level, thus having an effect on the ojas and tejas in both the mind and body. Consequently asanas, pranayamas, diet, meditation, lifestyle, mantras and mudras are important adjuncts to the therapy. Prana cleanses the nadis of impurities acquired from bad habits; for example junk food, drugs, radiation, smoking etc and the prana that is developed during meditation is said to clean karmic impurities.The Nadis consists of three layers, one inside the other. The innermost is called Sira, the middle layer Damani, the outer Nadi, like the entire organ. These Nadis is said to permeate the Pancha koshas; Annamayakosha, Pranamayakosha, Manomayakosha, Vijanamayakosha and Anandamayakosha. Thus the nadi system exists at both the gross and subtle levels.Medical doctrine written by Charaka Samitha around 1st Century A.D. described the body as having a system of canals radiating outwards from the navel or "nabi" to all parts of the body, these canals or nadis carried "rasas" (vital juices). According to the “nabi principle”, the umbilical cord is the first form of life. The first cell arises from the umbilical cord and at birth it is critical that the cord is cut correctly. Another ancient text tells us that all nadis originate twelve (finger) digits above the anus just below the navel in an egg-shaped organ called the Kanda (the Kanda seems to correspond to the point the Japanese call Hara). The "nabi principle" or "hara diagnosis" is the main diagnostic tool utilized in ‘Nadi Vigyan’ Pressure Therapy as all the nadis cross at the navel. Henceforth ‘nabi massage’ with oil is a pre-requisite, so as to initially stimulate the nabi area and correct any dis-alignment of the navel.

Januray 26. 2012

“Nadi Vigyan” Pressure Therapy / Indian Neurotherapy (Part 1 of 4)

“Nadi Vigyan” Pressure Therapy is an old forgotten therapy that originates from the Vedas. There are 72,000 nãdis in the human body, of which some are gross and some are subtle. The idea of nãdis first appeared in the earliest Upanishads (7th-8th century b.c.e.).  The concept was developed in the later Upanishads - from 2nd century b.c.e. to the 2nd century c.e. and later - and the nascent Yoga and Tantric schools.  The Kshurika-Upanishad and later the Hathayogapradikpa mention the 72,000 nãdis, [The main three nadis are the Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna channels]. Other schools have been proposed - 80,000 (Trisikhibramanopanishad), 200,000, or 300,000.
Nadi is derived from the root word “Nãd”, which means motion. Nadis are energy channels; the gross nadis, are the physical nerves, veins and arteries whilst the other group are the subtle nadis. Prana is the basis of the doshas and nadis provide a network in the body to circulate the prana. The Upanishads quote; “ Prana , though one, is known by 5 names according to its different functions: prana, apana, vyana, udana and samana”. Life dances on these “five winds”. This is assisted by 5 other respective categories of subtle life-airs notably, Naga (mouth), Kurma (eyelids), Kirkal (throat), Devadatta (nostrils), and Dhananjaya (whole body). These winds or Vayus are the unstable form of Prana. Prana is grosser than Vayu, says Dr Donden; he compares Prana to electricity, and Vayu to the light that electricity can produce when it is directed into a bulb. Prana is the life force that strings body, mind and spirit together like beads on a strand of breath. When there is derangement of these winds or Vayus, the vital force or Prana is weakened and thus with lesser resistance the body becomes a victim of diseases. Thus the regulation of these winds is the crux of ‘Nadi Vigyan’ Pressure Therapy.

January 18, 2012

Ayurveda & Panic Attacks - Case Study

Janet, a 32-year-old woman had suffered acute severe panic attacks on being promoted to a management position. Symptoms included unexpected, sudden, discrete periods of intense anxiety, mounting psychological arousal, fear, abdominal distress, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, heart palpitations, and dizziness. These symptoms only presented on days of important business meetings and the stress of project deadlines. Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis revealed that the Air/Vata bio-energy was deranged. A Vata pacifying diet, Yoga asanas, Pranayams, Meditation, and Spiritual-self examination through reading which would help her comprehend how her root fears. Janet responded very quickly; the combination of simple Ayurvedic dietary changes along with Yoga and Meditation resulted in the disappearance of her Panic Attack after only 3 weeks. Thereafter she joined a regular Yoga class and maintained her Vata pacifying Ayurvedic diet plan.

January12,2012

A 62-year-old Australian female presented with occasional pains in the chest and epigastric pain. Her medical doctor suspected a heart disorder, but extensive cardiovascular tests and scans proved to be inconclusive and her medical consultant could not help her further. Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis showed that her Vata was elevated, and her pain worsened at around 4 p.m., further indicating that Vata was the aggravating factor. Further nabhi examination revealed mis-aligned nabhi and accumulation of Gas in the epi-gastric region. Through Abhyanga, Ayurvedic herbs, Vata pacifying diet and specific yoga sequence Vata was significantly reduced and her pain disappeared after 4- weeks and she has continued to enjoy good health.

December 17, 2011

Effects of Centella asiatica extract on mucopolysaccharide metabolism in subjects with varicose veins

The effects were studied of the total triterphenic fraction of Centella asiatica on serum levels of the uronic acids and lysosomal enzymes involved in mucopolysaccharide metabolism (beta-glycyronidase, beta-glycuronidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, arylsulfatase) in patients with varicose veins. The basal levels of uronic acids (467.7 +/69.3 micrograms/ml) and of lysosomal enzymes (beta-glycuronidase 1.8+/0.4 microM/min/l, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase 23.1+/-0.4 microM/min/l, arysulfatase 0.078+/-0.003 microM/min/l) were elevated, indicating an increased mucopolysaccharide turnover in subjects with varicose veins.     During treatment with Centella asiatica extract (60 mg/day for three months), these levels fell progressively. At the end of treatment the serum uronic acid (231.8+/-51.5 micrograms/ ml), beta-glycuronidase (1.2+/-0.05 microM/min/l), beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (17.7+/-0.7 microM/min/land arysulfatase (0.042+/-0.003 microM/min/l) levels were highly significantly lower than the basal levels (p less than 0.01). The results of this trial provide an indirect confirmation of regulatory effects of the extract ofCentella asiatica on metabolism in the connective tissue of the vascular wall.

Ayurveda & Adenocarcinoma - Case Study

Doreen a 59-year-old Canadian woman Holistic therapist, with metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary.
Symptoms - Frequent episodes of dyspnea, Occasional left sided discomfort in her chest, Phlegm production sometimes with blood, CT scan showed multiple pulmonary nodules in the periphery of both lungs, Tiredness, Depression, Pale skin, Poor appetite and Lack-lustre hair condition, she refused Chemotherapy (Cisplatin) from the hospital and she was also very angry and resentful against everyone.The X-rays clearly showed progressing densities on both sides indicating the Cancer. On her first visit, she showed severe dyspnea on climbing the stairs to my treatment room.
The strategy utilised was Kapha pacifying diet, weekly 30 mins sessions of of Nadi Vigyan ' Neurotherapy' , Pranayama and Homeopathic (nosode) remedies.
Results -After 3 months of treatment her Appetite returned, Phlegm production minimal, More energy, Better sleep, Glowing hair and skin, Shortness of breath disappeared, Depression and anger disappearing (she agreed to join Cancer Support group), Upper chest pain abolished after 4 weeks, 10 weeks after treatment, the X-rays showed no further density progression, (Metastasis) indicating possible arrest of the cancer.

How Anger Hurts You by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Part 3 of 3)

The Secret of the Breath

Breathing techniques and meditation are very effective in calming the mind. Learning something about our breath is very important. Our breath has a great lesson to teach us, which we have forgotten. For every rhythm in the mind, there is a corresponding rhythm in the breath and for every rhythm in the breath there is a corresponding emotion. So, when you cannot handle your mind directly, you can handle it through breath. Meditation is letting go of anger from the past and the events of the past. Meditation is accepting this moment and living every moment totally with depth. Often anger comes because you do not accept the present moment. Anger comes when one seeks too much of perfection. When you are joyful, you don't look for perfection. If you are always looking for perfection then you are not at the source of joy.The world appears imperfect on the surface but, underneath, all is perfect. Perfection hides; imperfection shows off. The wise will not remain merely on the surface but will probe into the depth. Things are not blurred; your vision is blurred. Infinite actions prevail in the wholeness of consciousness, and yet the consciousness remains perfect, untouched. Realise this now and be natural.

How Anger Hurts You by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Part 2 of 3)

Being in the Present Moment
All anger is about something which has already happened. Is it of any use getting angry about something which you cannot alter? The mind always vacillates between the past and the future. When the mind is in the past, it's angry about something that has already happened; but anger is meaningless as we can't alter the past. And when the mind is in the future, it's anxious about something that may or may not happen. When the mind is in the present moment, anxiousness and anger appear so meaningless.Spiritual practices help you maintain your centeredness and not be shaken by small events. This is where a little knowledge about yourself, your mind, your consciousness and the root of distortion in our nature helps. It is when you are exhausted and stressed that you lose your nature and get angry. Every individual is bestowed with all the virtues in the world. They simply get covered-up by lack of understanding and stress. What is needed is just to uncover the virtues that are already there.

How Anger Hurts You by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Part 1 of 3)

You may remind yourself a hundred times that you shouldn't get angry, but when the emotion comes, you are unable to control it. It comes like a thunderstorm. Emotions are much more powerful than your thoughts. What can you do when anger rises in you? Anger is a distortion of your true nature and it doesn't allow the self to shine forth fully. The structure of human consciousness or the mind is very similar to that of an atom. The positively charged protons and neutrons are in the center of the atom while the negatively charged particles are only on the circumference. Similarly, even in human consciousness, mind and life, all the negativities and vices are only in the periphery. Your true nature is peace and love. Showing anger itself is not wrong, but being unaware of your anger only hurts you. Sometimes you can show anger purposefully. For example, a mother gets angry at her children and can act tough or shout at them if they put themselves in danger. There are situations that warrant showing anger, but when you get angry, have you observed what happens to you? You are shaken completely. Look at the consequences of getting angry. Are you happy with the decisions you have made or the words you have spoken in a state of anger? No, because you lose your total awareness. But if you are completely aware and are acting angry, that is fine.

Mediterranean Diet and Exercise Can Reduce Sleep Apnea Symptoms

ScienceDaily (Nov. 2, 2011) -- Eating a Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity can help to improve some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, according to new research. The study, which is published online in the European Respiratory Journal, looked at the impact a Mediterranean diet can have on obese people with sleep apnea, compared to those on a prudent diet

Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical evaluation of an Ayurvedic formulation (GlucoCare capsules) in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Results of this clinical study by R. K. Sharma and Pralhad S. Patki on 50 patients of pitta-kapha prakriti suffering from NIDDM, indicate that GlucoCare Capsules have beneficial effects in relieving symptoms and bringing about overall improvement. 19 of the 25 patients on GlucoCare felt that they showed adequate response to treatment. The present clinical study indicates significant clinical efficacy of GlucoCare Capsules in management of NIDDM. The formulation was well tolerated and appeared to be safe in the dosage used.

Brahmi for Stress

Bacopa or Brahmi has been used for thousands of years in "Ayurvedic" medicine as a brain tonic to improve brain activity. In an increasingly stressful world, Brahmi has rapidly become popular. Stress and anxiety affects learning and memory. Brahmi reduces these negative effects while providing benefits in learning and memory. It further enhances nerve impulse activity and neurotransmission within the brain. It also aids neuron repair, supports new neuron growth and regulates memory processes. In addition to these qualities, bacopa is neuroprotective, and reduces oxidative stress through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. With the growing scientific evidence behind its mode of action, it is now commonly used in many supplements either in its entirety or as a constituent.

Liquorice extract could reduce hot flushes in menopausal women

Early research suggests that women who took a daily pill based on the plant root for a year experienced up to 80 per cent fewer hot flushes. They were far less likely to have their sleep disturbed by night sweats strong enough to wake them up.Experts believe chemicals in liquorice mimic the effect of the female hormone, oestrogen, that is lost in older women. Dr Marsha Baker from the University of Southern California, who presented this recent paper on the study at the annual conference of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Florida on Monday, said: "We are not going to draw any definitive conclusions from this but even though it's preliminary it's still promising information that we can use to direct some further, larger-scale studies."
Basic description of Licorice in Ayurvedic text : Yashtimadhu is sweet, cooling and heavy to digest. In ayurveda, yastimadhu is used extensively as a demulcent, mild expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent. It is good for the eyes. It improves strength and complexion. It is a lubricant and aphrodisiac. It promotes the growth of hair and improves voice.

The ultimate goal for practitioners of Ayurveda and Yoga

Most of our actions and activities today are related to materialism and our physical body; we rarely pay attention to the mind and the spirit. Problems like depression, anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia originate mainly from imbalances in the mind and weakness of the spirit. The spirit is not an esoteric connotation; it is so much more. The more you know about the divinity of your body, mind, and their connection with soul and the universe, the more healthier and happier your life is. As Ayurvedic practitioners our purpose is to inspire our patients/clients to awaken to a higher sense of divine self and keep continuing to work and strengthen our own spirit. The ultimate goal for all is not health, but peace. As Charaka who was one of the principal contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurved stated "The healer who regards kindness to humanity as his supreme religion and treats his patients accordingly, succeeds best in achieving his aims of life and obtains the greatest pleasure."

October 5, 2011

Pilot Study shows the benefit of yoga therapy in a retirement community

An 8-week therapeutic yoga program on postural control, mobility, rising from the floor, and gait speed was carried out in a continuing care retirement community in Connecticut, USA. Eight research participants, all women, with a mean age of 84 (4.6) years, 8 control participants, 5 women and 3 men, aged 81.3 (4.9) years took part in this program and these participants were naive to yoga. An 8-week, 80-minute, biweekly Kripalu yoga class was designed specifically for these participants. Improvements in postural control as measured by the Berg Balance Scale and gait as measured by fast gait speed indicate that research subjects benefited from the yoga intervention. The yoga program designed for this study included the activities of standing, sitting, and lying on the floor. Therefore, subjects perform activities during yoga that can improve postural control, mobility, and gait speed. This study was published in J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2011 Apr-Jun;34(2):88-94. This is further evidence demonstrating how yoga therapy is beneficial in the elderly and in the aged care setting.

Eating fruits, veggies help reduce risk of some colorectal cancers but drinking too much fruit juice can increase the risk of rectal cancer

Researchers from the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, University of Western Australia and Deakin University found people who eat apples are at a lower risk of distal colon cancer. But they also found there is an increased risk of rectal cancer for people drink too much fruit juice. The study says eating brassica vegetables -- Brussels spouts, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli -- also decrease the risk of proximal and distal colon cancer.

Whole genome expression and biochemical correlates of extreme constitutional types defined in Ayurveda

Ayurveda describes seven broad constitution types (Prakritis) each with a varying degree of predisposition to different diseases. Amongst these, three most contrasting types, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, are the most vulnerable to diseases. Conventional studies are routinely carried out in modern predictive medicine with efforts being directed towards capturing disease phenotypes with greater precision for successful identification of markers for prospective disease conditions. This study explored whether the different constitution types as described in Ayurveda has molecular correlates.
Comparisons of the Prakritis demonstrated striking differences with respect to biochemical and hematological parameters and at genome wide expression levels. Although this 2008 study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine was a small-scale study, the results provides increasing evidence that there is a molecular framework for understanding Ayurveda and further demonstrates that an integration of Ayurveda with genomics holds potential and promise for future predictive medicine.

Traumeel® protects against aching muscles and joints after strenuous exercise

Competitive athletes are not alone in imposing significant strain on their body, muscles and joints; recreational sports lovers also tend to develop aching muscles and joints after exercise. The aches are caused by inflammatory reactions in damaged muscle cells as a result of strenuous activity. Scientists at the University of Kwazulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa have published a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study showing that prophylactic use of a natural product (Traumeel®) before and after exercise has major anti-inflammatory effects and so reduces the incidence of muscle pain. This was presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Seattle, Washington, May 27 - 30, 2009. This paper presents the accumulating evidence of Traumeel's action on the inflammatory process.

September 8, 2011

Modified Citrus Pectin has extensive benefits in fighting and protecting against cancer

New research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows that Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) very significantly induces and enhances the benefits of T-cytotoxic cells and human Natural Killer (NK) cells. This new data on Modified Citrus Pectin's powerful immune effects, together with the extensive research on its ability to block cancer-promoting galectin-3 molecules, gives a greater understanding of MCP's extensive benefits in fighting and protecting against cancer.Previously modified citrus pectin, which is a specialised fruit polysaccharide has been shown to have unique properties in blocking cancer cell aggregation, adhesion, and metastasis. Furthermore, clinical research shows that modified citrus pectin helps limit disease progression in men with advanced prostate cancer. In addition to its cancer-inhibiting effects, modified citrus pectin shows promise in chelating toxic heavy metals that can be so damaging to overall health.

Research study confirms what Ayurveda has been saying for over 5000 years - Eating more slowly could be the answer to beating the battle of the bulge

A recent research study carried out by the Department of Human Nutrition at New Zealand's University of Otago has shown that middle-aged women who eat slowly are much less likely to be overweight or obese than those who eat at a faster pace, Researchers analysed the relationship between self-reported speed of eating and body mass index (BMI) in more than 1500 New Zealand women aged between 40 and 50. The researchers commented that "The size of the association found in this initial research suggests that if there is a causal link, reduction in eating speed is a very promising way to prevent weight gain and may lead to decreases in BMI similar or greater than those sustained in weight management programs" .
For over 5,000 years Ayurveda has emphasised the importance of eating meals or snacks slowly i.e. taking time to ensure food is properly chewed before swallowing. It is well known that digestion begins in the mouth, where the saliva is mixed with the food and starts to break it down into smaller chemicals that can be absorbed and nourish the body. Chewing thoroughly promotes smooth, complete digestion. Basically the slower you eat the faster and more efficiently you metabolise the food. When food is swallowed whole it makes it more difficult for the body to absorb all the important vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract can be used as a dietary supplement for prevention of breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the western world. Although there are effective drugs for treating advanced stages of breast cancers, women eventually develop resistance. One of the approaches to control breast cancer is prevention through diet, which inhibits one or more neoplastic events and reduces cancer risk. In a recent study  human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, and primary human mammary epithelial cells were used as an in vitro model to assess the efficacy of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) extract (BME) as an anticancer agent. BME treatment of breast cancer cells resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation and induced apoptotic cell death. The study concluded that Bitter Melon Extract (BME) modulates signal transduction pathways for inhibition of breast cancer cell growth and can be used as a dietary supplement for prevention of breast cancer.

Source : Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA.

Dr.Deepak Chopra - Purpose in Life

Why is it so important to live with passion, to have a dream, a reason for living, even if that dream is only for our own joy?

Dr. Chopra: I think that is a very important component, to have passion, to have a dream, to have a purpose in life. And there are three components to that purpose, one is to find out who you really are, to discover God, the second is to serve other human beings, because we are here to do that and the third is to express your unique talents, and when you are expressing your unique talents, you lose track of time.

Taken from : An Exclusive Interview by Veronica M. Hay

http://www.peopleandpossibilities.com/chopra.html

Research evidence demonstrates that a high-fat diet may trigger Type 2 diabetes

Researchers at the University of California and Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have identified the role of a high-fat diet in triggering Type 2 diabetes. They have demonstrated that fat disrupts the production of the enzyme GnT-4a. GnT-4a is the enzyme which allows the cells to absorb glucose, and gauge the extent of glucose in the blood. Experiments on mice revealed that the blood of those on a high-fat diet had elevated levels of free fatty acids, which interfered with two proteins - FOXA2 and HNF1A - involved in the production of GnT-4a. The researchers concluded that fat effectively blinded cells to sugar levels in the blood and several symptoms of Type 2 diabetes were noticed in the mice. Interestingly, the same process also took place in samples of human pancreatic cells.

Saffron may be of therapeutic benefit in the treatment of mild to moderate depression

Research from Tehran University of Medical Sciences' Psychiatric Research Center in 2004 examined the benefits of an extract of Crocus sativus (Saffron) on mood. This short-term, pilot, double-blind randomized trial determined that 30mg of Saffron per day showed a similar positive effect on mood as 100 mg/day of imipramine. The main overall finding from this study is that saffron may be of therapeutic benefit in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. This is the first clinical trial that supports this indication for saffron.

Ayurveda  - the original Integrated Healthcare System

Ayurveda and Yoga was the original Integrated healthcare system given to man. This included treatment through diet, herbs, mantras, asanas, pranayamas, chakra therapy, jyotish, spiritual counseling, vastu, colours, gems etc. The goal of these oldest healing sciences is that health and spirituality should go together. It is not enough just to be alive, we must have a life purpose that makes our lives meaningful, and pursue self development which ultimately leads to self realization.

Today medicine is in yet another stage of its development; a new global medicine is emerging largely through examination of Traditional, Conventional, and Alternative systems of medicine. This is known as Integrated Medicine or Integrated Healthcare. This growing system of healthcare, which is well established in Europe and North America, harnesses the best from all conventional and alternate/traditional medicine such as conventional medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine Yoga, Homeopathy, Spiritual Counseling, Remedial Massage, etc. Often when hope is lost by trying the conventional or alternative medicine approach, a safe strategic approach using the combination of evidenced based therapies can be the answer to solve many health dilemmas.

Integrative medicine follows the basic Ayurvedic tenet i.e. that it is important to engage and empathize with the patient on all levels of their health i.e. physical, emotional, and spiritual and advise them about their health and lifestyle choices in order to regain good health.

Case Study - Panic Attack

Janet, a 32-year-old woman had suffered acute severe panic attacks on being promoted to a management position. Symptoms included unexpected, sudden, discrete periods of intense anxiety, mounting psychological arousal, fear, abdominal distress, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, heart palpitations, and dizziness. These symptoms only presented on days of important business meetings and the stress of project deadlines.

Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis revealed that the Air/Vata bio-energy was deranged.

A Vata pacifying diet, Yoga asanas, Pranayams, Meditation, and Spiritual-self examination through reading which would help her comprehend how her root fears.