Homeopathy & you August 2014 by Dr. Batras Media Pvt. Ltd.

Vol 1. Issue 10. August 2014 • `100

www.homeopathyandyou.com

RICHARD fIRSHEIN The healing power of nutritional medicine

PLUS Small is big medicine

Dr MUKESH BATRA The homeopathic Lachesis personality RYAN HARRISON 10 essential oils for all reasons

Say no to size-zero Enrich your life right now Goodness of broccoli Sonakshi Sinha’s wellness mantra

2 50580 2 40 2000

00100

HomEopaTHy & IBS

CALM THE ‘fIRE’ IN YOUR BELLY

E E R

Computerized Hair Test

Valid till 31st July ‘14

Over 7 lac Hair patients successfully treated *

90% success rate

No Side Effects | Long Lasting Results *Certified and Authenticated by AQA

Advanced Diagnostic Technology • There are more than 40 different types of hair loss • Hair loss is not a cosmetic problem and is caused by underlying medical disorders such as thyroid, anaemia, hormonal imbalance & diabetes • With the help of the comuterized hair test our hair loss specialists will identify your type of hair loss and develop a holistic customized treatment plan for you

Hair treatment @ Dr. Batra’s

ImageofComputerizedHairTestshowingextentof hairthinning,typeofhairlossanddandruff.

• Your treatment plan will range from specific homoeopathic medicines that treat the underlying cause of hair loss to groHair - A painless, nonsurgical hair growth treatment from France which grows hair in just 10 weeks# • Based on the computerized hair test results our doctors will also advice you specific do’s and dont’s for your hair care • Your treatment will be monitored scientifically through periodic hair tests for successful results

Safe

Treatment results may vary from patient to patient

EFFECTIVE

BEFORE AFTER Actual untouched patient photographs. Individual results may vary.

You may also consult our doctors for: • PSORIASIS • ECZEMA • TONSILLITIS • WHITE PATCHES • ASTHMA • ALLERGIES

Call

1800 209 2040

CC.06.14

• CHILDREN DISORDERS

SMS

‘DBH’ to 575758

www.drbatras.com

Vol 1. Issue 10. August 2014

www.homeopathyandyou.com

INSIDE

Vol 1. Issue 10. AUGUST 2014

Editorial Advisory Board Chairman| Dr Mukesh Batra Vice-Chairman| Dr Akshay Batra Editor & Publisher Dr Rajgopal Nidamboor

rajgopal.nidamboor@homeopathyandyou.com

Assistant Editor Kavita Nadkarni Head-Sales & Marketing Kiran Joshi

marketing@homeopathyandyou.com

Contributing Writers Maneka Gandhi, New Delhi, India Dr Richard Firshein, New York, US Kerry Dulin, Michigan, US Nelressa Stallings, New Jersey, US Alan Jones, Wiltshire, UK Ambika Shukla, New Delhi, India Radhanath Swami, US/India Badrinath Durvasula, Mumbai, India Ruby Lilaowala, Mumbai, India Dr Preeti Mandawewala, Mumbai, India Amita Quenim, Goa, India Ryan Harrison, Los Angeles, US Vinesh Sukumaran, Bengaluru, India

Design HB Design Pvt Ltd Subscriptions Priti Gupta

subscriptions@homeopathyandyou.com

Website: www.homeopathyandyou.com E: editorial@homeopathyandyou.com Tel: 022-3367 1200 Fax: 022-3027 1415 Printed and published by Rajgopal Nidamboor for and on behalf of Dr Mukesh Batra, 2nd Floor, H Kantilal Compound, Andheri-Kurla Road, Sakinaka, Andheri [E], Mumbai – 400 072 and printed by him at Parksons Graphics, 15 Shah Industrial Estate, Off Veera Desai Road, Andheri [W], Mumbai - 400 053. Editor & Publisher: Rajgopal Nidamboor © All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, in any manner, without prior written permission prohibited. Disclaimer: Homeopathy & You is committed to providing useful information on homeopathy, health and wellness. However, its content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis for individual problems, or inferred to be a substitute for professional medical guidance. It is imperative for readers to consult their doctor/healthcare professional or therapist, prior to starting any treatment, or practice, or attending to any questions thereto. The opinions expressed by writers and columnists are their own. They do not, in any way, or manner, reflect the views of the publisher, editor, or company.

6 5 6 12

15 18 19 20 23 24 28 30 34 38 51 53 56 57

Letters Focus: Treat IBS with homeopathy Homeopathic ‘Sunsigns:’ Know your personality; know your remedy. Dr Mukesh Batra distils the homeopathic Lachesis, this month Medical Marvels: Case Reviews from homeopathic doctors How Homeopathy Helped Me Your Little Box: Homeopathic Home Kit: Coffea Cruda Child Health: Up your child’s wellness quotient Q&A: Doctor’s Orders For Women: ‘Weight’ to go What Lies Beneath: Small is big medicine Home[e]o Truths: Homeopathy: Your first line of treatment Living Well: 10 essential oils for all reasons Say no to size-zero The Way We Were & Are Fitness Equipment Home[o]pathy: The goodness of broccoli Health Happenings

20 61 62

Read.Watch. Listen. Explore Celeb fitness: Sonakshi Sinha

COLUMNS

Poise & Balance: Preeti

42 43 44 45 46

Good Food: Tarla Dalal

48 49 50

Life Coach: Vinesh Sukumaran

Mandawewala Good For You: Richard Firshein Fighting Fit: Kerry Dulin Whole & Soul: Radhanath Swami Corporate Wellness: Badrinath

Durvasula Mind Matters: Amita Quenim Mixed Bag: Ruby Lilaowala

e im a t st ndi r i F nI i

3D Skin Assessment Scientific breakthrough in skin treatment only at Dr. Batra’s®

More than 1.41* lakh patients of skin diseases successfully treated No side effects | Long lasting results

*Certified and Authenticated by A.Q.A. Texture: Custom

Skin treatment @ Dr. Batras

Safe

• All doctors trained by MD Dermatologist • Advanced diagnostic technology to scientifically diagnose skin ailments

Roughness (under 2.0 mm) = 19.6

Success Rate

90% Actual untouched patient photographs. Individual results may vary.

White Patches Success Rate

BEFORE AFTER

CC 06.14

3D Skin Assessment available in selected clinics only

19.6 14.6

15 10 5

EFFECTIVE

BEFORE AFTER

Roughness (under 2.0 mm) = 14.6

Roughness Under 2.0 mm of lateral size 20

• Scientific measurement of treatment outcomes

Psoriasis (Scaly Skin)

AFTER

BEFORE

3D Image of skin patient showing improvement

You may also consult our doctors for: Allergies Common cold and cough Asthma Pimples Eczema Hair loss Dandruff Backache Joint pains Children disorders

& other medical conditions

For more information Call OR

1800 209 2040 SMS

‘DBH’ to 575758

www.drbatras.com

MAILBOX: READERS’ FEEDBACK IMPRESSIVE COVER STORY Dr Akshay Batra’s article on thyroid disorders in the July 2014 issue of H&Y was extremely well-written. I was really impressed with the quality of information given in the article. Right from the symptoms, types, causes and remedy, everything was explained in detail. Also, it’s great to know that homeopathy has a good success rate in treating thyroid problems. I also loved the editor’s article, ‘The science of balance and harmony.’ Harish Madaan, Mumbai MARVEL[LOUS] READ I am a regular reader of H&Y. Though the entire magazine is structured well with a beautiful mix of homeopathy and lifestyle articles, I especially like reading cured cases in ‘Medical Marvels.’ It is really encouraging for homeopathy lovers like me to know that homeopathy cures such a diverse mix of ailments, some of them even beyond the realm of conventional medicine. Thank you, Team H&Y, for bringing to us miracles of homeopathy through your world-class magazine. R Bhalla, Indore FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY Dr Mukesh Batra’s article on ‘Motherhood & Childbirth’ in H&Y [July 2014] was very useful, as I am in the second trimester of my pregnancy and want dependable information on the well-being of my baby. So much is available on the Internet but not everything can be trusted. I wanted to get information from a credible source and H&Y has provided me all that I wanted to know. I can completely trust H&Y, as it is a magazine from a renowned house of doctors. I would like to thank Dr Batra for the wonderful article. Saira Karim, Hyderabad OIL IS WELL… I loved ‘Oil is well when used well’ and Ryan Harrison’s ‘Prevention is better than cure’ articles in H&Y [July 2014]. Both the articles are well-written. Being a fitness enthusiast, I like my food with minimum oil. Now after reading H&Y, I also know what oil can be a healthy option and best for cooking purposes. Also, Harrison’s article gave us so much information on herbs and natural medicines.

VARIETY FARE: READERS WRITE IN Our July issue evoked a gratifying response. Do write in with your comments, suggestions and even criticism that will help us and our readers to get better. Every month one ‘best’ letter will be awarded. Please E-mail your feedback/comments to

editorial@homeopathyandyou.com

! rs e t i r W g n i l Cal

WRITE FOR US!

Homeopathy & You is looking for quality articles [600-800 words] on homeopathy, health, wellness, and lifestyle, that reflect the spirit of our publication. Professional homeopathic doctors may E-mail their ‘best’ cases [and, ‘best’ letters from their patients] too!

Melvina Anand, Bengaluru

Send in yours, TODAY!

LETTER OF THE MONTH PROMOTING HEALTHY EATING Being a foodie, I love reading ‘Home[o]pathy,’ ‘Super Foods’ and Tarla Dalal’s ‘Good Food’ in H&Y. The first two focus on the benefits of fruits and vegetables. The information is so useful, especially for my children who sometimes do not like eating vegetables, as they don’t enjoy the taste. For example, beans is something my kids just hate in their menu. However, after I made them read ‘Super Foods,’ my younger son has started eating beans, though he doesn’t enjoy them really! Still, it’s a good start. Thank you, H&Y.

Please submit your material/articles etc., by pasting it in the body of your E-mail [not as attachment], along with a brief description of the piece, your credentials to write it, your short bio, your photo [in high-resolution .jpeg format {300 dpi}; as attachment], contact information and anything you feel we should know. E-mail your submission to: editorial@homeopathyandyou.com Website: www.homeopathyandyou.com

Deepti Sakhardande, Nagpur

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUgUsT 2014

FOCUS

HOMEOPATHY & IBS: CALM THE ‘FIRE’ IN YOUR BELLY Evidence-based studies and research from across the world exemplify that homeopathic remedies are therapeutically beneficial, effective and safe for irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] than any other, because they treat the ‘cause’ and ease stress, the ‘functional’ trigger for abnormal bowel hypersensitivity, or over-activity.

By Dr AKSHAY BATRA

rritable bowel syndrome [IBS] affects more than onefifth of the world’s population. It is more widespread in women than men, although it appears to be somewhat predominant before age 35 — but, infrequently after age 40 — in half of the affected individuals. Statistics too suggests that IBS affects an estimated 10.5 per cent of the population. Research suggests that there may be a certain familial tendency, or ‘genetic’ vulnerability, which

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

predisposes us to IBS, no less. Homeopathy addresses this likely predisposition; it treats the individual, not just one’s intestinal and bowel symptoms, or the disorder by its name alone. This is because no two individuals with IBS present with the same symptoms — their reactions, or responses, their likes and dislikes, what makes their symptoms better or worse, not to speak of their temperament, which may be as different as chalk and cheese.

IBS is one of the most common conditions treated by professional homeopaths in the UK, as also elsewhere. There is, in addition, large-scale ongoing clinical research, in Europe and the US, regarding the evidence-based safety and effectiveness of homeopathic treatment for the syndrome. The results are promising — clinicians believe that this could lead to better understanding and more effective treatment outcomes for patients presenting with or having long-standing IBS.

[allopathic] medicine! There is also a theory that IBS may result from abnormal contractions of the intestinal walls. Yet another factor may be food sensitivity, or increased sensitivity to certain foods, such as fruit, or the artificial sweetener, sorbitol, contributing to the condition. IBS, as some clinicians point out, may also sometimes occur after a gastrointestinal infection — more so, in individuals with a family history of IBS.

CAUSES & SYMPTOMS The word ‘syndrome’ in IBS includes all types of symptoms, including bloating and digestive pain, a typical presentation, although IBS, in effect, refers to a condition where the bowels have extreme reactions — such as alternating constipation and diarrhoea — which come and go on their own accord. Some clinicians refer to IBS as a form of depression — ‘depression of the intestines’ — highlighted by reduced amounts of the ‘feel-good’ chemical, serotonin, which also occurs in psychological, or emotional, depression. Here is how it happens. The nerve cells in the intestines synchronise digestion; they trigger the muscle of the intestines to contract. When serotonin levels are inadequate, the intestine gets uneasy. This leads to alternating bouts of too much or too little activity, or general distress. The worst part is symptoms may get aggravated by chronic constipation — not a pleasant prospect. The sequel is predictable. When toxic waste resides in the colon, for long, the smart and bright nervous system in the intestines alternate between primary panic and paralysis, while giving you diarrhoea to get rid of the toxins, and making you bloated, at the same time. Research suggests that IBS could be healed naturally by restoring serotonin production to its optimal level and removing toxicity, through detox, although the idea is still in its nascent stage. This is paradoxical, because it was conventional [allopathic] medicine that first ‘pioneered’ the idea of treating IBS patients with antidepressants. The protocol evolved unintentionally, after some patients with depression were treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]. They unexpectedly, but expectedly, were relieved of IBS. This was not surprising, given the physiological action of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, and the extent of suffering — something that in extreme cases could also lead to unwanted surgeries, such as cholecystectomies [surgical removal of the gall bladder], hysterectomies [surgical removal of the uterus], appendectomies [surgical removal of the vermiform appendix] and back surgeries. It may be mentioned that when antidepressants are prescribed to certain patients’ ‘psychological’ symptoms it eases bowel conditions so tangibly that the treatment is today a standard protocol for IBS — whether the patient is emotionally depressed or not depressed. Yet, the irony is, no serious debate, discussion or long-term clinical study, has gone into why SSRIs help IBS patients to progress, or feel better. So much for ‘evidenced-based,’ or extraordinarily ‘funded,’ research in conventional

MIND-BODY CONNECT All of us have ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in our gut. This is nature’s balancing act. Besides, it’s not just eating, but also what goes on in your mind — for example, emotional stress — that may trigger IBS, even though IBS has no known, or established, cause. What characterises the syndrome is abdominal pain, along with cramps, bloating, or gas. Individuals also often complain of constipation, or diarrhoea, or both, as outlined earlier, along with mucous in stools. IBS symptoms tend to worsen in response to certain foods too — as also mental distress or upheavals. Yet another likely trigger is conventional treatment with antibiotics, or their overuse. Antibiotics are evidenced to wipe out the ‘good’ bacteria in the gut. This, in turn, may lead to a whole lot of gut problems, including IBS. Most people with IBS prefer easy access to the

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

washroom; they also have a certain apprehension, while travelling — especially, when there is no easy access to the washroom. What also marks their day-to-day life is depression with emotional anxiety — that others would get to know about their tummy dilemma. There are no laboratory, or specific, tests for the diagnosis of IBS. However — • A proper medical history may usually be sufficient to diagnose IBS • Your doctor may, at times, order certain tests to get a better insight — blood and stool tests, sigmoidoscopy [minimally invasive medical examination of the large intestine], colonoscopy [endoscopic examination of the bowels], CT scan and lactose [milk] intolerance tests.

NEW DIAGNOSTIC HOPE FOR IBS? In a study published in Neurogastroenterology and Motility, researchers from Nottingham, UK, report that they were able to image the colon and divide it into three functional regions. The ascending colon is the storage and fermentation area, where unabsorbed food residue is broken down by bacteria. The transverse colon is the storage area for the residue left over after bacterial processing, while the descending colon pushes waste down and out of the body. The scientists, who used MRI scans, observed that they were able to measure the volumes of the three regions of the colon in patients with IBS in a way that was never done before. This, they said, allowed them to compare the movement of their colon with that of a normal, healthy gut. They also found that in IBS patients the ascending colon does not relax as much to make room for a meal as that part of the colon does in healthy people. The study holds promise, although some clinicians believe that it is still early days for the ‘new protocol’ to be perfected, more so because the causes and symptoms of IBS fluctuate from one person to the other, and this makes the disorder difficult for conventional [allopathic] doctors to treat. Stress, anxiety or depression, as outlined earlier, can make IBS worse. In arriving at a diagnosis of IBS, your doctor may also ask whether the pain is relieved by defaecation [stools], whether you experience a change in the frequency of passing stools, and whether there is a change in the appearance of the stools. Most doctors will diagnose IBS, if two out of three of such features are present. IBS is not typically associated with pain or diarrhoea that interferes with sleep, blood in the stool [either visible or on laboratory examination], weight loss, fever or any physical abnormality. If any of the symptoms is present, you should see your homeopathic doctor without delay. Also, any change in bowel habits that happens in middle age should be investigated promptly by a doctor. While it is agreed that IBS may not be a life-threatening syndrome, its ‘never-let-go’ presentation gives one the feeling that there is something ‘waiting in the gut’ to happen, or explode. This heightens one’s trepidation

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

and emotional distress, while affecting their quality of life [QoL], including domestic harmony, relationships, and workplace performance. When this becomes the song of one’s burden, it can lead to depression and other accompanying mind-body symptoms. To highlight one example — patients who suffer from morning diarrhoea may not leave their home until the diarrhoea stops. If diarrhoea is constant, they may only go where they know toilet facilities are readily available. Besides, IBS individuals who develop pain after eating may skip breakfast, lunch, or dinner, to avoid symptoms. More importantly, they may associate symptoms with specific, or certain, foods — for example, milk, fat, vegetables and so on. The outcome would be restricted diets and nutritional deficiency. When milk, for instance, is eliminated, it may trigger calcium deficit. The intrusion, along with the disorder’s unpleasant symptoms, may slowly affect daily activities, leading to heightened interpersonal relationship problems, especially with their spouse. That most patients with IBS tend to just manage and live with their symptoms and only occasionally visit their doctor for diagnosis and treatment also confounds their problem. Research also suggests that there may possibly be a sense of ‘prediction’ in certain individuals towards IBS. Hence, their strange apprehension, or fear, while travelling. They are free from trepidation only when there is easy access to the washroom. When IBS — especially, constipation and diarrhoea — is not appropriately treated, it can, as already discussed, affect familial and work relationships, besides triggering or aggravating piles [haemorrhoids] and diverticulitis — a digestive disorder with abdominal cramping, constipation or watery stools and rectal bleeding. Although research evidences that there is a certain ‘bias’ for IBS in some people, it’s not just eating, but also what goes on in our mind — for example, emotional deviations — that ‘triggers’ IBS, a psychosomatic disorder. This relates, no less, to the gut, as already cited, the ‘home’ of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria. The inference — IBS individuals

should focus on a healthy lifestyle and eat low-glycaemic foods, for example, oats, which convert into glucose, slowly, while preventing the proliferation of ‘bad’ bacteria.

HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHY There is no real, effective medication for IBS in conventional medicine [allopathy]. Homeopathy, on the other hand, has safe, effective remedies to treat IBS from the ‘root.’ IBS is one of the most common functional conditions treated by professional homeopaths worldwide, as highlighted at the outset. It is also a growing area of homeopathic clinical research — to establishing more effective, evidence-based treatment protocols for the disorder. In a study conducted, at a large group of homeopathic clinics, on a group of IBS patients, treatment results showed an impressive ‘feeling better’ in 89 per cent of patients. It also highlighted the fact why more and more patients are opting for homeopathic treatment as the most ‘preferred’ and ‘proven’ alternative option in holistic healthcare. Homeopathy addresses and treats the individual with IBS. Not just one’s bowel or gut symptoms, as they appear on the surface — all the more reason why clinical studies substantiate the therapeutic value, effectiveness and safety of homeopathic protocols in the treatment of IBS. That IBS also accounts for more referrals to gastroenterologists than any other digestive disorder, with treatment outcomes being anything but spectacular, or long-lasting is a significant detail. It is classed as a ‘functional disorder,’ which means that the intestines appear normal, but do not function normally — this is obviously a key therapeutic area where homeopathy works best.

THINGS TO DO 1. Consult your homeopathic doctor if your IBS symptoms are severe, persistent or recurrent, or if you have rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, pain that interferes with sleep, or have unexpectedly lost weight 2. Consult your doctor if you are over 40 when symptoms first appear, as some gastrointestinal disorders have similar symptoms, but need prompt investigation and treatment. Homeopathic treatment has been clinically proven to ease tummy distress, pain and other annoying symptoms, associated with IBS. Your homeopathic doctor can help you manage, control, stall and correct the deterioration of the condition by way of a holistic treatment plan. This will also help prevent its recurrence, as homeopathic treatment for IBS can be more than effective, because it reduces stress — a major trigger for gastric or other functional disorders — and, also abnormal hypersensitivity of the bowels, in addition to bowel hypermotility. This is simply because homeopathy gets to the ‘rootcause’ of the IBS distress and brings balance and harmony back to your mind-body system. This would lead to bowel normalcy, good health and a state of inner emotional accord for the long-term.

The evidence for the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating IBS is unmistakable — two controlled studies in Germany published showed positive results. This has been followed by clinical studies in different settings and evidence-based patient outcomes. Most homeopaths prescribe or recommend the use of a single homeopathic remedy and, as with homeopathic treatment for other conditions, over 10-15 remedies may be appropriate, subject to the individual’s unique temperament, or personality, and presenting symptoms. Argentum Nitricum is indicated when anxiety is associated with IBS. The affected person has a lot of bloating and a craving for sweet food Phosphoric Acid is indicated, particularly when IBS symptoms have been triggered by emotional stresses, such as relationship difficulties or bereavement, and when associated with weak memory. Diarrhoea is usually a prominent symptom. Nux Vomica may be given if there is a frequent urge to pass faeces, often without a ‘satisfying’ result, or when irritability and poor sleep are present.

OTHER THERAPIES NUTRITIONAL THERAPY & ELIMINATION DIET Studies have shown that many people with IBS have food sensitivities. Gas and other IBS symptoms are suggested to diminish when such sensitivities are treated and the ‘offending’ foods are restricted, or eliminated, from the diet.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

it may, fibre from other sources such as psyllium [20-30gm per day], may improve symptoms.

MIND–BODY THERAPIES

Research suggests that wheat is one of the most common food sensitivities in people with IBS. Some people with IBS-like symptoms may not be able to digest sugars, lactose [found in milk] and fructose [in fruit juice and dried fruit]. The artificial sweetener sorbitol [found in diabetic and sugar-free products] is reported to make diarrhoea worse. Research also shows that in a large majority of IBS patients with lactose malabsorption, a lactose-restricted diet can improve symptoms markedly — both in the shortterm and the long-term. Fructose- and sorbitol-free diets in people with fructose malabsorption reduce gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, cramps, diarrhoea and other IBS symptoms. It is for this reason that clinicians suggest that individuals having, or diagnosed, with IBS should deem the likelihood of milk, fruit juice, dried fruit and products containing sorbitol as likely triggers for their IBS symptoms.

PROBIOTICS AND ANTI-YEAST DIET Research suggests that a microbial imbalance in the gut [dysbiosis], primarily caused by antibiotic excess is common in people with IBS. One study found a reduced number of ‘good’ bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria and an elevated number of harmful, or ‘bad,’ bacteria in individuals with symptoms of IBS. Besides, the proliferation of yeast organisms, such as Candida Albicans [a fungus that is a causal agent of opportunistic oral and genital infections], also seems frequent in people with IBS. Reducing yeast in the gut is, therefore, effective in improving IBS symptoms. Probiotic, prebiotic [non-digestible fibre compounds that pass undigested through the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulate the growth and/or activity of advantageous bacteria that colonise the large bowel] and synbiotic [nutritional supplements combining probiotics and prebiotics] preparations evidently help people who have IBS — especially with symptoms of pain and flatulence. High fibre intake, such as flaxseed, for example, is also evidenced to help in IBS, although a few studies report that people with IBS may not benefit much by adding wheat bran to their diets. In fact, some people feel worse after taking wheat bran supplements. Be that as

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

Depression is prevalent in IBS patients, as is diminished quality of life [QoL]. IBS can affect sleep, sexual functioning, business and personal obligations and social life. The condition may be complicated by other conditions, such as fibromyalgia [chronic widespread pain and a heightened and painful response to pressure], chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS] and thyroid disorders. Conventional medications are not effective in the longterm; they are also laden with side-effects, some of them serious. For individuals who suffer from long-term IBS, the idea of using mind–body therapies, like homeopathy, along with adjuvants [supportive therapies], such as relaxation or self-hypnosis, is often therapeutically beneficial.

PSYCHOTHERAPY Psychotherapy sessions, or counselling, are evidenced to be effective in patients with severe IBS, along with homeopathic treatment.

RELAXATION, BIOFEEDBACK AND HYPNOSIS Relaxation and biofeedback [the process of gaining greater awareness of physiological functions primarily using instruments that provide information on the activity of those same systems, with a goal of being able to manipulate them at will], have shown success in alleviating some of the flagrant symptoms of IBS and preventing the condition from recurring. One approach using relaxation therapy, along with medications, was effective in two-thirds of patients who had not found relief using medications alone. Yet another approach using progressive muscle relaxation, thermal biofeedback [a type of treatment that uses a person’s body temperature to assess that person’s physical state. Over time, a person can be trained to control their body temperature by monitoring real time changes to their thermal state and, as a result, have a level of control over certain physical issues], cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT [a psychotherapeutic approach that addresses dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive behaviours, cognitive processes and contents through a number of goal-oriented, explicit systematic procedures], counselling and health education, had a 50 per cent success rate. When patients were evaluated four years later, they still showed improvement. Hypnosis, as an adjuvant, has been proven to improve IBS symptoms, even in severe cases and, in certain instances, where psychotherapy had failed. Mind–body therapies, like homeopathy, are effective in IBS and also in alleviating depression and improving one’s quality of life [QoL]. A self-help programme that includes meditation and visualisation, along with homeopathic treatment, has proven value in improving abdominal discomfort, while reducing or eliminating IBS symptoms, along with long-lasting relief.

SELF-HELP Research suggests that IBS individuals often benefit from eating low-glycaemic foods — such as oats. This is because low-glycaemic foods convert into sugar slowly in the bloodstream and prevent the expansion of ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut Opt for low-fat foods. Low-fat foods are evidenced to be better, because they reduce inflammation, unlike fat-rich or junkfoods, which increase the chemical load in our body and heighten inflammatory responses in the gut Increase your fluid intake — drink plenty of water, fruit or vegetable juice, derived from carrot, spinach, beet and cucumber Drink two cups of green tea [without milk and sugar], 20 minutes before meal-time to improve digestion Avoid or limit eating cabbage and broccoli; they may trigger ‘gas’ problems Avoid alcohol, colas, soda, tea, coffee, hot and spicy food, chewing gum, and conventional [allopathic] drugs, such as aspirin, or pain killers [anti-inflammatory]; they can irritate your stomach lining [gastric mucosa] and cause gastric distress Eat nutrition-rich, small, light and frequent meals Avoid alcohol and quit smoking Take effective steps to control your stress by way of yoga, meditation, music, visualisation and other relaxation techniques Follow-up with your homeopathic doctor on a regular basis.

wenty-three-year-old Vasudha suffered from chronic diarrhoea. This was misdiagnosed as amoebiasis. A CT scan was ordered. It was deduced that Vasudha had irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]. Her symptoms of frequent stools, excess gas and reduced appetite, began to slowly worsen. When she visited our clinic, she appeared to be overtly depressed. On case-analysis, we found that she also had protein intolerance and lactose malabsorption, with a tendency to get apprehensive and stressed-out before examination results, or in anticipation of her medical reports. It was also obvious that she suffered from anticipatory anxiety — before her presentations, or exams. This was when her tummy distress would escalate. What

CASE STUDY

also disturbed her were her bad tummy, gas and loud burps. We prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Argentum Nitricum. After four months of homeopathic treatment, she began to tolerate foods much better than before; her low weight improved marginally, though she felt still weak. A month later, her mother reported that Vasudha was able to eat almost everything, except milk and milk products and move around the house and, more importantly, outside, without any trepidation. Slowly, her bowel movement was ‘regulated’ to once, or twice, a day. After another 5-6 months of homeopathic treatment, Vasudha began to enjoy her food, both at home and outside, a lot more than, perhaps, she ever did before.

hirty-six-year-old Pratik presented with “abdominal bloating, tummy ache,” as he put it, along with food sensitivities — all classical symptoms of IBS, which had troubled him for five years. He said that his “constipation problem and diarrhoea” went ‘hand-inhand,’ or alternated at times. Pratik reported of a ‘tense’ feeling in the stomach and pain in the abdomen before passing stools. He said his symptoms seemed, or appeared, to be better when he was indoors. He said he could not bear

the heat of the sun, or warm weather. His griping pains, we reported, seemed to be tangibly relieved by ‘bending double’ or applying pressure on the abdomen. For a management professional, Pratik lamented that his quality of work was deteriorating as a result. We prescribed him the homeopathic remedy, Colocynthis, based on his overall symptom-picture. After one year of homeopathic treatment, Pratik’s bowel distress responded favourably.

EXPERT’S VIEW

Homeopathy helps to relieve IBS, naturally; in so doing, it lets IBS individuals gain their poise, or self-confidence, and lead positive and optimally healthy lives.

Most IBS patients are fixated with their stomach. They compute the number of times they pass gas, or stools.

Dr Akshay Batra, the first-ever homeopath-trichologist from Asia to be elected President of the Trichological Society of London, his alma mater, is Managing Director, Dr Batra’s. He is the youngest and the first-ever non-UK-based trichologist to receive the prestigious Robert Olding Award for outstanding achievement in the field of trichology. He is also India's first hair specialist to be associated with the European Hair Research Society [EHRS]. His published work includes the first-of-its-kind, bestselling book, Hair: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know, which is available at all good bookstores and on www.flipkart.com. He lives in Mumbai.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

WHAT’S YOUR TYPE: YOUR PERSONALITY

LACHESIS: THE PROVERBIAL NIGHT OWL The homeopathic remedy Lachesis exemplifies the coiled serpent and also jealousy — a symbol of hidden energy, or power, that resides at the base of the spine. When such energy traverses upwards, it is transformed into creative energy and, thereafter, heightened spiritual experience.

By Dr MUKESH BATRA

he homeopathic remedy Lachesis is prepared from Lachesis, the highly poisonous venom of the South American bushmaster snake. People who ‘emote’ the homeopathic remedy Lachesis and its personality portrait are basically self-starters; they are creative and, at the same time, sensitive by temperament. They also have a profound affinity for conversation — and, to keep it going — come what may. That they love their life to the core is passé; so also their passionate intensity to anything and everything they do. You may get the feeling, at times, that they are merely intense about things that excites them, or are important for them. The fact also is — they tend to recoil from their lofty position once the task is done, or accomplished. Lachesis exemplifies the coiled serpent — a symbol of hidden energy, or power, that resides at the base of the spine. When the energy traverses upwards from the spine, it is transformed into creative energy and, thereafter, spiritual experience. Renowned homeopaths relate Lachesis to a strongly strung bow that needs to be discharged, or else it will ricochet upon the individual. This may either be sexual or long-standing pent-up feelings, or unresolved emotions. The Lachesis types are grossly sensual by nature; they are, therefore, extremely passionate. This is their

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

‘window’ of release — to beat stress and anxiety. The quest has other connotations — a powerful urge for the arts, inventive career and spiritual pursuits. The more they follow their heart and mind, the more they are relaxed and also enchanted. However, when things

don’t work out the way they want them to, the Lachesis personality often enters a state of gloom and suffers from nervy edginess and petulance, or bad temper. That the personality exudes a sophisticated and responsive outlook encased in a refined sheath is apparent, more so in women, who tend to be overtly passionate in their physical relationship with the person they are married to. The intensity varies just as much their intent, at times — from the physical to the emotional. When there is a mismatch, or lull, the Lachesis type often feels let down, or that the spouse does not love them as much as before. They think the ‘honeymoon’ is over. The result is predictable: wailing and angst most unfounded and worse confounded. The more the Lachesis personality feels liberated, or ‘let out,’ the better is their lot. This need not always be confined to a man-woman relationship. It could be attained through ‘back-breaking’ physical exercise at the gym — a vent to release one’s anxiety and negative energy. In like manner, a long session of ‘verbal diarrhoea,’ even when no one is listening, works just as well in releasing their unexpressed tensions. Homeopaths often look out for loquacity, or verbosity, in individuals having the Lachesis portrait ‘on the skin of their thought.’ The more talkative, the better the ‘remedy diagnosis.’ Lachesis conforms itself to duality — of irony and divergence, of deception and honesty, of ego and altruism, of timidity and arrogance, of scruples and pride, of conscience and a fulsome yearning for supremacy. Any which way you look at it, they all unite, or converge, to reach the crescendo and culminate in creative release. However, when the process is infringed upon or suppressed, it only ends up in emotional distress and physical illness. Individuals having the Lachesis personality have a strong sense of fluidity and flow — a characteristic ‘being in the zone’ attribute. Just like the snake which courses through... with the flow. Keeping the course is inherent to the snake — this holds good to the Lachesis personality. So long as the ‘flow’ is all ‘go,’ things are hunky-dory. When there is a thaw, however, there is a sense of dread. This is what makes Lachesis a top-class homeopathic remedy to treat menopausal symptoms — the cessation of periods and the consequent change of life in women. The appearance of menses, likewise, in premenopausal women indicates the discharge of premenstrual symptoms and the ushering of wellness. Individuals having the Lachesis persona are champions of camouflage. They lie in wait for their predator — to deceive and waylay their detractors, or opponents. Lachesis can be crafty, no less — with a subtle veneer of innocence. They are often not what they appear to be on the surface — because, they can, with easy alacrity, ambush the inexperienced. Lachesis is famously labelled as the night owl. They are at their creative best — be it studies, academics, or business strategy — at night. They don’t quite suffer from lack of sleep, because they don’t need that typical textbook-like 7-8 hours of slumber.

Although they may not be in their element in the morning, what compounds their situation is any provocation of their illness and other health complaints — be it headache, asthma or depression — which reaches the summit during daytime. This is what that makes them fear sleep, because of the amplified intensity of symptoms that welcomes them when they wake up after a hard night’s work. Lachesis can strike — even without hissing. In other words, they have the ability to respond to any situation with effortless rapidity and surprise. In other words, they are sharp, agile, alert and acutely insightful. They have a quick grasp of new concepts, even if it be outside of their domain, or field of experience. Lachesis is endowed with snake-like athleticism, poise, élan, balance and synchronisation. From the cricketing perspective, India’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, comes close to the description. If loquaciousness is a part of Lachesis’ existence, so is their ability with words. They make excellent wordsmiths, and they are just as gifted with their excellent linguistic skills, a facility to pick up and learn new languages, at the drop of a thought. They make good orators — thanks to their innate, communicative ability, which is also replete with the sublime gift of the gab. THE LACHESIS INDEX • Lachesis has a fixed, piercing stare; they are observant and vigilant, although they tend to be often mistrustful and suspicious • They wear envy, possessiveness and paranoia on their sleeve –– so much so, they can never relax, because they are always busy keeping a ‘tab’ on everyone, be it spouse, friend, or anyone • They can be nasty, cynical, mocking, scathing,

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

• A feeling of suffocation and lack of air • All symptoms better with sympathy; all symptoms are worse in hot, humid weather and in stuffy rooms. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS Lachesis has blood-thinning, or anticoagulant, properties. It improves the blood flow and facilitates healing by flushing out toxins from the blood. The remedy is apparently effective in bleeding disorders. Lachesis is prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms as well as to heal insect bites, sunburn or a slow-healing wound. When skin complaints produce a sense of intense fear and anxiety it is the remedy of choice. Other complaints that Lachesis is effective are — depression, palpitation, certain vascular conditions, such as angina [chest pain], migraine, throbbing headaches, tonsillitis, anal fissures, haemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, varicose veins, nosebleed, bleeding gums, poor circulation, cold extremities, swollen or inflamed tongue, non-healing skin ulcers and wounds.

satirical, insulting, unconvinced, gullible, holier-thanthou, pompous, mistrustful, guarded, stifling, sexual and seductive, disparaging or psychic • They may not display their jealous intent openly, but the camouflage they wear leads them to suppress their pent-up negative energy — this, in the course of time, can trigger headaches, high blood pressure [hypertension], menstrual disorders, or asthma. Lachesis can journey from one end of the spectrum to the other — when jealousy takes the upper hand. Excess love, likewise, can lead to hatred, violence and tragedy, more so when melancholy is sated by alcoholic excess. Lachesis has potent personality traits as also strong self-confidence and a tendency towards envious revenge. The remedy has a preponderance for the left-side of the body, and is often prescribed when symptoms of any ailment start on the left and worsen after waking. The physique of the Lachesis personality represents two variations — one, thin with an ashen appearance, but energetic; the other being overweight, on the higher end of the scale, with a mottled, reddish facial appearance. What is common between the two is a strong aversion for tight-fitting clothes, especially around the neck — for instance, neck ties. The most striking Lachesis traits are — • Fear of water • Envy and jealousy • Erratic feelings; can’t concentrate on something which was in the perimeter of their thought

Emotions • A feeling of suffocation with palpitations in a hot, stuffy room. Jealousy • Erratic thinking, loss of concentration or inability to sustain a ‘current’ flow of thought • Anxiety, impatience, or sense of trepidation • Fear of being poisoned — hence, Lachesis tends to be suspicious of people and surroundings. Physical • Pounding headache, primarily on left side of the head • Sun headache • Intense feeling of pressure inside the head, accompanied by throbbing pain • Sore throat [left-sided]; painful when swallowing food • Coughing bouts triggered by swallowing and accompanied by throat irritation • Purple or bluish discoloration of the tongue, or skin surrounded by small blisters • Slow-healing skin wounds with white cauliflower-like accumulation of pus. • Poor blood circulation in the extremities • Swelling of the joints. Better • With discharge of body fluids such as mucous [phlegm] or sweat • With cold or hot drinks • Walking in fresh air. Worse • Change of climate from cold to mildly warm • Application of heat in a stuffy room • After waking up • Being touched; cannot bear touch.

Dr Mukesh Batra, a homeopath of international repute, is Founder-Chairman, Dr Batra’s. In a career spanning four decades, Dr Batra has treated over a million patients, including presidents and prime ministers, and revolutionised the way homeopathy is practiced today. A writer, photographer, singer and philanthropist, Dr Batra has been honoured with several fellowships and over 50 national and international awards, including the Padma Shri by the President of India. He has authored several books, including the critically-acclaimed cyclopedic work, Healing with Homeopathy. He lives in Mumbai.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

MEDICAL MARVELS: LITTLE PILLS, BIG RESULTS

A Rare Disorder Effectively Cured By Dr RUHIN FATIMA, BHMS, New Delhi

ight-year-old Nazia came to our clinic accompanied by her parents. She had constant fever [body temperature around 102-103ºF], along with frequent cold and cough. Her skin was dry, and there was scanty hair on her scalp. Her teeth were malformed. She also suffered from severe constipation. Her parents informed that she passed hard stools, sometimes associated with a bloody discharge. She was on antibiotics for a long time, but there was no relief. Before approaching us, Nazia was treated by a local doctor in Darbhanga, Bihar, who told her parents that her life expectancy was short and that she may live, perhaps, up to age three. Apart from her medical condition, she was like any other child. She loved going to school and enjoyed her life. She was good in her school lessons as well. Her family history revealed that her mother’s paternal uncle had cancer. After analysing her family history and considering her symptoms, like dry skin without sweat [due to absence of sweat glands], malformed and pointed teeth, and scanty hair, we diagnosed her with ectodermal dysplasia [heritable condition in which there are abnormalities of hair, teeth, nails, sweat glands, cranial-facial structure, digits or other parts of the body]. To confirm the diagnosis, a skin biopsy was done. It confirmed ectodermal dysplasia with hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation. This happens when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissipates. Extreme temperature elevation becomes a medical

emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent disability or death. Ectodermal dysplasia is an inherited disorder that involves certain defects in hair, nails, sweat glands and teeth. When a person has at least two types of abnormal ectodermal features, i.e., malformed teeth and extremely sparse hair, the individual is identified as being affected by ectodermal dysplasia. About 7,000 people have been diagnosed with ectodermal dysplasia worldwide. It is associated with hyperthermia in some individuals, which as seen in this case, can cause life-threatening medical problems. Ectodermal dysplasia is also suggested to occur because of mutation of genes like EDA, EDAR and EDARADD. This prevents normal interaction between the ectoderm and the mesoderm and impairs the normal development of hair, sweat glands and teeth. We prescribed Nazia the homeopathic remedy, Silicea 200C, followed by Calcarea Phosphoricum 200C. She responded well to treatment. Her fever is gone completely. There is now normal hair growth on her scalp. She has also not taken antibiotics for her cold and cough, ever since she started taking homeopathic treatment. Her bowel activity is also more or less normal. This brings to the fore two important facts about homeopathy. Apart from being extremely effective in inherited medical conditions, homeopathy works well in children. More importantly, it cures common and uncommon ailments –– some of which may seem almost beyond redemption for patients –– without side-effects. HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

Scaled Breather By Dr SMITA SHINDE, BHMS, Thane

ixty-seven-year-old Rakesh came to us complaining of severe scaling and itching on his scalp. When conventional medications failed to cure his condition, he opted for homeopathic treatment. As we began to analyse his case, we found him a little apprehensive about the outcome of treatment and asked a lot of questions to gain confidence in homeopathic treatment. He was diagnosed with scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that produces raised, reddish, and often scaly patches. It can appear as one or multiple patches on the scalp, affect the entire scalp, or can also spread beyond the scalp to the forehead, back of the neck, or behind the ears. It is believed to result from some abnormality of the immune system which causes skin cells to grow at an unusually rapid pace and build up as patches. Symptoms of mild scalp psoriasis may include slight, fine scaling, while symptoms of moderateto-severe scalp psoriasis include reddish plaques, silvery-white scales, dandruff-like flaking, dry scalp, itching, burning sensation, or soreness, and hair loss. We prescribed him the homeopathic remedy, Argentum Metallicum 200C, based on his presenting symptoms, case history and temperament. He started

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

to respond to treatment in the first few months itself. Today, the scales as well as itching on his scalp have been reduced considerably. He is so happy with the treatment that he recommended his family and friends to take homeopathic treatment for their health problems, if any, too.

Tress[ful] Happiness By Dr JYOTHI KADKOL, BHMS, Bengaluru

wenty-two-year-old Shwetha first walked into our clinic with a frenzied expression and resentment on her face. She had been suffering from alopecia totalis, an autoimmune disorder, in which the body attacks its own hair roots, causing hair loss. The origins of her complaint were traced to 2010. It all started off as a small patch on the scalp, which over a period of time progressed rapidly, resulting in complete loss of hair. She was on conventional treatment for long, but this did not help at all. It was at this stage that she turned to homeopathy. Since homeopathy was new to her, she seemed to be

wary about the results. She’s, nevertheless, open to giving it a good try. A detailed case analysis revealed that she was reserved by temperament and was forced to take up engineering, though her interest was for the creative arts and media. As a result, she had flunked in her exams. After being educated about her problem and informed that there was no ‘quick-fix,’ and that she needed to have patience, we prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Natrum Muriaticum 200C, based on her emotional and physical make-up. She was advised to take iron supplements, because of her low iron levels [anaemia]. She was also advised to practice stress-relieving techniques. During the initial part of the treatment, her rate of progress was slow; gradually, she began to get her ‘lost’ hair back. This instilled confidence and immense faith in her towards homeopathy and homeopathic treatment. She’s now grateful to homeopathy for giving her impressive results and making a positive difference in her life.

More Than ‘PhotoFinish’ By Dr CHINMAY MAHANTA, BHMS, Kolkata

ifty-six-year-old Shanti considered her skin problem, photodermatitis — a form of eczema caused by exposure to ultraviolet light — a part of her life, since she had been living with it for a good 22 years. Her presenting complaints were patches of

reddened skin, accompanied by itching and scaling — primarily on her face and uncovered areas of the body. Her problem always got worse, as she reported, when she was out in the sun. What followed next was increased scaling on her cheeks and around the mouth. Shanti had tried just about everything for her scaly misery — but, there was no sign of relief. The conventional [allopathic] medication she was taking would give her a little relief, but the patches would return with a vengeance, a few days later. She also applied all sorts of ointments and tried her luck with ayurvedic formulations, but without effect. Shanti approached us — while she was on regular medication for photodermatitis, as well as hypothyroidism [low thyroid hormone levels] and high blood pressure [hypertension] — for homeopathic treatment. We evaluated her case in detail. We found Shanti to be soft-spoken and friendly by temperament — she seldom lost her temper, but whenever she did, her speech, as she explained, would be deafening and rude. She was also sensitive by nature and had been under significant stress after the death of her husband, a few years ago. Shanti thoroughly enjoyed eating spicy food, sour things and fish. She would sweat profusely on her back. We prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Nux Vomica 200C. A month later, she returned to say that she was feeling “much better.” In the next 8-10 months of homeopathic treatment, Shanti experienced tangible relief and freedom from photodermatitis for the first time in over two decades. She says, “I’d once given up hope, but I’m so glad now to have found tangible respite with homeopathic treatment.” HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

HOW HOMEOPATHY HELPED ME

Safe & Strongly Curative

t gives me great pleasure to share my incredible experience with homeopathy. I used to suffer from severe colds and allergic asthma throughout the year. I would fall ill frequently and require rest. As a result, I had to keep taking leave from work. I tried several treatments, but they failed. At long last, I took Dr Sonal Mhatre’s homeopathic treatment. Today, 80 per cent of my complaints are cured. I am religiously taking all the medicines prescribed by Dr Mhatre. I strongly feel that homeopathic treatment is excellent. Thank you, doc! — Vinod Singh, a patient of Dr Sonal Mhatre, BHMS, Mumbai

‘Skin-tillating’ Results

have been taking homeopathic treatment for my chronic skin problem for one year. After completing the treatment for one year, I am fully satisfied and delighted with my results. I actually find great improvement in my condition. I would like to thank Dr Deepa Sharma from the bottom of my heart for her safe, effective homeopathic treatment. I would also like to mention that I was not regular taking the medicines, which my doctor had told me to follow — in spite of it, the treatment results, I must admit, are good. — S Mahendra, a patient of Dr Deepa Sharma, BHMS, Jaipur

Editor’s Note: Readers/patients are advised not to be irregular while taking homeopathic treatment as it prevents a proper analysis of the efficacy, or otherwise, of the remedy administered.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

YOUR LITTLE BOX: HomeopatHic Kit FoR eveRy Home

COFFEA: THE HOMEOPATHIC ‘CALM-DOSE’ the homeopathic remedy, Coffea Cruda, made from crude coffee, has earned a reputation for itself in the treatment of extreme mental commotion — the latent trigger for sleeplessness and extreme oversensitivity to pain.

By Dr SHAHID SAADAN

offee is native of Ethiopia. It was reportedly first used as a beverage in the Middle East, and introduced in Europe in the 17th century. It was carried by the Europeans to the East, not to speak of the Americas. Coffee has been used in ayurvedic medicine to treat headaches and diarrhoea. Its main active constituent, caffeine, has, for long, been used therapeutically as an analgesic, a diuretic, a digestive and a tonic for the nervous system too. Conventional [allopathic] medicine combines caffeine with analgesics, such as aspirin, to make over-the-counter [OTC] painkillers. For the record, it may be stated that coffee has long had a reputation for being simultaneously helpful and harmful. Coffee in excessive amounts is evidenced to upset the digestive system, exhausting the body of calcium. It can also, on the other hand, cause anxiety, nervous agitation and restlessness. Dr Johann Ernst Stapf, MD, one of Hahnemann’s first disciples, proved the homeopathic remedy in 1823. The homeopathic remedy, Coffea Cruda, is prepared from ripe and roasted coffee beans — the remedy has earned a huge reputation for itself in the treatment of extreme mental activity which results in sleeplessness [insomnia], as well as excessive sensitivity to pain.

USES The homeopathic remedy, Coffea, is primarily prescribed to treat excess mental activity, or joyful news — a promotion on the job, or pay hike — that results in insomnia and intense sensitivity to pain. It is also just as useful to calming the terrifying pangs of a horrible toothache where the pain shoots downwards from the tooth to the finger tips. Some gynaecologists use it to ease labour pain. In addition, Coffea is effective in treating hyperaesthesia, or intensified sensitivity of any of the sense organs, especially of the skin to cold, heat, pain, and other stimuli. In other words, the remedy is useful in treating oversensitivity of the senses — be it smell, hearing, sight, taste and touch. It is useful when our senses become finely tuned, or overtly sensitive, to emotional and physical anguish. Certain clinical studies report that Coffea is useful for women enduring menopausal symptoms, such as flushing [sensation of intense heat and a feeling that the face and whole body is flushing], and vertigo [subtype of dizziness in which a patient experiences a spinning motion] due to vestibular dysfunction. This is often associated with nausea and vomiting as well as a balance disorder, causing difficulties with standing or walking. While drinking too much coffee produces symptoms of excess, the same symptoms can be treated with the

homeopathic remedy, Coffea — in tune with the ‘like cures like’ principle of homeopathy. No wonder, homeopaths often prescribe it for individuals presenting with overactive minds and thoughts that ‘zoom’ with a relentless frenzy, more so when accompanied by a sense of incessant restiveness and edginess. Coffea is also often prescribed for overly ecstatic states, precipitated by the use of conventional and other drugs too, a sudden shock, such as good or bad news, which triggers extreme happiness or despair, nervous agitation, loss of sleep, or headaches. Think of Coffea when the nerves are agitated, the senses are acute — so much so that fresh air, noise, smell, and taste seem awful — when accompanied by hypersensitivity to pain, to the point where it causes intense anguish. Coffea may also help in palpitations — brought on by emotional upheavals, or overexcited uproar. HEADACHE • One-sided pain in the head; feels as if a nail is being driven into it • Pain sets in upon waking and seems unbearable. It can extend to the ears and teeth with facial neuralgia [episodes of intense pain in the face]. Common triggers include tension, stress, or an overactive mind • Symptoms are better from cold compresses; lying or sitting still in darkness • Symptoms are worse from fresh air, noise, tea or coffee. SLEEPLESSNESS • Excess mental activity; the mind races with thoughts and ideas • Sleep is almost impossible for long periods, despite tiredness. This is often due to a frustrating sense of powerlessness to switch off the mind • Symptoms due to pressure or stress involving work deadlines, or exam revision • Symptoms are better from warmth and rest • Symptoms are worse from cold, windy weather, noise, odour and touch. TOOTHACHE • Pain that shoots downward from the teeth to the tips of fingers • Symptoms are better from ice, or cold water, on the affected area [e.g., toothache] • Symptoms are worse from heat, menstruation [periods] and hot foods. Dosage. Coffea 30C, 4-5 pills, twice daily, or as prescribed, or advised, by your homeopathic doctor.

Dr Shahid Saadan, BHMS, is a Mumbai-based homeopath.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

CHILD HEALTH

REV-UP YOUR CHILD’S WELLNESS QUOTIENT Homeopathy not only treats illnesses, from the inside out, it also streamlines the body’s inner workings. Each time a child overcomes a certain illness with a little assistance from homeopathic remedies, the child is better able to remain healthy for longer periods. By Dr SANTOSH GAIKAR

hildren’s illnesses are far too complex than what may appear on the surface. So, notwithstanding phenomenal scientific advance, nobody knows for sure what goes on inside their mind-body — most of the time. Let’s think of a simple example: why do children with acute illnesses develop somewhat ‘unconnected’ chronic illnesses? For conventional medicine a ‘cure’ means suppression of

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

symptoms of a given illness. Homeopathy understands the consequences of suppression. Suppression only allows an illness to spread its roots deep inside and become chronic. Homeopathy evidences that a skin disease like atopic dermatitis [eczema] and respiratory illnesses like asthma, for example, are connected. Conventional medicine too accepts that both eczema and asthma are the result of allergies.

nature’s wisdom. Put simply, it prevents children with acute illnesses from developing chronic conditions — in the first place.

Homeopathy goes a step further. It suggests that when eczema is suppressed — a reaction at the superficial level — it leads to asthma, a reaction at a deeper level. It’s certainly not a smart idea to ‘convert’ a child with eczema into an asthmatic child, through suppressive treatment. What’s more, the buck doesn’t stop at this level. A host of psychological issues accompanies every chronic physical illness, including eczema and asthma. Homeopathy observes that when the course of healing is suppressed, even a superficial illness can reach a profound level affecting vital organs, as also our mind and emotions. Conventional treatment provides a reduction of symptoms, even bringing about temporary improvement of a chronic illness. This outcome is, however, not a healthy, long-term prospect, because with conventional treatment a child, with allergy, for example, needs to take medications on a continual basis. When regular medications are stopped, it leads to flareups or ‘after-effects.’ The same child may now require new, more powerful medications. It’s a vicious cycle, really. Homeopathy appreciates all such issues and more. It, therefore, allows its practitioner to look into the subtle nature of illnesses as also the unique, distinctive patterns of a child’s temperament, for which a safe, non-habit-forming, gentle remedy is given to bring about natural, effective holistic healing. Homeopathy also activates a self-regulating change in the child’s body, without suppressing the symptoms. It honours

HOMEOPATHY ‘REVS-UP’ YOUR CHILD’S LONG-TERM HEALTH STATUS Conventional medicine is ‘hooked’ to the idea that our body cannot manage health challenges of everyday life. This is why conventional physicians prescribe ‘strong’ medications to control symptoms of illness. When the invader — a microbe, virus, or bacteria — is, thus, repressed, the body, instead of fighting the infection, becomes passive. We should remember that our body is made from cells similar to bacteria. When illnesses are not removed from the inside out, we become weak, not strong. For instance, when children with sinusitis are given antibiotics every time they fall ill, they don’t overcome the sickness. Rather, they begin to fall ill repeatedly. Some become resistant and allergic to antibiotics. This may slowly lead to ‘systemic’ illnesses, like asthma. Homeopathy not only treats illnesses, from the inside out, it also streamlines the body’s inner workings. Each time a child overcomes an acute illness with a little assistance from homeopathic remedies, the child is better able to remain healthy for longer periods. Even when illness strikes occasionally, they would not need sustained treatment. In contrast, reliance on conventional medicine leads to a greater dependence on medications and newer side-effects. The Homeopathic Medicine Research Group, which was formed by the European Union, in 1996, to verify the effectiveness of homeopathy, conducted a large study. Even scientists sceptical of homeopathy were involved in the composition of the study. The study analysed results from 17 clinical trials involving over 2,000 subjects. The results

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

showed that homeopathy was safe and more effective than placebo [dummy pill]. Homeopathy is certainly based on the practitioner’s medical skills in terms of analysis and correct remedy selection. If the selection isn’t precise, it won’t work; it also won’t cause any bad effects. Conventional medicine cannot provide this ‘advantage.’ It affects both the illness and individual, causing side-effects. Just think of antibiotics, steroids, or even over-the-counter [OTC] medications used for a simple headache or common cold. They all cause sideeffects. New studies reveal that the most ‘damaging’ sideeffect of conventional anti-depressants, used in depressed children, is increased suicidal tendency. No parent would accept such side-effects for their children. This is reason why homeopathy emerges as a safe, humane and effective form of holistic treatment for children and grown-ups alike. SAFE & EFFECTIVE FOR ALLERGIES Millions of children suffer from allergic illnesses. About 12 per cent of them below age seven are allergic to certain foods. Allergies are one of the leading causes of chronic illness. They also account for 8-10 per cent of all hostile reactions to conventional medications — including penicillin. Sixty years ago, allergies such as hay fever [allergic inflammation of the nasal airways], or other allergic responses, were uncommon. Today, schools stock conventional anti-allergic medications to treat children at the drop of a sneeze. Homeopathy treats allergies safely and effectively. The treatment approach is holistic for both acute seasonal and chronic allergies of all types. In homeopathic practice, one treats the flagrant, acute allergic conditions that children develop during the allergy season. They, thereafter, prescribe the ‘constitutional’ remedy, that resolves allergies from the Dr Santosh Gaikar, BHMS, is a Mumbai-based homeopath.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

inside out, during the symptom-free part of the year. This is also the ‘anti-allergy’ remedy that suits a child’s unique, individual temperament best. Many children are born with allergic conditions. Some develop sinusitis and asthma, when their symptoms are suppressed by conventional medicines. For caring parents, such unpleasant consequences are annoying. Children love pets, such as dogs and cats. Some children are extremely allergic to pets. Homeopathy has an effective remedy to treat this allergic response too. In a review published in The British Medical Journal, researchers from the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK, a homeopathic hospital, and the University of Sydney, Australia, reported the outcome of a multi-centred, double-blind, placebo-controlled allergy study. It clearly showed the benefits of homeopathic treatment when compared with placebo [dummy pills]. The same article also highlighted a statistical analysis of four independent studies pulled together. This included the referred study, in addition to three previous similar studies. The results showed a clear improvement after homeopathic treatment as compared with placebo. Homeopathy pioneered the research and treatment of allergies. To cull a fascinating example — severe allergic reaction to bee stings is treated gently and effectively with Apis Mellifica, a homeopathic medicine made from honeybee. Picture this. It was the British homeopath C H Blackely who suggested, in 1871, that seasonal sneezing and nasal surges were triggered by exposure to pollen, a good two decades before conventional [allopathic] medicine developed allergen injections! If you think, like William Wordsworth, that the “the child is the father of the man,” think of homeopathy — to make them healthy in mind and body.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS

By Dr MUKESH BATRA lCEH, FSRH [MED] P [lOND], MDH [USA], FBIH [UK] PADMA SHRI RECIPIENT

I am a dentist. My four-year-old son complains of sore throat, oft and on, accompanied by dry cough. He also ‘wets’ his bed practically every night. He is a fussy eater, but extremely fond of ketch-up and junk-food. Please suggest a homeopathic remedy for him. As you’d know, a relatively mild infection, such as laryngitis, can produce a sore throat. About 10 per cent of children aged between 4-5 years ‘wet’ their bed regularly. Please give him Causticum 200C, 4-5 pills, twice daily [morning and night]. Reassure and retrain him that everything is okay. Consult a paediatrician if his sore throat or cough lasts for more than 12 hours, at any given point of time, or when his tonsils gets inflamed for more than 24 hours.

risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. The problem may also get aggravated because of poor posture and neglecting regular breaks. Homeopathy is effective in carpal tunnel syndrome. It helps ease numbness and/or pain; it also improves your hand, wrist and finger movements. Please take Ruta Graveolens 30C, 4-5 pills, twice daily. Do let me know your progress.

I’m aged 33. I have pain in my right breast. It tends to radiate down to my right armpit. I have recently noticed that I have a tingling feeling in my elbow. My sleep is okay, although I am sometimes troubled by pain, especially when I take deep breaths. I take pain-killers as and when the pain gets worse. The relief is momentary. Is there anything you’d suggest [in homeopathy] for long-term relief? Your complaint could be due to infection, a cyst, or musculoskeletal condition. Or, it could be something else [don’t panic!]. This needs to be evaluated by a physician, along with investigations. One could think of a pulmonary ‘cause,’ when pain is felt, while taking a deep breath. This is best analysed, again, by a physician. In the meanwhile, you could take the homeopathic remedy, Phytolacca 200C, 4-5 pills, twice daily. Please let me know your progress.

My two-and-a-half-year-old daughter has had eczema ever since birth. Her symptoms and itching are limited to the arms and legs. She weighs 16kg and sweats heavily in the head. Conventional treatment has not given her the relief I’m looking for. Is there anything homeopathy can do to help her get rid of the problem? Homeopathic remedies are effective in treating atopic dermatitis [eczema], including the most annoying symptoms associated with it, such as itching. Please see to it that you avoid using certain soaps, I developed piles after pregnancy. The problem talc, and so on, that may ‘trigger’ your child’s eczema. was something I never had. It is not exactly intense, but the pricking pain and Calcarea Carbonicum 200C, 4-5 pills, irritation after stool certainly is. I get twice daily, could provide your child Do you have a health a constricted feeling in the anus too. I the much-needed relief you are looking question? Need an am not keen to undergo surgery, at the for. Please keep your daughter’s answer? moment. Is there anything homeopathy paediatrician informed about her skin E-mail your health can do to help me manage and/or even condition and also progress. questions to: expertadvice@ defer surgery? homeopathyandyou.com I work as a computer Homeopathic remedies are effective Renowned homeopath programmer in a transnational in managing piles [haemorrhoids], Dr Mukesh Batra will company. I have had a constant including the most distressing symptoms answer your questions. numb feeling, accompanied by pain, associated with it — like pain, bleeding, in my wrists and fingers for quite itching etc. Homeopathy treats the ‘root’ some time. It’s now been diagnosed cause of piles, such as habitual constipation. as carpal tunnel syndrome. You would do well by taking adequate fluids Painkillers give me temporary relief and fibre in food. Eat salads. Collinsonia at best. A friend suggested that I Canadensis 200C, 4-5 pills, twice daily, may try homeopathic treatment. Please provide you with the much-needed relief you advice. are looking for. It may also, perhaps, help you overcome the problem from the inside Your profession involves repetitive out, over a period of time. hand and wrist movement. This poses a certain

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

FOR WOMEN

‘WEIGHT’ TO GO Homeopathy believes that the best approach is to lose weight — not one’s health — naturally, effectively, safely and gradually.

By Dr SEJAL PAREKAR

or many of us, the sight of food ‘revs-up’ our palate — eating to our heart’s content. Our heart’s wish is fulfilled, all right. What about weight, especially for women who wish to diet, but just can’t? You add far too much weight more quickly than the time you’d take to say, “I want to lose weight.” Do we all become habitual eaters? Or, gluttons? Do we actually get hungrier, physically? Or, do we simply eat more? It may not be good to generalise, but women usually have a higher percentage of body fat than men. The reasons are manifold — one is biological. Body fat content is 25 per cent for women at normal size as compared to 15 per cent for men. While all other things are equal, such as age and exercise levels, women require fewer calories per pound of body weight everyday than do men. This is primarily because female hormones make it easier to convert fat into food — just as much as women more often do the cooking in the household. While birth control pills, in fat-prone women, cause the body to produce increased amounts of fat and water, oestrogen, the hormone, alone could cause increased deposition of fat. So, any woman on the pill needs to decrease her caloric intake by at least 10 per cent in order to maintain the same weight. It is all in your mind and body, festive season, or no festive season — because, what you eat determines what, or who, you are. Overweight problems arise primarily in relation to your attitude to food, weight, and body size. They also project your emotional status: whether or not you have an inflexible approach to eating and/or exercise. The bottom line is simple: our eating ‘habits’ can make, or break, our health and happiness. Fat people are often thought of as jolly, good folks. This is the good news. The bad news is they are glumly identified as candidates for an early heart attack. Agreed that this ‘wisecrack’ may be a sweeping statement of facts, but the hazard of being overweight is serious business in an increasingly health-conscious world [or, so we think!]. Overweight is defined as “abnormal high body weight due

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

to excessive accumulation of body fat.” There are certain ethnic differences in the distribution of subcutaneous fat, yet the general cause of the disorder is plain overeating. Besides, excess weight may result from abnormal retention of water, bizarre muscular development, some tumours, including certain endocrinal and hormonal disorders, such as polycystic ovaries, or PCOS [an endocrine problem that results in insulin resistance, irregular menstruation, unwanted hair, ovulation-related infertility, acne, insulin resistance associated with obesity, type-2 diabetes, and high cholesterol levels]. COMPLEX SYNDROME Excess weight is a global epidemic, a disease, a sign of illness — a complex syndrome. Thanks to its growing incidence, it is being studied as closely as any other serious disease. New research implicates genetic, emotional, metabolic, sociological and environmental factors as causative mechanisms. Excess weight also has a predisposition. Some endocrinologists suggest that the hereditary aspect may not be largely congenital [present at birth], although final overweight, or excess weight, may be a direct consequence of ‘the clean plate syndrome,’ which some mothers use as a rule for their children. Life expectancy of overweight individuals, after the age of 35, is often associated with a death rate much higher than people with normal weight. While increased body weight places a greater load on the circulatory system [heart], regulation of body temperature is as much affected due to reduced heat insulating effect. This, in turn, brings on profuse sweating and a host of serious health issues — from heart problems to diabetes. OBESITY & PREMATURE BIRTH A new study suggests that expecting mothers who were obese prior to their pregnancy face an increased risk of delivering a premature baby. The study, published in Pediatric and Perinatal

Epidemiology by the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University School of Medicine, US, examined nearly 1 million births in California between January 2007 and December 2009. It concluded that women who were obese before pregnancy may have premature birth — before 28 weeks, or approximately six months. While the study found no link between maternal obesity and premature births that happen between 28 and 37 weeks of the normal 40-week gestation period, it, however, established that the obesity-prematurity link was stronger for first-time mothers than for women having their second or later child. This disparity suggests that premature birth may have different causes at different stages of pregnancy. Says Gary Shaw, professor of paediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, “[Until now], people have been thinking about preterm birth as one condition, simply by defining it as any birth that happens at least three weeks early. But, it is not as simple as that. Preterm birth is not one construct; gestational age [perhaps] more than matters.” ANTIDEPRESSANTS DURING PREGNANCY & OBESITY Women who take antidepressants when they’re pregnant could unknowingly predispose their kids to type-2 diabetes and obesity later on in life, according to new research at McMaster University, US. The study, conducted by Alison Holloway, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and Nicole De Long, a PhD student, found a link between the antidepressant fluoxetine and increased risk of obesity and diabetes in children. Holloway cautions that this is not a warning for all pregnant women to stop taking antidepressants, but rather to start a dialogue about prenatal care and what works best on an individual basis. “There are a lot of women who really need antidepressants to treat depression. This is what they need,” Holloway told reporters. “We’re not saying you should necessarily take patients off antidepressants because of this — but women should have this discussion with their caregiver.” The reaction from some clinicians on the pointer was anything but mixed. Obesity and type-2 diabetes in children is on the rise. Besides, the argument that it is related to lifestyle and availability of high calorie foods and reduced physical activity is well-founded. The study, in question, as Holloway and De Long found, was that maternal antidepressant use may be a contributing factor to the obesity and diabetes epidemic. OBESITY & THE DEVELOPING WORLD Obesity is a problem of the rich in low-income countries for both men and women, while there is a mixed picture in middle-income countries. While there may be no immediate justification for a major focus on obesity prevention policies in low-income countries, the fact is obesity, according to new studies, in women deserves considerable attention in several

middle-income developing countries. This is primarily because obesity is becoming disproportionately a problem of the poor too. HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHY Homeopathy is mind-body medicine — it offers a balanced treatment plan for functional and psychosomatic disorders, such as weight problems or weight disorders. Homeopathy is a safe, natural, and non-invasive solution in weight management: for excess weight, as also for eating disorders such as anorexia [immoderate food restriction, inappropriate eating habits or rituals; or, obsession with having a thin figure], bulimia [an eating disorder characterised by binge eating and purging a large amount of food in a short amount of time, typically by vomiting, taking a laxative, diuretic, or stimulant and/or excessive exercise], and so on. International clinical studies have shown that homeopathic remedies act as ‘fat burners’ in overweight individuals. They also stimulate and hasten the body’s metabolic rate while helping the body to naturally burn stored energy in the form of fat and thus help reduce weight, without side-effects. A holistic system of healing, homeopathy believes in prescribing an appropriate remedy to each patient, including an individualised/customised diet plan — because each of us is unique. Put simply, every individual’s stomach is as distinctive as one’s fingerprint, or signature. A weepy, overweight lady, who loves cookies and is moody, for example, would need the homeopathic remedy, Pulsatilla, whereas another, who craves eggs, has thyroid problems, and is stubborn by temperament, would require Calcarea Carbonicum. Homeopathy believes that the best approach is to lose weight — not one’s health — naturally, effectively, safely and gradually, while keeping a close watch on the body mass composition, apart from optimal nutrition, at regular intervals. Homeopathic remedies correct the underlying problem — the cause of excess weight. From the ‘root.’ Not just its mere manifestation. It also takes into account the fact that no two overweight women present with identical problems. Each of us, as already outlined, is unique. Homeopathy looks at the person, the individual, in toto, including the origin, or the cause, of illness — in this case, your weight problem. Homeopathy prescribes remedies in micro-doses — ‘energy medicine.’ This is based on the natural tenet: what can ‘cause’ excess weight can also treat. Homeopathy provides a mild touch, or stimulus, not side-effects, for the body to bring in a sense of balance. It also incorporates lifestyle changes; it distils the individual’s physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects, including sensitivities and sensibilities — to usher in a healthy, long-lasting change in the individual. This results, not in suppression, or recurrence, of the problem — after cessation of a diet plan — but natural, holistic restoration of health to its optimal level, for all seasons.

Dr Sejal Parekar, BHMS, is Mumbai based homeopath.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

HOMEOPATHIC HAPPENINGS

ADVANCES IN HOMEOPATHY SHOWCASED IN BARCELONA

onsidered by participants a landmark event, the Homeopathy Research Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s [HRI] first international conference on Advances in Homeopathy, organised in Barcelona, Spain, proved to be a showcase event for highly promising developments in homeopathy research. 39 presenters from around the world presented the latest findings in fundamental, clinical and epidemiological research [scientific research that studies the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations] together with presentations on

veterinary homeopathy, health economics and research ethics. It was inspiring to see researchers and homeopaths sharing and discussing the latest research projects with the common goal of advancing the science of homeopathy. There were many presentations from researchers who have made a career path into academia and research based on their prior education and professional practice as homeopaths. This progression is proof of the continuing evolution of homeopathy as a profession worldwide.

CUBAN HOMEOPATHIC ANTI-CANCER PRODUCT LAUNCHED IN BARBADOS

ince April 2014 cancer patients in Barbados, the West Indies, have the recognised Vidatox 30C Cuban anticancer treatment available to them â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a 100 per cent homeopathic supplement developed by the Cuban Labiofam Group and already used in around dozen countries. Lab Medical Group is the local registered institution that

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

acquired the distribution and sale rights of the supplement in Barbados, according to Dr Shazad Mohamed, clinical director of the group, who presented the natural medicine to the media at a local pharmacy, which has the Cuban product in stock. Mohamed, a radiologist by profession, described to

the media the clinical principles behind the homeopathic supplement treatment, and promoting the product as an effective new option for cancer patients in Barbados, where “the disease has increased considerably in recent years.” “We decided”, Mohamed said, “to go for Vidatox 30C not only for the tangible results it has experienced in many countries but also for the professionalism and quality of the Cuban medicine industry and its health system.” The Cuban ambassador in Barbados, Lissette Pérez, who

was invited to the presentation by the Lab Medical Group, said in an invited comment: “Vidatox 30C is the result for more than 15 years of effort, dedication and discipline of dozens of Cuban specialists imbued by the principle of tireless dedication to preserving the quality of life [QoL] of the people. Cuban medicine will always be at the service of people in Latin America and the Caribbean and is a proud regional success.”

INDIVIDUALISED HOMEOPATHY HELPS MANAGE ADHD IN CHILDREN

new randomised placebo-controlled single-blind pilot trial published in The Indian Journal of Research in Homeopathy shows that individualised homeopathic treatment of children with ADHD is beneficial. A total of 61 patients aged 6-15 diagnosed with ADHD [homeopathy = 30; placebo = 31] were randomised to receive either individualised homeopathic medicine in fifty millesimal [LM] potency, or placebo [dummy pill], for a period of one year. All patients in the homeopathy group showed better outcomes. The authors conclude that the pilot study provides evidence to support the therapeutic effects of individualised homeopathic remedies in ADHD-affected children. However, the results, they observe, need to be validated at multi-centre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

WHAT LIES BENEATH: MYSTERIES OF HOMEOPATHY

SMALL IS BIG MEDICINE Homeopathy packs the power of the ‘atom’ in its tiny pills. The system relates to energy or vibrational medicine, because its remedies release inherent, healing energy that stimulates the body to healing itself from the inside out. By Dr RAJGOPAL NIDAMBOOR

omeopathy focuses on the individual that presents with the illness — not merely the illness in isolation. In other words, it looks at the individual, or patient, through two lenses in both health and illness, focusing at different levels of responses in the individual. This is in sharp contrast to conventional, or allopathic, medicine, which merely looks at the individual or the patient in compartments, or segments — not as one, unified whole. To illustrate the point. You’d think of yourself as a system of interconnected parts of a circle — of having three areas of equal diameter. This corresponds to what is called as three circles or chakras [wheels] in complementary and alternative medicine [CAM]. Think of the one part as being representative of the mind, emotional and intellectual spheres, the second corresponding to the vital organs [body], and the third circle related to the spirit, or spirituality. What lies in our deepest dimension is our emotional and mental self. It works quickly and profoundly in normal day-to-day life, or in crises. For example, when you are in a harmonious state of mind, you perform at your best. When you are disturbed, you cannot perform at your best — or, in any capacity — whether at home, or on the playing field; or, whether you are a musician, computer professional, engineer, or a budding cricket player. THE SIGNATURE PRINCIPLE Homeopathy, which was founded by Dr Samuel Hahnemann [1755-1843], MD, was and is a revolution. It looks at the similarity between the symptoms [signature] caused by the healing properties in plants, and other medicinal substances, and symptoms produced by the illness or disease. Hahnemann’s ‘signature’ principle in homeopathy was much ahead of the most celebrated theory of his

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

time — the ‘principle of signatures,’ propounded by Jakob Böhme, a German thinker. Böhme’s doctrine of signatures was a purely philosophical tenet — that certain features of a plant may ‘mirror’ indications for its medicinal use. Plants with yellow roots or flowers [yellow signature], for instance, were suggested to be useful for yellow fever [jaundice]. Likewise, plants with colour red [red signature] were found to be beneficial for blood disorders. The tint of iris, which reminds one of contusions, was suggested to be useful for bruises. This was not all. Our ancients related their therapeutic acumen to the shape of plants in employing them. The idea originates, no less, from the belief that plants carry a ‘signature’ or ‘mark,’ including their shape, colour, texture, habitat, and taste as clues of their healing profile. Hahnemann’s idea was a revolution. It looked at the similarity between the symptoms [signatures] caused by the healing properties in plants and the symptoms produced by the illness, or disease. When one, for example, suffers from the inability to sleep, as a result of some delightful news, not stress, it is best treated homeopathically with Coffea Cruda, a remedy made from coffee, which can cause ‘that’ particular kind of sleeplessness — from overexcitement to pay hike. ADAPTIVE RESPONSE Homeopathy takes into account, as you know, not merely the individual’s symptoms, but also the mindbody connect. A symptom in homeopathy is not the illness itself, but an idiom, or expression, of it. Modern psychology and psychoneuroimmunology [the study of the interaction between psychological processes, the nervous and immune systems of the human body], accept the fact that symptoms — as homeopathy perceives — are adaptive responses of our

intelligent body to infection, or stress — the inherent, natural effort to defend and heal itself from within. What does this illustrate? That our body is a well-connected, resilient organism... Just think as to what happens when you sustain a wound — the blood flow gets automatically redirected to first supply the vital organs. Even conventional [allopathic] medicine uses the homeopathic principle, albeit differently. Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer patients [radiation causes cancer] and digitalis, a cardio-active or cardiotonic [having a tonic effect on the heart] drug, is used for heart ailments [digitalis can cause such conditions]. Why even modern allergy treatment uses the homeopathic principle with a slightly different knot — the use of minute doses of allergens in order to create antibodies. When our immune system, for instance, identifies a protein foreign to the system, it produces antibodies to drive the protein out of transmission — much before it can cause harm. Such self-regulating activities happen without our knowledge; they are, of course, not tangible. What guides our organising principle, or immune system, that runs us all — from our defence mechanism to our bio-clocks — is difficult to observe directly. Our body is somewhat like a spinning wheel. So long as it is spinning, or working dynamically, all our body systems stay in good shape, or balance. What’s more, our body has the buoyancy and the innate ability to return to its upright position, naturally, in spite of the assault from outside forces. Homeopathy provides it with the fillip to maintain, regulate and align the process, when required.

RESONANCE EFFECT Johannes Kepler, the legendary astronomer, said, “Nature uses as little as possible of everything.” Matter, as we all know, stores and radiates energy. Water, or alcohol, the substance used to make homeopathic remedies is also matter — it stores wavelengths. Research suggests that not only does water store wavelengths, it also stores some forms of memory. Water can remember the biologically active molecules that it had once been in contact with. All things produce their own wavelengths, and like a flower, each substance is unique. Doubledistilled water, or alcohol, used in the preparation of homeopathic remedies, maintains such memory, or reminiscence, of the substance diluted in it. This can occur even when repeated dilutions of 1:10 or 1:100 exceed the point at which no molecules beyond Avogadro’s number, apart from their energy ‘signature,’ remain in it. New research suggests that small doses may be more effective than large doses because of the ‘therapeutic window.’ This is also more likely to happen when an individual, or any living being, is in a state of ‘readied excitation,’ or is ‘raring and geared up’ to go when a specific stimulus triggers a cascading, enveloping effect in the body.

REMEDY PROVING Hahnemann not only founded, but also invented a process for finding homeopathic remedies with the view to applying them in illness states. When the first, original ‘provings’ were performed using medicinal tinctures of various substances, Hahnemann would take the substance and experience a set of symptoms. This holds good today too, because all of us have altering levels of sensitivity to particular substances — which only means that we develop different sets of symptoms, depending on our individual temperament, or sensitivity.

HORMESIS The effects of micro-doses have been known for a long time. There are a number of examples that support the idea — that extremely diluted concentrations of a substance will have a measurable and, sometimes, profound effect. Hormesis is one such phenomenon. Hormesis is the term used for a favourable biological response to low exposure of toxins and other stressors. A pollutant, or toxin, showing hormesis, has the opposite effect in small doses as in large doses. In one study, scientists from the Michigan State University, US, showed how hormesis works in nature. They used micro-doses of a fertiliser to stimulate crop yield. In a dose equivalent to the homeopathic 9X dilution, the fertiliser increased tomato yield by 30 per cent, carrot by 21 per cent and corn by 25 per cent.

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL Homeopathy is the youngest of the medical sciences. It is modern in its outlook, so also in its philosophy. Its adherence to small, or micro-dosaged, medicines corresponds no less to nano-medicine. Homeopathy packs the power of the ‘atom’ in its tiny pills. It extends the strength of fission and fusion to it — with a ‘nuclear’ underpinning. In other words, the system is nothing short of energy or vibrational medicine, because homeopathic remedies unleash healing energy — it is this energy that helps the body to heal itself from the inside out.

MOLECULAR BONDING Hahnemann was a pioneer. He believed — though he did not tangibly know in his time — that homeopathic potencies corresponded to the natural physiological concentrations found within the body. It has now been demonstrated that homeopathic dilutions actually assist the body and its physiology to reactivate our enzymes and endocrine systems through a natural regulatory, or what is recognised to be a part of biofeedback or bio-response mechanism.

Dr Rajgopal Nidamboor is a board certified wellness physician and editor-publisher, H&Y

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

HOM[E]O TRUTHS

HOMEOPATHY: YOUR FIRST LINE OF TREATMENT An ideal healthcare system must not only be effective, but also cost-effective. It should be safe without side-effects, simple to use, and should have easy accessibility. Homeopathy fulfils this need, because it has all the trappings to be your first line of treatment rather than the last resort after everything else fails. By KAVITA NADKARNI

ver 150 million people in our country depend solely on the homeopathic form of medical treatment. According to a survey conducted by A C Nielsen, 62 per cent of current homeopathy users in India have never tried conventional medicines, while 82 per cent of homeopathy users would not switch to conventional medical treatment. Also, all homeopathic pharmacies/ pharmaceuticals are FDA-regulated. However, despite the rise in acceptance of homeopathy across the globe, most people opt for it only when conventional therapies fail to cure their ailments. Instead, why not opt for homeopathic treatment in the beginning for better treatment outcomes and quick results? TAILOR-MADE FOR YOU Most of us today are opting for everything that is customised for our needs. Tailor-made clothes, customised parties and marriages, personalised cars, customised interiors for home and office are on rise, owing to increasing demand. How about having personalised medicine? Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it wonderful to have a holistic healing approach that takes

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

into account not only the early symptoms and signs of the disease, but also the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality, temperament and genetic predisposition? Homeopathy is exactly what can be called as individualised or personalised medicine. It takes into account all the personalised factors and also lays great emphasis on the role of lifestyle and diet. In addition, promulgation of stress-reduction techniques and exercise are all part of the package of holistic health care provided by homeopathic doctors. BEST FOR LIFESTYLE AILMENTS Health trends across the globe today illustrate a big leap in chronic and lifestyle-induced ailments. India is no exception. One in four adults in our country has high blood pressure [hypertension], while one in eight individuals has diabetes. Both hypertension and diabetes are better managed with homeopathy than with conventional medicine. In addition, rising stress levels and psychosomatic illnesses also make the homeopathic concept of mind-body medicine all the more relevant.

MOST EFFECTIVE IN EPIDEMICS From its earliest days, homeopathy has been able to treat epidemic diseases with a substantial rate of success, when compared to conventional treatments. There is a story about Joseph Pulte, one of the earliest homeopaths in Cincinnati, US. When he began his medical practice, many people were so angered by a homeopath being in town that they pelted the house with eggs. He was becoming discouraged enough to think of leaving. His wife said, “Joseph, do you believe in the truth of homeopathy?” He replied in the affirmative. “Then,” she said, “You will stay in Cincinnati.” A short time later, when the cholera epidemic swept through, Pulte was able to boast of not having lost a single patient and he was accepted into the community. During the epidemic, people crowded to his door and stood in the street because the waiting room was full. In the recent past, there’s been a spate of illnesses with bizarre names — chikungunya, dengue and swine flu. They have plagued mankind and ‘exterminated’ thousands worldwide. Homeopathy, which improves one’s immunity, is ideal for such epidemics. Historically too, homeopathy has proved its therapeutic efficacy in epidemics — especially, the ‘killer’ flu that swept and ravaged Europe and America in the early part of the last century, and more recently in the leptospirosis epidemic in Cuba. FREE OF SIDE-EFFECTS People are increasingly getting fed up of the side-effects of modern [conventional, or allopathic] medicine. They are opting for safer, holistic medicine — homeopathy is the foremost option. There has also been a real shift in the way people think about their health today. Rising conventional healthcare costs, not to speak of iatrogenic diseases [conventional drugcaused illness], is yet another factor for the surge of interest in homeopathy. HUMANE MEDICINE Homeopathy is humane medicine. It does not carry out animal experiments — there is, therefore, no cruelty to animals through ‘research.’ It can be used as an effective palliative [comfort care to relieve and prevent suffering of patients] too in the home setting, especially in terminal illness. This will help to reduce hospital costs. More importantly, it provides for a caring support system and improves comfort levels for the patient and their caregivers — at low-cost. COST-EFFECTIVE India spends a meagre 4.8 per cent of its GDP on healthcare [1.2 per cent by government; 3.6 per cent by private sector]. What is also deplorable is just 17 per cent of public expenditure is spent on health in our country. On the

contrary, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Brazil, have better spends on health. This explains the imperative need for more cost-effective, preventative and medical treatments, such as homeopathy, in a country as vast and diverse as ours. Picture this paradox. The Union Cabinet sanctioned `4,000 crore for the treatment of Japanese encephalitis in Bihar and UP, some time ago. Compare this with the outbreak of viral encephalitis in AP, a few years ago. One million people were given the homeopathic remedy, Belladonna. Not a single person died in the epidemic. The cost of treating one million people through the homeopathic preventative was less than Rs 10 lakh. What makes homeopathy more and more popular among people today is its cost-effectiveness, along with its efficacy and safety. It has all the trappings to be the most ideal healthcare system in our country. ESIS & INSURANCE There is a strong case for homeopathy to be included in Employees State Insurance Scheme [ESIS] and medical insurance. Once this is fully implemented, it will help to reduce hospital bills to a great extent and be a boon for patients who cannot afford conventional treatment. Homeopathy is already a part of insurance with certain providers. WELCOME CHANGE The intent of the powers-to-be to promote homeopathy seems to be lacking though — but, things are changing for the better. Acceptance of homeopathy and other alternative therapies is growing both in India and abroad. The government is keen to deploy special measures to encourage the growth of alternative and complementary treatments because several health departments, including ministries, across the globe are now willing to collaborate with India to know more about homeopathy and ayurveda. It is also reported that the government has taken a decision to co-locate allopathy and other forms of treatments, like AYUSH, in the same hospital where people would be able to exercise their choice of therapy. That the Centre has provided a grant-in-aid of `553 crore for the development of homeopathy is a welcome move — a muchneeded boost for the development of homeopathy. Many people are attracted to homeopathy because of its emphasis in treating the whole person — body, mind and spirit. In this age of managed care and impersonal group practices, most people and patients find the ‘individualised’ approach of homeopathy particularly appealing. Homeopaths need to take advantage of this idea and promote homeopathy — right from the grassroots level and from the ground up. Isn’t it imperative that homeopathy, which finds favour with 25 per cent of the people in our country, should be an integral part, or first choice, in our country’s healthcare policy — a full-fledged system in its own right?

Kavita Nadkarni is a writer and healthcare communications professional. She holds a degree in microbiology with a master’s in bio-informatics. She has managed editorial teams in media groups, specialising in healthcare and pharmaceutical publications. Her other areas of interest include complementary medicine and alternative healthcare. She is Assistant Editor, H&Y.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

GRIN AND BEAR IT

LAUGHTER,

THe BeST MeDIcIne ROPE WITH A LOOSE KNOT I was trying to catch a few minutes’ sleep when that inevitable 3:00am call aroused me. “There’s a student here,” the duty nurse informed me. “Oh, oh!” I thought. “What’s his problem?” I asked. “Low back pain,” the nurse replied. “God,” I thought, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. “He’s probably had it for months.” I arrived to find a well-intoxicated nineteen-year-old with back pain of recent onset. It seemed he’d been drinking with some friends in a room on the fourth floor of one of the residences when he’d accidentally broken a bottle in the corridor. This posed a problem for him as he was already on probation for alcohol abuse. He was now due for suspension. It was then that he had a brain wave: he would escape before the warden arrived. Dashing into an empty room, he stripped the bed and tied all the bedclothes together. He opened the window and climbed onto the ledge of the fourth-storey window. Holding tightly to his makeshift rope, he lowered himself out of the window. The next thing he knew, he was standing on the ground, leaning against the building, with a sore back... Well, in his haste to escape, he’d neglected to tie the end of the rope to anything! DOCTORS’ BLOOPERS: FROM MEDICAL NOTES • On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared. • The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed. • The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 2008. • Discharge status: Alive but without my permission. • The patient refused autopsy. • Patient’s medical history has been unremarkable with only a 40-pound weight gain in the past three days. • Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch. • She is numb from her toes down. • The skin was moist and dry. • The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as a stockbroker instead.

• Patient was seen in consultation by Dr Blank, who felt we should sit on the abdomen and I agree. • Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year. THE HYPOCHONDRIAC Danny was an extremely nervous patient whose imagination afflicted him with all kinds of misfortunes that never materialised. One afternoon he staggered into the house. He was bent forwards. He tottered to a chair and, still curled into a half-moon shape, dropped into it. ‘Jenny,’ he gasped, ‘it’s happened at last. There was no warning. All of a sudden I found I couldn’t straighten up. I can’t lift my head.’ When the doctor arrived and looked at Danny, Jenny inquired, ‘Is there any hope, doc?’ ‘Well,’ the GP replied, ‘it would help a great deal if he would undo the third buttonhole of his waistcoat from the top button of his trousers.’ MONEY’S GOOD A plumber attended to a leaking tap at the neurosurgeon’s house. After a two-minute job, he demanded `400. The neurosurgeon exclaimed, “I don’t even charge that amount and I am a brain surgeon.” The plumber replied, “I agree. You are right. I too, didn’t either, when I was a surgeon. That’s why I switched to plumbing!” WORRIED PATIENT Patient: “Doctor, when I press my leg it hurts. Then when I press my chest it hurts, when I press my head it hurts, and when I press my stomach it hurts. I’m worried doc, what’s wrong with me?” Doctor: “Easy; straightforward. You have a sore finger!” AFTER THE FIRST AID COURSE A woman had just finished a first-aid course and was eager to try out her skills. Coming out of a shop one day, she saw a crowd gathered round a man on the ground. She rushed over, got down and began to take his pulse. Just then, a strongly built cop tapped her on the shoulder, and said, “Excuse me, Madam, do you realise I’m trying to arrest this man?” [culled and collated from the ‘net]

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

CELEBRITY SPEAK

FAMOUS WORDS I support what they do, and I know that homeopathic medicines are used by many celebrities and their entire families. Following homeopathy has helped me immensely and boosted my confidence thereby improving my performance.

Marko Pantelic, Serbian football player

I am a fan of Arnica and recommend all the athletes in my Street Athletics Program have it in their kit bag to help with sprains and strains.

Linford Christie, legendary sprinter

On the field, with the slightest trauma, I prescribe Arnica. I always have tubes and doses with me. During the preparation of athletes, homeopathy has a special place in the treatment of stress. Finally, it is complementary to other treatments in the lesions of tendons. In our practice of sports medicine, we have to be quickly effective. Without being a homeopathic physician, homeopathy is part of my therapeutic arsenal. I know where it can be used and how.

Dr Philippe Lageyre, sports doctor

I am a great believer in all things natural, and homeopathy has always worked wonders for me. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used it on all my family for many years, and now my daughter is passing it on to her daughter. The Earth supplies us with everything we need to keep fit, well and healthy, that is why homeopathy is the thing for me.

Jo Wood, English model, television personality, and entrepreneur

I am a doctor that uses homeopathy and not a homeopath. I am open to all techniques. I consider that there is only one medicine comprising various techniques. We doctors have to know how to use the entire arsenal. As a sports doctor, I quickly discovered that except for anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, I was very limited in the care of athletes. I, therefore, tried to find something else. I began to use homeopathy, first occasionally, and then more and more. Homeopathy can provide a preventive and curative action, as well as stimulate the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural defences and speed up recovery. There is no risk of doping; this produces a high level of acceptability among athletes.

Jean-Marcel Ferret, doctor of the French soccer team [1993-2004] HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

LIVING WELL: LIFESTYLE

10 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ALL REASONS The real beauty of essential oils is that the essences work on the cellular and physical level, and also in the emotional, intellectual, spiritual and aesthetic areas of your life. By RYAN A HARRISON

romatherapy is a unique branch of herbal medicine. It uses the medicinal and therapeutic properties of oils found in various plants. The special oils are called essential oils and they are incredibly potent. The following ten essential oils are easy-to-find and easy-to-use.

1 TEA TREE Tea made from Tea tree leaves is evidenced to strengthen the immune system. Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, can thwart bacteria, fungi, and viruses; it can eliminate parasites. It also inhibits inflammation, protects the skin and eases pain. Tea tree oil can heal internal and external infections too, including athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foot and fungal growth that affects the nails. It can also be used to alleviate skin rash, and treat cough, bronchitis, arthritis and constipation. Caution. Never apply undiluted Tea tree oil near the eyes.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUgUsT 2014

2 LAVENDER Lavender oil is cleansing and deodorising; at the emotional level, it can be stimulating and also calming. The best-known active components in Lavender oil are geraniol, cineole and coumarin. They are useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and pain. Lavender can also be used to relieve nervousness, anxiety, difficulty in falling asleep, stomach ache, middle ear infections, burns, atopic dermatitis [eczema], insect bites and other skin disorders. 3 PEPPERMINT Peppermint oil, or pudina tela, improves concentration and focus. This works, because the scent triggers the hippocampus, a part of the brain linked to memory. The oil is also effective for easing colds, sinus infection, bronchitis, fever, cough, bad breath, headaches, intestinal cramps, diarrhoea and mental exhaustion.

Peppermint’s cooling, fever-reducing and antiseptic properties are largely due to its high levels of menthol, the antibacterial and anaesthetic agent. Caution. Do not treat children with Peppermint oil, since the high menthol content can irritate sensitive mucosa. If you have chills, avoid Peppermint oil, because of its intense cooling properties. Keep your eyes tightly shut when inhaling Peppermint oil, as the vapours can irritate them. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using the oil. 4 EUCALYPTUS Most people are familiar with this oil’s strong scent, because it is frequently used in decongestant products. Aromatherapists recognise its value as an expectorant and use it to treat respiratory infections, because it apparently reduces mucous and helps people cough up excess mucous. It can also be used to alleviating aches and pains, thanks to its ‘warming’ ability. Caution. Too much Eucalyptus oil [nilagiri tela], can potentially irritate the skin, so use the exact amount specified on the package. Combining Eucalyptus oil with massage oil reduces the chance of irritation. Keep Eucalyptus oil away from children below age 6. 5 CINNAMON Cinnamon oil [dal chini tela] is traditionally used to help alleviate muscular pain and joint problems [arthritis]. It is also effective as a repellent for head lice, for battling colds and improving circulation. At the emotional level, Cinnamon oil can be used to calm your anxieties and strengthen self-confidence. It is also useful for instilling emotional strength and regulating your blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Caution. Cinnamon oil should only be used sparingly for topical applications. Even when diluted, it can irritate the skin, if the amount is a little high. As with most volatile oils, Cinnamon oil is always diluted first with a carrier oil. Oil extracted from the bark of the cinnamon plant is suitable only for use in a diffuser or simmer pot. Don’t use more than 3 drops, since its high potency can cause headaches. 6 LEMON Like other essential oils in the citrus family, Lemon [nimbu] oil comes from the peel of the fruit, not the flesh. It has been used in laundry and cleaning products because of its clean and healthy smell. The pure essential oil has a short shelf-life, so purchase it in small quantities. Lemon essential oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy to uplift and focus the mind. It’s also used as an aerial disinfectant, a germicidal and antibacterial. It is particularly useful for treating colds, flu and other infections. Lemon oil can also positively affect varicose veins, poor appetite and exhaustion. Caution. When the skin is exposed to intense sunlight, Lemon oil has been known to cause pigment spots. Do

not use Lemon essential oil or toiletries containing citrus essential oils, or citrus perfumes, within six hours of exposure to the sun. 7 CLARY SAGE Clary sage [Rishi] has antiseptic, deodorant, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been widely used as a natural treatment for atopic dermatitis [eczema] and psoriasis, as well as for minor cuts and wounds, including eye strain. Clary sage oil is oestrogen stimulating. “The oil’s ability to balance fluctuating hormones makes it a highly beneficial remedy for PMS, painful menstrual cramps and the hot flashes and migraines associated with menopause.” Apparently, the oil has been used during pregnancy to help minimise labour pains. Clary sage oil’s range of uses is wide, but it seems to be most commonly used for muscle aches and tension, labour pains, menstrual cramps, psoriasis and acne, dandruff, dry hair, melancholy and depression. Emotionally, it is useful when dealing with fear, stress and anxiety. 8 CLOVE Cloves and clove oil [lavanga] have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic properties. Today, whole and ground cloves are most often used in cooking, but the herb has not lost its therapeutic value. Its oil is spicy, warm and sweet and “possesses antispasmodic, antiviral, and antiseptic effects.” It also has analgesic qualities — generations have used it topically, for example, to treat toothaches. At the emotional and psychological level, clove oil “is a mental stimulant and helps in romance.” In general, aromatherapists use Clove essential oil to treat headaches, muscle pain, gum inflammation, stomach ache, gas and diarrhoea. Caution. Use clove oil sparingly and only when diluted, because it may irritate the skin. Also, avoid it, if you’re pregnant, since it can trigger contractions. 9 YARROW Yarrow oil [milfoil] is something most people are not familiar with, though it has a long list of uses and

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUgUsT 2014

35 47

LIVING WELL: LIFESTYLE strong healing power when applied appropriately. The flavonoids present in the oil dilate the peripheral arteries and induce sweating, while alkaloids help to lower blood pressure. In addition, its tannins give it astringent, anti-inflammatory, not to speak of laxative, analgesic, antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, stimulant and antiseptic properties. The traditional usage of yarrow oil is keyed to treat cuts and abrasions and to relieve muscle pain, stomach cramps, flatulence, painful menstruation, irregular menses, sinus congestion, fever, skin inflammation, stretch marks and varicose veins, support meditation and strengthen intuition. Caution. Like most essential oils, yarrow may be too strong to cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin. It can also cause allergic response in some people, so ‘spot testing’ is certainly the way to proceed with this oil. 10 SANDALWOOD Sandalwood [chandana] essential oil contains a high percentage of terpene-containing alcohols, primarily alpha-santalol and beta-santalol; the compounds give the oil its antispasmodic, germicidal and expectorant effects. However, it must be said that the oil’s best-known use is more emotional in nature: “You can use the healing aroma of the sandalwood tree to promote feelings of peace and serenity,” or as an aphrodisiac for “its highly relaxing and erotic effects.” Other medicinal uses include treating respiratory and urinary tract infections, pimples, dry skin, eczema, tension, depression and anxiety. Caution. Research has shown that sandalwood oil can be toxic, when taken internally and in high doses. The essential oil can cause inflammation of the skin and damage the kidney tissue. HOME AROMATHERAPY Acne [Pimples] • 10 drops Lavender • 10 drops Lemon • 10 drops Tea Tree • Mix all the oils together and store in a dark glass container. Use the end of a cotton swab to apply tiny amounts to blemishes on your skin. • Try a little dab of it on your next pimple; you’ll be able to feel it going right to work [This may sting when you apply it; don’t use it too often as it may dry out your skin]. Arthritis • 3 drops Yarrow • 3 drops Lavender • 3 drops Eucalyptus • 3 drops Chamomile • Add the essential oils to 8 ounce of sweet almond oil and massage in into affected areas. Cramps • 2 drops Geranium

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUgUsT 2014

• 2 drops Chamomile • 2 drops Clary Sage • Fill a bowl with steaming water and add the essential oils. Dip half of a large cloth into the water; fold the cloth and apply the warm compress to the area, with the oil-soaked side away from the skin. Cuts and Wounds • 2 drops Tea Tree • 5 drops Lavender • Put the 7 drops into 2 cups of warm water to bathe the wound. Colds • 10 drops Eucalyptus • 10 drops Lavender • 10 drops Tea Tree • Mix all oils together. Use in any or all of the following ways: • Put 3 drops in a diffuser at bedtime. • For heavy congestion during the night, put 2 drops of the mixture on a piece of cotton and tuck it inside the your/child’s pillowcase. • Put 2-5 drops in a warm/hot bath. Not only will the steam help clear nasal passages, but the properties of the oils will help you/your child sleep well. Fatigue • 2 drops Lemon • 2 drops Peppermint • Mix the essential oils in a small bowl. Dip a cold, moist linen cloth into the mixture. Lie down and drape the compress across your forehead and temples. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Within 30 minutes, you should begin to feel refreshed and renewed. Gum Disorders • 1 drop Cinnamon • Add the essential oil to 2 tablespoon of water. Shake the mixture well, and swish your toothbrush in it.

Brush your teeth as usual. This helps to firm up the gums and prevent gum disease.

and use it to gently swab the gum that surrounds the painful tooth.

Headache • 1 drop Lavender • Massage one drop into your temples. Put your feet up for a few minutes and envision yourself in a quiet, calm, refreshing place. Let the essence of Lavender take the pain away.

Warts • 1 drop Lemon [per wart] • Apply the essential oil undiluted directly to the affected area several times a day for at least four weeks. If used regularly, this treatment will help the wart recede and may also prevent future outbreaks.

High Blood Pressure • 2 drops Clary Sage • 1 drop Chinese Ylang-Ylang • To make use of Clary sage’s blood pressure lowering properties, place 3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale. This will help settle the mind and restore emotional equilibrium.

OTHER USES Antiseptic • Try this mix to take advantage of the antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-microbial properties of the following oils. • 1 drop Eucalyptus • 2 drops Lavender • 3 drops Lemon • 2 drops Tea Tree • Add to 3 cups of water. Use as air spray or as a surface disinfectant. Don’t forget to spray telephones too [If using in a spray bottle, be sure to shake the bottle well, right before spraying; remember, oil and water don’t mix].

Indigestion • 2 drops Cinnamon • 6 drops Mandarin • 4 drops Peppermint • Mix oils with 2 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into stomach for indigestion relief. Lice • 4 drops Cinnamon • To repel head lice, add the essential oil to 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil. Rub the mixture into the scalp daily until the lice are gone. Be careful to avoid the eyes. Mental Concentration • 3 drops Lemon • 2 drops Peppermint • 3 drops Rosemary • Add the oils to 2 cups of water. Spray around your work area when you find your mental energy flagging, or for that typical after-lunch sleepiness.

Facial/Skin Tone • 5 drops Yarrow • 5 drops Lavender • 4 ounce Spring Water • Combine all ingredients and use as a facial/skin toner [Alternately, add the essential oils — without the spring water — to a simple lotion or moisturiser]. Stretch Marks • 3 drops Yarrow • Mix the essential oil with 1 teaspoon of any appropriate carrier oil and rub on the affected areas daily.

Muscle Pain • 10-15 drops Eucalyptus • Mix the essential oil with 2 ounce of sweet almond or grapeseed oil. Massage into sore muscles. Sore Throat • Good for sore scratchy, throats and for those times when you can “feel something coming on.” • 2 drops Lavender • 2 drops Lemon • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking soda • Mix all ingredients into a glass of warm, filtered water. Gargle until it’s all gone. Toothache • 1 drop Clove • 1 drop Myrrh • Mix the essential oils. Put the mixture on a cotton ball

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUgUsT 2014

37 47

LIVING WELL: LIFESTYLE

SAY NO TO SIZE-ZERO; YES TO GOOD HEALTH Do you fancy a ‘size-zero’ figure? Think again — because the idea is not a useful pointer of good health. The best thing to do is to have a healthy body and mind through a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

eople, especially teenage girls, who aspire to have a ‘size-zero’ figure are simply chasing the trend started in the US by fashion models and followed by several others in the industry, including our own Kareena Kapoor. They should know that Kareena herself admits that she would never again aim for size-zero and neither would she recommend it to anyone else. With actresses like Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Quereshi proudly showing their curves in Bollywood, can we see a welcome change towards our way of looking at healthy actresses? Well, one can say yes, it is a welcome change, but not yet accepted everywhere. Women still have a fascination for a skinny body. Think of Fashion TV and you won’t see a struggling model with a ‘normal’ body mass index [BMI]. Dozens of advertisements crowd our newspapers,

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUgUsT 2014

magazines and social media on how to lose 10kg in 15 days [and, all such things focusing on having an hourglass figure]. Despite numerous campaigns to try to stop the culture of encouraging women to become skinny and accepting of all body sizes, ‘size-zero’ is still the target for many. Apart from obvious social issues, such as women being unhappy with themselves, there is the other, sometimes overlooked, aspect — the damage to the body that can happen for those who take drastic steps to lose a large chunk of weight to get the size-zero individuality. THREATENING TREND One can see an increasing trend in women becoming thinner and thinner, sometimes putting their health at risk by losing as much weight as possible. Well, one

can’t say that being size-zero is itself unhealthy, as some people would be naturally thinner than others. What creates the problem is when people, who may be naturally, but slightly large, trying to reach size-zero, by following unhealthy diet trends and getting addicted to unhealthy habits like smoking, which is perceived to increase weight loss. Such women will not be physically able to reach it without putting themselves at serious risk. IDENTIFYING YOUR IDEAL SIZE Though it is difficult to know what one’s ideal size is, what can be healthy weight is not difficult to understand. Being overweight is not healthy for sure, but, at the same time, being overly skinny is just as bad. In some cases, it can be more harmful due to deficiencies that can arise through unhealthy dieting. Using BMI as a detector can be a useful way to find your healthy weight. BMI can give the indication if your weight is right for your height. This can be more useful than what dress size you are. One needs to understand that ideal weight depends on a lot of other factors, like height and bone weight of a person. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. IS DIETING A HEALTHY CHOICE TO ACHIEVE HEALTHY WEIGHT? While trying to lose weight, most people take drastic measures that includes going without solid food intake for days. They try to survive on a liquid diet to achieve their goal. Some people follow ‘fad diets,’ for example, avoiding all carbohydrates, or limiting themselves to 1,000-1,200 calories a day. While this may seem to work initially, it often leads to rapid weight gain as soon as normal eating is resumed. The most common malnutrition problem associated with dieting is protein deficiency. By not eating a balanced diet, some essential amino acids can be missed out of the diet — this is suggested to lead to low levels of hormones, such as the ‘feel-good’ serotonin. Apart from dieting some people also try measures, such as liposuction or gastric bands. Following a healthy diet, along with increasing the amount of exercise is the healthiest way to lose weight. This generally includes increasing the amount of protein and vegetables you eat, while reducing your carbohydrate and fat intake. Also, it is best to cut down on your snacks, or alcohol, to keep the energy intake low. Get rid of junk-food and soft drinks. Try having fruits or fruit salads and smoothies in desserts instead of high calorie sweets. This sort of dieting will allow steady and healthy weight loss. Also, be sure to eat something for breakfast. This is the most important meal of the day, so it is crucial that you do not skip it. Even a simple meal of toast, eggs and fresh fruit can perk you up and give you enough energy to accomplish your tasks for the entire day. Make it a point to take your vitamins as they ensure

that you stay healthy and energised every day. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It will help your body flush out harmful toxins as well as prevent symptoms of cystitis [bladder infection] and other infections.

EXERCISE THE RIGHT WAY The central tenet to weight loss is simple — burn more calories a day than you consume. Also, a common goal in weight loss is to increase the metabolic rate. This can be done through regular exercise or fitness regimen. No matter how hectic your schedule is, you must always find time to exercise. This does not mean you spend all your time in the gym doing vigorous weightlifting and muscle pumping activities. Too much of stress on your body is not good for its functioning. You can focus instead on simple workouts that you can readily insert in your daily routine. Biking, running, jogging, taking the stairs instead of using the lift or elevator, playing your favourite outdoor sport and with your children can be good enough to get your muscles moving and helping you to stay active and fit. A general rule for a safe rate of weight loss is around 0.5 to 1 kg a week. GET ENOUGH SLEEP Your body needs sleep to rest and recharge after a long workday. Adults should get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Avoiding any strenuous activity and consuming caffeine-rich drinks before going to bed ensures a good night’s sleep. Diet is an important part of the weight loss process — following a healthy diet programme is as important. However, dieting in the wrong manner, exercising to the extent of falling ill and losing a lot of weight, or losing your sleep on it, to reach a size-zero are potentially harmful. It is imperative to follow a sensible diet plan with plenty of exercise and adequate rest. This will allow the body to reach a natural, healthy shape.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUgUsT 2014

39 47

Courtesy: www.sensualblissvoyager.wordpress.com

POISE & BALANCE

JAZZ-UP YOUR HEART CHAKRA The anahata chakra is associated with the ability to make decisions from the heart, outside of the realms of karma. It is not based on unfulfilled, mediocre emotions or desires, but on the basis of one’s higher self.

By PREETI MANDAWEWALA

nahata chakra, the fourth chakra, resides in the middle of the chest, at the level of the heart. It is called the heart chakra too — the heart is the centre with three chakras above, and three below. Thus, the anahata chakra is the midway point on the path between our mundane levels of existence — at the mooladhara chakra — and, the transcendental levels at the ajna [the sixth primary chakra and is positioned in the stomata, directly behind the centre of the forehead] and above. This is our inner temple in which the divine atma, or the flame of life, dwells. Atma is the pure, unchangeable, infinite consciousness. It is eternal, unborn and immortal, and it resides in every living being.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

The anahata chakra is associated with the ability to make decisions from the heart, outside of the realms of karma. It is based upon one’s higher self, not from unfulfilled emotions, or desires of inferior nature. In manipura chakra, the third chakra, on the other hand, we are bound by the laws of karma, including the fate one has in store. The word anahata means ‘unstuck’ or ‘unbeaten.’ Therefore, this chakra is the seat of anahata nada, the subtlest cosmic sound, which is experienced only in the highest state of meditation. This sound is said to be unstuck, because any external friction does not cause it, nor can it be heard with the help of the ears, the mind, or even by the psyche.

KATICHAKRASANA Technique 1. Stand erect with the feet about 2 feet apart 2. Place both hands on the centre of the chest, just above the diaphragm 3. This is the starting position 4. With inhalation, twist the body towards the left, open the left hand, bring it behind, as much as possible, moving the head too, as you do so, so that you can gaze at the open palm 5. Exhale and come back to the starting position 6. Repeat, on the other side, in the same manner 7. Exhale, come back to the starting position and practice the same exercise at a quicker pace and with proper breathing 8. Practice about 15-20 rounds 9. Relax in shithil dandasana [sitting plank pose]. Benefits. This exercise tones the waist, back and hips. It is useful for correcting stiffness in your back and postural problems. It also stimulates the abdominal organs. USHTRASANA Technique 1. Sit in vajrasana 2. Raise the buttocks and stand on the knees; keep a distance of 8-10 inches between the knees 3. Keep the feet flat behind your body, or you may curl in your toes inside to take support 4. For ardha ushtrasana, place the hands on the waist with fingers pointing backward and thumb in front 5. Slowly lean backward, push the stomach and back in front and let your head and neck hang backward, supported by the hands 6. Keep the eyes open to maintain balance 7. Hold for a few moments 8. To release bring the face back and straighten the trunk 9. For poorna ushtrasana, lean backward, slowly reaching for the right heel with the right hand and left

heel with the left hand 10.Push the chest and abdomen forward and bend the head, neck and spine backwards as far as possible 11.Hold the posture and try to relax the whole body 12.The weight of the body should be evenly supported on both the legs and arms 13.Keep breathing slowly 14.To release, first let loose both the hands, bring the face back to upright position and relax in shithil dandasana. Benefits. This asana is beneficial for the digestive and reproductive systems. It stretches the stomach and intestines, relieving constipation. The backward bend loosens up the vertebrae and stimulates the spinal nerves, relieving backaches and drooping shoulders. The front of the neck is fully stretched, regulating the thyroid glands. MATSYASANA Technique 1. Lie flat on the back and spread the legs one foot apart 2. Acquire the padmasana [lotus] posture in supine position 3. This is the starting position 4. Now, with the help of the elbows raise the head, curve the back backward and place the top of the head on the floor, making the arch of the back 5. Hold the toes of the feet with hands and hold the final position for as long as is possible with normal breathing 6. To release, let loose the toes of the feet and support the shoulders with the elbows 7. Now lift the head from the floor and straighten the back 8. Straighten both the legs and relax in shavasana [corpse pose]. Benefits. This asana works on the thyroid and pituitary glands. It helps to improve circulation in the glands assuring healthy functioning. Also, the thigh and abdomen muscles are stretched systematically.

Courtesy: www.satyaliveyoga.com.au

ASANA In anahata, we are asked to open the heart. This requires a strong spiritual commitment to ‘let go’ the ego. Asanas, which stimulate the energy of anahata, stimulate the healing power of the body. This is generally a good thing, but it is important to be careful not to overstimulate the fourth chakra when dealing with others. One may find oneself overly emotional and easily offended or hurt as the heart may be ‘too open’ to the energies of others. Asanas such as matsyasana, katichakrasana, chakrasana, ushtrasana etc., are, therefore, useful. One may also channelise our healing power with various pranayama techniques, such as nadishodadhana.

Dr Preeti Mandawewala, PhD, comes from a traditional Marwadi business family. She first discovered, as housewife, her love for yoga and completed Yogacharya certification followed by Yogavachaspati. A few years later, she learned all she could about chakra meditation and pursued her doctorate in the subject. She conducts regular workshops and has found chakra meditation to be therapeutically effective for acidity, spondylitis, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine, thyroid disorders and tennis elbow, among other health issues.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

GOOD FOOD

‘NACHO’ WITH SALSA & BAKED BEANS Nachos are increasingly becoming a favourite with us. Now, you can make the tasty snack at home. Easily. The nachos that ‘roll’ taste great when combined with corn chips, baked beans, salsa and cheese sauce.

By TARLA DALAL

• Preparation Time: 10 mins • Cooking Time: 3 mins • Makes 4 servings

• 1 tsp dry red chilli flakes [paprika]

Ingredients

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well with the back of a spoon. • Keep aside for 30 minutes.

For the Uncooked Salsa • 2 cups finely chopped tomatoes • 1 tsp dry red chilli flakes [paprika] • 1 tsp dried oregano • 3 tbsp finely chopped coriander [dhania] • 1 tsp sugar • Salt to taste • 1/2 tsp finely chopped green chillies

Method For the Uncooked Salsa

For the Cheese Sauce • Combine the cheese and milk in a broad non-stick pan and cook on a medium flame for 2-3 minutes, while stirring continuously. • Switch off the flame, add the mustard powder and salt and mix well. Keep aside.

For the Cheese Sauce • 6 cheese slices, torn into pieces • 1/2 cup milk

• 2 pinches of mustard [rai/sarson] powder • Salt to taste

Other Ingredients • 2 cups corn chips • 1 cup baked beans • 2 tbsp finely chopped spring onions whites • 2 tbsp finely chopped spring onion greens • 2 tbsp finely chopped olives

How to Proceed • Arrange 1 cup of corn chips on a plate; pour ½ cup baked beans evenly all over them. • Spread ½ portion of the uncooked salsa and ½ the cheese sauce over it. • Sprinkle 1 tbsp of spring onion whites, 1 tbsp of spring onion greens, 1 tbsp of olives and ½ tsp dry red chilli flakes over it. • Repeat the steps to make 1 more plate. Serve immediately. [Courtesy: www.tarladalal.com]

Tarla Dalal was a noted Indian food writer, chef, best-selling cookbook author and host of cooking shows like Tarla Dalal Show and Cook It Up With Tarla Dalal.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

GOOD FOR YOU

NUTRITION AS MEDICINE Much research is now being conducted on the value of nutritional and preventative medicine, giving us new insights into the body’s innate healing abilities, as well as ways to build up and create natural defences to ward off illness.

e are learning how vitamins co-operate Intestinal imbalance. It has been estimated that with one another, and the way they work one out of ten people in the US alone ‘houses’ together with traditional therapies; we a parasite. And, with the use of antibiotics, are also examining the way the body responds and other drugs, birth control pills, alterations to specific antioxidants and phytochemicals of the bacterial flora are now commonplace. [nutraceuticals]. We are no less aware of not Such changes have been linked to a host of By Dr RICHARD just antibiotics, but also of the new concept serious illnesses, such as rheumatoid conditions, FIRSHEIN of probiotics [dietary supplements containing secondary infections, candida, and allergies. They potentially beneficial bacteria], not to speak may also play a hidden role in oestrogen-related of synbiotics [a combination of nutritional supplements conditions, such as PMS and menopause, no less. comprising of probiotics and prebiotics]. Hidden food allergies. Long underestimated, food The idea that health is more than just the absence of allergies and sensitivities are now viewed as serious disease is at last emerging from the philosophical realm contributors to a number of illnesses, including asthma, and making its way through into the scientific world. A chronic headaches, and intestinal problems, such as colitis fundamental shift is also taking place in our perception of and irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]. Recent studies have health, and nutritional research is entering a new phase shown that 6 million children in the US alone are suffering which will sure revolutionise medicine and the holistic from food allergies. treatment of illnesses. Immune status. Evaluation of the function of natural Integrative medicine owes its existence to the merging killer cells — T and B cells — act as markers for various of Eastern philosophies and Western medicine. The immune-altered states. Proper immune function is amalgamation of the two has allowed for a system of essential for the prevention and treatment of disease. medicine that has the advantage of sophisticated state-ofWhile Western medicine typically focuses on a patient’s the-art technology, concentrating not only on the elimination symptoms, integrative medicine concentrates on proper of disease, but also on the enrichment of physical and immune function. Instead of drawing decisive conclusions emotional well-being. Tests have been developed during about the cause of disease based on apparent symptoms, the past few years, allowing physicians to go beyond the and prescribing a standard treatment plan, alternative standard detection of pathogens, and evaluating each medicine physicians search to determine the underlying patient’s biological blueprint. cause of a disease, examining each patient’s unique needs, Tests that I perform, which are usually overlooked by sensitivities and tendencies, and presenting them with a conventional [allopathic] medicine are mostly nutrition, variety of treatment options. The best part — the patient is allergies and antioxidant levels. These include: the one who makes the final decision. Nutritional status. There are tests available that examine nutrient levels not only in the serum, but also at the A CASE IN POINT cellular level. The tests detect specific vitamin and mineral A thirty-year-old vegetarian architect had been deficiencies, particularly B-12, which is a growing problem experiencing chronic bloating, intermittent constipation among vegetarians. Other common deficiencies that may and diarrhoea for nearly a year. He had been diagnosed also be identified are zinc and magnesium. with everything — from irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] Environmental allergies. This includes chemical to colitis [inflammation of the colon]. His physicians had sensitivities and toxic reactions. Checking for allergies is prescribed him prednisone — a powerful anti-inflammatory singularly important for individuals suffering with asthma drug with long-term side-effects, ranging from cataracts and chronic sinus congestion. In addition, most of us are and osteoporosis to kidney disease and heart failure. An exposed to pollutants and toxins in our environment, often evaluation of his allergies, however, along with a vitamin unwittingly. Exposure can occur as easily in an industrial analysis, and a check for [gastro-]intestinal dysbiosis unit, as it can in an office building, workplace, or your home. [imbalance] revealed a positive culture for yeast, vitamin With over 50,000 chemicals in use, accompanied by poor B deficiency, and soy allergy. We treated his allergies, ventilation and ‘out-gasing’ in many buildings, a significant his yeast condition and administered intravenous vitamin burden may be placed on our immune system. therapy. His illness has since been resolved. Dr Richard Firshein, Founder-Director of The Firshein Center for Comprehensive Medicine in New York City, is a leading innovator and authority in the field of preventative and nutritional medicine, integrating both Eastern and Western medical practices. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine and has served as professor of family medicine. An internationally recognised leader in the field of integrative medicine and healthy aging, a cancer researcher, prolific author and writer, Dr Firshein has written several groundbreaking books, including the bestselling Reversing Asthma, Your Asthma-Free Child, The Nutraceutical Revolution and, most recently, The Vitamin Prescription [For Life].

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

FIGHTING FIT

THE PHYSICS OF SQUATS If you’re serious about bodybuilding, if you really want to be a lifter, start at the bottom. Face your fears and enter the forbidden zone. It’s not likely that you will have to wait in line.

likely that you will have to wait in line. he real miracle is what happens inside of the squat rack. Actually, ‘miracle’ 10 RULES TO SQUAT BY isn’t the right word. If someone jumps 1. Define your goals. Are you a powerlifter, from a building and hits the ground would bodybuilder, distance athlete or fitness you shout “Praise the Lord, it’s a miracle?” fanatic? Your training should reflect your No, you expect him to hit the ground. Basic By KERRY goals. and fundamental laws of nature are at play DULIN 2. Educate yourself. There are several and so when our jumping friend hits the variations of the squat, each of which pavement no one is surprised. The same is produce different results. Simply copying true of the squat rack. Sir Isaac Newton knew this what another lifter is doing may not get you when he exclaimed that for every action, there is an where you want to go. equal and opposite reaction. 3. Form. Form. Form! Did I stutter? No! It’s so Action = Squat important. Many people load more plates on the Reaction = Growth bar than they can safely handle and use poor form In my own study of the physics of bodybuilding, to try to move it. This is a great way to injure your I have discovered that there are only three natural back. Show off at the beach, not at the gym. forces. 4. Don’t lie about how deep you squat. It’s common 1. Size to see people barely break 45 degrees and then 2. Strength swear that they went below parallel. 3. Definition. 5. Vary your routine. Regardless of how hard you There is a fourth force in the gym, but it is weak work or consistently you train, your body will adapt and only seems to affect the glamour children. It is and you will reach a plateau. Spare yourself the the force of appearance and it is used to create the downtime by adding variety to your workout. illusion of size, strength or definition. 6. Don’t just squat. While squats are considered Every David in this world wants to slay Goliath. a total body exercise, they do not work all body This is true at work, home and in the gym. So listen parts equally. Great squatters are often great ‘dead to me now, hear me later, but do it soon! Stop doing lifters’ as well. synchronised tricep kickbacks with your girlfriend 7. Ask for a spotter and also make sure that and step up to the plates. There are forces deep they know how to spot correctly. Before asking within the squat rack that only the initiated fully someone to dig you out from under a heavy load, comprehend. Notice that I said ‘deep.’ If all that be sure that they know how to do it properly. you want to do is sissy little half squats then you 8. Use safety bars. If you are below parallel with a might just as well go back to working out with your heavy weight, even an experienced spotter cannot girlfriend because you will never be the squatter. pull you out of the hole. Uncontrolled weights I’m saying such things because I want you to be cause injuries; don’t be the cause of it. successful. I’ve seen far too many people leave the 9. Eat for the goal. After a heavy squat day, or any gym with their hopes dashed simply because they hard work out for that matter, you must consume did not understand the physics behind our sport. Are protein to rebuild the damaged muscle tissue. If there substitutes to the squat? Yes, and there are you fail to do this, you might as well stop training. substitutes to Valium, but they probably won’t help 10. Be consistent. One week and you are a beginner, you just as much [not to speak of side-effects!]. one month and you’re in training. One year, and So, if you’re serious about bodybuilding, if you you are a bodybuilder. really want to be a lifter, then start at the bottom. Face your fears and enter the forbidden zone. It’s not Kerry Dulin, a world-renowned fitness guru, first got into professional bodybuilding at age 40. He won his first bodybuilding competition at 41. Now 54,with a physique that would put someone half his age to shame, Dulin has what he calls “a manageable programme,” 12 top trophies to show for his fitness endeavours and three health and fitness websites. He lives in the US.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

WHOLE & SOUL

LEARN FROM NATURE We have so much to learn from the honeybee. We should never look for faults in others. We should only look for the good in others.

the spots. The honeybee is only looking for the he honeybee flies from one flower to the nectar. So, a saintly person should always look next drinking only the sweetness and for the good in others. Even if there is just a tiny the essence of the nectar of ‘that’ flower little spark of good in another, the saintly person without disturbing the flower the slightest, wants to fan that spark and make it glow and and then going to the next flower and drinking grow until it blazes and devours all bad qualities. the nectar. A saintly person has much to learn But, then, the saintly person describes that he from the honeybee. We should never look for has also learned something from the fly. You see, faults in others. We should only look for the By in this world we can learn our lessons from both good in others. RADHANATH good and bad. The fly is not interested in the However bad, however evil, however crooked SWAMi flower. a man, or woman, may be in this world, a If your body is healthy and you have one cut saintly person can always find something that is infected, the fly will zoom right in to eat your good in them. S/he magnifies that good quality infectious pus. It doesn’t care about your healthy parts. hundreds and thousands of times, and simply flies over It’s simply looking for the pus. As you know variety is it, like the honeybee. the spice of life — sometimes pus, sometimes stool, We are living in an age when people are quick to sometimes urine, sometimes a decomposed corpse. This criticise, find fault, gossip, relish rumours of others’ is the life of the fly. How many flies do you see drinking defects. A saintly person knows, as Lord Jesus Christ describes the nectar from flowers, and how many bees do we find eating dirt? in the Bible, “Seek and ye shall find.” If you look for For a person whose mentality is like that of a fly, the nectar you will find the nectar. If you look for faults, s/he is always looking for dirt in others, always quick flaws, for the disgusting matter, then that is all you will to finding faults, criticising, condemning, or talking of see. Just like the moon is shining so beautifully tonight, obnoxious rumours. Now, it’s your choice of what you emanating the cooling effect, soothing rays. Only a want your life to be –– half full or half empty. Be the fool will look at the moon and condemn it for having ‘bee’ or be the ‘fly.’ so many spots. The honeybee is not concerned with Radhanath Swami a spiritual guide, is the author of the bestselling book, The Journey Home. To know more about his work on leadership and spirituality, visit www.tulsibooks.com. Website: www.radhanathswami.com

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

CORPORATE WELLNESS

MORE THAN A RAINBOW SYNTHESIS All of us, wherever we are, claim that our culture is unique and different from others in the world. When analysed it would showcase a rainbow of faith â&#x20AC;&#x201D; of how cultural integration is happening across all great cultures, thanks to certain products.

By BADRINATH DURVASULA

here are great companies that produce great products and also participate in great transformation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; of cultural integration. It is time we salute each of them that makes our life comfortable. Indian, American, Egyptian, Turkish, Russian, and so on. Culture is as much a country, or a region. On close analysis, it reveals the myth of how much is Indian or Russian, given the fact that a slew of products have invaded our lives and converted themselves integral to our ethos. In the process, and with deep undercurrents, we continue to integrate with a global culture, different from our own, but integral to products. It is obvious that companies of repute, through their innovative products, command our lifestyles and culture. Global culture is not a bad word; it epitomises the silent and steady transformation, each of us are subject to. Besides, the products, we use, coupled with their intrinsic strength bring in a semblance of every culture, which is our own.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

MICROSOFT & GOOGLE Our daily routine starts with the computer. It is loaded with software from Microsoft, which guides our communication process, a key ingredient of our artful survival. Without a computer, life comes to a standstill. The data we need to deal with or share with, define our destiny. Dealing with an operating system, other than Microsoft is unthinkable, as it has made such deep inroads into our comfort zone. Unknowingly, we integrate this great human invention. Statistics reveals that 85 per cent of the population depends on the Microsoft operating system, a pointer to cultural integration, we may not be aware of. Microsoft is the trigger, while Google has taken over the paradigm further. Our ability to be efficient is determined by the applications generated by Google, whether it is a simple clarity on any issue or an interface on Facebook or Twitter. Without exception, people from New Zealand to Siberia, in fact, everyone depends on products developed by

Google. Added to its advantage is also the multi-lingual bouquet it offers. It is not superfluous to say that Google commands our knowledge domain, giving each of us name, fame and clarity of thought. Put simply, Google is integral to our culture and thought process. APPLE Apple is yet another name that defines our quality of communication, Undoubtedly, communications form the backbone of our existence. In the old times, a telephone was a rarity, but at present mobile phones are indispensable. Without exception, across age groups, people have got hooked to the devise, a great human invention. But what separates a phone from Apple is the comprehension and quality of communication. It is a dream of every individual to have an Apple and any birthday gift, if asked for, will be an IPhone. Can we, therefore, not say Apple is integral to our culture? UNILEVER Now, it is time to look at personal hygiene. From the time we get up to the time we rest, toiletries are the order of the day. Unilever PLC commands our destiny from toothpaste to soap, body lotion to shampoo, hair oil to hair dye, ketchup to fruit juice, just to name a few. It doesn’t matter, which culture we live in, but we all look for the same Pepsodent toothpaste, Pears soap, and Pantene shampoo. Is there any doubt of the all-encompassing role Unilever is playing in integrating our cultures? COCA COLA Having come halfway through the view, it is time for lunch. What is our preference? Whatever be the menu, can we avoid thinking of Coke, from Coca Cola Inc, as the drink of our choice, in summer and winter, in thirst or time pass, in a class gathering or a mass meeting? It is needed everywhere, be it in the Arctic cold or African heat. Coke is synonymous with thirst. In fact, people have conveniently forgotten water as a necessity of life. Millions across the world are hooked to Coke, from Coca Cola [and, Pepsi], which have transformed our lifestyle. They’ve brought in a rare blend of unity in diversity, whichever culture we live in. McDONALDS How about a party in the evening with friends? Where do we meet? How about McDonalds? Initially, Mac burger was a mere snack, but over the decades, the burger substituted a regular fulsome meal. The brand is so powerful over the globe that an element of dependability for assured hygiene is coupled with a light snack that can fill in hunger in any part of the world. Mac has created a robust mapping in the minds of the people in every culture. Can we live without McDonalds, Subway and Burger King? SONY Let us now look at psychological needs in life. Sony redefined television viewing by its quality and comfort in

viewing. The perception is taken to such great heights that it is not the soap opera that gives pleasure, but Sony. What a transformation. Can we think of TV other than Sony, except for commercial reasons? As reported, forty percentile of TVs the world over, are from Sony. Imagine that a Japanese product has became a household name in every continent, country, town and village — a visual pleasure. There is no doubt that Sony has united our lives, wherever we are. CANNON Cannon is synonymous with camera. Many companies have come and gone, but Cannon has stayed through the times. Ask any connoisseur of photography, and s/he would recommend Cannon. In fact, photography, a hobby, is taken to such great heights that without a Cannon, avid travellers snub a holiday. The product has become a strand in the fabric of cultural integration, anywhere you turn or go. These are companies, to name a few, which are integral to every culture. They have re-defined our living patterns. What makes them tick through the continents and across geographies? It is evident that there are certain key attributes, touching each of our values, ethos, comfort and convenience, such as — Consumer sensitivity. The companies not only understand the need and necessity of consumers, but also have an eye and ear to their sensitivity. They step into the shoes of every individual to make their products appeal across cultures. Quality of product. Standardisation of products, across the globe, gives the winning edge to each of these companies, resulting in dependence. They may sound monopolistic, but what is the harm, if all of us take pleasure using them? Global access and supply chain. Whichever part of the world you name; the products appear in the same format. The easy access and reach to source have made them percolate through different cultures. Pricing sensitivity. As pricing is a key determinant to any global product, companies are sensitive to price them in a range acceptable to a culture or a country. The elasticity to price them appropriately has made them stay competitive. So, think again — are we still separated by our respective cultures? The answer is ‘no’ with the ingress of these products. The virtues of top companies with their products have helped them gel well with any national or keep them ‘alive’ in any country, in any place, without any discomfort. May be, in the not-so-distant future, we may relate better to a McDonald culture, in place of Mesopotamian culture, Sony culture in place of Sumerian culture, and Apple culture in place of Arab culture — because, they are today major ingredients with common attributes. This is what determines a culture. Add to this ease of use and cultural utility, and you have a global culture — one that adds great value to comfortable living.

Badrinath Durvasula is Vice-President and Head, Legal and Strategy, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Mumbai. He holds master’s degrees in nuclear physics, law and management.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

LIFe COACH

BE A STAR IN YOUR OWN RIGHT The secret of excellence dwells in you. All you need to do is understand and reproduce it in several areas of your life and attain the next level, followed by the next.

By VINESH SUKUMARAN

hen Arnold Schwarzenegger was asked in an interview as to how he went on to become a successful Hollywood star, his answer was remarkably simple and profound. He said something that, in point of fact, highlighted the whole essence of NLP. NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming — more than a popular buzzword for the last 2-3 decades. Put simply, NLP is a way of achieving the outcomes you want by using thought, language and behaviour appropriately. In other words, it is a way to create and reproduce excellence by ‘coding’ certain key elements and principles of excellence. What NLP suggests is that if someone can do something well, you can reproduce it. More importantly, if you can do something well you can reproduce it in other areas of your life too. This essentially means that excellence has a structure, a pattern linked to it. When you understand such a structure, what you are actually doing is capturing the source code of excellence. Forty-five-year-old Tanya is a banker, who I coached a few months ago — to improve her interpersonal skills, at work and outside. In our first conversation, it became apparent that while it was extremely difficult for her to get along well with certain people, she was exceptional when it came to cooking. She was, in fact, known among her extended family and her husband’s circle of friends as ‘the grumpy woman, but an amazing cook.’ On focused analysis and questioning, I found out what actually made her a good cook — 1. She read a lot of books and articles on cooking 2. She cooked whenever she got a chance to 3. She kept cooking a dish, time and again, till she got it absolutely right and people acknowledged her talent 4. When a dish she cooked didn’t come out right, she looked at it as feedback and learned lessons from it,

so that she could get it right the next time around 5. She was always smiling while she cooked, because she was happy and loved doing it. The turnaround in Tanya’s interpersonal skills happened within a month of our first conversation. All she had to do was apply her special code for cooking, when she interacted with people. The inference — 1. Tanya began to read books and articles about interpersonal skills 2. She began to interact with people whenever she got an opportunity to 3. If one style of communication, or interaction, with a person did not work, she tried another, till she got the outcome she wanted 4. When a certain interaction, or conversation, with someone didn’t go well, she looked for feedback from that ‘specific’ situation, so that she could correct and improve herself 5. Most importantly, she smiled a lot more when she interacted with people. To state the apparent — a combination of new, helpful patterns really changed the game for Tanya, who is now seen as ‘more of a people person.’ The deduction is, again, obvious — the secret of excellence resides in you. It is just a matter of understanding and reproducing it in several areas of your life that will take you to the next level and the next. As for Schwarzenegger’s riposte in the interview, quoted at the outset, what he said was that to become a successful actor, one of the major things he did was to ‘look’ at his bodybuilding career. He spent time understanding what exactly he did to become Mr Universe thrice and Mr Olympia seven times. He obviously applied the same principles to his acting career. The rest is history.

Vinesh Sukumaran is a Bengaluru-based applications specialist in behavioural dynamics and neurolinguistic psychology. A writer and coach, Sukumaran’s principal area of work is keyed to helping organisations and individuals apply neuropsychology to perform better at work and live more fulfilling lives.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

MIND MATTERS

ENRICH YOUR LIFE It costs nothing but it takes a precious moment of life to realise the worth of that moment you are living right now.

By AMITA QUENIM

cool morning, the wind engulfed me as I calmly walked in my garden thinking of the years that have gone by. Every step forward made me realise, that as I was moving ahead, I was leaving behind something too. To move a step forward, you need to leave that previous gap behind. However, that gap enriches life when engraved with pleasant memories. What was I thinking of? Was it my childhood, or was it the time I spent over the weekend? Life moves on and fills your world with little pleasures gathered and enjoyed. What does it cost to enrich your life? This can be anyone’s guess. It costs nothing but it takes a precious moment of life to realise the worth of that moment you are living right now. You wait for a call for hours together and if s/he calls you ten minutes late then the expected time, how do you react, how should you react. If you enjoy that moment because you are happy experiencing that joy which you have been waiting for, it would be the perfect way to react and make that moment beautiful. However, if you get upset and angry when s/he calls, then you have lost out on the joy that you long awaited. How you deal with moments is a matter of your choice. GIFT OF GOD Your life is a gift of God and you are sent to this earth with a certain agenda that has been programmed for you; just do the right things and smile, because you cannot do wrong if you do it right. Your destiny is ruled by the unconditional love and empathy you live your life with. You are the master and creator of every action, situation and moment in your life and you have a hold only on yourself. Lift your beautiful life and hold it like a lotus in your palms and you will believe that you are still as beautiful as God created you. That little child, so soft

and pure is still alive within you and will live on forever within you. Let’s work on a few easy ways to enrich your life and make life beautiful. Meet the happy people who live around you and ask them what makes them happy and they sure will have simple reasons for the smile they treasure. Ask the notso-happy people the reason for their unhappiness, and they will find a number of excuses for frowning forever. The positive quality of a happy individual is his/her adapting attitude. You have to understand the importance of your thinking. Your thinking has to conclude at a level that would help you to move beyond. Think right and think only to keep your mind active. Marcus Aurelius said, the following eight words can determine your destiny; “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL To make your life beautiful, be concerned about yourself, about your lifestyle, your surroundings, your actions and your attitude, but don’t worry about it. When you are concerned your mind set is keyed towards realising your problems and working towards solving them. But when you are worried, you cannot be calm; your time involved in worrying is futile and that only brings in pain and agony. No pain in the body can exceed the pain of an agonised mind. Napoleon and Helen Keller are perfect examples. Napoleon had everything he craved for, glory, power, riches, yet he said, “I have never known six happy days of my life;” while Helen Keller, blind, deaf and dumb declared, ’I have found life so beautiful”. Logan Pearsall Smith, paraphrased it fittingly, “There are two things to aim at in life; first to get what you want and after that, to enjoy it.” Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. A point proved.

Amita Quenim is a clinical psychologist for over 33 years. A teacher, principal, first member of the jury for Children’s Court appointed by the government of Goa, a writer, columnist, member of Manipal Health and Education, and Director, Mandovi Hotels Pvt Limited. She lives in Goa.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

MIXED BAG

EAT & WATCH There is something good and bad with eating. Or, is it thinking that makes it so? Go figure...

am like most people. I love to eat. It doesn’t You see people associate food with matter where — the swankiest restaurant in friendliness. Baking a cake for a friend is like Mumbai, or at one of my old school friend’s saying, “I love you enough to spend some place. Or, something snacky, like a crisp dosa time in the hot kitchen.” My South Indian friend Kaveri’s pained at Kamat’s, or pani puri at some speciality joint. expression is acute when I tell her that one But equally, there is another problem. If I eat ‘good,’ I don’t look good. dosa will be just fine. “What’s the matter? In South Mumbai, where I live, there is a brand Are they not good?” She persists and I am By RUBY of wafers [potato chips], which is immensely at pains explaining to her that I do love her, LILAOWALA but one dosa at a time is enough, especially popular. It is the ‘ok-type’ brand of wafers. But, even if I look at them, I feel I have put on a when it is stuffed with potatoes, or palak. kilogram of weight. When I nibble at least some of it, I Most Mumbaikars have acquired the taste for am certainly not ‘ok.’ The guilt persists. delicious dosas. In fact, my husband tells me that My genetics too is against me. Both my parents were when he was in school in the ‘60s, he used to eat sada well-built. Besides, I dread to mention my menopausal dosa at 20 paise and masala dosa at 25 paise at Café susceptibility. With oestrogen working overtime, it has Mysore, King’s Circle, Matunga. It would be futile to goaded me to grow sideways — at the hips. The most compare it with present-day prices — which must be obscene word for me doesn’t begin with ‘f’ for fat, but 200-300 times more, yet the dosa has remained, by ‘c’ for cellulite. One can fight heredity, after all, only up and large, a favourite with most people. to a point. I have noticed not just friends and relatives, Then there are wedding invitations. At Parsi but even waiters at most upper-grade restaurants weddings, the host and hostess usually come and tell getting upset. They repeatedly ask, “Will that be all?” you, “Eat well, don’t feel shy.” But, at Gujarati weddings, “Anything else?” To which you feel like saying, “Are they do one better. Loosely translated, it sounds, “Don’t you hard of hearing.” In Italy, it’s more traumatic. If be shy. Eat shamelessly.” Since I am a Mumbaikar by you can’t finish that huge plate of lasagne, the sexy birth, I have a lot of Gujarati friends. Most of them Italian waiter inevitably asks, “Is something wrong, from school and college days. Unless I mop up the last Senora? Don’t worry, I will replace it!” morsel with the pure ghee -laden chapatti, the friendship What next? You have something to really worry about. Your waistline will soon be your wasteline. The is seriously threatened. Why does this happen? Is joke will be on you. it because ‘cleaning’ your plate saves time and on washing up later? Ruby Lilaowala, a former special correspondent for Gulf Times and an ex-censorship officer for the government of Qatar, is a writer, columnist, lifecoach and counsellor. She lives in Mumbai.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

THE WAY WE WERE & ARE

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF FASTING Though a majority of fasts are observed with a religious motive or belief, fasting can do a world of good to your mind and body — provided a few ground rules are followed.

asting is an integral part of Indian culture. It is followed by Hindus, Muslims, Christians and other communities. While people observe different kinds of fasts, based on personal beliefs and local customs, the methods of fasting vary. Fasting has been called by its proponents as ‘miracle cure.’ This is because it initiates the body’s own healing mechanisms. GIVE A ‘BREAK’ TO YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Fasting is a good antidote when our body is overworked due to overindulgence of food that we often enjoy. There is, of course, nothing wrong enjoying our food, but excess food on a continuous basis creates a burden on the body. For example, if an employee is given work in office more than what s/he can handle, or is not comfortable with, s/he will obviously be distressed. However, s/he still copes with the situation, because one must. At such times, what most of us do is we attend to the most important and urgent matters first and set aside things that can wait for another day. This is exactly what our body does when it is overloaded with food — something more than what it can handle. It does the most important functions first and postpones whatever can be done later. Imagine when we overindulge one meal, say during lunch, more ‘work’ is dumped on our body at every meal, whether it is ready or not. This is why fasting can help. It can be a healthy vacation for your overworked body. HOW FASTING HELPS Though food gives us energy, let’s not forget that digesting, assimilating and metabolising require a great amount of energy. It has been estimated that 65 per cent of the body’s energy must be directed to the digestive organs after a heavy meal. When you free up this energy, it can be diverted to healing and recuperation. During fasting, we rest our bodily systems from the constant onslaught of food and, therefore, a lot of energy is utilised in detox and repair of cells, tissues and organs, while eliminating the toxins as well as the natural metabolic wastes produced. The overloaded, overworked system, which may not be able to appropriately handle all functions at a time, is storing excess in the tissues — from where they can be dealt with later. This is one of the great health benefits of fasting — it offers the opportunity to play ‘catch up.’ However, one thing is obvious. Fasting isn’t by itself a ‘cure’ for anything. What it does is set the stage or create

the environment in which healing can occur. Our bodies know how to heal themselves. We just have to give them the opportunity. BENEFITS OF FASTING Fasting is physically beneficial to ease chronic degenerative diseases that are on the rise. Rapid weight loss. Fasting initiates rapid weight loss. Most people are surprised at how little desire for food they have while fasting. Professionally supervised fasts may be the best for obesity. They offer medical and psychological support during the process and guidance toward healthier eating habits after the fast. Mental and emotional benefits. Many people who have had a long experience in fasting find it helpful, whenever they need an additional boost for a major project or deadline, e.g., writing a paper, preparing for a big presentation, getting ready for a long trip and so on. Artists and writers often talk of foregoing food during times of great creative inspiration. It helps to keep the momentum going [Caution: Beginners must be warned — that such an approach may be counterproductive. Do not fast for a big event until you are sure about the ‘fasting’ effect. Else, fasting could cause unpleasant medical conditions, like headache]. Emotionally, you will feel calm, clear and happy after a fast. People who fast often report that it eases depression and goals begin to feel more obtainable as obstacles are put into proper perspective. Doctors have reported of patients experiencing improved concentration, less anxiety, better sleep and waking more refreshed. Therapeutic benefits. Fasting promotes the resolution of inflammatory processes, such rheumatoid arthritis. It quietens allergic reactions, including hay fever and asthma. It also promotes the drying up of abnormal fluid accumulations, such as oedema [swelling] in the ankles or legs and the abdomen. Fasting corrects high blood pressure without drugs. In other words, it normalises blood pressure in a majority of cases. The blood pressure remains low after a fast, provided the person follows a health-supporting diet and lifestyle. Skin cleansing. Fasting is good for skin cleansing. Restoring taste buds. Fasting restores taste appreciation for wholesome natural foods. People say that their taste buds come alive after fasting and that food never tasted so good. It may be said that fasting is the perfect ‘gateway’ to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Going on a fast, in tune with your time and needs, gives you the motivation and enthusiasm to make a fresh start.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

SAVE MONEY, TIME AND EFFORT! It’s your prescription to good health and wellness... all through the year! ... Or, gift it to a loved one for good health and wellness all through the year!

Vol 1. Issue

10. August 2014

• `100

www.homeop athy

andyou.com

RICHARD fIRSHEIN The healing power of nutritional medicine PLUS

RYAN HARRISON 10 essential oils for all reasons

Small is big medicine

to ‘HoMEoPAtHY & YoU’

TODAY!

Dr MUKESH BATRA The homeopath ic Lachesis personality

Say ‘no’ to size-zero Enrich your life right no w Goodness of broccoli Sonakshi Sin ha’s wellness ma ntra

IT’S SO EASY TO SUBSCRIBE!

Simply send the subscription form, along with your cheque/draft/credit card details by post/courier to: Homeopathy & You, Sakhar Bhavan Premises Co-Op Society Ltd, 9th Floor, Ramnath Goenka Marg, 230 Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400 021. 2 50580 2 40200 0

HomEopaTH y & IBS

CAL THE ‘fIRE’ INM YOUR BELLY

00100

Tel: 022-3367 1200 • Fax: 022-3027 1415. E-mail: subscriptions@homeopathyandyou.com • Website: www.homeopathyandyou.com

# of issues

1 year

12 issues

2 years

24 issues

Cover Price

` 1200 @ Rs 100 per copy/issue

` 2400

Subscription Offer

You Save

` 900

` 300

` 1500

@ Rs 100 per copy/issue

[inclusive of postage]

` 900



Tick

This subscription is for ME!

This is a GIFT subscription!

All fields mandatory. Please fill in CAPITAL LETTERS Your Name:.............................................................................................................................................................................. Your Friend’s Name [if it is a GIFT subscription]:................................................................................................................. Your Address/Your Friend’s Address:.................................................................................................................................... City:.............................................................

State: ......................................................... PIN:...........................................

Tel [Mobile]:................................................

Tel [Res]:............................................... E-mail..............................................

Payment Details: Credit Card #

Visa

Master

American Express

Date of Birth:



Expiry Date:

Card Type:

Cheque/Draft payable to Dr Batra’s Media Pvt Ltd. Your signature

FITNESS EQUIPMENT

‘ROW’ YOUR HEALTH QUOTIENT Rowing machines work on resistance; the harder you exercise, the more effective the workout will be.

owers, also known as ergometers, may not be everyone’s favourite fitness equipment. This is because of the perception most of us have about rowing machines — that they provide a subpar workout, specifically for the upper body. This is not true; just ask a committed rower, and you will know. Rowers can actually give you a complete advanced cardiovascular workout. This makes them a worthwhile addition to your exercise regimen. Rowers simulate rowing a boat with the oar. Contrary to popular belief that they don’t accelerate calorie burning, rowers can actually burn calories rapidly — about 377 calories in 30 minutes for an individual who weighs around 84kg, according to Harvard Health Publications. The rowing machine can be intimidating in the beginning, if you are new to exercise. However, once you get used to it, it’s an effective way to have a complete cardiovascular workout. On an average, a rowing-machine workout burns 600 calories per hour. This is more efficient than other home gym machines available. On a stationary bike without arm involvement, you would need to ride for about an hour and 18 minutes to equal an hour’s workout on a rowing machine. There is also variety — rowing machines are available in the form of air resistance rowing machines, piston resistance rowing machines, water resistance rowing machines and magnetic resistance rowing machines. PRECAUTIONS Before you start your workout on a rowing machine, there are a few things you should know while using the machine. To begin with, make sure you wear fitting clothes appropriate for workout; otherwise, there is a risk of the fabric getting caught in the machine while exercising. Don’t set the resistance too high — experienced rowers generally use the rowing machine at 3-5 resistance, so setting the machine at 2-3 is perfect for a beginner. Keep your strokes per minute somewhere in the low- to mid20s. Because you must push with the legs while you pull with the arms, rowers require co-ordination. They also require you to engage your core abdominal muscles to support and protect the back. The rowing machine is thought by some people to be uncomfortable to use. This is because the extra weight brings on back pain. The rowing machine is not something you should use if you have back issues. Please check with your doctor before you start your rowing exercise programme.

ROWING MACHINE WORKOUT Starting Position. Secure both feet with the straps in the footholds, and grasp the handle with an overhand grip. It is important to have correct back posture throughout your workout on a rowing machine. Your back should be straight, especially in the lower back region. The ‘catch.’ The ‘catch’ is the first fundamental movement of rowing. It is the process when your seat is slid forward, your knees are bent, and your arms are fully extended in front of you. This sets you up for a powerful ‘drive,’ the second movement of rowing. The drive. A strong drive is essential to get a good cardio workout from rowing. From the ‘catch,’ keep your arms extended as you push back on the pedals and straighten your legs, while leaning your torso slightly back at the same time. At the point where your legs are extended and the seat cannot slide back any further, pull your arms into your torso. The end position of the drive is with your legs extended, arms pulled back, and the handle being held slightly below chest-level. Return to the ‘catch.’ From the top of your drive, you have to return to the ‘catch’ to repeat the full rowing movement. Do this by fully extending your arms back, leaning forward slightly, and letting your legs bend. This will bring you forward to the starting position again. MEASURING WORKOUT There are different ways to measure your rowing workout, so use the change display button on your machine to track your strokes per minute, calories burned, kilometre travelled, or your split — the time in minutes it takes you to travel a given distance. SIGNIFICANCE • The rowing machine has a dual advantage. Though it is a cardiovascular activity, it also engages almost every major muscle group in your body to be an effective strength-building exercise • Rowing works effectively on quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, back, shoulders, abs, obliques, biceps, and triceps • The motion of rowing is natural and low-impact, putting minimal stress on the joints. Because you’re seated low to the ground, there’s even less risk of losing balance • It burns on an average about 600-800 calories an hour. The number of calories burned depends on several factors, including gender, weight, fitness level, resistance level, pace and so on. To sum up — a structured rowing workout, under the guidance of a trainer, will help you burn fat, improve cardiac health and build overall strength.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

Be Adwise Advertise in India’s first Homeopathy & Lifestyle Magazine which reaches to over 1 lakh health-conscious readers, Every Month! Available at over 500 outlets... news-stands, good bookstores [airports, Crossword, Landmark, Oxford], select hot spots and Dr Batra’s 134 Clinics.

Vol 1. Issue

10. August 2014

• `100

www.homeopa thyan

dyou.com

RICHARD fIRSHEIN The healing power of nutritional medicine

Dr MUKESH BATRA The homeopath ic Lachesis personality

PLUS

RYAN HARRISON 10 essential oils for all reasons

Small is big medicine Say ‘no’ to size-zero Enrich your life right now Goodness of broccoli

HomeopatHy, HealtH and wellness are powerful issues today.

Sonakshi Sin ha’s wellness ma ntra

HomeopatHy & you is loaded with exclusive and wide-ranging content; a magazine like no other.

2 50580 2 402000

HomEopaTH y & IBS

CAL THE ‘fIRE’ INM YOUR BELLY

00100

It’s, therefore, a great tool to advertise and reach out to a committed health-conscious, decision-making audience. Monthly

Annual

Back cover

`150000

Inside covers

% Discount

Discount Value

Net Rate

`1800000 25%

`450000

`1350000

`125000

`1500000 25%

`375000

`1125000

Double Spread `175000

`2100000 25%

`525000

`1575000

Gate Fold

`200000

`2400000 25%

`600000

`1800000

Full page

`75000

`900000

20%

`180000

`720000

Half Page

`50000

`600000

20%

`120000

`480000

SIZE SPECIFICATION

DS page [Bleed]

DS page [Non-bleed]

W 42.6 cm x H 30.3 cm

W 40 cm x H 28 cm

Half page [Bleed] Half page [Bleed]

Half page [Non-bleed]

W 21.6 cm x H 15.1 cm

W 20 cm x H 14 cm

W 10.9 cm x H 30.3 cm

ScHedule Space Reservation 1st of the previous month

Full page [Bleed]

Full page [Non-bleed]

W 21.6 cm x H 30.3 cm

W 20 cm x H 28 cm

Half page [Non-bleed]

W 9.5 cm x H 28 cm

Material deadlin 10th of the previous month

Please send advertisement material in PDF or EPS format only. [300 dpi] • Digital files on CD/DVD are preferred • All files to be supplied in .PDF and EPS format. • For bleed ads, please allow 3 mm margin, on all sides. • Include a hard copy print-out from the disk • Ensure all fonts are included.

Homeopathy & You Sakhar Bhavan Premises Co-Op Society Ltd, 9th Floor, Ramnath Goenka Marg, 230 Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400 021. Tel: 022-3367 1200 • Fax: 022-3027 1415. E-mail: adsales@homeopathyandyou.com • Website: www.homeopathyandyou.com

Top OF MIND

NECK PAIN: PREVENTION IS BEST CURE Neck pain, a common problem, caused for reasons other than injury, has a postural component to it. The best way to treat neck pain is by way of prevention and good, appropriate posture. By EUSEBIO JASON FERNANDES

hen observed from the side in a normal posture, the ear lobe, the tip of the shoulder, the middle of the hip and knee follow a straight line. It is not only diverse ligaments and muscles of the neck that are responsible for maintaining such an alignment, but also the orientation of the vertebrae. Faulty postures, adopted while reading and working on the computer, heighten the stress load on the ligaments and muscles. Ideally, the pain caused because of poor posture disappears with everyday neck movements. However, when postural deviations predominate in a repetitive manner, it increases the mechanical stress on the ligaments, muscles and joints in the neck. This affects the strength and flexibility of the structures, creating imbalance in the forces acting on the neck. The outcome is pain. This isn’t all. Constant stress from the curves of the spine below and weight of the head above accentuates the rate of ‘wear and tear’ in the neck. When this gets significantly elevated and prolonged, it predisposes us to neck injury. POSTURAL FAULT This is known as the poked chin posture — a shift in the head and neck alignment where a straight line passing from the ear lobe falls in front of the head. Research suggests that for every inch your head moves forward, your head’s weight increases by about 20kg. As far as the muscles of the neck are concerned, they have to work overtime to maintain the head upright. This could lead to a cascade of problems, such as — Pain. Pain in the neck is a common complaint due to soreness in the overworked muscles and the facet joints of the neck vertebrae. Trigger points. The neck muscles develop ‘trigger points’ because of overactivity. Trigger points are nothing but painful points caused by overworked muscles. Headaches. Research suggests of a strong correlation between poor posture and headaches. Dull aching to throbbing unilateral headaches, often misdiagnosed as

migraine, are said to occur due to either muscle trigger points or soreness of facet joints in the neck which indent the nerves supplying the scalp. Radiating pain. Impingement of nerves exiting around the facet joints may cause tingling or radiating pain in the shoulder, arm and hands, upper chest or back. Pain may also radiate around the ear or jaw causing severe headaches. Breathing difficulties. The forward positioning of the head reduces the functioning of the hyoid muscle, which elevates the first rib during inspiration. This may well act as a trigger for asthma flare-ups in asthmatics. It is rightly said that prevention is better than cure, because poor neck posture is best avoided by taking the time to increase the flexibility of the neck and augmenting its ideal alignment. THINGS TO DO Heat application. Heat application, during painful episodes, helps soothe neck discomfort. Heat also promotes relaxation by increasing the blood supply to the area, while reducing soreness and ‘flushing out’ pain-causing substances from the muscles. Exercise. Exercise forms an integral part in the prevention and cure of pain due to postural malalignment. Exercise may be divided as corrective and strengthening. Corrective exercises involve various stretching, for example, side-bending the neck. Each stretch is held for 20-30 seconds. Gentle neck movements also help in correcting malaligned neck postures. Strengthening exercises include isometric exercises [a type of strength training in which the joint angle and muscle length do not change during contraction. Isometrics are done in static positions, rather than being dynamic through a range of motion], like flexion and extension, a form of static-resistive exercises, performed to strengthen the small muscles of the neck — and, also for increasing our ability to combat faulty postures.

Eusebio Jason Fernandes is a graduate in physiotherapy with a master’s degree in applied physiotherapy from Sheffield Hallam University, UK. He is currently working with children having special needs. He lives in Goa.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

HOME[O]PATHY

THE PHYTONUTRIENT POWERHOUSE Broccoli, the ‘wonder’ vegetable, is loaded with disease-preventing and healthpromoting phytonutients — a special food that optimises your health and well-being.

roccoli is one of everyone’s favourite vegetables — when one is fond of it. The vegetable is mostly used in veggie and salad preparations, primarily because it is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with proven health benefits. It is also one of our low calorie vegetables. 100gm of broccoli, for instance, provides just 34 calories. Fresh broccoli is a storehouse of several phytonutrients, such as thiocyanates, indoles, sulphuraphane, isothiocyanates and flavonoids, like beta-carotene cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. HEALTH BENEFITS Cancer prevention. Broccoli, like other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, has cancer-fighting, immune-boosting properties Cholesterol reduction. Broccoli can provide you with special cholesterol-lowering benefits, if you cook it by steaming. This is because the fibre-related components in broccoli bind well with bile acids in the digestive system when they are steamed. It also gets easy for bile acids to be excreted; the result is lowered cholesterol levels Bone health. Broccoli has high levels of calcium and vitamin K, which are essential for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis Anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory. Broccoli has a strong combination of both vitamin A [in the form of betacarotene] and vitamin K. It is a particularly rich source of a flavonoid called kaempferol. Recent research has shown that the flavonoid has the ability to reduce the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. The kaempferol connection also explains the unique anti-inflammatory benefits of broccoli. Broccoli has significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have great anti-inflammatory properties Folate impact. Fresh heads of broccoli are an excellent source of folates. They contain about 63µg/100gm of folates. Studies have shown that consumption of fresh vegetables,

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

like broccoli, and fruits rich in folates during preconception and pregnancy, helps prevent neural tube defects [birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord] in the offspring Heart health. The anti-inflammatory properties of sulphoraphane, one of the isothiocyanates [ITCs] in broccoli, may prevent [or, even reverse] some of the damage to blood vessel linings caused by inflammation due to chronic, high blood sugar levels Powerful antioxidant. Broccoli is one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C — including flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to be recycled effectively. Broccoli also has carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, all powerful antioxidants Diet aid. Broccoli is a good carb, high in fibre — it aids us in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar and curbs overeating Detoxification. Broccoli has a strong, positive impact on our body’s detoxification system. SELECTION, STORAGE & COOKING Fresh broccoli is available around the year. It is important to select fresh, bright, compact, and firm textured flower heads with rich flavour. Avoid buying broccoli with overmatured florets featuring yellow flower buds, excessive branches and hollow stem. Whenever possible, go for organic farm produce to get maximum health benefits. For cooking purposes, begin with rinsing flower heads and dipping them upside down in salt water for up to 30 minutes and then washing them in running cold water — this will remove pesticide residue and dirt. Let it sit for a few minutes before cooking. This will enhance its healthpromoting benefits. Also, remember that overcooked broccoli becomes soft and mushy — it indicates that the vegetable has lost its nutrients and flavour. Eat broccoli while they are fresh. Otherwise, it can be placed in the refrigerator, wrapped in a zip pouch, and kept for a few days.

HEALTH HAPPENINGS

A NEW LIFE-SAVING ‘CLIP’ FOR THE HEART When a person’s heart valves don’t close tightly enough, blood can leak into the heart and lungs. The condition is known as mitral regurgitation [MR] and affects millions of people worldwide. For those with severe MR, open heart surgery used to be the only option. But, now a new US FDA-approved device is helping such patients. Alice Comer is thankful to show off pictures of her grandkids. After her second open heart surgery two years ago, her heart valve started leaking, filling her lungs with fluid. “I was in and out of the hospital about every 2 weeks, sometimes every week. They would take a long needle and go in your back and draw the fluid out. It was awful,” Comer told reporters. But, Comer was too sick for another open heart surgery. “They said it would kill me,” Comer said. Instead, Mark Stankewicz, MD, interventional cardiologist, Saint Thomas Heart Center, offered her a new treatment known as Mitraclip. A catheter is guided through the leg vein to the heart valve where the Mitraclip is sent, clipping it together. “There is no incision, the heart is not stopped, it’s beating the whole time,” Dr Stankewicz said. It worked for Comer. No shortness of breath. No other symptoms. “I don’t feel tied down and I do about everything I want to,” Comer said. Like spending quality time with her daughter. Unlike traditional surgery, where patients will spend at least a week in the hospital recovering, patients with Mitraclip are generally up the same day and go home the day after.

each year. Many experience occasional sleeping problems. Some disorders can disrupt your sleep and your life. As hair icons for companies like L’Oreal and Paul Mitchell, John and Suzanne Chadwick have travelled the world together. “It’s been quite a journey,” Suzanne told reporters. However, their biggest adventures happened at night, while John slept. For years, he acted out his dreams by punching, kicking, and even biting. “One night, he bit me, and that, the bite mark lasted for two days,” Suzanne explained. It got so bad that he would tie himself to the bed with this contraption. “You think, ‘what in the hell’s going to happen to me?’” John told newspersons. “What have I got?” John had rapid eye movement [REM] sleep behaviour disorder, or RBD. Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder [RBD] is a sleep disorder, more specifically parasomnia that involves abnormal behaviour during sleep. It causes violent episodes and puts patients at risk for other problems. Within ten years, up to 80 per cent may develop Parkinson’s and dementia. “It’s kind of a window into an evolving neurodegenerative disease,” says Alon Avidan, MD, MPH, Professor of Neurology, UCLA Sleep Disorders Center, US. Another condition is sleep eating. It affects over 3-4 million adults. People with the disorder prepare and consume meals while they are sleeping. “We’ve heard of patients preparing a cat food sandwich or eating directly out of a jar of mayonnaise,” Dr Avidan explained. For RBD and sleep eating, the supplement melatonin, among others, may help. Supplements worked for John. He went from five extreme episodes a week to one mild event a month. Now, nothing holds him back day or night. Some antidepressants can trigger RBD. Caffeine and alcohol consumption can also worsen the condition. Dr Avidan said even just one violent episode of RBD is a cause for concern — for one to seek their doctor’s advice.

OF REM & RBD Millions of people suffer from chronic sleep disorders

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

HEALTH HAPPENINGS who were an average age of 55. “This study should give the medical community and public substantial reassurance that vitamin D is safe when used in appropriate doses of up to 4,000IU per day,” says study co-author Heather Hofflich Participants’ 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were assessed. This is the main form of vitamin D found in human blood. Results of the study revealed that participants with lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in their blood were twice as likely to die prematurely, compared with those who had higher blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

LOW VITAMIN D LEVELS & PREMATURE DEATH There has been much debate surrounding vitamin D. Some studies have suggested that a high level of the vitamin benefits our health, while others have reported that there is not enough evidence to make such a claim. Now, a new study from the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine, US, suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and early death. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in our bones, as well as assist cell communication and strengthen the immune system. Researchers have long associated vitamin D deficiency with poor bone health. In fact, a few years ago, the US Institute of Medicine [IOM] concluded that low vitamin D is hazardous, because it significantly increases the risk of bone disease. The health problems associated with vitamin D deficiency, however, do not stop there. Last year, Medical News Today reported a study led by the University of Kentucky, which indicated that vitamin D deficiency may damage the brain. More recent research claims that low levels of vitamin D in the first 26 weeks of pregnancy may increase the risk of preeclampsia [a disorder of pregnancy that could degenerate into lifethreatening seizures during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is associated with multiple maternal and foetal adverse effects as well]. The researchers conducted a systemic review of 32 studies that analysed vitamin D, blood levels and mortality rates. The studies involved 566,583 participants from 14 counties — including the US —

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

COCOA & ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Millions of people are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, this number is expected to increase to 16 million. With figures like these, the race is on to find ways to prevent Alzheimer’s. A new study at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, US, finds that a cocoa extract could do just that. The research team, led by Dr Giulio Maria Pasinetti, a professor of neurology, found that a cocoa extract — called lavado, made from cocoa beans that are washed and not fermented — may reduce or block damage to nerve pathways found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This means that symptoms of the condition — such as cognitive decline — could be prevented. Research suggests that lavado cocoa extract is a minimally processed cocoa that is high in polyphenols — antioxidants that are also found in fruits and vegetables. Past research has indicated that polyphenol-rich diets may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. With this in mind, the team wanted to see how lavado cocoa extract — alongside natural and Dutched cocoa extracts — affected disease progression. To reach their findings, the team used genetically engineered mice to mimic the human form of Alzheimer’s disease. It was found that lavado cocoa extract reduced damage to nerve pathways in mice

with Alzheimer’s disease — meaning the extract could pave the way for new drugs that prevent and treat the condition. Each of the three cocoa extracts was tested on the mice; the lavado cocoa extract was found to be the most effective against Alzheimer’s. It reduced the formation of Aß oligomers, the ‘culprit’ for Alzheimer’s, in the brains of the mice and reduced damage to synapses, or connection between neurons through which information flows from one neuron to another.

UV EXPOSURE & ‘ADDICTION-LIKE’ BEHAVIOUR There is something called as UV addiction. In an attempt to unravel the workings behind UV addiction, a research team conducted a study in which shaved mice were exposed to UV rays five days a week for six weeks. Researchers say that UV radiation releases endorphins, ‘feel-good’ hormones, which make us addicted to sun exposure. The UV rays the mice were exposed to were the equivalent of a fair-skinned human of average tanning ability being exposed — 20-30 minutes of ambient midday sun in Florida, US, during summer. After one week, the researchers found that endorphin levels in the bloodstream of the mice increased. Endorphins are hormones that relieve pain by activating opioid receptors via the same pathway used by conventional prescription painkillers, heroin and morphine. After six weeks of UV exposure, some of the mice received an opioid-blocking drug. This caused them to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, teeth chattering and tremors. The mice then avoided box locations where they had received the drug, indicating that excessive UV exposure triggers addiction-like behaviour and physical dependence.

‘STANDING’ EXCELLENCE A new study suggests standing during meetings indirectly benefits work performance in organisations where knowledge working is key to productivity. It found that compared with sitting, groups who held meetings standing up were more excited and less territorial about ideas — both of which lead to better elaboration of information, indirectly improving group performance. The study researchers, from Olin Business School at Washington University in St Louis, US, report their findings in The Social Psychological and Personality Science. As Andrew Knight, assistant professor of organisational behavior, observed, “Organisations should design office spaces that facilitate nonsedentary work. Our study shows that even a small tweak to a physical space can alter how people work with one another.” The researchers became interested in studying the effect of standing versus sitting on productivity because of changes to the workspace that were going on in the university. Prof Knight says they were particularly interested because standing desks were being offered. Standing meetings reduce ‘territoriality’ and lead to more information sharing, so researchers found a new option because they wondered how it might affect group working. For their study, they invited participants to work in teams for 30 minutes, to develop and record a recruitment video for the university. The teams worked either in a room with chairs and a table or in a room with no seating. Co-author Markus Baer, associate professor of organisational behavior, suggested that removing chairs could be a low-cost way to redesign office space and tackle the health effects of prolonged sitting. There is growing evidence that sitting for prolonged periods increased the risk of chronic illnesses, or disease. [Culled and Collated from media reports]

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

SUPER FOODS

THE AMLA-PAPAYA TREAT Indian gooseberry has a host health-enhancing and therapeutic benefits; so also papaya, which tastes like a cross between melon and peach.

ndian gooseberry, or amla [Emblica Officinalis], is an ancient fruit. It is native to India, although it is cultivated in several Asian countries and the Middle East. Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of Indian gooseberry in the country. A rich source of vitamin C, Indian gooseberry has been used in healing practices for thousands of years. Research suggests that amla contains 20 times more vitamin C than oranges. This makes it an extremely effective ‘super-food.’ The fruit is used to treat — • Diabetes — to regulate and control blood sugar levels — and, age-related kidney conditions. This has been scientifically verified • Upset stomach, diarrhoea and dysentery • Eye disorders • Joint pain • Overweight and obesity • Hardening of the arteries [atherosclerosis] • Pancreatitis • Cancer. Indian gooseberry is also effective for reducing pain and swelling, caused by our body’s immune response to injury [inflammation], or illness. It has been traditionally used as a ‘natural’ germicide too — to kill germs. Research suggests that Indian gooseberry appears to work by reducing high cholesterol levels in the body, including fatty acids, called triglycerides, without affecting ‘good’ cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein [HDL], levels. Its other health benefits include — • Antioxidant and antibacterial effects • A natural anti-aging agent for skin, amla nourishes the scalp and also hair roots; it encourages hair growth and controls premature greying of hair • Improves digestion and bowel movement • A strong immunomodulator, amla protects against the onset of illnesses, when taken regularly • ‘Knocks-out’ free radicals • Maintains optimal liver function • A good iron tonic, amla helps to raise the haemoglobin content in the blood

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

• Eases cough, common cold and asthma. The papaya [Carica Papaya], originally a native to America, is grown in many parts of the world. The fruit can grow up to eight inches in length. While some varieties of the fruit appear green in colour, when ripe, most turn deep yellow, or orange. Most papayas possess a pink flesh, with a profusion of grey-black seeds in the central cavity. The seeds are edible, no less. What tickles one’s palate is the soft, juicy sweet flesh of papaya, which tastes like a cross between melon and peach. The fruit is rich in vitamin A and calcium. It is also power-packed with the goodness of the enzyme, papain, which breaks down protein. It is this enzyme that makes papaya easy to digest. When you choose papaya make sure that the fruit appears uniformly yellow. When you sniff the fruit, it should present a delicate scent. Avoid buying papaya with damaged or shrunken skin. When the fruit is ripe, the skin around the stem end should be yellow. Ripe papaya should be eaten immediately. Leave unripe papaya at room temperature, until it appears soft and yellow. After you cut the papaya, you can squeeze a tinge of lime, or lime juice, on the flesh before serving. Likewise, the cubed flesh can be added to fruit salad, ice-cream and fruit drinks, or served with curd, or yogurt. Papayas, which are not quite ripe, can be used in salads, while the fruit that is a little bit hard can be made into and used as jam. • Ripe papaya is said to ease diabetes and high blood pressure • Papaya is suggested to be effective for ringworm and fungal infections; the fruit can be directly applied [topically] to the area • The seeds have anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving effects • The leaves are evidenced to be useful as a heart tonic and for calming tummy aches • The papaya root has, for long, been used in certain cultures as a natural pain-killer.

READ. WATCH. LISTEN. EXPLORE BEAT THAT BULLY GENTLY With no arms, no legs, and no defence, Nick Vujicic, a noted evangelist and motivational speaker, was once a bully’s bunny. He knew what it felt like to be picked on and pushed around, giving you nightmares like there was no hope in sight. In his bestselling, rivetingly inspiring book, Stand Strong, Nick shows how you too can overcome and rise above bullying. Nick has experienced bullying of all kinds for being ‘different.’ But, he’s learned that he doesn’t have to play the bully’s game — and, neither do you, to beat the bully in them.

Nick gives you strategies for developing a ‘bully defence system,’ so you can handle bullies of all kinds by building on your strength — from the inside out.

Stand Strong Nick Vujicic WaterBrook Press pp: 224 Price: `399.00

MIND THE BODY, BEND THE MIND In Meditations for a New Earth, Eckhart Tolle’s teaching partner Kim Eng presents eight guided practices that let you go deeper into “the formless awareness that has already awakened within you.” Whether you are an experienced meditator, or just starting out, Eng brings you valuable insights and techniques, including how to structure your practice, dissolve pain, mind the body and bend the mind, while liberating your awareness from the deep labyrinth of thought — and, opening it to a state of pure presence.

Meditations for a New Earth [2 Audio CDs] Kim Eng Yogi Impressions Price: `237.00

GOOD TO GREAT FOOD Think of the right food, perfect taste, a perfect mixture of spices. Swati Snacks, in Mumbai, is just the place you are looking out for. Not just for anyone who likes Gujarati food, but also other regional offerings, such as chat, panki, khichdi, pav bhaji, puri, and so on. The best part of the restaurant is — its food, as a reviewer said, is light and good for the stomach. Call: 022-6580 8405/6580 8406.

JUNGLE PATROL The Bheemeshwari Wildlife Sanctuary, located 100km from Bengaluru, is a superb weekend getaway. It is not just a veritable nature lover’s paradise, but it is laced with lush green environs and a favourable terrain for trekking. In its midst are the serene jungle lodges of Bheemeshwari featuing rustic exteriors and spacious interiors. Apart from trekking, team building activities, such as jumaring [climbing using ropes fitted with an ascender], raft building, obstacle courses etc., are also organised. Contact: info@ thrillophilia.com. Tel: +91-767-670-3001

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST2014

CELEB FITNESS

SONAKSHI’S WELLNESS MANTRA

onakshi Sinha made her debut in Bollywood in 2010 with Dabangg opposite Salman Khan. The movie went on to become the highest grossing Bollywood film of the year. Apart from critical appreciation for her work, she also received the Filmfare award for best female debutant. She went on to play the leading lady’s role in some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, thereafter. As a result, she was recognised by ETC Business Awards, as the highest-earning actress at the box-office. Sonakshi may be enjoying her stardom today, but there is a lot of effort she has put in to light up the big screen. Just think of it. There was a time when she weighed 90kg — a big ‘no’ for an actress. But, destiny was manifest. We take a dekko at how Sonakshi dropped all the extra weight and catapulted to fame, by courtesy of celebfitness.blogspot.in HER WELLNESS MANTRA Not just look good, but also feel healthy. HER ROUTINE • Visit the gym twice a day • Take a high protein diet • Cut back on carbohydrate consumption • Regular spinning, or cycling on a stationary exercise cycle [She confesses that she experienced immense benefit from spinning] • Weight training, 4-5 times a week. HER DIET PLAN • Breakfast. Cereal and milk or whole wheat toast • Mid-morning. Some dry fruits and a cup of green tea • Lunch. Home-made roti and sabzi with salad • Evening. A fruit or a cup of green tea • Dinner. Usually early, consisting of only protein food

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | AUGUST 2014

like dal, chicken, egg whites and fish. No carbohydrates after 6:00pm. HER TO- & MUST-DOs • She takes small meals every three hours to keep her energy levels high • She has been performing ‘hot’ yoga to tone her body for a while [‘Hot’ yoga is working on various postures in a steamed room, where the temperature is about 40ºC]. She seems to prefer yoga over aerobics • She loves the company of fellow ‘gymmers’ during a workout session • She loves playing tennis. Sonakshi suggests that one should stop eating carbs, after six in the evening. She also practices and supports the idea of drinking several cups of green tea daily. It’s okay that she may still not fall in the thin or ‘size-zero’ zone, but the fact is she is now more fit than ever before and sticks to her workout, come what may. Besides, she has, as she admits, a tendency to put on weight quickly; so, she does not miss her exercise schedule and strives to eat healthy. No wonder, the cover girl for the latest issue of L’Officiel magazine looks stunning in her ‘toned’ avatar.

RNI TEMP REG No MAHENG13369/13/1/2013-TC