Homeopathy & you February 2015 issue

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Dr MUKESH BATRA The homeopathic Bryonia personality RYAN HARRISON Omega rules

HOMEOPATHY & WRIST PAIN:

‘CARPAL’ CURE PLUS

Sleeplessness and homeopathy Get your eating equation right Goodness of oats Raveena Tandon’s wellness mantra

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Vol 1. Issue 2. FEBRUARY 2015

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INSIDE

Vol 1. Issue 2. FEBRUARY 2015

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 Manager-Marketing J Chaitanya Kumar chaitanya.kumar@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 Eusebio Jason Fernandes, Goa, India

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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, Office No 7 & 8, Arcadia Premises Co-op Soc Ltd, Third Floor, 195, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400 021 and printed by him at Parksons Graphics Private Limited, 12 Todi Estate, Behind Post Office, Sun Mill Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013. 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.

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Letters Focus: Homeopathy treats carpal tunnel syndrome safely Homeopathic ‘Sunsigns: Know your personality; know your remedy. Dr Mukesh Batra distils the homeopathic Bryonia, this month Medical Marvels: Case reviews from homeopathic doctors How Homeopathy Helped Me Q&A: Doctor’s Orders Child Health: Exam blues and homeopathy Quintessence: Sleeplessness and homeopathy What Lies Beneath: Healing with holistic wisdom Home[e]o Truths: Homeopathy and obesity Living Well: Omega rules Get your eating equation right Pot-Pourri Fitness Equipment Top of Mind Health Happenings The Goodness of oats Read. Watch. Listen. Explore Celeb Fitness: Raveena Tandon

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Good For You: Richard Firshein Fighting Fit: Kerry Dulin Whole & Soul: Radhanath Swami Poise & Balance: Preeti Mandawewala Life Coach: Vinesh Sukumaran

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Corporate Wellness: Badrinath Durvasula

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Mixed Bag: Ruby Lilaowala

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LETTER OF THE MONTH One of my good friends happened to give me a copy of Homeopathy & You — the first thought that came to my mind was obvious. Yet another wellness magazine, like any other? I was in for a surprise. Not because the copy I had in hand had been read by more than a handful of people [and, because, it looked ‘shopworn!’], but also for the good mix of articles with useful information on homeopathy, health and lifestyle. Keep up the high standards you have set — because, anything less will show! Kris Teja via E-mail

Our January 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

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GOOD READ I am impressed with the wellness content of your magazine. The language is good and the information sound. I read the case studies of people who were cured with homeopathy with interest. I myself was a ‘homeopathic patient’ for allergic bronchitis. I am now free from it to a great extent. I am amused with the homeopathy personalities presented by Dr Mukesh Batra. The only problem is I feel I am a part of every personality that I read! T Vengala Rao, Hyderabad STIMULATING FARE I came across your January 2015 issue and I must say it is beautiful, right from the cover to each and every article. I enjoyed reading the chronic fatigue cover article and Ryan Harrison’s piece on heart wellness. More importantly, I feel that all your articles are extremely useful in our day-to-day life. G J Matthew, Indore USEFUL & RELEVANT Your magazine is full of healthy ‘pills’ or doses of information. I loved the article on ‘The long and short of allergies’ [H&Y, January 2015], as also Dr Richard Firshein’s column, every month. Nobody ever told me that homeopathy was also just as effective for animals till I began to read your magazine. I am planning to take my pug, Ginger, to a homeopath — just for his good health and wellness. Ayesha Syed, Kolkata WORTHY INFORMATION H&Y is filled with many informative articles. I have also got to know about what homeopathy can do for skin ailments like psoriasis and for kids’ and women’s disorders. Also, I really wanted to know how homeopathic medicines are being nowadays ‘connected’ with nanoparticles. I was pleased to read the article on this topic too. Varoon Shenoy via E-mail

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FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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FOCUS

HOMEOPATHY & WRIST AGONY:

‘CARPAL’ CURE

Homeopathy offers safe, long-term, and effective results in carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS] — a painful disorder of the wrists and hands — which has no easy answers with conventional [allopathic] and other forms of treatment.

By Dr AKSHAY BATRA

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e live in a society where ‘playing through pain’ is almost a virtue. This is reason why most of us continue to work frenetically — even when it causes pain or agony in our wrists, hands, and arms. This isn’t the right thing to do. It’s a big mistake. Yet, the point is — we all have jobs, or work, to do. Nonetheless, to just grin and bear, at the other end of the spectrum, may not be free of hazards. It can progress to a point where our ability to work may be severely impacted — more so, when it is not treated appropriately, or adequately. A case in point: Vipula, a young, go-getter and nononsense manager with a leading IT company, was experiencing a numb, weak feeling in her wrist and

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fingers, especially while writing, or holding her mobile phone. She chose to neglect it for some time. When she started getting a persistent nagging, tingling and numb feeling, along with stitching pain in the palms, she got worried. The pain soon increased; it impaired her ability to work, or function, normally. Vipula sought an appointment with a neurologist, who confirmed her problem — carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS]. He put her on painkillers. That Vipula was aware of the fact that painkillers provide only temporary relief, not to speak of side-effects, is a moot point. This prompted her to think of homeopathy — for safe, tangible long-term relief.

We prescribed Vipula, the homeopathic remedy, Platina 200C, based on her presenting symptoms and ‘selffocused’ temperament. We also took into consideration her ‘puffed up’ attitude along with a strong yearning to excel in her work. We advised her dietary modifications, such as avoiding fast- and oily-food. We also asked her to stretch and flex her arms at regular intervals and sport a wrist-band. As the treatment progressed, her pain reduced. Her wrists and arms felt better and also stronger; the numb feeling too disappeared. It’s been more than ten months now — and, there has been no recurrence of pain, or discomfort. Vipula was right. To put the whole idea in perspective, homeopathy is clinically evidenced to be a safe, effective alternative for painkillers and steroids, in conditions such as CTS. It offers natural, long-term control of pain and stiffness and does not cause side-effects. More importantly, it helps to prevent the use of the scalpel — in other words, surgery. It is estimated that approximately 500,000 people undergo surgery for CTS in the US alone. Just think of the possibility, or statistics, on a global scale! CTS, in simple terms, is a form of compressive neuropathy [damage to the nerves]. It is marked by weakness, pain, numbness in the hand and wrist, aside from restricted movement of fingers. There may also be loss of strength in the muscles, pain shooting from the hand up the arm and as far as the shoulder and night-time tingling in one or both hands. This may cause physical and emotional distress, and also lead to sleep difficulties, or problems. FACT-FILE The word, carpal, is derived from the Greek karpos, meaning wrist. The wrist joint is surrounded by fibrous tissue. The space between the wrist bone and fibrous tissue is called the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS] occurs within this tunnel. The primary symptom of CTS is numbness of fingers, which may interfere with hand strength and

sensation; it can also cause decreased hand function. CTS can be effectively treated with homeopathic remedies. When neglected, CTS manifestations can lead to severe impairment of one’s ability to perform a given job, including permanent damage to the wrists and hands. It needs to be emphasised that any occupation that involves repetitive hand or wrist movement poses a certain risk. Add to this, poor ergonomic practices and disregarding regular breaks, the chances of CTS are higher. You get the point: working on a computer keyboard, laptop, typing, doing carpentry, and other tasks that require repetitive movements of the wrists, hands and fingers, are apparently common triggers, or occupational ‘hazards.’ CTS is widespread. Studies suggest that women are more likely than men to develop CTS. The disorder is also more common in people between the age group of 40 and 60. THE BASICS The carpal tunnel is filled with tendons [bundles of collagen fibres that attach muscles to bone] that control finger movements. Tasks requiring highly repetitive and forceful movements of the wrist, as one can deduce, can cause swelling around the tendons. This results in a ‘pinched’ nerve, the cause of CTS. CTS may also be associated with certain health conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, rubella, pregnancy, and menopause. High caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol intake, are other risk factors. CTS is clinically diagnosed by a physical examination and, at times, by simple tests to determine if there is a loss of sensation, or weakness, in one’s thumbs or fingers. Procedures ranging from nerve conduction study, electromyography [EMG] and radiography to magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] are used in certain cases — to unravel the cause and also the extent of the injury. Conventional [allopathic] medicine advocates the use of anti-inflammatory medications [painkillers] to reduce inflammation; steroids are also sometimes used to reduce swelling. They are known to generate sideeffects like gastritis, including gastrointestinal bleeding, skin irritation etc., Research suggests that some simple changes in your work and leisure habits, such as modifying your work environment and daily activities that put pressure on your wrists — and, the use of wrist splint — may help ease CTS, or alleviate its symptoms, if not prevent it in toto. Individuals who do not improve with medication and splinting are advised surgery — albeit the procedure is no fool-proof plan, or panacea. WHAT & HOW The carpal tunnel, as already cited, is a narrow, tunnellike structure in the wrist. The bottom and sides of this burrow are formed by wrist [carpal] bones. The top of FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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the tunnel is covered by a strong band of connective tissue — the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve, which travels from the forearm into the hand through this tunnel in the wrist, controls your ‘feeling’ in the palm side of the thumb, index finger, and long fingers. It also controls the muscles around the base of the thumb. The tendons that bend the fingers and thumb travel through the carpal tunnel are called the flexor tendons. Put simply, the carpal tunnel protects the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tissues [synovium] enveloping the flexor tendons in the wrist swell and exert pressure on the median nerve. This is not all. The synovium provides lubrication to the tendons; this aids us to move our fingers with ease. When the synovium ‘swells’ up, it narrows the confined space of the carpal tunnel, and over time, ‘swarms’ the nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is, thus, a classical ‘upshot’ caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve running through the carpal tunnel. OTHER CAUSES ‡ +HUHGLW\. The carpal tunnel is smaller in some people; the attribute can run in families. ‡ ([FHVV long-term hand use ‡ +RUPRQDO FKDQJHV related to pregnancy ‡ $JH. The older you are, the more the possibility ‡ 0HGLFDO FRQGLWLRQV, such as diabetes, as already cited, rheumatoid arthritis [RA], and thyroid disorders can play a role too. However, the paradox is, in most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, there may be no single tangible cause. SYMPTOMS The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include: ‡ 1XPEQHVV WLQJOLQJ DQG SDLQ LQ WKH KDQG ‡ $Q ÂśHOHFWULF VKRFN OLNH¡ IHHOLQJ PRVWO\ LQ WKH WKXPE index, and long fingers ‡ 6WUDQJH VHQVDWLRQV DQG SDLQ WUDYHOOLQJ XS WKH DUP towards the shoulder ‡ 6\PSWRPV XVXDOO\ EHJLQ JUDGXDOO\ ZLWKRXW D VSHFLILF injury. In most people, symptoms are often severe on the thumb side of the hand ‡ 6\PSWRPV PD\ RFFXU DW DQ\ WLPH %HFDXVH PDQ\ SHRSOH sleep with their wrists curled, symptoms at night are common and may arouse you from sleep. During the day, V\PSWRPV IUHTXHQWO\ RFFXU ZKLOH KROGLQJ DQ REMHFW OLNH your mobile phone, or when reading, or driving. Moving RU VKDNLQJ WKH KDQGV RIWHQ KHOSV HDVH V\PSWRPV ‡ &76 V\PSWRPV WR EHJLQ ZLWK FRPH DQG JR EXW RYHU WLPH WKH\ PD\ EHFRPH FRQVWDQW $ IHHOLQJ RI DZNZDUGQHVV RU ZHDNQHVV PD\ SHUYDGH DQG PDNH ILQH PRWLRQV OLNH buttoning your shirt, difficult. This may cause you to drop things. If the condition is severe, the muscles at the base of the thumb may become noticeably ‘wasted.’

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DIAGNOSIS AT THE CLINIC There is no one mode or clinical test to decipher carpal WXQQHO V\QGURPH ÂśORFN VWRFN DQG EDUUHO ¡ <RXU GRFWRU will discuss and assess your symptoms and medical history and examine your hand and perform a battery of physical tests, viz., ‡ /RRN IRU DQ\ ZHDNQHVV LQ WKH PXVFOHV DURXQG WKH EDVH RI your thumb ‡ %HQG DQG KROG \RXU ZULVWV LQ SRVLWLRQV WR ILJXUH RXW LI \RX have numbness or tingling in your hands ‡ 3UHVV RQ WKH PHGLDQ QHUYH LQ WKH ZULVW DQG DVFHUWDLQ LI LW causes any numbness or tingling ‡ 7DS DORQJ WKH PHGLDQ QHUYH WR VHH ZKHWKHU WLQJOLQJ LV triggered in any of the fingers ‡ 7HVW \RXU ILQJHUV E\ WRXFKLQJ WKHP OLJKWO\ ZKLOH \RX NHHS your eyes closed. AT THE HOSPITAL ‡ (OHFWURSK\VLRORJLFDO WHVWV DQG 05, WR DVFHUWDLQ PHGLDQ nerve function is done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best line of treatment appropriate to your needs ‡ ,I \RX KDYH OLPLWHG ZULVW PRWLRQ \RXU GRFWRU PD\ RUGHU X-rays of your wrist and arrive at the diagnosis. MANAGEMENT It is evidenced that carpal tunnel syndrome will progressively aggravate in some individuals without some form of treatment. However, if suitable treatment is not instituted, or not pragmatically modified in the HDUO\ VWDJHV LW PD\ DOVR KDYH D EHDULQJ /LNHZLVH ZKHQ symptoms correspond to a job, activity or occupation, the condition may not progress, when the activity is stopped, or modified, if not curtailed. If diagnosed and treated early, carpal tunnel syndrome can be relieved with medical treatment, such DV KRPHRSDWK\ 6XUJHU\ LV XVXDOO\ WKH ODVW RSWLRQ ,Q cases where the diagnosis is tentative, or the condition is mild or moderate, it is imperative to incorporate simple measures, for better, long-term relief —

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‡ %UDFLQJ RU VSOLQWLQJ. A brace or splint worn at night keeps the wrist in a neutral position. This prevents annoyance to the median nerve, when your wrists are curled during sleep. Splints can also be used during activities that are likely to intensify symptoms. ‡ $FWLYLW\ FKDQJHV. Changing the pattern of hand use, avoiding positions and activities that worsen the symptoms may be helpful. If work requirements trigger symptoms, changing or modifying jobs would most likely slow or stop progression of the disorder ‡ 6XUJHU\ is considered when there is no relief from medical treatment. This, of course, depends on the intensity or severity of your symptoms and your doctor’s view. The ground for surgery is considered sooner when your doctor feels that other medical options are unlikely to help, especially in long-standing cases having constant numbness and wasting of your thumb muscles, that may lead to irreversible, or permanent, damage. In most cases, carpal tunnel surgery is done on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia. It is obvious that some pain, swelling, and stiffness can be expected after surgery. One may also be required to wear a wrist brace for up to three weeks. There may also be a mild form of sore feeling in the wrist for several months after surgery, along with weakness to ‘pinch’ or grip for up to 6-8 months. While driving, self-care activities, and light lifting and gripping are often permitted soon after surgery, your surgeon will determine when you should return to work and whether there should be any restrictions on your regular, job-related activities. &203/,&$7,216 Complications after surgery may include bleeding, infection and nerve injury. Most patients’ symptoms improve after surgery, but recovery is obviously slow, or gradual. Typically, grip and ‘pinch’ strength return 2-3 months after surgery. Complete recovery may take up to a year. In long-standing carpal tunnel syndrome, with severe loss of feeling and/or muscle wasting around the base of your thumb, recovery is rather slow. It may not be complete too. The big downside is carpal tunnel syndrome can

sometimes recur and require additional surgery. Or, your wrist may not be its same, pristine ‘self’ again. This is where homeopathy comes in handy to avert surgery and, in cases where surgery is done, to hasten the process of recovery and prevent recurrence. A case in point. A double blind randomised study by the Department of Plastic Surgery of Queen Victoria Hospital, West Sussex, in the UK, examined whether the homeopathic remedy, Arnica could speed up the recovery of hand surgery compared to placebo [dummy pill]. People who took the homeopathic Arnica tablets and Arnica ointment had a significant reduction in pain after two weeks. There was, however, no difference in grip strength or swelling between the two groups — the result, nonetheless, is positive and encouraging for safe and better post-operative treatment outcomes and recuperation. $ &20021 48(67,21 $16:(5(' &DQ , SUHYHQW FDUSDO WXQQHO V\QGURPH" Possibly, yes. When you know there is a problem, it makes sense to use wrist rests — they are useful in easing the nagging symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is not to suggest that they can prevent wrist problems. Far from it, but they are nonetheless useful. Other things to do, include — ‡ 5HGXFH ZHLJKW LI \RX DUH RQ WKH KLJKHU HQG RI WKH weighing scale ‡ 6HHN \RXU GRFWRU¡V DGYLFH WR UXOH RXW GLVRUGHUV WKDW DSSHDU to ‘mimic’ carpal tunnel syndrome ‡ :KHQ \RX GR \RXU WDVNV RYHU DQG RYHU DJDLQ PDNH VXUH that you take breaks and do not to bend, extend or twist your hands for extended periods of time ‡ $YRLG ZRUNLQJ ZLWK \RXU DUPV WRR FORVH RU WRR IDU DZD\ from your body ‡ 5HVW \RXU ZULVWV RQ D VRIW VXUIDFH IURP WLPH WR WLPH QRW on hard surface ‡ 6ZLWFK KDQGV IURP ULJKW WR OHIW GXULQJ ZRUN WDVNV ‡ 0DNH VXUH WKH WRROV \RX XVH ILW LQ VQXJO\ IRU \RXU KDQGV ‡ 7DNH UHJXODU EUHDNV IURP UHSHWLWLYH KDQG PRYHPHQWV Âł this will give your hands and wrists that much-needed respite and also rest

6(/) +(/3 ‡ 3URS XS \RXU DUP ZLWK SLOORZV ZKHQ \RX OLH GRZQ ‡ $YRLG RYHUXVLQJ WKH DIIHFWHG KDQG ‡ )LQG D QHZ ZD\ WR XVH \RXU KDQG E\ XVLQJ D GLIIHUHQW WRRO ‡ 7U\ WR XVH WKH XQDIIHFWHG KDQG PRUH RIWHQ ‡ $YRLG KROGLQJ \RXU ZULVWV LQ D GRZQZDUG EHQW SRVLWLRQ for long periods of time ‡ 3HUIRUP KDQG ZULVW DQG ILQJHU H[HUFLVHV XQGHU WKH guidance of a physical therapist, especially after surgery. This is important. Because, without exercise, your wrist may get rigid and you may lose some use of your hand too.

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week for 4-5 weeks, 33 people had no pain or their pain was reduced by more than 50 per cent. All of the people who had a failed surgery had noticeable improvement. After a follow-up after 1-2 years, it was found that pain returned for only two patients out of 23, and they were successfully treated within several weeks. ACUPRESSURE Acupressure is based on the same principle as acupuncture. Instead of applying needles to acupuncture points, pressure is applied. This is thought to stimulate the blood flow to the wrists and hands, while easing the numbness and swelling in the area. Acupressure points for carpal tunnel syndrome are typically ‘present’ on the wrists, forearms and hands. While one body of opinion believes that acupressure is effective for CTS, the other does not rule out the possibility of recurrence. NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE Research suggests that vitamin B6 [pyridoxine] deficiency may be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. A study by the Portland Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Center in Oregon, US, examined a group of people and found that higher levels of vitamin B6 were associated with fewer carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. A study also found that higher levels of vitamin C relative to lower vitamin B6 levels were associated with a higher prevalence and greater frequency of carpal tunnel symptoms. A Japanese study found that university students with lower levels of vitamin B6 ‘showed’ symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Food sources of vitamin B6 include sweet potatoes, avocados, brown rice, sunflower seeds, chick peas, salmon, chicken, turkey, barley, bananas, and mangoes.

Causes for vitamin B6 deficiency include a diet lacking in vitamin B6, use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy [HRT], consumption of foods containing certain additives, or types of macaroni, cheese and pickles, not to speak of chronic emotional stress. A typical dose of vitamin B6 for carpal tunnel syndrome is 50mg 2-3 times a day. It can take up to six weeks to notice improvement. The maximum intake from all sources should be approximately 200mg a day — unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor. Enzyme supplements such as the bioflavonoid, bromelain, made from pineapple, or a combination product too may help to reduce tissue swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It can take several weeks to perceive results. Vitamin B12 [cobalamin] is another useful nutrient. A study examined the effectiveness of vitamin B12 for people with carpal tunnel syndrome due to overuse of the non-paralysed arm after stroke. For two years, 67 people in the study received 1,500mcg of vitamin B12 a day, and the remaining 68 did not. After two years, there was a significant improvement in the group taking vitamin B12, compared to the untreated group. YOGA Yoga is suggested to be effective in relieving, or easing, the distressing symptoms of CTS. The following are recommended asanas. They are best performed under the supervision of a yoga teacher. Urdhva Hastasana [Overhead arm extension]. This is best done first thing in the morning. Stand straight, with feet parallel and arms at your sides: a posture that promotes blood flow to the hands. Stretch your arms and fingers straight out in front, palms facing the floor. Keeping the arms and elbows straight, slowly raise your arms over the head to 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock positions, inhaling through the nose. Make sure to keep your throat and shoulders relaxed. Lift the sides of the body, keeping the shoulders away from the head. Maintain for 15-30 seconds, breathing in and out through the nose. Exhale and lower your arms to your sides. If you feel blood flowing through your hands, it’s an indication that you’ve performed the asana correctly. Dandasana [Trunk extension]. You may perform this asana anywhere you’re seated. Sit on a chair with your trunk erect. Place your hands at your sides and press the palms into the seat, taking care not to stress your shoulders or neck. Press the shoulder blades into your back, moving the shoulders back and down. Hold for 20 seconds, breathing in and out through the nose. As you ‘spread’ the chest and shoulders, in the yoga posture, it energises your wrists and hands. Relax and repeat.

Dr Akshay Batra, a renowned homeopath, is Managing Director, Dr Batra’s. He is the first-ever homeopath-trichologist from Asia to be elected President of the Trichological Society of London, his alma mater. 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. Dr Akshay is also India’s first hair specialist to be associated with the European Hair Research Society [EHRS]. His published work includes the first-ofits-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.

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HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

WHAT’S YOUR TYPE: YOUR PERSONALITY

BRYONIA: RIGIDITY EXEMPLIFIED, YET STREET-SMART The homeopathic Bryonia typifies a growing sense of intense anxiety, encompassing the whole body. Individuals, who ‘emote’ the personality type, may often be livid, touchy and intolerant, but can smartly hold back their feelings with effortless ease.

L

connects to people who are obsessively keyed to egend has it that Dioscorides, the famed business, stock market and more than just two Greek physician, made the use of the square meals a day. In other words, people who herb, ‘Bryony,’ or wild hops, popular have the mindset of a trader in them — with a for treating infected wounds, while other keen eye on quantity rather than quality. Most ancient civilisations ‘applied’ the herb to treat Bryonias exude confidence on the surface, but conditions, such as coughs, including dyspnoea, By Dr MUKESH deep down they are often marooned in their own or difficulty in breathing, vertigo, epilepsy, gout BATRA lake of uncertainty and gross insecurity. and paralysis. To cull an example. Inflation and recession spell The homeopathic Bryonia was first proved by loss — of jobs, homes, assets, and above all, peace of Dr Samuel Hahnemann, MD, the founder of homeopathy. mind. This is also a profound reason why most people He propounded the idea that Bryonia was most effective find it difficult to deal with depleted standards of living, to treat pain disorders that were insidious in their onset coupled by emotional conflict and frustration. A decline and where symptoms appeared to be worse with minimal in wasteful expenditure and an altered value system are movement. Put simply, Bryonia relieves joint pains, inevitable outcomes. brought on especially with the least effort, or movement. We all live in difficult times today and with global The typical Bryonia individual complains of pain, while markets gone, or going, askew at times, even the deep lying on the painful side. Taking absolute rest, however, pockets of the rich and the famous as well as the bold gives momentary relief. Besides, Bryonia works best and the beautiful, are feeling the pinch. Yet, we are a when the person is also bad-tempered, or overtly irritable, resilient species. As we take a look at the brighter side and wants to be just left alone with their joint despair. of things, we are able to surmount troubles. This gives us the time to look after oneself, bond with family and UNYIELDING & ACQUISTIVE reunite with long-lost friends. It gives us the time too to Bryonia relates to individuals who are unyielding, stiff, do all the good, little things in life — reading, walking, sometimes boring, or acquisitive, and money-minded. It FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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listening to music — which you never had time for when you were busy making wealth. Bryonia is often useful to bring about and foster a smooth transition, especially for physical complaints brought about by the emotional impact of financial loss, or adversity. Poineering homeopaths reserved their select paeans for Bryonia in the treatment of mood affective disorders, such as depression and gloom, including obsessive compulsive disorder [OCD], hypochondria, anxiety and fixated eccentricity, or neurosis, paranoia, kleptomania, or the innate impulse to steal. Bryonia has a sense of intense anxiety in the whole body, and this makes them seek something persistently, even relentlessly — without giving up. To begin with, they may keep still to taking control of themselves, but when their trepidations reach the crescendo, they are agog with extreme anxieties. This makes them and their symptoms worse, sometimes formidable to bear. The whole rumbling may extend to include, “A desire for things that cannot be had, or are refused, or not wanted when offered.” FEAR HOLDS THE KEY Dr Hahnemann related Bryonia anxiety to apprehension of the future, even when that future was not near, while Dr Constantine Hering, MD, father of homeopathy in America, referred to Bryonia fear with “no wherewithal to live.” He underlined their obsessive-compulsiveness and tendency to be exaggeratedly busy and to embarking on far too much work too soon. Yet another legendary homeopath, Dr T F Allen, MD, highlighted Bryonia for its “prattling about business to be attended to.” You can certainly equate Bryonia with your boss, more so, for their oft-repeated phraseology — production, business, profit, buying and selling, while drawing a definitive line betwixt business and friendship. You may witness the

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credo in everyday life, but you tend to keep such mindmaps in suspended judgment — for whatever reason — primarily because not all bosses are the same. They are as different as their signature, or fingerprint. Bryonia are good actors — they can be livid, touchy and intolerant, in a huff, and yet they can smartly hold back their feelings with aplomb. It is not that they don’t sneer, make faces, or pester, hassle, and pursue. They are sometimes like the snarling cat; they open their paw and love to be left alone. In other words, they would not like someone prodding them. Bryonia’s keynote emotional symptoms include but are not limited to — cranky, irritable and violent feelings. They may be fretful and apprehensive in the room, fresh air, with vertigo and confusion of head on slightest motion. This is often better after a meal, or when stooping. They may carry an offensive breath with a desire for unusual things, alongside slow digestion, not to speak of constipation. Dr Allen relates to the Bryonia mindset as follows, “Irritable mood [will not have his wife and children about him; wishes to be alone].” They may also be morose and ill-humoured and inclined to needless anxiety, fright and fear. A woman patient, likewise, may be extremely irritable during her periods, or easily annoyed by disagreement, or stubborn, yet zealous and passionate. Bryonias exemplify a tenor of emotional and physical tranquillity; they may, for the most part, have an undulating dislike to, and for, company. Picture this — a Bryonia child dislikes be carried or raised. They abhor contact, even touch. This could have a Freudian notation — the spill-over effect of humiliation, violent behaviour and resentment. When driven to the wall, Bryonias have an intense desire to go home, because they often imagine that they are not at home and long to be suitably cared for and comforted. RESTLESS ENERGY Bryonias emote restless energy at night — this is what makes them spring up suddenly from the bed and take flight. They may on falling asleep let their speech to rumble and tumble with gay abandon, till their ‘talkathon’ makes them weary, exhausted and sloppy. This is where their ideas disappear with heat emerging in the face. To quote Dr Hering, “Great despondency, disinclined to think, exhaustion of intellectual powers.” The rest is predictable — confused, flighty and light-headedness, as if one is sinking into the bed in a semi-slumberous state. The climax is, they may become ‘out for the count’ and no longer speak. Their sensitivity goes to ‘sleep,’ just as much as their intensity. Bryonias, as a paradox, also think that they are doing business, all right, but there is a lurking fear that they cannot accomplish their purpose, or goal. They imagine that they are in no man’s land, far away from home, and also their bearings. This holds an eerie purport, because they often feel that they are under the control of strangers, and friends are strangers. Worse still, they

feel there are strangers in the room. They feel they are being pursued for no real reason — in the process, they also feel that they are floating in thin air. While other characteristic symptoms include “as if the head is turning in circles, the brain is turning around and the head is too heavy,” what wobbles the Bryonia psyche is their ‘waltzy’ illusions in the morning, or evening, and on falling asleep at night. Bryonias have vivid, fulsome dreams — their dreams are a confused mishmash of frightful nightmares, or anxiety, especially related to business, or past events, including meditation, vision, persistence, pleasant, unpleasant, restless, uncaring, trifling, the remembered, or unremembered. Bryonias also often dream of quarrels, strife, fights, riots and battles — including dead people, dead bodies and battle-scarred soldiers. So much so, that a Bryonia individual would want to just ‘detox’ their whole contexts and purge them through the drain — or, simply discard them out of their window. Most Bryonia symptoms are worse on least movement, eating, hot weather, morning, and on waking, or around 9:00pm. They feel better while lying on the painful side, or while taking rest. That Bryonia is a celebrated remedy for relieving intense, bursting headaches, migraines and hangovers, is as obvious as the smell of the apples. Just think of the epithet, ‘grumpy bear’ and ‘hangover’ remedy, and you have Bryonia. More so, because, it works best when stress or illness sets off a great deal of argumentative petulance — one that refuses consolation, or comfort, or solace. THE BRYONIA INDEX The key physical symptom of Bryonia is pain felt on the slightest movement, accompanied by intermittent spells

of great thirst, and dry lips, mouth, and eyes. Illness sets in slowly, typically after overexposure to heat or cold. Bryonia is useful for chest inflammation, pneumonia, bad headaches, and rheumatic pains. It may also be taken for some forms of constipation and breast twinge, or pain. BREAST PAIN Breasts are pale, hard, and hot, with sharp pains, especially in pregnant or breast-feeding women. Milk flow may be excessive. Symptoms are better by heat and rest. Symptoms are worse by movement. COLD & FLU Red, sore, swollen nose. A hoarse, constricted throat with a dry cough. Dry mucous membranes, white-coated tongue, great thirst with anxiety about financial security. Irritability with sharp, shooting ear pains and sore eyes with sensitivity to movement and heavy eyelids. There may be intense, aching headaches, and copious perspiration. Symptoms are better by rest. Symptoms are worse by bending forward and movement. CONSTIPATION Large, hard stools that look black, or burned. The rectum may be extremely dry. COUGH Great parchedness in the mouth, throat, chest, and mucous membranes, with prickly cough and sharp chest pains. Pressing the chest during a coughing bout may ease pain in the head, chest, or rib cage, as also lying still and breathing quietly. Coughs may be linked to colds, or bronchitis. Symptoms are better by rest, lying still and pressure on the chest. Symptoms are worse in warm rooms, morning, deep breathing, by movement, eating and drinking. HEADACHES Bursting, splitting headache over the forehead or left eye; even moving the eyeball hurts. Pain extends to the back of the head, the whole head, lasting all day. The mouth is dry, with great thirst. Symptoms are better with cold compresses, pressure on the head and closing the eyes. Symptoms are worse with eye or body movement, drinking while hot and also overeating. JOINT PAIN Joints and muscles are hot, swollen, stiff, and prone to stabbing pain, usually due to gout, or osteoarthritis [OA], or after an injury. Symptoms are better by heat and pressure on the affected area. Symptoms are worse by cold compress, slightest movement and jarring.

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.

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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MEDICAL MARVELS: LITTLE PILLS, BIG RESULTS

A Happy Respite By Dr BABLI KOTHARI, BHMS, Noida Thirty-five-year-old Riti first walked into our clinic avoiding curious, hideous stares. Her forlorn face revealed her low confidence levels. She had been suffering from extensive white patches, since the time she could recall. Over a period of time, the patches had gradually increased on her neck, chest and other parts of the body. She had consulted several doctors and tried almost every possible treatment that she could lay her hands on, but all in vain. They all provided only temporary relief. In due course of time, the white patches would reappear again. Thinking that she had to put up with this social stigma, all through her life, she gave up treatment and accepted the disorder as her destiny. After having heard about homeopathy’s efficiency in such conditions, she decided to have an opinion, although reluctantly. A detailed case analysis revealed that she was reticent and reserved, lacked confidence and had great stage-

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HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

fear — this had amplified over a period of time and aggravated her complaints. She also reported of profuse sweating and constipation. To refrain herself from giving too much attention to her complaints, she aimed to focus on her work and hobbies, and avoid social contact. We prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Silicea 200C, based on her presenting symptoms and temperament, along with dietary changes. She was also advised to practice stress-relieving techniques. As the treatment progressed, the white patches stopped spreading. This relieved her, though she had her doubts. With further treatment her patches improved; this instilled a new-found confidence in her. Now, when you look at her, she is no longer the same person, with that typical forlorn look, who first visited our clinic. Her sparkling eyes reflect her new-found optimism, a gleaming pride for homeopathy and its treatment outcomes to healing and changing lives.

A Dream Fulfilled...

Dr BATRA’S FOUNDATION Spreading the Joy of Good Health… through Homeopathy!

By Dr PANKAJ PRASHAR, BHMS, Chandigarh Hema came to our clinic with hope and expectation. Her complaint: irregular periods, hypothyroidism, and infertility. Having been married for 6-8 years, she was desperate to conceive. But, her report revealed a right tubal block. Besides this, her sonography report revealed polycystic ovaries — the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, which also a leading cause of infertility. To add to her woes, she had already undergone several attempts of IVF with no real success. She had been on hormonal treatment continuously for her irregular menses too. A detailed case history, followed by analysis, revealed that she was prone to depression, primarily because her in-laws had reluctantly accepted her and there seemed to be a sort of friction as a result in their relationship with her. She appeared to be depressed even when she spoke normally. Also, the difficulty of not having borne a child was adding to her emotional distress. We prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Natrum Muriaticum 200C, based on her presenting symptoms and other factors. As the treatment progressed, her cycles became regular.

Music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. — Billy Joel

Padma Shri recipient, Dr Mukesh Batra, delighted his audience for the fifth year in succession, with his melodious voice at Y B Chavan Auditorium on 15th January, 2015. Varsha Usgaonkar and Mandira Bedi were the Guests of Honour at this scintillating function. The old ladies of Shepherd Widows Home received a donation of C1Lac. Dr Batra’s melodic rendition of Bollywood’s golden numbers from yesteryears was a treat for them and for the enthusiastic audience who showed their appreciation by dancing in the aisle. Our sincere thanks go out to each and every one of you who contributed so generously at the event. ‘TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE!’ Join the joy-of-giving crusade to make someone smile, TODAY! For further details, please call: 0-93208 16431. E: larissa.dmello@drbatras.com pearl.vadukoot@drbatras.com — to be a part, or donate.

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HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

A H&Y ADVERTISING INITIATIVE

MEDICAL MARVELS: LITTLE PILLS, BIG RESULTS

We advised her to discontinue her hormonal treatment. Soon, her complaints — thyroid problems, hair loss, embarrassing facial hair and mood swings, also stopped. A few months after treatment, a repeat USG showed significant progress as regards her ovary cysts. The block, however, remained the same — this being irreversible. The icing on the cake, all the same, was she conceived naturally and was delivered of a healthy baby.

A Distress Eased Out

reported that Sushmita would get inexorably annoyed, when she’d not get what she would ask for or want as a gift. She also had the habit of comparing their old, rickety car with her friend’s swanky, new car. We prescribed Sushmita, the homeopathic remedy, Calcarea Phosphoricum 200, based on her presenting symptoms, including her emotional and characteristic demeanour. She responded favourably. She is now free of her eczematous misery and of all her other feelings of inadequacy.

‘Piles’ Relief

By Dr B L N RAJU, GCEH, Mysore

By Dr HARIN DANI, BHMS, Vadodara

Ten-year-old Sushmita presented with erythematous plaques and crusts, dotted with secondary infection and lesions. The oozing of fluid was copious. This was accompanied by severe discomfort, pain and intolerable itching. The lesions first appeared when Sushmita was six-months-old. The attending paediatrician had prescribed her local steroidal applications. At the age of four, Sushmita, as her parents reported, developed asthma-like symptoms. This was treated with antibiotics and oral steroids, during every flare-up. When Sushmita turned seven, she started to have severe skin lesions. Being the only child to her parents, it was apparent that Sushmita was extremely protected. What was also obvious during case taking was her characteristic temperament. She seemed to be extremely particular about everything and wanted her mother “to be with her all the time.” She would not want her to go to work. Her parents

Thirty-two-year-old Kevin suffered from excruciating pain in the rectum for hours after passing stool. At times, he also passed blood along with stool. Long hours of sitting at work further aggravated his pain. A visit to our clinic confirmed that he was suffering from piles [also known as haemorrhoids], which we also deduced was related to his long years of chronic constipation problem. We prescribed him the homeopathic remedy, Nux Vomica 30C, one of the most effective of homeopathic remedies for piles when coupled with constipation. It took just a few weeks for Kevin to get over from his constipation and piles’ distress. According to a recent health estimate, over 40 per cent of people worldwide suffer from piles. Lack of exercise, junk-fund, and a sedentary lifestyle are the three key factors responsible for an increasing number of young adults being afflicted with piles. Piles is neither ‘tumorous’ nor dangerous. It is simply an enlarged or engorged representation of the blood vessels. Piles may cause symptoms like bleeding, itching, pain and a lumpy feeling in the anus. Embarrassment causes most piles patients to suffer in silence rather than seek prompt medical help. They only go to the doctor when the pain becomes unbearable and the condition so severe that it usually requires surgery. Early treatment can easily help treat or prevent the disorder from progressing into complications. Homeopathy is best recommended for the holistic treatment of piles and its symptoms of pain, bleeding, itching and so on. It provides relief, safely, and without any side-effects, or the promulgation of invasive procedures, like surgery — when appropriately prescribed under the guidance of a professional homeopath. Grade 1 and 2 [piles in the rectum] can be significantly helped with homeopathy. In Grade 3 piles [internal protrusion], symptoms can be relieved, but the condition may not be completely treated. In Grade 4 piles [external protrusion], there would be symptomatic relief with homeopathy. Surgery may be considered, when symptoms are unbearable, agonising and persistent. FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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HOW HOMEOPATHY HELPED ME

Beating The Blues

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suffered from, what my doctors, friends and family said, was severe depression. I was frustrated with allopathic treatment I had been taking and its severe side-effects too. I did not know what to do until I happened to read an article on homeopathy and its effective, safe outcomes in depression. This prompted me to meet Dr Manisha Das. Following homeopathic treatment, I have now experienced a great deal of positive change. My depressive episodes are also infrequent now. I’d earlier found it difficult to do my regular office work, and attending to things at home, but now I manage them pretty well. I have also happily gotten over my social phobia and started driving my car, which I was once terrified of. A zillion thanks to Dr Das and homeopathy! V K Basu, a patient of Dr Manisha Das, BHMS, Kolkata

Miracle, Indeed...

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’m aged 41 years. I was suffering from psoriasis — would you believe it! — for the last 28 years. I had tried all kind of treatments, be it ayurvedic, unani, allopathic etc., with no relief. It was just a tryst that a new acquaintance impressed me upon the fact that I should change over to homeopathic treatment, which he said had worked for him for the same problem years before. I visited Dr Vasishta’s homeopathic clinic. Within a span of six months, a miracle began to happen. Following one year of homeopathic treatment, the results were difficult to believe for someone who had suffered from the awkward skin problem for over two decades. It was excellent. I thank Dr Vasishta and homeopathy for turning my life 360-degrees! Ashwin Venkatram, a patient of Dr Vasishta, BHMS, Bengaluru Editor’s Note: Readers/patients are advised to be regular while taking homeopathic treatment as it helps for proper analysis of the efficacy, or otherwise, of the remedy administered.

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DOCTOR’S ORDERS

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

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I am a forty-one-yearold overweight woman, diagnosed with gallstones. Please suggest homeopathic treatment for me. The risk factors of gallstone formation, frequently referred to as the ‘four F’s’ [female, forty, fertile and fatty; my apologies for the phrase] seem to be relevant from your question. You need to take care of what you eat, as foods with low fibre [refined foods], high cholesterol [red meat] and starch content increase the risk further. Include apple, lemon, carrot, spinach and watermelon in your diet, as they are known to help in flushing out the stone. Drink at least 1012 glasses of water. Exercise regularly, as weight loss is recommended. I’d suggest that you take the homeopathic remedy, Cholesterinum 6C, 4-5 pills, twice daily. Please note: if the pain becomes severe, or you develop jaundice, you may need hospitalisation, followed by surgery, if required.

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conditions can also cause bleeding gums, like infection and retracted or receded gums. We need to identify the cause. Till then avoid brushing hard or rapidly. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to remove food particles from the mouth after every meal. Stay away from hard-to-bite, sour foods and drinks, hot and carbonated acid drinks and sticky chocolates, which can cause injury. You need to visit your dentist regularly and get your plaque cleaned. Eat a well-balanced nutritious diet. Masticate food properly and gargle with salty warm water after every meal. You’d take homeopathic remedy, Phosphorous 30C, 4-5 pills, once daily. Consult a dentist if symptoms persist.

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My thirty-year-old husband suffers from gas and flatulence. Please guide. Flatulence can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, faulty eating habits, certain foods like beans, cauliflower etc. Ask your hubby to avoid gas-producing foods like cabbage, broccoli, aerated drinks etc. Exercising or walking for 30-40 minutes daily is recommended. It helps. Include asafoetida [hing], jeera, ajwain etc., in the diet. Also ask him to avoid eating hurriedly, have small frequent meals and drink at least 10-12 glasses of water daily. Your hubby would do well by taking the homeopathic remedy, Carbo Vegetabilis 30C, 4-5 pills, twice daily. Please let me know his progress.

I suffer from ankylosing spondylitis and take painkillers regularly. Please advise. nkylosing spondylitis is a disorder where the spine and other joints get affected progressively leading to deformities. Homeopathy can help to decrease the pain and discomfort, thereby reducing the need for painkillers. Complete reversal might not be possible. Certain exercises for the back are important. Hot water fomentation may relieve the pain. Avoid bending and lifting heavy weights. If you smoke, try to quit because smoking is not just bad for health, but it also o you have a health creates additional problems in people question? Need an with ankylosing spondylitis. A detailed answer? case study is required to prescribe the E-mail your health appropriate homeopathic medicine for you. questions to: expertadvice@ All the same, you’d take Rhus Toxicodendron homeopathyandyou.com 30C, 4-5 pills, twice daily.

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Q

I am a twenty-six-year-old housewife. My gums bleed and there is also an offensive odour coming from my mouth. Please help. Common causes of bleeding gums are injury caused by insertion of foreign substances, tooth picking, improper brushing, flossing etc. Various disease

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Renowned homeopath Dr Mukesh Batra will answer your questions.

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I have hydrocele and don’t want to go for surgery. Will homeopathy help? Hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicles in the scrotum [the bag that holds the testicles]. It is asymptomatic and is usually not dangerous; therefore, if small in size, it requires no treatment. Homeopathy helps by reducing the size of the hydrocele by causing absorption of the fluid. You’d take Pulsatilla 30C, 4-5 pills twice daily. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist. Surgery is indicated when hydrocele increases in size and becomes uncomfortable, is associated with hernia, or starts affecting fertility. FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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CHILD HEALTH

BEAT EXAM BLUES WITH HOMEOPATHY When it is exam time, or preparing for it, one is nervous, excited, and also stressed-out. What one fears the most is more than just forgetting what one needs to remember during exams. Don’t despair. There is hope — with mnemonics and homeopathy. By Dr VIJAY BANSODE

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irst things first. Learning and memory are mutually dependent processes. Memory is the ability to recall or remember past events, or previously learned information, or skills. One cannot, of course, remember something one has not already learned. There are three stages in memory, viz, 1. the sensory register; 2. short-term memory; and, 3. long-term memory. The sensory register performs the initial coding and brief storage of stimuli, for 0.25 seconds in the visual system. The memory process that temporarily stores information for immediate, or short-term, use is called short-term memory. Its duration is about 30 seconds; its capacity is limited from 5-9 items. When information enters short-term memory, it is subject to decay, interference, rehearsal, or transfer into longterm memory. Long-term memory keeps a relatively permanent documentation of information. Forgetting is not only distressing, it can be the most frustrating thing in life. The most simple and dependable solution to memory problems is mnemonics, or memory tool. A mnemonic helps to improve one’s memory without expensive or time-consuming memory aids. A student, for example, may find mnemonics useful in approaching a learning

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HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

situation in logical steps. A case in point: colours of the spectrum, or all the visible colours in the colour spectrum, viz., R – red, O – orange, Y – yellow, G – green, B – blue, I – indigo, and V – violet. The mnemonic to remember is: ‘Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain.’ Besides, one should, to begin with, try and break the given task into small units, perhaps into chapters. Within each chapter, one should quickly survey the material and question oneself about the most important aspects of what one has just surveyed. One should then read the material, carefully. After reading, one may also recite the most important points aloud.

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Finally, one should review all the material recorded. When this is done, the person can ‘overlearn,’ so as to aid retention for a successful outcome. GOOD MEMORY IN 3 STEPS Step 1. Relaxation: Adopt the supine position in bed, when you retire for the day. Take a few deep breaths and relax completely. Avoid going to sleep straightaway Step 2. Recollection: Try to remember what you had studied during the course of the day to the point when you are lying on bed Step 3. Visualisation: Visualise that you are sitting near your study table. Imagine the topics/reports/materials you have studied. Go to sleep. S-l-o-w-l-y. When you practice this 3-step programme, on a regular basis, you will remember almost everything — as if it has been ‘photographed’ in your mind [Note: Loss of memory due to amnesia [memory loss] — retrograde, anterograde and psychogenic — is relatively rare, although popular films and television soap operas frequently depict people in the condition. Recovery is, by and large, gradual]. Yet another factor is meaningful orientation, the defence system which helps us in overcoming obstacles to remembrance. One useful idea is — the learner has to make his/her study as meaningful as possible and get a clear picture of materials for better outcomes. Research suggests that emotional, motivational and social factors also influence remembrance. People often remember unpleasant experiences. Likewise, most controversial matters are also remembered for long. HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHY Homeopathic remedies can be effectively and safely used to supplement mnemonics in more ways than one. To obtain maximum results, appropriate homeopathic treatment is instituted at the clinic, depending upon the unique disposition, or individualistic temperament and general emotional make-up of the person.

For example: Forgets easily: Lachesis, Staphisagria, Graphites and Veratrum Album are effective homeopathic remedies. For weakness of memory and intelligence, which stop the young from their studies: Natrum Carbonicum. Lack of memory, or sluggish recollection: Sulphur, Belladonna, Opium, Veratrum Album and Gelsemium. Examination anxiety: Gelsemium and Argentum Nitricum. Lack of concentration, general absent-mindedness, especially at times of stress— for example, when studying for exams: Anacardium. Homeopathy can also improve weak memory and poor concentration. The important thing to remember is that homeopathic treatment will involve more than what the suggested homeopathic remedies can provide. Besides, change of remedies, and potencies of remedies, may be required as symptoms could alter throughout treatment. This apparently requires the vigilant supervision of a professional homeopath. The big advantage with homeopathic treatment is that other problems too will improve during treatment. This is because the prescription is made on the combined symptoms of all of the person’s health problems, aside from memory issues. The bottom line is simple, also profound. Each homeopathic remedy treats numerous other symptoms that are not a consequence of memory problems. What’s more, the professional homeopath will always choose the one remedy that best matches the overall symptoms of the individual, and not just symptoms of ‘flawed’ memory.

MNEMONICS EXPLAINED A mnemonic is another word for memory tool. Mnemonics are techniques for remembering information that is, otherwise, difficult to recall. A simple example is the ‘30 days hath September’ rhyme for remembering the number of days in each calendar month. The idea behind using mnemonics is to encode difficult-to-remember information in a way that is much easier to remember. Our brains evolved to code and interpret complex stimuli such as images, colours, structures, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, positions, emotions and language. We use them to make sophisticated models of the world we live in. Our memories store all of these effectively. Unfortunately, a lot of the information we have to remember in modern life is presented differently – as words printed on a page. While writing is a rich and sophisticated medium for conveying complex arguments, our brains do not easily encode written information, making it difficult to remember. This is reason why a mnemonic is always a useful and handy tool. — Source: MindTools

Dr Vijay Bansode, BHMS, is a Mumbai-based homeopath.

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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QUINTESSENCE

SLEEPLESSNESS & HOMEOPATHY Homeopathy brings about safe, natural sleep in people who just can’t get their doze of sleep. It treats the ‘sleep-less’ individual, as a whole, not just sleeplessness in isolation. By Dr CHINMAY MAHANTA

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hirty-five-year-old Vishwas visited us with longstanding sleeplessness [insomnia]. He had tried every treatment possible, for over four years, without success. He reported that he would “sleep at a fixed time every night, but not get ‘normal’ sleep, like others did.” He complained of excessive daytime sleepiness. This, he said, was affecting his work performance. We prescribed him the homeopathic remedy, Silicea, based on his symptom-picture, typified by a creeping sense of failure or ‘professional setback.’ Following a year of homeopathic treatment, Vishwas regained his ‘normal’ sleep patterns. A few months later, he duly received his promotion on the job — something he had longed and worked for, but thought was out-of-reach because of his ‘sleepless’ anguish. THE POWER OF SLEEP Sleep is a natural state that promotes rest. Sleep acts like a shock-absorber — a natural cushion against stress and augments optimal health and well-being. This is achieved by way of chemical stimulation in the brain, the nerve centres and the muscular system.

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Sleep is partly biological in nature. It also corresponds to behavioural and cultural factors. Put simply, any general relaxation of the body facilitates sleep. It is also suggested that what people do in the course of the day has a certain effect on the time they spend sleeping. For some, sleep is a blessing. For others, sleep is a waste of time. These people, however, tend to spend a substantial part of their vacations, weekends, or holidays, sleeping. What happens during sleep from the functional pointof-view is well-known. What is not exactly known is why people sleep, or how sleep helps them to recuperate and revitalise their energies. Sleep time and its duration also vary considerably. Most people feel good with eight hours of sleep. While some feel good with just 4-5 hours of sleep, a few may need as much as 9-10 hours of ‘good’ sleep. Interestingly, hospital patients, it is said, spend the same amount of time sleeping as people who are on their feet all day. Psychologists say that the quantity, or quality, of sleep, though variable with individual needs, is probably associated with bodily requirements and age. Sleep is indispensable to life. Most of us feel haggard and weary

when deprived of our ‘normal’ quota of sleep. Teenagers tend to sleep longer than young adults. Likewise, old people sleep less than youngsters. Most young adults sleep for six hours at night. Sleep loss has got nothing to do with ‘compensating’ sleep lost due to hectic work schedules. The harder one tries to recompense sleep loss this way, the worse is the outcome. DANGERS OF SLEEP LOSS Sleep loss may lead to temporary loss in performing tasks, both simple and complex. Severe loss may lead to behavioural problems as also road accidents. Long-term sleep deprivation or loss, may trigger a host of illnesses including hair loss, emotional health problems, common cold, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, stroke, and cancer. Sleeplessness, or insomnia, is the individual’s prolonged inability to sleep. People with insomnia are often listless and tired during the day. The cause is usually anxiety, or depression. An insomniac [a person who just can’t sleep, or get their ‘normal’ quota of sleep] may be classified as follows: 1. takes more than an hour to fall asleep, 2. sleep is disturbed, and 3. wakes up in the early hours of the morning feeling totally tired and unrefreshed. Conventional sleeping pills do not induce natural sleep. They interfere with the normal rhythms of natural sleep. They are habit-forming. They are not without side-effects. HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHY Homeopathy aims to induce natural sleep, safely and effectively. Homeopathy is safe, non-habit-forming, and effective. It treats the individual, their temperament and personality, not just sleeplessness alone — although this is also a part of the treatment process. Ambra Grisea is a useful remedy for sleepless individuals, who are nervous and thin, or subject to ‘nervous chills,’ or wake up worried and distressed. Avena Sativa works effectively in sleepless individuals who are extremely irritable, nervous and exhausted. This remedy is a natural soothing agent; it calms the nerves and promotes good sleep.

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Dr Chinmay Mahanta, BHMS, is a Kolkata-based homeopath.

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Coffea Cruda is useful when sleeplessness is caused by excitement, as from exhilarating news, or promotion on the job. Nux Vomica is effective when sleeplessness is a result of mental overwork, or too close study, especially in individuals who love coffee and alcohol, and are prone to tummy upsets. Passiflora Incarnata, or passion flower, is an excellent, natural sleep remedy. It works well in most individuals who complain of mental stress and anxiety, along with a worrying inability to sleep. Other useful remedies are Gelsemium, Ignatia Amara, Opium and Valeriana. Homeopathy also emphasises on proper rest, recreation, exercise and relaxation. It focuses on other parameters, including the individual’s access to a comfortable bed, a quiet, dark room with suitable ventilation, temperature and humidity. A warm bath and/ or a glass of warm milk, meditation, or listening to soulful melodies, are also recommended before one retires to bed. This will help create the desired relaxing effect, or mood, for a good night’s sleep. CLINICAL STUDIES Two double-blind studies compared Quietude, a combination of homeopathically prepared plant extracts that has been popular in France, with diazepam [valium]. The subjects were adults and children who were nervous and suffered from sleeplessness. The results showed that the homeopathic product increased sleep time, reduced interruptions during sleep, and reduced nervousness. Both products relieved insomnia and minor nervous tension 63 per cent of the time. However, the homeopathic remedy produced no side-effects: there was no daytime dizziness, as opposed to 13 per cent of the diazepam group. The homeopathic remedy group suffered no daytime drowsiness, but 53 per cent of the diazepam group felt drowsy. In addition, Quietude was better at reducing children’s nightmares, and 74 per cent of the Quietude patients said the product was better than other treatments, as opposed to 48 per cent of the diazepam group who felt this way.

YOUR LITTLE BOX: HOMEOPATHIC KIT FOR EVERY HOME

PETROLEUM: MORE THAN JUST A SKIN REMEDY The homeopathic remedy Petroleum is most useful for individuals who often feel chilly and present with offensive foot and armpit sweat, even in winter — a unique symptom. By Dr SANTOSH GAIKAR

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etroleum is derived from the Latin petra, for ‘rock,’ and oleum, for ‘oil.’ It is formed by the rotting of plant and animal matter in rock sediment deposits on the sea bed. The product is used in the manufacture of several goods, from fertilisers to paints and plastics to explosives. The homeopathic Petroleum was proved by Dr Samuel Hahnemann, MD, the founder of homeopathy, and is used primarily to treat skin disorders and queasiness. Petroleum suits individuals who are ill-tempered and confrontational, or lose their cool without difficulty. Such individuals cannot make decisions; they are often forgetful, confused and disoriented to the point of losing their ‘connect,’ even in familiar locations. They may also have a feeling of duality — as if their bodies were ‘separated,’ or not their own. Symptoms are often worse during the day and in winter — especially cracked heels, or toes. Petroleum individuals often feel chilly, and may present with offensive foot and armpit sweat, even in winter — this is a remarkable symptom. They may also have a loathing for rich, fatty-foods, or feel miserable after inhaling petrochemical fumes. The fumes may worsen their symptoms, triggering a sense of weakness and bad temper. Petroleum is most useful for skin conditions, such as dermatitis [eczema], psoriasis, and chilblains. It is also used in diarrhoea, nausea, car sickness and morning sickness of pregnancy, halitosis [bad mouth odour, ‘that smells like garlic’], and migraine. CHILBLAINS Intense itching, followed by burning, especially on the hands, feet, and toes is characteristic. The skin looks ‘scratched raw,’ and may present with a weepy discharge leading to possible infection. Symptoms are better in dry weather and warm air. They are worse in cold, damp weather, and touch. DIARRHOEA & NAUSEA Diarrhoea appears only during the day. The individual may complain of constant, ravenous hunger — and, may eat snacks during the night. Hunger increases after a bowel movement, although tummy symptoms

may worsen after eating. Petroleum ‘patients’ hate cabbage, peas, beans, meat, and fatty foods. They may often complain of nausea accompanied by vomiting and vertigo. There may also be other psychological symptoms related to eating disorders, or long-standing bingeing. Symptoms are better for a short while after eating, by passing stools, and staying crouched in bed. Symptoms are worse in cold weather, by movement, in the morning, after eating. ECZEMA & PSORIASIS The skin is dry and tough with deep cracks, especially on the palms of the hands, the tips of the fingers, and the folds of the skin — for example, behind the ears, or the knees. Extreme itchiness may incite frequent scratching that causes bleeding and potential infection. This tends to be worse at night. There may be psoriasis, with thick patches of scaly, reddened skin, causing great distress. In addition, the skin may be affected by cold sores, boils, and chilblains. Symptoms are better in warm weather and after eating. They are worse by the heat of the bed and in winter. MIGRAINE Petroleum has vicious headaches, with great heaviness at the back of the head. The scalp is sensitive to cold and touch. The head is often sensitive, ‘anaesthetised’ and ‘feels like wood.’ Patients may often complain of temporary deafness and a feeling of unsettled stomach with queasiness. Symptoms are better by pressure. Symptoms are worse in cold, by touch, and while coughing. TRAVEL SICKNESS Nausea and vomiting when travelling, with severe headache, is a typical symptom. Nausea may develop upon the slightest movement, with excess salivation. Symptoms are better after eating, but only for a short time. Symptoms are worse in cold weather, fresh air, movement. Dosage. Petroleum 30C, 4-5 pills, twice daily, or as prescribed, or advised, by your homeopathic physician.

Dr Santosh Gaikar, BHMS, is a Mumbai-based homeopath

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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HOMEOPATHIC HAPPENINGS

HOMEOPATHY IS EFFECTIVE FOR EAR DISORDERS IN CHILDREN

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study conducted in Germany reports that homeopathy is effective for ear disorders [otitis media] in children. A prospective group study of five practicing otorhinolaryngologists used conventional therapy of acute otitis media in children. This was compared with homeopathic treatments. Group A [103 children] was primarily treated with homeopathic single remedies [Aconitum Napellus, Apis Mellifica, Belladonna, Capsicum, Chamomilla, Kalium Bichromicum, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Mercurius Solubilis, Okoubaka, Pulsatilla and Silicea]. Group B [28 children] was treated by decongestant nose-drops, antibiotics, secretolytics and/or antipyretics. Comparisons were done by symptoms, physical findings, duration of therapy and number of relapses. The children of the study were between one and 11 years of age. The difference in numbers was explained by the children with otitis media being primarily treated by paediatricians using conventional methods. The median duration of pain in Group A was two days and in group B three days. Median therapy in group A lasted four days and in group B ten days. Antibiotics were given over a period of 8-10 days, while homeopathic treatments were stopped after healing. In Group A 70.7 per cent of the patients were free of relapses within one year and 29.3 per cent had a maximum of three relapses. Group B had 56.5 per cent without relapses and 43.5 per cent a maximum of six relapses. Five children in group A were given antibiotics, while 98 responded solely to homeopathic treatment.

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HPTs GENERATE RECOGNISABLE AND REPRODUCIBLE SYMPTOM PICTURES Interesting results have emerged from a pilot pathogenetic trial of the homeopathic Ozone 30C, conducted by researchers Jeremy Sherr, Tina Quirk, and Alexander L Tournier. Homeopathic pathogenetic trials [HPTs] are a pillar of homeopathy, a key source of the symptoms characteristic of a particular homeopathic medicine. Homeopaths choose homeopathic medicines by comparing these remedy pictures with the symptoms the patient is presenting. Thus, recognition of these symptom sets ‘underpins’ the clinical practice of homeopathy. The test was done to understand whether HPTs generate consistent and recognisable sets of symptoms in consecutive trials. Practicing homeopaths, blinded to the homeopathic medicine under investigation, were given the set of symptoms generated during an unpublished HPT and asked to identify the homeopathic medicine used. Ozone, prepared by homeopathic method to the ultramolecular dilution of 30C [10ï60 dilution], was chosen at random from 20 potential medicines. Seven practicing homeopaths were asked to make three guesses as to the identity of the remedy. Initially from the full list of possible remedies [N = 2372]. Two of the seven homeopaths guessed the identity of the remedy correctly [p < 0.0001]. Subsequently, when their choice of possible medicines was restricted to a list of 20, the same two homeopaths selected the correct medicine; however none of the other practicing homeopaths did so [p = 0.2].

A H&Y ADVERTSING INITIATIVE

The selection of the correct homeopathic medicine from the unrestricted list [N = 2372 medicines] by two homeopaths is noteworthy given that the homeopathic medicine used during the HPT was diluted well beyond Avogadro’s number and would not be expected to produce any detectable or recognisable symptomatology. The results show that practicing homeopaths may be able to correctly identify a homeopathic medicine from the set of symptoms generated during an HPT. This suggests that such symptom pictures generated by taking an

ultramolecular homeopathic medicine are recognisable and specific to the substance taken. Since identification of the remedy was based on past HPT information held in the homeopathic Materia Medica, the test demonstrates that HPT-generated symptom pictures are reproducible, thus validating the HPT methodology. The promising preliminary findings warrant replication; besides, the outcome has led to possible improvements to trial designs to be incorporated in future studies. — Source: http://www.homeopathyjournal.net/

VET HOMEOPATHY @ DR BATRA’S STATE-OF-THE ART PET CARE HOSPITAL, YUSUF SARAI, NEW DELHI HOMEOPATHY TREATS PET ECZEMA EFFECTIVELY

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eople are often surprised to find that homeopathic remedies can treat animals — and even plants. One of the advantages of working with homeopathy is that we do not have to wait for a disease to be fitted with a name before we can treat it — the symptoms the animal, experiences are enough. For this reason, the same remedy used for a human can also be used for an animal, as long as the symptoms are similar. The following case, that appeared in HomeopathyPlus, is a typical example of the use of homeopathic remedy, Sulphur, for Betsy a three-year-old black Labrador. Betsy belonged to a loving family but they were being driven crazy by her flea-bite allergy. It would seem that Betsy would only have to sniff a flea in order to break out in a weeping and itchy rash. Initially, the rash had occurred at the base of her tail, but as time progressed it had spread further and further up her back. Once present, Betsy would be in agony trying to bite and scratch it. Being a big dog, she would overbalance into furniture and children in her attempt to do so — people and things were being damaged! Betsy’s owners had made several visits to the vet. In spite of expensive shampoos, tablets, lotions, sprays, and injections, the problem was still with them. Even though they did everything they could to keep things flea-free it would take just one bite to start the cycle over again. Betsy’s owners were also concerned about the toxic nature some of the products may be having on themselves and their pet. One of the joys of being an animal-fascinated homeopath is that it is made up of things much more than just meow, bark, hop, gallop, jump, flap, run, moo, or swim. As the vet homeopath looked at Betsy scratching on the clinic floor, the good doctor asked Betsy’s owners some questions and found that she

was generally a ‘hot’ dog. In summer she would sleep on the tiles in the family room and even in winter would prefer to lie in the corner farthest from the heater. She was a friendly, clumsy ‘klutz’ and although most Labradors are big eaters, she was particularly gutsy. After eating she would relieve herself of offensive gas that her owners said could clear a room. Based on her symptoms, her homeopath prescribed the homeopathic remedy, Sulphur for Betsy which saw her have her first allergy-free summer. Her owners were ecstatic — albeit Betsy didn’t seem to notice. Two years later she needed a repeat dose, but has been eczema-free ever since. For appointments, contact: T: [011]-4269 4800/M: 0-93805 80808 E: info@drbatraspetcare.com Website: www.drbatraspetcare.com

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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WHAT LIES BENEATH: MYSTERIES OF HOMEOPATHY

HEALING WITH HOLISTIC WISDOM Homeopathy, a system of rational healing, stands next only to modern or orthodox medicine — in terms of its popularity and curative index. By Dr RAJGOPAL NIDAMBOOR

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ost knowledgeable sources consider homeopathy as a link between orthodox medicine and holistic approach to health. Modern homeopathic physicians, however, look on the system not as an alternative but as complementary to orthodox treatment. An offshoot of orthodox medicine, homeopathy originated as a treatment primarily for acute disease; the chronic ‘mantle’ came much later, which is precisely the reason why homeopathic physicians themselves concede that the system could, perforce, achieve no more than a modest improvement in extremely chronic conditions. The fact remains that homeopathy, not to speak of its concepts, is attracting increasing interest worldwide. It would be illogical to understand homeopathy without taking a dekko at its roots. Homeopathy began with its founder, Dr Samuel Hahnemann, MD [17551843], a German medical genius, who was also as good as any classical chemist of his time. Disgusted with the prevalent practice of medicine, which was based more on dogma than anything else, Hahnemann gave up his medical practice and made a living by translating scientific works into German and other languages, since he was a fantastic polyglot, an authority in 14 languages. He had one passion: to find out the right method of medicinal treatment of the sick, which would at once be safe, sure, and simple in its form and content. Discoveries are, more often than not, by-products of accidents. Hahnemann’s homeopathy was no exception. A passage from William Cullen’s Lectures on Materia Medica, a standard work of that age, was to Hahnemann what the cover-drive was to Rahul Dravid. While translating the Scottish physician’s treatise, in

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1790, Hahnemann came across a statement, which stated that cinchona [quinine] bark possessed specific ‘febrifugal’ action, because it was both the most aromatic and bitter substance known. Hahnemann was not impressed, trained as he was by his father who had impressed upon his brilliant son not to accept anything without examining it. Hahnemann thought that there were more barks, more substances having bitter and aromatic properties, which did not have the power to cure fevers. He decided to find out the why and how of it immediately. THE CINCHONA PERESTROIKA Hahnemann prepared a decoction of cinchona bark and took it for the first time in medical history 2,000 years after the law of similars was touched upon, in passing, by Hippocrates in 400 BC. And, presto, he developed the symptoms of malaria-like fever in himself. Critics, however, have objected that quinine, in small doses, does not, in fact, produce the symptoms of malaria. Or, it’d be at best a hypersensitivity response. This is beside the point, because Hahnemann believed it did, and that it also suggested the idea of homeopathy to him. Based on a number of similar experiments, without the help of a clinical thermometer which was unknown at that time, Hahnemann concluded that a drug that is capable of producing a set of its own peculiar and characteristic symptoms when given in the proper form to the healthy, sensitive individual, can cure harmlessly, permanently and quickly a patient with disease exhibiting a similar set of symptoms. The cinchona assay was, thus, a case in point and the touchstone for

the development of Hahnemann’s novel discovery. Hahnemann was no routine experimenter. He experimented with an eye on scientific justification and observation. He was his own mariner’s compass, his own radar. He saw to it that there was no error in his induction. He asserted: treat the patient, not the disease, based on a proper understanding of the individuality of the patient and administering the appropriate remedy which suits that individuality the most. For example, there may be two persons bogged down by a common illness. While one of them does not need blankets [feels warm], the other may not shove away the covering [feels cold]. This is individuality. It calls for the employment of two different remedies for treatment. VERIFIABLE KNOWLEDGE It was discovered by Hahnemann that crude drugs after undergoing the process of homeopathic preparation where their medicinal power is increased by repeated succussion [shaking] for crude medicinal substances in the liquid form and by trituration [grinding] of unmedicinal powders [e.g., flint, or sand], developed their inherent curative action manifold and became powerful — in tune with the atomic theory — and, yet safe agents in the treatment of the sick. He called this potency, which takes the methodology beyond Avogadro’s number, related to the natural law of cure, or similia similibus currentur [like cures like], the motto of homeopathy. As Dr James Krauss, MD, said, “Science is verified or verifiable knowledge produced by conception of percepts, induction of deducts. For scientific imagination, conceptuation from perception, not many percepts are needed.” Hahnemann called the system homeopathy [homoios = similar; pathos = sickness]. To emphasise on an important point, especially in the context of homeopathy’s earlier beginnings and in the modern context — more so, for people who feel homeopathy is something related to metaphysics and empiricism. We have nothing more to say, but invite them to look at, or explore, what Dr Richard Hughes, MD, an English homeopath, achieved through his independent research and critical analysis. Dr Hughes was a cut above others in his zeal for homeopathy and its scientificity. Dubbed by his critics as a ‘pathological prescriber,’ he made gallant endeavours to erase the Materia Medica of too many theoretical observations and information recorded by some ‘experts’ who had the deplorable tendency to copy from one another sans any inhibition. Hughes’s idea was simple. He thought of the pathological side of the homeopathic remedy vis-à-vis the conditions which it could both cure and cause, and

vice versa. He went into the proving aspects in animals by way of experiments. Although his great efforts fell short of his avowed and cherished goals, Hughes did singular service in bringing the Materia Medica to the logical path of provings and toxicology. If homeopathy becomes a regular part of the educational curriculum in orthodox medical colleges in the future, it would be the neo-Hughesian concept that would find favour in teaching. POTENCY ISSUE While the potency theory is still the bone of contention between homeopathy and orthodox science, recent attempts to explain the homeopathic perspective on the basis of advanced scientific experiments which demonstrate that there is biological activity even in extremely low dilutions have not been conclusive as yet. It is hoped that a possible and acceptable scientific explanation will emerge in course of time. Until this happens, homeopathy would continue to be an exploratory scientific pursuit and integral part of evidence-based medicine. Hahnemann found out that by the addition of a first non-lethal dose of a ‘like’ as Belladonna to a ‘like’ such as scarlet fever, which was like adding fire to engulfing flames, he was liberating more and more curative power. His inference: Belladonna [atropine, deadly nightshade] can cause scarlet fever, even when taken in the minutest form, and, as such, cure a ‘like’ patient of that state when taken in the homeopathic potentised form. Hahnemann held that the basic causes of illnesses started in the mental plane as a result of the individual fulminating the natural laws, at a time when psychology was still a part of philosophy. He explained that they start unusual desires to which the individual mistakenly yields and attempts to fulfil by conscious physical endeavours and ‘scheming.’ The disease forces get established and are rendered constitutional, handed down from generation to generation, leading to a host of hereditary disorders and chronic syndromes, which can, however, be treated by efficient homeopathic intervention. Hahnemann explained that a drug produces an artificial disease. Like any foreign material, it produces a specific stimulus. Its curative action/effect, therefore, lies in eliciting reaction from the human organism. This is also the raison d’être of homeopathic provings from their curative viewpoint. Homeopathy may be called, in short, the medicine of vital stimulation, immunological medicine, in the purely physiological sense, but also of vital reaction or autoregulation. Because the amount of stimulus required to provoke reaction in an organism rendered hypersensitive by disease is seldom material.

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

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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HOM[E]O TRUTHS

THE HOMEOPATHIC PERSPECTIVE OF OBESITY Have we all become compulsive eaters? Are we all gluttons? Are we actually hungrier physically than we used to be? Or, are we simply eating more if you put it in front of us: whether we’re really hungry or not? A study done at Penn State, US, suggests the latter — something that homeopathy has always espoused. By Dr VAISHALI KAMAT

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r Erik Steele, a US physician and hospital administrator, says, “In the debates over how to fight the obesity epidemic, the food industry is acting a lot like the tobacco industry did in the tobacco wars. The parallels between the two industries are striking. Both spend billions of dollars trying to get us to use more of their products and then deny any responsibility for any ill-effects caused by the use or overuse of their products. Both have spent billions advertising directly to children, then denied responsibility for our children eating too much high fat and high sugar foods, or smoking. The two industries have said it is our job to be smart about what we put in our mouths, and then resisted efforts to get us the information we need to be smart.” There are no such dangers with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic remedies are safe, gentle. They correct the underlying problem — the cause of ‘obesity.’ From the

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root. Not just its mere manifestation. It takes into account the fact that no two obese individuals will present with identical problems. Each of us is unique. Homeopathy looks at the person in toto, including the origin, the ‘root,’ of illness It gives medicines in micro-doses — you’d call it energy medicine. What can cause obesity can treat. Large doses can cause illness; minute doses, that are used in homeopathy, treat illness. This provides a mild touch or stimulus, not side-effects, for the body to bring in a sense of balance. Homeopathy also suggests lifestyle changes; it distils the person’s physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects, including sensitivities and sensibilities — to bring 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.

Homeopathy is mind-body medicine — excellent for functional and psychosomatic disorders, including obesity/eating disorders. ‡ 7UHDWV WKH SDWLHQW DV D ZKROH ‡ 1R ELWWHU SLOOV RU SDLQIXO LQMHFWLRQV ‡ 1R VLGH HIIHFWV DV PHGLFLQHV DUH JLYHQ LQ PLQXVFXOH [infinitesimal] doses ‡ (IIHFWLYHQHVV EDVHG RQ FOLQLFDO HYLGHQFH ‡ 'RHVQ·W MXVW VXSSUHVV V\PSWRPV UHPRYHV WKH GLVHDVH LOOQHVV IURP WKH ¶URRW· ‡ 1RW MXVW FXUDWLYH EXW SUHYHQWDWLYH WRR ILLUSTRATION +RPHRSDWK\ LV WKH PHGLFLQH RI YLWDO VWLPXODWLRQ YLWDO UHDFWLRQ RU DXWR UHJXODWLRQ 7KH KXPDQ ERG\ IRU LQVWDQFH manufacturers only fifty to a hundred millionth of a gram RI WK\URLG KRUPRQH HDFK GD\ <HW D ¶VPDOO· H[FHVV RU UHGXFWLRQ LQ WKLV DOUHDG\ ¶PLFUR· DPRXQW FDQ DIIHFW \RXU health. Hence, the stimulus required, as homeopathy GRHV WR FDXVH UHDFWLRQ LQ SDWLHQWV ZKR KDYH EHFRPH ¶RYHUVHQVLWLYH· E\ GLVHDVH LV UDUHO\ PDWHULDO EATING DISORDERS ‡ $QRUH[LD >H[FHVV XUJH WR HDW OHVV RU QRW HDW DW DOO@ 7KLV LV MXVW DV ULVN\ SHRSOH ZLWK VXFK D GLVRUGHU GRQ·W JHW SURSHU EDODQFHG QXWULWLRQ 7KH\ DUH PRUH SURQH WR LOOQHVV WKDQ normal people ‡ %XOLPLD >H[FHVV XUJH WR HDW PRUH DQG PRUH@ DOVR PLOOLRQV RI SHRSOH VXIIHU ZLWK ELQJH HDWLQJ GLVRUGHU 7KLV LV VRPHWLPHV GDQJHURXVO\ IDWDO ([DPSOH (OYLV 3UHVOH\ ‡ *HWWLQJ D GRFWRU·V DGYLFH ZLOO SURYLGH IDW SHRSOH VRPH VHQVH of hope ‡ 7KH\ VKRXOG KRZHYHU QRW GHSHQG RQ WKHLU ´ZLOOSRZHUµ WR JHW RYHU WKLV FRQGLWLRQ ‡ (DWLQJ GLVRUGHUV DUH VHULRXV SRWHQWLDOO\ OLIH WKUHDWHQLQJ life-limiting problems ‡ %HWZHHQ SHU FHQW DQG SHU FHQW RI HDWLQJ GLVRUGHUHG LQGLYLGXDOV ZLOO OLWHUDOO\ GLH DV D UHVXOW RI WKHLU GLVHDVH

PRUH LQ RUGHU WR LPSURYH RXU KHDOWK DQG ILWQHVV OHYHOV $OVR NHHS GLVHDVH DW ED\ ‡ :DWFKLQJ ZKDW \RX HDW LV QRW DQ HDWLQJ GLVRUGHU 1RW ZDWFKLQJ DQG HDWLQJ LV ‡ (DWLQJ GLVRUGHUV DUH OLIH WKUHDWHQLQJ LOOQHVVHV WKH\ DUH RIWHQ SK\VLFDO HPRWLRQDO DQG SV\FKRORJLFDO LQ WKHLU RULJLQ 7KH\ SUHVHQW D UDQJH RI DEQRUPDO DQG KDUPIXO HDWLQJ EHKDYLRXUV WKH\ DUH PRWLYDWHG E\ XQKHDOWK\ EHOLHIV SHUFHSWLRQV DQG H[SHFWDWLRQV FRQFHUQLQJ HDWLQJ ZHLJKW DQG ERG\ VKDSH ‡ 3HRSOH ZLWK HDWLQJ GLVRUGHUV KDYH GLIILFXOW\ DFFHSWLQJ DQG IHHOLQJ JRRG DERXW WKHPVHOYHV ‡ 7KH\ ORRN DW WKHPVHOYHV DV ¶IDW· DQG ¶XQDWWUDFWLYH· EHFDXVH RI WKHLU ERG\ VL]H DQG VKDSH ³ WKLV PD\ EH ZURQJ RU incorrect ‡ ,GHQWLI\LQJ DQG GHILQLQJ RQH·V SHUFHLYHG ¶IDWQHVV · HDWLQJ GLVRUGHUHG SHRSOH WKLQN WKH\ DUH XQDFFHSWDEOH DQG XQZDQWHG 7KH\ DOVR IHHO VHOI GRXEWLQJ DQG LQDGHTXDWH especially about their bodies ‡ 0DQ\ RI WKHP UHVRUW WR HDWLQJ DV WKH FRUULGRU LQ WKHLU VHDUFK for thinness. +RPHRSDWK\ ORRNV DW WKH QDWXUH RI VXFK HDWLQJ GLVRUGHUV their causes, potential treatments, and strategies for SUHYHQWLRQ LQFOXGLQJ WKH HPRWLRQDO SV\FKRORJLFDO VWDWXV of the person. Homeopathy, to reiterate yet again, is a safe, JHQWOH VXUH DQG GHSHQGDEOH RSWLRQ IRU RYHUZHLJKW REHVH LQGLYLGXDOV WR OHDG D QRUPDO DFWLYH OLIH

POINTS TO PONDER :H HDW RXUVHOYHV WR JORU\ DW WKH VDPH WLPH ZH DOVR WU\ WR EHORQJ WR WRGD\·V LPDJH FRQVFLRXV VRFLHW\ )LUVW LI RQH KDV an eating disorder, they are not special. Millions of people WKH ZRUOG RYHU DUH RYHUZHLJKW REHVH WRGD\ 7KH QXPEHU LV exploding. ‡ 2EHVLW\ LV D PDMRU HSLGHPLF ZRUOGZLGH ‡ $OO RI XV >HVSHFLDOO\ ZRPHQ@ ZDQW WR LPSURYH RXU appearance ‡ 7KH PHGLD GULYHV XV WR EX\ FHUWDLQ FORWKHV DQG SURGXFWV JHW ULG RI \RXU ZULQNOHV DQG ORVH ZHLJKW ‡ ,I \RX ORVH ZHLJKW \RX DUH KDSS\ WUHQG\ DQG ORYHG ‡ 7KH DQLPDWHG GHEDWH FRQFHUQLQJ XQKHDOWK\ WKLQ PRGHOV LQ WKH IDVKLRQ ILOP LQGXVWU\ LV D SHUIHFW H[DPSOH RI KRZ SRZHUIXOO\ RXU LGHD RI WKLQQHVV HTXDOV KDSSLQHVV ‡ 0DQ\ RI XV ZRXOG EHQHILW IURP HDWLQJ D ELW OHVV H[HUFLVLQJ Dr Vaishali Kamat, BHMS, is a Mumbai-based homeopath.

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

33

GRIN AND BEAR IT

LAUGHTER,

THE BEST MEDICINE THE COMPUTER DOCTOR One day, Jeffrey complained to his friend, “My elbow really hurts, I guess I should see a doctor.” “Don’t do that! There’s a computer at the drug store that can diagnose anything, quicker and cheaper than a doctor. The computer will diagnose your problem and tell you what you can do about it. It only costs C1,000.00.” Jeffery figured he had nothing to lose, so he went to the drug store. The computer started making some noise and various lights started flashing. After a brief pause, out popped a small slip of paper on which was printed: “You have tennis elbow. Soak your arm in warm water. Avoid heavy lifting. It will be better in two weeks.” BULLET... OR... A thirty-year-old male was transported to our Emergency Department [ED] by the rescue unit from his doctor’s office. The patient presented to his doctor’s office complaining of decreased appetite, restlessness, and confusion over the prior three days. The man stated that he had been working under the hood of his car and had leaned on the battery, causing an arc and sending him crashing to the ground, striking the back of his head. The man returned home that day to his wife, telling her of the accident. The man’s wife noted an ‘abrasion’ to the back of his skull, and cleaned the wound. However, over the next three days, the man became increasingly confused, anorexic, and at times agitated. The man’s doctor deemed it necessary to obtain a computerised tomography [CT] and further evaluation, and ordered transport to the ED. On arrival to the department, the Emergency Room [ER] doctor ordered CT of the brain, concluding that, perhaps, the patient had suffered a brain injury secondary to the reported mechanism of injury — falling and striking the back of his head. As the patient’s primary nurse went to fetch the patient from CT, the doctor asked the CT technician, who was noticeably worried, for a preliminary reading. “There is a bullet in his brain.” The final diagnosis: “Foreign body located between the hemispheres, most likely a bullet.” Apparently, the man had not been arced by the battery, but had been shot in the back of the head with a 9mm handgun and was not aware of this fact. The patient was admitted to ICU, but no surgery was performed – the neurosurgeon felt that the procedure was too risky. He survived and was discharged — curiously, in police custody — ten days later.

WRY HUMOUR Patient: These tablets have a funny effect on my bowels. Surgeon: What are they? Patient: Ferocious sulphate. Doctor: Are you on hormone replacement therapy [HRT]? Patient: No, income support. DEFINITIONS FROM FRESHERS... MEDICAL STUDENTS General: “The body consists of three parts, the brainium, the borax, and the abominable cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the borax, the heart and lungs; and, the abominable cavity, the bowls, of which there are five: a, e, i, o, and u.” Respiration: “When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire” “Respiration consists of two acts: first inspiration, then expectoration.” Cardiovascular: “The three kinds of blood vessels are arteries, veins, and caterpillars.” Gastrointestinal: “The alimentary canal is located in the northern part of Alabama.” Dentistry: “A permanent set of teeth consists of eight canines, eight cuspids, two molars, and eight cuspidors.” Orthopaedics: “The skeleton is what is left after the insides have been taken out and the outsides have been taken off. The purpose of the skeleton is something to hitch meat on.”

“More and more patients are going to the Internet for medical advice. To keep my practice going, I changed my name to Dr Google.” Courtesy: www.glasbergen.com

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HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

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LIVING WELL: LIFESTYLE

OMEGA RULES There’s been, in the recent past, quite a buzz about ‘omega-3s’ and ‘EFAs,’ and for good reasons, and for their amazing array of health benefits — literally from head to toe. By RYAN N HARRISON

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undreds of studies have already investigated and confirmed a host of ways that omega-3s positively affect health. As more research is underway, scientists are seeking to unlock additional modes of how this amazing nutrient contributes to overall wellness. But, what are EFAs and omega-3s? ‘EFA’ is short for essential fatty acid, a healthy kind of fat that is actually necessary for life; every living cell in the body needs EFAs to function. In nutrition, something is called ‘essential,’ if it’s required for life, but not produced within the body, necessitating some kind of intake, such as through the food you eat. So, EFAs are a kind of good dietary fat that your body actually requires to stay alive. TYPES There are several kinds of EFAs, and omega-3s fall under this umbrella. The omega-3 fatty acids include alphalinolenic acid [ALA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]. Of the three, the readily available and significant fatty acids are EPA and DHA, most easily obtained via fish oils. Typically found in plant sources, ALA is converted to EPA and DHA in the body, but only at a low ratio, and probably varying according to age, gender and other factors. In fact, it can take as much as 3-4gm of ALA for your body to make a scant 300mg of EPA out of it. As a result, most studies have focused on the ability of EPA and DHA to influence health, and while ALA is available

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HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

in supplement form, the vast majority of omega-3 supplements feature EPA and DHA to begin with, saving your body one metabolic step towards the use of these vital nutrients. Having enough omega-3 fatty acids in your body is an important step in achieving and maintaining optimal health. Studies have confirmed that people who maintain high enough levels of omega-3s have markedly reduced rates of heart attack and stroke, and may reap additional benefits such as the prevention, or management, of depression, cancer, osteoporosis, bowel disorders, arthritis, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, candidiasis, eczema, psoriasis, poor memory, and other debilitating health issues. Along with the omega-3s, there are also omega-6s, which are required for human life, as well. It’s much easier to get omega-6s than it is for omega-3s, and some diets — such as the standard American diet — are quite rich in omega6s and poor in omega-3s. Unfortunately, an imbalance of omega-6s and -3s can result in a host of health problems and chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, premature aging, and even some forms of cancer. FACT-FILE 2PHJD IDWW\ DFLGV DUH D ¶JRRG· GLHWDU\ IDWV UHTXLUHG E\ WKH body for life. 7KHUH DUH GLIIHUHQW VRXUFHV RI RPHJD V ILVK RLO WHQGV WR deliver the most readily available and significant kinds and amounts

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Ryan N Harrison is a US-based holistic health educator and consultant in private practice. He has taught holistic nutrition, therapeutic herbalism and natural health for several years — in traditional and online settings.

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

37

LIVING WELL: LIFESTYLE

GET YOUR EATING EQUATION RIGHT The consumption of appropriate and suitable foods based on what makes a ‘balanced’ diet a well-balanced diet should always be a part of our daily eating plan. This is what promotes optimal health and well-being.

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n the surface, the idea sounds simple. It is not. Do you know that eating well alone is not good enough? You need to aim at eating the most appropriate types and adequate amounts of food to lead a long, healthy life. Right? Yes, indeed. We all know that a well-balanced diet plan is best suited for all of us. It provides the best source of energy and nutrition for optimal physical growth, mental wellbeing, and overall development. But, how many of us practice the habit? Not many.

HERE ARE THE BASICS. What makes for a truly well balanced diet? Answer: it’s the intake of appropriate types and adequate amounts of foods and liquids. In other words, they are — ‡ )RRGV WKDW VXSSO\ QXWULWLRQ DQG HQHUJ\ IRU PDLQWHQDQFH RI body cells, tissues, and organs ‡ )RRGV WKDW VXSSRUW QRUPDO JURZWK DQG GHYHORSPHQW The term ‘balanced’ diet, as you’d know, refers to effectively meeting your nutritional needs without excesses. The ‘balanced’ diet equation is achieved when we consume a variety of foods — in the right amount. A BALANCED DIET ‡ (DW DW OHDVW WKUHH >VPDOO@ PHDOV HDFK GD\ ‡ 7KH PRVW LGHDO WKLQJ WR GR LV Âł HDW D YDULHW\ RI IRRGV ‡ 7DNH DW OHDVW VHUYLQJV RI IUXLWV DQG YHJHWDEOHV HYHU\GD\ ‡ 'ULQN DW OHDVW JODVVHV RI ZDWHU GXULQJ WKH GD\ ‡ 'R QRW VNLS EUHDNIDVW

38

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

‡ 'R QRW WDNH D VHFRQG KHOSLQJ RI \RXU IDYRXULWH GLVK IRRG ‡ $YRLG WKH XVH RI VXJDU VZHHWV FRIIHH RU FDIIHLQDWHG drinks, as far as possible. Note: Vegetarians, which some of us are, need to incorporate a diet that suits our requirement best. It is ideal to supplement vegetarian diets with added helpings of food fortified with soybean, for example. You may also, with good effect, use vitamin and mineral pills, including supplements, in your diet. Speak to your nutritionist — for exact dosages. Remember — any imbalance in diet can lead to problems, such as imbalance in body tissues, growth and development, and brain and nervous system function. It can also lead to disorders of the bone, muscular and other systems. Another important point: it would be most useful for us to also get familiar with nutrition labels and ingredients of all the food we eat. Only then would we know what to eat, and what not to eat — best. RIGHT EFFECT The most ideal thing is — you should eat a variety of foods, as already cited. A balanced diet includes all the IRRG JURXSV >7KLV LV GHWDLOHG LQ WKH )RRG 3\UDPLG@ :KDW you need to, however, do is — eat less of some foods, and more of others. You need to also eat less meat, protein and oils. This is because you don’t need more of these foods than you do of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy foods. It is also agreed that not all foods are created equal. This includes even a healthy food group such as

fruit. For instance, apple pie has a lot of sugar and fat. However, a whole apple is absolutely fine — you can eat more whole apples within a healthy diet. You need to also make your balanced diet personal. WHAT IS ENOUGH All of us want to know ‘how much’ is good enough to stay healthy. The answer depends on your age, whether you are a man or woman, and also your activity. As far as kids are concerned, it depends on how active they are. More activity helps them burn more calories. In which case, they will need more calories. For estimates on what you or your kids need to eat in each food group, visit the USDA’s MyPyramid Website: http://www.mypyramid.gov/ All the same, the following in prĂŠcis would be just as useful to know: Grains. The most ideal thing to do is — eat a lot of whole grains, such as 100 per cent wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal. Vegetables. The more vegetables you eat, the better it is for you. Choose dark green and orange vegetables. But, how much is enough? Vegetable servings are measured in cups. Children would need two half-cups of vegetables daily; adults, 4-5 such servings, daily. Fruits. Sweet, juicy fruits are sure part of a healthy diet. Milk and other calcium-rich foods. Calcium builds strong bones to last a lifetime. You will do well to get these foods in your diet. Meats, beans, fish, and nuts. These contain iron and lots of other important nutrients. Make them a part of your diet plan. Keep an eye on moderation, though. All this is something more than just ‘swallow!’ Try to eat what you need best to stay healthy. However, it is not necessary for you to become a perfect eater overnight. You need to start slowly and take one step at a time, while you climb up the new pyramid staircase. Looks complex? No need to worry. Put simply, the USDA recommends different amounts of various food types, depending on your age, gender, and activity level. This is reflected in the proportions shown by way of colour bands on the Food Pyramid.

— Courtesy: USDA

HERE’S HOW TO CLIMB THE FOOD LADDER: Orange — Grains. Green — Vegetables. Red — Fruits. Blue — Milk and dairy products. Purple — Meat, beans, fish, and nuts. Yellow — Oils [less the better]. YOUR BASIC EAT WELL GUIDE 1. Bread, Cereal, Rice and Pasta One ounce equals ‡ VOLFH EUHDG ‡ FXS UHDG\ WR HDW FHUHDO ‡ FXS RI FRRNHG FHUHDO ULFH RU SDVWD 2. Vegetables 0LQLPXP þ FXSV D GD\ ‡ FXS UDZ OHDI\ YHJHWDEOHV ‡ FXS RWKHU YHJHWDEOHV ³ FRRNHG RU UDZ ‡ FXS YHJHWDEOH MXLFH 3. Fruits ‡ PHGLXP DSSOH EDQDQD RUDQJH SHDU > FXS@ ‡ &RRNHG IUR]HQ GULHG RU FDQQHG IUXLW ‡ FXS IUXLW MXLFH 4. Milk, Yogurt and Cheese Preferably, fat-free or low-fat one-cup equivalents: ‡ FXS PLON RU \RJXUW ‡ RXQFHV QDWXUDO FKHHVH >VKRXOG EH ORZ LQ VDOW sodium] ‡ RXQFHV SURFHVVHG FKHHVH >VKRXOG EH ORZ LQ VDOW sodium] 5. Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs and Nuts Preferably, lean fat or low fat ‡ RXQFHV RI FRRNHG OHDQ PHDW SRXOWU\ RU ILVK ‡ FXS FRRNHG GU\ EHDQV ‡ RXQFHV RI VR\D ‡ HJJ ‡ WDEOHVSRRQV SHDQXW EXWWHU ‡ FXS QXWV >ZLWKRXW VKHOOV@ [Summary based on USDA Guidelines]. ABC OF GOOD HEALTH The equation is simple. Good physical activity + good nutrition = good health for you and your family. Seek fitness. This includes aiming for a healthy weight; and, physical activity each day. Build a strong foundation. Incorporate the Food Pyramid to guide your food choices. Choose a variety of grains, especially whole grains. Also, choose an assortment of fruits and vegetables, daily. Most important: keep food safe to eat. Choose wisely. Select a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Choose and prepare food with less salt. Most important: choose beverages and foods with low or moderate sugars/caffeine. FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

39

GOOD FOOD

By TARLA DALAL

BAKED PANEER IN SPINACH WITH TOMATO GRAVY A different version of paneer vegetable, made in a different style using palak and other vegetables is not only low-calorie and light, it is also yummy. Preparation Time: 20 mins Cooking Time: 30 mins Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS For the spinach ‡ FXSV FKRSSHG VSLQDFK >palak] ‡ FXS FKRSSHG RQLRQV ‡ WVS SODLQ IORXU >maida] ‡ WEVS ILQHO\ FKRSSHG JUHHQ FKLOOLHV ‡ WVS RLO ‡ 6DOW WR WDVWH

OTHER INGREDIENTS ‡ FXSV FKRSSHG paneer >FRWWDJH FKHHVH@ ‡ FXSV FKRSSHG DQG ERLOHG PL[HG YHJHWDEOHV >IUHQFK EHDQV FDUURWV FDXOLIORZHU@ ‡ FXS WRPDWR JUDY\ ‡ 6DOW WR WDVWH

METHOD For the spinach ‡ &RRN WKH VSLQDFK ZLWKRXW DGGLQJ DQ\ ZDWHU ‡ :KHQ FRRNHG EOHQG LQ D OLTXLGLVHU ‡ +HDW WKH RLO DQG IU\ WKH RQLRQ IRU PLQXWH ‡ $GG WKH IORXU DQG IU\ DJDLQ IRU PLQXWH ‡ $GG WKH JUHHQ FKLOOLHV VSLQDFK DQG VDOW DQG FRRN IRU PLQXWH HOW TO PROCEED ‡ 0L[ WKH VSLQDFK ZLWK WKH paneer YHJHWDEOHV >IUHQFK EHDQV FDUURWV FDXOLIORZHU@ DQG VDOW DQG VSUHDG LQ D EDNLQJ GLVK ‡ 3RXU WKH WRPDWR JUDY\ RQ WRS ‡ ,I \RX OLNH JUDWH D OLWWOH RI WKH paneer DQG VSULQNOH RQ WRS ‡ %DNH LQ D KRW RYHQ DW 0& IRU WHQ PLQXWHV ‡ 6HUYH KRW 7KLV SUHSDUDWLRQ PDNHV IRU DQ H[FHOOHQW FRPELQDWLRQ RI D GDLU\ SURGXFW >ZKLFK SURYLGHV SURWHLQV@ ZLWK JUHHQ DQG VWDUFK\ YHJHWDEOHV 7KH YHJHWDEOHV VXSSO\ LURQ YLWDPLQV PLQHUDOV DQG FRPSOHWH FDUERK\GUDWHV NUTRIENT VALUES PER SERVING ‡ (QHUJ\ FDORULHV SURWHLQ JP FDUERK\GUDWHV JP IDW JP >&RXUWHV\ ZZZ WDUODGDODO FRP@

Tarla Dalal ZDV D QRWHG ,QGLDQ IRRG ZULWHU FKHI EHVW VHOOLQJ FRRNERRN DXWKRU DQG KRVW RI FRRNLQJ VKRZV OLNH 7DUOD 'DODO 6KRZ DQG &RRN ,W 8S :LWK 7DUOD 'DODO

40

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

GOOD FOR YOU

THE POWER OF VITAMIN E It is time to revisit vitamin E. The nutrient may have much more to offer our health than we’ve ever dreamed of.

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same foods, like wheat germ, bran, leafy green itamin E seems to be more than just vegetables, and vegetable oils. Most supplements a single vitamin. Vitamin E actually that you will find in your local health food store includes eight different compounds. contain only the alpha tocopherol of vitamin E, Four of these are tocopherol subtypes, though. Cutting-edge nutritional supplements alpha, beta, delta, and gamma. Alpha and include mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols. gamma are, by far, the most important. Alpha For cardiovascular disease, from angina to tocopherol, the best-studied form of vitamin E, By Dr RICHARD FIRSHEIN coronary heart disease, tocopherols are your is mostly found in dietary supplements, while best bet. They are particularly vigilant against we can get gamma tocopherol primarily from cholesterol’s clogging effects. Tocopherols prevent the the food we eat. Studies of alpha tocopherol reveal that oxidation of LDL [bad] cholesterol and inhibit free radical this form is most effective at saving us from heart disease. damage to the heart. In fact, they may truly save us from Scientists have theorised that other compounds must heart disease. In particular, alpha tocopherols have exist that act like vitamin E tocopherols and work similarly been shown to be the most effective prevention of heart to keep us fit. And, in searching for these vitamin E disease. Gamma tocopherols, which don’t last as long in ‘mimics,’ we discovered that what we currently know and the body, may be the key for inflammation and immune accept about vitamin E is just the beginning. Tocopherols boosting. One of their major benefits seems to be the may be just a small part of the whole story. There are now quenching of a particular type of inflammation, involving substances in the vitamin E family that are being studied our immune system’s white blood cells. These cells, called and show great promise. These compounds, called phagocytes, attack bacteria during infections. They use tocotrienols, are another powerful group of free radical lethal hydrogen peroxide to kill invaders, but this causes quenchers. These two types of vitamin E, tocopherols free radical damage, which gamma tocopherols are and tocotrienols, may work synergistically in the body, particularly good at cleaning up. creating an exciting new way to improve our health. If left unchecked, chronic phagocytic inflammation Tocotrienols have the same four subtypes [alpha, can be one of the triggers of cancer. In this way, gamma delta, gamma, and beta]. The tocotrienols that have tocopherols provide an important tool against cancer. A been studied have usually been isolated from palm oil. study has shown that patients with coronary heart disease Tocotrienols seem to specialise in treating cancer and had reduced gamma, but not alpha, tocopherols. One in lowering cholesterol and, perhaps, preventing heart study also demonstrates that gamma tocopherols are disease, as the studies indicate. There is still much better than their alpha ‘siblings’ at limiting the oxidation of research to be done in this area, since not all tocotrienols LDL cholesterol. Alphas may be best for the heart, while have the same effects. gammas may be particularly effective in inflammation and For instance, a study in The International Journal immune response. of Cancer found that gamma and delta tocotrienols Tocotrienols are good for the heart, hormones, and powerfully inhibited cancer cells in vitro. They did this by immune system. They are effective in keeping cholesterol inhibiting the activation of Epstein-Barr virus, a common from clogging our arteries. In fact, alpha tocotrienols are virus that most of us have been exposed to but seems more effective in neutralising LDL cholesterol than alpha implicated in cancer in some vulnerable individuals. What tocopherols. Tocotrienols are also cancer fighters. In one does this mean for the average individual who wants to study, these nutrients inhibited the growth of melanomas, protect him/herself from the common ailments of our time a virulent form of skin cancer. — heart disease and cancer? Eating foods rich in vitamin Tocotrienols also shine as hormone helpers: they E is one solution. balance out excess levels of hormones by acting as Certainly all of us could benefit by taking a supplement oestrogen inhibitors. Too much oestrogen in the body of 200mg of vitamin E daily, as mixed tocopherols, so can lead to breast cancer and ovarian cysts. A study in that we benefit from each one’s abilities. For those The Journal of Endocrinology showed that tocotrienols who are already ill, higher doses of vitamin E, along prevented the onset of polycystic ovary disease, which is with supplements of tocotrienols, may be indicated. often triggered by hormone imbalance. Tocotrienols and tocopherols can both be found in the 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].

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

41

FIGHTING FIT

TRAIN. DON’T OVERTRAIN Bodybuilders in general think differently. They embrace pain and often make mistakes. What is the most common mistake that they make?

A

body enough time to recover [compensate], it verage people have average genetics. will never be able to create additional muscle Average people have day jobs and [supercompensate]. families to support. Average people are Stop trying to imitate the training programme not on anabolic steroids, and this is exactly By KERRY of the pros. Not only do they have exceptional my point. If you don’t have the genetics of an DULIN genetics, they are on enough gear to keep their Olympic athlete, if you don’t have a sponsor programme shelf well stocked. who pays you to lift weights, and if you don’t want to Signs of overtraining, include — attend to soreness every other day, then don’t train as you do. ‡ 'HFUHDVHG DSSHWLWH When it comes to building an impressive, natural ‡ :HLJKW ORVV physique, more is not only not better, it’s also actually ‡ 0XVFOH WHQGHUQHVV counterproductive. ‡ +HDG FROGV DQG RU DOOHUJLF UHDFWLRQV Simply stated, overtraining is working a muscle before ‡ (OHYDWHG UHVWLQJ KHDUW UDWH it has had a chance to recover from a previous workout. ‡ (OHYDWHG EORRG SUHVVXUH Are you serious about growing? Weight training provides ‡ 6OHHS GLVWXUEDQFHV the catalyst for muscle growth but actual growth only ‡ (PRWLRQDO LQVWDELOLW\ occurs after you have left the gym. Ask yourself this question. Are you making gains every I don’t care if you have the muscle fibre of a distance time that you go to the gym? Unless you are a seasoned athlete or the build of a seasoned powerlifter. If your goal athlete and have exhausted you genetic potential, you is to be a bodybuilder then you must learn to recognise should see a small but measurable gain from workout your training/recovery threshold and work within it. Train to workout, either in the amount of weight lifted or the too infrequently and you’re just a recreational lifter. Train number of repetitions preformed. Look at your training too often or too hard and you are just wasting your time. programme as you would an investment in a bank. If you If you’re not into biology, I’ll tell you how not only to put a large sum of money in a bank and came back a decrease your risk of overtraining, but how to actually year later to find that your investment hasn’t grown at all, decrease your recovery time. After the onset of heavy would you be satisfied with your rate of return? Find out. resistance training, the adrenal gland releases a Are you tired of hitting the gym day after day, week after hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is a great hormone, week, month after month and not getting results? Then because it breaks down protein into its constituent parts do something about it. and shuttle to the liver where they can be converted into Train with intensity but within limits. Allow yourself glucose to fuel the body’s energy needs. That’s good time to recover fully before working the same muscle because you need a lot of energy to fuel a long workout. group. If you are still sore from the previous workout, The bad news is that the protein that is being broken take more time off or work a different muscle group. down is coming directly from your muscles. Consume carbohydrates two hours prior to training and That’s right, the longer that you workout, the more immediately after training. Research has shown that a cortisol is released, eating away the precious muscle fatigued muscle is more responsive to energy storage tissue that you are trying so desperately to build. within 30 minutes following a workout. Consume protein This isn’t as bad as it sounds. Your body is naturally 1-2 hours before a workout and immediately after a conditioned to respond to this type of stress through a workout. This is a great time for a meal replacement or mechanism known as supercompensation. Your body is protein supplement. Take an occasional vacation from also evolutionarily programmed to not only compensate, the gym. A week or two will allow you time to recover but supercompensate for muscle loss by not only and start fresh. If your workout takes longer than an repairing the damaged tissue, but by adding a little extra hour, then you are probably talking too much or training just in case. This is exactly why you become bigger too long. The best thing to do is to train smart and not and stronger. But, there’s a catch. If you don’t give your take fitness lightly. Kerry Dulin, D ZRUOG UHQRZQHG ILWQHVV JXUX ILUVW JRW LQWR SURIHVVLRQDO ERG\EXLOGLQJ DW DJH +H ZRQ KLV ILUVW ERG\EXLOGLQJ FRPSHWLWLRQ DW 41. Now ZLWK D SK\VLTXH WKDW ZRXOG SXW VRPHRQH KDOI KLV DJH WR VKDPH 'XOLQ KDV ZKDW KH FDOOV ´D PDQDJHDEOH SURJUDPPH Âľ WRS WURShies to show for his ILWQHVV HQGHDYRXUV DQG WKUHH KHDOWK DQG ILWQHVV ZHEVLWHV +H OLYHV LQ WKH 86

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WHOLE & SOUL

OF DETERMINATION & HUMILITY Determination is more than inner resolve. Humility is integrity to be honest with the reality of our life before god.

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have the free will to use what god gives us in a here was once a sparrow who laid her good way or in an evil way or in a spiritual way. eggs on a beach. In her absence, the We have that free will and according to what ocean stole the eggs away. Not finding we do and what we say, karma is going to come her eggs on return, she threatened the ocean back on us. Remember, all the facilities we have to return the eggs back. Seeing no response are coming from a power way beyond our own. from the ocean the sparrow vowed to dry up Even if you are young and strong now, but by the the ocean. power of time, how long will you remain young Obviously, the ocean didn’t take the sparrow’s By and strong? The body is under the control of threat seriously. Firm to achieve her goal, she RADHANATH nature, the mind is under the control of nature. began taking one drop of water at a time in SWAMI So, humility really means to be honest. her tiny beak and carrying it to a distant place. The scriptures explain that there is one supreme Determined against all odds she continued, and it was eternal and all others are subordinate to that one her determination that attracted a higher power—the supreme eternal. The fact is that we are always power of the king of all birds, Garuda, the mighty eagle subordinate to the supreme. Hitler was subordinate to bird carrier of Lord Vishnu. Garuda ordered the ocean to the supreme. The Lord gave him a mind and a body and return her eggs, and being fearful of the mighty bird, the he totally misused and exploited it. He tortured and killed ocean did so. others and accumulated oceans and oceans, mountains Our god consciousness — humility, devotion and love and mountains of horrible karma upon himself. He is of god — are like the eggs that have drowned in the huge dead and gone; his soul had to go to the next place to get ocean of our pride, egoism and spiritual lethargy. Like the his karma. mother sparrow, we have no hope of getting rid of them. Alexander, the Great, came and conquered several But, if with the determination of that little bird, we decide, parts of the world, but where is he now? He was “I am going to do it, no matter what,” then god will take conquered by time. So everyone is subordinate to the the job upon Himself. He will deliver our souls from this power of god. So to be humble means to be realistic and ocean of ignorance, pride, egoism and laziness. honest. To be proud is to be simply dishonest, ungrateful Humility really means honesty. Humility simply means and unrealistic. To be proud is an illusion. being truthful. What do we have to brag about? If god In the world today to be proud is a ‘very cool’ situation. does not make the sun rise, what would you do? Did you People like proud people, but the fact is pride is an create your brain? Did you create your eyes to see? Did illusion and it is a miserable condition for the heart. you create your heart to beat? Did you create your arms Humility means to have enough integrity to be honest to act? As they say in British parlance, “Do not be proud with the reality of our life before god. of borrowed plumes.” Whatever we have is not ours. We 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

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POISE & BALANCE

THE ‘KOSHA’ EFFECT Our body is made of five koshas, or ‘vessels.’ Yoga suggests that we evolve through the koshas as our awareness deepens and expands — and, this is a matter of karma and free will.

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It ages, becomes sick, deteriorates and dies. he principal composition of the human The vessel is composed of the elements or body is made of five sheaths — ’vessels’ panchbhutas earth, water and fire — their seats or koshas. Just as there is the singlet that By PREETI are respectively in muldahara, svadhisthana and is closest to the body; over this is the shirt; over MANDAWEWALA manipura chakra. Earth and water are supplied the shirt there is waistcoat; over the waistcoat by food. Fire transforms food into useful there is coat; over the coat there is overcoat. In material to maintain the physical body. The element the same manner, the five sheaths envelop the atman. earth in the body is balanced by muladhara chakra [base The five distinct energy bodies, or koshas, vibrate chakra], water by swadhisthana chakra [sex chakra], and at different speeds. The interacting and overlapping fire by manipura chakra [navel chakra]. layers of energy form the complete spiritual, mental Pranamaya kosha. The second is the vital body, and physical nature of the human personality. The or the breath body called pranamaya kosha. It is part koshas symbolise an aspect of yoga psychology, which of the subtle body, sukshmasarira, in contrast to tends to start where Western psychology ends. The the gross body. The autonomous nervous system is energy sheaths portray our personality as permeating under its control. Air is the food for this body, just as different fields of energy and consciousness. Yoga tells breath is the life of all beings. It is the vital life energy us that we evolve through the koshas as our awareness [breath] that organises the body parts and provides deepens and expands, and this is a matter of karma movement for mental and physical expression. The and free will. Each kosha signifies a more refined impulses in our own bodies, which travel from the dimension of consciousness — they are known as body to the brain, and from the brain to the body, are annamaya, pranamaya, manomaya, vijnanamaya and of the physical prana. The same prana co-ordinates the and anandamaya. Maya means ‘composed of’ — in activities of body and mind, rationality, emotions and other words, the sheaths are composed of food, energy, other aspects of our personality. While a person can intellect, intuition and bliss. The first two sheaths equate easily control the movements of his/her gross body, to the physical body. the same is not possible in case of his/her breath Annamaya kosha. The outermost layer is the body unless s/he gains mastery over the movements physical body, known as the gross body, sthulasarira or of breath. It is interesting to note that the aim of annamaya kosha, is made of food or earth. It contains hatha yoga is basically to establish this control over the senses and the organs of action. In this food the movements of breath and achieve mastery over ‘vessel’ the physical being is bound by birth and death.

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the breath body. Pranamaya kosha is made from the elements, air and ether [akasha] — their seats are respectively in anahata and vishuddha chakra. Prana is a subtle form of energy that is absolutely necessary to keep the body alive and transform food into fuel. Manomaya kosha. The third is the mental body called manomaya kosha. What we can loosely term ‘the mind,’ exists in two parts. Manomaya kosha is the dimension of the lower mind, incorporating intellect, reason, concept and memory. Manomaya kosha is the energy field where the gross expression of mind occurs. When we relate mentally or emotionally with the world, we are expressing manomaya. Our feelings of love, hatred, depression, joy, jealousy or compassion are played out on this level. Ego, its natural characteristics and needs are manifest in the domain of manomaya. This area of the mind is said to function through modifications or vrittis: correct and incorrect cognition, fantasy and memory. This is the vessel of manas [cognitive mind], which is the substance of thinking and is directly connected with incoming sensatory impressions through ajna chakra [the seat of the senses], the chitta [passive memory and active reflexive mind] and ahankara [selfawareness]. Manomayo kosha is the centre that receives and registers impressions. One can receive impressions from the physical world by the five physical senses, but it also receives impressions from the subtle world with its subtle senses — that is the pancha tanmatras, manomaya and the next vehicle, vijnanamaya kosha both have their seat in ajna chakra. Vijnanmayi kosha. The fourth is the intelligence body, called vijnanamai kosha or buddhi. It is also called the casual body, as it is the cause of an individual’s karma, because deep karmas and samskaras are stored at this level and form the reservoir of encoded experiences, or memories, which filter through to manomaya kosha, and manifest as our conditioned personality. Thus, it is the sheath where subtle intelligence evolves, where the four aspects of the mind originate in their pure form, born of supreme intelligence. This is the vessel of buddhi, which is the selective, discriminatory ability of the mind. Sometimes buddhi is also described as a constituent of subtle body. But, these distinctions do not affect our understanding of the different sheaths. Manas [thinking] receive the impressions and give them to buddhi, which analyses, identifies and recognises the registered object and relates it to previous experiences. It is through this that the concepts of good and bad arise. Co-operation with ahamkara [the ego] will determine if this buddhi, the selective ability of the mind, will be used for lower purposes, such as for one’s own gain, or for higher purposes, such as to rise above lower desires.

Anandmayi kosha. The fifth is the bliss body, the subtlest, called anandamaya kosha, which is transcendental, a body of pure light in the realm of spiritual bliss, beyond the reach of language and beyond ordinary human experience. Only a few individuals are capable of knowing it or experiencing it, as it is beyond the sensory and mental fields. It is only through restraining of the senses, the mind and the buddhi that one can gain access to it. The concept of soul becomes a living experience in anandamaya kosha, which is the sheath or body of bliss and happiness. All the impurities and dross evaporate, and the effulgence of soul is experienced. At that point, a human being experiences true divinity, the realisation of self or god. The seat of this kosha is in sahasrara chakra. Then exists the atman as the sixth sheath, the eternal soul, the real self, or purusha, the very Brahman in its pure microcosmic state. It is the First Being, the unchanging, imperishable self in man. It is beyond the senses, beyond all conscious human experience. It is the Truth Body. He who attains it is free of fear. He is not perplexed or tormented by conflicting thoughts. His mind becomes tranquil. The first four sheaths, namely, the gross body [annamayi kosha], the two subtle bodies [pranamaya kosha] and [manomaya kosha] and the casual body [vijnanmayi kosha], which is sometimes grouped together with the life and mental bodies as casual body, constitute the jiva. Jiva is the living element, the product of prakriti, which comes under the influence of illusion and develops ahamkara, or the ego consciousness. This gives rise to feelings of separation and alienation from the rest of creation and failure to perceive the omnipresence of god. It is the jiva, which together with atman goes through the chain of repeated births and deaths. While atman is impervious to change and suffering during this process of evolution, the jiva remains at the centre of desire-oriented sensory activity and suffers from its consequences. At the time of death it leaves behind the gross body and goes to the other worlds with its subtle and casual bodies, where after exhausting its karma it returns again to take birth in this world in accordance with its previous samskaras, or residual memories of its past lives. Some people remain in annamaya and manomaya koshas all their lives. They can literally subsist at a survival level without ever realising the presence of a more subtle intelligence. Few people are aware of pranamaya kosha, which forms intricate energy systems weaving the consciousness into personality. The blockages occurring at this level prevent people from knowing this aspect and restrict them to the gross experiences of life. Difficulties with past life karma at vijnanamaya kosha usually inhibit people from knowing the real bliss of ananda or soul.

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. She lives in Mumbai.

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LIFE COACH

MOTIVATION EXPLAINED Motivation is more than a scientific word used to represent the raison d’être for our actions, desires, needs and also drive to succeed, or excel.

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individual is likely to create wealth constantly ave you ever wondered why we do the things in comparison to others. It is not enough to we do? What moves us? What makes us have a huge bank balance. The amount has wake up in the morning and do the things to be considered high even by others. It is not we do and go about living our lives? Though these sufficient to own a big car, if everyone else might seem like extremely fundamental questions, has the same car and it is not considered elite. the answers are surprisingly simple. Irrespective of An internally motivated person, on the other what your answers to the above questions, they fall By VINESH hand, is one who creates wealth for himself or under two categories, or two broad ways in which SUKUMARAN herself. A certain bank balance would satisfy people drive themselves in this world. this person purely because that is the amount External motivation. This is the kind of motivation that is hugely oriented towards the world around you. People that this person considers high enough to meet the purpose of having that money. Likewise, an internally who have a strong sense of external motivation constantly motivated person would buy a particular car or house look for feedback from the outside world as to whether or only because that is the car or house that the person not they are doing well. Internal motivation. This is the kind wants to own. of motivation that is majorly inward oriented. People who have a strong sense of internal motivation constantly SUCCESS look up to themselves for feedback as to how they What does it mean to be successful? Well, we’ve all are doing in life. heard it a zillion times that success means different While this applies to nearly every dimension of life, it is things to different people. What is interesting is that for imperative to highlight a few of them: an internally motivated person, success is an internal game. This means that even after one has money, HEALTH fame, fortune and glory, s/he might not feel successful It is common for people who are in good health to hear if his/her lifestyle and achievements don’t match some social feedback about their health and start feeling with their internal model of success. An externally better or worse based on the feedback. This is most likely motivated person, on the other hand, would only feel to happen to the externally motivated person. An externally successful if people around him/her, like family, friends, motivated person is more likely to feel bad if told that they colleagues, classmates etc., consider them a success. look fat rather than an internally motivated person. For an The bottom line is for us to evaluate ourselves and internally motivated person good health could be based identify where we stand on either side of the spectrum. predominantly on their own personal standards of body If you realise that you are a hugely externally motivated weight, appetite, energy level etc. Whether or not internally person, watch out to not live your life for others and end motivated persons feel healthy is dependent on how they up feeling like you had a hollow victory in the end. If feel within. you realise that you are majorly an internally motivated person, take care not to end up being unable to relate to WEALTH the world around you and what others consider normal. In the case of creation of wealth, the externally motivated

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.

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CORPORATE WELLNESS

‘GAME-CHANGE’ TO SUCCEED Change is a given. It is difficult to live if we don’t accept change. More so, because, change is a constant. Change often comes to us without notice, or clue. Needless to say, it pays to be constantly prepared to deal with change… when change arrives… with change.

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control. You may also feel that you just can’t t is a timeless aphorism. It holds good for get hold of things. Remember, it is only when all seasons, and for all the good reasons. we learn to accommodate change would we “Nothing is constant except change,” is be able to manage, or conversely get ruffled exactly what we are referring to. You gotcha by, change. Most transitions are not what they the timeless adage right! are made out to be — they are not always The recent past has seen monumental epic changes. How often do you remember a changes. It has made our life, home, and office, By BADRINATH change that you have managed to deal with, undergo change — ever so quickly — and, at the DURVASULA or surmount? Needless to say, you will also proverbial drop of an expression called ‘change!’ recognise that some of the changes you once We need to accept change. This is not easy. thought were complex are changes that have If you live with change and accept change, it’s helped you to move along, and succeed, in life. fine. Otherwise, there is no need to worry — so long as Re-evaluate your notions. When we are forced you know what to do, or not do, in the face of change. to adapt, or adjust, to change, we do not get over If not, there’s, again, nothing to worry. some basic assumptions, or beliefs, that we may hold Here are a handful of guidelines you’d, with good dear. When we lose our job, for instance, it shatters effect, use to adapt to change and/or transition: the world around us. When someone lets us down, Maintain focus. When change appears in the face, we feel a disgust for having trusted people. When you may often feel that your entire life has gone out of

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somebody insults us in the face without any valid reason whatsoever, it disappoints and hurts our sentiments, including the faith we have in people who we thought were ‘fair-minded.’ Isn’t this reason enough why assumptions, or beliefs, don’t have continued, or lasting, value? This is also reason enough why we need to reevaluate them and stop them from being negative — at any given point in time. Seek guidance. Speak to others outside your area of work and/or expertise. They will not carry certain prejudices. Friends or counsellors are often the best people you may talk to. They can see the larger picture — not mere frames. Remember, it is quite difficult to adjust and adapt to change without good counsel — because, one tends to keep moving from one point to the other. This ‘drift’ won’t help us in reaching the destination of acceptance of change; rather, it keeps us hovering away from the post. Be flexible. Change calls for negotiation, co-operation and discussion. There is no way for us to accept change, if we resist. Rather, we need to be flexible. You need to bend a little, or more, to accept the change that comes with change. If you are rigid, you cannot bend to the winds of change, and the change they bring for us. Don’t go overboard. When life gets dizzy and difficult, we tend to hold on firmly to our past experiences. We also quite easily get into the comfort zone, and try to manage things as they are. This leads to our losing control on certain things, which we had, till now, taken for granted. Take, for instance, a team where associates get pulled in different directions. This may, at times, lead them to hold onto or tail the ‘distancing’ associates more strongly. The result is — heightened alienation. You get the point. Excessive control or extreme functioning to stop change doesn’t work. The best thing

you can do is to sort out what you can control, or cannot control, and know what works best for you in a given, or not given, situation. Go beyond your circumstances. You need to go beyond your circumstances to accept and thrive with/on change. When you accept the ‘fluidity’ in your situation, you will be able to adapt better to change, thanks to the inner strength you bring to your whole perspective. This is something that all spiritual practices teach us. This is quite contrary to popular belief — that spirituality is a diversion, or running away from one thing to another. It is not. It is actually the unearthing of supplementary assets that provide us the strength in times of change and/or tough situations. Anticipate the unanticipated. Change is an inevitable fact of life. It often comes when you least expect it. It is a necessity. It propels us to move towards growth and completeness. It is only when we hold on to certain changes, and not drop them, can we integrate and make life and its transitions less awkward, or troublesome. You get the point — the best thing to do is to be always prepared. Why? Because, change may be lurking in the corner — at this instant. CHANGE WITH POSITIVITY Right from the susceptible stage of adolescence to youthful years, and middle-age, people often experience either a sense of satisfaction and self-worth, or utter despair — that their life and, perhaps, career have been wasted. One reason for disappointment is — people did not change. Hence, the big question: when should one change with the times and/or experience, or also learning? Think of an everyday example. After age 45, one often assesses life, not in terms of money, but business success. You suddenly put aside your ambitions for fame, glory, and fortune, in sharp contrast to some of the everyday business scandals that made front-page news, as you go through the much-debated ‘mid-life’ crisis. Change did not happen when you were young. Or, even if it happened it wasn’t perceptible. This would have easily made the big difference. The story is a popular example — a situation — psychologists refer to as the ‘generativity-versusstagnation syndrome.’ In other words, the idea of change was a phase, in life, where people did not change, but only choose a career-course in tune with their original career plan. It was also a stage where some of them may have changed, became better, and worked towards excellence. What, of course, would be common to all, irrespective of one’s ‘career-game plan,’ is the means to an end. Of a means adapted towards achieving a set of high-altitude/ attitude target goals. Or, change — for the better.

Badrinath Durvasula is Vice-President and Head, Legal and Strategy, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Mumbai. A much-sought after speaker and motivational ’guru,’ Durvasula holds masters’ degrees in nuclear physics, law and management.

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MIXED BAG

DENTISTS, NOW & THEN In the good old days, we needed just one dentist for upholstering our mouth. Today, we have a specialist for root-canal, one for implants, and another for something else.

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molar had to be removed. As luck would have it, here used to be a joke that our respected I had just seen a Laurel & Hardy film where they ex-prime minister, Manmohan Singh went together to their dentist. Hardy’s dentist opened his mouth only when he visited tells him after the extraction, “Sorry, right tooth his dentist. Talking of dentists, in the good old but the wrong man.” A little later, the same cockdays, ‘good, cost-efficient’ dentists were plenty, eyed dentist, played by their ‘bait noir,’ James like a mouthful of crowded-teeth. Today, they Finlayson, tells Laurel, “Sorry, right man but the are few and far apart — like the old man’s teeth. wrong tooth.” My earliest memory of a dentist goes back to By RUBY I was totally petrified, but the late dentist Dr 1949 when I was a little girl. It was that of an LILAOWALA Soonawala, did take out the right molar and, of old Chinese gentleman at Dhobi Talao who course, granny paid him C5.00 instead of C7.00 after some made granny’s complete denture set and asked for a haggling. Of course, the obligatory receipt was taken. ‘princely’ C20.00 as fee. After marriage, my loyalty to my husband extended “Are you crazy? Overcharging an old lady or what?” Even to his dentist, the late Dr Kapadia, but after his passing as a child, I was embarrassed as the poor guy gave her a away, I discovered my dream dentist, the late Dr Umrigar, discount and charged her only C17.00, after considerable whose healing hands were like magic — feather-touch haggling. and painless! After a few years, he retired from practice. “Receipt please!” What do you know? She actually Since then, I must have changed more dentists than Liz made him write a guarantee of five years on the receipt. Taylor’s husbands and like, the quest for god, the quest This Jackie Chan of teeth must have been a genius for a good and suitable dentist continues. I gave up one because granny enjoyed her daily chana sing, brun pau, dentist because he didn’t have an X-ray machine in his surti batasa biscuits and Lonavla chikki for many years clinic and would direct me each time to another place until she died, although most ungraciously she would refer for my X-ray. Yes, truth is stranger than fiction. Another to the dentist as a commercial dentist, who charged her dentist, a lady, had the most awful BO in her armpits. C17.00. So awful, the patient wouldn’t need anaesthesia — one In the good, old days, we required only one dentist for whiff and you’d faint. There was no question of my going upholstering the mouth. Today, there is a specialist for rootback to her again. A third smart Alec overshot my rootcanal, one for implants, one for orthodontia; in short, you canal and messed-up my ensuing vacation. need half-a-dozen types of dentists during your lifetime. There is one dentist who is extremely good. I was his A dentist today not only touches your teeth, s/he touches patient when he was new and struggling, but today he’s your life and the way you look. There are wizards called rich and famous. His clients comprise the bold and the smile-specialists who transform you from ordinary to beautiful, but sadly, I can’t afford him any longer. He fixes extraordinary, making ladies look like film stars; but, then, the small cavity in my tooth, but makes a big hole in my again, they’re expensive and not everyone can spend a purse. fortune on a cosmetic-procedure. It is cheaper to give a I think it’s easier — no pun intended — to find a needle mysterious Mona Lisa smile with your lips closed, so your in a haystack today than a good, ‘cost-efficient’ dentist. front teeth won’t show. This is, of course, my personal opinion and I am certainly My first encounter with a dentist was in class four of my willing to be corrected. Gujarati medium school when, after a dental check-up, a Ruby Lilaowala , a former special correspondent for Gulf Times, is a writer, columnist, life-coach and counsellor. She lives in Mumbai.

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POT-POURRI

OF RELAXATION FROM HEAD TO TOE Alternative medicine and natural therapies have always espoused and practiced the

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assage therapy has been with mankind for ages. The need to touch and be touched is a primary instinct among humans. Alternative medicine and natural therapies have always espoused and practiced the marvels of massage therapy — a natural healing wonder that eases stress from the body and leaves you completely relaxed from head to toe. The following top ten massage techniques have been celebrated, also proven, to offer complete relaxation and relief from stress: Swedish massage. This type makes use of hand topping and kneading strokes in circular motion over stiff, aching muscles and joints. This is the most popular massage technique in the United States. It is also called as ‘common massage.’ Deep tissue massage. This massage penetrates the deeper muscles and connective tissues. It is used to relieve strain from the muscles in chronic stress and overuse. Deep tissue massage may release contractures [fibrous healing] in the muscle area with previous injury. Sports massage. This is a combination massage of deep tissue and Swedish massage tailored to give athletes the performance edge. Pre-competition massage conditioning focuses on muscle groups causing discomfort in athletes. This helps to prevent unnecessary distraction during the sporting event. Post-competition massage is used to soothe aching muscles and encourage proper waste excretion for regenerative purposes. Shiatsu. This traditional Japanese technique utilises finger pressure on relevant pressure points. The manoeuvre is said to encourage the free flow of energy in the body meridians to promote self-healing. Aromatherapy. This is massage therapy that makes use of aroma from essential oil extracts — from

flowers, wood, resin and herbs. Specific oil sources have their own characteristic healing advantage for each ailment. The fragrant massage experience will promote complete relaxation during the massage. Foot reflexology. This massage technique uses finger pressure on your foot’s lower sides to soothe stiffness. The pressure points are believed to be a reflex of certain body parts including internal organs. This massage is usually shorter than the others, but offers an equally relaxing experience. Thai massage. Traditional Thai massage has been used for more than two millennia for relaxation and healing. This technique makes you lie down on a floor mat where your muscle groups are rhythmically compressed along natural energy flow lines called sen. Multiple manoeuvres of stretching is suggested to improve muscle blood circulation. Pre-natal massage. A massage technique designed for pregnant mothers to promote relaxation. Version manoeuvres are sometimes performed over the uterus to improve the delivery of the child during labour. This technique may require your physician’s clearance. Hot stone massage. This makes use of heated rocks like basalt placed over the length of your spine while you lie on your belly. The gradual heat dissipation loosens your tired muscles at the back. This offers one of the most relaxing massage experiences. Trigger point therapy. This manoeuvre focuses on the fibrous nodules or lymph nodes, along the muscle. A constant pressure is applied to relieve the tense tissue causing the reflex effect on predictable muscle groups for maximum relaxation. This technique may be used in combination with sports massage. For further details, visit: http://www.o2spa.org/ FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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FITNESS EQUIPMENT

ALL ABOUT KICK-BOXING Kick-boxing is a new form of fun exercise which draws its inspiration from fullcontact fighting. It is not only safe, but also an extremely enjoyable exercise regimen, especially for ‘heart-fitness’ enthusiasts.

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ick-boxing is related to what is called as full-contact fighting. However, its use as a cardio-fitness programme does not conform to the definition: fighting. Research suggests that it is not only safe, but also an extremely enjoyable fitness regimen, which is attracting more and more heart-fitness enthusiasts. It is estimated that kick-boxing helps one burn 500-800 calories per hour — provided one is able to do workouts on the plan at high intensity. Not everyone is endowed to doing exercises in this manner, though. Hence, trainers observe that persons with normal build are likely to burn 300-350 calories during a typical 40-minute workout session. Each session is composed of a warm-up, aerobic exercises, and after-work-out cool-down session. Like all exercise practices or programmes, kick-boxing is not for everyone. You need to give thought to your current fitness level and goals. Ideally, you need to talk to your doctor before you consider your first ‘kick’ into the exercise programme. THE BASICS Kick-start your programme with a warm-up. Most important: you need to give enough thought to proper technique. You need to wear comfortable, loosely-fit clothing. This allows you to get enough freedom of movement during your kick-boxing workout. You also need to be duly hydrated — it is good for you to drink plenty of water. It is always advisable for you to begin with basic stretches and simple cardiovascular warm-up practices, such as slow spot-jogging sessions. You may also do push-ups — however, you would need to get your doctor’s okay. Pushup is a resistance-exercise plan — it is not, for instance, recommended for individuals with high blood pressure. A TYPICAL SESSION ‡ %HJLQ ZLWK D VHULHV RI UHSHWLWLYH SXQFKHV DOWHUQDWLQJ ZLWK hand strikes ‡ )ROORZ WKLV ZLWK NLFNV DQG D FRPELQDWLRQ RI SXQFKHV KDQG strikes and kicks [three-in-one] ‡ 5HSHDW \RXU DFW D IHZ WLPHV LI \RX VR ZLVK DJDLQ DQG IRFXV on proper technique. You may, at the same time, also engage your workout on other muscles groups — which leads to a total cardiac workout

‡ 2QFH WKLV LV DFFRPSOLVKHG \RX PD\ HQG \RXU VHVVLRQ ZLWK stretching exercises, followed by floor exercises — to cool down. ILLUSTRATION There are a few exercises in the plan. Let us focus on one of the most basic and popular lower-body kick-boxing exercises. It works on your hamstrings, gluteus and quadriceps muscles. ‡ 6WDUW IURP D EDVLF VWDQFH )DFH WKH SXQFKLQJ EDJ VLGH RQ bend your knees slightly, with your shoulder-length apart. Now, lift your right knee and direct it to the right of the bag. 6WDQG RQ \RXU OHIW IRRW DV \RX H[WHQG \RXU ULJKW OHJ 5HDG\" Kick the bag with the top of your foot. This is called the roundhouse kick. ‡ 6WDUW IURP \RXU EDVLF VWDQFH 3XOO \RXU ULJKW NQHH XS WRZDUGV \RXU OHIW VKRXOGHU 6WDQG RQ \RXU OHIW IRRW $V \RX QRZ VQDS your right leg into your target, hit your punching bag with the outside edge of your foot, or your heel. The choice is yours. This manoeuvre is called the side-kick. TIPS FOR BEGINNERS ‡ 1HYHU XVH GXPEEHOOV RU ZHLJKWV ZKHQ \RX WKURZ SXQFKHV You risk injury if you do so ‡ 'R QRW ORFN \RXU MRLQWV ZKHQ \RX NLFN RU SXQFK ‡ 'R QRW RYHU H[WHQG \RXU NLFNV RU WU\ WR DWWDLQ KLJK NLFNV <RX need to get used to them, and also become more flexible to extend them, if you wish to. This will come through constant practice ‡ 1HYHU HYHU H[HUFLVH WR VKRZ \RXU SURZHVV RU ÂśEHW¡ ZLWK someone on your staying power ‡ 6WRS H[HUFLVLQJ WKH PRPHQW \RX IHHO IDWLJXHG ‡ 6SHDN WR \RXU WUDLQHU RU SK\VLFDO LQVWUXFWRU ZKR KDV UHFHLYHG training in the field. Remember: you also need to have a trainer, because cardio-kick-boxing is a combination exercise — a blend of aerobics, martial arts and different techniques ‡ $OVR PDNH VXUH WKDW \RX NQRZ WKH EDVLFV DQG JHW DQ ÂśRND\¡ from your doctor to engage in the programme. ‡ &DUGLR NLFN ER[LQJ LV DQ H[FHOOHQW VWUHVV UHOLHYLQJ WRWDO body work-out plan. When done properly, and regularly, it is sure to take you to a new level of cardiac health and overall ILWQHVV %XW DOZD\V UHPHPEHU WKDW NLFN ER[LQJ PD\ QRW ORRN aesthetic to begin with. It can be mastered only with time, devotion, patience, and practice. FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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TOP OF MIND

EXERCISE: THE WONDER ‘MEDICINE’ Our physical activity, which has been scientifically proven and tested, helps us to live longer and healthier. What is more interesting is that it is almost free, easy-to-do and has an immediate effect on our well-being. By JASON EUSEBIO FERNANDES

D

enis Waitley, the American motivational speaker and writer, consultant and bestselling author, puts it in perspective, “Time and Health are two precious assets that we don’t recognise and appreciate until they have been depleted.� Our ancestors were naturally active through their dayto-day activities, but today we have to find a means of incorporating physical activities into our daily routine. With growing evidence of the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, ‘inactivity’ is now known to be a silent killer. No worry though, as whatever be our age, the socalled ‘wonder medicine’ is easily accessible to each of us is exercise. Our physical activity, which has been scientifically proven and tested by experts, helps us to live longer and healthier. What is more interesting is that it is almost free, easy-to-do and has an immediate effect on our well-being. WHAT Exercise is “activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.� This means any movement or activity that works our body at an intensity greater than that of our daily activities is exercise. In other words, anything that is physically challenging is exercise. Physical activity or exercise loads our muscle, thus raising our heart rate and rate of respiration [breathing]. This results in improved physical fitness.

HOW Exercise intensity varies from person to person. What is suitable for one may be too much or too little for the other. Keeping in mind our varying levels of physical fitness and endurance, we should always start slow and gradually increase time, intensity and frequency of exercise. Although pushing our body a little harder each time we exercise is all right, because our body has the capacity to adjust to the increasing workload, excess or overexertion should be avoided, to prevent unnecessary injuries. Exercising with friend or kin is considered a healthy way of keeping motivated. As professional bodybuilder Lee Haney puts it “Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world wasn’t formed in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build on them.â€? BENEFITS ‡ 5HGXFHG ULVN RI KHDUW GLVHDVHV DQG VWURNH ‡ SHU FHQW UHGXFHG ULVN RI W\SH GLDEHWHV ‡ /RZHUV WKH ULVN RI FDQFHUV Âł FRORQ DQG EUHDVW FDQFHU ‡ SHU FHQW ORZHUHG ULVN RI RVWHRDUWKULWLV >2$@ Âł WKLV LV achieved by improved joint integrity, nutrition, muscle and bone health ‡ 0HPRU\ ERRVWHU ‡ (IIHFWLYH DQWL GHSUHVVDQW ‡ +HOSV LQ VWUHVV PDQDJHPHQW ‡ I mproves eye-hand co-ordination and balance 0RVW LPSRUWDQW H[HUFLVH WDNHV \RXU VHOI HVWHHP WR DQ DOO new level.

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.

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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HEALTH HAPPENINGS

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS BOOST KIDS’ BRAINS Learning a musical instrument is a terrific opportunity for children to express themselves creatively while picking up a new skill. It could be much more than this though, according to researchers, who suggest that musical training could also serve to hone their mental energies. Learning to play a musical instrument as a child could affect the way in which the brain grows. In a new study, published in The Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, a child psychiatry team has found that learning a musical instrument could help children to reduce feelings of anxiety, gain a greater control of their emotions and give a stronger focus to their attention. The authors describe the study as “the largest investigation of the association between playing a musical instrument and brain development.” The aim of the study was to assess any associations that may exist between playing a musical instrument and cortical thickening in the brain. As children grow up, the outer layer of the brain [cortex] changes in thickness, and certain changes have previously been found by researchers to be associated with altered mental states. Using magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] data, cortical thickening and thinning in particular areas of the brain had been demonstrated by the team to indicate mental conditions such as anxiety, depression and attention problems, even in children who were undiagnosed with any form of mental disorder. As a result, Dr James Hudziak, a professor of psychiatry, and colleagues decided to investigate whether positive stimulation in the form of musical training would have any effect on cortical thickening. Participants for the study were taken from National Institutes of Health [NIH] MRI Study of Normal Brain Development. A total of 232 children, aged 6-18, were analysed by the researchers. Each participant underwent

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HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

MRI scanning and behavioural testing on up to three different occasions with a 2-year interval between each one. Besides data from these brain scans, the researchers had access to the participants’ IQ and musical training data. The researchers observed a number of changes associated with musical training in various areas of the brain. As predicted, the motor areas were altered, as playing an instrument necessitates the control and co-ordination of movement. Musical training was also associated with cortical thickening in areas of the brain related to executive functioning, inhibitory control and the processing of emotions. These include, as the authors note, “working memory, attentional control, as well as organisation and planning for the future.” No association was observed by the team, however, between cortical thickness and the number of years spent playing a musical instrument — only the age during which the playing occurred. The study’s findings were relatively unaffected when adjusted for IQ and handedness. BLAME BAD LUCK FOR CANCER While environmental and genetic factors are known to drive cancer development, a new study by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, US, claims two-thirds of cancer cases in adults are a result of ‘bad luck.’ Drs Bert Vogelstein and Cristian Tomasetti, PhD, have published their findings in Science. Researchers claim 65 per cent of cancer cases are a result of random DNA mutations, while the remaining 35 per cent can be explained by a combination of such mutations and environmental and hereditary factors. According to Dr Vogelstein, it is well-established that tissue-specific stem cells make random mutations — caused by DNA errors during cell division replication — that are drivers of cancer. The more these mutations expand, the higher the cancer risk.

However, the researchers note that it was unclear as to just how much of a role these random mutations play in cancer incidence, compared with hereditary or environmental factors. To reach their findings, the team used scientific literature to analyse 31 types of cancer. They evaluated the number of stem cell divisions in each cancer and compared the rates with lifetime cancer risk among the same cancer types in the American population. Drs Vogelstein and Tomasetti calculated the contribution of stem cell divisions to cancer risk using statistical theory. They found that random DNA mutations during cell division may account for around 65 per cent of cancer incidence, while the remaining 35 per cent may be explained by hereditary or environmental factors. In general, the team found that the more stem cell divisions that occurred, which also increased the presence of random DNA mutations, the higher the likelihood of cancer development. The researchers explain, “The majority [of cancer risk] is due to ‘bad luck,’ that is, random mutations arising during DNA replication in normal, noncancerous stem cells.” “This is important not only for understanding the disease but also for designing strategies to limit the mortality it causes.” CAN FAT CELLS PROTECT US AGAINST INFECTION? Adipocytes, or fat cells, are important for maintaining the body’s energy balance. But, they may have another use. A study by researchers from the University of CaliforniaSan Diego, US, claims adipocytes under the skin may protect the body against infection. Researchers found that adipocytes, or fat cells, under the skin protect us against infection by producing antimicrobial peptides that stave off pathogens. Dr Richard Gallo, professor and chief of dermatology at the UC-San Diego School of Medicine, and colleagues say they have demonstrated that adipocytes produce antimicrobial peptides that stave off pathogens. The researchers have publish their findings in Science. For their study, the team exposed mice to Staphylococcus Aureus, a common bacterium that causes skin and soft tissue infections in humans, such as impetigo and cellulitis. The researchers explain that they chose to study this bacterium in particular as past studies had identified its presence in the fat layer of the skin. As such, they wanted to see whether this fat aided the prevention of skin infections. Within a few hours of exposing the mice to S Aureus, the researchers witnessed a significant rise in the number and size of adipocytes at the infection site. The most surprising finding, however, was that the adipocytes produced large amounts of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide [CAMP] — an antimicrobial peptide [AMP] that forms a part of the innate immune system response to kill bacteria, viruses and other potentially harmful microbes. “AMPs are our natural first-line defence against

infection,” explains Dr Gallo. “They are evolutionarily ancient and used by all living organisms to protect themselves.” Commenting on their findings, Dr Gallo says: “It was thought that once the skin barrier was broken, it was entirely the responsibility of circulating [white] blood cells — like neutrophils and macrophages — to protect us from getting sepsis. He adds, “But, the fact is, it takes time to recruit these cells [to the wound site]. We have now shown that the fat stem cells are responsible for protecting us. This was totally unexpected. It was not known that adipocytes could produce antimicrobials, let alone that they make almost as much as a neutrophil, until now.” LIVING WITH PETS LINKED TO STRONGER SOCIAL SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM A new study suggests that not only having pet dogs in the home, but also living with cats, rabbits and other animals as pets may help children with autism improve their social skills. The research also suggests living with any kind of pet is linked to increased social skills in children with autism. Previous studies show that pets encourage social interaction, and there have been reports of dogs helping children with autism develop their social skills. But, before this new study, from a researcher at the University of Missouri [MU], US, nobody had shown this might also be true of other types of pet. Dr Gretchen Carlisle, research fellow in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Research Center for HumanAnimal Interaction [ReCHAI], says when pets are present at home, the classroom, or other social setting, children tend to interact and talk to each other more. The pets serve as ‘social lubricants,’ Dr Carlisle explains, noting that this increase in social interaction when pets are around also appears to be true of children with autism. This could account for the increased assertiveness she found in autistic children who had pets living at home.

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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“Kids with autism don’t always readily engage with others,” says Dr Carlisle, “but if there’s a pet in the home that the child is bonded with and a visitor starts asking about the pet, the child may be more likely to respond.” For the study, Dr Carlisle surveyed parents of autistic patients attending the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. She surveyed 70 families, with patients ranging in age from 8-18 years. Nearly 70 per cent of the families had dogs and around 50 per cent had cats. Smaller proportions also had other pets, including farm animals, reptiles, rodents, rabbits, fish, a bird and even a spider. Dr Carlisle compared the survey results with assessments of the children’s social skills and found those who lived with dogs appeared to have greater social skills. She also found the longer the children had lived with a dog at home, the better their social skills. And, it seems the strongest bonds were with smaller dogs. This is not all. The results also showed links between greater social skills and living with any kind of pet, not just dogs. In her words, “More significantly, however, the data revealed that children with any kind of pet in the home reported being more likely to engage in behaviours such as introducing themselves, asking for information or responding to other people’s questions.” She adds, “These kinds of social skills typically are difficult for kids with autism,” “but our study showed children’s assertiveness was greater... if they lived with a pet.” USE LIGHT TO INDUCE REM SLEEP While we know that rapid eye movement [REM] sleep is an essential part of restful sleep, we do not know much about what controls it. Now, researchers, using a new technology called optogenetics, have discovered they can trigger REM episodes in mice by shining a light directly onto selected brain cells or neurons. Using light to fire up light-sensitive proteins in specific brain cells, triggered episodes of REM sleep in mice. The team, which included members from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT] and Harvard Medical School, both in Massachusetts, US, report their work in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In their study report, the researchers explain that as studies suggest the brainstem contains cholinergic cells or neurons that are involved in controlling REM. But, because that brain region, as they note, also contains a lot of other cell types, it is not easy to tease out the unique role of cholinergic neurons. Lead author Dr Christa Van Dort, of the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT, explains that previous studies suggested brainstem cholinergic neurons are active when we are awake and also during REM sleep, but, “nobody could actually say whether the firing of these specific cells was responsible for the transition to REM sleep.” So, in their study, the team set out to investigate whether

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HOMEOPATHY & YOU | FEBRUARY 2015

cholinergic neurons could induce REM sleep. They used a radical new technology called optogenetics that is helping scientists understand the brain’s wiring by controlling brain cell activity with light. In optogenetics, neurons are made to react to light with the insertion of a protein found in algae. In nature, the protein responds to certain wavelengths of light, allowing the algae to move around [Note: In 2005, researchers at Stanford University discovered that if you insert the protein into certain types of brain cell, you could shine a light on them and activate them, essentially controlling brain activity at the level of individual cells}. For their study, Dr Van Dort and colleagues used mice where the light-sensitive protein had been inserted in their cholinergic neurons. The neurons could be activated via a fibre-optic device mounted on the heads of the mice. They found if they activated the lightsensitised cholinergic neurons during non-REM sleep, it increased the number, but not the duration, of REM sleep episodes the mice had. Further analysis showed the induced REM episodes matched natural REM episodes ‘very closely.’ The team is now exploring how the cholinergic brain system links up to brain systems that are already known to be important to REM sleep. They are also developing and testing ways to produce better non-REM sleep. [Culled & Collated from the ‘Net and media reports]

HOME[O]PATHY

SKULLCAP: ‘CUP IT UP’ FOR WELLNESS A small, thickly branched herb, skullcap [Scutellaria Lateriflora], has been used as medicine for a long time to treat disorders such as joint pains, anxiety, diminished appetite, and sleeplessness.

S

kullcap derives its name from the cap-like appearance of its outer swirl of small blue flowers. The parts of the skullcap plant used for medicinal purposes are the leaves for anxiety states, nervous tension, and seizures. Reason: it is suggested that skullcap has a calming action on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems; hence, its effects. Most of the medicinal properties and effects of skullcap are based on traditional and clinical observations, which also include subjective records of patients. Here are some indications for its use: ‡ -RLQW DFKHV ‡ 0XVFOH VSDVPV ‡ $Q[LHW\ QHUYRXV WHQVLRQ VWDWHV ‡ 7HQVLRQ KHDGDFKH ‡ $QRUH[LD QHUYRVD >GLPLQLVKHG DSSHWLWH@ ‡ )LEURP\DOJLD ‡ 5HVWOHVV OHJ V\QGURPH ‡ 6OHHSOHVVQHVV ‡ 0LOG 7RXUHWWH¡V V\QGURPH >PXOWLSOH PRWRU DQG YRFDO WLFV@ ‡ (SLOHSV\ >ILWV@ &KLQHVH VNXOOFDS >Scutellaria Baicalensis@ D FORVHO\ UHODWHG KHUE RI WKH (XURSHDQ IRUP Scutellaria Lateriflora, referred to already and used in homeopathic medicine, has also been the subject of select studies — it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-histamine properties. It also has an impressive record in the treatment of arthritis, and allergies, such as hay fever, or allergic rhinitis. In one study, Chinese skullcap was shown to inhibit cancer cells. Some studies report that skullcap has broad-spectrum anti-cancer activity too. Researchers, therefore, suggest that Chinese skullcap holds promise as a therapeutic agent, or an adjuvant, in the treatment of both inflammation and cancer complexes.

CANCER In traditional Chinese medicine, skullcap is used to treat tumours. Some laboratory studies have shown evidence of early promise of this herb in the treatment of bladder, liver, and other types of cancers. $FFRUGLQJ WR HealthyNewAge Magazine, skullcap forms one of the eight herbs, including saw palmetto, ginseng

DQG OLFRULFH WKDW PDNH XS 3& 63(6 Âł DQ DOWHUQDWLYH WUHDWPHQW IRU SURVWDWH FDQFHU ([WHQVLYH VWXGLHV DUH QRZ RQ YLV j YLV 3& 63(6¡ VLGH HIIHFW SURILOH LI DQ\ DOWKRXJK some authorities feel that the remedy may not be, at the moment, safe in certain individuals. OTHER USES Laboratory results have accessed a constituent present in skullcap, which is reported to be useful in the treatment of hepatitis-B. Reports also suggest that skullcap may be a useful remedy in the prevention of heart disease, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Some researchers also suggest that skullcap could limit organic damage following a heart attack. Clinical studies are now on in the direction — in other words, comprehensive results on the activity are awaited. AVAILABLE FORMS Skullcap is available in powder form, or liquid extract. It is generally not given for children, but it may be used to bring about a calming change in anxious, tense children. The best way to use it is in the form of mild tea. CAVEAT Opinion is divided on the safety of skullcap. There have been reports of contamination of the herb with Teucrium species, which are known to cause liver SUREOHPV ([SHUWV VXJJHVW WKDW LW LV LPSRUWDQW IRU RQH to obtain skullcap from a reliable source, or store. They also caution that excess dose of skullcap tincture may produce dizziness, stupor, mental confusion, twitching, LUUHJXODU KHDUWEHDWV DQG ÂśVHL]XUH OLNH¡ V\PSWRPV Skullcap should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. $OWKRXJK WKHUH DUH QR UHSRUWV WKDW VNXOOFDS LQWHUDFWV with any conventional medication, it has been established that the herb has a sedative profile. Researchers suggest that skullcap should be used with caution in patients ZKR DUH XVLQJ DQWL DQ[LHW\ PHGLFDWLRQV >EHQ]RGLD]HSLQH@ or medications such as diazepam and alprazolam and barbiturates for sleep disorders, or seizures — such as pentobarbital — or, anti-histamine medications for allergic conditions. FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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SUPER FOODS

GOODNESS OF OATS The synergy of the powered nutrients in oats makes them an outstanding and formidable super food.

O

ats have a certain magic, especially with people who love them for their morning fill. They are low in calories, high in fibre and protein. They’re a rich source of magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, thiamine, and pantothenic acid. You name it. They also contain phytonutrients, or nutraceuticals, such as polyphenols, phytoestrogens, lignins, protease inhibitors, and vitamin E. Well, the extent of protection against disease offered by oats and other whole grains is greater than that of any of their ingredients taken in isolation. In addition to their power to reduce disease and extend your health span, oats are a formidable super food for practical reasons: they’re inexpensive, readily available, and unbelievably easy to integrate into your life. Oatmeal is on virtually every menu of every restaurant serving breakfast in several countries, and if you only remember to eat a bowl of oats regularly, you’ll be on your way to better health and optimal well-being. Oats are an excellent source of the complex carbohydrates that your body requires to sustain energy. They have twice as much protein as brown rice. They’re also a rich source of thiamine, iron, and selenium, and show promise as an aid to reducing heart disease and cancer. As Dr Steven G Pratt, MD, father of the ‘SuperFoods’ movement, and author of a bestselling book by the same name, notes, “It’s the cholesterol-lowering power of oats that drew the most attention to this humble grain. The specific fibre — beta glucan — in oats is the soluble fibre that seems responsible for this benefit. Study after study has shown that in individuals with high cholesterol [above 220mg/dl], consuming just 3gm of soluble oat fibre per day —or, roughly the amount in a bowl of oatmeal — can lower total cholesterol by 8-23 per cent. Given that each 1 per cent drop in serum cholesterol translates to a 2 per cent decrease in the

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risk of developing heart disease, this is a significant effect.” The beneficial effect of oats on blood sugar levels, as Dr Pratt adds, was first reported in 1913. In recent years, researchers have discovered some of the mechanisms that make oats so effective. The same soluble fibre that reduces cholesterol — beta glucan — also seems to benefit those who suffer from type-2 diabetes. People who eat oatmeal or oat branrich foods experience lower spikes in their blood sugar levels than they could get with white rice or white bread. How this happens? The soluble fibres slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach and delays the absorption of glucose following a meal. As stabilising blood sugar is the goal of anyone with diabetes — this is obviously an extremely beneficial effect. A recent study has found that a low intake of cereal fibre to be in reverse associated with a risk for diabetes. The study observes, “The findings suggest that grains should be consumed in a minimally refined form to reduce the incidence of diabetes mellitus.” This same study has also looked at the role of various foods in connection with diabetes. It found a significant opposite association with cold breakfast cereals and yogurt and, not surprisingly, a significant positive association with colas, white bread, white rice, french fries, and cooked potatoes. “The more you eat of the latter, the greater your risk for diabetes.” In addition to the power of oat fibre, researchers, as Dr Pratt observes, have been excited to learn more about the phytonutrients in grains and how they help prevent disease. The germ and bran of oats contain a concentrated amount of phytonutrients, including caffeic acid and ferulic acid. Ferulic acid has been the focal point of current research, thanks to its ability to prevent colon cancer in clinical studies. Ferulic acid has also been found to be a potent antioxidant able to ‘hunt’ free radicals and protect against oxidative damage. It is also suggested to hamper the growth of certain cancerpromoting compounds.

READ. WATCH. LISTEN. EXPLORE DON’T WORRY. BE MERRY Most of us would assume we’re stuck and there’s nothing we can do to rein in — but there is something in us that suggests that meditation, for one, can do everything, from lowering your blood pressure to essentially rewiring your brain. In 10% Happier, Dan Harris takes a deep dive into the underreported world of CEOs, scientists, and also marines who are now using meditation for increased calm, focus, and happiness. In so doing, he takes readers on a ride from the outer reaches of neuroscience to the inner sanctum

of network news — with a takeaway that could actually change our lives. 10% Happier Dan Harris It Books/Full Circle pp: 256 Price: C799.00

SOUND MEDITATION Time Off: The Fifteen Minute Meditator is designed to be used anywhere — at work, home, school, or when travelling. It encompasses of a synthesiser soundtrack which delivers a deep, Theta-level meditation within a short time. For an extended, 30-minute meditation, you’d listen to Track Two where the Synchronicity Technology of Balance is replete with the sounds of a gently rolling surf. The tracks balance the brain hemispheres, enhancing whole brain synchrony, while delivering holistic

awareness with far less time and effort than traditional techniques. Time Off: The Fifteen Minute Meditator Audio CD Master Charles Cannon Yogi Impressions Price: C310.00

NATURE WELLNESS Aakriti Nature Cure Centre’s ‘Aakriti Wellness Packages’ aim to inspire people to improve their health as well as that of their loved ones. It uses the Vedic sciences of naturopathy, ayurveda, and r. yoga to help them relax and manage stress better. The centre is spread over ten acres. It is built aesthetically and includes an organic farm and kitchen as well as herbal garden. Call: +91-755-3939139. Website: www.anccag8.com

FRENCH CONNECTION Baker Street is a concept store. It offers French food, primarily yummy pastries, breads ‘original’ ice-cream with fruit, fine chocolates, fresh fruit juice and a quality catering service, among other French delicacies. It also offers products manufactured locally in ‘French Pondichéry’ — something new and unique in the country. All in all, a real place for meeting and relaxation, while you savour breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with the dishes of the day — to be more specific, French. Call: +91-99448 50001/0413-6458 888.

FEBRUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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CELEB FITNESS

RAVEENA’S WELLNESS MANTRA

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aveena Tandon needs no introduction. A muchsought-after actress, and now producer, Raveena has primarily worked in Bollywood films. She has also appeared in Tamil, Kannada and Telugu films. She has always believed in fitness and wellness, although she has kept changing her form of workout as and when her body, as she puts it, gets stereo-typed, or ‘immune,’ to any exercise-based pattern. She, therefore, believes in experimenting with her workout, just as much as she emphasises on everyday wellness for her kids, and other moms around. Here goes her fitness and wellness ‘prescription,’ by courtesy of http://celebfitness.blogspot.in/ IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY DIET When I started working in movies, I never went on a crash diet, or put myself through stress because my mother had inculcated good eating habits in me since I was a child. That’s why you’ve never heard stories about me fainting on the set of a film. I’ve done the same for my kids. They don’t touch aerated drinks. I’ve told them it’s unhealthy and they are okay with it. They know they can have it, but only occasionally. CREATING AWARENESS Once in a while, if I have an aerated drink, my kids scold me saying it’s unhealthy. They also fear that my teeth will turn black. YUMMY NUTRITIONAL FOOD I am always concerned about the nutrition my kids are

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getting. So, I make food which is tasty and nutritious. Generally, I serve them one interesting dish with two boring dishes. But, I keep oily, fried stuff and everything that is made of maida away from them. PERSONAL FAVOURITES My kids love Chinese and Indian food. Palak paneer and butter naan are their favourite foods. They enjoy Indian food at Urban Tadka in Andheri, Mumbai. For Chinese food, it alternates. SOME EASY-TO-IMPLEMENT TIPS FOR MOMS Let fruits and vegetables reign in your house. Keep them washed, peeled, cut and available in plain sight, such as the front of the fridge, on kitchen countertops, on the dining table etc. Keep chips and pretzels out of sight. Better still, just limit the buying of too many processed snacks. Do not solely rely on sneaking vegetables into every dish. While this may seem like a good tactic, if used regularly, it will backfire. Your kids will think of vegetables as something so awful they that need to be camouflaged. Instead, offer vegetables in various textures, colours and forms — cooked and uncooked, and with or without dips. Try raw sweet bell peppers and other crunchy veggies at first. For me, breakfast is brain power. The best examples of a good breakfast include: yoghurt, fruit and nuts, milk and banana slices, eggs and whole grain toast, and oatmeal with cinnamon and fruit. That’s yum — isn’t it?

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