Homeopathy & you January 2015

Vol 1. Issue 1. January 2015 • `100

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Dr MUKESH BATRA The homeopathic Aurum personality PREETI MANDAWEWALA Elemental equilibrium

HOMEOPATHY & CHRONIC FATIGUE:

EFFECTIVE RELIEF

PLUS

The mainstreaming of natural medicine Heart health Goodness of pumpkin John Abraham’s wellness mantra

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Vol 1. Issue 1. JANUARY 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 chronic fatigue effectively Homeopathic ‘Sunsigns: Know your personality; know your remedy. Dr Mukesh Batra distils the homeopathic Aurum, this month Medical Marvels: Case reviews from homeopathic doctors How Homeopathy Helped Me Q&A: Doctor’s Orders Child Health: Pica and homeopathy Quintessence: Homeopathy and allergies What Lies Beneath: Mainstreaming of natural medicine Home[e]o Truths: Homeopathy is parents’ best choice

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Living Well: Heart health

COLUMNS

Mind-body balance

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The Way We Were & Are Fitness Equipment Top of Mind Health Happenings The goodness of pumpkin

Fighting Fit: Kerry Dulin Whole & Soul: Radhanath Swami Poise & Balance: Preeti Mandawewala

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Corporate Wellness: Badrinath Durvasula

Read. Watch. Listen. Explore Celeb Fitness: John Abraham

Good For You: Richard Firshein

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Mixed Bag: Ruby Lilaowala

MAILBOX: READERS’ FEEDBACK

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of The essence thic homeopa healing go Weight to in action Nutrition of radish Goodness Sharma’s Anushka mantra wellness

Our December 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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LETTER OF THE MONTH I love reading H&Y. The articles that impress me the most and I frequently go back to are the cover feature, homeopathic personalities by Dr Mukesh Batra, and the entire lifestyle section. I am so much into Dr Batra’s articles on personalities now that I try to connect or ‘fit’ my family, friends and others into them. This, I feel, is so interesting and also fun [Don’t worry, I am not a homeopathic doctor; I don’t and I won’t ‘prescribe’ homeopathic remedies for them!].

Suresh G Rao, Bengaluru ULCER HEALING It is heartening to know that homeopathy can be so effective in ulcers [H&Y, December 2014]. My mother has had tummy ulcer since a long time. She is taking allopathic medicine currently, but is not happy with the treatment as the pain is persistent.

Thanks to H&Y, I now get a confident feeling that ulcer patients can get better, long-lasting relief from homeopathic treatment.

Thanks again for such an informative article. I will consult a homeopath for my mother’s ulcer treatment, as soon as I can.

V K Mishra, New Delhi USEFUL INFORMATION I like reading the health articles in H&Y. Being a mother of two and a firm believer in homeopathy, your articles really help me in understanding what is healthy for me and my family. The article on breast lumps was really well-written; it gave me so much information about self-care tips and remedies for treatment. My younger son, for instance, had adenoid problems. I opted for homeopathic treatment for him and the results are excellent.

Madhulika M, Kochi PRACTICAL READING I enjoyed reading Ryan Harrison’s ‘Ignite Your Cognition’ article [H&Y, December 2014], especially the part focusing on dietary and herbal supplements and how we can preserve our health and wellness. I also liked the author’s handy note: “Before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, or using any dietary or herbal supplements, it is imperative to check with your physician. While most dietary and herbal supplements are benign in nature, some may exhibit specific interactions with certain prescription medications. They should, therefore, not be used without proper medical direction and/or supervision.”

Practical, indeed.

Nilima D’Souza, Mumbai

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H&Y wishes its readers A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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HOMEOPATHY & CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME:

SAFE, EFFECTIVE RELIEF

Chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS] is an idiopathic disease — one that develops without any apparent cause, recognisable signs and symptoms. Such a lack of ‘causality’ frustrates conventional medicine. Homeopathy has proven to be the most effective, safe form of treatment for CFS — for restoring physical and emotional balance.

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By Dr AKSHAY BATRA

hirty-year-old Varshita, a software engineer, was always a picture of dynamism. Paradoxically, however, she did not know what had hit her out of the blue — and, changed her life. She’d feel tired all the time, even after 8-10 hours of sleep. Her fatigue, as she put it, interfered with everything. It also added misery to her frustration. Her writing, painting and creative interests and other projects, which always captivated her, seemed just too much of an effort. Varshita began to feel she was 60+. She always felt ‘dog-tired,’ as she put it, even during weekends. This was the song of her burden for over 3-4 years now.

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That she’d feel totally exhausted after returning home from work was also passé. She complained of not being able to stick to her normal routine and body pains, including lapse of concentration. She stretched her sleeping hours to feel better — but, she never felt refreshed. Her productivity at work dipped. No amount of conventional [allopathic] medications and painkillers to combat her aches helped — except for temporary respite. She underwent a battery of tests and investigations. The results were ‘normal’ — her tired ‘appointment’ with life, however, continued unabated.

Varshita realised that hers was more than just routine stress. Her dilemma to deal with tiredness was one

thing. Her apprehension that it would create major problems soon led her to think of the homeopathic option — perhaps, as a useful alternative for relief. She came to us with hope, also a little anxiety.

We deduced that she suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS], based on her presenting and other symptoms. We put her on the homeopathic remedy, Silicea 200C, after analysing her overall symptoms, personality, and detailed case study. The remedy restored her ‘normal’ energy levels in a span of six months of regular treatment and follow-up. Her creativity and productivity too returned to a healthy level. She slowly regained her normal, vibrant self.

We all feel tired for no apparent reason at times. This is normal. Blame it on long working hours, physical and emotional stress, or think of what you may. You get over it, sooner than later. However, it is only when ‘that’ awful, tired feeling comes to stay should you think of a problem that could be more deep-rooted than meets the eye, or mind. Add to this a feeling of constant drowsiness, or sleepy feeling, during the day, along with body ache, and you have a good, real reason to seek professional homeopathic help. This was the case with Varshita — or, so she thought on the surface, a classical case of CFS from the clinical point-of-view.

DEBILITATING DISORDER CFS is a complex, debilitating disorder. It is characterised by excessive fatigue, even while attending to normal, routine activities. It may emerge suddenly too with no apparent reason. Worse still, the problem does not ease by rest, or sleep. You feel so worn out that you sense you have no energy to complete a small part of your normal daily activities.

Physical, or mental, activity makes you feel depleted, almost ‘beaten to the bone,’ or even worse.

CFS is being increasingly called ‘Yuppie flu,’ because of its tendency to affect young, busy, onthe-go professionals. It can, of course, affect anyone.

Statistics shows that it tends to affect more women

than men. In terms of incidence, it usually develops in one’s early 20s and/or up to their mid-40s. Children may also be sometimes affected — usually between age 13 and 15.

What actually causes CFS is not known. There are no factual diagnostic tests available. CFS is suspected when certain health conditions that may also cause extreme fatigue are ruled out. Clinicians suggest that prolonged, or long, working hours, lifestyle changes, highly stressful professions, mental stress, and viral illnesses, may also trigger the illness.

DIAGNOSIS CFS is characterised by long-standing fatigue with an uncertain cause. If a person having chronic fatigue can identify the source, or nature, of the fatigue, they probably do not have CFS Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, sore throat, and tender or painful areas in the neck, or armpits, due to swollen lymph glands. There may also be muscle soreness, shifting pains in the joints, loss of memory, or focus, sleeplessness, and extreme fatigue following any exercise regimen — this may last for more than 24 hours CFS, in quantifiable terms, is characterised by a state of chronic fatigue that persists for more than six months, accompanied by cognitive difficulties.

The diagnosis is empirical, based on exclusion clinical criteria, or certain non-specific tests to rule out other illnesses. The diagnosis primarily rests on historical criteria — for the most part on inexplicable fatigue that may have lasted for more than six months, as already cited, along with cognitive dysfunction.

The analysis also takes into account constant fatigue, or tired feeling, listless sleep, impaired memory and concentration, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, aches or pains in multiple joints.

Other notable symptoms that may be considered include sensitivity to light, eye pain, neck tenderness [sensitivity to touch] and lymph node enlargement, especially in the armpits, allergies and sensitivity to foods, odours etc. There may also be irritability and mood swings. In certain cases, there may be intense anxiety and depression. Some patients may also become emotionally detached and have trouble performing at work.

Conventional [allopathic] medicine offers no effective treatment. For most part, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] suppress body ache and/or feverishness, besides antihistamines that ease allergic symptoms, such as a runny nose, with short-term relief. Yet another problem is: conventional medications are habit-forming. Besides, they carry their own set of side-effects, some of them serious.

Homeopathy has proven to be the most effective and safe form of treatment for CFS. Homeopathic remedies strengthen one’s immunity; they also help ease stress.

This is suggested to bring about balance and harmony JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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to the body, as also the mind and its innumerable functions. Clinical studies too have proven the efficacy of homeopathic remedies in the treatment of CFS. Most clinicians believe that CFS is an idiopathic disease — one that develops without any apparent or known cause, or recognisable signs and symptoms.

Such a lack of causality irks conventional medical schools, doctors, researchers, practices and hospitals.

Some pragmatic conventional physicians infer that the only people who benefit from life-long conventional symptomatic treatment associated with CFS are the pharmaceutical companies that make trillions of dollars from medications to treat the disorder. Picture this — pain medications, sleep-aids, anti-depressants, anti-inflammatories and other drugs.

New emerging studies aver that CFS may be the likely outcome of the following conditions, albeit the hypothesis is not wholly conclusive: • Brain abnormalities • Psychiatric or emotional conditions • Genetic factors • A hyper-reactive immune system • Viral or other infectious agents.

GENETIC FACTORS New research suggests that CFS may be triggered by certain genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal [HPA] axis and the sympathetic nervous system.

Such genes regulate our response to trauma, injury and other stressful events. Nevertheless, its clinical validation has not demonstrated that ‘such trauma’ actually plays a role in CFS. It is also believed that certain interactions among our bodily organs that constitute the HPA axis, a major part of the neuroendocrine system, regulates our response to stress, digestion, immune system, mood, emotions, sexuality, as well as energy.

Most infectious illnesses, as clinical evidence suggests, impacts the axis through neurotoxins that compete for the same receptor sites. This is, perhaps, one reason why such infections may bring about one and the same symptoms of idiopathic diseases, including several CFS symptoms associated therewith.

Some clinicians also evidence that abnormal levels of chemicals in the axis area could cause CFS. This is principally because the axis controls and regulates important physiological functions, such as sleep, stress response and depression.

NEURO-CONNECT Recent research implies that the HPA axis represents the neurobiology of mood disorders and functional illnesses, viz., anxiety and bipolar disorder, sleeplessness, post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], personality disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], depression, fibromyalgia [a disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue], irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], alcoholism, including burnout.

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A school of thought suggests that CFS individuals may have the condition at some point in their lifetime, even when symptoms remain hidden or inactive until the individual is undermined by trauma, or a likely trigger.

This could be anything from a new arrival in the family, vaccines in immune-compromised children, inoculation, accident, death of a loved one, or divorce.

It is primarily for this reason that clinicians emphasise that treating the ‘likely’ triggers as central is important to effective clinical outcomes. More so, because infections, and not genetic factors alone, may be at the ‘root’ of the HPA axis disturbance in the brain. Interestingly, emerging studies have found certain alterations in genes caused by infections of the immune system, intracellular communication and energy transfer. Research has also identified certain genes in individuals with CFS corresponding to blood disorders and infection.

Notwithstanding medical advance, the irony is there is no clear blueprint vis-à-vis the cause of CFS, even though most clinicians and doctors are inclined to accept the possibility of infections being the nasty ‘game-changer’ for altering mental and emotional health.

It is also reported that some individuals having CFS may present with abnormally high levels of serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ chemical messenger in the brain and show deficiencies in dopamine, the chemical associated with feelings of reward. In certain cases, it has been found that there is often a confirmable disparity between norepinephrine and dopamine. It is also reported that certain CFS patients have lower cortisol levels, a stress chemical produced by the adrenal glands. This can lead to impaired or weakened responses to psychological, emotional or physical stresses, like worry, infection and exercise. New studies have shown that CFS patients may also have co-existing thyroid, testosterone and cortisol disorders.

It is reported that certain CFS individuals may have disturbed bio-clocks, or circadian rhythms [irregular sleep-wake cycle], regulated by the nerve cluster in the

HPA axis cited earlier. It is for this reason that doctors believe that emotional or physically stressful events, such as viral infections could disrupt natural circadian rhythms, along with the failure to reset such rhythms.

This is suggested to lead to a continual cycle of sleep disturbance or sleep loss. Conventional medications do little to correct the condition, unless infections are eased out and hormones realigned. If this is not achieved, long-term improvement is not likely, not to speak of the imminent prospect of relapse.

That psychological, personality, temperamental and social factors are associated with CFS has also prompted clinicians to weigh and treat distinct complex relationships that exist between physical and emotional factors of the disorder. In so doing, researchers believe that one should re-emphasise and treat the possibility of a virus or other infectious agent that may trigger the syndrome, even when individuals having CFS may not show any clinical signs of infection. Some clinicians do not acquiesce to the view — they believe that research has apparently disregarded the complexity of mute-infections, multi-toxins and heavy metal toxicity that complicate CFS, making it extremely difficult to diagnose the condition on a case-to-case basis. More so, because the viral connect for CFS does not, as yet, have hard scientific evidence, even when individuals may have elevated levels of antibodies to certain organisms, viz., candida [‘yeast infection’], herpes virus, Epstein-Barr, measles, coxsackie-B, cytomegalovirus, or parvovirus.

At the other end of the spectrum, some clinicians suspect that in nearly 80 per cent of cases, CFS may, however, emerge with flu-like symptoms — with cluster outbreaks of the disorder occurring within the same household, workplace and community, even when sceptics suggest that sporadic incidences of CFS in individuals do not appear to be contagious.

In a paper published by D R Staines in Medical Hypotheses on whether CFS is an autoimmune disorder of endogenous neuropeptides [molecules of emotion] exogenous infection and molecular imitation, the following is obvious. “CFS is a disorder characterised by prolonged fatigue and debility and is mostly associated with post-infection sequelae,

although ongoing infection is unproven. Immunological irregularity is likely and this may prove to be associated with an expanding group of vasoactive neuropeptides in the context of molecular impersonation and inappropriate immunological memory. Vasoactive neuropeptides, including vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP] and pituitary adenylate activating polypeptide [PACAP], belong to the secretin-glucagon superfamily and act as hormones, neurotransmitters, immune modulators and neurotrophes. They are readily catalysed to smaller peptide fragments by antibody hydrolysis. They and their binding sites are immunogenic and are known to be associated with a range of autoimmune conditions.”

He adds, “Vasoactive neuropeptides are widely distributed in the body particularly in the central, autonomic and peripheral nervous systems and have been identified in the gut, adrenal gland, reproductive organs, vasculature, blood cells and other tissues. They have a vital role in maintaining vascular [blood] flow in the organs, and in thermoregulation, memory and concentration. They are co-transmitters for chemicals such as acetylcholine, nitric oxide, endogenous opioids and insulin, and are potent immune regulators with primarily anti-inflammatory activity and have a significant role in protecting the nervous system to toxic assault, promotion of neural development and the maintenance of homeostasis [self-regulating process].”

The paper, put simply, suggests a biologically plausible mechanism for the development of CFS, based on loss of immunological tolerance to vasoactive neuropeptides following infection and significant physical exercise. It proposes that the release of such substances is accompanied by a loss of tolerance either to them or their receptor-binding sites in CFS. Such occurrences would have predictably serious consequences — for example, compromised function of the key roles that these substances perform. The paper summarises that a biologically plausible theory of CFS causation associated with vasoactive neuropeptide dysfunction would promote a coherent and systematic approach to future research into this possibility and other associated disabling conditions, such as Lyme disease.

SELF-HELP • Try to avoid, or reduce, stress — if this is possible. Evaluate your lifestyle factors and nutritional deficiencies, including certain medications that may ‘trigger’ CFS, with your homeopathic physician • Take adequate rest; let go and accept things as they are • Regular aerobic exercise [20-25 minutes, daily], or a brisk walk for half-hour, daily, followed by a 20-minute meditation session and listening to soft, soulful music, are all helpful • Take a magnesium supplement [400mg], vitamin C [1,000mg], with B-complex, fortified with beta-carotene and

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zinc, everyday. The supplements boost your immunity and energy levels and also protect from the illness • Dark chocolate is ‘prescribed’ by some therapists to relieve debilitating CFS symptoms.

Feel tired to the bone? There’s no need to worry, or think wistfully. Homeopathy offers safe, effective treatment for CFS. It also brings back the smile on your face — and, in so doing, helps you to lead a revitalised, vibrant life.

We are made up of millions of different cells, such as heart, blood, muscle nerve cells and so on. These cells are different; they all have a different job to do. The common requirement though is obvious — each cell needs energy. But, the way in which energy is supplied is the same for every cell in the body. Mitochondria are a common biological unit for energy. Energy, in other words, is supplied to cells by mitochondria — the powerhouses or engines which power every cell in the body. CFS, according to new research, is a condition caused by mitochondrial malfunction. This is reason why some researchers suggest a mitochondrial test to ‘diagnose’ CFS. NEW STUDY Research at Stanford University, US, has found some striking abnormalities in the brains of people with CFS, a frustrating and debilitating condition for which there is no known cause and no conventional [allopathic] treatment that is broadly effective. The findings, published in Radiology, could improve diagnosis and spark new scientific understanding of the disorder.

Perhaps, even more noteworthy is, if the results can be confirmed with larger studies, it could provide the first objective evidence that CFS is a severe illness that causes real physiological damage. This would be a major step for individuals, patients and others, who still bear the burden of having a condition that was ignored or not taken seriously for too long. Says Dr Jose Montoya, MD, an infectious disease specialist, who helped establish the first CFS team at Stanford School of Medicine, a decade ago, “If this finding holds, it will be exciting because, yes, we’ve found something that has never been found before. But, there’s this additional layer of looking at a disease that was completely ostracised. So, there’s also this component of validation.”

NEW HOPE FOR DIAGNOSIS A change might be yet far-flung, although there seems to be hope, at least in part, thanks to a new brain study of patients living with CFS. The study, published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, shows for the first time distinct increases in inflammation in particular regions of CFS patients’ brains.

Dr Yasuyoshi Watanabe, MD, PhD, Director of the RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies and professor of physiology at Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan, and his colleagues studied positron emission tomography [PET] scans of the brains of ten health controls and nine patients with CFS. According to Watanabe, “Many researchers and clinicians, including our group, thought of this before, but apparently no one tried it using PET.” The research team found increases in inflammatory markers in regions including the amygdala, thalamus and midbrain in CFS patients who had severe cognitive troubles. They also found more of these markers in thalamus and cingulate

cortex in individuals who reported worse pain. That they also found higher traces of inflammation in the hippocampus in patients with severe depression was another first.

It is agreed that it is still early days. As Watanabe says, “The PET-scan correlations do not precisely explain the symptoms.” Watanabe and his team are now looking into the amount of neuroinflammation [inflammation of the nerves] in patients with CFS as well as the levels of circulating cytokines [signalling cells], which could both lead to the development of tests for the condition. Having a biologically based test, as Watanabe explains, could help those who do have the disease as well as patients who might have a different condition that has similar symptoms, such as depression, fibromyalgia or late-stage Lyme disease, which would be managed differently. “Most important,” as Watanabe explains, is “how to treat [CFS] patients and how to prevent this disorder.” It may be emphasised that conventional clinicians and physicians can only try to treat the symptoms today — not the disease — with medications or lifestyle recommendations. The refreshing thing, as Watanabe notes is, “We are now planning to study therapeutics, such as anti-inflammatory agents, including herbal medicine,” which might treat the underlying pathology.

HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHY CFS is being increasingly labelled as a disorder ‘precipitated’ by biological, psychological or physiological causes. This only means that any issue or cause can affect the individual’s physical health just as much as emotional well-being. It can also slowly trigger illnesses, such as CFS, not to speak of heart disease and diabetes.

Homeopathy is mind-body medicine. It stimulates both the mind and body to rebalance and usher in harmony and emotional and physical wellness.

Homeopathic treatment of CFS involves taking the affected individual’s complete case history, followed by family history, presenting symptoms, ‘likely’ triggers, including one’s sensitivities, sensibilities and also idiosyncrasies. The reason being all of us are unique — no two individuals with CFS show the same unique symptoms. They experience them differently — even when the diagnosis of the disorder per se is the same by name.

Put in précis, the following homeopathic remedies are useful to manage CFS: Gelsemium. This remedy is useful in CFS, when accompanied by weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, dullness and trembling. Muscle aches with heaviness and lethargy. Tremors and twitching of the muscles.

There may be a dull heaviness in the head with blurred vision. Anticipatory anxiety. All symptoms are better with profuse urination. All symptoms are worse in damp, cold weather.

Ignatia Amara is helpful in CFS following a sad event, or after shock, apprehension and emotional worry.

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Kali Phosphoricum. Is a leading homeopathic remedy for CFS, after a bout of influenza. The emotional symptoms are anxiety with depression, sleeplessness and dread. The anxiety state may be represented by a fear of crowds and agoraphobia. Loss of memory, muscle weakness, aches and pains. All symptoms are worse with exercise, cold and mental effort. Most symptoms are better from sleep, eating and moderate movement.

Mercurius Solubilis. Is a leading homeopathic remedy for acute glandular fever, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Indications for CFS include a persistent sore throat with enlarged cervical lymph nodes [glands] and profuse salivation. Mercurius individuals are often sensitive to heat and cold. Sleeplessness with great agitation at night and trepidation may also be a feature. The muscle pains are intense and deep with tender [sensitive to touch] bones. Loss of memory — is unable to recall names quickly.

Natrum Muriaticum is effective when there is stress and depression with intense fear.

Phosphoric Acid. Nervous exhaustion, followed by physical lethargy. CFS with prolonged diarrhoea. The individual is often laid-back, indifferent — even gloomy — and, may find it difficult to cope with depression.

Is sensitive, especially to music and may have blue rings around the eyes. Or, probably is chilly with a poor appetite, while being thirsty.

Piper Methysticum is useful for CFS when accompanied by depression caused by regular, or routine, day-to-day events, or activities.

Scutellaria. This is used in the treatment of CFS especially following flu, when the patient is nervous and forgetful, or complains of frequent, dull headaches, accompanied by aching weakness of the limbs with muscle twitches.

Silicea. Is effective in CFS individuals who lack mental and physical stamina and have an overconscientious attitude to work — a ‘trait’ that leads to exhaustion, or sleeplessness. Chilliness is often characteristic, along with a marked predisposition for plentiful, smelly sweat. Digestive problems and a weakened bone structure, because of poor absorption of food and undernourishment, along with recurrent infections caused by a weak immune system, are also prominent indications.

Zincum Metallicum. This remedy corresponds to weakness with restlessness and depression. The individual is lethargic, irritable and hypersensitive, especially to noise; restless legs accompanied by muscular twitching are also common. Memory loss, numbness and coldness with weird sensations in arms and legs are common. All symptoms are worse from alcohol.

Influenzinum. Nosodes, homeopathic preparations made from bodily tissues and fluids, such as Influenzinum, would be a useful approach when there is a history of flu and the individual has reported being unwell ever since that time.

For the best results, it is imperative that homeopathic treatment is instituted under the supervision of a professional homeopathic physician.

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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WHAT’S YOUR TYPE: YOUR PERSONALITY

AURUM METALLICUM: DYNAMISM & DESPONDENCY Most Aurum Metallicum individuals are taut — they are also serious, not the quick wit type. They are agile and buoyant in their emotional framework, but they carry a sense of weight with them.

“A

ll that glisters is not gold,” wrote a sheen that is not just attractive, but also William Shakespeare in his purple captivating. This is because, like gold, Aurums prose. Yet, the fact is right from the always retain their colour and shine — without dawn of civilisation, every culture has likened being overtly beleaguered by external factors. gold to glitter and wealth and perceived the Yet, there is a paradox — when the homeopathic magnificent, resplendent metal as the symbol Aurum personality, which aims to achieve the best

By Dr MUKESH of the Sun, the most powerful representation there is in life, feel they cannot achieve as much as BATRA of divinity, royalty, knowledge, wisdom and they ought to, or want to, they think of themselves supremacy. as miserable failures.

For aeons, people across the globe have considered They are workaholics, all right, always striving gold as masculine too, an emblem of spiritual mysticism. to accomplish the high standards they have set for In Eastern thought, gold is visualised as ‘mineral light,’ themselves and, again, when they feel they have a radiant revelation mirroring the threads of sunlight on underachieved, or not attained the set level, a sense of the living planet. Gold has also, for long, been associated void and desolation may follow. The emotional fall-out, with romance, love and belief, not to speak of jewellery thereto, is often hypersensitivity for smell, taste, hearing, and ornamentation, as also a much-vaunted saviour from and touch. The rest is imminent. When Aurum is besieged financial adversity. or marooned, by ‘failure,’ they tend to make a mountain A chemical element, gold, whose symbol is Au, is out of a mole hill — especially, with criticism or negation, derived from the Latin, aurum, meaning gold. The while discharging relentless resentment, followed by homeopathic remedy, Aurum Metallicum, is prepared trembling, flushing and nervous unease. using the precious metal gold. It was first proved by Dr Most Aurum individuals are taut — they are serious, Samuel Hahnemann, MD, the founder of homeopathy, not the witty type. They are agile and buoyant in their and is a celebrated remedy for emotional disorders, emotional framework, but they carry a sense of weight especially anxiety and depression — which may, in certain with them. This is their theme song since childhood — individuals, insidiously trigger suicidal tendencies. with a Freudian element of depression running through The homeopathic Aurum personality represents, like their veins. This may sometimes take the shape, not gold, a dense, malleable and shiny countenance — or, silhouette, of cumbersome and apparent depression, compliance and acquiescence. Aurums, like gold, exude bordering on desperation. Yet, the irony is most Aurums JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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cannot unlock themselves from the shackles of their negative thoughts about themselves. What’s more, they often feel as if a dark, sinister blur is hovering over them.

This is reason enough for them to hold a compelling feeling of accountability, including their ‘birthright’ idea that they need to work out all their problems on their own — without outside help.

Aurum represents courage, self-trust, selfconsciousness, and self-worth, or a sense of respect, lofty morality, human dignity, verve, and happiness. Yet, for all their self-honour, Aurums emit a tendency that gives a poor picture, or image, of themselves. This is often dangerous for their self-interest. What makes things a tad complex is Aurums are their own bitterest critics — they revel in self-disapproval. This is the precursor for their accumulated angst, or severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or propensity.

Aurums are, as a rule, candid, earnest and trustworthy individuals — they have a natural flair for leadership. That they are, as a result, ambitious is passé. Yet, they don’t take things for granted. They play ‘hard ball’ and are often successful in life and career. They may be materialistic personalities, all right, because it is important for them to flaunt gold, wealth and other materialistic acquisitions to derive awe from others — especially neighbours.

That they work on the 50:50 ‘formula’ is also apparent.

In other words, they pine for maximum returns and benefits from themselves and others in their workplace or vicinity, or someone connected to them. They love success and also worldly fulfilment and hate a letdown.

When they fail, for whatever reason, to achieve their desired goals they begin to read that their entire life has gone bust, lost, or meaningless. That they have the ability to face the music despite their inability to achieve their life’s objectives makes them feel and brood that they have fallen from lofty heights — something that was there for the asking, if not taking.

Aurums have a tendency to suppress their depressive feelings — a trait that expands their inherent despondency. The more people find flaws with them, the more they indulge in self-criticism to a fault. So much so, they begin to think that suicide is the ‘best’ option to a disaster that is waiting to happen, or has happened.

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Yet, what sets them apart is their ability to hold pain and sorrow close to their chest — notwithstanding extreme depression and suffering — which are not decipherable to people around, including folks who may be close to them.

Despite all the gloom, interspersed with surging thoughts of suicide, Aurum personalities do not quite give up without a good fight. The best part is — they keep at it, working on the frills and the depths till kingdom come.

They put their best foot forward in adversity and persevere to solve their setbacks, while upholding their veneer of truth, poise, dignity and grace, although they may not shed their guard as regards their internal feelings, or emotions.

We have read several ‘riches-to-rags’ stories — of individuals who work doubly hard to set up large organisations and when the going is good, something goes kaput in one fell swoop. This spells their doom — yet, they never give up the battle, or hope. With their diligence, juxtaposed by their workforce that stands up to the challenge as one unit, they often turnaround impending disasters into stunning success. Yet, some of them don’t live to savour the glory — they may be found lost, even devastated, and nobody would have a ghost of an idea as to how enormously depressed they were to inflict such self-damage. This is the typical ‘blaring’ call of the Aurum personality — a bit too late for redressal, or a new lease of life.

As noted homeopath Dr George Vithoulkas, MD, puts it, “The central theme of Aurum is extreme depression and loathing of life which progresses to suicidal thoughts and, finally, self-destruction. Extreme depression does not [apparently] develop overnight, and not without its earlier stages. For homeopathic practitioners the best strategy is to prevent the final stage of the Aurum depression, and the possibility of suicide. To facilitate such recognition we must identify the various characteristics that coincide with the earlier Aurum states, such that the patient’s desire to live and capacity to enjoy life can be reinstated.”

The pathological Aurum condition, as Dr Vithoulkas explains, usually arises in people who possess a serious and introverted character. “They are generally closed people, responsible and quite refined. At the early stages of pathology one can sense that they avoid superficial

contact and tend to remain rather aloof, or self-contained.

They are usually disciplined and highly ambitious. They seem to have the fundamental conviction that they are destined for a superior and esteemed position in life. As the pathology develops, they will go into a state of selfreproach, self-criticism and, finally, a feeling that they are worthless and incapable of accomplishing anything.”

David Lilley, MBChB, FFHom, a South Africa-based homeopath and teacher, writes, “Aurums, when they are at the peak of their prowess and success, are like archers. They view their goals objectively, impersonally and analytically from a distance, taking a broad overview before prioritising, or aiming with care and precision.

They symbolise a clear vision, highly developed powers of observation, focus and concentration, and clearly defined goals and ambitions with the vigour, confidence and determination to attain them. The downside is success, achievement and status become their identity and their measure of self-worth.” When their ambition is thwarted, hopes dashed, and self-esteem wobbled, they plunge into depression and despair.

Aurums have a great flair for music, poetry, literature, sculpture and expressiveness, all of which demand fervour, emotional turmoil, inspiration of imagination and fantasy. Music, as Lilley emphasises, has a special significance for Aurum, especially classical and sacred music, which also relieves their pain and suffering. Such outcomes, especially traits of relief from music, deep devoutness and exacting fastidiousness are powerfully indicative of Aurum.

At the other end of the spectrum, Aurum is a central remedy for unsuccessful love, rejection, betrayed friendship and loss of a loved one, or beloved pet. This can turn their emotional applecart upside-down — the result is they may not be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and subsequently are at risk of being afflicted by gloom. Put simply, they may lose their original Midas’ touch — when things go wrong, or when they become too self-oriented, or over-selfish. In other words, “When they fail, they fall sick, because they yearn to always triumph.”

AURUM THERAPEUTIC INDEX The most common physical and psychological aberrations of Aurum personalities include depression, excruciating pains in the bones and joints and acute headaches, including significant health issues, such as: Anxiety & depression. Aurum is prescribed for anxiety, depression and grief. It is also given to treat circulatory problems, such as palpitations and angina, headaches, disorders of the reproductive system and bone pains — a result of chronic stress. Anxiety and a sense of worthlessness, disillusionment with life, and desolation, with a ‘vacant’ feeling is yet another keynote symptom.

In extreme cases, there may be a longing for death, with suicidal thoughts, albeit the ‘fear of death’ may co-exist at the same time.

Other symptoms include petulance, feelings of culpability, or of being isolated, possibly coupled with a sense of shock, such as the death of a loved one, or botched romance. Aurum is most helpful to serious people, who have a strong focus on work and achievement, and depressed when they feel they are unsuccessful in some way. Discouragement, guilt, embarrassment, and annoyance can lead to feelings of irrelevance. Most symptoms are worse at night, accompanied by nightmares, or sleep problems.

You can spot the Aurum personality when you meet someone who suffers from depression for most of one’s life, or is extremely conscientious and is a workaholic. Or, someone who blames oneself when things go wrong in life, or feels a dark cloud is gloomily perched above their head, purging all happiness and radiance.

Aurum, as has been clinically observed, is often useful for senior citizens in old-age or nursing homes, where loneliness and lack of warmth of loved ones are part of their twilight years. This is also a feeling that brings on purposelessness and despondency. It can, likewise, help people affected by financial loss, academic dreams having fallen flat, or a prospective outcome going dud.

It may be emphasised too that when you see someone putting just about everything in one basket, think of Aurum. Or, when one expresses pain and despair in difficult diseases, such as cancer, Aurum often eases physical as well as emotional pain, or distress.

High blood pressure. Aurum is indicated for serious people, who are strongly keyed to career and achievement, and present with hypertension, primarily related to excess emotional stress, accompanied by constant worry, depression, or anger. Or, when the individual thinks that they are great failures for their ‘own’ faults.

Post-partum blues. Aurum is indicated in women when depression is looming, dark or despairing. The individual may feel valueless and bleak in life. Symptoms are often worse at night, or when the weather is bleak and the days are short, such as winter. Women troubled by depression in the past — but, not always related to pregnancy — are most likely to respond to Aurum. Important: professional medical, along with psychiatric, help is needed when depression is extremely severe.

Rheumatoid arthritis. When there are drifting pains in the muscles and joints. The pains are often deepseated, especially in the limbs when the individual, with depression, wants to sleep, so much so that they arouse them from slumber. All symptoms are better from movement and warmth and worse at night.

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.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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MEDICAL MARVELS: LITTLE PILLS, BIG RESULTS

Hives Resolved

By Dr NITIN D DESHMUKH, MD [Hom], Pune

T

hirty-eight-year-old Tanvi came to seek homeopathic treatment for urticaria, a skin condition that affects 15-25 per cent of the population at some point in their lives. It is characterised by red circular hives or wheals [raised welts]. It is generally viewed as an allergic, autoimmune disorder or stress-related disorder. The condition had troubled her for over 3-4 years. Conventional [allopathic] anti-allergic medicines had helped her temporarily, but they made her feel sleepy during daytime, while affecting her normal, routine work. During case analysis, we found that her urticaria was more intense during summer and less intense during winter. Vinegar, fermented food, artificially-coloured, flavoured food or sour food served as additional triggers. She could not control herself from scratching. Her skin was sensitive to sunlight as well. Additionally, she had other problems like excessive sweating on her palms. This, she said, was embarrassing in a social setting.

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We tried to trace the origins of Tanvi’s trouble. We found that it had started after her marriage, prior to which she had a misunderstanding and fallout with her best friend. She, however, quickly avoided getting into the details of the incident — this troubled her. She could not make up with her, since it was her nature not to go back to the person who had upset her.

After case-analysis, we prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Kali Bromatum 200C. We also advised her to maintain a dairy, or journal, to note the possible trigger factors and keep away from them.

A few weeks later, her need for anti-allergics reduced to once a week; in the course of a couple of months, she could manage without her anti-allergics. She did develop a few episodes of urticaria, after taking fermented food, but she was finally able to overcome the problem after two years of regular homeopathic treatment and follow-up.

Easing Psoriasis Effectively

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

By Dr TENNY KOSHY VAIDYAN, BHMS, Kochi

Forty-nine-year-old Sarita presented with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, with deformity of the wrist joint. She also complained of pain in her fingers and toe joints. A lecturer by profession, Sarita was so affected that she had to take a long sabbatical from work due to her health complaints — especially psoriatic arthritis.

A skin and joint disease with multifactorial causes, psoriasis affects 1-2 per cent of the general population.

Its exact cause is not known, although it tends to have a familial propensity — or, genetic predisposition. Most psoriatic patients tend to be young or middle-aged adults, although no age is exempt.

During case-analysis, Sarita reported of constant emotional and physical fatigue. She also said that there was an eerie sense of anxiety and fear in her about her health concerns. She appeared self-conscious and unassertive, albeit she confided that she was extremely inflexible. She complained of a chilly feeling, but with a marked tendency for profuse, fetid sweat. She also reported that injuries were slow to heal, even if they were a minor cut, or bruise.

New research indicates that almost one-quarter of people with psoriasis may have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis — an inflammatory disorder that targets the joints and tendons. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain, swollen fingers and toes. The joints may also feel ‘hot’ to the touch. Studies suggest that it is imperative to diagnose and treat psoriatic arthritis early — this may help prevent, or slow down, joint damage.

Dr Mukesh Batra with actor Zayed Khan at Magic Moments [Photography Exhibition for Charity] December 2014 The Foundation provided free homeopathy treatment worth Rs 1 crore 50 lakhs, in 2014, while reaching out to over 10,700 needy people through our free clinics, health camps and NGO associates. We also provided scholarships to students of homeopathy and supported various NGOs. All this is possible because of your support and good wishes.

Medical-70% • education-20% • others/NGOs-10%.

Admin cost is ZERO! Begin 2015 on a joyous note! Join us for ‘Yaadon Ki Bahar-5’ — an evening of melodious rendition of Bollywood’s golden numbers by Dr Mukesh Batra on Thursday, 15th January, 2015 at YB Chavan Auditorium, Mumbai. The proceeds of this event are earmarked for ‘Shepherd’s Widow Home.’

‘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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A H&Y ADVERTISING INITIATIVE

MEDICAL MARVELS: LITTLE PILLS, BIG RESULTS

We prescribed Sarita the homeopathic remedy, Silicea 200C, which corresponded well with her presenting symptoms, temperament and personality.

Following homeopathic treatment, and regular follow-ups, for over a year, her psoriatic patches cleared. There has been no relapse; besides, her psoriatic arthritis is much better now.

Healing The Pancreas

By Dr KARANAM VASISTA, BHMS, Bengaluru

A detailed case-analysis revealed that Vikas ran a gadgets store and indulged in alcohol and computer games. He’d be soft and nasty depending on the situation; but, he was obsessively concerned about his health and consulted several doctors and also health professionals. Based on his temperament, we prescribed him the homeopathic remedy, Kali Iodum 200C. We also advised him dietary modifications and regular walking for about 30-35 minutes, every day, to reduce his weight.

As the treatment progressed, Vikas did not have any fresh episode of illness, such as jaundice, or progression of pancreatitis. His abdominal pains receded considerably; his diarrhoeal problems too became less frequent. He was soon able to perform his daily tasks with better effect. Investigations also revealed nothing abnormal. He was now free from his long-standing illness, nay distress.

Patch Control

By Dr AMIT PANDEY, BHMS, Lucknow

In our fast-paced life, health problems always seem to lurk somewhere in the corner. We sometimes do not know what has hit us; we only know when a problem hits us and hits us badly. Think of pancreatitis, a sort of galloping ‘diabetes,’ as one such example.

This was the case with Vikas who visited us. Vikas complained of recurrent bouts of jaundice, accompanied by fever, acute abdominal pain, dyspepsia [hyperacidity], and ‘fatty’ diarrhoeal stools. His complaints troubled him to such an extent that he was not able to perform his routine chores. He was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis by conventional doctors. He was put on conventional medicines for long — but, nothing seemed to work. Tired of medications, he came to us as a possible, alternative option.

Eighteen-year-old Namita visited our clinic for atopic dermatitis [eczema] — a problem which had troubled her for over eight years now. She was on conventional treatment which only offered her momentary relief.

Her parents, realising the possible side-effects of medications and steroidal creams were in search of a safe form of medical treatment for their daughter.

On case-analysis, we found that there was a strong family history of asthma on her mother’s side. We also traced the origin of her eczematous patches, a few days after the death of her paternal grandmother. She loved her grandmother immensely and now missed her badly.

The most affected area was her left ankle, with a few, new dry patches showing up on her foot. The skin in the affected area was thick and dark because of constant itching. Namita also reported that her symptoms would increase during every change of weather, or whenever she came in contact with dust.

Namita also suffered from headache, whenever she used to go out in the sun; she also complained of constipation. Her mother added that she had a habit of adding salt to all the food she ate and asked if we could treat this problem as well. Yes, we said that homeopathy can.

We prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Natrum Muriaticum 200C. It did not take long for her to notice palpable improvement. She was able to stop her conventional medications and steroidal creams.

Following one year of homeopathic treatment, the formation of new patches was controlled; her itching and dryness too improved considerably. Besides, the frequency and intensity of her headaches, not to speak of her sluggish bowels, no longer troubled her.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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HOW HOMEOPATHY HELPED ME

Pigment Begone

I

remember first visiting Dr Renuka B Amin’s clinic, during a visit to Mumbai, two years ago.

I was suffering from pigmentation problems in the underarms and on my back. I was not sure if I would get cured or not, but on my mom’s insistence, I agreed to take homeopathic treatment, despite the fact that I was sceptical about the effect of homeopathic medicines.

More so, because I had never tried, or taken them. Dr Amin diagnosed my problem correctly and within one year I began to do well. My problem of pigmentation in the armpits was gone soon after. Today, I am completely cured and feel confident in everything I do. Thanks a ton to Dr Amin and homeopathy!

Tina D’Souza, a patient of Dr Renuka B Amin, MD [Hom], Mumbai

Lasting Allergy Relief

W

e were at our wits’ ends when we visited Dr Ravikumar Jujare’s homeopathic clinic. My son, Vajresh, was suffering from allergic cold and cough for more than 2-3 years. This was becoming a problem for him, not just in school, but also while playing. Knowing that conventional treatment [my hubby’s initial preference] offered no more than temporary relief, we thought of long-term relief. Homeopathy. After a detailed case-analysis, Dr Jujare prescribed him Calcarea Phosphoricum 200C [this I got to know from the good doctor, because of my profound interest in homeopathy, which was also my parents’ most trusted form of treatment, ever since I was a kid], based on my son’s lean frame, obstinacy and a keen desire for travel. As the homeopathic treatment progressed, his allergic misery got fully cured, much to our delight.

Asha Kumar, mother of Vajresh, a patient of Dr Ravikumar Jujare, MD [Hom], 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

Q

I suffer from frequent, aching headaches. I also suffer from excessive sweating of my scalp and face, so much so my pillow gets soaked in sweat. I feel awkward with my excess sweating. Please help.

I do not know if you have undergone medical investigations to rule out certain causes, such as a thyroid disorder, if any, for your sweating distress. Your headache suggests of migraine, or tension headache — this too needs to be evaluated. In the meanwhile, you’d take the homeopathic remedy, Sambucus Nigra 200C, 4-5 pills, twice daily. Please keep your physician updated about your health status. This is essential.

and soybean helps to control hair loss.

Do not plait or braid your hair tightly, as this will damage your hair. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner. If the hair loss still persists, you should consult a local homeopath to rule out any underlying causes. In the meanwhile, you’d take the homeopathic remedy, Sepia Officinalis 200C, 4-5 pills, twice daily. Please let me know your progress.

A

Q

I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. What is the scope of homeopathy in treating this disease?

Hypothyroidism is characterised by low thyroid function. It affects about 3 per cent of the general population, most often women.

Conventional medicine substitutes the natural thyroid hormone with its synthetic equivalent to compensate thyroid insufficiency. Homeopathy, on the other hand, stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroxine, the hormone that is deficient in hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism like water retention, dryness of skin, irregular menses, constipation, and depression can be improved considerably using homeopathic remedies. Over a period of time, conventional medication can be gradually tapered too.

Speak to a local homeopath, because you’d need long-term treatment under regular supervision and follow-up.

A

Q

I am aged 21. I suffer from recurrent vaginal candidiasis. No treatment has so far helped. Please advice.

Recurrent vaginal candidiasis [more than four episodes per year] can affect up to 50 per cent of women at any given time in their life. Symptoms include severe itching, burning, soreness, irritation of the vagina, with whitish or whitish-grey discharge. Recurrence is more common in women taking oral contraceptive pills or antibiotics.

Women with iron deficiency anaemia or diabetes too may suffer from the problem often. Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. Good hygiene is a must. Include iron-rich foods in your diet [especially, if you are anaemic] like green leafy vegetables, chick peas, o you have a health and black dates. Meanwhile, you’d take question? Need an the homeopathic remedy, Borax 30C, 4-5 answer? pills, twice daily. Please consult a local E-mail your health homeopath, if your symptoms persist. questions to: expertadvice@ homeopathyandyou.com I have started losing a lot of hair Renowned homeopath following my pregnancy and Dr Mukesh Batra will delivery. Please advice. answer your questions.

Hair loss occurs for approximately three months after delivery and is quite normal. Anything beyond that is known as postpartum alopecia, which is what you seem to be suffering from. Diet that is rich in iron and proteins like green leafy vegetables, sprouts, eggs, chicken,

A

D

Q

A

Q

My hands get rough; the skin also peels off after washing clothes, or utensils. Can homoeopathy help?

You seem to be suffering from irritant dermatitis caused by repeated direct contact with detergents that tend to irritate your skin, making it rough, causing it to peel easily. This can be prevented by taking good care of your hands, while avoiding triggers, and not keeping your hands in water for a long time, drying hands thoroughly after washing, using protective gloves when using detergents, along with the application of moisturising cream to keep the skin supple and prevent chapping.

I’d suggest that you take the homeopathic Natrum Sulphuricum 6X, 2-4 tablets, twice daily. Please let me know your progress.

A

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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CHILD HEALTH

PICA & HOMEOPATHY Homeopathy, a natural form of mind-body medicine, helps to correct pica, or bizarre eating habits, from the inside out.

By Dr APARNA BAMANE

I

n Gabriel García Márquez’s classic novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude, you have the ‘protagonist’ Rebecca eating earth and whitewash. In like manner, most of us have heard of anecdotes — from mythology to real life — about our peculiar eating habits. Like a fondness for eating chalk, mud etc., Legend apart, this may be a symptom of nutritional deficiency. It’s called pica.

Pica derives its name from the Latin, for the magpie, a bird infamous for eating anything. Medically, it is a disorder characterised by a persistent and compulsive appetite for largely non-nutritive substances [e.g., coal, soil, chalk, paper, etc.,]. It may also represent an abnormal appetite for some things that may be considered foods, or food ingredients [e.g., flour, raw potato, starch, ice-cubes].

A TENDENCY SO STRANGE The strange eating behaviour is categorised as pica when it has been persistent for at least a month, or when the

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intake of such items is inappropriate for the individual’s age. Interestingly, it does not co-exist with any mental disorder [e.g., schizophrenia], and is not a part of the cultural practice. Occasionally, a tendency in children to nibble non-edible items isn’t considered as pica until it co-exists with any of the above listed points.

No gender, age or economic condition escapes pica; it can afflict anyone. However, individuals who are often susceptible include children, pregnant women, chronic dieters, and children who need special attention — e.g., mentally retarded and epileptics.

The exact cause is not known yet. A majority of studies blame it on a ‘root cause.’ Of dietary deficiencies — i.e., lack of dietary iron or some biochemical deficiency. The association between pica and iron-deficiency anaemia is so strong that most patients with iron deficiency will admit to some form of pica. Pica may also relate to hunger and malnutrition stemming from a low socioeconomic status. Reduced functioning of the brain’s dopamine system is also identified as one of the causes.

Parental conflict is said to be yet another contributing factor.

When left untreated pica can have mild-to-lifethreatening implications — from infections, soil intake, gastro-intestinal haemorrhage etc., HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHY The medical treatment of pica requires a multidisciplinary approach with emphasis on psychosocial, environmental, and family guidance. Treatment options include discrimination training between edible and non-edible items, correction of nutritional deficiencies,

management of negative cultural practices, and behavioural interventions with self-protection devices that prohibit placement of objects in the mouth.

Conventional medications are sometimes used in refractory cases; they are helpful in reducing the abnormal eating behaviour, especially when pica occurs in the course of a developmental disorder, such as mental retardation, or pervasive developmental disorder. The medications enhance dopaminergic functioning, which is believed to be associated with the occurrence of pica. The method, however, fails to take care of the cause, the origin of the disorder, unlike homeopathy. Conventional medicine also considers pica a psychosomatic illness: that mental, or emotional, physical stresses normally predispose a child towards pica.

Homeopathy is a natural form of mind-body medicine; it helps correct the pica predisposition from the inside out. However this may be, homeopathic treatment depends upon the manifestation, along with personality and distinctive characteristics of the child, or the individual.

A child who, for instance, desires lime chalk would do well with Acidum Nitricum.

If pica is strong for mud, Alumina would be the ‘remedy of choice.’

A desire for eating pencils? Calcarea Carbonica.

The remedies work naturally, and effectively, albeit it is imperative for one to speak to a professional homeopath for the right, appropriate remedy that suits the individual’s personality, not to speak of dosage.

COMMON HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR CHILDREN BRUISES & INJURIES Arnica. Excellent first aid remedy. It speeds-up the healing of injuries and bruises; it also treats shock.

COLIC Colocynth. Child, with colic, settles comfortably when resting face down on tummy.

Magnesium Phosphoricum. Child settles after rubbing tummy gently or placing a warm towel against tummy.

COUGHS & COLDS Bryonia. A dry cough that tends to come on after exposure to cold; child is irritable and doesn’t want to be moved; wants to be left alone.

Ferrum Phosphoricum. Mild fever, worse at night, feels better in cold; child may suffer from nosebleeds.

Natrum Muriaticum. Watery nose and eyes, sneezing, clear discharge thicker after 24-48 hours; child prefers to be alone.

Pulsatilla. Thick yellow catarrh, child is tearful with a need for constant cuddles; not thirsty; cough is worse

at night on lying down Phosphorus. Dry tickly or hard, barking cough that is exhausting; child feels cold and is thirsty, especially for ice-cold drinks.

FEVER Belladonna. Fever comes on suddenly and the child is agitated and hot with bright red cheeks and cold extremities.

NAPPY RASH Calendula and Hypericum ointment is useful.

Rhus Toxicodendron. Intensely itchy rash with blisters.

Sulphur. Dry rash on sensitive skin.

TEETHING Chamomilla. Child has one bright cheek, is screaming with anger and settles down comfortably when carried around

Dr Aparna Bamane, BHMS, is a Secunderabad-based homeopath.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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QUINTESSENCE

A

llergies can be seasonal or perennial [all-yearround]. Seasonal allergens are present in the external environment — e.g., tree, grass, pollen and outdoor moulds. In certain locations, pollen is usually found from February-March, grass pollen in April-June, and weed pollen in August, September and October.

Indoor moulds [e.g., Aspergillus], often reach peak levels during monsoon, owing to extreme dampness. Perennial allergens are usually found indoors — they include house dust mites [HDM], animal dander, mould and the ubiquitous cockroach.

Emotions too — such as stress, anxiety and depression [psychosomatic causes] — alongside certain conventional drugs [e.g., penicillin], or insect sting, can trigger the allergic response, anytime.

THE LONG & SHORT OF ALLERGIES Allergies are exaggerated responses to certain substances that normal people don’t react to. Homeopathic remedies act like immunemodulators; they desensitise the person against allergens.

By Dr SAMIR CHAUKKAR

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THE HOMEOPATHIC PERSPECTIVE Homeopathy is mind-body medicine that treats allergies – at three levels, viz., nasal/respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal — by the administration of minute doses of a remedy that would, in healthy persons, produce symptoms similar to those of the allergic response.

A case in point: when you chop onion, you get watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and throat irritation from exposure to the tuber’s active substances.

The homeopathic remedy, Allium Cepa, made from red onion, can help you overcome a cold or allergy attack in which you may have similar symptoms — watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing or throat irritation.

Homeopathy actually pioneered the research and treatment of allergies. To cull an example — severe allergic reaction to bee sting is treated safely and effectively with Apis Mellifica, a homeopathic medicine, made from honeybee. Do you know that it was the British homeopath C H Blackely who suggested, in 1871, that seasonal sneezing and nasal surges were triggered by exposure to pollen dust, two decades before conventional [allopathic] medicine developed allergen injections?

COMMON TYPES OF ALLERGIES Allergic rhinitis [hay fever, or nasal allergy]: Sneezing, itching, nasal discharge and congestion Anaphylaxis: Hives, flushing, sneezing, nasal discharge, swelling in the throat, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and fainting [e.g., peanut allergy] Asthma: Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and cough Atopic dermatitis [eczema]: Patches of itchy red skin, most often in the folds of the extremities [e.g. elbow] Food allergy: Any of the above [Note: Food allergy rarely causes nasal allergies. It is a concern in young children who have eczema].

However, certain foods and beverages, particularly alcohol, may affect the blood vessels in the nose. This can lead to nasal congestion.

Whatever the form of allergy, they can be managed effectively — with appropriate homeopathic treatment, under the supervision of a professional homeopath.

This is because allergies are exaggerated responses to certain substances that normal people don’t react to.

Homeopathic remedies act like immune-modulators; they desensitise the person against allergens.

In other words, homeopathic remedies ‘boost’ your tolerance to the allergen — to bring about long-lasting results, or freedom from allergy, without side-effects.

In a clinical study, conducted at the University of Glasgow, Europe’s largest medical school, asthma patients, given small homeopathic doses of the substance to which they were most allergic, showed significant relief within the first week of treatment. The researchers called this unique method of individualising remedies as ‘homeopathic immunotherapy.’ The study provided impressive results, with no side-effects. Over 80 per cent of patients, given a homeopathic remedy showed continued improvement, while only 38 per cent of patients given a placebo [dummy pill] experienced a corresponding degree of relief.

THINGS TO DO The first thing is to identify the allergen/s that you may be sensitive to [through skin or blood testing for

SELF-HELP • Try to avoid, or reduce, the ‘likely’ allergen • Vacuum-clean your mattress, upholstery and soft furnishing, regularly • Wash sheets, pillow covers and blankets regularly. A hot wash [50°C+] will ensure that the dust mite eggs are destroyed as well as the mites • Dust with a dampened cloth, instead of a dry cloth. Dry dusting tends to propel dust containing mites and their allergens into the air • Ensure that your house is kept well-ventilated, especially the bedroom/s. This stalls the build-up of humidity, which helps mites to flourish • Boil-wash children’s soft toys. Or, bag them and put them in the freezer. Either action will kill dust mites • You may find that your pets aggravate your allergic condition through exposure to their hair, dander, saliva or urine. Remove pet hair and vacuum-clean the pet area regularly • Try to identify your allergy-trigger, such as cosmetics, emotional distress, or anxiety, including certain foods, additives, or other likely factors • Speak to your doctor about nutritional supplements [Read Dr Richard Firshein’s column, ‘Good For You,’ in this issue; pg #41] that can help ease your allergic distress.

allergy] and promulgate measures for avoiding these allergens. Try to reduce the levels of indoor allergens, such as house dust mites [HDM], animal dander, moulds and cockroach. Exposure to outdoor allergens, such as pollen and outdoor moulds, can be reduced by staying indoors during ‘peak’ hours [11:00am-3:00pm].

If allergen avoidance does not adequately control nasal, or other, allergy symptoms, the next step is to seek appropriate homeopathic treatment.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS Keep your homeopathic remedy/remedies that your professional homeopath has prescribed, or given, always handy. It is ideal to carry them along always.

Try to avoid the ‘cause’ of your allergy. In the event of a flare-up, consult your homeopathic doctor promptly.

Take your medicine correctly. Speak to your doctor and find out all you can about your allergy medicine, dosages, including how and when to take it, and how it helps to control and manage your asthma.

Know your allergy triggers and avoid them. It’s essential to know what brings on — or, triggers — your allergy symptoms. These differ from person to person, so it could take a while to figure out what actually does.

Keeping an allergy diary is useful. Once you figure out your triggers, you can do your best to avoid, or at least limit, your contact [odours, dust, pollen and certain foods] with them. Deal with emergencies.

It is important to realise that even people who take their medicines regularly as prescribed and who work to avoid triggers can have an occasional allergy attack. So, have an ‘Allergy Action Plan’ in place in consultation with your homeopathic doctor.

Dr Samir Chaukkar, MD [Hom], is Dean with a leading academy offering post-graduate fellowships in homeopathic dermatology and other specialised subjects.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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YOUR LITTLE BOX: HOMEOPATHIC KIT FOR EVERY HOME

CINA: MORE THAN A ‘WORM’ REMEDY The homeopathic remedy, Cina, is primarily keyed to treating intestinal worms, or muscle twitches, when accompanied by great grumpiness, especially when reprimanded, or in pain.

By Dr PALLAV THANAWALA

C

ina is supposedly named after Artemisia, the queen of Persia, who lived in 4th century BC. That she was well-known for her botanical skills is passé, so much so her insights on plants has been appreciated by medicinal traditions — from ancient Rome to China. Artemisia Cina was identified as a remedy for intestinal worms by the ancient Greeks, while its active constituent, santonin, is being used in anti-worm preparations even today. The homeopathic Cina was proved by Dr Samuel Hahnemann, MD, who evidenced that the plant’s ‘valuable curative properties’ went well beyond its traditional use in ancient healing systems and herbal medicine.

Cina is a leading children’s remedy. It is primarily prescribed for intestinal worms or muscle twitches, when accompanied by great petulance, especially when reprimanded or in pain. It is also prescribed for individuals who cannot bear to be touched, held, or even observed — especially children.

Cina’s prominent symptoms include impatience, a frenzied frame of mind and nose picking — a characteristic ‘worm’ symptom, along with grinding the teeth. Sleep is often disturbed and impacted by nightly anxiety, or fright. Cina individuals tend to often think of themselves as not attractive, or even repulsive. They may have ‘anxiety of conscience,’ an unfounded sensitivity of having done something wrong. This is presumably the cause of their bad temper and obduracy. They may, perforce, be survivors of childhood abuse — something that resides in the deep recesses of the mind with a characteristic Freudian element.

Cina has, for long, been used to treat convulsions and seizures [fits] in children, as also temper upheavals, severe cough, muscle twitch, and sleep issues in children.

COUGH & COLD Whooping, or severe, gagging cough. There may be spasms in the limbs before a coughing bout. The chest may feel constricted, making breathing not easy.

Speaking, sudden movement may also activate coughing.

The body may stiffen prior to a coughing attack. Violent sneezing may lead to pressure build-up in the head.

The nose is often blocked or watery, alternately. Or, nosebleeds may follow because of picking. Symptoms Dr Pallav Thanawala, BHMS, is a Pune-based homeopath.

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are better at rest and during daytime. Symptoms are worse when awake or moving around, sleep and at night.

INTESTINAL WORMS The keynote symptom is whitish-coloured stool, suggestive of worm infestation. There may be cutting, pinching pain in the belly with a bloated feeling. There may also be an urge to grind the teeth at night and to pick an itchy nose and scratch the rectum. Appetite may be poor, or excessive, or variable, with a great liking for sweets. Intense irritability and great impatience are characteristic. Symptoms are better for movement and bending down. Symptoms are worse in summer [heat], at night and touch.

MUSCLE TWITCH Twitching of muscles and spasms of the hands and feet, sometimes with convulsions are common. They are often a result of being touched or reprimanded. Symptoms are better while bending down. Symptoms are worse by touch, night and heat [summer].

SLEEPLESSNESS Difficulty in falling asleep; or, restless sleep with twitching. There is often jerking of the limbs. Grinding of teeth and irritability with petulance, followed by temper tantrums and ravenous appetite are typical. An itchy nose is common. Symptoms are better while lying on the hands and knees. Symptoms are worse during night.

TEMPER TANTRUMS Children, who are extremely irritable, with variable appetite. Or, throw tantrums primarily because of worms or owing to reprimand. Grinding of teeth is common.

Symptoms are better while lying on the abdomen and when carried. Symptoms are worse by touch, or when stared at.

In a nutshell, Cina is best suited for individuals, especially children, who ‘emote’ great irritability. It is typically prescribed for children who are restless, frenetic, and find it difficult to sit still. Or, have a difficult time sleeping and ‘revel’ in picking their nose — a typical ‘worms-in-the-belly’ symptom.

Dosage. Cina 30C, 4-5 pills, twice daily, or as prescribed, or advised, by your homeopathic physician.

HOMEOPATHIC HAPPENINGS

HOMEOPATHY HASTENS HEALING OF BONE FRACTURE

I

n clinical practice, homeopathy is widely used in the fracture-repair process, which accelerates the healing of fractures, enhances callus formation and reduces pain. But there is no anatomical or scientific evidence yet to prove that. A study was undertaken to test the efficacy of homoeopathy in bone fracture healing.

The study was conducted as a double-blind randomised controlled study with 67 patients with acute non-displaced lateral malleolar fracture. Patients were recruited from the Emergency Orthopaedic Department, SMS Hospital, Jaipur, India, during May 2007 to May 2009. Patients were randomised to either a homeopathy treatment [n=34] or a control group [n=33]. All the patients received standard orthopaedic care through 12 weeks following injury. The treatment group received homeopathic medicine on the basis of totality of symptoms and individualisation.

Outcome measures include radiological assessments and functional tests for healing. Assessments were taken on 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks.

Faster healing was reported in the homeopathy group by week 9 following injury, including significant improvement in fracture line [p<0.0001], fracture edge [p<0.0001], callous formation [p<0.05] and fracture union [p<0.0001] in comparison to placebo [dummy pill]. There was also lower use of analgesics and less self-reported pain in the homeopathy group.

The study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, suggests that homoeopathy could enhance anatomical and functional fracture healing.

HOMEOPATHY EFFECTIVE FOR MULTIMORBID PATIENTS In a homeopathic treatment outcome study with polarity analysis [PA], published by Heiner Freiemail, University of Berne, Switzerland, on 50 multimorbid patients, 43 patients, who were followed for over one year were successfully treated and reached an average improvement of 91 per cent. The cost of

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homeopathic treatment too is estimated to be 41 per cent of a conventional therapy. The study also reports that homeopathy can play a substantial role in treating multimorbid patients. The treatment of multimorbid patients who have a combination of three or more concurrent complaints is one of the core competencies of homeopathy. PA enables homeopaths to calculate a relative healing probability. The idea is based on the great homeopath Carl von Bönninghausen’s grading of polar symptoms, which serve to determine in individual disease a healing probability for each homeopathic remedy in question.

Polarity Analysis is an effective method for treating multimorbidity. The multitude of symptoms does not prevent the method from achieving good results.

Homeopathy may be capable of taking over a considerable proportion of the treatment of multimorbid patients, at lower costs than conventional medicine.

SPINAL CORD INJURY & HOMEOPATHY: TANGIBLE RELIEF All spinal cord injury [SCI] patients presenting at the outpatient clinic of a Swiss spinal cord injury rehabilitation centre with recurrent urinary tract infections [UTIs], with >3 UTI/year, due to a neurogenic bladder dysfunction — between April 2011 and June 2012 — were asked whether they were interested in homeopathic treatment for the prevention of recurrent UTIs. As bladder stones or inadequate bladder management [e.g., inadequate selfcatheterisation technique] would counteract successful prevention of UTI, such factors were assessed by urologic examination and corrected as necessary.

Eight of the ten patients who were offered adjunctive homeopathic treatment opted for it. All participants primarily underwent homeopathic case taking by experienced homeopaths. They received constitutional treatment with single substances in high potencies. If required, inter-current homeopathic medication was given.

A H&Y ADVERTSING INITIATIVE

In cases of febrile UTI not responsive to homeopathic treatment, antibiotic treatment was applied. Urine culture revealed significant bacterial growth in the urine in all patients. All patients were male. Three patients had a tetraplegia, five suffered from paraplegia. Four lesions were complete, four lesions were incomplete. All patients continued their standard urologic prophylaxis, which consisted of long-term antibiotic treatment, urine acidification and/or cranberry tablets.

All patients received a constitutional treatment with a single substance in high potencies [LM1], combined with acute homeopathic treatment of acute UTI, if required.

For constitutional treatment, Lycopodium Clavatum and Staphysagria were prescribed in three patients each, whilst the remaining two patients received Sulphur and Nux Vomica, respectively. For acute UTI treatment, Staphysagria, Benzoicum Acidum and Terebinthinae Oleum were used.

After a follow-up period of 14 months, five patients remained free of UTI and UTI frequency was reduced

in three patients. The median UTI rate decreased from 7.2 UTI/year to 1.3 UTI/year. In four patients, standard prophylactic treatment could be reduced. No side-effects or adverse drug reactions were encountered. Bladder management and standard prophylactic measures remained unchanged in all patients. Symptomatic UTIs occur in nearly 60 per cent of persons with SCI after discharge from primary rehabilitation. They severely impair quality of life [QoL] and they are associated with an increased mortality. The effects of homeopathic treatment in this case series were impressive and exceeded the effects of other prophylactic measures.

The published case series is the largest study evaluating homeopathic prophylaxis of UTI reported in literature.

The study, as Professor Jürgen Pannek reports in HRI Research [Issue 25; Autumn 2014], evidences that homeopathy in addition to conventional prophylactic measures seems to be an effective, promising method for the prevention of recurrent UTI in patients with SCI. [Culled & Collated from the ‘Net and media reports]

VET HOMEOPATHY @ DR BATRA’S STATE-OF-THE ART PET CARE HOSPITAL, YUSUF SARAI, NEW DELHI HOMEOPATHY: CLINICALLY EFFECTIVE IN PETS

T

he Clinical Outcomes Survey, in the UK, the largest-ever study of its type, has identified a number of clinical conditions in dogs and cats that would be promising targets for future research in veterinary homeopathy.

21 homeopathic veterinary surgeons in the UK recorded data from their ‘patients’ over a 12-month period and collected information from a total of 1,500 dogs and 400 cats.

The most frequently recorded canine conditions were dermatitis [eczema], arthritis [joint disorder], pyoderma, colitis and fear. By owners’ assessments, a moderate or major improvement was reported overall for 68 per cent of dogs and 63 per cent of cats.

Data from 1,504 dogs comprised a total of 1,408 individual chronic problems, of which 1,070 had a follow-up assessment. In both species, 22 per cent of the follow-ups in chronic cases received conventional medicines simultaneously.

Data from 400 cats comprised a total of 372 individual chronic problems, of which 270 had followup assessment. In cats, 117 different chronic medical conditions [in toto] were treated with homeopathy.

The researchers said that homeopathy is an effective clinical treatment option in common chronic disease in pets.

Source: Mathie R T, Baitson E S, Hansen L, Elliott M F, Hoare J. “Homeopathic Prescribing for Chronic Conditions in Feline and Canine Veterinary Practice.”

Homeopathy [2010]; 99[4]:243-8.

For appointments, contact: T: [011]-4269 4800/M: 0-93805 80808 E: info@drbatraspetcare.com Website: www.drbatraspetcare.com

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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WHAT LIES BENEATH: MYSTERIES OF HOMEOPATHY

THE MAINSTREAMING OF NATURAL MEDICINE Homeopathy leads the integrated, holistic brigade of natural therapeutics. Its capacity for addressing psychosomatic disease and pathology as a dynamic process is not only unique, but also pragmatic.

By Dr RAJGOPAL NIDAMBOOR

T

he alternative, complementary, or holistic, approach to health uses the best of natural therapies such as homeopathy, in particular, and acupuncture, ayurveda, herbal remedies, meditation, yoga etc., among others.

Most of these therapies are now scientifically documented; this will make them not only relevant and effective, but also cost-effective, which they already are.

If we are to make healthcare affordable and available, all of us — doctors and patients — should attend to the elemental causes of health and illness. This will enable us to provide the stimuli for healthy ways of living rather than just ‘recompense’ for medications or drugs and surgery.

As Deepak Chopra, MD, Dean Ornish, MD, Rustum Roy, PhD, and Andrew Weil, MD, summarised in The Wall Street Journal, not long ago, “Today, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity account for 75 per cent of healthcare costs and expenses. The fact is: they are all largely preventable and even reversible by changing diet and lifestyle. “ New scientific studies suggest that our bodies have an incredible ability to begin healing, much more quickly than we had once realised. If only we address skewed lifestyle issues that often cause chronic diseases the better. Yes, recent studies also explain that alternative medicine, such as homeopathy, can make a powerful difference to our health and well-being. It can bring about harmonious transformation, quickly, safely, and effectively [also, inexpensively].

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Medicine need not progress principally through technological advance, or introduction of new wonder drugs that are often, or invariably, replaced by the more wonderful, nay ‘bitter,’ drugs of tomorrow.

Even simple choices related to our lifestyle — what we eat, how we manage stress, whether we smoke, or drink alcohol, or how much exercise we get, as homeopathy emphasises or espouses, aside from the quality of our relationships — can be just as powerful as conventional drugs and surgery. They often are — most often, they are even more powerful and effective than powerful [conventional] drugs.

LOW-COST, EFFECTIVE THERAPY Alternative therapies, such as homeopathy, prove the emergent power of simple, technologically-enabled and low-cost measures — not fancied, high-priced therapy.

They approach treatment with plant-based, or natural, medicines, balanced nutritional diets, yoga, meditation and psycho-social support. This form of treatment can stop, or even reverse, the progression of high blood pressure [hypertension], coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and other major diseases.

Yet, the irony is: our healthcare system is glued to be more of a disease-care system, not preventative-care system.

To cut a long story short. Conventional medicine begins to treat disease after it has occurred, or is entrenched.

Alternative medicine, such as homeopathy, the second

largest system of medicine after conventional [allopathic] medicine, looks at the possibility much in advance.

A randomised controlled trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine found, to highlight a noteworthy example, that angioplasties and stents do not prolong life, or even prevent heart attacks in stable patients — i.e., 95 per cent of those who receive them.

Coronary bypass surgery prolongs life in less than three per cent of patients who go through the procedure. Yet, believe it or not, insurance companies pay billions for surgical procedures like angioplasty and bypass surgery — procedures that are usually risky, invasive, expensive and largely futile. They pay little — or, no money at all — for alternative medical approaches, such as Dr Ornish’s ‘Reversing Heart Disease’ — that have been proven to reverse and also prevent most chronic diseases that account for almost 75 per cent of healthcare costs.

Take this, as Chopra et al, point out, again. The INTERHEART Study, published in The Lancet, followed 30,000 men and women on six continents and found that changing one’s lifestyle could prevent at least 90 per cent of all heart disease. This is not all. Chronic pain is one of the major sources of worker’s compensation claims costs; yet studies show that it is often responsive to homeopathy, acupuncture and certain traditional treatments, with no side-effects, when compared to pharmaceutical preparations.

To quote Chopra et al, “When you eat a healthier diet, quit smoking, exercise, meditate and have more love in your life, then your brain receives more blood and oxygen. You think more clearly, have more energy, and need less sleep. Your brain may grow so many new neurons that it could get measurably bigger in only a few months. Your face gets more blood flow, so your skin glows more and wrinkles less. Your heart gets more blood flow, so you have more stamina and can even

begin to reverse heart disease. For many people, these are choices worth making — not just to live longer, but also to live better.”

CAM EFFECT Interestingly, complementary and alternative medicine [CAM], such as homeopathy, already has extensive knowledge of individual differences built into their diagnostic and therapeutic systems. It is imperative, therefore, for all of us to expect such natural modes of analyses becoming ‘seamlessly’ integrated into healthcare, at all levels, along with parallel psychological assessments. Isn’t it, therefore, just about time that we all moved past the debate of CAM or homeopathy versus conventional medicine, and focus on what works for us, what doesn’t, for any of us, or for some of us, and under what — given, or not given — situation? What does this connote? That conventional medicine and CAM should both challenge and learn from each other.

As Andrew Lange, BSc, ND, explains, “Homeopathy represents an integrated holistic system of natural therapeutics. Its capacity for addressing psychosomatic disease and acute pathology as a dynamic process is unique. It has remained a coherent system, with extensive clinical verification, for more than two centuries. Homeopathy is also an economical and effective method that has been established as an integral part of the medical system in several countries. With the resurgence of interest in natural medicine, this discipline will undoubtedly be more widely used.”

This is not all. Homeopathy plays an important role in the context of modern natural medicine. It also represents a principle found throughout nature, not to speak of its pivotal role in bringing forth the essentialities of resonance, constitution, homeostasis, and holism which are integral to science and healing.

PIONEERING EFFORTS

Silicea as a homeopathic remedy is useful when patients experience recurrent infections characterised, in part, by sluggish immune response. Researchers Davenas and associates ran a series of experiments measuring the activity of mouse macrophages following homeopathic doses [1 × 10−11 and 1 × 10−19] of Silicea. The authors concluded, “These results demonstrate clear ex vivo cellular effect of high dilutions of Silicea, that cannot be explained in our present state of knowledge.”

Oberbaum and associates conducted another trial of homeopathic Silicea. They found that homeopathically diluted Silicea had a beneficial effect on wound healing in mice. Experiments on the effects of homeopathic preparations on living systems have taken many shapes over many decades. In 1902, Jousset studied the effect of homeopathically diluted silver nitrate on the growth of Aspergillus. Kolisko and Roy investigated the stimulatory

and suppressive effects of homeopathic dilutions on barley and wheat growth. Boyd demonstrated effects of post-avogadran dilutions of mercuric chloride on starch enzymes. Endler and associates conducted a series of experiments using post-avogadran homeopathic dilutions of thyroxine to inhibit tadpole-to-frog metamorphosis.

These studies are intriguing for two reasons. First, they demonstrated a physiologic effect from a preparation that should not have contained any molecules of thyroxine.

The second surprise is that thyroxine usually accelerates the metamorphic process. Here, diluted homeopathically, it exhibited suppressive effects. An interesting footnote to this series is the age of this line of investigation. As early as 1927, investigators began assessing the effects of homeopathic dilutions on developing tadpoles.

— Source: Classical Homeopathy. Elsevier. Editor: Michael Carlston

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

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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HOM[E]O TRUTHS

HOMEOPATHY: MOST PARENTS’ FAVOURED OPTION Millions of parents, the world over, use homeopathy to help their children and themselves to lead healthy lives, without any harmful outcomes, or side-effects.

By Dr ASHOK A DHANDUKIA

I

t is customary for children to ‘catch’ a cold, cough, or other infectious illnesses. As nature would have it, their immune systems should be able to fight or ward off illnesses, making them stronger in the process. However, in today’s world, the contrary is evident.

It is not unusual for us to see children being frequently treated with antibiotics for ear infection, sore throat, tonsillitis, adenoiditis, diarrhoea, and other infectious concerns. This is because, unlike the past, they have lost the ability to combat illness on their own. Blame it too on a host of factors — poor diet, environmental pollutants, emotional issues, including stress, and immunosuppressant effects of conventional medications.

Millions of children, for instance, suffer from allergic illnesses. About 12 per cent of them below age seven are allergic to certain foods. Allergies are one of the leading causes of chronic illness. They also account for 8-10 per cent of all hostile reactions to conventional [allopathic] medications — including penicillin. Sixty years ago, allergies such as hay fever [allergic rhinitis], or other allergic responses, were uncommon. Today, schools ‘stockpile’ conventional anti-allergic medications to treat children at the drop of a sneeze.

Conventional medicine is also ‘hooked’ to the idea that our body cannot manage health challenges of everyday

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life. This is why conventional physicians prescribe ‘strong’ medications, including antibiotics, to control symptoms of illness. When the invader — a microbe, virus, or bacteria — is, thus, repressed, the body, instead of fighting the infection, becomes passive.

When illnesses are not removed from the inside out, we become weak, not strong. For instance, when children with sinusitis are given antibiotics every time they fall ill, they don’t overcome the disorder. Rather, they begin to fall ill repeatedly. Some become resistant and allergic to antibiotics. This may slowly lead to ‘systemic’ illnesses, like asthma.

Yet another drawback is antibiotics are just not working the way they ought to, or used to — when they were first hailed as ‘magic bullets.’ There is also another downside — microorganisms are increasingly becoming immune to most antibiotics and developing resistance to them. So much so, children do not often respond to the antibiotics they are given.

SAFE & EFFECTIVE MEDICINE Is there a way to overcome this spiralling drama of compromised health of our children? There is. Its name: homeopathy. Understanding and using homeopathy allows parents to make use of natural, effective ways to

treat acute, infectious, and chronic diseases before they go out of control. This is primarily because homeopathic remedies are safe, non-toxic and effective; they work by stimulating and augmenting the immune system. This enables and equips the child’s body with the capability to ‘flush out’ diseases from the inside out.

Homeopathic treatment also empowers parents to understand the flaws of a poor diet, and nutritional imbalance and the importance of healthy lifestyle, emotional and environmental issues and their effect on the child. This encourages one to leading a balanced lifestyle; it also teaches parents that health is not just freedom from illness, but also optimal physical, mental and emotional wellness. This is yet another homeopathic advantage — it allows parents, in consultation with their homeopathic doctor, to understand the myriad dynamics of health and disease and act with good effect when there is any lurking illness waiting to strike. Call it preventative treatment.

The result is the whole family becomes healthy and effectively ‘more healthy;’ agreed, that certain problems may occur, but the best part is they can be treated with natural homeopathic remedies quickly, while preventing the illness from becoming deep-seated, or chronic.

This form of holistic treatment augments our internal systems, leading to a greater balance in mind-body mechanisms.

Children often resist taking conventional medicines — not just because of their taste, but for other reasons too.

They may also be trying to tell us something that their doctor and/or parents may not have observed, or know.

On the other hand, children, even the most fussy of them, love homeopathy’s little ‘sugar pills.’ The remedies are easy-to-take, or give, even in infants. Homeopathic remedies can be dissolved under the tongue, or taken in the form of a liquid or as drops. They can also be easily dissolved in water and taken.

CLINICAL STUDIES... IN A NUTSHELL A group of children attending a paediatric practice where conventional and homeopathic medicines were used, and who were previously diagnosed with attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], were given individualised homeopathic medicines. 75 per cent of the children responded well to homeopathic treatment. — The British Homeopathic Journal.

In a study involving a group of children with acute otitis media [ear infection], homeopathic treatment was compared with placebo [dummy pill] to determine whether homeopathic treatment provided a faster resolution of symptoms than placebo. After 12 hours, 72 per cent of children using homeopathy experienced significant relief of symptoms, which was 2.4 times faster than the response to placebo. —The British Homeopathic Journal.

A group of children suffering from clinically defined atopic dermatitis [eczema] seen at 54 homeopathic practices and 64 conventional medical practices, in Germany, were treated for the condition with the respective therapeutic protocols normally used in the clinics, i.e., individualised homeopathic or conventional medical therapy. After 12 months of treatment, children who were treated homeopathically had a greater level of recovery from symptoms than those treated with conventional medicine. —Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

A group of children suffering from clinically defined asthma who had previously been treated unsuccessfully with conventional medicine were individually prescribed homeopathic medicines for a period of two years as a means of reducing the recurrence of asthma attacks. At the end of the allotted 2-year period, it was found that asthma was well controlled in 60.5 per cent of children who’d been treated with homeopathy, while some control was achieved in a further 21 per cent. — Homeopathic Links.

In the wake of serious side-effects of conventional treatment, many parents today consider homeopathy a real boon for their children as well as themselves.

• Homeopathic treatment can be quick and effective for treating teething problems in infants, or colic, while turning cranky babies into happy, smiling cherubs • It can reduce the pain and discomfort of your child’s earache — this effectively reduces the need for antibiotics • Homeopathy can strengthen your child’s own natural defences so that they can fight cold or flu, tonsillitis, or adenoiditis, that every other kid in school seems to be suffering from • Homeopathy can benefit the hyperactive child, calming their impatience • Homeopathic remedies not only relieve several common acute problems of children, like upper respiratory and urinary infections; they can also help prevent recurrent illness • Homeopathic remedies can treat physical ailments and emotional issues too, including childhood depression, a growing concern, as also bedwetting • Homeopathy is safe. Unlike conventional medications, or drugs, homeopathic remedies are non-toxic and harmless • Unlike antibiotics and other powerful conventional drugs, homeopathic pills do not hamper digestion, or harm the gastric mucosa, or lower the body’s resistance. They actually promote immunity. They also do not ‘trigger’ allergies nor cause damage when taken over a long period of time.

Most important — there is no addiction, no dependency, no withdrawal symptoms, or problems.

The testimony is evident — millions of parents, the world over, use homeopathy to help their children and themselves to lead healthy lives, without any harmful outcomes, or side-effects.

Dr Ashok A Dhandukia, MD [Hom], is a Mumbai-based senior homeopath and academician. He specialises in the clinical practice of classical homeopathy keyed to a progressively scientific — yet artistically balanced — approach.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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GRIN AND BEAR IT

LAUGHTER,

THE BEST MEDICINE YOU KNOW YOU ARE A DOCTOR… When you shout at the TV during medical shows to correct their pronunciation. Then give up correcting and just wince instead.

• When you know some of your patients better than your own family.

• When you beat all the contestants on medical questions.

• When you can watch the slow motion replays during professional football games, determine the nature and extent of the injuries … and, are right most of the time in predicting the results of the MRI. • When people begin disrobing in your local grocery store to show you how well their incisions have healed.

• When people think you really want to see what they blew out of their nose.

• When you’ve had to decide whether eating or going to the bathroom is more important because you don’t have time to do both.

• When you can sleep standing up.

• When you are being charged twice what your neighbour is for a brake job.

• When you are afraid to tell people what you do for a living at school functions.

BROKEN FINGER A young woman went to her doctor complaining of pain.

“You have to help me,” she cried. “I hurt all over!” “What do you mean, all over?” asked the doctor, “try to be a little more specific.” The woman touched her right knee with her index finger and yelled, “Oh, that hurts.” Then she touched her left cheek and again yelled, “Ouch!

That hurts too.” Then she touched her right earlobe, “Oh, even that hurts,” she bellowed, bursting into tears.

The doctor checked her thoroughly and announced his diagnosis: “You have a broken finger.”

MIGRAINE RULES A man comes to the doctor desperate for relief from chronic migraine headaches. When the doctor takes a look at his medical history, he discovers that his poor patient has tried practically every therapy known to man for his migraines and still there’s no improvement.

“Listen,” says the doctor. “I have migraines, too... and, I’m going to give you some personal advice. There are no clinical studies to back this up, but this is what I do for my own migraines, and it works for me. When I feel a migraine coming on, I go home, take a nice hot bath and soak for a while. Then I have my wife massage me on the head till she gets fed up and yells at me. This helps a little. This almost always cures my headache. Give it a try and come back in six weeks.” Six weeks later, the patient returns with a huge grin. “Doc! I took your advice and it

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works! It really works! I’ve had migraines for 15 years and this is the first time anyone has ever helped me!”

LIMP RESPONSE Doctor P K Sharma was giving a lecture to a group of medical students at the city hospital. Pointing to the X-ray, he explains: “As you can see, this patient limps because his right fibula and tibia are radically arched.”

The doctor looked up at the assembled students, and asked Sidney, “Now what would you do in a case like this?” Sidney pipes up: “I suppose I would limp too.”

FLU A sick patient asked his doctor, ‘’Flu?’’ The doctor replied, ‘’No, I came on my bicycle actually!’’

RUSH JOB Doctor: “We need to get these people to a hospital!”

Nurse: “What is the problem?”

Doctor: “It’s a big building with a lot of doctors, but that’s not important now!”

COOKIE JOKE Q: Why did the cookie go to the doctor’s office?

A: It was feeling crummy.

SPECIALISATION BLUES What kind of work do you do?’ a woman passenger inquired of the man travelling in the airplane. “I’m a naval surgeon,” he replies. “My word!” spluttered the woman, “How you doctors specialise these days!”

[Culled and Collated from the ‘Net]

“What fits your busy schedule better, exercising one hour a day or being dead 24 hours a day?”

Courtesy: www.glasbergen.com

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LIVING WELL: LIFESTYLE

WHAT, WHY AND HOW OF HEART HEALTH Heart disease is on the ‘top five list’ of killer diseases in the world, so much so people are awfully concerned figuring out what heart disease is and how to stop it. The fact is: it is better, also easier, to prepare and prevent rather than repair and repent.

By RYAN N HARRISON

T

he term, ‘heart disease,’ is a catch-all of sorts.

In general, it refers to any disorder of the heart. Under the broad umbrella are several more-specific ailments, such as coronary heart disease [CHD], congenital heart disease, pulmonary heart disease, hypertension [high blood pressure], arrhythmias, etc. According to the American Heart Association [AHA], every 33 seconds an American dies from some sort of heart disease. This calculates to about 42 per cent of all mortalities on an annual basis — just in the US alone.

Heart disease, with all its many tendrils, is certainly a huge problem.

WHY Typically, cholesterol gets the blame for causing heart disease. People have been told for years that too much cholesterol in the blood ends up with a narrowing or hardening of the blood vessels. Make no mistake — this certainly happens. But, not all cholesterol is bad.

In fact, your body actually makes some cholesterol because it needs it to repair cells, manufacture key male and female sex hormones, and keep the immune system running smoothly.

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HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JANUARY 2015

You may have heard of ‘good’ cholesterol and ‘bad’ cholesterol. These are common terms for high-density lipoproteins [HDLs] and low-density lipoproteins [LDLs], respectively. Physicians determine cholesterol levels in the blood by measuring your ratio of HDLs to LDLs. Testing for cholesterol levels allows them to determine how effectively your body is metabolising cholesterol and how much is left in the blood stream.

Here’s the scoop on HDL and LDL cholesterol. LDLs are often labelled ‘bad’ cholesterol, because they appear to leave fat deposits on the walls of your arteries, causing damage to them. The deposits may narrow the arteries to the point where blood has a hard time flowing, or may even break off and flow into the heart, or other parts of the body, causing heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, HDLs are often called ‘good,’ because high levels are associated with lowered risk of heart disease.

Evidence also suggests that they actually help remove LDLs from the body.

What’s more, according to cardiologist W Lee Cowden, MD, LDL cholesterol only becomes harmful when it is oxidised [the result of oxygen combining with a substance]. This happens when it is exposed to freeradical substances, such as homocysteine [a hormone

released during stress], chlorine from unfiltered tap water, etc. What this means is that many of us are oxidising the LDL cholesterol in our blood on a daily basis.

Conventional [allopathic] medicine as usual doesn’t even consider oxidised verses non-oxidised LDL. Rather, conventional prescription medications for lowering cholesterol levels are written and filled. Indeed, with the rising incidence of high cholesterol and heart disease, cholesterol-lowering drugs [statins] have become the money-makers for pharmaceutical companies.

Unfortunately, such medications have their own set of nasty side-effects, and while they may lower blood pressure, or cholesterol levels, they may also contribute to a decline in health in several ways.

HOW One of the startling things about heart disease is that, despite the fact that it’s one of the world’s leading killers, it’s also the most preventable. What this means is that if you’re healthy today, you don’t have to suffer from heart disease tomorrow. And, if you’re currently struggling with heart disease, there are steps you can take to start healing.

Not everyone is aware of the natural alternatives to prescription medications. Yet, holistic medical and health professionals — from ayurvedic and homeopathic physicians, reflexologists to craniosacral therapists — will invariably have a litany of ways that can help keep heart disease at bay. Here are a handful of approaches to heart health that you can implement and depend upon right away: Vitamin C. As little as 1gm [1,000mg] of vitamin C a day can significantly lower blood pressure. This ‘celebrity’ among vitamins helps keep artery walls intact and also encourages HDL cholesterol to carry LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

Vitamin E. Studies have shown that as little as 100IU of this vitamin can reduce the risk of heart attack,

especially when given before the problem develops.

Exercise. A little goes a long way. Walking briskly for 30-35 minutes daily can lower your risk of heart disease by encouraging weight loss, reducing blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, and boosting HDL levels.

Relaxation. Stress and heart disease go hand-inhand. Research shows that people who get irritated or angry easily and frequently have nearly twice the risk of developing heart disease as compared to people who are more easy going and only get angry for a good reason [such as being treated unfairly, or unduly criticised]. Find a stress reduction therapist, or take up meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises as a way to calm and centre yourself when you feel your stress is going dangerously out of control.

Herbal Remedies. Herbs are nature’s medicine chest.

A host of herbs can be used successfully to help prevent and treat heart disease. Hawthorn berry, or Crataegus Oxycantha, for example, is also used in homeopathy. It is a time-tested remedy for heart conditions. It improves the circulation of blood, dilates blood vessels, and relieves spasms of the arterial walls. Consult a qualified professional to discuss the option.

Obviously, the healthier a lifestyle you live, the better you will be at preventing heart disease. For further information on what kinds of alternative, or complementary, treatments are available to help you prevent and recover from heart disease, speak to a qualified professional. Or, find one who will work with your conventional physician in determining what alternative treatments are right for you.

BERRY, BERRY GOOD FOR YOUR HEART The primary activity of hawthorn berry, as S K Verma et al, highlight in a paper published in The Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology, is to increase blood flow to the heart. This may be due to relaxation of arteries in the heart, which directly increases blood flow or through an increase in contraction and relaxation velocities which increases the diastolic interval and, thus, allows more time for blood passage through the arteries. Hawthorn’s positive action may also be due to the inhibition of myocardial ‘enzymes,’ which is integral to maintain cardiac resting potential. It also decreases blood pressure. This results in an increase in exercise tolerance during the early stage of congestive heart failure [CHF]. Surprisingly, hawthorn has the dual ability to regulate both low and high blood pressure.

Hawthorn is currently being used extensively by physicians in Europe in its standardised form for early stage of heart failure [cardiac insufficiency] as classified by New York Heart Association [NYHA] and various other cardiovascular and peripheral circulatory conditions, including angina [chest pain] and cardiac incompetence.

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.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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LIVING WELL: LIFESTYLE

MIND-BODY BALANCE & WELLNESS Sickness of the mind, or the body, reveals how our systems work — and, why loss of equilibrium often leads to a breakdown. There is a way out.

T

o bring a sense of modulation, or measure, to the introductory element of this article, let us draw on a wealth of information related to the latest biological and medical findings, especially in our age run amuck by stress, or psychosomatic illnesses, and in the light of the glorious connections that already exist between ancient puzzles, the brain, behaviour, immunity, and disease.

A case in point. Though the fantasies of novelists aren’t exactly the same as hard scientific evidence — albeit there’s plenty of it as well — the sharp divide between those that proffer psychological explanations of diseases and those that reject such theories in favour of purely physical causes is reflected in attitudes towards two particular disorders: tuberculosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS; read also this month’s ‘Focus,’ pg 6-12].

As Sir Peter Medawar, PhD, the Nobel Prizewinning immunologist and virtuoso writer, once put it: “[Tuberculosis] is an affliction in which the psychosomatic element is admitted even by those who contemptuously dismiss it in the context of any other

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ailment.” Not surprisingly, there’s abundant evidence, dating back hundreds of years, that the course and progression of tuberculosis are influenced by the sufferer’s mental state.

It goes without saying that someone who is infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis develops a protective immune response that could hold the bacteria in check and prevent them from multiplying.

The resultant stalemate between the body and bacteria can mean that the disease will remain dormant for years. But, if something happens to compromise, or weaken, the body’s immune defences, the bacteria can run riot and cause a resurgence of the disease. You know it, don’t you?

MIND-BODY CONNECT Stress, depression, and other psychological factors, can just as well alter our vulnerability to diseases, including bacterial/viral infections, heart disorders and cancer. The supposition? The relationship between mind and health, for more reasons than one, may be

construed to be mediated not only by our behaviour, but also by biological connections between the brain and the immune system. These connections work in both directions. Result: our physical health can influence our mental state, and vice versa.

This is precisely the point where one could think, or aspire, of what may be concisely termed as tangibility dynamics. In simple terms, it could be related to a leisure pursuit — a way of diversion from obvious ‘traps’ — to leading a better life. You engage in a hobby because you take pleasure from it, or because it relaxes you. You don’t get frustrated with it because you could have done better with it. The whole idea of a hobby is to ‘let go’ — and, experience something for itself. You don’t do it to prove your brilliance, genius, or self-esteem. You do it for inner peace — happiness. Your relationship with a hobby is natural, not self-conscious.

Think of meditation as a hobby, as it were — if it isn’t one already, or is — in much the same manner, not as something that gets caught up as one of your usual preoccupations. Rather, think of it as an inherent area of life where you can let go of the obsessive desire to improve yourself, get ahead in the rat race, or do better than anybody else. Meditation as a hobby is worth its weight, but not if you want to ‘project’ yourself as one who is meditating for peace — to improving the

world. You also ought to think of meditation as an open approach. You do it because you like doing it, without fanfare. Think of meditation as a sport: of reaching a goal, a goal that brings happiness, or fulfilment. When you practice meditation in this mode — simply, sensibly, and without jargon — it decreases the hubbub of our lives. It makes you feel better — in word and deed.

MEDITATION: THE LIGHTNESS OF BEING It would be quite interesting to note that the relationship between brain activity and meditation has been extensively investigated during the last three decades.

The popular view, today, is: meditation produces a type of relaxation, not sleep. Which is one reason why it has become one of the several ways to teaching people, and patients, how to relax. It also comes as no surprise that mind research has shown that meditation may not just be a ‘novel’ state of consciousness, but also multi-faceted. Researchers, like Daniel ‘Emotional Intelligence’ Goleman, PhD, for instance, argue that behaviours typically called concentration and mindfulness could be best described as strategies used to change one’s awareness of internal, or external, stimuli.

One thing is, however, crucial. You should always think of meditation as a fulsome hobby — without ever losing the lightness of your first approach to it. Always stay as a beginner, never the expert. That way you will never be caught up in a neurotic game. Because, a person who meditates truly knows its value: of happiness, contentment, and that everything else that happens is happening ‘now.’ As philosopher J Krishnamurti put it so precisely, “Meditation is not a means to an end. It is both the means and the end.” Besides, meditation is more than a state of bliss — it is a positive paradigm… of being one with the universe, or cosmos.

There is no best way to practice meditation. You’d do it your own way — and, that could become your best way of doing it… in course of time. Well, if you don’t have an ‘ideal’ methodology, you’d do something on the lines outlined hereunder, or even modify it to suit your own ‘introduction’ — if any.

Sit quietly wherever you are for a few minutes. Remain still. Don’t speak. Don’t do anything at all. It’s something like facing the blank stage of your mind. That’s how it should be. Once you have done that, approach meditation with a non-judgmental, accepting attitude.

Begin — by closing your eyes and scanning your body with your awareness. From your feet, ankles, legs, knees, thighs, pelvis, lower back, stomach and chest to shoulders, upper arms, elbows, forearms, wrists, hands, fingers, face, neck, and head. As you attend to each segment briefly, ask it to relax — gently. Avoid waiting for a response, or trying to relax. Just let it be, and move on. Next, focus on your breathing mechanism — to calm your mind, and make it a part of your meditating experience — and, for new ideas and messages to flow for 15-20 minutes, everyday.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

39

GOOD FOOD

BUCKWHEAT, MOONG AND VEGETABLE KHICHDI Khichdi is light for the stomach, yet filling and nourishing. People often say soup is good for the soul, but would it not be better to say, “Khichdi is good for the soul?”

By TARLA DALAL

T

he aroma of this khichdi is irresistible, as it has been cooked with the aromatic spices.

Buckwheat is commonly called as kutto or kutti no daro. This recipe is a variation of traditional khichdi in which rice is replaced with buckwheat due to its low glycaemic index and high fibre content.

Serve it with chilled low-fat curds, or karela kadhi, to make a satisfying meal.

1/2 tsp cumin seeds [ jeera] 1/4 tsp asafoetida [hing] 1/4 tsp turmeric powder [haldi] 2 tsp green chilli paste Salt to taste

Preparation Time: 5 mins Cooking Time: 18 mins Makes 6 servings

METHOD Clean and wash the moong dal and buckwheat together. Drain and keep aside.

Heat the oil in a pressure cooker, add the peppercorns, cloves and cumin seeds.

Once the cumin seeds crackle, add the asafoetida, moong dal, buckwheat and mixed vegetables and sauté on a medium flame for 2-3 minutes.

Add the turmeric powder, green chilli paste, salt and approx 4 cups of water, mix well and pressure cook for 3 whistles.

Serve hot with karela kadhi or low-fat curd.

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups buckwheat [kutto or kutti no daro] 1/2 cup yellow moong dal [split yellow gram] 1 cup chopped and boiled mixed vegetables [French beans, carrots, green peas, cauliflower] 1 tsp oil 2 black peppercorns [kalimirch] 1 to 2 cloves [laung/lavang]

FOR SERVING Karela Kadhi/low-fat curds

[Courtesy: www.tarladalal.com] Tarla Dalal was a noted Indian food writer, chef, best-selling cookbook author and host of cooking shows like Tarla Dalal Show and Cook It Up With Tarla Dalal.

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GOOD FOR YOU

OF ALLERGIES AND DEPRESSION Though a great amount of research has been done to understand the ‘root cause’ of depression, there are still some mysterious triggers, such as allergies.

By Dr RICHARD FIRSHEIN

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possible cause of depression has been linked to allergies. Some clinicians also believe the ‘connect’ between allergies and depression is more significant than previously thought.

The commonly accepted theory about depression is that it is caused by declining levels of the feel-good chemical serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. According to research, depression emerges when low serotonin levels promote low levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter.

Norepinephrine is related to attentiveness and energy as well as anxious feelings, attention, and interest, or lack of it in life. Serotonin is linked to anxiety, passion, and urge.

Dopamine is related to attention, motivation, pleasant feelings, and reward, as well as interest in life.

Research suggests that histamine, a chemical released during an allergic event, may impact the brain and nervoussystem receptors. I have always proposed that histamines may cause the body to reabsorb its natural feel-good chemicals before they can do their normal functions. The repercussion? After an allergic episode, there may be a period of feeling ‘blue’ or depressed.

I have had success in treating some of his patients who have allergies and depression by alleviating their allergies.

When the allergies are cleared up, bouts of depression are also eliminated.

A study conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, US, by Dr Teodor T Postolache found a biological link between allergies and depression. The study found that peaks of tree pollen levels correlated with depression. Postolache’s study also explained that allergic rhinitis [nasal allergy] is known to cause specialised cells in the nose to release cytokines, a kind of inflammatory protein. This can affect brain function, triggering gloom, disquiet, poor concentration, and increased drowsiness — a common outcome of allergic states.

I suggest that the best action to take is to determine if your allergies are leading to feelings of depression and identify the source of your allergies. There are a wide range

of foods, drugs and other substances which can activate allergies. Even hair and beauty-related products can generate allergic reactions in some users.

Allergy testing is sometimes needed to find out whether the symptoms are an actual allergy or are caused by other problems. For example, a runny nose or cough may actually be due to an infection. Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. Other types of skin tests include area testing and intradermal testing as well as haemoglobin tests to measure the levels of allergy-related substances, especially immunoglobulin-E [IgE]. A complete haemoglobin count called the eosinophil white cell count may also help diagnose allergies.

In some cases, it is best to avoid certain substances to ascertain if you get better, or use the bioflavonoid quercetin. I suggest using a two-week supplementation programme of 300mg of quercetin [twice daily] and two 400mg capsules of nettles [thrice daily]. The only thing is you’d do well to make sure quercetin and nettles are acceptable for you to take.

Once allergic triggers and symptoms are cleared, it may become clear whether depression exists as an aftereffect, or in conjunction with allergies or due to other reasons. Once it’s apparent that there is no direct link between depression and allergies, proper treatment can be prescribed and administered.

Some types of depression may be genetic, but depression can also occur with no prior family history of the illness. Anyone of any age can develop depression. Certain medical conditions, including an underactive thyroid, heart disease, serious illnesses or long-term pains can activate a bout of depression. Long-term sleeplessness, alcoholic beverages, steroidal use and stressful life events, such as divorce, job loss, death of a loved one, childhood trauma, neglect or societal isolation may also lead to bouts of deep depression. The bottom line is — any type of depression, whether allergies and insomnia, linked or not, should be taken seriously and treated effectively.

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].

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

41

FIGHTING FIT

‘HGH’ FIVE... OR HYPED BUILD-UP Human growth hormone [HGH], or ‘youth hormone,’ can increase lean muscle mass, improve bone density, skin tone and elasticity, besides decreasing body fat, while improving brain function. What is the real truth behind the hype?

I

’ve been receiving queries on the topic of means of elevating HGH production. High insulin discussion for a long time. I felt it was time that levels, especially in response to sugar and refined I delved into it in detail. It is an accepted fact carbohydrates, can suppress production of HGH. that our body’s ability to produce human growth Fasting for a 24-hour period diminishes the body’s hormone [HGH] diminishes considerably as we requirement for insulin and frees the pituitary to age, starting immediately after puberty. Studies focus on HGH production. Working out in a carb

By KERRY show that as early as age 26, your body may be [sugar]-depleted state may have a similar response DULIN producing less than half of the growth hormone as well. that it did at age 18. By age 35, HGH production Change your eating habits. Eating the ‘3-squaremay be down a full 75 per cent from peak levels. meals-a-day’ may not be in your best interest. We have So, what is ‘as we age,’ or can we work with our body to grown accustomed to highly processed food and large increase growth hormone production naturally? Fortunately, portions. This requires the body to produce insulin in order the answer to that question is ‘yes,’ and you don’t need to metabolise sugar. The downside is that insulin wants to a prescription to do that. The following five tips will help store that sugar as fat. If you are serious about increasing you to get the most benefit from your own natural growth your own natural production of human growth hormone, hormone production — the best part is tip #1 does not you need to be serious about your diet. Eat frequent, but require any effort. smaller meals consisting of whole [unprocessed] foods — Sleep. Studies have shown that our pituitary glands fruit and vegetables off-of-the-shelf, and not out of a can, release the highest levels of HGH within the first few lean cuts of meat and small portions. It is common for hours of sleep, especially during REM sleep [or, while bodybuilding and fitness athletes to consume 5-7 small dreaming]. Unfortunately, most of us don’t get enough meals a day; they know the benefits. There is a nice trick to sleep. Recent studies have shown that a lack of sleep take control of your portion size when eating. ‘Box up’ your actually increases the likelihood that you will be overweight. dinner plates and put them in a closet. Use salad plates or People who are tired naturally crave for carbohydrates, better still a saucer when eating and, if you feel the need for a quick energy source. Unfortunately, this results in an a few seconds, wait for ten minutes just to be sure. It can increased insulin response and decreased growth hormone take up to ten minutes for your brain to get the message levels. Want to stay lean and fit? Get a good night’s rest. that your stomach is satiated.

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Exercises. You knew this one was coming. Exercise, especially high-intensity exercises, significantly increases natural growth hormone production. This is known as the ‘exercise induced growth hormone response’ [EIGR]. Dr R J Godfrey of Brunel University, US, states “A number of studies have suggested an intensity ‘threshold’ exists for EIGR. Exercise intensity for a minimum of ten minutes appears to elicit the greatest stimulus to the secretion of HGH.” This simply means that intense exercise performed in ten minute bursts for several sessions will have the greatest effect on growth hormone levels. While this is best equated with cardio- and endurance-training, weight training athletes who workout with enough intensity will see positive results too.

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Fasting. While occasional fasting has positive benefits from weight loss to longevity, it is also an effective

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Supplement with L-arginine. L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses in the production of proteins.

Supplementing with L-arginine can have a dramatic effect on HGH levels. Recent studies have shown that resting growth hormone responses increase with oral ingestion of L-arginine; the dose range is 5-9gm. Most studies using oral L-arginine have shown that arginine alone increases the resting growth hormone levels by at least 100 per cent, while exercise can increase growth hormone levels by 300500 per cent. L-arginine is most effective when taken just before bedtime on an empty stomach.

Remember, as with any supplement, a ‘supplement’ should be used in addition to a proper diet and exercise programme, not as a replacement. I’d suggest too that you do your own research and, better still, speak to your physician and trainer, to know what is right for you, and let your body do the job, or work, for you.

Kerry Dulin, a world-renowned fitness guru, first got into professional bodybuilding at age 40. He won his first bodybuilding competition at 41. Now 55, with a physique that would put someone half his age to shame, Dulin has what he calls “a manageable programme,” 12 top trophies to show for his fitness endeavours and three health and fitness websites. He lives in the US.

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WHOLE & SOUL

LESSONS FROM THE GANGA Bondage and freedom, war and peace, political conquest and defeat, like the seasons, come and go. Through it all, the timeless Mother Ganga patiently flows towards the sea and teaches us life’s innumerable lessons of everyday wisdom.

E

ach morning before sunrise, I walked the Spread out around me on all sides was bank of Mother Ganga and looked out Mother Ganga in Her winter attire of sparkling, into Her swift current. She was, perhaps, undulating aqua. No human artist could a hundred yards wide at a certain spot, Her capture even a moment of this unending riverbank covered with soft, silvery sand. Like display. And, just as Her art was created, jewelled ornaments, smooth rocks, ranging it simultaneously disappeared. This was a from tiny pebbles to boulders of thousands of lesson. All beautiful forms of this world are pounds, lined her banks. Feeling unworthy of in the process of continual transformation.

By the treasures I sought, I felt a desperate need Nothing is constant. With every moment, our RADHANATH for purification. I begged my Lord for direction. reality is changing. Mother Ganga, like nature, SWAMI I quickly resolved that: for one month I would is constant, but no manifestation of Hers sit in silence and prayer from sunrise to sunset. I prayed remains. Likewise, all that we hold dear in this world is to have the spot revealed. Just then, before my eyes, I imperceptibly vanishing. We cannot cling to anything. noticed a series of small rocks in the river. They formed I sat, a submissive student, trying to learn from my a natural bridge to a much larger, flat rock about fifteen teacher, Ganga, who begins Her course high in the feet from the bank. This rock was to become my most Himalayas and flows without stopping to the sea. cherished place. I would sit on it everyday from sunrise Innumerable obstacles— huge rocks, fallen trees, or to sunset, surrounded on all sides by the forceful current even mountains — block Her way, but nothing will of the Ganga. In that incredible panorama I relished my stop Her journey to the sea. Gracefully she flows over, insignificance. under, or around all impediments.

The closest mountain took the shape of a heart at Mother Ganga teaches us that if we want to attain its very top. I gazed at it for hours thinking of how it the sea of our aspiration, we must persevere in our symbolised for me the heart of god, a heart that is goal and never be discouraged by the inevitable unlimited, giving ultimate shelter to all beings. A heart obstacles that come in our path. All impediments are that is majestic and beautiful. I thought of it as just as, in like rocks in the river of life. We should flow around climbing a mountain, we leave behind the earth where we them and never give up. With the Lord’s help, there is stand, to reach the heart of god, we must leave behind always a way. earthly attachments. Sincere spiritual practice is an As I sat on that rock, I imagined that watching the uphill climb, and no matter the innumerable difficulties flow of the river was like watching the passing of life. we face, we must continue looking upwards with If one is inside the river, one is greatly affected by it, hope. The mountain provides all the support for those but if one sits on the bank, one can observe it with who strive to reach its top. Similarly, if we are sincere, detachment. Mother Ganga teaches us that if we learn the Lord will provide us with the means to reach His to detach from our egos and observe the mind, senses, supremely merciful heart. and the world around us, we grow with wisdom.

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

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

43

POISE & BALANCE

ELEMENTAL EQUILIBRIUM All you wanted to know about the Panchmahabhutas, the five elements, and how are they connected to the chakras and harmonious balance of our mind, body and spirit.

By PREETI MANDAWEWALA

A

yurveda and yoga are based on the principle of five elements. The five elements are referred to as the panchamahabhutas in Ayurveda or the tattvas in yoga. Pancha, literally means ‘five’ and mahabhuta and tattva are Sanskrit words meaning ‘element,’ or ‘reality.’

The five elements are responsible for the structure of the universe; they are the building blocks of the material world. Everything in the universe, animate and inanimate, is made up of the five mahabhutas. Each object and being in the universe contains a varying degree and combination of the five elements providing its unique features. The elements are not detected in their pure state. We perceive substances that possess several qualities, which come from a combination of more than one element.

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The Western translations for the five elements do not give the full and correct meaning of the original Sanskrit terms. The mahabhutas encompass much more than their given equivalents. They refer not to the element itself, but also to different densities of matter and the different characteristics that they possess. The mahabhutas represent the physical qualities, energetic properties and biological functions related with the given element.

The density of the five elements increases from ether to air, fire, water, and earth. The five elements originate from the subtle and all-pervasive universal consciousness. Ether is the subtlest and has its origin from consciousness itself, even though it is less subtle than consciousness or spirit. In the same way, air has

its origin from ether and is less subtle and pervasive than ether. Fire originates from air and is denser than air.

Water has its origins from fire and is denser than fire.

Earth has its origins from water; it is the densest of the five elements.

Aakash tattva [Space or ether element]. Space is the mother of all elements. It is space in which everything exists and acts. The experience of space as luminous emptiness is the basis of higher spiritual experience.

Aakash is fine, subtle, soft, light, porous and smooth in quality. Aakash is found where there is empty space such as in the tubes and channels of the body. Such empty spaces are found in blood and lymph vessels, openings, pores and the intestinal tract. Aakash also contributes to the sounds of the heart, lungs, intestines and swallowing.

Vishuddhi chakra is located in the area of the throat and is directly related to the ether element.

Vayu tattva [Air element]. Air is the gaseous form of matter. It is mobile, dynamic, light, cold, rough, fine, subtle, dry and exists without form. All empty spaces are filled with air. Air flows freely throughout the body, controls breathing, feeds the cells with oxygen and helps to give movement to biological functions. Of all the elements, air is, perhaps, the most powerful to cleanse the body of toxins. This is partially because it fans the fire in our body and mind. Though we cannot see vayu, we feel its touch; hence, it is connected with the skin, and the hand is the organ of action. The air element corresponds to Anahata chakra, which is also called the heart chakra.

Agni tattva [Fire element]. Fire is that part of nature that transforms one state of matter into another. For example, fire transforms the solid state of water [ice] into liquid water and then into its gaseous state [steam].

Withdrawing fire recreates the solid state. Fire is worshipped in yogic and Tantric rituals because it is the means, by which we can purify, empower and control other states of matter. Fire forms hunger, thirst, and sleep.

Agni tattva is the main motive energy in the body accountable for digesting our food, producing blood and other fluids, and sustaining the body. It is responsible for the nourishment and growth of the body. The agnigranthi, or fire centre, manifests through the spleen, liver, pancreas and adrenal glands. Just as the heat of the sun makes life possible on earth, the heat of the agni tattva sustains life in the body. The day this internal fire goes out would mean death to the individual, as surely as this world would die if the sun refused to shine. Manipura chakra, the navel chakra, corresponds with the fire element.

Fire is a powerful cleanser, burning up impurities.

Asanas can be used to regulate the fire element. Dynamic asanas invoking movement, grace and flow, tend to increase fire in the body. This will burn out toxins from the other elements: earth, water and air. For example, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika states that machindrasana and paschimottanasana can increase the digestive fire

to such an incredible capacity that they can remove diseases.

Jal tattva [Water element]. Water is everything that is liquid. It is sticky, cold, soft, compact, heavy and moist in quality. Water constitutes the liquids of the body and represents the force of cohesion, as well as the ability to attract and change that which are associated with water. This element provides the bodily fluids such as plasma, lymph and urine and makes up most of our bodily weight. The kidneys, sex glands and the lymphatic system are physical manifestations of water or the apastattva. The bodily fluids move between the cells and through the vessels of the body carrying nutrients, antibodies, hormones and waste. Water is related to the perception [tanmatra] of taste and its sense organ is the tongue. The related sense organ is the genitals, which are closely linked in function to the tongue. Without water neither the tongue nor genitals can function properly. Swadhistana chakra is located in the area of the genitals and is attuned with the water energy.

Prithvi tattva [Earth element]. Earth is not just soil, but it is everything in nature that is solid. Earth is heavy, hard, stable, compact, rigid, unctuous and dense in quality.

Each element is responsible for different structures in the body. The foundation of the physical structure of our body â&#x20AC;&#x201D; bones and flesh â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is in the prithvi tattva, the earth essence. It is also responsible for the formation of skin, tissues and hair. Mooladhara chakra, also called the root chakra, is located outside the body in the area of the perineum. The root chakra is our connection to the earth; it gives us stability in the body and the mind.

ARDHAMACHINDRASANA The regular practice of ardhamachindrasana helps the digestive organs [ jathragni] to become more active. It also helps to correct chronic diseases, while enabling kundalini shakti to get activated.

Technique Sit in dandasana. Bend the right leg and place the right foot flat on the floor on the other side of the left knee. The toes of the right foot should face forward. Bend the left leg and bring the foot around to the right buttock. Take the left hand and place it against the outside of the right

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

45

leg and hold the right foot or ankle with the left hand.

Bring the right hand behind the body and place it close to the left buttock, or alternately you may wrap it around the left side of your waist. This arm position enforces the straightness of the spine. Turn the face and place the chin on the right shoulder and hold for a minimum one minute to get maximum benefit from this asana. Make a mental note of the squeezing and twisting that is happening there, similar to the process as when you wring a cloth to shed any excess water from it. To release slowly come back to the starting position first by bringing the face back to the centre; relax the locked left hand. Bring back the right hand and straighten both the legs. Repeat on the other side.

Relax in shithildandasana.

Benefits. This asana simultaneously stretches the muscles on one side of the back and abdomen while contracting the muscles on the other side. It tones the nerves of the spine and makes the back muscles supple. It also massages the abdominal organs, alleviating digestive problems. It regulates the secretion of adrenaline and bile. It is recommended in the yogic management of diabetes.

PASHCHIMOTTANASANA Technique Sit on the floor with the legs outstretched, feet together and hands on the knees. This is the starting position.

Relax the whole body. Slowly bend forward from the hips, sliding the hands down the legs. Hold the heels, ankles or any part of the legs that can be reached comfortably.

Hold the position for a few seconds. Relax the back, shoulder and the leg muscles allowing them to gently stretch. Keeping the leg straight, begin to bend the elbows and gently bring the trunk down towards the legs.

Try to touch the knees with the forehead and elbows to the ground. Do not strain. This is the final position.

Hold the position for as long as is comfortable and relax.

Slowly return to the starting position.

Benefits. This asana stretches the hamstring muscles and increases flexibility in the hip joints. It tones and massages the entire abdominal and pelvic region including the liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands. It even helps to remove excess weight in this area. It stimulates blood circulation to the nerves and muscles of the spine.

FIVE ELEMENTS & HEALTH Our body is made up of five elements and so is everything we consume. Because, natural substances such as foods, herbs, minerals, sunlight, air and water are of the same composition as our structure, which our bodies are able to utilise in a harmonious way. The panchamahabuta concept can be applied to maintain health and promote healing. In a healthy body, the five elements are maintained in a particular proportion. When the state of the body is not in its natural harmony, the body will try to maintain its equilibrium by eliminating excess elements and taking in others. All health disorders manifest because of disturbance of balance within the body and its components. Mudra vigyan to control the five elements will be discussed in the next [February] issue of H&Y.

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.

46

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JANUARY 2015

CORPORATE WELLNESS

WHERE TO INVEST IN A FAST-CHANGING WORLD Stay invested in good, ‘future’ companies, which have made, or making, a mark and not merely rewarding you in cash.

By BADRINATH the world. The chord that struck me was the range t was a Sunday afternoon, my usual time for of inventions made by a few companies, which DURVASULA review of investments and performance. A fresh touched the lives of every human being in one way wind blew through my mind on investment or the other. The power of invention and innovation decisions, in equity and in bonds. What is it I am looking at stood out as the fifth dimension to investing. before making a decision to invest? Is it revenue, financial MNCs, when diagnosed, have optimised on the ratios, technology or news? For a vanilla view, it is a mix of human intellect and made huge financial gains, giving a all, dominated by market news. sense of direction for each of us to invest in them. What But, is this the right way? Can it be a true test for impressed me the most were — • The benefits were largely universal, affecting people across informed decision-making? The answer is a clear ‘no,’ if one the globe and at all economic levels is farsighted.

• Technology is diverse involving science, mathematics and Warren Buffet, the famous investment banker, says, “In medicine, and interlinked to ‘human want’ the business world, the rear view mirror is always clear • The devices were made in such quantity and quality that they than the windshield,” meaning that past performance of a were affordable by a large number of people. company is no good indicator of its future achievements. An With this beacon of thought, it became clear to analyse important thought to ponder. the companies which have spread a world of good to My logic, thereafter, went beyond normal features. I mankind. started looking at companies, which made a difference to

I

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

47

iPHONE In my view, the invention of iPhone by Apple Inc is a trendsetting and benchmarking event. It became one of the most popular gadgets, bringing the term ‘Smartphone’ to a new level. The first model was officially presented by Apple Inc in 2007. It can be used to make videos and pictures, listen to music, watch clips and more. The most impressive feature is the multitouch screen that boasts fast response to touch. Users have the possibility to use a myriad of applications that can be downloaded from the AppStore or third parties.

The applications have different functionalities — users can play games, activate GPS navigation, browse social networks, watch movies and more. With the current 6S version, iPhone is bound to add many more features. iPAD This is yet another revolutionary device from Apple. After the launch of the iPad a lot of tech companies started creating their own tablet computers that could rival Apple’s gadget, which in a short time became the most popular tablet computer on the planet. What is amazing is that users can read books and periodicals, watch movies, listen to music, play video games, and surf the web. Data convergence and human wants are the twin-keys that make each of us get hooked to this great machine. I wonder, sometimes, on how the world would be without iPhone and iPad! YOUTUBE It has taken the world by storm. It created a paradigm shift in social networking. What was once thought to be a distant dream has become an effortless stream. The world’s most popular video-sharing website was created by a brilliant trio in 2005. Sensing a huge potential opportunity, Google acquired the website for just under US$2 billion, a smart decision, which steamrolled its revenues to billions in no time. The website allows users to upload, share, and watch videos. A lot of content available on YouTube is uploaded by individuals. But, media corporations also use this popular service. What YouTube offers is a world of knowledge at your fingertips, and allowing one to be ahead of others in this intense competing world we live in.

FACEBOOK The outstanding social networking website was launched in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates. It boasts of over 800 million active users and is the most popular social networking website in the world. It allows users to create a personal profile, make online friends, and exchange messages. What is unique about it is the opportunity to join common interest groups. Can we imagine a world, without being a part of this great network? If not, we are left out.

GOOGLE ANDROID This software pack was developed by Google Inc for handheld devices that feature an operating system, middleware and key applications. Today, Android is the most popular operating system for smartphones.

Essentially, Android represents a large community of developers that creates applications for various uses and boasts of more than 200,000 apps. The online application store is run by Google, optimising creativity, not only of its own, but of all developers the worldover. This is a win-win proposition for every inventor or an idea developer. It makes Google a topnotch company to nurture ideas for the future.

ROBOTICS Robots were a fantasy at one point of time. Not any more, with the advent of the 21st century. It is predicted that by the end of the century every house will have at least one robot programmed to perform any number of functions to make one feel safe. Their military applications are even more promising, with robots being used to clear minefields and otherwise perform missions deemed too dangerous for their human counterparts. How smart will they be? Only as smart as you want them to be. A popular South Indian film starring Rajnikanth showcased how good Robots could be.

GENETIC ENGINEERING It’s difficult to imagine that we are on the threshold of being able to programme our own DNA, but that is the next step in human evolution. It is predicted that by the end of the century, parents will be able to determine the sex, intelligence, and even hair and eye colour of their child. This ability to ‘design’ an embryo won’t be confined to humans as is being discussed in certain scientific forums.

KEY DRIVERS The fields stated herein or the companies referred to showcase the sampling analysis as to where to invest your hard-earned savings. It is not the financial return that should be computed, but the reach an investment would ‘run’ to should be foreseen to make you smile that the money invested touched a large section of humanity.

Charity, even if one wants, doesn’t happen easily, but a wise investment with a deep sense of human reach can satiate everyone’s hunger, if it reaches one and all. As Bill Gates once said, “if you are born poor, it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor, it’s your mistake.”

So, be rich. Invest in ‘Rich’ companies of the present and the future — for making your life investment-perfect.

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

48

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JANUARY 2015

MIXED BAG

THE LIP STORY A full mouth, with a ‘lip-uplift,’ is considered a sign of youth, love and fertility.

But, is this everything, or nothing?

M

ost men — also, women — find Angelina in 1963, to sucking against the ‘heel’ of her Jolie’s lips exceptionally sensuous. As hand to get full, fuller, fullest lips. Alas, from her far as women are concerned, it’s the pictures we can see that she failed miserably to only part of the body they want to be ‘fat.’ Some achieve what she had set out to do.

Bollywood actresses are suddenly aglow with Contemporary women are lucky. If they don’t

By RUBY fat lips which look like they got stuck in the drain LILAOWALA like injectible fillers, collagen and all that pain, this monsoon. they have the option of lip-plumpers. You can My question is: why would anyone spend a rub them like lipstick on your lips and they fortune and deliberately do that for their mouth? Things swell alluringly. Wonder what the key ingredient of lipcan go wrong when lips look so artificial with the vat plumpers is? There are many of them flooding the Indian of collagen pumped into them. One actress who had cosmetic market. What’s more, some women spend a an overdose of collagen thinks she looks like Jolie or fortune for ‘Jolie lips,’ while some women in adivasi and Pamela Anderson, but, in reality, she looks absurd tribal areas don’t have enough food to give their malbecause her natural lips were perfect as they were. nourished bodies. Sad. However, to be honest, the clamour for the full lip is The trouble is we ape everything Western. A couple of hardly new; it’s one of those features that is universally years ago, the annual Lakme Fashion Week highlighted considered a mark of beauty and feminity. Perhaps, cotton clothes, but in the same year, the poor cotton since lips thin with age, a full mouth is also considered growing farmers of Vidarbha were committing suicide. a sign of youth and fertility. Zoologist Desmond Morris, This is the supreme irony of fashion, glamour and Page author of a seminal book on the human species, The Three — unrealistic self-created worlds made up of Naked Ape, believes that lips are actually evolutionarily plastic-people with artificially inflated egos, and also adapted to signal sexual readiness. He says, when lips. we’re excited, they swell and redden. It seems Jolie is The problem is we are never satisfied with what nature perpetually excited. has given us. A natural beauty looks best. The real Before the advent of cosmetics or plastic surgery Miss India is found in our villages. Women with values, for pluming lips to look luscious, women, in the modesty, character, facing hardship after hardship with early 20th century, would repeat sequences of words a spiritual sense of resignation and duty, who shy away beginning with ‘P’ to pucker their thin mouths. Even from cameras with a smile on their lips. It’s always better Gloria Steinhem admitted in her Beach Book, published to have a beautiful soul than just ‘chubby’ lips.

Ruby Lilaowala , a former special correspondent for Gulf Times, is a writer, columnist, life-coach and counsellor. She lives in Mumbai.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

49

THE WAY WE WERE & ARE

OF COVER & PRAYER One of our earliest memories as children was seeing our mother pray with her head covered.

What is the significance of the ‘covered’ ritual?

W

omen across the globe always put a veil on their head before praying. This is a well-known praying ritual among Hindus, Muslims and Catholics. The belief is that individuals worship with a covered head — out of respect to ‘God Almighty.’

We are all witness to our mothers sitting on a mat, putting on their ‘head covering’ and then praying. One can promptly recall the poise on their face as they prayed.

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE Spiritual leaders believe covering the head signifies a woman’s modesty and submission. One reason why they continue to wear whatever type of covering is in vogue at a given time. Some women wear bonnets, shawls, or hats, as a part of their modest attire. While styles change, the practice of head covering continues till date.

By covering their head, women honour god. Wearing a head covering is also ‘biblical;’ it is to be taught and obeyed. A biblical symbol ensures the endurance of spiritual truth and helps us embrace the truth. As long as we see them and as long as we do them, we are constantly reminded of the fundamental truth of the scriptures. However, this must not become a source of division and dissonance.

50

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JANUARY 2015

SYMBOL OF GOD’S CHOOSING The symbol is a visible demonstration of people who choose to live in obedience to god, such as 1] foot washing speaks of humility, 2] holy kiss speaks of fellowship 3] head covering speaks of ‘headship’ and god’s government.

Just as a flag represents a nation and a logo brings to mind a specific company, symbols represent abstract realities and make them visible and recognisable.

The belief is that god has chosen to employ symbols to represent invisible divine realities.

DESIRE TO PLEASE THE LORD Wearing a head covering can actually change an individual’s conduct, if it is done out of a sincere desire to please the Lord.

The glory of god is that which demands admiration to Him. Modesty, order and decorum in the worship service reside in the heart of the individual.

Our conviction to love god and all individuals should preside over all our convictions. Let us seek the Lord and His Word with an open heart.

May god create within us a deep hunger to be complete, for time and eternity!

FITNESS EQUIPMENT

SKIP TO KEEP OBESITY AT BAY Skipping is a most effective, fat-burning workout you can do and it’s fun too.

S

kipping rope, or jump rope, is the primary tool used in skipping played by children and young adults, all over the world. Get your jump rope or dust off an old one, for skipping is said to fortify the cardiovascular system, tone up muscles and improve agility. Some of the techniques that can be used with jumping rope as an effective fat-burning exercise are: BASIC JUMP OR EASY JUMP Keep both feet slightly apart and jump at the same time over the rope.

ALTERNATE FOOT JUMP [SPEED-STEP] Use alternate feet to jump off the ground. This technique can be used to effectively double the number of skips per minute as compared to the above technique.

CRISS-CROSS Similar to the basic jump with the only difference being, that, while jumping, the left hand goes to the right part of the body and vice versa for the right hand, with arms crossing in front of the body.

SIDE SWING This is a basic technique where the rope passes the side of the body, without ‘jumping’ it. Usually the skipper performs a basic jump after a side-swing or criss-cross.

FRONT-BACK CROSS This is similar to the criss-cross, except one arm crosses behind the back.

DOUBLE-UNDER Jump a little higher than usual while swinging the rope twice under the feet. It is possible to have the rope swing three times under the feet [triple-under].

DOUBLE-DUTCH Take two long jump ropes turning in opposite directions; this can be used by one or more individuals.

TOAD Perform ‘cross’ manoeuvre with one arm crossing under the opposite leg from the inside.

INVERSE TOAD Similar to the toad, except the arm crosses the same leg from the outside [rather than the opposite leg from the inside].

LEG-OVER Skip in a normal open jump, but with one arm hooked under the same leg.

HEALTH BENEFITS Great fat-buster. Skipping can help you shed up to 450 calories in just 30 minutes. One hour of rope skipping will burn up to 1,300 calories. According to the British Rope Skipping Association, ten minutes of skipping can have the same health benefits as a 45-minute run.

Promotes cardiovascular activity. This workout makes the heart strong, allowing it to pump more blood, oxygen and nutrients to your tissues.

Skipping helps to also improve heart rate and regulate blood pressure.

Fights osteoporosis. Since skipping is weight bearing, it boosts bone density and helps to keep off osteoporosis.

The Osteoporosis Society recommends 2-5 minutes of a physical activity like skipping everyday to help prevent osteoporosis.

Increases focus and regulates flexibility. Skipping helps to gain better concentration and regulates body flexibility. It also aids your co-ordination and balance.

Full-body workout. Skipping is a full-body workout.

It uses abdominal muscles to stabilise the body, legs for jumping, shoulders and arms for turning the rope.

A regular skipping session improves muscle tone in both the lower and upper body.

Zero-cost workout. Once you buy your skipping rope, it’s as good as a zero-cost workout.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

51

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TOP OF MIND

A QUESTION OF HEAT, OR ICE Application of heat or ice to injury has been a common practice in relieving pain. The big question is — do we really know when we should or shouldn’t use heat or ice for a given injury?

In other words, what are the indicators of using heat or ice as a first-aid measure?

By EUSEBIO JASON FERNANDES

T

he type of injury dictates whether the use of heat or ice is appropriate. To give an example, Mrs J, while walking down the stairs twisted her foot and sustained a sprain in her ankle. What is the best means to resort to relieving the pain and swelling that would follow?

Injuries are basically of two types, namely, acute injuries, which are of sudden occurrence, as in the case of Mrs J, or chronic injuries which are present for a prolonged duration.

ACUTE INJURIES Injuries of sudden origin with sharp pain often result from a sudden trauma, impact or fall, leaving an obvious cause for the injury. Onset of swelling and inflammation is almost immediate with tenderness and redness at the site.

CHRONIC INJURIES These, on the other hand, present with a constant dull pain which may be present throughout the day. They usually have no obvious cause; they are said to occur because of overuse or poorly-managed acute injury.

ICE MASSAGE [CRYOTHERAPY] Ice therapy or cold therapy is the use of ice or cold applications to an injured area. A method used as the first line of treatment in sports injuries, this is a wellknown practice to reduce the rate of swelling and inflammation and also pain. Ice causes something known as vasoconstriction [narrowing of blood vessels] — this reduces the rate of internal bleeding and inflammation at the site of injury. Cryotherapy is preferred by some athletes to treat overuse injuries and sudden increase of pain in an already painful joint and also to reduce the twinge and inflammation.

The best way to ‘ice’ an injured area is to use an icepack or wrapping crushed ice in a thin cloth or plastic. A bag of frozen peas or vegetables also does the job. Icing should be done for around 10-20 minutes, which can be repeated several times a day, while allowing enough time in-between. This lets the skin to come to normal temperature. Prolonged icing should be avoided, as this may result in frost bite [cold burn] to the tissue and worsen the situation.

HEAT APPLICATION Heat therapy is the best line of treatment in chronic injuries when there is no swelling.

Deep dull muscle and joint pains also respond well to heat treatment. Heat, in contrast to ice, causes vasodilatation [widening of the blood vessels] bringing in additional fresh blood flow of nutrients and healing mediators to the injured area. Heat application before a workout in the gym, or exercise session, helps to increase the elasticity of the joint connective tissues, thus avoiding the potential risk of injury.

As heat increases blood circulation and raises skin temperature, one should avoid its use in acute injuries.

The reason being it will increase the rate of inflammation, while worsening the condition. Heat should be applied gently for 10-15 minutes. Moist heat with the use of a wet towel has been shown to be more effective than dry heat.

Never leave the heat on for more than 20 minutes, or while sleeping.

After a day or two of treatment the pain usually tends to subside, while the injury heals. However, when pain and swelling persist for more than 48 hours, it is best to speak to your doctor to evaluate the nature or extent of the injury.

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.

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HEALTH HAPPENINGS

‘HORMONE OF SATIETY’ LINKS OBESITY TO HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE According to a new study published in Cell, researchers from Monash University in Australia, and the University of Cambridge in UK, have found out how the hormone leptin is the ‘link’ between obesity and increased blood pressure.

Leptin is a hormone that regulates the amount of fat that is stored in the body. It is released by fat cells and circulates in the bloodstream to reach the brain, where it controls signals that trigger storage of energy in fat reserves along with the release of energy from those reserves. As well as controlling energy expenditure, leptin also adjusts the sensation of hunger, which is why it is referred to as the ‘satiety’ hormone.

The study compared healthy mice and humans with counterparts who have problems producing or processing leptin. It was found that an increase in leptin in diet-induced obese mice drove an increase in their blood pressure — but, not if they were deficient in leptin, or could not process it because their brains lacked leptin receptors.

The team found a similar effect in humans. Some people who lacked leptin or leptin receptors because of a genetic disorder, had low blood pressure, despite being obese.

In another part of the study, the researchers showed that leptin’s effect on blood pressure is handled through circuits in a part of the brain, known as the dorsomedial hypothalamus [DMH]. Blocking either leptin or leptin receptors in this part of the brains of the diet-induced obese mice caused a rapid reduction in blood pressure,

regardless of changes in weight.

Lastly, the team carried out another experiment on diet-induced obese mice bred not to express the leptin receptor gene. When they switched the gene back on, the mice’s blood pressure went up.

The study concludes the findings show that leptin couples changes in weight to changes in blood pressure in mammals. The study researchers also found that high blood pressure is a well-known consequence of obesity, and the findings explain how one leads to the other.

THE ALCOHOL & CANCER CONNECTION New research has corroborated the relationship between alcohol and cancer, especially from the study of a disease called Fanconi anaemia. The disease affects 1 in 350,000 babies and is characterised by the inability to repair tangles of DNA known as ‘cross links.’ The lack of repair causes damaged DNA to accumulate, which puts the patient at increased risk of developing leukaemia and cancers of the head or neck. Both alcohol-caused cancer and the genetic accelerator of cancer in Fanconi anaemia are driven by the same mechanism: partially metabolised alcohol.

In the initial stages of metabolising alcohol, the body converts alcohol to acetyl aldehyde, before converting it into acetic acid using aldehyde dehydrogenase [ALDH].

However, acetyl aldehyde is a carcinogen and produces DNA cross links, which puts Fanconi anaemia patients at higher risk of cancer because they are unable to repair the DNA damage caused by acetyl aldehyde. If the patient also lacks ALDH, then their risk for cancer is even higher.

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“With enough alcohol, the body can get behind and end up with a backlog of acetyl aldehyde,” says study author Robert Sclafani, PhD, investigator at the University of Colorado [CU] Cancer Center, US. “Increased exposure to alcohol, loss of the ALDH gene that helps the body process alcohol, and loss of the ability to repair DNA cross links all result in increased cancer risk.

But when you look at epidemiological studies of head and neck cancer, alcohol is a factor, but by alcohol source, the lowest cancer incidence is in people who drank red wine. In red wine, there’s something that’s blocking the cancer-causing effect of alcohol.”

The findings were published Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.

Sclafani explains that the more someone drinks, the more DNA damage they accumulate, increasing their cancer risk. However, the resveratrol from grape skins in red wine eliminates cells with the most DNA damage, which are the ones with the highest likelihood of becoming cancerous.

THE DOWNSIDE OF LONG SURGICAL PROCEDURES Dr John Y S Kim of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, US, and colleagues examined the link between blood clots — also known as venous thromboembolisms [VTE] — and surgery duration for a study published by JAMA Surgery.

According to the researchers, there is a widely accepted association between longer surgical procedures and death, as well as blood clots, but this association had yet to be assessed quantitatively using a sufficiently strong database.

VTEs are a serious medical condition. Doctors often use VTE to describe two conditions occurring simultaneously: deep vein thrombosis [DVT] and pulmonary embolism [PE].

DVT occurs with the formation of a blood clot in at least one of the body’s deep veins, typically in the legs.

Clots can thereafter break free and travel through the

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bloodstream to other parts of the body. PE occurs when one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Each year, over 500,000 hospitalisations and 100,000 deaths are associated with blood clots.

Further assessment of the link between surgical time and VTEs would enable more informed medical and surgical decision making while improving patient health outcomes, write the authors.

For the study, data was analysed from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program [NSQIP], a database that includes information from 2005 to 2011 for over 1.7 million patients across surgical disciplines in more than 300 health institutions.

A total of 13,809 patients were found to have had a post-operative VTE, 10,198 patients developed DVT and 4,772 patients developed PE. In comparison with operations of average duration, patients undergoing lengthier procedures had a 1.27fold increase in their likelihood of developing a VTE. In contrast, patients undergoing quicker procedures had lower odds of VTE development.

For three of the most common operations — appendectomy, gall bladder removal and gastric bypass — surgical time was found to be a risk factor for the development of VTE. ALARM FACTOR & CANCER AWARENESS Dr Katriina Whitaker, senior research fellow at University College London in the UK, analysed the responses of 1,724 people aged 50 and over to a health questionnaire that was sent to them in April 2012.

The questionnaire asked participants whether they had experienced any of 17 symptoms, 10 of which are defined as cancer ‘alarm’ symptoms by Cancer Research, UK. These symptoms include unexplained cough, changes in mole appearance, unexplained bleeding, persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing and unexplained lumps.

Participants were not told which symptoms are cancer warning signs.

The respondents were also asked what they thought was the cause of any symptoms they experienced, whether they deemed the symptoms to be serious and whether they visited their doctor as a result of their symptoms.

Results of the study, published in PLOS ONE, revealed that 53 per cent of participants reported that they had experienced at least one cancer warning sign over the past three months.

Look at the stats. Over the next 20 years, the number of new cancer cases is expected to rise by around 70 per cent globally: • The most common cause of cancer death is lung cancer, which caused 1.59 million deaths worldwide in 2012 • More than 60 per cent of the world’s total new annual cancer cases occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South America.

• The most common cancer warning symptoms reported were persistent cough and persistent change in bowel habits, while unexplained weight loss and problems swallowing were the least common.

However, the researchers were surprised to find that of the respondents who reported cancer warning symptoms, only 2 per cent considered cancer to be a potential cause.

What is more, Dr Whitaker says that of participants who reported the most obvious signs of cancer, such as unexplained lumps or changes in mole appearance, most did not consider them to be cancer-related. “Even when people thought warning symptoms might be serious, cancer didn’t tend to spring to mind,” adds Dr Whitaker.

“This might be because people were frightened and reluctant to mention ‘cancer,’ thought cancer wouldn’t happen to them or believed other causes were more likely.” On a positive note though, respondents did deem the cancer warning signs to be more serious than symptoms not linked to cancer, such as shortness of breath, fatigue and sore throat, and 59 per cent of those who experienced cancer warning signs visited their doctor.

PROBIOTICS: THE NEW HOPE AGAINST MALARIA A research team, led by Miguel Soares at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência in Portugal, talk about the ‘friendly’ bacteria that live in the human gut, known as gut microbiota, which rather than cause disease, can trigger immune functions that protect against it. Studies have shown that, in adults, certain strains of Escherichia Coli bacteria that live in the gut can protect against disease by expressing sugar molecules, or glycans, from their surface. The immune system recognises these glycans and, in response, produces large numbers of natural antibodies that circulate throughout the body, staving off infection.

In this latest study, Soares and his team found that the parasite that causes malaria — Plasmodium — expresses

a sugar molecule that is also expressed by a friendly strain of E Coli — called alpha gal [α-gal].

When α-gal from E Coli was expressed in the guts of mice, it caused the immune system to produce natural circulating antibodies that recognised α-gal expressed

by Plasmodium parasites immediately after a bite from a mosquito.

Upon recognition of the α-gal expressed by Plasmodium parasites, the anti-α-gal antibodies produced by the immune system triggered what is called the ‘complement cascade’ — a part of the innate immune system that kills pathogens. This process killed the Plasmodium parasites, preventing malaria transmission.

Only a small number of adults who are bitten by mosquitoes go on to develop malaria, while children under the age of five years appear to be much more susceptible to the infection. Could this be down to levels of circulating anti-α-gal antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the Plasmodium parasite? The researchers wanted to find out. In collaboration with researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the US and the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako in Mali, Soares and his team analysed the gut bacteria of individuals from an area of Mali with high malaria transmission. They found that people who had the lowest levels of circulating anti-α-gal antibodies were much more susceptible to malaria than those who had the highest levels of these antibodies.

The researchers say this finding suggests that young children may be much more susceptible to malaria because they do not produce circulating anti-α-gal antibodies at high enough levels to stave off malaria infection.

The team went on to develop a vaccine in the form of synthetic α-gal antibodies and tested it in mice to see how effective it was against malaria transmission by mosquitoes. They found the vaccine increased production of circulating anti-α-gal antibodies in the mice and was highly effective in protecting the rodents against malaria infection. The researchers are now hopeful that the vaccine has the same effect in humans.

[Culled & Collated from the ‘Net and media reports] JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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POT-POURRI

DEEP HEALING EFFECT Deep tissue massage is a revivifying therapy that re-aligns layers of muscles and deep tissues to release tension and chronic knots by ‘breaking them’ down.

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A H&Y ADVERTISING INITIATIVE

T

he benefits of a deep tissue massage are manifold, viz., Reduces chronic pain. Deep tissue massage is evidenced to be more effective than conventional medical treatment for chronic pains. It works effectively on your sore points by increasing blood circulation in the body. It also loosens tight muscle clusters and relieves the pain and discomfort of sore muscles.

Relief from stress. A relaxing body massage by a trained therapist at a professional spa is a great way to do away with stress and associated headaches, sore shoulders and tight muscles. Soak in the benefits of a rejuvenating body massage and say ‘hello’ to a relaxed lifestyle.

Rehabilitating injured muscles. A thorough deep tissue massage by a trained therapist induces elimination, or purging, of toxins from injured muscles.

It subsequently stretches the twisted muscle mass. A relaxing deep tissue massage is a natural way to heal sports injuries too.

Breaks scar tissues. Regular sessions of deep tissue massage can break up and over time erase scar tissues. Massage therapy also improves lymphatic circulation and drainage; it improves flexibility of the affected area, no less. The lymphatic system is a part of the circulatory system, comprising a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph towards the heart.

Deep tissue massage has healthy, beneficial effects on other physical ailments too: Repetitive strain injury, like carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand becomes pressed, or squeezed, at the wrist [This may be triggered by recurring hand movements; for example, computer use].

Sciatica. This is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — a nerve which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down.

Tennis elbow. This is a condition caused by the overuse of the arm, forearm, and hand muscles and results in pain in the elbow.

Fibromyalgia. This is a common, chronic disorder characterised by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness [sensitivity to touch], excessive fatigue and other symptoms.

Piriformis syndrome. This is a neuromuscular disorder that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or otherwise irritated by the piriformis

muscle, a muscle in the gluteal region of the lower limb, causing pain.

For the best results after a relaxing body massage, it’s fundamental for one to indulge in good after-care.

• Soak your body in a warm bath with Epsom salt — it is a great way of ridding oneself of bodily toxins.

• Apply an ice-pack for relief, when there’s soreness of the muscles.

• Drinking plenty of water and fluids will help flush out redundant toxins from your body and rehydrate the muscles.

• Light stretching exercises prevent muscle aches and pain after a deep tissue massage therapy.

So, what are you waiting for? Just pamper yourself with a relaxing, de-stressing deep tissue massage and feel the difference, right away. For further details, visit: http://www.o2spa.org/

HOME[O]PATHY

A HERBAL POWERHOUSE Herbalists have traditionally used rosemary as an anti-fungal and antiseptic and also as an effective herbal ‘ammo’ to improve memory, relieve muscle pain and spasm, activate hair growth, and support our circulatory and nervous systems.

R

osemary, according to native medicine, is useful to ease menstrual cramps, to enhance urine flow, and decrease kidney pain — especially from stones.

In one study on a group of people with alopecia areata, a disorder of unknown aetiology [origin/cause] characterised by significant hair loss, but generally in patches, subjects who massaged their scalps with rosemary and other essential oils — including lavender, thyme, and cedar wood — every day for seven months experienced significant hair re-growth in comparison to a group that did not apply the essential oils. Although the study was not clear whether rosemary — or, a combination of the herb and the other essential oils — was responsible for the beneficial effects, subjective testimonies on the efficacy of the potion are legion. Agreed it will take a while for science to ‘fancy’ such results, more so until verifiable precepts, if not percepts, emerge from newer studies.

Rosemary provides a mere 131 calories per 100gm; it contains no cholesterol. It provides adequate dietary fibre and is rich in vitamin B-complex, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, and riboflavin. It also contains a high level of folates. Folates are important constituents in DNA synthesis and when given to expectant mothers can help prevent neural tube defects in newborn babies.

Rosemary contains high amounts of vitamin A too, which is essential for vision, maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin. Vitamin A is also known to protect the body from lung and oral cancers. Besides, fresh rosemary is a good source of vitamin-C — the celebrated antioxidant.

HOW TO TAKE ROSEMARY Rosemary is available in the following forms: dried whole herb; dried, powdered extract, in capsule form; preparations derived from fresh, or dried leaves, such as tinctures, infusions, liquid extracts, rosemary wine, and volatile oil for external use [Note: The oil should not be ingested].

Most adults may take the following doses of rosemary [Caution: one should make sure that the total daily intake does not exceed 4-6gm of the dried herb].

Rosemary tea should not exceed three cups a day [You’d need to prepare your rosemary tea by using the infusion method of pouring boiling water over the herb, and then soaking it for 4-5 minutes.

If you can’t get the fresh herb, you may use 6gm of the powdered herb in two cups of water. Once you are through, you may divide this into three small cups, and drink it during the course of the day].

Tincture: [ratio: 1:5 in water]. 2-4ml, thrice daily.

Fluid extract: [1:1 in 45 per cent alcohol]. 1-2ml, 3-4 times, in some water, a day. Rosemary wine: 20gm herb to one litre of purified alcohol; allow it to stand for five days, and shake occasionally. Take in small doses.

Externally: Rosemary may be used as essential oil [6-10 per cent]: 2 drops in one tablespoon base oil; or, as decoction [Place 50gm herb in one litre water, and boil. Allow it to stand for half-hour. You may also add it to bath water].

Capsule: 500mg, 1-2 times a day, as a food supplement, or as advised by your physician.

SAFETY Most natural medicine therapists consider rosemary in suggested doses safe. However, there have been reports of allergic reactions in certain individuals. Some clinicians suggest that large quantities of rosemary leaves, due to their volatile oil content, may at times cause certain sideeffects, including vomiting, spasm, coma and, in extremely rare cases, pulmonary [lung] oedema.

They also caution pregnant, or breastfeeding, women of using rosemary in quantities larger than used in cooking. They contend that excess intake of rosemary may lead to abortion and/or cause harm to the foetus, or the breastfed child. The best thing to do is to consult a professional herbalist, or therapist, for appropriate rosemary dosages and use.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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SUPER FOODS

GOODNESS OF PUMPKIN Pumpkin is an extremely nutritious, dense food; it has a chock-full of vitamins and minerals, yet it is low on calories.

By GITANJALI PATHAK

K

addu Katega to Sab Mein Batega [When the pumpkin gets cut, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be divided among all!] The next time you hear this Bollywood movie number do not be amused about pumpkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nutritional benefits.

What exactly is pumpkin? Is it a vegetable or a fruit?

A fruit is defined as being the part of the plant which contains seeds. The average pumpkin contains about a cup of seeds, so it is most definitely a fruit. Pumpkin fruit is widely grown. It is rich in vital antioxidants and vitamins. The fruit is also a good source of B-complex group of vitamins, such as folates, niacin, vitamin B-6 [pyridoxine], thiamin and pantothenic acid. It is a rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus too.

Pumpkins come in a multitude of colours, shapes and sizes. They can be huge, tiny, flat, short, tall, round, pear, necked, smooth, ribbed and even warty. The edible parts of pumpkin are fruit, leaves, flowers and seeds.

PUMPKIN: NUTRITION INDEX Vitamins Folates Niacin Pantothenic acid Pyridoxine Riboflavin Thiamin Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin E Vitamin K Minerals Calcium Copper Iron Magnesium Manganese Phosphorus Selenium Zinc

Percentage of RDA 16mcg 0.600mg 0.298mg 0.061mg 0.110mg 0.050mg 7384IU 9.0mg 1.06mg 1.1mcg

4% 4% 6% 5% 8.5% 4% 246% 15% 7% 1%

21mg 0.127mg 0.80mg 12mg 0.125mg 44mg 0.3mcg 0.32mg

2% 14% 10% 3% 0.5% 5% <0.5% 3%

[Source: USDA Nutrient Database]

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN Satiates hunger. 100gm fruit provides just 26 calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. The vegetable is recommended by dieticians in cholesterol-

controlling and weight reduction programmes. They fit well into a health-conscious diet and are appetising.

Boosts vision. Pumpkins are high in beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant. It converts into vitamin A, which is important for good vision. Research studies suggest that natural foods rich in vitamin A also protect against lung and oral cavity cancer.

Protects your eye. Zeaxanthin is a natural antioxidant which has UV [ultra-violet] filtering action in the macula lutea in retina of the eyes. Thus, it helps protect from age-related macular disease [ARMD] in the elderly.

For a healthy heart. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of dietary fibre and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for heart health. In addition, the seeds are concentrated sources of protein, minerals and healthbenefiting vitamins. Further, the seeds are an excellent source of health promoting amino acid tryptophan.

Tryptophan is converted to neurotransmitter gammaaminobutyric acid [GABA] in the brain. GABA has antihypertensive [anti-high blood pressure] effects.

FACT-FILE Pumpkin can be used in a variety of delicious recipes, either baked or stew-fried; however, it is eaten best after steam-cooking in order to get maximum nutrients. In China, young tender, pumpkin leaves are consumed as cooked greens or in soups.

In the Indian subcontinent where it is popular as kaddu, it is used in the preparation of sabzee, sweet dishes [halwa], desserts, soups, curries and more.

The fruit is used in the preparation of pies, pancakes, custard, and ravioli.

Roasted pumpkin seeds [papita] can be eaten as a snack.

The next time you buy a pumpkin, cook it up pronto and just eat it.

Gitanjali Pathak is a Mumbai-based writer with a keen interest in healthy living and healthy eating.

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READ. WATCH. LISTEN. EXPLORE KNEE HEALING MADE SIMPLE Treat Your Own Knees... offers an effective and complete do-it-yourself programme for anyone who suffers from knee pain: athletes, sports enthusiasts, the elderly, and overweight people, including individuals who have arthritis or damaged knee joints – or, just others. Derived from the author’s physical therapy practice and research, Treat Your Own Knees... is the ultimate guide to improving and maintaining muscular strength, flexibility, responsiveness and endurance. If you have ever felt your knees hurt while stretching, rising from a chair,

running, exercising — or, even walking — this is the best self-help book for you.

Treat Your Own Knees Easy Exercises to Relieve and Prevent Knee Pain Jim Johnson Rupa & Co pp: 112 Price: `113.00

THE HIGHEST PURPOSE IN LIFE Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now introduced a simple and profound view of enlightenment, inviting seekers of every faith, age, and culture to enjoy the fullness of life through living in the present-moment. Now, this unique voice in contemporary spirituality explores our highest purpose in life — and, how meditation can help us attain it — with the realisation of being. Caveat: Owing to the meditative nature of the audio, please do

not listen to it while driving, or operating machinery.

The Realization of Being Eckhart Tolle [2 Audio CDs] Yogi Impressions Price: `395.00

A CLASSY RESORT Yercaud is a wonderful destination in Tamil Nadu. The Grand Palace Hotel & Resort is nestled by a lake on one side and an amazing valley on the other. The location of the resort is just picture-perfect. The resort has quaint rooms, which are snug and comfortable. If you are looking for basic accommodation, there are standard rooms, but for those who love to live life king-size, there are lake-size rooms as well as suites to choose from.

All in all, an enchanting tryst with nature that will leave you spellbound. Call: +91-98652 56255/99655 56255.

ETHNIC FARE Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar is 100 per cent pure vegetarian restaurant, serving local, Mughlai, Continental, Chinese, and South Indian fare. It is also Jaipur’s only restaurant open from 8:00am till 11:00pm.

The restaurant is renowned for its lip-smacking breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. What also marks its classy service is purity, hygiene, delectableness, and a choice of food with or without onion and garlic.

Go for the Rajasthani thaal, and savour the unique experience of majestically selected Rajasthani dishes — to ‘jazz-up’ your palate. Call: +91-141-2565 844/ 2578 845/2565 846/47.

JANUARY 2015 | HOMEOPATHY & YOU

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CELEB FITNESS

JOHN ABRAHAM’S WELLNESS MANTRA

W

hile John Abraham has always had one of the best physiques in Bollywood, gearing up to be the bulked-up fighting machine in Force took superhuman effort. The actor had eight months to beefup for the film and had to return to his normal body size immediately after for his next project. We bring you the extreme change that was overseen by his trainer Vinod Channa, who also monitored John’s diet everyday and varied his workouts to suit him best, by courtesy of http:// celebfitness.blogspot.in/ It was no easy task. John talks about the rigours he put his body through, “I’ve grown up as a lean kid and I like the element of size. I weighed about 85-86kg before Force. I went up to 96 and now I weigh about 86. In terms of fitness, I can’t benchmark myself against anyone in the industry.”

John’s body type is ecto-mesomorph [long limbs; good endurance]; his diet and workouts were planned accordingly. According to his trainer, “We had eight months to gain 8-10kg of muscle weight. I increased his carbohydrate and protein intake. You don’t need to put in more time working out, if you practice the technique perfectly. Most people wrongly tend to put weight on the joints, instead of the muscle.”

MUSCLING UP “Working on the body is a full-time job. A high-end car requires high-end octane fuel. I’m a vegetarian, but I eat egg whites and fish as my body, at 95kg, needed 200gm of proteins to stay alive.” It’s fascinating when he talks about the difference between then and now. He says, “I

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consumed about 25-30 egg whites a day, now I eat about 6-7. I could do 1,200 leg presses, now it’s about 500-600.

At one shot, I could do 150-200 push-ups very easily, now it’s about 80-90. The day I finished shooting for Force, I ate biryani that was meant for 7-8 people! Now my diet has dropped to a tenth of what I consumed during Force.”

HIS REGIMEN PRE-FORCE John used to work out two body parts a day. Chest and triceps one day; back, the next. It would be followed by shoulder and biceps and then legs, twice a week. The actor would run for 20-25 minutes after the workout. Four sets of each exercise with 10-12 reps each. Each body part had 4-5 variations of the exercise.

REGIMEN POST-FORCE It took John only a month to return to his original body weight and it was done systematically.

HIS DIET FOR FORCE • Oatmeal for breakfast • 25-30 egg whites [12 for breakfast, 6-7 for lunch, rest for dinner] • 3-4 slices of steamed fish • Pasta [for the carbs’ quotient] • Whey proteins • Salad [proteins] • Bajra/jowar/nachni rotis [lunch/dinner].

On the taboo list were maida, oil, rice and sweets.

In fact, John can’t even remember the last time he ate ice-cream!

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