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

Vol 1. Issue 8. June 2014 • `100

& You

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Dr MUKESH BATRA The homeopathic Arsenicum Album personality RADHANATH SWAMI The power of forgiving

HOMeOpATHy & VITIlIgO

CALMINg THE WHITE qUALM

PLUS 7 effective ways to beat stress Migraine & homeopathy Berry berry good Organic spring cleaning Imran Khan’s food for thought

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Vol 1. Issue 8. JUNE 2014

Editorial Advisory Board Chairman| Dr Mukesh Batra Vice-Chairman| Dr Akshay Batra Editor & Publisher Dr Rajgopal Nidamboor rajgopal.nidamboor@homeopathyandyou.com Assistant Editor Kavita Nadkarni Head-Sales & Marketing Kiran Joshi marketing@homeopathyandyou.com Contributing Writers Maneka Gandhi Dr Richard Firshein Kerry Dulin Nelressa Stallings Alan Jones Radhanath Swami Badrinath Durvasula Ruby Lilaowala Dr Preeti Mandawewala Amita Quenim Design HB Design Pvt. Ltd. Newsstand Distributor Paprika Media Subscriptions Priti Gupta subscriptions@homeopathyandyou.com Website: www.homeopathyandyou.com E: editorial@homeopathyandyou.com Tel: 022-3367 1200 Fax: 022-3027 1415

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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: Treat vitiligo with homeopathy Homeopathic ‘Sunsigns:’ Know your personality; know your remedy. Dr Mukesh Batra distils the homeopathic Arsenicum Album, this month Medical Marvels: Case Reviews from homeopathic doctors How Homeopathy Helped Me Your Little Box: Homeopathic Home Kit: Eupatorium Child Health: Homeopathy for bronchitis Q&A: Doctor’s Orders For Women: Homeopathy and migraine What Lies Beneath: Homeopathy is the art & science of new medicine Home[e]o Truths: Homeopathy -allopathy, a synergetic healing combination Living Well: Natural home cleaning 7 Effective ways to beat stress Health Happenings The Way We Were & Are Fitness Equipment Spinach: A medicinal power house

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Read.Watch. Listen. Explore Celeb fitness: Imran Khan

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Live & Help Live: Maneka Gandhi Good Food: Tarla Dalal Good For You: Richard Firshein Fighting Fit: Kerry Dulin Poise & Balance: Preeti Mandawewala Whole & Soul: Radhanath Swami All Is Well: Nelressa Stallings Mind Matters: Amita Quenim By Invitation: Alan Jones Funny Bone: Ruby Lilaowala Corporate Wellness: Badrinath Durvasula

MAILBOX: READERS’ FEEDBACK il 2014

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A THING OF BEAUTY... Your magazine is undoubtedly extraordinary. In your April 2014 issue almost all the articles were useful and nicely written and filled with research-oriented facts. However, I liked ‘Water of Life,’ ‘Moody like the Windflower,’ and ‘Chromium: The Essential Nutrient’ very much. I found ‘8 Reasons to Give up Smoking’ just okay. Please accept my sincere thanks for bringing out such a beautiful magazine that is useful for non-medicos too.

Our May issue evoked an overall 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

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— Amrish Sinhaa, Mumbai, via E-mail LETTER OF THE MONTH EXCELLENT WRITE-UP At the outset, please accept my heartiest congratulations for publishing a lovely monthly magazine, Homeopathy & You. Let me also compliment you for the excellent production values of the magazine as also the high standards of the content. I want to specifically compliment you for that excellent article titled ‘Water of Life.’ [H&Y, April 2014]. Over the years I have read several articles commending the good qualities of water and stressing the need for drinking a minimum of 8 glasses/3 litre of water every day. Nobody has bothered to discuss the side-effects of excess water in the body. The writer has rightly warned that for some people drinking the so-called ‘normal’ quantity of water can have certain side-effects; this I had heard earlier from a leading medical consultant — that in some cases extra water can affect the kidneys. It is unfortunate the most people are under the impression that irrespective of the condition of their body, they should drink lots of water and, at times, even some doctors are guilty of such off-hand advice. What is truly important is the total intake of fluids, not just water alone. — Shivkumar Israni, Mumbai, via E-mail

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

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

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FOCUS

CALMING THE WHITE QUALM It isn’t easy to live with vitiligo [white patches or discolouration of the skin due to loss of pigmentation], owing to social stigma. No need to despair — homeopathy is clinically effective in treating this visual nightmare, without side-effects.

By Dr AKSHAy BATRA

hen twenty-four-year-old Manisha first walked into our clinic for homeopathic treatment, her forlorn face revealed her low self-confidence levels. She reported that she had been suffering from extensive white patches [vitiligo], since the time she could recall. Over a period of time, the white patches had gradually increased on her neck, chest and other parts of the body. She had consulted several doctors and tried almost every possible treatment that she could lay her hands on, without success. Most treatments provided, as she said, only temporary relief — in due course of time, the white patches reappeared again. Meanwhile, thinking that she had to put up with the social stigma, all through her life, she gave up her treatment and accepted the disorder

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as her destiny. After having been told by a friend that homeopathy was a ‘good’ option, she decided to seek our advice, although reluctantly. A detailed case-analysis revealed that she was habitually reserved, lacked self-reliance and ‘suffered’ from extreme stage-fright — this had amplified over a period of time and aggravated her complaints. Manisha also complained of profuse night sweats and constipation. To refrain herself from giving too much attention to her complaint, she aimed to excel in academics. We prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Silicea, based on her emotional and physical symptoms, along with certain dietary changes. She was also advised to practice stress-relieving techniques. As the treatment

progressed, her white patches stopped spreading. This was a big relief, though she had her own doubts for the long-term. With further treatment, for over a period of one year, her patches improved; this instilled a sense of newfound confidence in her. Now, when you look at her, she is no longer the same person, with that dejected look, who visited our clinic. Her radiant eyes reflect her spanking optimism, also a huge relief from the awkward disorder.

WHAT Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder. It causes depigmentation in patches of skin. It presents in the form of white patches. The disorder emerges when melanocytes, the cells responsible for our skin pigmentation, or colour, die or are unable to function. About one per cent of the world’s population suffers from vitiligo, also called leucoderma. Clinically speaking it does not impair us in any way but because it disfigures most people it has a marked psychological impact that is both upsetting and demoralising. As a matter of fact, vitiligo finds more than a point of reference in some ancient Indian texts, such as the Atharva Veda [1400 BC] and Vinay Pitak [224–544 BC], a Buddhist work. The Indian vedic work actually provides a detailed description of vitiligo under different names — kilasa and sveta khista, among others, meaning ‘white.’ The disorder is not dangerous in any way; it causes no bodily harm, yet it is unpleasant, owing to its awkward presence, which ‘offends’ the victim and the onlooker. This is because most people fear that somehow it’s some kind of contagious disease that they may contract by being physically proximate with you. Also, because it does not uniformly affect any part of the body it makes them feel weird and ostracised.

A QUESTION OF GENETICS About 1 in 200 individuals are at risk of being afflicted with vitiligo. In families, this is said to increase up to about 5 per cent for children, or parents, and about 2-3 per cent for grandparents. This indicates the likelihood of genetic factors playing a role in individual susceptibilities to vitiligo. Vitiligo is sometimes passed on from one generation to another. A study of twins showed that identical twins are more likely to develop the disorder than non-identical twins. Some vitiligo patients may, at times, have an increased risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases — e.g., kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes and alopecia areata [patchy hair loss].

HOW The exact cause of vitiligo is not known. Some experts suggest that vitiligo may be caused by a combination of autoimmune, or genetic, and environmental factors. Psychological stress may also be one of the most likely triggers in some individuals. In addition, the disorder is usually associated with low haemoglobin levels [anaemia], diabetes and thyroid disorders. Nearly half of the affected individuals present with white patches before age 20; about 70–80 per cent before age 30.

Vitiligo affects adults and children of both sexes equally. It may also be observed that a larger number of women consult their doctor, more often owing to the larger psychosocial ‘stigma,’ or emotional impact of the disorder. 1. People who develop vitiligo first observe white patches [depigmentation] on their skin. Question: “Did you observe such a symptom?” If so, you should see your doctor immediately. It’s much easier to deal with vitiligo in the early stages than letting it fester and grow and then wait for slow reversal. 2. Patches appear to be more obvious on ‘sun-exposed’ areas of the body — hands, feet, arms, face and lips. Question: “Do you think you have them too?” Other areas affected by white patches may include armpits, groin, around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, genitals and the rectum. Question: “Do you have them too?” Speak to your doctor promptly. Vitiligo patches are easy to recognise on dark skin. However, depigmentation is sometimes not easy to identify in patients with extremely fair skin. Wood’s Lamp examination is often helpful to distinguish areas involved in light-coloured and dark-complexioned individuals and also to evaluate the remaining ‘pool’ of melanocytes. Besides, the examination can help to detect the earliest signs of repigmentation at the border of the lesion, or in other areas. Robert Wood, an American physicist, invented the Wood’s Lamp. It uses UV [ultra-violet] light, which is imperceptible to the eye. The device is used for inspection and detection [diagnosis] of vitiligo spots, other skin and scalp disorders. It does not, however, have any therapeutic, or treatment connotations.

FACT-FILE 1. Vitiligo [white patches] is an autoimmune disorder; it appears when someone is under incessant stress, or pressure. This could be financial, or economical, marital, unwanted or unanticipated event, or some illness, such as a thyroid disorder, which dents the immune system 2. In vitiligo, skin cells called melanocytes are damaged. HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

As a consequence, white patches may appear anywhere, although they tend to most often appear on the eye-lids, lips, mouth, face, hands, feet, genital and rectal areas 3. It isn’t easy to live with white patches, owing to social stigma. No need to despair — homeopathy is often effective in treating white patches, without side-effects.

TyPES Generalised vitiligo. This form is characterised by asymptomatic, well-constrained milky-white patches. The form affects all sides of the body, with a symmetrical pattern. The shape of the patches may be round to oval and, to some extent, brushed to comparatively distinct margins. The hair is often spared; it may also remain pigmented. However, in some instances, hair depigmentation may occur concurrently. This may lead to localised patches of grey or white hair, on the scalp, even when total depigmentation of the scalp hair takes effect. When body hair gets depigmented within white patches, the response to treatment may take a long time. Inflammatory vitiligo. This may present with a raised red border; concurrent inflammation of numerous lesions is, however, uncommon. A mild ‘itchy’ distress may be an accompanying symptom. When inflammation eases, the skin gets depigmented. Such inflammatory patterns are occasionally reported with occupational vitiligo, following exposure to chemicals. Multichrome vitiligo. This form of vitiligo is most often seen in dark-skinned individuals. Areas of depigmentation may co-exist with hypopigmented areas, along with normal skin colour within the vitiligo lesion. In the hypopigmented area, a partial loss of melanocytes may also be seen. Trichrome vitiligo. This actually presents with various degrees of hypopigmentation, leading to what is called as trichrome, quadrichrome, or pentachrome vitiligo. Some experts prefer to use the expression ‘multichrome vitiligo’ for the disorder. Vitiligo minor. This is characterised by a uniform hypopigmented pattern. It is infrequently reported, because the clinical pattern is not distinctive in darkskinned individuals. Research has ‘tapped’ seven genes in people with vitiligo. These genes are associated with other autoimmune disorders such as type-1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, new research has developed a product that is a chemical derivative of a natural hormone which stimulates melanin [pigment] production in the skin. The product is administered as an implant, the size of a rice grain, beneath the skin. The big question is: “Will this help in resolving vitiligo from the ‘root’?” Only time will tell.

VITILIGO & OTHER SKIN DISORDERS Lichen planus. Lichen planus affects the skin, mucous membranes, nails and hair. It presents with flattopped, erratic-sized, itchy, ‘violaceous’ [violet coloured discoloration of the skin] papules and plaques with a

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

characteristic striae, or irregular areas of skin that seem like bands, stripes or lines. The ‘anatomical’ co-existence of vitiligo and lichen planus has been reported in medical literature. In like manner, vitiligo, lichen planus and psoriasis, may co-exist in a single individual. The pathogenesis is uncertain; however, the familiar Koebner phenomenon in psoriasis may clarify the unusual co-existence of the awkward trio. Koebner phenomenon refers to vitiligo triggered by an injury or trauma to the skin. Urticaria. Urticaria presents with raised, often itchy, red ‘welts’ on the surface of the skin. It occurs primarily due to an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to food or certain conventional drugs. The disorder can occur as a clinical manifestation of immunological and inflammatory processes. It may be idiopathic too — where the cause is not known. Urticaria can affect the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory, gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system. There have been, for instance, cases of elevated frequency of chronic urticaria among large groups of vitiligo individuals in certain ethnic groups. Likewise, the co-existence of vitiligo, malignant melanoma [skin cancer], lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disorder that may affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs, has been reported. Ichthyoses. Ichthyoses are a diverse group of disorders. They present with irregular delineation [cornification] of the epidermis, along with generalised scaling of the skin. There have been reports of elevated frequency of ichthyoses of unclassified type among some individuals with vitiligo. Vitiligo differs from leprosy in that the discoloured skin does not lose tactile response.

Malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma [skin cancer] is a progressively common, mysterious and deadly growth of melanocytes. The co-existence of malignant melanoma and vitiligo is repeatedly observed, although the form of depigmentation is seldom the same in vitiligo. Vitiligo can expand simultaneously with malignant melanoma, lupus erythematosus and urticaria. Some clinicians accept the co-existence of depigmentation and malignant melanoma as a ‘favourable’ treatment criterion; others do not subscribe to the view.

ENVIRONMENT & VITILIGO A research team in the Netherlands surveyed 1,264 vitiligo patients to identify any ‘provoking’ factors that may have triggered the onset of the disease. Three hundred, or 24 per cent of the patients, identified environmental factors with the onset of their vitiligo. Questionnaires were sent to 246 patients in this group to gather more information about their experience; 177 questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 72 per cent. Emotional stress was cited by over half of the patients as a provoking factor [98 patients or 55.4 per cent], followed by sunburn [51 patients or 28.8 per cent], mechanical factors, also known as the Koebner phenomenon [34 patients or 19.2 per cent], and other factors [20 patients or 11.3 per cent]. If you combine the mechanical and sunburn categories, the incidence of the Koebner phenomenon [when the disease is active, scratching or cutting the skin may give rise to new lesions] is about 48 per cent. Respondents could select more than one factor. There were 29 patients [16.4 per cent] who stated that chemicals, primarily solvents, triggered their vitiligo. However, upon further investigation of this group, only four patients’ claims could be corroborated as having experienced a chemical trigger.

THE ALLERGy ‘CONNECT’ A research team in France observed 679 vitiligo patients over a five-year period to identify any differences between those who developed vitiligo before the age of 12 [earlyonset] and those for whom onset of vitiligo occurred at or after the age of 12 [later-onset]. One of their findings is relatively new — that there is a higher prevalence of a personal and family history of atopic dermatitis [eczema] in patients with early-onset vitiligo as compared to patients with later-onset vitiligo. This association, they deduced, had been reported in only one other study. They felt that the association needed further investigation, more so because both vitiligo and atopic dermatitis share certain symptoms and genes. They also observed that while inflammation, a key symptom of atopic dermatitis, is not a typical clinical feature of vitiligo, there is some inflammation on the edge of progressing [active] lesions in vitiligo. They found that 19 per cent of early-onset patients and 25 per cent of patients with later-onset vitiligo reported itching, a symptom also common to atopic dermatitis. In addition, vitiligo has recently been linked to three genes, TSLP,

FOXP3, and CTLA-4, which are again associated with allergic disorders.

PROTEIN PIGMENT & VITILIGO A research team at Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine, US, has created a modified protein that appears to halt the autoimmune response that causes pigment loss in vitiligo. The research team carefully studied the amino acids that make up the protein HSP70i, because of its known involvement with the autoimmune response. Once they identified the region of the molecule, they believed was responsible for activating vitiligo, they introduced their modified protein into a group of dark-coloured mice that had developed white patches of fur associated with vitiligo. Within a matter of weeks, the colour was fully restored to the white patches in the mice receiving the protein injection. Dermatologists are of the view that if the protein can be produced consistently, as an effective treatment, the results would be ‘life-altering’ for vitiligo patients.

MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS Your homeopathic doctor will suspect vitiligo when you report, or present with white patches on the body, predominantly on sun-exposed areas, such as the hands, feet, arms, face and lips. When vitiligo is suspected on physical examination, your doctor will inquire about your medical and family history of the disorder; rash, sunburn, or other skin trauma that may have occurred at the site of vitiligo, a few months before depigmentation began, stress or physical illness, premature greying of hair, before age 30-35, or whether you or anyone in the family had had any autoimmune diseases, or sensitivity to sunlight. The precise cause of vitiligo is not known, although a host of factors are suggested to contribute to its development and progress. While genetic factors play a key role, researchers suggest that about one-third of individuals who develop vitiligo may have one or more relatives with the disorder. If vitiligo is suspected, your doctor will ask you about your medical and family history of vitiligo.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

Factors that confirm a vitiligo diagnosis: 1. A rash, sunburn, or other skin trauma that occurred at the site of vitiligo, a few months before depigmentation began 2. Stress or physical illness, premature greying of hair, before age 30-35 3. Whether you or anyone in your family had any autoimmune diseases 4. Whether you are sensitive to sunlight. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may ask for a small sample [biopsy] of the affected skin to be sent and examined in the laboratory. In vitiligo, the skin sample will usually show a complete lack of pigment-producing melanocytes. Alternatively, the presence of inflamed cells in the sample may suggest that another condition — for example, anaemia — may be responsible for loss of pigmentation.

HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHy Homeopathy views skin disorders as outer expressions of an underlying, latent problem in the body’s built-in regulatory mechanism, or defence system. The early, pioneering homeopaths called this the ‘vital force.’ Today, this is called immunity. Picture this. When a skin problem is suppressed unnaturally with conventional drugs, creams and ointments, a problem that is unrelated to the skin may occur with rapid intensity and vice versa. It is a vicious cycle, which we all know — but, don’t often give enough thought to. Homeopathy does not suppress skin complaints, or illness. It heals the distress from deep within. It is for this reason that professional homeopaths have always advocated a practical plan of treatment — the basis on which homeopathic medicines work. Homeopathy uses remedies made from natural substances that actually cause symptoms of the health problem, or illness. In micro-doses they stimulate the body’s own defences, or our immune forces, to throw, or ward, off the malady, from the inside out. Put simply, homeopathy treats the external problem — in this case, white patches — with an internal remedy. This is quite unlike conventional medicine, where an external

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problem is treated merely as a surface problem. In other words, the focus of homeopathy is aimed at helping the body heal itself. This provides the neccesary force to combat the challenge. Since the body is adaptive such strengthening helps to provide defence at all times, whereas conventional medicine tends to be like a carpet bomb going into your body and killing all in its path –– the disease and the body’s immune fighters who were waging war against the invaders. As a result conventional [allopathic] medicine shows up over time with a weakened immune resistance. Homeopathic remedies help to control the spread of white patches, they also facilitate repigmentation by enhancing the natural formation of melanocytes — without side-effects. Homeopathy helps to control certain underlying hormonal imbalances that may exist deep within too; in so doing, it helps the body to cope better at both the emotional and physical levels. More importantly, homeopathy reduces the chances of recurrence — the possibility of white patches reappearing again.

COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED 1. Can vitiligo be cured with homeopathy? Yes, certainly. A complete cure depends on the extent of the spread. Lips and tips [of fingers, toes] take much longer to respond. 2. Can it spread? Yes, it can, in spite of any form of treatment; on withdrawal of steroids, it may spread rapidly. This is why many allopathic patients end up having to go in for exposure to UV light to facilitate repigmentation. 3. Will it recur? Yes, under extreme stress; but, by and large, this is unlikely once the disorder is treated with appropriate homeopathic remedies. 4. Any dietary restrictions? There is no need for dietetic restrictions [including milk and fish] in vitiligo.

SELF-HELP 1. Protect your skin from sunburn, particularly in the affected area. If one has a fair skin, use a sunscreen with sun protection factor [SPF] >30 to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from sunburn and also long-term damage. It also minimises tanning. This makes the contrast between normal and depigmented skin less apparent 2. ‘Concealing cosmetics’ may minimise the appearance of white patches and help one to feel better about oneself, especially if the white patches are on exposed skin. Certain concealing cosmetics blend well with one’s normal skin tone. For instance, selftanner or sunless tanning products may help ‘mask’ imperfections by adding colour to depigmented areas. The advantage is the colouring doesn’t ‘wash’ off. On the contrary, it slowly, after a few days, fades as the dead skin cells peel off. Use them under the guidance of a dermatologist, a specialist who treats skin diseases

3. Avoid exposure to the ‘scorching’ sun [10:00am-4:00pm] 4. Research suggests that vitiligo individuals have low levels of copper in their blood. Incorporate a regular intake of copper into your diet. Sesame seeds are rich in copper 5. Wear protective clothing and hat or cap 6. Follow-up with your homeopathic doctor on a regular basis.

hirty-six-year-old Deepak walked into our clinic, full of hope. He felt that specialist homeopathic treatment could relieve him of his white patches. Deepak had developed vitiligo patches, first on the left side of his chest — it spread, thereafter, to his neck and face. He consulted a local dermatologist, who prescribed him a psoralen-based cream. His patches on the face, he thought, became more prominent after using the cream. They also became itchy. He stopped using it. Deepak was working in the Middle-East, for two years now. He would come home, every 5-6 months. He was, of late, reportedly facing a lot of stress at work. He was also increasingly getting worried whether or not his company would renew his contract and accept him with his cosmetic ‘glitch.’ He was getting detached and ‘remote’ from his loved ones, friends, and colleagues — “I don’t think I’m emoting well with them anymore — some of them have expressed their disappointment about my isolated disposition.” A calm and composed person, Deepak seldom got angry. He would only get worked up when he saw something

orty-five-year-old Kanchan came to us with white patches affecting her forearms and legs. She was on homeopathic treatment for a long time, but was not responding. When she visited us for follow-up, she complained of unusual weight gain and lethargy, which made us suspect thyroid pathology. She was advised to

hirty-three-year-old Sadhana came to us with depigmented patches on her face, back and hands. Her vitiligo on hands had existed since her childhood, but her face and hands got affected after her marriage. On detailed case-taking, we found that she had a traumatic married life. She appeared to be extremely depressed. Her vitiligo too had started to progressively expand owing to her emotional distress. Sadhana reported that she was a timid child and feared

CASE STUDY

wrong was happening, more so when no one would do anything about it. He was fond of driving, swimming and playing table tennis. Spicy and fried foods were his firm favourites too. There was no history of vitiligo in his family; his own health too was ‘normal,’ but for the vitiligo patches. We prescribed Deepak the homeopathic remedy, Sepia Officinalis, based on his case-analysis. It took some time for healthy changes to emerge vis-à-vis his ‘patchy’ gloom. However, his general feeling of well-being prompted us to continue with the remedy, for a while. Gradually, small pigmented spots began to appear in areas where there were vitiligo patches earlier. These pigmented spots slowly expanded. In due course, most of the white patches got covered. Deepak retained his composure all through the treatment, since homeopathic treatment of vitiligo, as he also knew, takes time. He now says that his patience has paid off. He is extremely happy for it.

CASE STUDY

undergo a thyroid profile. It confirmed hypothyroidism. We prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Thyroidinum. After 8-10 months of treatment, her patches started repigmenting. She was happy with her results — in due course of time, she also lost her excess weight.

CASE STUDY

her oppressive father the most in her childhood. Based on her childhood history and suppressed anger, we prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Staphysagria — a classical remedy for emotional distress in childhood. We also advised her to expose her affected vitiligo areas to the early morning sun, use sunscreen [SPF >30], practice yoga to avoid stress, take a diet rich in copper [sesame seeds], along with a natural, food-based vitamin B supplement. In a span of 12 months, her white patches began to recede.

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

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

WHAT’S YOUR TYPE: YOUR PERSONALITY

ARSENICUM ALBUM: THE PERFECTIONIST EXEMPLIFIED By Dr MUKESH BATRA

The homeopathic Arsenicum Album personality mirrors the intelligent, highperforming and fastidious individual — people who are good at what they do, but what upsets their skilful applecart is their fussy and picky intent. They are meticulous to a fault and they often get ‘beaten to the bone,’ thanks to their own high standards in everything they do.

ach of us has a unique personality. Our personalities influence every aspect of our life— be it work, relationships, hobbies and health. The homeopathic remedy Arsenicum Album represents the personality trait of perfectionism. This also envelops extreme fastidiousness — it extends, no less, to the health sphere. As everyone knows, a perfectionist broods over everything, including trifles — or, things that are knowable or not within their control, power or influence. The end result of constant worrying is predictable — anxiety. It is such bottled-up anxiety or tension that prepares the Arsenicum Album personality for a debacle ‘waiting to happen.’ When you spot someone who is a perfectionist — especially someone who wants to keep everything in

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order — think of Arsenicum Album. The coffee mug, the newspaper, or magazine, kept carefully in its place on the centre table, or rack. Or, when one is detail-oriented and wants to check, recheck, or proofread even routine E-mails for typos and other errors. They all embody the Arsenicum trait. Detailed and fussy to a fault, Arsenicums make good writers, musicians, managers, engineers and surgeons — put simply, they can excel in any profession, more so when expectations or stakes are high. It goes without saying for one so precise and exact, the Arsenicum personality shows a typical overpowering sense of defencelessness, or insecurity, or fear for one’s health and financial security, or bank balance. No wonder, the Arsenicum type hoards everything for the rainy day, fearing that financial distress, or poverty, can strike one’s

life, or career, anytime. Or, they keep a solid tab on their health — the thought of a sneeze, cold, or a mild tummy upset galvanises them to seek medical help. Arsenicum individuals also show a great reliance on their doctors — who are often swamped with anxious, frantic calls at any time of the day, or night. TREMULOUS ANXIETY The most distinctive feature of the Arsenicum personality is its triad of emotional symptoms — irritability, disapproval and displeasure. The Arsenicum individual is politically correct and devout, yet he is enveloped by trepidation and terrifying panic attacks with tremulous restlessness and immense longing for companionship and protective reassurance. There is a creeping sense or fear of death, extending to one’s entire being. This is one major reason why the remedy is often prescribed to treat deep phobic disorders — for the most part, agoraphobia, or anxiety with the fear of open spaces. The pioneering homeopaths emphasised that the Arsenicum fear depicts a conflict between the fear of people and a latent desire to escape the trauma of being alone, or lonely. Arsenicum individuals are fixated, compelling, ritualistic and finicky to the core. They may themselves clean up the entire house in anticipation of a guest’s arrival. This reflects the comfort they derive from managing their environment. Arsenicum individuals also tend to be control freaks — with a fondness for micro-management. This makes them feel more than a bit secure. They also plan everything, or whatever is possible, in advance. However, excess depression or anxiety in Arsenicum individuals can sometimes lead to depression, or suicidal tendencies. The Arsenicum child tends to show an uncanny ability to follow their parents’ diktat to the best extent possible. In so doing, they may display certain streaks of obsessivecompulsive disorder [OCD] — for example, doublechecking their parent’s health, or the main door of their home. When things are not in order, the Arsenicum personality may often feel let down, or uncertain. When other people, likewise, aren’t perfectionists as they are, the Arsenicum individual loses his/her sense of balance — they can become irritable and uneasy. Adversity, or setbacks, for Arsenicum personalities may appear heavy, like bad news or financial problems. However,

when they emerge from the details, they may recede into the background, but not before feeling edgy, or miserable. Anxieties of the present, or the future, are a cause for concern to most Arsenicum types. The anxiety is often physical, or physiological — not so much emotional as it may appear on the surface. The result is often a nervous stomach with predictable loose bowels, a direct spill over of a worried or apprehensive experience or state. This can, at times, lead to headaches, especially when they’re actively disquieting. Hyperacidity, likewise, is as common as ulcer-like symptoms — the sensation being ‘as if the pit of the stomach is burning brightly.’ The gut is the seat of health, and for Arsenicum types, a gut gone awry can be the likely ‘trigger’ for atopic dermatitis [eczema] as much as smouldering or itching. FIXATED DISPOSITION Arsenicums tend to feel chilly with cold hands — blame it on constant worrying and stressing about details. Or, because health is failing under the pressure of constant worrying, stressing, or obsessed attention to details. When perfectionism feeds perfectionism the spinoff is predictable — skin disorders, irritable digestion and headaches. All of this can, over a period of time, get chronic, or long-lasting. Arsenicum fevers also represent classical patterns — there is often a crawling sense of chilliness, with sweating, shivering and a desire to wrap up, difficulty in breathing, burning pains, black or greenish discharges, constant thirst for cold water but in small sips, headaches worse from covering the head [the body may be wrapped, but the person sits by the open window with the head uncovered], vomiting with diarrhoea, sudden overwhelming weakness, emotional and physical agitation, an acute sense of fear of death and a general aggravation of symptoms after midnight. The two most peculiar physical keynotes of the Arsenicum personality are burning pains, better from heat [a unique symptom] and a feeling of extreme weakness, or excessive fatigue, with a desire to move around — this also worsens their fatigue. While such symptoms present powerfully in acute conditions, they may appear mild in chronic ailments — this is, again, representative of the typical Arsenicum type. In the literary context, the Arsenicum personality is best described as the indefatigable, pedigree stallion. Arsenicums are intelligent, high-performing and fastidious individuals. They are good at what they do, but what upsets their skilful analogy, or applecart, is their fussy and picky intent — they get ‘beaten to the bone,’ thanks to their own high standards of performance. They are convinced of their intellectual fibre; they are also ‘certain’ of their own provisional diagnosis of a given illness, though they may not be doctors themselves. When you see a well-dressed, neat, tidy persona, wearing an impressive jacket, think of Arsenicum — although they may conceal their causal diffidence. Yet another clinching factor is Arsenicums are scared of being alone; they are afraid of being alone too. This sense of loneliness emerges not from a feeling of being abandoned by others, but from the undulating distrust of others. They feel people around them and the world are disorganised or chaotic. This is HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

what that prompts or goads them to organise things and bring sanity to everything around them. Arsenicums have a ‘cultivated’ fad for cleaning things, because of fear of germs or micro-organisms playing the spoilsport — they also show phobic tendencies, likewise, to foods, especially what they may consider as unhealthy foods. Besides, they have a tendency to nudge people away with their polished appearance, or hygiene. This can extend to suspiciousness or fixated habitual action. This may be because Arsenicums often feel they do not have enough food or money — hence, they may be domineering of people and also things. Yet another suggestive symptom is its right-sided propensity — Arsenicum is a predominantly right-sided remedy, with most complaints having a strong presence on the right side of the body. FROM LURKING FEAR TO BALANCE • Arsenicums may often have a lurking fear of being poisoned by others. They may also have an eerie feeling of contracting a fatal disease, or of looming death and, of course, of being left all alone in this unforgiving and tough world. • Arsenicum is a great homeopathic remedy for food poisoning — when the cause is tainted or contaminated food. • Arsenicum dreams are as riveting — they are full of caring and fears. They may also consist of fire and darkness, including dead people. • The Arsenicum type has a strong desire for sour foods and ice-water, but in small sips. The personality has a strong aversion to meat and fat, fruit, ice-cream and foods that may have gone bad.

CASE STUDY

hirty-year-old Reema presented with extensive psoriatic plaques, with a tendency to bleeding after every itchy spell. Life, she said, was nothing but misery, because of her scaly skin. She reported that her problem ‘habitually’ worsened during winter. Reema recalled she was affected by psoriasis for over eight years. She also felt she had no one to share her feelings with. During case-analysis, we found that Reema blamed herself for her psoriatic karma — perhaps, out of helplessness. She had also for long avoided social interactions, because of her scaly glitch. She had given up her job. We prescribed her Arsenicum Album, based on her symptom-picture. By the end of one year of homeopathic treatment, her psoriasis showed considerable progress, leaving just a mild discoloration of skin in areas where there were extensive patches before. This too faded in the next ten months.

• A ll symptoms are often worse between 12:00am and 1:00am. Legendary homeopaths have described the Arsenicum type as one who feels their best days or career is about to end and that they will lose their status or goodwill in society, or may be left alone on the road, while waiting for the street car that does not exist, or ‘thrown’ at the mercy of goons or thieves, lurking in the corner. What also takes Arsenicum through such upheavals is their tremendous sense of perfection — one that in some way prevents imagined disasters from happening, while bringing about a sense of balance. ARSENICUM ALBUM IN A NUTSHELL 1. Arsenicum Album is homeopathically appropriate for individuals/patients who are affectionate, sensitive, and stable in good health, but may be prone to agitation, stress and anxiety about their health, with a great need for assurance 2. Illness brings rapid physical and mental exhaustion and chaos, which heightens their fears and helplessness, leading to severe anxiety or negativity 3. Perfectionists by nature, Arsenicums are fanatical of disorder. When under stress or illness, they may develop phobias or obsessions — for example, about hygiene 4. They may like alcohol, warm drinks, and warm, sour, sweet, and fatty foods 5. Arsenicum Album is a classical homeopathic remedy for asthma, with wheezing and dyspnoea [breathlessness]. It is also effective for fierce digestive upsets with diarrhoea and vomiting, headaches, eye inflammation with a ‘burning’ feeling, relieved by warmth [a unique symptom], and itchy, weepy skin complaints.

CASE STUDY

wenty-six-year-old Savio presented with recurrent respiratory allergies, runny nose, fatigue and irritating cough, along with shortness of breath, especially at midnight. On examination, followed by case-analysis, we began to explore his overall emotional state. Savio was fussy, hard to please, restless, shy, anxious and tense. Based on his symptoms and temperament, we prescribed him Arsenicum Album. When Savio came for follow-up, his mother told us that he had had his allergic episodes just a few times and his symptoms were noticeably mild. In six months’ time, his immune response also improved. His frequent allergies, anxieties, irksome cough and shortness of breath, at midnight, was now a thing of the past. More significantly, Savio appeared to be happy, relaxed and doubly energetic than before.

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.

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MEDICAL MARVELS: LITTLE PILLS, BIG RESULTS

Tilting The Scales By Dr SANGEETHA S, BHMS, Mysore

orty-year-old Sania came to us for homeopathic treatment for psoriasis of the scalp and behind the ear. We diagnosed her problem as sebopsoriasis. Sebopsoriasis is an overlap between psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis [dandruff]. Sania suffered from the condition since two years and had tried ayurvedic medicines for over a year. However, it proved to be of no use. Apart from other symptoms of sebopsoriasis, like dry scalp, silvery scales, flaking and itching, she also complained of dandruff. Sebopsoriasis is a common inflammatory condition. It is not contagious. It presents as red or silvery raised scaly patches on the entire scalp and can spread to the forehead and back of the neck and ears. The cause of the disorder is believed to be an abnormality of the immune system. It can also be hereditary or occur due to fungal and bacterial infections. Changes in weather may sometimes contribute as well. Summer is especially responsible for the onset of psoriasis in the scalp. Some allergens

can cause inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Even a simple injury as a result of insect bites and other wounds might result in psoriasis. Other factors that cause sebopsoriasis include stress, poor hygiene, chemicals, heat, smoking, alcohol and tobacco consumption. Sebopsoriasis can be a source of embarrassment to the affected individual due to associated symptoms like itching and dandruff, as was the case with Sania. After evaluating her symptoms, we prescribed her the homeopathy remedy, Natrum Muriaticum 200C. We deduced that the remedy was most suitable for Sania for her emotional disposition too — most notably for her sensitive temperament and being easily offended by criticism. Sania also always kept a tight ‘hold’ on her emotions, but this, we analysed, lead to her sullenness and self-absorption. After six months of homeopathic treatment, the ungainly formation of scales on the scalp stopped and Sania was also relieved of her associated symptoms.

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workplace pressures. That he was also a cautious and apprehensive worrier, who loved to be calmed by reassurance, was yet another solid pointer for the remedy. After ten months of homeopathic treatment, Amitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hyperpigmentation was completely cured. He is extremely happy with homeopathic treatment, because all his lesions and associated itching no longer trouble him.

Pigment Regained By Dr KOMAL DIXIT, BHMS, Mumbai wenty-nine-year-old Ankur came to us for treatment of white patches on his face and some parts of his body. His condition persisted for over two years and grew from one part of the body to another, despite taking conventional treatment. He was getting anxious due to constant remarks made by people on his cosmetic glitch. Ankur was diagnosed with vitiligo, a condition that causes depigmentation of parts of the skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or are unable to function. Depigmentation of patches of skin that occurs on the extremities is the most notable symptom of vitiligo. Although patches are initially small, they often enlarge and change shape. In the initial stages, when skin lesions occur, they are most prominent on the face, hands and wrists. Depigmentation is particularly noticeable around body orifices, such as the mouth,

Lesion Appeased By Dr REENA AGGARWAL, BHMS, New Delhi

hirty-four-year-old Amit came to us for treatment of skin lesions resembling lichen, a symbiotic association between a fungus and algae and/or cyanobacteria that grow on rocks and tree bark. The disorder had troubled him for over five years. He tried allopathic medicines with salicylic acid ointment. However, it provided no relief. He visited us after one of his friends referred him to us. He was diagnosed with lichen planus [LP], a skin and/or mucous membrane disease that resembles lichen. The cause of lichen planus is unknown, but it is thought to be the result of an autoimmune process with an unknown initial trigger. Lichen planus generally affects adults and can involve any portion of the body, but it has a liking for the wrists, ankles, oral and genital tissues. Lichen planus can be quite itchy. No specific remedy has yet been found for a complete cure of this disease; however, several medications and procedures have been used to control the symptoms. Homeopathy in particular has provided tangible and effective relief to patients suffering with the ailment. After case-analysis, we prescribed Amit the homeopathic remedy, Calcarea Carbonicum 200C. We analysed that the remedy was best suited for a shy, placid, sensitive, contemplative individual, like Amit, who displayed a remote sense of an agitated, excitable side, notably in the face of

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eyes, nostrils, genitalia and umbilicus. Some lesions have hyperpigmentation around the edges. Patients who are stigmatised for their condition may experience depression and similar mood disorders, just like Ankur. We prescribed Ankur the homeopathic remedy, Calcarea Carbonicum. He responded well to treatment and his patches started to disappear slowly. Today, after five years, Ankur is much relieved, as his vitiligo is under control. This case once again brings to the forefront the fact that homeopathy is extremely effective in treating several skin disorders, including difficult-to-treat vitiligo.

‘Hair I Come’

By Dr PANKAJ PRASHAR, BHMS, Chandigarh

ixty-six-year-old Pani presented with gradual thinning of hair on the vertex and frontal area with no major symptoms. He, however, complained of age-related knee pain and prostate enlargement.

On detailed analysis, we found that Pani had repeated disappointments with regard to his career and his children as well. This had turned him into an introvert who never used to express his emotions and feelings. His career as a train driver suffered because of his colour blindness. He, therefore, had to work hard to achieve a little less than the desired position in his life. He was diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia [AGA], also known as male pattern baldness [MPB]. AGA is a progressive form of patterned hair loss common in men. It is caused by excess dihydrotestosterone [DHT] and is triggered by factors like dandruff, stress, heredity etc. On the basis of Pani’s presenting symptoms and his personal nature, we prescribed him the homeopathic remedy, Natrum Muriaticum 200C. We noticed positive results within 4-5 months of treatment after which he went abroad. He continued his homeopathic treatment. On his return, we found that his condition was much better than what it was when he left India. After one year of homeopathic treatment, his condition improved considerably — he is extremely happy about the results.

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HOW HOMEOPATHY HELPED ME

No More Nosey Anguish

underwent homeopathic treatment for allergic rhinitis [nasal allergy] under the care of Dr Sushmita Ganguli. In the beginning, I used to have allergic reactions on exposure to the slightest ‘dust’ in the environment. I found her treatment systematic and scientific. To begin with, I also went through certain blood tests and as per the results medication was given. In addition, the question sessions before treatment helped me psychologically — to gain confidence that I was in safe hands for my treatment. With homeopathic treatment and medications, my condition has improved a lot. — Jigmee, a patient of Dr Sushmita Ganguli, BHMS, Nerul, Navi Mumbai

Freedom Song

was suffering from respiratory problems [asthma]. I’d tried a lot of allopathic and ayurvedic medicines, but I was not getting well. It was then that a friend suggested that I take homeopathic treatment. When I came to know about Dr Vishaka Sawal, I decided to take treatment at her clinic. When I first visited the clinic, Dr Sawal explained about the treatment nicely. I started the treatment and began to feel better. The doctor was affable, helpful and caring. I am glad I took treatment here — now I am free from my breathing problems. Many thanks to homeopathy and Dr Sawal! — P Nikam, a patient of Dr Vishaka Sawal, BHMS, Nagpur

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YOUR LITTLE BOX: HomeopatHic Kit FoR eveRy Home

EUPATORIUM: MORE THAN A FLU REMEDY the homeopathic remedy, eupatorium perfoliatum, ‘suits’ people who moan with pain or feel they are going ‘out of their minds,’ when unwell. they may also have a unique sensation — ‘as if their bones are broken.’

By Dr TEJAL AJMERA-PATEL

upatorium Perfoliatum is called boneset, agueweed, thoroughwort, or sweating plant. It is believed that the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides recommended the use of boneset for treating a number of ailments — this included dysentery, chronic fevers, liver ailments, ulcers and even reptile bite. A native of North America, Eupatorium was, for long, used as a boneset herbal remedy or infusion for colds, fever, arthritis and rheumatic pain. It became popular with early European settlers, thanks to its ability to stimulate and strengthen the immune system against fever. For the homeopathic preparation, the fresh aerial parts in the flower are used. Eupatorium Perfoliatum suits people who moan with pain or feel that they are ‘going out of their minds,’ when unwell. They may also present with symptoms of anxiety and restless agitation — with a prayer on their lips ‘to keep still.’ They may also have a unique sensation — as though their bones are broken. The homeopathic remedy is usually given for influenza or malaria-like fever, under medical supervision, when accompanied by pain in the limbs. The fever typically starts as a chill, which later generates into heat, sweating, and a strong thirst for water, accompanied by pain in the bones and great restiveness. Other symptoms, at times, may include vomiting and headaches — which are worse during the sweating phase. All symptoms are better with company and conversation; or, after a vomiting bout. Symptoms are often worse from cold air; after a recurring interval of time; movement and the smell or sight of food. USES 1. Flu and other feverish conditions where patients normally experience intense pain in the bones and fever 2. Soreness in the head, eyeballs and chest and intense craving for ice-cold water as well as cold foods 3. Cough, which worsens the symptom-picture 4. Flu patients with tremors, along with an intense desire for cold water

5. Extreme aching in arms, wrists, and bones of extremities 6. Headaches accompanied by internal tenderness, especially of the eyeballs, soreness of chest, cough along with intense pain down the trachea [windpipe], soreness and swelling in the parietal bone [any bone situated on the side or top of the skull], and throbbing limbs all over the body 7. Bruised feeling as if ‘broken all over the body.’ The pain affects the back, head, chest, limbs, especially wrists, which feel ‘as if dislocated’ 8. Gout and rheumatism after fever 9. Gouty affection with swelling [oedema] of lower limbs. There is aching pain in the back, the bones of extremities, aching of wrists and arms with soreness of muscles 10. Inflamed nodes in joints. Headache associated with gouty pains, especially in marshy places. 11. Helps in fractures. CLINICAL EVIDENCE Clinical and evidence-based treatment outcomes suggest that Eupatorium is useful not only in flu, but also intermittent fever, hay fever [nasal allergy], chikungunya and dengue fever. The characteristic time of fever paroxysm is between 7:00am and 9:00am with the following pattern — a type of ‘postponing’ fever. One day at 7:00am, the next day at 9:00am; thereafter, at 11:00am and so on. Nausea and vomiting may precede the fever with great thirst for several hours before the onset of fever. There may also be severe chills during the fever paroxysm. Shivering may traverse down the back and extend from the back to the extremities [limbs]. The patient may want to cover the whole body [feels better with blankets]. Eupatorium is also suggested to be effective in gallbladder and liver disorders, like jaundice. The tongue in such instances may be coated yellow. Taste is often bitter; there may be profuse vomiting of bile. Dosage: Eupatorium Perfoliatum 30C, 4-5 pills, thrice daily, or as prescribed and advised by your homeopathic doctor.

Dr Tejal Ajmera-Patel, MD [Hom], is a Mumbai-based homeopath. In her long, distinguished career, Dr Tejal has treated over one lakh patients — most notably, difficult-to-treat skin and other disorders. As National Head-Business with a leading homeopathic healthcare group, her responsibilities extend to training programmes for doctors , overseeing medical communications and PR.

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CHILD HEALTH

BRONCHITIS & HOMEOPATHY Does your child have irritating, or bothersome, cough with chest discomfort? Don’t neglect it. Draw on the safe healing powers of homeopathy to drive the annoyance away — naturally and holistically. By Dr HARISH NAGAOKAR

ll of us have tiny, coarse hair that guards the openings of our nostrils. Their job — when we inhale [breathe in] air — is to sift or filter dust, pollen, and other particles, including germs. However, small bits of dust particles, and other airborne ‘offenders,’ slip through sometimes. They may reach the respiratory tract. This could trigger illness, including bronchitis.

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Bronchitis is inflammation [basic reaction to infection] of the respiratory tract [airway] that conducts air into the lungs. It isn’t, however, as simple as it sounds. It can sometimes be dangerous. Research suggests that death rates due to complications arising from bronchitis have multiplied during the last decade. This is a cause for concern, especially in children. It also highlights the consequences of disregarding or

condition — it results in increased production of mucous, as well as other changes, such as frequent and severe respiratory infections and narrowing of the breathing tubes [bronchi], along with difficulty in breathing. FACT-FILE 1. Bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection of the bronchi [the main passageway into the lungs], causing swelling and more mucous than usual. This causes cough, and sometimes pain which is felt in the throat or upper chest when the child coughs 2. It can occur as a part of several infections such as a cold, flu, whooping cough or measles 3. Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke are more at risk of catching colds and developing bronchitis. The chemicals in tobacco smoke irritate the eyes, nose and air passages, no less.

not attending promptly to a child’s warning signs and symptoms, like allergic cough, or cold. TYPES Bronchitis can be acute or chronic [long-lasting]. Acute bronchitis is a condition that comes on swiftly; it can cause irritating cough and other symptoms. Most often, it lasts no longer than a few weeks. The cause may be one among the several viruses that infect the respiratory tract and also attack the bronchial tubes [airways]. Infection by bacteria may also cause acute bronchitis. Most children would have had acute bronchitis at some point in time. What happens in bronchitis? The respiratory airways and their branches in the lungs get swollen. This may be the result of infection, or allergy [allergic bronchitis]. Likewise, inhalation of fumes, including tobacco smoke, especially passive smoking, when a parent smokes, or pollutants, aside from chemical solvents, may also lead to bronchitis. When acute bronchitis is left untreated, it can cause pneumonia. Similarly, untreated, or neglected, chronic bronchitis can lead to lung tissue damage and subsequent drop in breathing capacity [volume of air we breathe in and exhale]

HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHY Homeopathy treats not just the symptoms of bronchitis; it treats the disorder from its ‘roots.’ It helps to prevent complications. Studies report that homeopathic remedies significantly improve our lung capacity and overall health and well-being. Homeopathic remedies are also evidenced to stimulate the body’s defences; in other words, they ‘jazz-up’ the body’s resistance to illness/disease. Clinical studies have corroborated the efficacy of homeopathic remedies vis-à-vis conventional medicines in the treatment of lower respiratory tract illnesses, including allergies and bronchitis. One outcome study in Europe showed an impressive response rate of 82.06 per cent in the homeopathic group as compared to 67.03

SYMPTOMS 1. Fever, sore throat, or nasal obstruction. These may often precede bronchitis 2. When the problem becomes intense, or chronic, there may be excess cough, with phlegm [thick mucous/mucous plugs], chest discomfort, breathlessness and sometimes wheezing. Younger children are most often unable to expel mucous. Chronic bronchitis is a long-standing inflammatory

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per cent in the group receiving conventional [allopathic] medical treatment. Homeopathic remedies are not given on the presentation of symptoms of bronchitis alone. This is because no two children with bronchitis present with the same set of symptoms, or response to illness. The selection of an appropriate homeopathic remedy, to highlight one example, is based on the given child’s unique symptoms, reaction to illness, temperament and psychological patterns. In addition, it may also be related to the type of the mucous discharge, especially in older children, its unique features, including odour, among other things. 1. Antimonium Tartaricum is useful in congested wet cough, accompanied by distressed breathing 2. Arsenicum Album is useful in children who are fussy and have cough with a ‘burning’ sensation. Yet, they feel better with warm liquids 3. Coccus Cacti is handy for cough with tough mucous. It works best in coughs that lead to vomiting bouts 4. Kali Bichromicum is another useful remedy in bronchitis with ‘chewing gum-like’ yellow, stringy mucous 5. Pulsatilla is useful in children who cough up yellowgreen phlegm; or, are moody, with their behaviour changing from normalcy to a glum expression 6. Spongia Tosta, is a handy first remedy in bronchitis. It is useful in dry cough relieved by warm liquids, or food. Dr Harish Nagaonkar, BHMS, is a Mumbai-based homeopath.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

SELF HELP 1. If your child seems unwell, check with your doctor to find out what the problem is. More so, if there are breathing problems 2. Bronchitis in children is nearly always due to a virus; conventional antibiotics don’t help 3. A recent research study showed that for children over two years old a single dose of honey in the evening was more effective than a common conventional cough medicine and also more effective than powerful medications. However, honey should not be given to babies under age one as it may lead to a rare but serious illness 4. Steam — e.g., from the bathroom shower or a humidifier — can help the child feel more comfortable. It may, however, not shorten the illness. One should be gentle to prevent the risk of burns and scalds 5. A child who has bronchitis may not eat as well as normal, but it is important to offer them extra water or fluids. Older children may like a hot lemon and honey drink 6. Keep your home and car smoke-free 7. If the child does not start to feel better within a couple of days, or starts to feel more ill, see your homeopathic doctor immediately.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS

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

Q A

I am a sixty-nine-year-old man suffering from tinnitus. The noise is so loud that it drives me mad. Please help. Tinnitus is perception of sound inside the ear, sometimes in the absence of external stimuli. It is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory disorder. Avoid exposure to loud external noises and use proper ‘sound’ protection when exposed. Minimise your intake of alcohol, tobacco and coffee, if any. Include foods rich in vitamin B12 [cobalamin], like meat, eggs, cheese, milk and yogurt [curd] in your diet. Meanwhile, you’d take the homeopathic remedy, Carboneum Sulphuratum 6C, 4-5 pills, twice daily.

Q A

My mother is suffering from depression. Please help. Depression is more than a feeling of being sad, helpless or hopeless. It may be related to a host of factors, or causes, like hormonal changes [menopause], stress, illness, heredity, or certain events in life. The cause behind your mom’s depression needs to be evaluated and treated. Besides, nearly 90 per cent of people with depression are known to have sleep disorders, so one ought to elicit a detailed casehistory and other symptoms that she might be suffering from — to treat her effectively and safely with homeopathic remedies. I’d suggest that you give her Kali Phosphoricum 6X, 2-4 tablets, twice daily. Please let me know her progress. My wife [aged 27] complains of excessive bleeding during her periods with clots. She is taking conventional treatment. Please advice.

Excessive bleeding during periods is known as menorrhagia. Your wife may need to get a pelvic sonography [USG] done to rule out fibroids, endometriosis, polyps and other conditions. Homeopathic treatment is best started once the cause is found out. Ask your wife to eat ironrich foods, like black dates, figs and jaggery to prevent anaemia and to avoid exerting herself during periods. In the meanwhile, you’d give her Phosphorus 30C, 4-5 pills, twice daily. Please let me know her progress.

Do you have a health question? Need an answer?

E-mail your health questions to: expertadvice@ homeopathyandyou.com Renowned homeopath Dr Mukesh Batra will answer your questions.

Q A

I’ve been suffering from constipation for quite some time. No medicine or treatment has helped me so far. Please advice. While it is not necessary to have a bowel movement every day, anything less than thrice a week should be medically addressed. Flaxseed is an effective home remedy for constipation. Also, include whole grain breads, vegetables, fruit and ginger tea, in your diet. Exercise regularly. Try to avoid certain conventional medications, like antacids and antidepressants, or iron supplements — they can trigger constipation. In the meanwhile, you’d take Senna 6C, 4-5 pills, twice a day. Please let me know your progress.

Q A

I’ve had vertigo for several weeks now. Medicines have not really helped me. Please advice. Vertigo, or giddiness, is usually caused by certain problems in the brain, or the inner ear. However, most cases of vertigo are harmless. Yet, it is always advisable to get investigated — to rule out the likely triggers, or conditions, that cause vertigo. Homeopathic treatment will depend upon the cause of the problem as well as your symptoms, subjective feelings and personality. Meanwhile, you’d take Conium 30C, 4-5 pills, twice daily. Please seek the advice of a professional homeopath in your town, if you don’t feel better.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

FOR WOMEN

MIGRAINE & HOMEOPATHY Migraine affects more women than men worldwide. What distinguishes the disorder is periodic or episodic ache, or pain. Homeopathy evidences that migraine is a personality ‘disorder’ — it, therefore, needs to be treated in tune with the unique needs of the individual in question. By Dr HARIN DANI

wenty-nine-year-old Cheryl, a young executive, carried the label, ‘chirpy geek,’ courtesy of her friends. She’s always on the move, trying to climb several ladders at one go. A stickler, a live-wire, she’s an achiever — a tizzy bundle of kinetic energy. Till it came to her head — oh, that awful ache, or uninvited ‘spoilsport,’ in her ‘happening’ world. Cheryl presented with frequent, distressing migraine headaches. She also reported that her migraine and accompanying nausea, dizziness, irritability and lethargy were her constant ‘companions’ for 4-5 years, notwithstanding conventional and other treatments. On case-analysis, we found that Cheryl’s migraine and vomiting episodes tended to be typically, or characteristically, worse from warmth, or while lying down and during movement. We prescribed her the homeopathic remedy, Ipecacuanha, based on her presenting symptoms and ‘perfectionist’ disposition. After eight months of homeopathic treatment, she

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responded favourably. Her migraine ‘attacks’ not only eased considerably, she also felt much better than ever before vis-à-vis her overall health and sense of wellbeing. COMPLEX SYNDROME Migraine is a complex syndrome. It affects millions of people worldwide — most often women. By way of statistics, it affects 5-25 per cent women and 2-10 per cent men. What distinguishes the disorder, from other types of headache, is periodic or episodic ache, or pain. Migraine usually affects people in their mid-20s, or 30s, especially ‘meticulous-achievers.’ Interestingly, it is also ‘common’ in children. Have you not heard of parents complaining that their child has had ‘migraine-type’ of headaches for as long as they know? Migraine is characterised by blazing attacks of episodic headaches. This may be preceded by emotional and visual disturbances, followed by a period of

sleepiness. The disorder varies in its intensity, frequency and duration. It has a marked familial disposition too, although it tends to be more common in women than men. It can affect its chosen ‘victim,’ right from puberty, childbirth to menopause. In addition, it is suggested that migraine has a bias — it tends to affect certain people having a fastidious zeal towards ‘perfectionism.’ Migraine attacks have an abrupt to gradual, or accentuated, elevation — it affects people more towards the early hours of the morning, especially during weekends. It can interfere with one’s work, productivity and also leisure. It can ‘blight’ a holiday, or vacation, just as much as it ‘wobbles’ the fair sex before, or during, menses. Just think of it — even a minor, unintentional thud on the head, or exposure to cold, dietetic excess, missing a meal, or increased emotional conflicts, for instance, can cause migraine — aside from stress, tension, frustration and unresolved emotions to feelings of guilt. This is not all. Migraine may be precipitated by allergies too, or by just the thought or anticipation of a social event, a presentation on the job, or a business meeting. The typical migraine pain usually starts in the blood vessels of the scalp and face, as also the arteries of the brain. While the blood vessels closer to the surface of the skin may sometimes appear dilated at the peak of a migraine attack, with swelling and local sensitivity in the area, some pressure over the painful area may temporarily relieve the ache. Some of the common symptoms of migraine are a hurting headache, with vertigo and loss of ‘sensation’ in one’s hands. There may also be mood swings — from excitement to depression and vice versa, along with aversion to light and copious watery eyes. Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may be followed by flatus [gas], distension of the abdomen, diarrhoea and excess urination. Many migraine sufferers do not experience all the classical symptoms of migraine. Besides, it would always be appropriate to rule out or confirm epilepsy [fits], high blood pressure and certain tumours in the brain, not to speak of cluster or tension headache, for one’s migraine ‘attacks’ — to establish diagnosis. OTHER TYPES OF HEADACHE Tension headache is one form of headache. It occurs when a person experiences an unusual amount of stress, on a regular basis. The pain may be mild-to-moderate, lasting for a day or two. Some people who experience tension headaches may feel they have migraine, although in reality their pain is clearly related to stress. The most common symptoms of tension headache are dizziness, sleeplessness and lack of concentration. Cluster headache is the most severe form. Symptoms are fear, restlessness, pain in the eye and sleeplessness.

This form of headache affects people in the 20-40 agegroup. The ache tends to occur 3-4 times a day and may last for 3-4 months. Cluster headaches are also most likely to occur during a specific time, every day. Mixed headache is a ‘mishmash’ of tension and migraine headache. The aches are sudden; they do not extend for long periods. For most part, the pain is felt when the individual is under extreme stress; it stops when the individual is free of stress, or relaxed. HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHY Homeopathy evidences that migraine is a personality ‘disorder’ — it, therefore, needs to be treated in tune with the unique needs of the individual in question. There are dozens of homeopathic remedies that are useful; they provide enduring relief from migraine, depending upon one’s symptoms, the individual’s temperament, emotional and other factors. In a randomised, placebo [dummy pill]-controlled double-blind study, a group of people suffering from migraine were treated using individualised homeopathy over a period of four months. While patients in the control group experienced a reduction in migraine frequency from 9.9 attacks per month to 7.9 per month, those in the homeopathic treatment group reduced their monthly migraine attack rate from 10 to between 1.8 and 3 per month. In another observational study conducted at Bristol Homeopathic Hospital, UK, included 6,500 consecutive patients with over 23,000 attendances in a six-year period. 70 per cent of follow-up patients reported improved health, most of them referring to major improvement. The best treatment responses were reported in migraine, childhood eczema, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], and menopausal problems. Similar patient-reported outcomes were elicited from other homeopathic hospitals in the UK. It needs to be emphasised that migraine is far too complex a disorder for self-treatment, or ‘self-healing.’ It is best treated at the clinic by a professional homeopath. SELF-HELP 1. Get good sleep for 6-8 hours every day. Studies have shown that people who sleep well — in a dark, quiet room — are better equipped to prevent migraine ‘attacks’ 2. Eat regular meals; skipping meals or irregular snacking can trigger migraine 3. Exercise regularly; exercises and relaxation techniques, such as yoga, go a long way in easing migraine 4. Avoid foods that may trigger migraine ‘attacks’ — like old cheese, chocolate, yeast, stale meats, monosodium glutamate [MSG], red wine, soybean and also coffee.

Dr Harin Dani, BHMS, is a Vadodara-based homeopath. His areas of therapeutic interest include skin diseases, arthritis, gastric disorders and paediatric illnesses. HOMEOPATHY & YOU |JUNE 2014

HOMEOPATHIC HAPPENINGS

THAILAND EMPLOYS HOMEOPATHY TO FIGHT DENGUE

he Public Health Ministry in Thailand is thinking of implementing homeopathy in all districts of Sing Buri, this year, after a report that it could boost the human’s body immunity to fight dengue fever. Homeopathic medicines had been given to Sing Buri volunteer students from kindergarten to lower-secondary level in a 2012-13 trial and it yielded satisfactory results, said Dr Jakkriss Bhumisawasdi, Director of the Inspector-General Region 4, Bureau of Inspection and Evaluation. The number of dengue fever cases in Sing Buri have gone down, taking its rankings from #67 in the country [with one death] in 2011 to #76 in 2012. As there was a nationwide dengue fever outbreak in 2013, Sing Buri reported the country’s lowest prevalence at 44.95 per 100,000 population. Jakkriss said homeopathy was safe and low-cost and had been used in several countries including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Cuba, the United States, Australia, India and Malaysia. The system of medicine would also be implemented in Region 4 Bureau’s seven other provinces: Nakhon Nayok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Sara Buri and Ang Thong. If this ‘One-District-Per-ProvincePilot-Project’ went well, the Ministry would consider implementing it across the country. Dr Wali Suwatthika, a paediatrician at Sing Buri Hospital, said the preparation involved dissolving Eupatorium Perfoliatum pills in drinking water. Each child would be

given 3cc of this tasteless water every three months. The trial, which began in July 2012, covered 4,250 children in Muang District and only four of them developed mild dengue fever in one year, while seven out of the district’s 2,856 remaining kids who didn’t get the medicine had dengue fever, with more intensity. Thailand reported 150,934 dengue fever cases last year, double the previous year’s number, and 133 deaths. As there is no vaccine for dengue fever, the Public Health Ministry used a combination of several measures, including the eradication of mosquito larva incubation grounds and a campaign for people to install mosquito nets.

CONVENTIONAL RESEARCHERS FAIL TO UNDERSTAND TREATMENT, SAYS HOMEOPATH

seasoned homeopath of 24 years says a new review of the age-old therapy has failed to test it correctly. The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia, study shows there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective in treating health conditions. But Buderim homeopath Ms Karuna Tohow says conventional researchers failed to test the 200-year-old therapy correctly. “It seems to be that they do not or cannot see exactly how homeopathy works as it’s different to the way drugs work and you can’t compare the two,” she said. “Homeopathic medicine isn’t a drug, it’s more refined herbs, minerals and it works on the energetic level and that confounds somebody who’s simply looking on a scientific level.” “You just have to look at it in a slightly different way as you would look at the effects of drugs.” Dr Nikolajs Zeps from the University of Western Australia who conducted the nation study says the new finding will remain highly relevant if no reliable evidence is presented in the contrary. “Unfortunately, the evidence out there simply isn’t good enough to support the use of homeopathy,” he said. But Ms Tahow says homeopathy treatments are based

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on medical ‘provings’ that have been around for hundreds of years. These ‘provings’ are continuously updated and are published by one of the Australia’s biggest homeopathic medicine manufacturers. She says homeopathy is prescribed differently to each patient and uses an example of treating different asthma sufferers to explain how it works. “If three people have asthma we don’t have an off-the-shelf asthma medicine like you would have an off-the-shelf drug,” she said. “It’s different, you would take the person’s case, which is a little bit laborious, and match all of their individual symptoms, which would be slightly different in each person, and match it to a different medicine and that medicine works effectively when it’s properly prescribed.” Ms Tahow specialises in chronic health issues including psychological imbalances and says homeopaths are not allowed to treat HIV and cancer but are effective with other ailments. “Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, eczema,

cirrhosis, asthma, all those sort of common things,” she said. “And then first aid things, flu and viruses, I have tremendous success.”I’d probably say 90 per cent walk away and say ‘I’m very happy’, because I always check. “It’s not placebo, you see. Homeopaths have done trials with placebo.” She says the findings of the National Health and Medical Research Council study would not deter her clients. “We laugh about [findings like this],” she said. “They would never leave me, because we’ve had success, to go to a doctor because the nation’s health and medical council have discredited us, because they know it’s just ignorance.” Ms Tahow says the finding won’t deter her from continuing to practice either. “Homeopaths have been around for 200 years and it was developed by a wonderful doctor about 230 years ago, Dr Samuel Hahnemann and he got the same treatment,” she said. “He was even thrown out of his own town because of professional jealousy.” They didn’t want him to practice because he was so successful.”

MORE PEOPLE USING HOMEOPATHY FOR CURE

seminar, ‘Perfect Health through Homeopathy,’ was organised in Indore, recently. Dr S K Mishra, Principal, Government Homeopathic Medical College, Bhopal, was the chief guest on the occasion. Keynote speaker Dr S M Desarda, from Aurangabad, discussed research and development in homeopathy during the past two decades. He said, research work in the subject, thanks to MD and PhD courses in homeopathy,

has increased manifold. “The Government of India is also funding to develop homeopathic medicines for fighting cancer, AIDS, asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes etc.” A ‘digiscope,’ developed by Dr K M Nishant, was showcased during the seminar. The seminar highlighted the fact that during the last 15 years, more and more people were moving towards homeopathy for effective health treatment.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

WHAT LIES BENEATH: MYSTERIES OF HOMEOPATHY

HOMEOPATHY: THE ART & SCIENCE OF NEW MEDICINE New research explains why homeopathy is scientifically possible and how homeopathic remedies exert their biological effects primarily as nanostructures and why physiology, not pharmacology, is the most relevant discipline to understand homeopathic medicinal action. By Dr RAjGOPAL NIDAMBOOR

omeopathy is based on the evidence of clinical practice, clinical observation and clinical outcomes — provided by way of treatment, clinical trials, or basic research, and laboratory studies. To state the obvious — most conventional medical scientists have relatively no interest in homeopathic clinical care. This is because homeopathy and conventional [allopathic] medicine developed separately. However this may be, things are a-changin’, thanks to increasing demand for scientific evidence in homeopathy, not to speak of the growing need for a more humanistic, or holistic approach on the lines of homeopathic treatment in conventional medicine. This is a huge advance, or paradigm shift — it is slowly bringing the two medical schools to communicate and bridge the yawning gap, scepticism, or inflexibility of either, towards each other. A possible framework for such ongoing interactions is provided by new, ongoing research on homeopathic dilutions, or potencies. This, as experts believe, may lead to the development of a new, integrated concept of illness and treatment of disease. STUDY OF HIGH DILUTIONS Research on high dilutions, used in homeopathy, first began in the 1950s. It is only since the mid-1990s that there has been a steady increase in both the number and quality of such published studies. A rigorous systematic review, or summary, of the total research evidence available — designed to provide more accurate information than single studies — was published in 2007. It assessed the entire evidence base for medicinal effects of high potency homeopathic remedies. 67 experiments published in 75 publications were evaluated. 75 per cent of the studies found that homeopathic high dilutions have actual biological effects. When the experiments were repeated, the same results emerged. This should set the evidence straight and also reflect homeopathy’s scientific basis — in objective terms. It may also be mentioned that homeopathic prescribing is, likewise, based on investigational data, or medicinal ‘provings.’ This is founded on accurate and well-judged scientific observation, precision and validation. In the recent past, medical scientists Iris Bell, MD, PhD, and Mary Koithan, PhD, have proposed a new model to

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explain how ‘low-dose’ homeopathic dilutions work. This is keyed to the latest scientific theories related to highly reactive nanoparticles. In a paper published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Bell and Koithan suggest what they observe as a novel, new scientific model for homeopathic remedy action on living, or complex systems — that is both logically and rationally based. The model explains why homeopathy is scientifically possible and also how homeopathic remedies exert their biological effects primarily as nanostructures and why, in their view, physiology, not pharmacology, is the most relevant discipline to understand homeopathic medicinal action. HOMEOPATHY: NANOMEDICINE Homeopathy stimulates the body’s own innate healing mechanisms, although explanations as to how exactly it excites the organism have expectedly evoked cynicism in conventional [allopathic] medical quarters. In the recent past, homeopathy has been increasingly explained on the basis of quantum physics, bioenergetics, molecular memory and nanopharmacology. Besides, the use of spectroscopy and thin layer chromatography [TLC], among others, has made it possible to actually ‘figure out’ the minute amounts of the medicinal substance present in homeopathic remedies, while differentiating them in their various dilutions, or potencies. Bell and Koithan suggest that homeopathic remedies contain nanoparticles evenly dispersed and in suspension — and, [that] the way they work is by helping the body’s stress response system do what it wants to do anyway — ‘get back to a stable state’ — by stimulating the biologicallyprogrammed responses in our bodily systems. It would be useful to bring home the point that Bell had previously proposed that homeopathy is the therapeutics for the dynamics of the person as a whole complex system. This has been confirmed on a regular basis around the world — for the past 200 years — in patients through evidence-based treatment and clinical studies. You may visit the National Center for Homeopathy [www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy. org], US, and the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy [www.ccrhindia.org], India, to read about new research and clinical studies on homeopathy.

COMPELLING EVIDENCE This is certainly the bright part in the defence of homeopathy — that it works. On the other, there is also a growing need for practicing homeopaths to meet sceptics’ derision head-on. This calls for ‘compelling evidence’ in favour of homeopathy. What’s more, it is no longer a question of homeopaths being optimistically buoyed by their successful cases, or clinical experience. It is also not a question of protesting that one knows for sure that homeopathy works, and this has been proven for over two centuries in the treatment of the sick — or, in innumerable evidence-based treatment outcomes, or ‘incurable’ cases, showcased by homeopaths the world over, from time to time. The point today is not what homeopathy has achieved, but how homeopathy can, in its full scientific right, help people achieve optimal health and wellness — from verifiable scientific results, or standpoint. For this to happen, it is critically important for homeopathy and homeopaths to attain a much wider acceptance within the portals of medicine — traditional, old, new, or conventional. The best manner in which this can emerge is by way of convincingly — not merely persuasive — advanced and thorough research evidence of homeopathy’s clinical effectiveness, not to speak of its accepted safety. This would be best supplemented by facing the challenge of proving the specific clinical effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in a specific condition. While it may not sound pleasing to the ear, such challenges are best addressed by data obtained from randomised controlled clinical trials [RCTs], where homeopathy can be compared with another treatment interventions, or with placebo [dummy pill]. RCTs, as new schools of ‘medical thought’ suggest, are certainly not ‘perfect,’ but they could well assist new research programmes to expand from observational, or group, studies. It is agreed that RCTs correspond to the criteria of conventional medicine — they are, therefore, extremely limited to and do not analyse the actual daily practice of a homeopathic physician, because homeopathic clinical practice encompasses more than just focusing on the treatment of a specific disease. It is aimed at the complete treatment of a health concern, or issue of the patient. One useful mode would be a broader framework of treatment of a particular disease, which also takes into consideration factors, such as lifestyle, exercise, diet, emotional state and environment — which have, for long, been a part of the homeopathic treatment plan. While it is accepted that RCTs are restricted and have inadequate ‘influence’ on the practical choice of homeopathic treatment for a specific patient, it may be mentioned that RCTs are carried out in ‘ideal, artificial situations,’ far from the particular context of the individual patient. Conventional evaluation, therefore, must take this reality into context for RCTs to be able to ‘validate’ and

explain homeopathic treatment results. FUTURE RESEARCH According to R T Mathie, PhD, of the British Homeopathic Association and Faculty of Homeopathy, UK, the key issues that must be addressed in future research development in homeopathy are — the research question, the associated clinical trial design and outcome measures chosen. Fresh, new research, he suggests, should consider carefully whether placebo-controlled trials and physical determinants of health are necessarily the wisest approach. In a paper published in Homeopathy, he writes, “[Present conventional] approaches may [conversely] be particularly inappropriate in researching homeopathy for chronic illness, or where the treatment does not address a named disease. Conditions of this nature are nearly always treated by individualised homeopathy, where remedy selection is based on the given individual’s ‘constitutional’ character; so, non-placebo-controlled designs using quality of life [QoL] measures, for example, might be the most relevant.” He adds, “[When you bring in] placebo-controlled trials in homeopathy, the most appropriate place might be the assessment of acute [as opposed to chronic] medical conditions, where any homeopathic treatment effect is likely to be quick acting and, thus, adequately measurable. The fact that prescribing is relatively simple — with a minimal range of indicated remedies — in some acute conditions could also offer useful advantages in the study design.” It may be mentioned that acute [short-term], rather than chronic [long-standing] health conditions feature prominently among those illnesses for which homeopathy has the greatest acceptance of positive research evidence in placebo-controlled clinical trials. The inclusion of such contexts would, in more ways than one, encourage fresh interest in exploring and examining the mind-body, holistic efficacy of homeopathy as a useful adjunct to conventional treatment, in certain disease states, like diabetes and high blood pressure [hypertension], thus confirming and highlighting its complementary strength. It is also proposed that equivalence trials, likewise, offer yet another promising route forward. Equivalence trials are used to prove that two treatments work equally well, in contrast to traditional ‘superiority trials,’ which set out to show that one treatment is better than the other. This, as experts suggest, would provide researchers with a more vigorous model to examine the comparative safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of homeopathy with conventional medicine — not only in terms of treatment effectiveness, but also with regard to treatment outcomes in specific clinical conditions. The inference is obvious. That with the passage of time the number of quality research and clinical papers related to homeopathy will only expand — along with results acceptable to conventional critics and ‘compulsive’ detractors of a pioneering system of safe, gentle and effective healing.

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

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HOM[E]O TRUTHS

HOMEOPATHY-ALLOPATHY: SYNERGETIC HEALING Homeopathy and allopathy [conventional medicine] should not be like water and oil repelling each other, but they should aim at working together to ease illness. By KAVITA NADKARNI

efore we advocate the idea of using homeopathy alongside allopathic medicine, we would like to throw some light on the reason why traditional homeopaths did not recommend using homeopathy and allopathy together. Conventional medicines change the symptoms of illnesses to such an extent that their original presentation is lost. This makes it difficult for a homeopath to gather enough details and accurate information to prescribe the correct homeopathic remedy, as symptoms are important in homeopathy. It is symptoms that homeopaths often depend upon to select the right remedy. The fact is: homeopathy can definitely complement allopathic treatment in certain disorders. Besides, homeopathy can treat extremely chronic or serious illnesses. How? It corrects the underlying cause. It can, therefore, effectively balance conventional treatment, no less.

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WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS When a patient is taking allopathic medications for a long time, it is not possible to withdraw the drug immediately. Sudden withdrawal of drugs — for example, in conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, arrhythmias, hormonal disorders etc — can sometimes prove disastrous for the patient. In such cases homeopathic treatment may be started along with allopathic medicines — when the condition of the patient starts improving, the allopathic drugs can be tapered gradually. Likewise, the application of steroidal creams can suppress a skin eruption and lead to flare-ups, or other unrelated illnesses, because the underlying factors, the real cause of the problem, or toxins, are not naturally expelled. Homeopathic medicines eliminate such flagrant mechanisms from the inside out — not just at the superficial level. Today, there is agreement that some ‘life-supportive’ conventional medicines can lead to drug-

dependence. For example, antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications. Thus, homeopathy can complement modern medicine in such cases. The idea is to use the two together — synergistically. Some examples of allopathic drugs, which cannot be completely or immediately stopped during homeopathic management are insulin in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] patients, folic acid in patients with sickle cell anaemia, antidepressants in paranoid schizophrenics, neostigmine in myasthenia gravis, etc. Here are some additional examples where homeopathic remedies can be taken simultaneously with other systems of medicine: • In chronic complaints, taking homeopathy remedies, along with other therapies, can improve immunity. This will help to prevent recurrent illnesses and maintain good health • Homeopathic treatment can, in conjunction with allopathic treatment, improve overall health [physical and mental health] by treating common symptoms like loss or appetite, thirst, excess sweat, urine, loss of sleep, menstrual problems • In case of drug dependency [e.g., insulin-dependent diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, steroidal treatment, inhalers for asthma etc], homeopathy can help in reducing the dose and frequency of conventional medicine • As homeopathy uses minute medicinal doses, it does not interact with other medicines or cause any side-effects.

SURGERY If there is evidence that surgery is warranted, the homeopathic physician would support the fact that it should be done promptly. Major surgery often necessitates a long, difficult recovery period. Homeopathic remedies, by stimulating and strengthening the body’s defence mechanism, can aid recovery quickly. Fractures, of course, must be set and cast by an orthopaedic surgeon. Manipulation of the musculoskeletal system is referred to a qualified osteopath, chiropractor, rolfer or massage therapist. In each of such situations, homeopathy can provide corollary assistance. For example, a homeopathic remedy, like Symphytum, can speed up the union of a fractured bone; a bad bruise or sprain can be helped greatly by the specific homeopathic remedy, such as Arnica Montana. Fortunately, there are also cases, where a homeopathic remedy has ruled out the need for surgery. Homeopathy cannot, of course, cure birth defects whether biochemical or structural. It can, however, improve the level of health of children born with congenital flaws. The range of problems for which homeopathy can be effectively directed is extensive. This includes first aid, acute illnesses and all kinds of chronic conditions. Besides, one can also say that the continuation of allopathic drugs along with homeopathic remedies depends upon the type of cases the doctor is handling at a particular point of time and what is their objective. All medicine systems have their limitations; this includes homeopathy as well. All diseases might not be curable with homeopathy, but most of them would be certainly manageable.

CLINICAL EVIDENCE SUPPORTING COMBINATION THERAPY There is clinical evidence to show that conventional medicine and homeopathy work well. One such research was conducted in Europe to evaluate the compatibility of homeopathy and conventional medicine in controlling diabetes. A group of patients with diabetes mellitus type-2 were treated with Daonil, a conventional medicine, and a placebo [Group-1] and Daonil and homeopathy [Group-2]. The duration of the study extended over a period of nine months of parallel treatment. Group-1 showed 47 per cent improvement; Group-2 showed a hugely impressive 97 per cent improvement. Homeopathy has also been shown to be a useful adjuvant therapy in post-operative care, or after bypass surgery. The homeopathic medicine Arnica Montana is the remedy of choice in either situation. Besides, homeopathy can also play a balancing role. Some cases require hormone replacement therapy [HRT], but if patients are not suitable for HRT, because they have had hysterectomies for malignancy, homeopathy is often useful.

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

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GRIN AND BEAR IT

Laughter,

THE BEST MEDICINE The patient shook his doctor’s hand in gratitude and said, “Since we are the best of friends, I would not want to insult you by offering a fee. But, I would like you to know that I have mentioned you in my will.” “That is very kind of you,” said the doctor emotionally, and then added, “Can I see that prescription I just gave you? I’d like to make a little change.” The seven-year-old girl told her mom, “A boy in my class asked me to play doctor.” “Oh, dear,” the mother sighed nervously. “What happened, honey?” “Nothing. He made me wait for 45 minutes and contacted the insurance company.” Shakey went to a psychiatrist. “Doc,” he said, “I’ve got trouble. Every time I get into bed, I think there’s somebody under it. I get under the bed, I think there’s somebody on top of it. Top, under, top, under. You gotta help me, I’m going crazy.” “Just put yourself in my hands for two years,” said the shrink. “Come to me three times a week, and I’ll cure your fears.” “How much do you charge?”“A hundred dollars per visit.” “I’ll sleep on it,” said Shakey. Six months later the doctor bumped into Shakey at the mall. “Why didn’t you ever come to see me again?” asked the psychiatrist. “For a hundred buck’s a visit? A bartender cured me for ten dollars.” “Is that so? How?” “He told me to cut the legs off the bed!” A physics professor was explaining a complicated concept when a premedical student interrupted him. “Why do we have to learn this stuff?” the young man blurted out. “To save lives,” the professor replied. “How does physics save lives?” the smartass student asked. “Physics saves lives,” the professor said, “because it keeps certain people out of medical school.” A distraught patient phoned her doctor’s office. “Is it true,” the woman wanted to know, “that the medication

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the doctor had prescribed was for the rest of my life?” She was told that it was. There was a moment of silence before the woman continued, “I’m wondering just how serious is my condition? This prescription is marked “No Refills.” A mother called the pharmacy inquiring, “My son was given chewable tablets, but unfortunately he swallowed them. Should he get a new prescription — something he can’t swallow?” “As a medical student, my first ‘posting’ was obstetrics at the hospital. I recall eagerly donning a mask and gown as a woman in labour was wheeled into the delivery room. I timidly proceeded to take my place behind the obstetrician, resident and intern, craning to get a good view. However, to my disappointment, I was directed to the head of the table. A nurse told me to look in the mirror to observe the birth. I felt relieved, assuming that medical students must be so placed in order not to get in the way. I was soon instructed to hold the patient’s hand. I felt a little uncomfortable as I complied, but I supposed this was a lesson in good bedside manners. The patient seemed reassured as she firmly squeezed my hand. After the birth of the baby, I was asked if I wanted to cut the umbilical cord. I was delighted, thinking this was the kind of hands-on experience that medical students got from their rotations in the hospital. After successfully completing the procedure, I was told to kiss the mother. I stood frozen, in disbelief, as everyone encouraged me to proceed. Extremely embarrassed, I brought my masked face several inches from the patient’s cheek, before I escaped outside feeling totally dumbfounded. The staff thought I was the baby’s father.” [Culled from the ‘Net]

CELEBRITY SPEAK

FAMOUS WORDS Homeopathy did not merely seek to cure a disease but treated a disease as a sign of disorder of the whole human organism. This was also recognised in the Upanishads which spoke of human organs as a combination of body, mind and spirit. Homeopathy would play an important part in the public health of the country along with other systems. Medical facilities in India are so scanty that homeopathy can confidently visualise a vast field of expansion.

Dr S Radhakrishnan, Philosopher and former President of India

Homeopathic treatment is my first choice, not only for me but also for my family. Homeopathy should be developed as full-fledged alternative system of medicine. More research and development are essential to make homeopathy more popular and useful. A homeopath treats his patients in a more compassionate way. Homeopathy is the second largest system of medicine being practiced in India. K R Narayanan, former President of India

Homeopathy offers the optimal mix of simplicity, economy, effectiveness of treatment and cultural

acceptability among the diverse population of a large developing country like India. Let us make all efforts to see that it is available to the common man, everywhere. Dr Ashok Kumar Walia, former Union Minister of Health, India

Homeopathy is a highly developed health practice that uses a systematic approach to the totality of a person’s health. Anyone seeking a fuller understanding of health and healing will find homeopathy extremely important and applicable. Gay Gaer Luce, PhD, twice winner of ‘The National Science Writer’s Award’

If there is a scientific system of medicine in vogue today, it is homeopathy; other systems are more or less empirical, but not so homeopathy, which has a scientific basis of its own. That, in fact, was the great contribution of Dr Hahnemann, the founder, to medical science. C C Biswas, former Union Minister of Law, India

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LIVING WELL: LIFESTYLE

NATURAL HOME CLEANING Okay, so you’ve waded through the dark and dismal waters of toxic truth in newspapers, magazines, books and also on the ‘Net. Let’s talk about some good news; some things that are going to make a healthy future. By RYAN N HARRISON

efore the big chemical boom that has landed us in such a toxic world, people relied on naturallyoccurring materials and substances to help them with their housework. Not only did homemade cleaners work well, they had the additional advantages of being inexpensive to make and completely non-toxic to use. Naturally Clean reports that the biggest surprise people have when they decide to make their own cleaners is how many they can make from so few ingredients. An almost endless variety of safe homemade substitutes for toxic chemical cleaning supplies of all kinds can be easily prepared from just a handful of common materials. An excellent source for ‘recipes’ of this sort is Better Basics for the Home, by Annie Berthold-Bond, which

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lists certain core ingredients that every household should have for creating non-toxic cleansers: • Baking Soda, deodoriser, non-abrasive scouring powder • Beeswax, floor and furniture wax • Borax, deodoriser, non-abrasive scouring powder, allpurpose cleaner, mould inhibitor, rust stain remover • Carnauba wax, wood floor and furniture wax • Citrus fruits like orange, lemon and lime: grease cutters, deodorisers, flea repellent • Eucalyptus oil, insect repellent • Essential oils, air freshening • Hydrogen peroxide, bleaching agent and antibacterial • Jojoba oil, wood polisher • Lavender oil, disinfectant, deodoriser

• N atural vegetable-based liquid soap, general detergent product substitute • Neem oil, insect repellent • Olive oil, wood polisher • W ashing soda [sodium carbonate], grease and grime cutter, wax remover, deodoriser • W hite distilled vinegar, dissolves hard water mineral scale and greasy build-up; removes tarnish, cleans wood and glass • Tea tree oil, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, deodoriser • Toothpaste, metal polish NATURAL ALTERNATIVES Typical oven cleaners are often the most toxic cleaning products found in the typical home. They leave chemical residues on surfaces and often expose people to hazardous fumes. Here’s a recipe for a natural oven cleaner that really works: Safe oven cleaner. Baking soda and water. Just sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the oven until it completely covers all offending matter. Spray it with water until damp, re-wet occasionally, and then let it sit overnight. In the morning, grease and grime will be easily wiped away. Safe All-Purpose Counter Cleaner • 2 tsp washing soda • 2 tsp borax • ½ teaspoon natural liquid soap • 1 cup hot water. Mix ingredients together in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray. Surfaces must be wiped thoroughly or a safe but unsightly whitish residue will be left behind by the washing soda. This formula will keep indefinitely. Soap scum can be removed with vinegar. Simply soak the affected areas and wash clean. For tough scum problems combine one teaspoon of borax with half a teaspoon of liquid soap and two cups of hot water. Spray and sponge clean. Toilets can be cleaned with either vinegar or baking soda, depending on what the problem is. Vinegar will work well on mineral build-up. Baking soda will handle common soils. Apply them separately for maximum effect. For deodorising, perform a final scrub with peppermint or another essential oil after the cleaners have been flushed away. For sanitation, spray with hydrogen peroxide or use a combination of two tsp of tea tree oil in two cups of water. Add some of this to the bowl, scrub, let it sit for a few minutes, and flush. Rust stains will disappear when subjected to a solution consisting of one tbsp of cream of tartar and enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Cover the stain with this mixture and let it sit for several hours. Mould and mildew can be wiped out with a simple solution of two tbsp of tea tree oil in two cups of water. Spray this on the affected area, let it sit for half-an-hour and then wipe clean. This formula also kills bacteria.

Another idea is to spray the affected area with vinegar immediately with a spray of hydrogen peroxide. Window and glass cleaners are toxic to people and the environment. They contain solvents capable of doing neurological, respiratory and organ damage; highly corrosive chemicals like phosphoric acid or ammonia; and synthetic dyes or perfumes, primarily derived from petroleum and toxic coal tars. What’s worse is these products are sprayed when used, and spraying disperses the toxins over a wider area beyond the window itself. Here are some useful suggestions for cleaning windows and other glass surfaces — • Invest in a good spray bottle and squeegee. Fill the bottle with a mixture of two cups of water and one quarter cup of distilled vinegar • The first time or two you clean your windows, add a half teaspoon of natural liquid soap to the homemade window cleaners. This will help cut the wax that is found in common window cleaners that gets left behind when they’re used • Apply the spray, scrub the window with the squeegee scrubber and then squeegee the liquid over and down to a single corner • Use a lint-free chamois cloth to polish streaks away. Note: Do not use an old newspaper to clean windows, because it spreads ink everywhere and makes the newspaper non-recyclable. Floor cleaners are just another mixture of different chemicals from synthetic detergents and fragrances to dispersal and suspension agents and solvents. Products meant to shine and polish floors are deliberately designed to leave residues behind. They typically contain a strong acid or solvent to dissolve the previous washing’s wax and allow dirt to be lifted. But here’s a secret: you can clean most of the floors you’ll find in a home with just two things: old-fashioned soap and hot water. The drying time will be increased, as water dries slower than most cleaning products, but the non-toxic benefits are perfect. Carpet cleaning. Rent a steam cleaner and fill it with a formula of 1/8 cup liquid soap and two gallons of hot water. Add ½ tsp of borax or washing soda per quart of water for dirtier carpets.

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.

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LIVING WELL: LIFESTYLE

7 EFFECTIVE WAYS TO BEAT STRESS Managing stress is all about taking charge of your thoughts, emotions, and the way you deal with problems.

veryone — adults, teens, and even children — experiences stress. One can be stressed about anything, a person, an unpleasant incident, job, non-cooperative senior, daily routine tasks like shopping or driving, examinations etc. Stress can sometimes be beneficial, as it may help people develop the skills they need to cope with and adapt to new and potentially threatening situations in life. However, the beneficial aspects of stress diminish when it turns severe enough to overpower the ability of a person to take care of oneself and family. There are ways to cope with stress and stressful feelings; this can help your stress symptoms to subside. Stress can have more than one damaging effect on your body as well as mind. It causes everything from headaches and hair loss to diarrhoea and constipation, including — • Weight gain • Increased blood pressure • Insomnia • Hyper-emotionality • Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction

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• • • • • •

Social isolation Poor concentration and memory Fatigue Weakened immune system Depression Increased alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use. However, the good news is that managing stress is really not all difficult. First of all, one should understand that stress is nothing but your body’s reaction to circumstances in which it feels it needs more strength, stamina, and alertness in order to survive and thrive. Thus, managing stress is all about taking charge of your thoughts, emotions, and the way you deal with problems. 1 QUIT UNHEALTHY HABITS The first exercise in stress management is to quit all unhealthy ways of dealing with stress. Such coping strategies may temporarily reduce stress, but they cause more damage in the long run. Unhealthy ways of managing stress include: • Smoking

• • • • • • • •

Drinking too much alcohol Overeating or under-eating Spending too much time in front of TV or computer Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities Using pills or drugs to relax Sleeping too much Procrastinating Filling up every minute of the day to avoid facing problems • Taking out your stress on others [lashing out, angry outbursts, physical violence]. 2 IDENTIFY SOURCES OF STRESS The next step in stress management is identifying the sources of stress in your life. Triggers of stress vary from person to person. Unless you know your trigger, you would not be able to find out the solution. For example, there is a possibility of some people being the cause of stress. The simple solution to this is to avoid such people! Either limit the amount of time you spend with them or end the relationship entirely if it’s causing too much of stress. If traffic is the trigger, take a longer but less-travelled route. If crowds bother you, go to the supermarket when you know the lines won’t be too long. If shopping is an unpleasant task, do your shopping online. If public speaking or presentations make you stressed, start researching early and practice several times. This will ease the stress and make you confident to face the crowd while on stage. 3 IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE SELF-TALK Self-talk plays an important role in managing stress. Positive self-talk helps you to calm down and control stress, whereas negative self-talk increases stress. With practice, you can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive feelings. To highlight a few negative thoughts — ‘I can’t do this,’ or ‘everything is going wrong in my life,’ or ‘I really hate it.’ On the other hand, positive self-talk would make you say, ‘I’ll do the best I can,’ or ‘I can handle things if I take one step at a time,’ or ‘I know how to deal with this.’ 4 ACCEPT THINGS YOU CAN’T CHANGE Some sources of stress are unavoidable. You cannot prevent or change stressors like a serious illness, death in family, loss of job etc. In such cases, the best way to cope with stress is to accept things as they are. Acceptance may be difficult, but not impossible. When facing major challenges, like loss of job, for example, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes. Remember that not all successful men got everything readymade on the platter and neither were they perfect. In fact, most of them had to struggle, fight against all odds, and learn from their mistakes to become successful. Have confidence that you too can make failure your ladder to success. This will ease your stress — your mind is now

diverted towards looking for better opportunities instead of thinking about past failures. 5 SHARE AND FORGIVE Share your feelings with a trusted friend or family member. The simple act of expressing what you are going through can be helpful, even if there’s nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation. Remember that opening up is not a sign of weakness. Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and resentment. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on. 6 EXERCISE, MEDITATE & RELAX Exercise reduces the stress hormones, produces feel-good endorphins, improves mood, boosts energy and provides a healthy distraction from stressful situations. Find physical activities that you enjoy and try to devote about 30 minutes to them each day. While it is impossible to eliminate all negative stress from your life, you can control the way you react to stress. Relaxation techniques can come to your rescue in stressful situations. They help in calming you down, boosting mood and fighting illness. You can try a variety of techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and visualisation to see what suits you the best. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress. Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy. Laugh as much as possible. Try watching your favourite comedies or be with people who make you laugh the most. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways. 7 EAT A HEALTHY DIET Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress. Start your day with a healthy breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day. Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary so-called ‘highs’ caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy after some time. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you will feel more relaxed and sleep better. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. ‘Self-medicating’ with alcohol or drugs may provide easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand; deal with problems head on and with a clear mind. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally. So sleep well. Most important — learn to identify your own stress responses and how to quickly and effectively reduce stress in any challenging situation.

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LIVE & HELP LIVE

THE HEALING BENEFITS OF AGRO-HOMEOPATHY I was looking for homeopathic remedies for animals on the ‘Net recently. I came across someone who prescribed homeopathic remedies for plants.

one do you choose? Because I am always in search y attitude to life is: anything that of the better alternative, I come across amazing makes the world happy makes you people and inventions that, should we adopt them, happy — in the actual sky-touching, would make us so much better and happier. heart-leaping sense of being one with the world. I was looking for homeopathic remedies for Anything that is bad for any species is bad for animals on the ‘Net recently. I came across humans as well. By MANEKA someone who prescribed homeopathic remedies Anything that kills a mosquito can kill a GANDHI for plants. What fun! This month, I am going to give human as easily. Conversely, anything that is you some ways on how to use agro-homeopathy, the word good is good for all. In the list of bad, I put dams, plastic, and system invented by V D Kaviraj. Kaviraj was a Dutch pesticides, uncontrolled building, meat eating, milk homeopath [though he looked Indian] and one of the drinking, zoos, leather, any form of animal-based food or foremost pioneers of agro-homeopathy and author of the industry, cutting of trees… book, Homeopathy for Farm and Garden. I could add illiteracy, arrogance, intellectual laziness, and greed to this as attitudes. As you destroy, so shall When treating plants with homeopathic remedies, this you be destroyed. By sickness, bad weather, poverty, bad is the standard dosing procedure: put 20 drops of a 6X governance, calamities. Anything that is gentle, joyful and potency in a litre of water. Succuss the bottle 50 times. truly scientifically attuned to nature is good. You will be Succussing means shaking it by pounding it against the rewarded with good weather, good crops, lack of hunger, palm of your hand or a hardbound book 50 times. much less sickness, clean water, good governance. Which Put this [litre] in the watering can, fill it up with 19

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litre of tap water and stir. If the watering can is smaller, the amount of the remedy put in must be proportionally smaller. Thus, a 10 litre can needs only ½ litre and just 10 drops of the remedy. Apply the contents of the watering can to the roots of the plants to be treated. I am taking the following straight from Kaviraj’s Website, so that when you use the remedies, do let me know if they work. • To perk up a transplanted rose put Aconite Napellus • When plants flower, they use up a lot of phosphorus, because they need it. So, if the flowers start drooping and the leaves turn yellow, use Ferrum Phosphoricum • To make tomatoes and pepper seeds germinate better and make the young plants strong, do not put them too close to each other, because they may infect each other with blight, both late and early. Use Ocimum Basilicum for tomatoes, single dose, and for the peppers, use Chamomilla. • To stop fungus disease called stemrot in soybean, Silicea is the best remedy. Soak the seeds in Silicea to prevent it and use Equisetum and Chamomilla in the compost. Keep Carbo Vegetabilis at hand, just in case Silicea fails. Question: A year ago I used Silicea for fungal disease of Moringa Olefera [drumstick] plant. It flowered thrice, but not a single pod has grown. Is there a remedy for this problem? Answer: Silicea should be used only once. You may try Phosphorus to see if any fruits may still develop. Question: My mango tree is flowering after 20 years of being barren, but the fruits are falling when pea size. There are thousands of insects who move sideways fast which are sapping all the florets so that they dry out and fall. Answer: If the insects move sideways, they are mites. They also cause very fine and not extensive webbing between branches and leaves. Amblyseius Mckenzii is the remedy. It is available from www.considera.co.uk or www.narayanaverlag.de. As for your mango tree, this is a matter of feeding the tree. Get a bunch of old cow dung cakes and spread around the base of the tree. Water the tree every day; the nutrients in the dung will feed the tree. You can also give a dose of Phosphorus. Question: I bought a dumb cane plant. The leaves have started to wither; brown and yellow in colour and with some spotting. I sprayed this plant once, two weeks ago with an herbicide, but I haven’t noticed any improvement. What I have noticed is similar degeneration on a healthy, long-established plant I already owned. Is there any way to save them? Answer: Never use an herbicide [plant killer] on any plant you want to keep. The best solution now is to give a dose of Carbo Vegetabilis or, perhaps, Cantharis, but don’t use both on the same plant. Treat one plant with Carbo Vegetabilis and the other with Cantharis and see which works better.

Question: My potted plant is inside the house. The leaves are turning yellow and it looks like it is dying. I have the heater on as it is winter. Answer: Use Kali Carbonicum 6C. Put a bowl of water on the heater/radiator and make sure the plants are well away from the radiator. Question: I have a bunch of bamboo plants in the house in a glass pot and I change the water after 5-7 days. One of the plants was yellowing, so I checked and found that the first layer was rotten. I removed it with a knife. Almost all leaves of all plants are yellowing during winter. During summer, the tips of the leaves get dry. Please suggest a medicine for yellowing and drying. I have kept the plants for the past four years. Answer: First, re-plant them in larger pots. If the pots are too small, the earth is all gone and, thus, they dry out faster. Then, give Ferrum Phosphoricum. Question: In the chikku plant during rainy season, phytophthora, destructive parasitic fungi, really creates havoc. Can you please suggest a remedy? Answer: The best remedy is Silicea. If it does not work, try Carbo Vegetabilis. Question: In spite of much hard work, we developed blossom end rot on our tomatoes. Is there a way to prevent that? Answer: The symptoms indicate there is not enough calcium, so the fruit cannot properly form. The best remedy is Calcarea Carbonicum. Question: Last year, the peaches on our trees developed soft brown spots which got powdery later on, and then the fruit rotted. This is something called brown rot. Is there a solution? Answer: There are several options for brown rot. Manganum Aceticum is one. The disease may be caused by a lack of manganese. Molybdenum is another element that may be deficient and Molybdenum Metallicum as a homeopathic remedy can also help. Allium Cepa can also do it, when there are no nutrient deficiencies. You can send in your queries at mail@hpathy.com To join the animal welfare movement, contact: gandhim@nic.in

Maneka Gandhi is a noted politician, animal rights activist, writer and environmentalist. She is well-known for her books in the areas of etymology, law and animal welfare. She lives in New Delhi.

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GOOD FOOD

ALL IS WELL WITHOUT OIL You may have tried a variety of dhoklas with various flours, flavours and tempering, but have you ever tried a combination of oats, semolina and spinach — oats rava palak dhokla — for your dhokla batter?

By TARLA DALAL

This nutritious combo gives you all the essential nutrients including vitamins, protein, fibre, calcium and iron, in a sumptuous platter. The oats rava palak dhokla is a thoroughbred zero-oil recipe that does not even use oil for greasing. Amaze your family with such innovative dhoklas, which would definitely satisfy their taste buds. What’s more, they will be astonished when you tell them it’s made of oats and is oil-free! Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 7 minutes Makes 20 pieces

Ingredients • 1/2 cup coarsely powdered quick cooking rolled oats • 1/2 cup semolina [rava] • 1/4 cup fresh low-fat curd • 1/2 tsp green chilli paste • Salt to taste • 1/2 cup chopped spinach [palak] • 1/2 tsp fruit salt

Method • Combine the oats, semolina, curd, green chilli paste, salt and ¾ cup of water in a deep bowl, mix well and keep aside for 15 minutes • Add the spinach and 2 tbsp of water and mix well to make a batter of dropping consistency • Just before steaming, add the fruit salt and 2 tbsp of water over it • When the bubbles form, mix gently • Pour the batter into a 200mm [8”] diameter thali and shake the thali clockwise to spread the batter in an even layer • Steam in a steamer for 7 minutes or till the dhoklas are cooked • Keep aside to cool for 3-4 minutes and cut into diamond shaped equal-sized pieces • Serve immediately.

HANDY TIP For ½ cup of powdered oats, blend ¾ cup of quick cooking rolled oats in a mixer. [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

SUPPLEMENT WITH CARE Natural supplements are being increasingly used to combat stress, anxiety and depression. They are useful all right, but they need to be taken with prudence and preferably under medical guidance.

when taken in extremely high doses — for t John’s Wort, or Hypericum Perforatum example, ataxia and paralysis, or kidney was among the first natural, herbal issues. It may also be addictive. supplements to break into the The next is tyrosine. You may call mainstream market. It remains a leading natural antidepressant. It is suggested to act this amino acid ‘stress buster.’ Tyrosine like a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is an important building block for By Dr RICHARD neurotransmitters, including dopamine, [SSRI], similar to Prozac. It was also thought FIRSHEIN that the active ingredient in St John’s norepinephrine and epinephrine, or Wort was hypericin — but, recent research adrenaline. Tyrosine can be depleted during suggests that there may be a host of compounds at periods of stress. Taking tyrosine supplements builds work. Studies also evidence that it improves mild-toup a person’s reserves of this amino acid — this moderate depression. allows neurotransmitters to be produced. We can’t I’d like to tell readers to be careful though, about make dopamine or norepinephrine without tyrosine. using it with other antidepressants. The best thing It is evidenced that rebuilding the neurotransmitters to do is to talk it over with your physician, because somehow helps people to perform better under stress. the supplement may trigger sun sensitivity and also Initial studies with tyrosine were performed with interfere with anaesthetics, if someone is going in for army personnel during repetitive stress situations. a surgical procedure. Tyrosine was found to be helpful in such situations, and it works just as well with other kinds of repetitive Gingko is another useful natural remedy. It relieves stress, the kind you’d find with day-to-day work, or in mild-to-moderate depression. This may be attributed difficult situations where you have to be on guard, or to its reported ability to improve blood flow to the keep your performance up. Sometimes people find brain. There are also, perhaps, several mechanisms that they just get so exhausted, they’ve been working at work. Ginkgo works as a platelet activating factor and working and they get this sense of fatigue inhibitor — this means that it thins the blood. But, depression, where they say, “I just can’t do anymore.” at the same time, it also increases the amount of They start to become anxious and depressed. oxygen that can be transported in the blood. It works Tyrosine can help alleviate that kind of problem. as an antioxidant too and this is important to brain Tyrosine, however, should be taken under medical chemistry as well. supervision, if one is on conventional antidepressants If someone comes to me and says they are or antihypertensives, or medications to manage high depressed and are also feeling sluggish and have blood pressure. mental clouding, or are not thinking clearly, that is Let us finally look at s-adenosylmethionine, or when I start to think about ginkgo. It is suggested SAM-e [pronounced sammy], a chemical compound that people taking blood thinners should be wary of ginkgo. Well, if you have hypertension, a history that occurs naturally, though apparently not always of stroke, or are taking serious blood thinners, you at the proper levels, in our brains. This new kid on should be careful taking ginkgo. the block is being called the ‘miracle’ mood booster. Next on our list is kava, an herb you call ‘the key SAM-e definitely has its place in the treatment of depression. It’s crucial for the manufacture of to calm.’ Kava reportedly works much the same neurotransmitters, and when depressed patients are way like Valium — it inhibits the enzyme that is given SAM-e, they show increased levels of important involved in producing anxiety, or the anxious state. brain chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin. SAM-e I’d recommend it to people who are having trouble seems to also have the side-benefit of easing arthritis sleeping. But, you have to be careful; you don’t pain. I envisage it would be particularly helpful for want to take a lot of it [kava causes drowsiness] and people suffering from depression and arthritis, or drive a car, for example. Kava has stood on its own perhaps depression triggered by arthritic twinge. against Valium-type drugs in laboratory comparisons. However, kava reportedly has serious side-effects, 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].

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FIGHTING FIT

NURTURE NATURE, NOT SYNTHETIC MUSCLE POWER The term natural envelops almost every facet of life today — this includes muscle building. Here is a specialist’s analysis on what ‘natural’ bodybuilding is and what it is not.

physique goals are reasonable and obtainable. If he term natural has undergone multiple your goal is to eventually look like an Olympics revisions in the last few years. New and contender, then you need to find a black market ‘high-tech’ supplements have blurred the pharmacist and start looking over your shoulder. distinction between legal supplementation and I have spoken to nationally ranked competitors steroids. The addition of various pro-hormonal who were sadly asking the question, “How stacks and related supplements to the By KERRY many more drugs do I have to take.” Some were bodybuilder’s arsenal has caused most people DULIN frightened — they saw a dim light at the end to conclude that natural bodybuilding no longer of the tunnel and they know where it is leading exists. them. Ask yourself these questions. Is it natural to consume As a natural trainer, therefore, you must respect 5gm of creatine-monohydrate or 10gm of L-glutamine your genetics, you must respect your limitations and in a single serving? Is it natural to use taraxatone to you must respect your long-term health. Your training, increase muscular definition and then apply five coats nutrition, supplementation and recovery programme of pro-tan prior to competition? Does pre-digested ion must reflect your goals. If you’re going to call yourself exchange whey protein exist naturally? a bodybuilder, then train like one and educate yourself. The obvious answer is a big no. On the other hand, Anything less and it won’t work for you. while it is possible to achieve an impressive and healthy You should also be aware that valid and accurate drug physique without supplementation, you need to be testing is expensive and that cheaters occasionally go aware that the proper use and combination of legal undetected. This is a sad fact about our sport because supplements will increase the tempo of your physical natural athletes need and deserve a level playing field. transformation and that your competitor [should Once caught, however, is usually sufficient to ban the you decide to compete] is likely using them to their competitor for life. For the purpose of attempting to advantage. define the term, however, suffice it to say that the term For the professional bodybuilder the answer lies ‘natural’ implies that the athlete has not engaged in within the rules of the sanctioning organisation that the use of performance-enhancing drugs or substances they compete in. Always check the banned substances banned by the sanctioning organisation of a competitive list for the competition, and or sanctioning body that event. you are competing in. If you meet the requirements While this topic is controversial in some circles, it of the sanctioning body you can consider yourself to is important that natural athletes not try to assume a be ‘natural.’ On the other hand, several events are not moral superiority over our ‘enhanced’ brothers. Our drug tested at all. If you know in advance that you are sport has yet to receive full recognition by the public competing in a non-tested event and ‘get beaten’ by someone that you believe to be an enhanced athlete, you and quarrelling among ourselves will not help our cause. The important thing is that you should remain true to have no right to complain. You chose to compete under yourselves as athletes, and promote our sport, not only those conditions. in word, but also in deed. For a sound mind in a sound A natural bodybuilder must understand and respect body, and vice versa. their own genetic limitations. It is important that our Kerry Dulin, a world-renowned fitness guru, first got into professional bodybuilding at age 40. He won his first bodybuilding competition at 41. Now 54,with a physique that would put someone half his age to shame, Dulin has what he calls “a manageable programme,” 12 top trophies to show for his fitness endeavours and three health and fitness websites. He lives in the US.

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POISE & BALANCE

MIND THE BODY, BEND THE MIND Svadhisthana chakra is the basis — the abode from which most people express themselves.

By PREETI MANDAWEWALA

riters write, and painters paint, because they must — and, what they have in common is the expression of creative power. Creative activities are pertinent to svadhisthana chakra, where pleasure is defined according to our karmas. Svadhisthana chakra is primarily responsible for creative outcomes of our karmic seeds. Chakras are not just static plexuses; they are particularly dynamic. They represent the point at which physical and astral bodies are connected with each other. When a person sleeps, the conscious energy of his/her subconscious mind loosens their astral body and projects it to any aspect of one’s present life. The chakras are the substratum, the basis of individual human existence. This is explainable — more so, when one knows that the chakras are generally associated with the unconscious mind with their storehouse of mental impressions — samskaras — and, their counterpart in the brain, the unconscious mind. Individual beings take ‘root’ in the unconscious mind. Many instinctive drives that are felt at the svadhisthana chakra level emerge from the depths of the unconscious mind. This chakra is, indeed, the basis — the abode from which most creative people express themselves in the world. ASANAS In svadhisthana, we become aware of the senses, sensation [pleasure/pain] and emotions that accompany each pose. We allow our awareness of ecstatic energy to build in the second-half of the pose. This stimulates the body’s second chakra energy, which rules the water element, encourages flexibility and gracefulness; it is also cleansing for the body’s fluid systems. Suggested poses include: kapotasana, hastpadasana, bhujangasana, salabhasana, marjariasana, paschimottanasana and sirsasana. BHUNJANGASANA Technique 1. Lie flat on the stomach with your legs straight, feet together and the soles of the feet uppermost 2. Place the palms of the hands flat on the floor, below

and slightly to the side of the shoulders 3. The arms should be positioned in such a way that the elbows point backwards and are close to the sides of the body 4. Rest the chin on the floor and close your eyes 5. Relax the whole body, especially the lower back 6. Inhale slowly and raise the head, neck and shoulders 7. Straighten the elbows and raise the trunk as high as possible 8. Use the back muscles more than the arm muscle 9. The final position: the pubic bone remains in contact with the floor and the navel [belly button] is raised to a minimum of 3cm [If the navel is raised too high, the bend tends to ‘reside’ in the knees and not in the back] 10. Hold the final position and breathe normally 11. To return to the starting position, lower the navel, chest, shoulder and finally the forehead to the floor 12. Relax in makarasana. Benefits. This asana can reposition slipped disc, treat backache and keep the spine supple and healthy. A stiff spine interferes with all nervous impulses sent from the brain to the body and vice versa. Arching the spine improves blood circulation in the back; it also tones the nerves. This leads to better communication between the brain and body. HASTAPADASANA Technique 1. Stand erect with both feet together 2. Raise both hands above the head 3. Now exhale and bend forward until the fingers or palms of the hands touch the floor on either side of the feet 4. Hold your heel or ankle, keeping the leg straight 5. Now try to touch the knees with the forehead 6. Maintain this position for 30 seconds to a minute; breathe normally 7. Return to the starting position and repeat. Benefits. This pose is useful in preventing and eliminating stomach and abdominal disorders. It reduces excess flab in the abdominal region too; it improves digestion and helps to relieve constipation. It improves blood circulation; it makes the spine supple; it also tones the spinal nerves.

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

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

WHOLE & SOUL

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS Forgiveness is fundamental for peace of mind and harmony in our world.

By RADHANATH SWAMi

f we cannot forgive there is no possibility of any relationship surviving at any level, whether it is between husband and wife, friend and friend, neighbour and neighbour, religions, academic groups, castes and nations. Someone hurts us and we are angry. We feel that our rights have been violated. We pick burning hot coal of anger; it is angry red from within and we hold onto it day-after-day, week-after-week, year-after-year. Who suffers? We suffer. Holding onto that burning fire tortures us. It is a fact. Resentment and hatred and vengefulness — all of these qualities are like the burning, blazing fire. If we keep them in our hand, what will happen? It will burn all our virtues to ashes and all of our spiritual qualities too. It will make us miserable. This is akin to keeping toxic poison in our mind. Doctors know that emotional turbulence and hatred creates emotional and physical illness or disease. Forgiveness is the art of liberating oneself from that toxic deadly poison — one that destroys our spirituality, emotional content and health. Medical research too highlights how such negativity triggers progressive deterioration in every aspect of our life. According to our great saints, the definition of love is the capacity to endlessly forgive. The love of a parent is that they forgive their child, no matter what their child has done. Forgiveness means to actually be the wellwisher. We see brothers and brothers fighting with animosity, we likewise see friends and friends, or people of the same spiritual mission, or nations and nations, religions and religions up against each other — this inability to make the choice to forgive creates pain, suffering and chaos. We know that this can last from generation to generation. People cannot forgive what someone has done to their forefathers two hundred years ago. They still hate and they still want to avenge. This is the world we live in. As thinker William Bright said, “It is much easier

to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.” Does it make sense? It really should not make sense. But, it is the reality of our world because the most intimate relationship we have with someone, the more we expect from that person. Such expectations often speak in a way that one perceives for their benefit. When you put trust, faith, and affection in someone, you’d also know that you give them the power to hurt you –– more so, for not meeting your expectations. Brahmanas are worshipped by people because they have that quality of forgiveness. This quality of forgiveness is more illuminating than the light of the sun. Also, those who have the ability to forgive are invested with the power to access mercy and love of god. In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas were exiled by the envious Duryodhana — who also tried to kill them, betrayed them and cheated them of all of their rightful property and their service to humanity. He took everything away. One day, in the forest, Draupadi was crying. She said to Yudhisthira, “You should be on the throne. This is unbearable, we should go and we should do something to Duryodhana.” What did Yudhisthira say in return? He said, “If we become envious, then we have caught the contagious disease of Duryodhana. No. To be forgiving is real victory.” Yudhisthira praised him. When we are abused and cheated, we also have the power at the core of our heart to pray for the welfare of that person and forgive them. This is victory. This is also the greatness of the person. We should remember one more thing — that forgiving at the superficial level is not good enough. This is because actual forgiveness comes from the heart — this will take time. We may also sometimes be too hurt to forgive, but we know that by forgiving we will be relieved of the poison of hatred, resentment or guilt. We will be forgiven, if we forgive.

Radhanath Swami, a spiritual guide, is the author of the bestselling book, The Journey Home. To know more about his work on leadership and spirituality, visit www.tulsibooks.com. Website: www.radhanathswami.com

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

All is WELL

ASSERT YOURSELF The best thing you’d do is to make assertiveness a choice with your mind and heart.

1. Get to know or aim with a purpose for being ggression is the act of initiating assertive. There is no point being assertive for hostilities, or invasion. It is also the a cause that is, for example, related to your practice, or habit of launching attacks; wardrobe or, hostile behaviour or action. Assertion is the 2. Focus and improve your facial expression and act of asserting, or being inclined to bold or body language confident assertion. By NELRESSA 3. When you speak, look at the other person Being assertive is always better than wearing STALLiNgS straight in their eyes, without any premonition, a ‘skewed,’ or aggressive, attitude. This is not or predetermined thought as simple as it sounds. Because, assertiveness 4. Do not use gestures like an uninterested smile and nod is a delicate gap between being a bully and a gentle in agreement. Opt instead to make statements about how individual. It is also a thin dividing line. May be, the best thing to do is to think of assertiveness like the Zen master you really feel, or believe. Make actual points, not formal one-liners based on opinion. This is simply because you’d — in other words, treading the middle path by being balanced, and yet assertive. You need not please everyone need to back them as and when required 5. Choose your words carefully — not randomly. Use, for with your approach, or attract brownie points. All you example, “Would you please…” instead of “Would you need to focus on is to emerging with your head held high, mind…” treating others with respect and attracting mutual respect 6. Try to speak in first-person narrative. You should from them. When this happens, you are more likely to cut always take the responsibility to control your through the ice, or the rough road, and complete your thoughts. The reason is simple — this will help with tasks with more positive and better results. your communication and ideas, including E-mail, or When you please yourself while pleasing others by phone messages sound more effective and genuine being assertive, you make a statement — that you 7. Don’t be selective in your assertive ‘ammo.’ You need are not hesitant, or arrogant. You may sure ask — if to use it where it is needed — not where it is not assertiveness helps one to be more productive than being 8. Seek clarification, as and when needed — this will argumentative, arrogant, or passive, why are most people help your self-confidence and help you make better not assertive? The reason is simple — most people think choices or decisions of being assertive as being aggressive. This is one reason 9. Do not fancy yourself to be a face or mind reader with why most people don’t want to sound, or be identified, every person you meet, or talk to. This is because not as ‘aggressive’ or ‘domineering.’ This could be because everyone you meet can possibly think like what you of the fact that we ‘present’ ourselves to being peoplefeel or state pleasers, more so by putting the needs of others before 10. Do be closed or aloof. You need to be clear and our own. ‘assertive’ by speaking up The best thing you’d do is to make assertiveness a 11. Remember, it is one thing to think about the choice, a choice you have made with your mind and possible outcome of your words, or actions. It is heart. It should not be the beginning or end of things. precisely another to let the unlikely prospect or This is because when you choose to be too vigorous strong imagination stop you from being practical, or or too passive, you’re placing yourself at risk — to feel optimistic upset, manipulative, troubled, and snubbed. It is precisely 12. Remember — that by being more self-confident you for this reason that psychologists say that being not will have more happiness, a better image of yourself, assertive may not be the hallmark of good parenting and more positive results in your life, career and also upbringing. relationships. This will, in turn, assist you to be more Yet another point is that you also need confidence to be assured and assertive, without your lurking anxieties assertive. When you are not self-confident, what would or apprehensions. you do? You cannot buy assertiveness anyway — it is not Assert yourself, right now — there is no point waiting an over-the-counter [OTC] product. All the same, there for another day, another time to affirm that you know your is something you can do. This is simple, also powerful. beans, or job. Focus and launch your own assertive coaching plan with the following self-help pointers in mind: Nelressa Stallings, a copywriter-PR consultant, writer, teacher and ESL instructor, is a qualified life-coach. An Indophile, Stallings has worked and consulted at top companies like HarperCollins, Pentagram Design, Exceed Communications, Scholastic, and DirecTV, aside from Dow Jones. A resident of New York City, Stallings now lives in the Middle East.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

MIND MATTERS

THE MESSAGE IS THE MEDIUM Each individual’s life is unique — it includes elements of family and cultural scripts. The interplay of such scripts affects everyone’s life and, in so doing, unfolds our life history.

‘the way you say it,’ not just ‘what you say.’ A recent discussion on students’ life or tender, affectionate message is different from a career decisions got me thinking aloud. tense, angry, or disinterested message. Failure The question was, “Do children decide results from faulty, unrealistic and inaccurate their life and career paths, or parents?” programming. This is where high expectations When I analysed, I realised that neither of or unrealistic demands ‘hijack’ one’s psyche. them decide. It’s the environment in the family A psychological script is an ongoing that really decides. Life is a stage, also drama; it By AMITA QUENIM programme for life. It dominates the path that starts at birth and follows a programmed script. leads to a certain destination. The environment A child is showered with messages. This moulds of the family lays the foundation for the individual’s future. their behaviour, attitude and thought process. Culture, upbringing and exposure also play an important Parents are the primary scriptwriters. They provide role as the child grows up into an adult. It becomes easy the genetics and environment to children. This is a great for children and parents to make or take decisions about responsibility which they have to shoulder. They are their career when a strong foundation is created and instrumental in creating the right or erroneous emotional reinforced over the years. climate for the family. This may emerge in the form of I asked a young and successful lawyer, “Who or what warm or cold, mild or harsh — like temperature changes influenced you to become a lawyer?” She replied, “My — as also conducive or destructive forms. Such emotional father’s attitude inspired my decision. Ever since I was attitudes contribute to the child’s development. It also a child, he would return home and talk to us about his creates a world of difference when parents provide their profession and experiences. It was interesting because I children firm, but tender and loving care through positive felt I was a part of that interaction. His idea of justice was strokes. However, if you discount them, it may encourage influential. I imbibed the idea of responsibility for the legal destructive or non-productive scripts. profession and the importance of justice from him. The Every individual’s reaction is determined by a script. It’s environment at home made me choose my profession. I am all a process of what s/he learns, rehearses and acts. This happy with my decision.” is displayed through one’s actions and attitudes. Every successful person I’ve spoken to mirrored a Children are replicas of their parents. For better or similar response. The family environment, they reckoned, worse, parents do leave an imprint on the child’s mind. influenced their decision — this was also instrumental for It’s amazing that certain traditions and beliefs are scripted their success. through generations, though the reasons behind them may The drama of life is similar to a soap opera. It begins at be long forgotten. The following example sums it up aptly. birth and as children follow the script they learn to play the A bride served baked ham and her husband asked why role of heroes, villains, victims and rescuers and so on. she cut the ends off. “Well, that’s the way mother always Each individual’s life is a unique drama too — it includes did it,” she replied. The next time his mother-in-law stopped elements of family and cultural scripts. The interplay of by, he asked her why she cut the ends off the ham. “That’s such scripts affects the drama of each person’s life and, the way my mother did it,” she replied. And, when grandma thereby, unfolds our life history. visited, she too was asked why she sliced the ends off. She Happiness is achievable if parents create a happy and said, “That’s the only way I could get it into the pan.” Scripting from one generation to another is common. It is healthy environment in the family by exposing children to noticed in one’s style, the words they use, actions, attitudes different situations. This can also help and guide them to and beliefs. Our actions today prepare the script for the next make or take suitable decisions with simple things to begin with. Parents’ encouragement today will help children to generation. make the right choices and decisions in life tomorrow — Scripting messages are received from different areas more so, for major decisions such as choosing a career, in life — education, religion, health and wellness. They which normally appears difficult. This could now become influence the individual’s movements in life. The strength uncomplicated, thanks to the parents’ understanding of the of such messages also depends on your communication importance of a good family environment. power, conveyed through your strong emotions. It is, Amita Quenim is a clinical psychologist for over 33 years. A teacher, principal, first member of the jury for Children’s Court appointed by the government of Goa, a writer, columnist, member of Manipal Health and Education, and Director, Mandovi Hotels Pvt Limited. She lives in Goa.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

BY INVITATION

IT’S YOUR JOB. GRAB IT A job is no more than a means of fulfilling a need profitably, and the relationship between employer and employee is no more than a buyer/seller relationship.

interviews? Because, we’ve only turned up hat is a job interview? Typically, and to get a job. Our minds are solely focused unfortunately, it is a sales meeting on what for us is the big problem — we between two parties, one with little don’t have a job. And, boy, do we need one concept of what they are selling, and the — bad. The greater our need, the worse our other with only a vague understanding of performance. what they need to buy. In my experience there are fundamentally Small wonder, then, that these exercises two types of interviewees. The majority are in communication invariably end in tears — ‘job beggars’ who, by virtue of what they largely through the inability of both parties to By ALAN JONES say and how they say it, quickly give the listen, understand, and evaluate. impression that the only reason they have A person of my acquaintance was interviewed for an administrative position. Apparently, all come to the interview is because they need a job. The minority, and these are people who get hired, give the was well until he was faced with the question, “What is impression that they are pleased to be at the interview, your greatest weakness?” He replied, in effect, “I am not and would have turned up anyway. good at administration.” Naturally enough this showWe are now moving from a job-based employment stopper precluded him from being invited back. culture to a work-based self-employed society. To ease Now, this was a bit of a puzzle as I knew him to be an this transition our language must change accordingly. excellent administrator, so why did he say otherwise? The baggage that went along with the job begging “Well, there were three of them sitting there and I felt culture must be jettisoned, if we are to adapt to this new a bit outgunned. I hadn’t prepared for the question, the silence was deafening, my brain seized up and I just said world of work. The ‘job’ is something we will leave behind — it’s no the first stupid thing that came into my head.” Through longer a neat way to parcel up work. While we are at lack of preparedness he admitted to a weakness he it, let’s be bold and consign the word ‘interview’ to the didn’t have. He gave up on the question, lost the plot and the job offer. Does it serve him right for telling a lie? historical garbage bin. I, for one, won’t miss it — it was always too close to ‘inquisition’ and, perhaps, that’s why Imagine that you have a product to sell. After much it made us nervous. effort on your part the potential buyer agrees to meet You may still find yourself attending ‘interviews’ for you and says, “I’m busy and don’t have much time — ‘jobs’ in the old-fashioned sense for some time yet, but so tell me about your product.” Are you really going to you must make a resolute endeavour to understand say, “What would you like to know?” Many people do, them for what they are — sales meeting where you, the or they mumble a few incoherent words and quickly seller, are seeking to convince the buyer to hire your run out of ideas or, even worse, bore the buyer rigid services. with an unending diatribe of irrelevant and damaging The buyer is the one with the problem — you are the information, largely based upon how old the product is. solution. Why do we do ourselves such a disservice at Alan Jones is a career counsellor of international repute. He’s published five books, including Winning at Interview, How to Write a Winning CV, and How to Build a Successful Career, all notable best-sellers. He lives in Wiltshire, UK.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

Funny bone

WHEN SHUSH IS NO HUSH

It’s amazing how much is communicated with a ‘shush’ or ‘hush’ — or, without anybody actually saying a word. end of the whispering menace? You must be joking.

her husband who does not say anything, ne of the legacies that the British but looks forlornly in my direction. May left behind in India is Western be, she has now settled down, I tell classical music. Since Parsis myself. But, no. She discusses her health pretend to be more British than the Poms problems, their cottage in Lonavala and themselves, they tend to never miss the their neighbour. When somebody from the opportunity to attend a violin concert or front row shows her the finger-on-the-lip philharmonic orchestra, especially if the sush sign, she takes it out on her husband artists are from Europe. God forbid, if you By RUBY telling him how intolerant the world has missed one. Most Parsis are likely to ask, LILAOWALA become. “What? You missed the concert? Why? Was It’s amazing how much is communicated there a death in the family?” without anybody actually saying a word. End of the Well, well. I shall relate my recent experience at a whispering menace? You must be joking. “I want coffee phoren philharmonic orchestra at NCPA, Mumbai. in the intermission. So, you better run fast when the My better half and I were in the ‘D’ row, front and lights come on.” centre. Nice seats. The seats transformed the musical The arching necks and the ‘tsk-tsk-tsk’ pipe down experience for us. On my left, an old Parsi lady was bent as they always do in a public place when one person over the programme invite and read out the composers’ is violating a basic rule. I look at my hubby. He looks names with obvious delight to her hubby, “Arrey, apro [our] Chopin, ney apro Beethovan. Wah. Wah.” When you doubly trapped. We can only communicate with our eyes. Suddenly, a greater calamity arrives as the sit so close to each other at the theatre, you enter into musical signal of someone’s mobile phone goes off. She a narrative, become a part of the collective subjective pulls out her mobile and says, “Hello, hello,” and the consciousness and the story. You are transported from collective, pent-up shush, shush echoes in the audience. reality into your own personal transcendence. Welcome Rustomji Rubenstein shouts, “Shut-up. Zip your mouth.” into the world of Bomanji Beethovan and Merwanji Ms Cell Phone hears the collective protests and is Mozart. almost in tears as she exits the auditorium. As soon as the lights dimmed, there was the ohIt’s intermission. so-familiar setting-in-coughs. Then pin-drop silence The old lady’s husband zooms off for her coffee, while was interrupted by the man sitting next to my hubby, she tries to break the ice with me. She tells me, “Some “Conductor has come. The first violinist is bowing. people have no consideration for others. What do you Look Shirin, look.” Everyone around from ‘A’ to ‘F’ row think?” shushed him. “I think I’ll go out and have a cuppa of coffee,” I snap The concerto began in C minor and the guy in the ‘C’ and bolt into the foyer. No frills. No shush or hush. row put his arm around his girl. She responded warmly. The lady next to me whispers a running commentary to Ruby Lilaowala, a former special correspondent for Gulf Times and an ex-censorship officer for the government of Qatar, is a writer, columnist, life-coach and counsellor. She lives in Mumbai.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

CORPORATE WELLNESS

OF BRAINSTORMING & IDEATION Projects under execution are subject to more than a few problems. It takes an intelligent manager to use time-tested ‘techniques,’ such as brainstorming, to overcome them. In the process, one stays healthy and becomes wealthy.

it is. When man painted for the first time, rojects are tricky. They are caught the colours got stuck all over. Thereafter, between time and cost. If executed innovations taught us how to glove or wash on time, there will be a decent profit with oil. Innovation is at the core of our margin, and if delayed they will have a negative existence, while brainstorming augments connotation to business. It is, therefore, natural innovative forays. for top management to monitor projects on a In a brainstorming session, a problem regular basis and overcome complexities. By BADRINATH is defined to the group for out-of-the-box Inherent to projects are a clutch of problems. DURVASULA solutions. Standalone solutions are bound to They are so complex and novel that they emerge from participants. A simple example warrant substantive efforts to invest and could be: how to travel a distance without money? It is resolve. To be a successful project manager, one has to not easy, but it is not impossible. Yet another example look at innovative, cost-efficient solutions to overcome hurdles. The manager should tinker one’s ‘mindful’ wares could be: how to walk in the rain without getting between such challenges, which are galore, and yet enjoy drenched? One can see as to what is crossing your mind. In brainstorming, mental maps originate on problem quality leisure time at home. To attain such a balance, one should put their thinking tools in the right place — to detailing. Group ideation triggers such outcomes, though at an individual level, while structuring the idea results surmount problems and make money on projects. in convergence of thoughts. This refining ‘engineers’ Broadly speaking, the components of any project the solution and the effect, when tested, becomes the will include civil, mechanical, structural, equipment, resolution. electrical and other processes thereto. A road project To optimise brainstorming, an atmosphere of is different from a petrochemical complex. A water recognition to the individual is a must. Clarity for treatment plant is different from an offshore oil problem solving and a willingness to accept every idea as installation. A building project is different from a factory intelligent are pre-requisites. The sequence to practice is: complex. The only common ground is a set of challenges • Warm up to the situation that pop up at regular intervals. • Say yes to an idea and build upon it Of the techniques available in problem solving, • Cultivate the concept of mind mapping brainstorming is a simple practice. Brainstorming • Focus on your thinking is posed to the group, which knows the problems in• Instil a sense of fearless leadership and-out through experience. The sessions throw up • Get inspired on a continual basis. innovative and novel solutions. They are interesting This is the art we practice, without effort, in our daily for they inspire you to think — which is otherwise life. If structured, each project, we are engaged in, would unthinkable. be a successful project. One may wonder: if solutions are so easy to come by, The inference: success begets success and every why do they pop up at the first instance? Till such time manager becomes healthy and wealthy. the apple plunged for Newton, no one had discovered Now, to state the obvious — do you wish to be healthy gravity. Until the water spill occurred in a tub for and wealthy? Be a participant and a keyed up manager to Archimedes, nobody had discovered buoyancy. To brainstorming. experience a problem is no sin; but if it is not resolved, Badrinath Durvasula is Vice-President and Head, Legal and Strategy, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Mumbai. He holds master’s degrees in nuclear physics, law and management.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

THE WAY WE WERE & ARE

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RUDRAKSHA Since time immemorial, rudraksha beads have been considered auspicious as well as powerful. They are supposed to have profound health benefits.

raditionally, it is believed that one who wears the rudraksha is untouched by sins, and is protected from all impious deeds or thoughts. Rudraksha’s significance in enhancing good health has been noted by the scientific community as well. Rudraksha has its etymological origin in the Sanskrit words, rudra and aksha. Rudra is another name for Lord Shiva, and aksh means tear drop. Mythology has it that the rudraksha plant was born out of Lord Shiva’s tear drops. MEDICAl SIGNIFICANCE OF RUDRAKSHA According to ayurveda, wearing rudraksha can have a positive effect on the heart and nerves, and relieve you from stress, anxiety, depression, palpitations and lack of concentration. Rudraksha is also known for its anti-aging effect and electromagnetic and inductive properties. People with high blood pressure have been found to benefit from the use of rudraksha seeds. Rudraksha is not only worn on different parts of the body, but it can also be used as oral medicine. It pacifies vata [air], pitta [bile] and cough automatically. It is also useful for women during pregnancy. rudraksha paste is effective for skin diseases. It can be used in leprosy and is effective in curing sores, ringworm, pimples, boils and burns. SCIENTIFIC STUDIES One of the best known research papers was published by Dr Subhash Rai of the Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras. Dr Rai’s research confirmed that as scripted in ancient scriptures, Rudraksha beads do possess powerful electromagnetic, paramagnetic and inductive properties. The healing powers of the rudraksha bead are derived from such properties. Blood circulation and heart beats automatically induce a magnetic field around the body, particularly the heart. Accordingly, a balancing force is exerted on the heart to regulate it if it starts beating above or below normal rates. This action helps to ensure ideal blood circulation in the body. Depending upon the polarity and intensity of the induced magnetic field, rudraksha beads transmit subtle electrical and inductive impulses with opposing polarity and intensity. When rudraksha beads are placed over the heart, they act to stabilise the heart beat. Dr S P Gupta has, likewise, shown that consuming rudraksha powder orally can cure high blood pressure without any side-effects. For medicinal usage, rudraksha is worn by stringing it in

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

a metal wire that may be of gold, copper, silver or pancha dhatu [copper, bronze, gold, lead and silver]. It may be worn either on wrist, arm or other parts of the body. It can be worn around the waist to open the chakras and to control internal energies. MEDICINAl USES Blood purification. Take one part of rudraksha and six parts of water [ratio 1:6]. Boil the water. Crush rudraksha and put it in boiling water and stir regularly until it becomes onefourth in volume. Remove it from fire and use it as quath. Regular consumption of this along with honey purifies blood and acts as a general tonic. Breathing problems or cough. Take harad [an ayurvedic herb], adusa bark [vasaka] and rudraksha beads in equal proportion. Put all into water which should be three times more than the ingredients and boil them to make quath. This quath when taken with honey cures breathing problems, cough and general weakness. For good sleep. For better sleep, put some rudrakshas under your pillow. You can also make a paste of rudraksha beads and milk and apply it on the eye lid for getting good sleep. Controlling epilepsy. Use the pulp of rudraksha fruit or bark of the tree or the bead itself and make the powder. Jaundice, stomach ache or liver related problems. Take rudraksha, and other ayurvedic remedies like devdaru, chitrak, harad, daruhaldi, giloy, punarnava and dharangi in equal quantities and make a quath of it. Consume it regularly. For poisonous effects caused by bites of insects. Take rudraksha and the root of kakoda in 1:4 ratio and use one litre of water in making quath. Allow 90 per cent of water to evaporate. Now consume one tsp of quath with two tsp of ghee made up of cow’s milk regularly. For poisonous insects’ bite, apply the rudraksha paste with lemon juice in the affected area. For improving memory. Boil four or six mukhi rudraksha in milk and take it regularly for a month. WHAT MAKES A GENUINE RUDRAKSHA • When you boil a real rudraksha in water for six hours, or more, there would be no effect on the bead. A fake will easily disintegrate • A good rudraksha bead should not be broken at any end • A healthy bead should have well-defined natural corns and contour.

FITNESS EQUIPMENT

RESISTANCE BANDS: FLEXIBILITY BOOST Resistance bands are simple to use but are extremely effective at working your muscles. In addition, resistance-band training can help boost stamina, flexibility, range of motion and more.

ne of the benefits of incorporating band exercises into your workout routines is that the equipment required for it is readily available and affordable. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can use resistance bands. They come in a variety of resistances, including light, medium and heavy, and you can further adjust the intensity of your resistance-band workouts. What’s more, resistance bands are safe to use alone Where it is not a good idea to lift heavy weights without an exercise partner or a trainer, resistance bands can be safely used on your own. They are ideal for exercising any time, at home, or in the gym. Though resistance bands can be used for several body parts, as many of us are really concerned about bulging belly fat, here are a few simple exercise types that you can try with your resistance bands for fabulous abs that you always wanted. Exercise 1 • You need to anchor the resistance band to a high hook, like on top of the door. Grasp the handles and go down on your knees facing away from the door. This is your initial position • You can keep your hands on your shoulders or in front of your face • At that point do the crunch that exerts pressure on your abs. Exercise 2 • Secure the band low, lie down on your back and hold the handles with your arms extended above your knees, palms facing down. • Roll your shoulder plates from up the floor while stretching the band and slowly lower yourself [back] down after a short pause • Keep your arms extended throughout. Exercise 3 • Secure the band low, lie down on your back and hold one handle with your hand on the same side on top of your belly, palm facing down

• Roll your shoulder plate from up the floor while stretching the band towards your other side and slowly lower yourself back down after a short pause • Keep your arm extended throughout. Exercise 4 • Secure the band high, kneel down on the floor and hold one handle with your hand near shoulder, elbow bent • Tilt your upper body forward and rotate it while stretching the band towards your other side’s knee and slowly raise yourself back up after a short pause • Keep the angle in your elbow constant throughout. Exercise 5 • Secure the band at medium height, stand up and grab both handles with your hands, arms extended out in front of your abdomen • Rotate your upper body towards your left and slowly return to your starting position before going to the right side and returning • Keep your arms extended out in front of you throughout. Exercise 6 • Secure the band low, stand up and grab both handles with your hands, arms extended out in front of your hips • Rotate your upper body towards your left while bringing your hands up — slowly return to your starting position before going to the right side • Keep your arms extended throughout. Exercise 7 • Secure the band high, stand up sideways and grab both handles with your hands, arms extended up on top of your head • Tilt your upper body to your left and slowly bring it back after going to your right side and then returning to your starting position • Keep your arms extended up above your head throughout. HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

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HOME[O]PATHY

POPEYE’S FAVOURITE CAN BE YOUR FAVOURITE TOO Spinach, a medicinal powerhouse, can be consumed raw or cooked. It, however, provides more nutrients when cooked.

o you know that cooking spinach actually increases its health benefits? Just half a cup of cooked spinach will give you thrice the amount of nutrition as one cup of raw spinach. This is because the body cannot completely break down the nutrients in raw spinach for its use. We all know that Popeye, the sailor man, got his strength by consuming a lot of spinach. In fact, the popularity of Popeye helped boost spinach sales and led to increased consumption of spinach among children. Well, what we might not know is that children who consumed spinach due to their fondness for their favourite cartoon character, Popeye, actually got a rich dose of vital nutrients that help fight against several disorders. Rich in vitamins and minerals, spinach also contains healthpromoting phytonutrients, such as carotenoids [beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin] and flavonoids that provide powerful antioxidant protection. Spinach is loaded with proteins and iron. Due to its high nutritional content, and medicinal properties, spinach does wonders for your skin, hair, and bone health. It also improves blood glucose control in diabetics, lowers the risk of cancer, as well as asthma, also blood pressure, it improves bone health, and more. Spinach is high in fibre and water content — this helps to prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive tract. NUTRITIONAL INDEX Most of the calories in spinach come from proteins. Spinach is also one of the best sources of dietary potassium, weighing 839mg per cup [cooked]. To compare, one banana has about 539mg of potassium. Spinach also contains approximately 250mg of calcium per cup [cooked]. However, it is less easily absorbed than calcium from sources like dairy products. Spinach has a high oxalate content, which binds to calcium deeming it unavailable for use in our bodies. Spinach is also one of the best sources of dietary magnesium, which is necessary for energy metabolism, maintaining muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, a healthy immune system and blood pressure. Magnesium supports several biochemical reactions that occur in the body too. Spinach also contains vitamin K, dietary fibre, phosphorus and thiamine. One cup of raw spinach contains 27 calories, and provides

for — • 0.86gm protein • 30mg of calcium • 0.81gm of iron • 24mg of magnesium • 167mg of potassium • 2813IUs of vitamin A • 58mcg of folate. HEALTH BENEFITS Diabetes. Antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid [ALA] in spinach has been shown to lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in diabetics. Studies on alpha-lipoic acid have also shown that it decreases peripheral neuropathy and/or autonomic neuropathy in diabetics. Cancer prevention. Spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is evidenced to be effective in blocking the carcinogenic activity. Asthma prevention. The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients and spinach is rich in some of these. Lowering blood pressure: Because of its high potassium content, spinach is suggested to reduce high blood pressure levels. Bone health. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important — it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium. Healthy skin and hair. Spinach is high in vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Spinach and other leafy greens high in vitamin C are imperative for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair. Iron-deficiency is a common cause of hair loss — this can be prevented with the intake of iron-rich foods, like spinach. DID YOU KNOW? Freezing spinach diminishes its health benefits. The best thing to do is to buy it fresh and eat it the same day. Some research studies show that taking spinach in juice form is a healthy way to consume it. You’d blend it with other vegetables or fruits to create a delicious glass of juice, or a green smoothie.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

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HEALTH HAPPENINGS CHRONIC INFLAMMATION & PROSTATE CANCER

Chronic inflammation in benign prostate tissue is associated with aggressive prostate cancer, according to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention, a journal published by the American Association for Cancer Research. For the study, researchers examined benign tissue from biopsies of 191 men with prostate cancer and 209 men without cancer. They found that 86.2 per cent of prostate cancer had at least one tissue sample with signs of inflammation, compared to 78.2 per cent of men without cancer. Those whose benign prostate tissue had chronic inflammation had 1.78 times higher odds of having prostate cancer, and 2.24 times higher odds of having an aggressive disease, compared with those whose benign prostate tissue had no inflammation. According to Elizabeth A Platz, DSc, MPH, at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, US, “Our team is next studying the type of inflammatory cells that may be influencing the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.” This study is a stellar example of multidisciplinary research involving epidemiologists, pathologists, immunologists, urologists, and biostatisticians. SLEEP APNOEA: SNOOZE AT THE RIGHT TIME Millions of people around the world suffer from sleep apnoea. It causes them to repeatedly stop breathing during sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. Now, help is on the way. Every night for five years, Kathy Gaberson donned a facemask — connected to hoses and compressed air. This continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP, was the best treatment available for Gaberson’s sleep apnoea, which had been steadily wrecking her health. “I was driving my car locally and stopped at a stop sign and fell asleep at the stop sign,” Gaberson told reporters.

Ryan Soose, MD, Director, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Division of Sleep Surgery US, is studying a new implantable device, the Inspire upper airway stimulation therapy. “The device itself is a pacemaker-like device that is placed just under the skin of the right upper chest.” The Inspire is connected to an electrode that stimulates the nerve of the tongue, preventing the narrowing of the throat. “The patient has a remote control to turn it on and off when they want to use it,” Dr Soose said. Gaberson felt a slight tingling in her throat when the device turned on, but said the feeling didn’t keep her from getting great sleep for the first time in years. “I woke up in the morning refreshed,” Gaberson explained. A study from The New England Journal of Medicine reports that two-thirds of the patients using the upper airway stimulation device had control of their sleep apnoea, meaning less daytime sleepiness, improvement in snoring, and better quality of life [QoL]. The batteries can last about 5-10 years, and there is a simple procedure to replace them when they do run out. SILLY PUTTY COULD ADVANCE STEM CELL THERAPIES

Researchers at the University of Michigan [UM], US, found an ingredient in Silly Putty that could advance stem cell therapies. The sponginess area where

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

HEALTH HAPPENINGS human embryonic stem cells grow affects the type of specialised cells they eventually become, according to researchers. For the study, the team designed microscopic posts made of polydimethylsiloxane, a key ingredient in Silly Putty. By varying the post heights, they could adjust the stiffness and softness of the posts. The researchers found the stem cells grown on tall, softer posts turned into nerve cells much faster and more often than those grown on short, stiffer posts. As Jianping Fu, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, UM, put it, “To realise promising clinical applications of human embryonic stem cells, we need a better culture system that can reliably produce more target cells that function well.”“Our approach is a big step in that direction, thanks to the use of synthetic microengineered surfaces to control mechanical environmental signals.” LACK OF EMOTION MAY SIGNAL YOUR BRAIN IS SHRINKING

A new nasal filter, about the size of a contact lens, has been shown to greatly reduce allergy symptoms in a preliminary study in Denmark. Researchers from Aarhus University tested a new filter, which is inserted into both nostrils, against a filter-less placebo. They found patients with the filter experienced less sneezing, itching, and running nose — all symptoms associated with pollen-related allergies. Researchers were also curious how the nasal filter would affect breathing, but they found patients with the filter experienced 75 per cent less irritation in the throat than those with the placebo. The filter, called Rhinix, will be tested on a larger scale this fall. AIR POLLUTANTS & HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANT WOMEN

A new study shows older people who have apathy, but not depression, may have smaller brain volumes than those without apathy. For the study, more than 4,000 people with an average age of 76 underwent an MRI scan. They were asked questions that measure apathy symptoms, like lack of interest, lack of emotion, dropping activities, preferring to stay home, and lack of energy. The study found people with two or more apathy symptoms had 1.4 per cent smaller gray matter volume and 1.6 per cent less white matter volume, compared to those who had less than two symptoms. As Lenore J Launer, PhD, with the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, US, observed, “The fact that participants in our study had apathy without depression should turn our attention to how apathy alone could indicate brain disease… If these findings are confirmed, identifying people with apathy earlier may be one way to target an at-risk group.” NEW NASAL FILTER SHOWS PROMISE FOR ALLEVIATING ALLERGIES

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

Breathing outside polluted air increases a pregnant mother’s risk of developing hypertension, according to a study from the University of Florida, US. Researchers examined medical data from more than 22,000 women pregnant between 2004 and 2005, and environmental data from the same period. They found mothers heavily exposed to four air pollutants were more

likely to develop a high blood pressure condition, like preeclampsia, during pregnancy. Researchers also found these pollutants may be just as toxic to mothers as cigarette smoke. As researchers explain, foetal development is extremely sensitive to environmental factors. Hypertension, in particular, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, causing a lot of problems for the mother and foetus, including preterm delivery.

STROKE WORSE FOR PEOPLE WITH INFECTION Researchers at the University of Manchester, UK, have now discovered a key to why and how infection is such a bad thing for stroke sufferers. The researchers show that rodents with pneumonia did worse after having a stroke than those without the bacterial infection. The study showed how infection worsens the damage caused by a stroke, but also demonstrated how. Researchers identified blood cells called platelets, which normally help to stop bleeding, and a molecule that normally helps people to fight infection as the key culprits in making the effects of a stroke even more devastating. Says co-study author and Professor, Stuart Allan, “The results of this new study strongly suggest that patients with stroke, especially if they have preceding infections, could benefit substantially from anti-inflammatory therapies.” CERVICAL CANCER CLINICAL TRIAL: 254 INDIAN WOMEN DIE The three-cluster randomised controlled trials looked for a cheap screening treatment for cervical cancer for introduction into the public health programme. The death of 254 Indian women from modest backgrounds in the course of a 15-year US-funded clinical trial in India, reports The Times of India, has triggered a raging debate about its ethicality. The trial was for a cervical cancer screening method and the women who died were part of a control group kept without screening to study death rates in unscreened populations. It is a well-established fact that any kind of cervical screening reduces the incidence of the cancer. Yet, almost 140,000 women in the control arm of the trial were not screened. After a complaint made to it, the

United States Office for Human Research Protections [OHRP] determined that the women were not given adequate information to give informed consent. Those arguing that the trial was unethical also say it violated the international ethical guidelines on medical research, the Helsinki Declaration’s guidelines, which clearly state that “The benefits, risks, burdens and effectiveness of a new intervention must be tested against those of the best current proven intervention”. Even Indian Council of Medical Research [ICMR] guidelines stipulate that a placebo can be used only if the disease is self-limiting, or when no proven preventive, diagnostic or therapeutic method exists. JIMA SHUTS SHOP The Journal of the Indian Medical Association [JIMA], one of the oldest medical periodicals of the country, published from Kolkata since 1934 has ceased publication. The journal’s March 2014 issue did not roll out of the press, following the Indian Medical Association’s [IMA] decision to handover JIMA to a private firm. A section of IMA members has opposed the decision in court and a verdict is awaited. JIMA is the world’s most widely circulated medical journal with 1.7 lakh subscribers. JIMA is also one of the first scientific journals to be published from India. Medical legends like Nilratan Sircar and Bidhan Chandra Roy were closely associated with JIMA. It was at Roy’s initiative that the journal was started by the IMA — then headquartered in Kolkata. Nilratan Sircar was the journal’s first editor. Eminent doctors like Kumud Shankar Ray, Paramesh Kar, P K Guha and A B Mukherjee have edited JIMA in subsequent years. It was now edited by noted physician Sudarshan Chakrabarty. Trouble had been brewing since last October when the IMA decided to hand the journal over to a private firm, ostensibly to make it profitable. Senior doctors and IMA members argued that the JIMA has always run on a ‘no-profit’ basis and was actually making a small profit. “It was not in the red and was serving its purpose quite effectively.”

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

SELF-HELP

the LeADeR in YoU The best way to become a skilful leader — from the sports arena to the workplace, whether as a player, coach, executive, or whatever — is not to set out to become ‘perfect,’ but rather to aim to be effective all the time.

or many of us, Saturday or Sunday afternoon is time to sit in front of the TV, and watch a cricket, tennis, or football match. It ain’t really the time to be thinking about management principles and/or leadership. Here’s why. In spite of everything, what do batting, bowling, catching, volleying, kicking, passing, and/or blocking, have in common with getting your sales crew to meet their annual targets? Or, for that matter, pulling the programming team together to launch the next version of your software on time? get the point Here’s how. When you ask your kid’s cricket coach in school, you will know the guy is a decent player. And, that he knows the game better than you, perhaps, do. You’d also know that the coach has led his school team to success in only his second year of coaching. What you may not know is he’s also spent the past four years studying the subject of leadership. When you quiz him, your kid’s coach may just as well be humming: “Leadership is a chronicle of our championship season.” He’d also say, “This is the main reason why I am

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

planning to write a book, because leadership is a topic that has interested me for a long time.” LeARn FRoM LeADeRS In fact, your kid’s coach spends much of his free time travelling around the country and speaking to corporate groups about leadership. It is, of course, a hot topic. With leadership skills frequently cited as one of the top qualities companies seek in their executives, there is no shortage of interest in the subject — especially in the corporate world. In his speeches, the coach often relates to lessons learned from reading the writings of sports legends, military leaders, educators, corporate leaders, and other coaches. And, naturally, s/he frequently draws parallels from their own experiences on the sports field — without much fanfare though. As one coach notes in one of his lectures: “When I reviewed the sequence of events of the season, it became apparent that virtually all of the leadership qualities and characteristics I identified were tested in the cricket season.” The coach, you’ll know, is obviously referring to certain obstacles his team faced before their ultimate

SELF-HELP success. He adds, “In the second season, conquering adversity was our hallmark.” The coach’s effort, so far, has not been an attempt to define leadership, although he says that he believes that “leadership might best be defined as the ability to influence the behaviour and actions of others to achieve an intended purpose.” 12 LAWS oF SUCCeSS To bring home the point, the coach also outlines 12 principles — which are simple and self-explanatory — for building effective leadership skills. He explains: “What this does, I think, is it gives people a general idea of the qualities of leadership that are needed to be successful.” 1. Be values-oriented 2. Be prepared 3. Be self-disciplined 4. Be knowledgeable 5. Be performance-oriented 6. Be a communicator 7. Be a motivator 8. Be a problem-solver 9. Be a team builder 10. Be opportunity-focused 11. Be self-assured 12. Be courageous. Needless to say, they are all principles one should value and champion wherever they are. Adds the coach, “My principles are ‘about being proactive.’” He observes, “Leadership isn’t going to come to you. You need to reach out for it.” He adds, “Confidence, of course, is a key quality, inherent in any leadership position.” This, in other words, only means that confidence cannot merely be a sheer force of will. It has to be born of the ability in what you do — a zeal or passion for what you do, and an energy level required to sustain your role as a leader. Energy and passion have long been skills required by successful leaders. Your kid’s coach emphasises, “Winston Churchill used to take a two-hour nap every day. He used to work seven days a week, over 18 hours a day, because he was able to maintain a certain energy level.” All of us are not Churchills — but, there is no reason why we cannot find a part of Churchill, or better still a Mahatma Gandhi, in ourselves. Such principles and characteristics are extremely important, underlines the coach, again. In so doing, he highlights a major lesson he learned while researching and writing his seminars, “What became apparent to me is how many top leaders develop leadership qualities in others.” He elaborates, “They spend an incredible amount of time and resources in developing the leadership qualities in people working in their organisation. It is an important quality.” ASK the Right QUeStionS According to your kid’s coach, “Too often people think of leadership as being someone who is in the absolute position of authority and who is supposed to have answers to every situation.” “In its place,” he says, “the most inherent quality

of leadership is first recognising that you aren’t the final authority, and that sometimes being a good leader is as simple as asking the right questions.” It’s a lesson your kid’s coach sure takes to heart. In his own words, “I’m never going to pretend to have all the answers. But, I know how to find them and I surround myself with good people.” While your kid’s coach has a certain appeal for those with an interest in sport, his ideas are not just for sports fans. Anyone, he observes, who has an interest in leadership can learn, just as he has from other leaders. “The qualities, I need to coach the boys, are the same a business leader, a politician or even an educator needs,” he says. After all, adds the coach, “The word, coach, is nothing more than a perceptible euphemism for teacher and leader.” He explains, “Possessing the essential mental attributes for a leadership role may collectively involve something as simple as knowing how best things can be done. In other words, if you are not prepared to exhibit a constant level of energy, those around you will not respond as much as you would want, or expect, them to.” He concludes, “The best way to become a skilful leader — whether as a coach, an executive, an administrator, or whatever — is not to set out to become ‘perfect,’ but rather to aim to be effective all of the time.” The connotation? There’s no better time than now to practice and implement the idea — at every step of the way. — Adapted and redacted from Ellen Stuhlmann’s “Leadership Principles: From the Football Field to the Executive Suite,” in The CEO Refresher.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

SUPER FOODS

BERRY BERRY GOOD Grapes and pears are not just wholesomely nutritious fruits; they also have proven preventative and therapeutic effects.

rapes are good fruit. Growing grapes is the largest food industry — there are more than 60 species and 8,000 varieties of the fruit worldwide. Grapes come from the Vitaceae family. They are classified as either European [Vitis Vinifera], or American [Vitis Labrusca]. Grapes are actually berries. They grow in bunches, either as small shrubs, or winding vines. Grape varieties include white, or green, and black, or red and blue-black. You also, likewise, find table grapes, seedless grapes, and several other forms of the ‘berry, berry good’ fruit. Their flavours differ from each other just as well. Grapes are a wholesomely nutritious, low-calorie fruit. They are made up of about 80 per cent water. They are a good source of potassium, vitamins, iron and fibre. Grapes contain phytonutrients, or nutraceuticals — active substances that protect our body from ill-health, certain cancers and heart disease. The phytonutrients in grapes include quercetin, anthocyanin, catechin and resveratrol. These compounds are packed with antioxidant properties. New studies suggest that resveratrol has potential anti-cancer and heart-healthy compounds, not to speak of anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and other properties. Antioxidants present in grapes have also been shown to strengthen blood vessels, boost immunity and manage allergies, no less. Studies suggest that flavonoids found in the skin and seeds of dark and purple grapes can have palpable health benefits. 1. Red and dark grapes are suggested to lower your risk of developing blood clots that lead to heart attacks 2. Grapes help reduce ‘bad’ [LDL] cholesterol, prevent damage to blood vessels in the heart and maintain a healthy blood pressure 3. Grapes are a great snack. Eat grapes instead of fatty nibbles 4. Grapes can also be freeze-dried and eaten as a healthy snack, any time of the day 5. Make sure to drink unsweetened grape juice — because, grapes contain a good amount of natural sugar. You’d also opt for a lighter option: eating the fruit fresh to derive full or wholesome health benefits.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

PEAR DELIGHT This succulent fruit has a fruitful history — it dates back to ancient times. The legendary Greek poet Homer referred to pears as a “gift of the gods.” While the ancient Romans used ‘grafting’ techniques to develop more than a handful of varieties of the fruit, they also introduced cultivated pears to other parts of Europe. In recent times, several varieties have been developed, providing the same good taste and health benefits to more and more people across the globe. Fresh pear is rich in pectin — a soluble dietary fibre — which is also found in apples. A pear with 170gm weight, for instance, provides 4gm of dietary fibre, 40 per cent of which is pectin. There are no calories in dietary fibre — an essential part of a healthy diet. Fibre, as you know, helps to maintain healthy bowels and regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Research suggests that a high fibre diet — with adequate hydration — may also help to reduce the risk of colon cancer. This is because dietary fibre in the colon ‘binds’ to toxins and ‘flushes’ them out of the body. The outcome is also lowering of cholesterol levels. Dietary fibre ‘binds’ to cancer-causing substances [carcinogens] too in the colon and prevents them from damaging the colon cells. Research suggests that this may be one reason why diets rich in fibre, such as pears, are associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. Get the idea? Serve and savour the delicious fruit for yourself and all your loved ones, because pears are beneficial for a healthy gut and overall well-being. What to buy? ‘Firm’ pears of all varieties; the colour can vary from light-green to yellowish-green and pale yellow to rich yellow. Pears, which are hard, will ripen when kept at room temperature. It may also be a good idea to select pears that have already begun to soften just a little bit — this would make sure that they ripen satisfactorily. What not to buy? Saggy, or wrinkled, grapes or pears with a dull-appearing skin, or ‘weak’ flesh. Such pears will not ripen the way you would want them to. Also, avoid pears which have blemishes on the sides, or ends.

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KASHMIRI DELIGHT KongPoush is, perhaps, the only place in Mumbai to serve authentic Kashmiri food with Shikaras — real wooden boats in which you sit and dine — what with the well-known Kashmiri hospitality in tow. Accessories from Kashmir, exclusive pix of the valley, soothing music and flowing waters ‘filled with the chill,’ thanks to the profound AC effect, are ‘replete’ with the classical Kashmiri

ambience. KongPoush sure takes you on a trip to Kashmir without actually having to go there. The restaurant is famous for its fare of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, like goshtaba, rista, roganjosh, dum aloo, haakh, tamatar chamman, kahwa and phirni, among others. For bookings, call: 022-6539 1201.

THE IDEAL GETAWAY Mayura River View, located on the banks of the River Kaveri, in historic Srirangapatna, the land of Tipu Sultan, near sylvan Mysore, is an ideal getaway. The lovely resort encompasses of 20 river-facing cottages and double rooms, in a lush green environ, besides a restaurant and bar. It also offers guests the facility of river-rafting and boating on the River Kaveri. Looking for a real value-for-money holiday retreat? Look no further. For bookings, call: 0823-6252114.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

CELEB FITNESS

IMRAN KHAN’S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

mran Khan instantly became a teen craze postrelease of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, his debut movie produced by his superstar mamu [maternal uncle] Aamir Khan. Apart from his acting talent, he has also inherited from his mamu that characteristic charming chocolate-boy looks and passion for fitness. A selfconfessed healthy eater, Khan stays away from sweets and colas and follows a disciplined lifestyle with a combination of good food and regular exercise. We bring you excerpts on Khan’s diet and fitness regime, by courtesy of celebfitness.blogspot.in. DIET INDEX Imran eats non-vegetarian food, but is not a fussy eater. He eats everything. My morning begins early, generally around 7:30 am. I begin my day with cold milk with some chocolate in it. If I have breakfast, it’s generally omlette. For lunch I have dal, chawal, vegetables and chicken. When I go for a shoot, I carry my lunch. A must-have for lunch is chicken; I need the proteins because I tend to lose weight quickly. My favourite vegetable is baingan ka bharta. I carry home food because set food is oily. I also carry fruits. My favourite fruit is kharbooja.

HOMEOPATHY & YOU | JUNE 2014

In the evening I eat a roll or a frankie or a sandwich. I like to eat a chicken tikka roll. I like to sip. Water, a lot of it. My dinner time varies, because I have no idea when I’ll return from the shoot. My dinner is the same as my lunch. Street-side food. Bhel puri has a childhood memory for me because my mom and I would always eat it together. I love vada pav. I pick it from any street where it’s available. My comfort food is dal chawal. I feel guilty about nothing. I don’t eat sweets and I don’t even drink soft drinks. I relish: Gujarati food. I have a friend who is a Gujarati and I love the food at his place. I don’t know the name of the dishes, there is this karela stuffed with maida and khatti meethi dal. My favourite ‘poison’ is. Beer. I am not a dessert person. Unlike some people, I don’t crave sweets. I like dark chocolates though. FITNESS REGIME Currently, yes. Because, I am doing an action film. I workout. Aamir has his own gym. I go there around 5-6 times a week for about two hours.

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