DISEASE CAUSING GERMS

Germs are not thr primary cause of diease. They can be secondary cause of disease. If the body is healthy and has no impurity any number of germs body. However if a body is full of foreign matter and germs of a particular disease enter it, they can create the symptoms of that disease. Germs live on foreign matter has no foreign matter in it. The germs live on the foreign matter and cause it to decay. Types of diseases and their classification From the point of view of health, there are three dimension of human body spiritual, mental and physical. A person should be regarded as completely healthy if his spirit mind and body, all three are healthy. Disease are of three types according to these three aspects of a human being they can be 1) Spiritual disease 2) Mental disease and 3) Physical disease

1) Spiritual disease:- There is such a close relationship between body, mind and soul that if one of them is sick the rest of them also become sick verysoon. Body has been compare with a rose flower made of paper, which has no small. The outer portion of a rose is its body and its fragrance is its soul. The greatest spiritual illness is not to have faith in God who has created the entire world. Another spiritual illness is untruthfulness and lack of knowledge. The third spiritual illness is bad character Mahatma Gandhi has said that repetition of the name Ram is the remedy of all spiritual diseases. He used this remedy in his life with good effect. 2) Mental disease:- Mental illness is more dangerous than physical illness. It is surprising that mental illness arise because of very ordinary things which can be taken care of if use of our intelligence. Some of the mental ailments

are hatred, worry jealousy, fear, lack of faith etc. Mental diseases can also be caused by lack of good environment. There is also a psychological cause of mental illness. 3) Physical diseases:- All the ailments which are caused by the presence of forein matter in the body are known as physical diseases. Physical diseases can be divided into two categories, acute and chronic disease. Acute diseases- cholera, cold, loose motion etc. are acute disease. They diseases arise suddenly and also subside in a few days. Acute diseases cure themselves. When when too much foreign matter accumulated in any part of the body it is escpelled through acute disease. Chronic disease- When foreign matter is suppressed within the body and gives mird trouble for along time it is known as Chronic disease. When disease becomes acute and it is uppressed again and again it becomes chronic. Alternative therapies The term alternative therapy is generally used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that has not been scientifically documented. Alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplined that include everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning to lifestyle changes. The term alternative therapy refers to systems of medical thought and practice which function as alternatives to our subsist outside conventional mainstream medicine. Alternatie therapy cannot exist absent an established authortotaive and stable medical orthodoxy to which it can function as an alternative.today what we know of as alternative therapy has roots going back 5,000 years and similar healing traditions. For thousands of years these diverse medical tradition held a belief in the energy of the body and

need for harmony between mind body and spirit. Doctors simply facilitated the healing process by identifying and removing obstacles. Throughout most of the 19th century doctors used the same skilss as todays herbalists, osteopaths and dieticians they were generous with time and empathy. Meaning The natural medicine present in alternative therapies are age old as compared to western form of treatment such as antibiotics and surgeries. The medicines are safe and involve natural substances. One primary objective of alternative medicines is tosilence people from dpepnding largely on drug usage and help them manage their lives naturally. People following an alternative medicine may do physical exercises such as osteopathy, yoga, infuse physical activity, maeditation and reflexology

Definition Therapies are called alternative in case they are used instead of the conventional methods. Alternative medicines has been used for treatment of many diseases since the olden days. Alternative therapies have gained interests world wide, there are some like humor and radium therapy that are no longer in use. Therapies does not have side effects, they are ore cost-effective as compared to medical treatments. Alternative therapy includes practices that incorporate spiritual or religious basis. It is healthier because it relies on natural substances. We can find different methods such as Aromatherapy, based on breathing in aromatic oils or massaging them into the skin for physical or emotional health or homeopathy based on using harbs and other natural substances to heal. People believe our bodies were being poisoned

by the drugs that most doctors prescribe. Alternative medication change our outlook towards life. We tend to be more positive and optimistic with our approach in life, especially if we practice yoga, meditation or laughter therapy. Experience with alternative medication alternative therapies has appealed to individuals for more than on reason. While conventional medication have managed to save millions of lives worldwide, in some cases they fail to fight the root cause of the problem. Individuals resorting to alternative therapies might end up indulging in yoga, meditation and other physical mental and spirituals gains. The different types of alternative disease which are discussed in detailed are as follows: Naturopathy Diet therapy Colour therapy Magnet therapy Massage therapy Aroma therapy Reiki therapy Acupressure therapy Ayurveda Homeopathy

Naturapathy : The science of naturopathy or nature cure is as old as Nature itself. It is oldest of all the prevailing systems of medicine and thus it can be called the mother of other systems. All important aspects of Ntaure cure are given in Vedas. Such as fasting and treatment by water. Naturapathy tells how to live in a natural way. It tells what to eat and drink and when. It teaches how to sleep and relax. It explains that the five lements which make up our body should be utilized in the state of health as well as in ill health so that one lives a long and blissful life. Nature ramoves the foreign matter from our body through stool, urine, sweat and breadth. If one falls sick one can use this natural process to get rid of foreign matter from his body and become healthy again. Nature cure teaches that we must not suppress the outward symptoms of disease, like high temperature or loose motions, but to co-operate with nature in the process of eliminationg morbid matter from the body. Nature cure recognizes ten baic principles. These principles would enale to maintain good health and live a long healthy life full of joy. These ten principles are: 1. All diseases are same their causes are same and their treatment is same. 2. Germs donot cause diseases. 3. Acute illness is not an enemy but a friend. 4. Nature itself is a doctor. 5. Treatment is not of a particular disease but of the entire body of the patient. 6. Diagnosis of the diseases is not necessary. 7. It takes a time to cure a patient suffering from chroni aliments. 8. Suppressed disease come to surface through nature cure.

9. Simultaneously treatment of the body mind and soul. 10.No medicines should be given to the patients during nature cure treatment. It is true that nature cure has been the ancient system of the treatment in India. But the credit for revival goes to western countries. This cannot be denied. The treatments given at present in nature were well known in India in ancient times though there names were different for example: water sipping was known as achman, sitz bath as Jalsprash, enema as vasti and steam bath as Sved Snan. Similarly the purpose for which sun bath is taken modern time was served by Surya Namskar. For eye disease at present sun grazing technique is used which is similar to tratak. Air cure of modern time was Pranaym. Naturopathy, nature cure are the names gien to the system of treatment in which five lements are used to restore the health of the patient. 1. Ether (Akash) 2. Air (Vayu) 3. Sun (Agni) 4. Water (Jal) 5. Earth (Prithavi) 1. Ether (akash): Ether element is the most effective of all the five lemnets just as the supreme reality or god is formed as. Similarly etheri is also formless but is a reality. Just as the supreme reality is indestructible ehetr is also industructibel. It is not destroyed even at the time of Maha Pralya Therefore contact with ether element gives us good health and inner piece. It is beleivd that the God or Devtas live in the Ether element who are immortal. By coming in contact with ether element tough we donot become immortal but we attain long life and remain healthy. It improves our a

health mentally, physically and spiritually. The ether element is also the basis of the universe. Fasting is apowerful means to attain this element and achieve piece and bliss. When one is sick we increase our vital force through fasting because then the body is given rest from other activities and regains the ether elements which was deficient in the body as a result we become well ourselves. The functions of ether elements are sorrow, anger, love and fear. In the body the ether element is specially located in the head, though, heart, stomach and hips. Ether which exists in the head is part of the air which is the main medium of Pran. In heart ether brings radiance and it exists in bile which digest food. Instomach ether is a part of water. This makes possible all activities of expulsion of foreign matter. In hips ether is a part of earth. It is more gros and is the basis of smell. Just as ether is all around us it is also within us. Between holes in the skin there is ether. We should not try to fill the empty spaces of occupied by ether. We donot over eat, our body will remain light. One should fast once ina week or once in two weeks. Besides fast our vital force increases by Celibacy and self control, simple and brightful living, mental balance and discipline, rest and relaxation happiness, recreation and deep sleep. Fast: Fats word originated fromfasten means determination. The purpose of fast is to give complete rest to the digestive system. Infact it is only during the period of fasting that the digestive system gets rest, as a ordinarily we eat two or three times daily because of which it has to work constantly. In india fast has been given much importance since ancient times. In our religious books fast has been regarded as a means for purification of mind

and body. Among the believers of Jainism fast has special case in their religion even today and to graet extent is so among hindus. Fasting is anatural condition. Birds and animals require fasting sometimes. A sick animal has greater perception about its health than a sick human being. When an animal sick it doesnot look even at his speed no matter how good it is. When we fall sick we also have no apetite but we donot follow the direction of nature and continue to eat food though in a small amount and suffer because of it. Fast is a powerful means to get rid off the foreign matter which is the cause of sickness. During fast all the vital force is engaged in curing the diseases. Fast by itself doesnot give new vital force but it removes the poison from the body and becomes healthy and strong. A person who is healthy and has no poisonous matter in his body not need fast. But if he also fasts from time to time he would always remain healthy. Fast not only removes impurities of the body but it also purifies the soul. Fast is the best means for physical and mental purification. It is wrong to regard fast as intake of reduced quantity of food than is required. Types of fast 1. Morning fast 2. Evening fast 3. Fast by taking one thing at a time 4. Fast of juice 5. Fast on fruits and vegetables. 6. Fast on milk 7. Fast on butter milk. 8. Complete fast 9. Weekly fast 10.Short fast

11.Strict fast 12.Broken fast 13.Long fast 1. Morning fast: this the easiest fast. In this only morning breakfast is given up. Lunch and dinner is taken. This is known as no breakfast system. 2. Evening fast: this is knwn as half fast or one time fast. In this one meal is taken during the day and dinner is not taken. 3. Fast by taking one thing at a time: In this fast only one food item is taken at a time for e.g. if bread is taken in the morning only vegetables are taken in the evening. 4. Fast on juice: During fast no solid food is taken only juice of juicy fruits is take or soup of vegetables. Milk is also not allowed. 5. Fast on fruits and vegetables: During this fast only those fruits should be taken which a person may digest easily. 6. Fast on Milk: This fast is also known as Milk treatment. During the fast only milk should be taken four or five times during the day. The milk should of a healthy cow. 7. Fast on Butter Milk: if the digestive system has become week one should fast on butter milk instead of milk. Before starting fast on milk or butter milk, if one observes complete fast for one or two days it is much more than efficient. 8. Complete fats: in complete fast one takes only clean water and no food, eithet solid or liquid. 9. Weekly fast: if one observes complete fast once a week it is known as weekly fast. This helps to keep one healthy and chances of any diseases are reduced. 10.Short fast: if one observes complete fast for three to seven days it is known

as short fast. 11.Strict fast: this fast is for generally incurable diseases. In this fast all the rules of complete fast should be strictly observed. 12.Broken fast: During broken fast complete fast is observed for two to seven days and then for a few days light natural food is taken. Then again complete fast is observed for the same number of days as before. This fast is used to cure painful diseases. 13.Long fast: In the long fast complete fast is observed for a long time. No fix time is decided before hand. It may last from two days to fifty to sixty days. Generally this fast is broken when natural hunger is felt or when after the consummation of all foreign matter the necessary and healthy tissues of the body begin to be consumed. Effect of fast on the body: 1. Digestive system: just as when we et too much its effect is seen on stomach similarly when we fast its effect also seems on stomach. On second or third day of the fast one feels very hungary which makes one restless. When this hungers stop giving trouble poison begins to come of the body and this goes on for three to four days depending on the amount of poison in our body. During this period the body is powered for self treatment is at work. When all poison in the body is destroyed the stomach becomes light and real hunger appears at the same time. Tongue becomes clean and the body begins to feel light. The fast also effects the intestine. The cells of the intestine had to work less and their power is generated. 2. Evacuation of Bowels: Fast effects expulsion of waste from intestines. First the quantity of foreign matter is reduced. Often there is pain in the expulsion of foreign matter and sometimes there is bleeding. After two or three days foreign matter doesnot comes out by natural process, and it is

than necessary to take enema. 3. Temperature: as an engine needs fuel to ru it similarly our body needs food. When we fast are temperature should go down. But It is seen that there is no change in the temperature of the body for four days and after that some times temprature is increases. 4. Pulse: the pulse fluctuate during the fast. Therefore the mediacal scientists have no yet come to any conclusion about it. During some stages of fast the pulse remains normal while in some stages the pulse rate is reduced. 5. Blood: during fast there is change in the composition of blood. The number of white cells is reduced as fast goes on. The number uninuclear cells is reduced and the number of eosinophils and ploy nuclear cells increases. 6. Blood pressure: when the intestines are full of foreign matter the blood pressure increases. During the fast when the intestines are clened the blood pressure goes down. 7. Liver: generally when we eat to much are liver enlarged, because it has to over work. During fast more biles comes out of liver because of which the waste matter depoited in the instines is cleaned. 8. Urine: if sufficient water is not taken during fast the quantity of urine goes down. However, if water is takenin sufficient quantity the discharge of urine is normal or slitly below normal. 9. Skin: during the fast of juices the sweat glands in the skin expels urea, which is poisonous because of which the sweat has bad smell. After the lots of sweating the skin becomes soft and smooth and many diseases dis appear which were caused by the presence of poison in the blood and the body. 10.Nervous system: because of fast the blood is purified and the bad effect of toxins on brain and the nervous system is removed. Many ailments of

nervous system is cured by fast. 11.Weight : if a healthy person fasts, there is not much change in weight for one or two days. But if an over weight fasts he losses weight about 2 kg in two or three days. After that he losses half kilogram weight per day. 12.Breath: for two or three days after beigning of the fast very bad smell comes out of the breath. But after five or six days the smell goes away. Treatment through fasting: 1. The metabolic process which take place in our body produced foreign matter which should be expelled constantly. Through fast blood is purified. During fast oxygen which we inhale burns the foreign matter. 2. Our body is made of five elements out of which ether is most valuable our body derives strength from ether during fasting. The acute disease like high fever, diarrhora, dysentery, loose motions, cold, cough cure themselves.

AIR ELEMENT (VAYU) Out of fine elements air is the second elements which is necessary for life. Air is Pran of all the living beigns. We become restless if we do not get air ever for one minute. If for a little longer time we do not get air we would die. Therefore, air is most essential food for human beings. A person breathes 10 to 18 times in a minute. We inhale about 20 to 30 square inch of air when we breathe in and is one day we inhale 32 to 37 pounds of air. More than one hundard muscles of our body ae involved in the process of breathing. Air we consume each day is seven times more than the quantity of food and water e consume. Many gases are present in the air. When we inhale air, the nitrogen part of air is not used by air is not used by our body. Oxygen is present in air combines with blood in our lungs and purifies it. Blue blood becomes red. The red cells in the blood taken up oxygen when blood passes through lungs and take it to each cell of the body. In the cells oxygen combines with some matters and produces heat. This process is known as oxcidation. The food we eat is digested and its various components go to cells oxygen burnes them like a candle burns in air and produces light and heat. AIR BATH OR MORNING WALK Just as we breathe through our nose, we also breathe through millions of pores in our skin. During morning walk we go through fresh air and, therefore, we also call it air bath. During morning walk the pores of our skin can breathe in fresh air. It is best time if we go out almost naked. For morning walk one should choose a place away from inhabitation where air is flowing in natural environment, where there are trees and ponds. Air is purified by sun water and trees. One should breath deeply while walking. By taking deep breath we intake Pran Shakti, which is necessary for all life and which

regenerates our body. A person who goes on morning walk should also keep his mind free from tension and worries. He should feel the pleasure of walking in fresh air .he should look at the beauty of nature around him and fill his mind with spiritual thoughts. Benefits of Air Bath There are five kinds of air in our body 1. Pran 2. Aapan, 3. Saman, 4. vyan and 5. Udan. They perform their function properly if they are pure. It is through air bath that all these fine kinds of air in our body are purified. There is not part of body where air does not exist, and there is no activity in the body which takes place without air. The air which circulates all over the body is called Vyan. The air which expels stool and urine is called Aapan. Digestion of food and maintenance of body temperature is done by Saman air. The air which maintains vital force in our body is called Pran Air. The task of Udan air is to stop the body from falling and to help in supplying blood to all the small and big organs of the mind and the power of brain awake from it. Sun Element(Agni) Sun is the on of the fire elements which are behind the creations. However while, while ether and air are not seen as god or creator is not seen, Sun element can be seen. The Shastra have laid down the rules how to worship Sun God. Even today Hindus and Parsees regard Sun as God. The sun not only gives light but also intelligence and long life. As it is written. May the big Light (Sun) which lightens the world give me wisdom and long life:- in Shsatras Sunday is regarded as the day of Sun. it is the Sun element which fulfills all the remaining four elements ether, air, water and earth. The Source of Light: Sun and the Solar system

1. Sun : It is white like mercury, but it has seven colours in it. It is very hot. 2. Moon : It is white silver. It is cool 3. Mangal: it is red like coopes. It is hot. 4. Buddha: It is green. It is impotent. 5. Brihaspati: It is golden. It bestows talent. 6. Shukra: It is Indigo. It gives strength. 7. Shani: It is dark blue. It is lame. 8. Rahu: Our earth, it is black. It has power to attract the rays of other planets. 9. Ketu: The shadow of Earth. It is light blue. All these lants go around the sun and get their colour from it. On the earth rays of different colours come from different planets besides the rays from Sun. therefore the mixture of rays from the planets and the rays from the Sun changes and produces different effects on people living earth. Effect of Seven colours of Sun light on Human Body: 1. Red rays: Metals which radiate red rays are Iron, Titanium, Zinc, Copper. If there is lack of red colour in the body one feels lassitude, has constipation, chronic colds. Diseass in which red colour is beneficial are: Ailments of the blood stream, Anaemia, Physical Disability, paralysis cold. Red color controls the root chakram. Spiritually, red strengthens will power and courage, overcoming faintheartedness and lack of faith. 2. Organ Rays: Orange has a freeing action upon bodily and mental functions, relieving repressions. Orange light helps to reduce tolerance. At the same time it strengthens the will. For this reason it is used to stimulate those suffering from mental debility. 3. Yellow Rays: Yellow stimulates the third Chakra or solar Plexus, the great brain of nervous system, controlling the digestive process in the stomach.

Yellow helps to purify the system through the eliminative on the linear and intestines. It cleans the billions of body pores which expels. 4. Green rays: Green colour is the colour of Nature, the color of balanced strength, the color of progress in mind and body. Green stands for harmony, possessing a soothing influence upon the nervous system. Green stimulates the cardiac chakram or the heart center. Green is very good for all eye ailmenst. 5. Blue Rays: Blue controls the laryngeal Chakra or throat centre. The blue rays is one of the greatest antiseptic of the world. Its light is cooling soporific, astigent. Blue light transmitted through the correct glass compounds will stop bleeding of the lungs decrease fevr and cure soare throat. 6. Indigo Rays: Indigo is a great purifier of the physical blood stream, and also a tremendous mental freeing and purifying currents of our finer bodies. 7. Violet Rays: Violet controls the crown Chakram known as the thousand petalled lotus and is linked in our physical bodies to the pituitary gland, that initiative centre of spiritual perception. Violet or purple isoften termed the Power Ray. Violet has great inspirational effect. 8. White Rays: The White Rays is not any ray in the sense of the color rays. It is a combination of all seven rays. It is a combination of all seven rays- a perfect blending of the spectrum reproducing the original white light. Spiritually, the white light of supreme power, purity and perfection. 9. Sun Bath: Spread a blanket or mat or gorund on such a place where there is plenty of Sun Light but where there is not strong wind. The head should be protected from sun by a piece of wet cloth or an umbrella. It is good if sweating starts, but one should not prolong Sun bath so that sweating takes place.

10.To start sweating one should drink warm water before starting sun bath. Through sweat the foreign matter in the body is brought out. The sun rays break the foreign matter in the body and it is expelled through sweat, urine and stool. Benefits of sun bath: According to the principles of Sun bath the body is diseased because there is deficiency of any of the seven clorss in sun light or there is too much excess of any color in the body is removed. Besides this the foreign matter is expelled from the body through sweat.

Water Element: Water is the fourth element among the five elements which make our body 70% of our body is made of water. Our eyes conatins 98.7% water, lungs 79%, heart 79.5%, blood 80%, bones 25%, and brain 90%. Water gives strength and satisfaction to body. It removes the impurities of body and refreshes it. Water gives rise to six forms of ras and is like nectar or Amrit to all living beings. It qualities are lightness, coolness, mobility and purity. Types of water There are three types of water Soft water, Hard water and medium water. 1. Soft water: Water which comes to us through rain, in rivers or in shallow wells is soft water. In soft water soap produces foam easily. This is the simple way to know if the water is soft. 2. Hard water: Ground Water is often hard, specially when it is from deep wells. It has many minerals dissolved in it. Soap does not lather easily in hard water. 3. Medium water: It has some minerals dissolved in it. But they removed when it is boiled. The effect of cold water is differed if it comes in contact with the body for a few moments and if it comes in contact with the body for a long time. Momentary contact with cold water 1. It increases the temperature of the body. 2. It increases the activity of skin. 3. It increases blood vessels of the body. 4. It strengthens the activity of heart. 5. It contracts muscles. 6. Increases digestive power. 7. Slows down breathing.

Prolonged contact with water 1. It decreases body temperature. 2. It diminishes activity of the body. 3. It decreases blodd pressure. 4. It weakens the activity of heart. 5. It does not effect much the digestive power. 6. It slows down breathing. 7. It contracts the muscles. There are different types of bath which are very useful in treatment of many diseases. 1. Ordinary Daily bath 2. Dry friction bath 3. Cold friction bath 4. Sea bath 5. Foot bath 6. Hip bath 7. Hot hip bath 8. Sitz bath 9. Spinal bath 10.Eye bath 1. Ordinary daily bath: Water used in daily bath should be pure and cold at the temperature of about 650 F. soft water should be used for taking bath. 2. Dry friction bath: Plams of the hands, rough towel, sponge or very soft brush can be used in dry friction bath. Dry body is rubbed vigorously from head to toe till it warms up. Dry friction bath produces the same heat in the body and purifies it in the same way as hot water bath. But it does not harm the skin in any way as hot water harms.

3. Cold friction bath: In cold friction bath the palms of hands are dipp in water and then the body is rubbed by wet palms the same way as is done in Dry friction bath. 4. Sea bath: Bath in sea should be taken in the same way as in river. Before entering the sea one should plub his ears with cotton so that sea water does not enter the ears. Sea bath is beneficial to those who are suffering from go out. 5. Foot bath: Bath feet are dipped in water kept in a broad vessel up to ankles for about two minutes. Then the feet are rubbed by a rough towel. Then one should walk briskly for 5 to 15 minutes. This removes the weakness of feet. 6. Hip Bath: A special tub is needed for hip bath which has a reclining back and in which when a patient sits his legs are outside the tub. After sitting in this tub full of water, only thighs and body up to navel are under water. The temperature of water should be between 18 to 36 0C. hip bath should be taken without any clothes in a closed room. The head should be covered by a towel. In winter the protion of body outside water may be covered by a blanket. In hip bath small towel is kept in right hand and the belly below navel is rubbed by it, from right to left and from upper portion to downwards. This removes foreign matter from the kidneys. Hip bath should be taken for 5 to 15 min in the beginning. After hip bath one may take full ordinary bath and then rub the body with a dry towel and wear clothes. Some light exercise should be done to warm the body. Benefits of Hip bath Hip bath cleans the stomach and increases blood circulation in liver, spleen and intestine. It has a magic effect on the digestive system. It removes constipation, headache and gas. It is beneficial in case of piles, jaundice and stoppage of urine.

It is also helpful in case of disturbed menstrual cycle of women. 7. Hot hip Bath: In this the water in the tub is above body temperature at about 40 to 450C. while taking hot hip bath one should cover the head with a cold wet towel and before starting it, one should drink a glass of cold water. One should dit for 5 minutes in hot water, then for three minutes in cold water.

YOGA THERAPY
Every Indian should have to be aware of the Yoga. Yoga is a typical Indian system to keep away the physical, mental or any other kind of disorder. It is widely accepted and practiced throughout the world in different forms of ways. Yoga system was originally founded by Patanjali in the 100s BC. The Yoga Sutra, is the first work of this school of philosophy Yoga according to Patanjali, is a methodical effort to attain perfection. This is achieved through the control of the different elements of human nature both physical and psychological.

Importance of Yoga

The mechanization of world and the advancement of science and technology have provided us with enormous ranges of creature comports. We have used it to move further towards the wrongly chosen valueless philosophy of loge and comfort driven mode of living generating, restlessness, tensions, stress and horde of new diseases and disorder. It is indeed a pity that man, the intelligent being, has chosen this dark path of self inflated pain and suffering for him self and total annihilation of life. Man burns and ruins himself in the fire of the unending cravings his dire desire for fulfillment. We want to be happy but often find that the circumstances of life pull us back in to the mire of discontent desperation and worries.

Disciplines in Yoga

Each person who desires peace for the whole world us praise worthy. But one can not achieve the goal only by desiring it. Every mother wants her child to be healthy, wealthy and wise, but how many of them can make it possible? Every

student and every player wants to make best presentation, but how many gets success? It is good to desire the best, but only that person can get success', whose devotion is deep and long standing. When a mother understands the lows of health and growth and creates the environment accordingly, definitely her child becomes healthy when a player properly understands the rules and regulations of the game and starts playing accordingly, gets the success definitely. The some rule applies to the field of Yoga

Meaning of Yoga

The word 'Yoga' is present with lots of meaning for astrologers and palmistrions it is the situation of star5s, for Mathematicians is used for adding two, three or more numbers. Literally the word Yoga means 'Union' the union of the finite with the infinite. This shows that yoga has different places. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root Yuj (To join, to use to concentrate one's attention on) meaning to kind, join, attach and Yoga to direct and concentrate one's attention on, to use and apply. Etymologically the word 'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root Yugira meaning to write to combine or to integrate. Gradually the word yoga has three different meanings: 1)Yugira Yoga : Grammatically the word yoga has been derived from the Sanskrit root Yugira. 'Yugira Yoge' means union. The Union of citta and soil is yoga. This is the meaning of Yugira Yoge.

2) Yuga Samadhi: The word 'yoga' derived from the sanskirt root 'Yuja' "Yuja Samadhi" stands for dhyana or Samadhi. While interpreting the word yoga in his

commentary on various Upanishads and the Gita Sankaracharya considered the word yoga as derivative of the root 'yuj' meaning Samadhi. Maharishi Vyasa in his commentary (bhasya) on Patanjali's 'Yoga Sutra and Yojna, Valka on 'Sarva Darshan Sangraha' in the contest of Patanjali's Yoga Darshan interpret. The word 'Yoga' as 'Samadhi'.

3) Yuja Sanyamane: Grammatically, the word yoga is used as the meaning. "To control the senses" Philosophically, the word 'yoga' means union with the supreme spirit. What unites is with the supreme spirit is yoga. Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means union from this root is derived the English word 'Yoke'. The union implied here is an eternal truth. It is not something to be achieved by artifice, such as couples uniting, in wedlock or nations uniting on the strength of peace treaties. Yoga signifies the essential unity that is the basis of life. In the highest sense Yoga as spiritual union signifies the souls' Union with the God. Thus yoga means "Union, balance and a harmonious state of mind: bridging the different aspects of life connecting the individual consciousness with the supreme the consciousness, the union of the two. The lover and the beloved the seeker and God, Sever and Sakti, Ida and Pingla, the, sun and the moon, active and passive.

Definition :Yogaschitta Vritti nirodhah - Patanjali Yoga- Sutra 1/2

DEFINITION OF YOGA: 1.Swami Satyananda Saraswati: "Yoga is not an ancient myth buried in oblivion. It is the most valuable inheritance of the present. It is essential need of today and the culture of tomorrow."

2. Swami Sivananda Saraswati: "Yoga is an integration and harmony between thought, word and deed or integration between head, heart and head.

3. Pandit Shri Ramsharma Acharya: "Yoga is an at art of living."

4. Bhagwadgita: "0 Arjuna", be stead fast in Yoga'. Perform your duty nd abandon all attachment to success or failure, such evenness is called yoga.

5. Brahama Kumari: "Yoga means establishing the mind in the consciousness of God, or having mental link with God."

6. Shym Swami: "Yoga is a state of steadiness and full control over senses as well as mind and the Intelled"

TYPES OF YOGA 1 Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti Yoga is the easiest and natural way for God- realisation. It is deeply concerned with our life. This path of devotion is for everyone. Anybody can practice it. Even the vilest man can start and gradually improvement will take place. The Narada Bhakti Sutra defines Bhakti in the Second Verse as follows.

Meaning: Bhakti is the Supreme love for Him (God). The object of real devotion is the only God and nothing else. This love should be pure and powerful; there should not be any kind of selfish idea associated with it. Therefore one should not expect any thing like wealth, prosperity or any worldly object from God-not even the happiness.

2. Gyan Yoga: The word Gyan literature means knowledge and wisdom, thus it is known as Yoga of knowledge or wisdom. What is that knowledge? It is understanding or experience of the Self. To know the self through knowledge, or wisdom is GyanYoga. The path of Yoga deals directly, with the highest of all human desires-the desire to know the truth-and it gives an explanation of what truth means and shows the practical ways of realizing it. Truth is that which is not the subject to change, death, decay and destruction. It never changes at any times, it was never born, and will never die. It is self existent and does not depend on anything. Gyan Yoga is the science that provides a systematized and organized method of study in order to fulfill this desire to know the truth.

3. Karma Yoga: The Karma comes from Sanskrit root 'Kri' which means to do. Karma literary means action, which every one performs in this world, whether or unconsciously. The human beings have a natural 'tendency to perform something. The Gita says "Karma is the expression of the rule of perfect justice within us. It is the law of the "Cosmos reflected in the microcosm. There is nothing arbitrary or punitive about it. It is universal law and inevitable fact. All the phenomena of nature are governed by one important law, the universal law of causation, which is also known by the name of 'the law of Karma'. The law of causation is a universal law that keeps up the inner harmony and the logical order of the universe. Man's deeds are subject to this law.

4. Raja Yoga:

The word Raja Yoga is found in many of the Upanisads. It may be regards as the master of all the yogic practices. All the Yogic Practices lead to Samadhi, but the specialty of the path is that it starts from Sarnadhi. Hence the Samadhi comes in every path, thus it has been considered to be the complimentary practice of Yoga or the greatest path of Yoga. The importance of Raj yoga has been accepted very widely the great Hatha Yogi Swatimaram also says in Hatha pradipika as: Kevalam Rajyogaya Hathavidyopnidisyte - Hatha Pradipika Meaning: The lesson of Hatha Yoga is only for the attainment of Raja Yoga.

5.Hatha Yoga:

Normally people understand Hatha Yoga means the Practice of Yogic. Postures force fully, whether it takes lot of energy or makes the practitioner exerted. But it is definitely not the same. The word 'Hatha' has, been used in Yogic texts and ancient literature in a different meaning.

Meaning: The word 'Hatha' is made up of two Bija Mantra: 'Ha' and 'Tha', where 'Ha' represents sun or Pingala Nadi and 'Tha' represents moon or Ida Nadi. Basically the union of these two Nadies is called Hatha Yoga. The another meaning of these two Bija can be understood as follows:. Tha' represents Prana, The vital energy and 'Ha' represents mental energy. So Hatha Yoga means the union of the puranic and mental force.

6. Dhyan Yoga: What is the real meaning of Dhyan (Meditation)?. It is state of pure consciousness, which transcends the inner and outer senses. The word meditation is derived from two latin words: meditari (to think, to dwell upon, and to exercise the mind) and mederi (to heal). Meditation -usually refers to a state in which the body is consciously relaxed and the mind is allowed to become Calm and Focused. The climax of Dhyana is Samadhi. In Indian tradition, it is used for inner soul illumination. Western psychologists link it with a special state of mind. The techniques and nature of meditation on may very but modern scientific researcher validate and highlight its benefits. The practice of meditation helps in building up the coping ability. The practitioner of meditation slowly becomes aware of the inherent dormant potentialities and thus prevents himself from becoming a victim

of distress. 7. Mantra Yoga: The root 'Man' in the word Mantra comes from the first syllabus of the word-meaning 'to think' and 'tra' from 'trai' meaning to project' or 'free' from the bondages of Samsara or the phenomenal world. By the combination of 'Man' an 'Tra' comes Mantra Mantras have great significance in the mental and spiritual evolution of harmony. These' also manifest treminds results in the physical world; they could be powerftil like a Patton tank om an atomic bomb. Our spiritually empowered, eminent ancestors- the riser, knew this fact and had therefore developed a whole gamut of mantras for specific purposes and had also devised the methods of experimentation with the use of these subliminal tools.

8. Kundlini Yoga: The human body is the most excellent boon conferred by the Almighty and the person who comprehends his own body completely, realizes and subtle mysteries of the entire universe. All universal faculties are concentrated as the force of life. Inside a human body which the scriptures term as the vital powder known as Kundalini. Kundalini is derived from a Sanskrit word Kunda which means a pit. Another-'root is kundal and which means the "Coiled one". Basically, it is the divine Cosmic energy, the absolute pure energy; the power of the self which is permeating every visible and invisible reality, including the mind which grasps them. Kundalini also symbolizes the spiritual energy that lies sleeping, coiled like a serpent, at the base of the spine. Every human kundalini; However, in most humans the Kundalini lies d6rmant in the Perinium, Farming a three and half circles coils.

9. Astnga Yoga: Astanga yoga is often known as the path of Patanjali. The sage Patanjali taught a comprehensive yoga system that become a spiritual school unto, itself. According to Patanjali, in order to experience true reality one must transcend the body and mind. In his yoga sutras he outlined the following special stages.

1) Yama and Niyama:. Ethical restraints and moral observations. ii) Asana : Physical postures. iii) Pranayam:.. Breathing exercises. This uses various cleansing techniques of the normal passage, throat stomach, and bowels; it is used to enhance the pranayama. iv) Pratyaharo - Sense withdrawal v) Dharana vi) Dhayana vii) Samadhi Concentration Meditation Super consciousness

10 Kriya Yoga: Based on techniques of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a yogi, stresses the path to eternal Tranquility, emphasizing the stillness of sensory in put.

BENEFITS OF YOGA
Yoga brings perfection, peace and calmness of mind. Yoga has a great effect on Physical, mental, social, moral and spiritual development. Physical Benefit:(1) Asanas with pranayama control our breath, increase longevity. (2) Balance our all body systems. (3) Increase immunity. Mental Benefit:(1) Yoga have a positive impact on the effect of stress and diseases. (2) Rectify physical, physiological and psychological disorders. (3) Strengthens the mental growth. Moral Benefit:(1) Increases emotional stability. (2) Yama creates positive principles in one's life. (3) Niyama makes self -purification. Social Benefit:(1) A better society can be activated through yogic practices. (2) One's can achieve personal benefits then to the family. (3)a good family can help in making a good society. Spiritual Benefit: (1) Yoga looks the perso:q from normal to super normal. (2) By yogic Sadhana one makes pure his body + mind+ Social. (3) Moksha can be achieved through Yoga. (4) The Sadhak can also develops many powerful Sidhies which help for a great generation.

Sitz Bath

Sitz Bath was also invented by Dr. Louis Ktihne. It is specially meant for female diseases. For this the same tub is used which is meant for Hip bath. A small stool is kept in the tub on which the patient sits. Water in the tub is filled with cold water, but it does not reach the top of the stool. The patient sits naked on the stool with legs outside the tub, resting on another stool. The lady patient then takes a piece of thick cloth and dips it in the water and rubs the outer'portion of the female organ. Only the outer skin is washed, not the inner portions of the female sex organ. This is done for 5 to 20 minutes. Then the upper skin of the female sex organ is dried with a dry towel. Sitz bath should not be taken by women during menstruation. Men can also take sitz bath in thesame way as women. The foreskin should be stretched by the finger of the left hand, while the supper skin of penis is washed. after the sitz bath one should walk for 20 to 30 minutes in an open ground. Sitz bath cools down the heat of the body and increases the vital force.

Spinal Bath Take a long towel and wet it with cold water and then wring it. Take both ends of the towel in both hands so that the towel is behind the naked back. Now rub the towel on the spinal column from 5 to 15 minutes. If the towel becomes dry wet it again. Another way of spinal bath is to sit naked on a stool, while another person pours water on the spinal column. This should be done from 5 to 15 minutes. The third way of Spinal bath is taken in a special tub which has water about 3 inches deep. The patient lies naked in the tub so that only the spinal column and some portion of back are under water.

After the Spinal bath the back should be dried with a dry towel. Spinal bath increases blood circulation and strengthens the nervous system. It is helpful in case of low blood pressure and insomnia.

Eye Bath

Like all parts of body, eyes should be washedreguIarly. This removes the eye ailments and improves eyesight. Eyes can be bathed in two ways. The first way to bathe the eyes is to fill a large bowl with clean water and place it on a stool. The immerse both eyes in water. Then open and close the eyes inside water repeatedly. This should be done for 5 to 10 minutes. After Eye bath, the eyes should be protected from strong sunshine and strong wind for half an hour. The second way to have an eye bath is to use an eye glass and fill it with clean water. One eye is put in the eye glass at a time. Eye should be opened and closed repeatedly for about 5 to 10 minutes. When one eye has been bathed, the water of the eye glass should be changed for the second eye.

Wet Bandage.

Wet bandage has great importance in trea"tment by Water element in Nature Cure. Many ailments are removed by wet bandage as if by magic. It is best to use khadi-or hand made cloth for wet bandage. It should be white. We bandages are of two types - cold wet bandage, and hot wet bandage. Wet sheets are used when the entire body is to be covered by wet bandage.

Cold Wet Bandage

Cold wet bandage is used in case of pain, burning sensation or swelling. It is also used in cases of burns, cuts, boils or after being bitten by poisonous animals. The cold wet bandage should not be kept only on the portion of the body where there is pain but also on surrounding areas. (Cold wet bandage is very helpful in stoppthg bleeding after an injury)

Hot Wet Bandage

If after putting cold wet bandage it is covered by flannel or woollen cloth, it becomes hot wet banadeg. The body heats up the wet bandage which is covered by woolen cloth. Hot wet banadage can be kept for 3 to 6 hours. Hot wet Bnadage is very useful in case of chronic diseases, or high fever. It brings out the cause of disease to the surface.

Wet Sheet Pack

It is also known as Whole Body Pack, stimulating wet Pack or Sweating Wet Sheet Pack. The use of Whole Body Compress was invented by a German Doctor, Dr. Lucus in the eighteenth century. Mahatma Gandhi has praised the good effects of Whole Body Compress and has told how he cured his son by its use when- he was suffering from the dreaded disease, Kalazar.

Wet Sheet Pack

Whole Body Compress should be taken in a big airy room. It can be taken two

hours after lunch. For this we need a wooden cot about 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. On this cot three blankets are put and then a wet sheet. The patient lies naked on the wet sheet and then the wet sheet is wrapped aroundhis body and by the blankets which are below the wet sheet so that the entire body is covered by wet sheet which is covered by the blankets. The head of the patient is covered by a cold wet towel and a hot water bottle is placed near his feet. The patient may be kept in Whole Body Compress for 15 minutes to one hour. Generally, sweating starts in 15 minutes. Whole Body Compress is very beneficial in case of high fever, skin disease, insomnia, chronic constipation, cold, asthma, acidity, obesity, small pox, nervous ailments and stomach trouble. Precaution should be taken that when the patient lies on wet sheet, his body is warm, especially in case of old and weak patients.

Wet Bandage on Head

Take a clean thick khadi cloth, wet it in cold water and wring it. The patient should lie down on a bed. The wet cloth is put on his head so that the forehead, eyes and ears are also covered. Then cover the wet cloth by a woollen cloth. Wet bandage on the head removes headache and pain in ears.

Wet Bandage on Neck Take a piece of cloth whose width is as much as the length of neck. Dip it in cold water and wring it. Then srap it around the neck. Then wrap a woollen cloth on it. Wet bandage on neck is beneficial in case of tonsils, whooping couth, headache and restlessness.

Wet Bandage on Chest or Chest Pack

Take a piece of cloth whidh is broad enough to cover the chest and long enough to go around it several times. Dip it in cold water and wring it. Then wrap it around the chest so that it covers chest beyond the ribs Then srap a woollen cloth on it. This should be kept for about two hours. Wet Bandage on Chest is very beneficial in case of pneumonia, cough and digested. in the stomach and intestines. It is then absorbed in the intestines, and the foreign matter is expelled through stool, urine and sweat. In all these very important activi- ties water plays the most important role. To maintain good health all these three activities should be effective and there should be harmony among them.

Drinking Water

There are different views about how much water one should drink and when, whether one should drink water during the meals or not. Some are of the view that one should drink as much water as possible for good health, but some are of the view that it is harmful for health to drink more water than is required by the body. Nature has given us the urge to drink water by making us thirsty. When we are thirsty we should certainly drink pure water and should not quench our thirst by any other form of drink like tea, coffee or any soft drink.. Water is an important part of our food, as 80 percent of our body is made up of water. It is through water that blood reaches the minutest. parts of our body. Water helps to expel the foreign matter of our body through stool, urine, sweat and breath. Whether one should drink water during meals depends upon the kind of food we

are taking. If our food has too much salt and spices we would need water during meals. However, if we are taking natural food and chewing it properly before swallowing it, we would not need water during meal. If while eating one feels thirsty and if he feels like drinking water during the meal, it would be more beneficial if instead of water he drinks milk, buttermilk or takes curd. It is a common practice in South India to take butter milk during the meal. Buttermilk is taken in the second half of the meal. The rule of Nature is that the time of drinking water is different from the time of eating food. Birds and animals follow this rule. For human beings this is possible only if we take natural food. The Western scientists have concluded after performing experiments that is good for health if one takes a glass of water half an hour before meal and two hours after meal. Those who follow this rule do not have ailments of stomach.

Ushapan

Take a clean copper vessel which can contain one kilogram water. Fill it with clean water and cover it. Keep it in a clean place in open sky on a stool or some high place. Water in the copper vessel should be kept overnight. Water is purified when it comes in contact with copper in 12 hours Wake up before sunrise. See if the left "Swar" is running. If it is running, clean the nose and mouth and slowly drink water from the left nostril. If it is not running lie down for some time on right side. The left "Swar" will begin to run. If one is unable to drink water through the nostril, one should slowly sip water with mouth. But even if water is taken through mouth one should see to it that the left "Swar" is running when he takes Ushapan. Ushapan means dawn, and the above pro-cess of taking water which has been

kept overnight in a copper vessel is known as Ushapan. One should not go to sleep again after Ushapan.

Water taken as Ushpan goes to the kidneys and makes them strong. It washes the foreign matter in the intestines and makes them strong. It also removes foreign matter through urine. It mixes with digestive juices and improves their ability to digest food. It reduces the heat of the blood. It removes all ailments of eyes and improves eyesight.

Enema

By taking Enema intestines are cleaned of all foreign matter by water without causing any side effect on other organs as is the case when any laxative is taken. The principle of Enema is the same as that of the yogic practice 'Basti" about which we have al- ready writter While in Basti, a person sucks water througI anus, in Enema it isinrted into the intestines through gravity The Enema can is placed at a certain he1'ht and a rubber tube which has a syringe at the end takes water to the anus of the patient. The patient may lie down on his back or on sides on a hard surface to take Enema. The Enema pot is usually hung by a nail in the wall. After inserting the syringe in the anus the valve is opened soihat water gradually enters the large intestine.

Some important points regarding Enema are as follows 1. After eating anything, Enema should not be taken till three hours have elapsed. 2.After taking Enema one should lie down for 15 minutes to give full rest.to the intestines. 3. One should not eat anything immediately after Enema.

4. Lemon juice should be mixed in Enema water. If there is too much constipation lemon juice of one or two lemons and some honey should be mixed in Enema water. 5. the temperature of Enema watr should be the same as the body temperature. It should not be more than body temperature. If a person is healthy ordinary fresh cold water can be used in summer. If there is fever the water should be luke warm. 6. enema should be taken daily if there is too much constipation or when one is living only on fruits and juices. 7. If there is new disease, about 90% of the disease is cured by taking Enema. 8. Half an hour before or half an hour after Enema one should take Hip bath or Sitz bath. 9. The toilet should be close to the place where Enrma is taken. 10. After taking Enema one should take rest for 15 minutes and then take full bath.

Benfits of Enema

Enema is not a cure for any particular diseasbut it has very good effect in almost all diseases, but it has very good effect in almost all diseases. Enema takes water to the large intestines and cleans them. This also purifies the blood. Constipation, which is the root cause of all diseases, is removed by Enema. It is beneficial in case of chronic constipation, lack of appetite, headache, cough, bad smell in the mouth, liver ailments, boils, skin diseases and nervous ailments.

Kunjar or Stomach Bath I Jai Dhoti

For stomach bath two and a half litre water is needed in which salt is added so that

it is as salty as dal water. One should also have a small Neem twig which has two leaves. Early in the morning after answering the call of Nature one should take stomach bath. The prepared water should be slowly drunk. After that one should bend and take the Neem twig inside the mouth till the Neem leaves touch the throat. Now rotate the twig. The the water inside the stomach will come out. One may also use his fingers to bring out water in the stomach. Stomach bath should be taken once a week. It removes all the ailments of the stomach, chronic mucous and too much acidity. One should not take stomach bath if the heart is weak or there is swelling in the wind pipe.

Shankh Prakshalan or Stomach and Intestine Bath

While stomach bath cleans the stomach and Enema cleans the large intestines, Shankh Prakshalan cleans the entire digestive track from stomach to small and large intestines. Experts are of the view that the cause of many diseases is the presence of poisonous foreign matter and very small worms in the digestive track, especially in the alimentary canal. Our Rishis and Yogis invented Shankh Prakshalan to clean the entire digestive system from stomach to large intestines. Four to five kilo water is needed in which salt is added. One should sit in the pose of Kagasan and drink as muchwater as possible. Then One should perform the following exercises so that the water which has been drunk comes out through anus. (a) Stand straight with feet joined together and both hands joined together over

the head Now bend towards left and then towards right. Do this eight times. (b) Stand with feet apart by 30 cm. Keep both hands on the chest. Now twist

the body in the right direction so that the right hand is in line with the shoulder and the left hand touches the shoulder. Similarly, twist the body in the left direction.

Do this four times. (c) Lie down, face downwards, in the pose of Sarpasan. Now twist the head

and chest left and right so that one looks at his feet. Do this eight times. (d) Sit on the toes of the feet. Keep the hands on the knees. Now turn the right

knee towards left calf so that the knee touches the ground after touching the left calf. Turn the

Earth Element

Earth is one of the nine planets of the Solar System. Tattariya Upanishad says: Ether has been made by Atma, Air by Etehr, Fire by Air, Water by Fire and earth by Water. Earth has profuced medicinal herbs and cerals and cereals have produced human beings.

Qualities of Earth

1. It removes all kinds of bad smell. That is why people in rural areas clean their houses by applying a mixture of earth and water on the floors and walls. Things which are rotten are covered by earth. 2. Earth has the power to check heat as well as cold. The yogis smear their bodies with earth. 3. Earth has the power to purify water. That is why the water of rivers, wells and sorings is clean and pure. Sand is used to purify dirty water. 4. Earth has the power to suck poison. If one is bitten by snake or scorpion, and erth banadage is put on it, it sucks the poison. 5. Earth has the power to abrorb all kinds of elements and minerals. 6. Earth has the capacity to produce food for all living beings on earth. 7. Earth has the power to check the flow of water. That is ehy dams are made of earth.

Different Types of Earth Black Earth Black earth is found where lava had been deposited. It has a special consistency when mixed with water. It is very good in protecting hair and in keeping them clean.)

Red Earth Red earth is found in Vindhya Pradesh and in different areas of Southern Plateau. It is used to coat the house with red colour Yellow and White Earth Yellow and white earth are found in fields, ponds and on the banks of rivers. This is used in treatment of diseases in Nature Cure.

Saffi earth It is also a kind of earth which is used to clean clothes. The washermen used to clean clothes with Saffi Mud in India before introduction of soaps, and detergents.) Armani earth Armani Mud is used by women to clean their skin. It is soaked in water and rubbed like an ubtan. It is very good for skin and makes it soft.

Sand Sand is found on the banks of rivers. Water of springs has small particles of sand

in it. Sand in water helps to digest food.) Direct Contact with Earth All living creatures on Earth besides human beings maintain their contact, with the soil, because of which they spend their lives happily They do not wear any clothes and they sleep on Earth. The result is that they are strong and healthy. On the other hand the, life of human beings has become artifi- cial. They sleep on cots, wear clothes and even walk with shoes so that their feet do not touch the Earth. The result is that most human beings are afflicted with some kind of ailment.

Benefit of Walking Barefoot on Earth It can be experienced that the pleasure and peace which one gets in walking barefoot on open ground, one would not get in walking over a cemented ground. It is also experienced that it is more pleasant to walk on wet ground or on grass wet with due than on dry ground. Small children like to remain in contact with Nature. They walk barefoot and play in dust. Earth has a special eletrical power which gives vital force to, any person walking barefoot on it. Contact with Earth is refreshing. Just as trees and plants get nourishment from Earth to which they are rooted, human beings can also get-nourishment from earth if they walk barefoot on it. One who walks barefoot on earth does not get any eye problem. These days even small children are wearing glasses. The main' reason for this is that in the present day civilization we do not walk barefoot. The result is that we are forced to become blind. By walking barefoot on Earth the feet become strong and well proportioned. They do not smell bad as is the case of the feet of those who wear shoes. Some people are afraid to catch cold if they walk barefoot. This is a wrong notion. Our sadhus and holy men traditionally walked barefoot, and gave training to their disciples

how to walk barefoot One who walks barefoot has good appetite and does not have high blood pressure and many other diseases. Benefits of Sitting and Lying on Earth Sitting with bare body on Earth is more beneficial than walking barefoot on earth and lying on earth with bare body is even more beneficial. When we sit or lie on Earth with bare body we get vital force from Mother Earth, When a farmer or a gardener lies on ground, while working, he feels great pleasure which is not known to others who are separated from Earth. Our forefathers were aware of the strength one derives from contact with earth, and that is why they maintained good health and had long lives. During training in Yoga practice it is required that the disciple sleeps on bare ground, without putting any mat or apiece of cloth on it. This was the usual practice of yogis in ancient times, who achieved great spiritual heights. Lord Ram walked barefoot for 14 years in jungles. He also sat and slept on open ground during this period of exile He gained enough strength to kill Ravan In ancient India the students lived in Gurukuls where they slept on the ground. This was also the rule for the Vanprasthies and Sanyasis. It is best to sit or sleep bare bodied on open ground under sky. The beauty of starry sky has good effect on the body. Its infinite expanse uplifts a person spiritually. During rainy season one should sit and sleep in veranda. In winter one may cover himself with blankets. If one does not wish to sleep on bare ground, he may make a bed of sand on which he may sit or sleep. If one does not feel comfortable on bare ground he may lay a mat or a thin sheet on the ground on which he may sleep. Sleeping on Earth cures many illnesses of stomach. It also strengthens other organs like heart and intestines. The foreign matter in the body is expelled easily through sweat, urine and stool. Thus, the body is renewed and has a new vigour.

Under the guidance of Naturopaths hundreds of thousands patients have been cured by sleeping with bare body on open ground. By sleeping on Earth one gets so much rest that he needs only half of the time to take the same amount of rest as he would get by sleeping on soft beds in 6 to 8 hours. If a person has been bitten by snake or he has received severe electric shock he is cured if he is placed in a pit and it is filled with earth up to his neck and kept like this for 24 hours. It can be-,observed that when anyanimal becomes sick, it seeks contact with earth more than it usually does in healthy condition. It does so to derive strength from earth and cure itself. A sick animal would stop eating and would sit or lie on earth. A wounded animal would go to a pond and sit in its mud This cures them Animals in a forest clean and dig earth and sit on it Some animals like fox have a den, but when they go to sleep they always do so on open ground so that while they are sleeping they maintain contact with earth and they derive strength from it. Camels or horses after they have reached their destination lie and turn on dusty ground to remove their tiredness. They get new strength from earth and get refreshed

Bath with wet or dry Earth

For wet or dry Earth bath one should take clean and pure earth. If a pit is dug, we can take earth from it at the depth of about three feet. This earth should be grounded and sieved. It can be used for wet as well as Dry Earth bath.

Dry Earth Bath

Rub the entire body with the specially prepared dry earth. Sit in Sun for 10 to 20 minutes. Then take bath with cold water. This is known as dry earth bath. It opens

the pores. of the skin and makes it soft and flexible: In Ayurved it-is known as Raj Bath. When the pores of the skin are opened up, foreign matter comes out of them through sweat and the skin begins to breathe through them. In Shrimad Bhagwat Puran, there is a story that when Kashyap Muni wished to have a son, for twelve days he took only milk and rubbed his entire body with dry earth and then took bath in a river. Wet Earth' Bath

Fine grounded earth is mixed with water to prepare it for taking Wet Earth bath. It should have the same consistency as mud. Now rub the entire body with this mud. For head one should use black earth. Now sit in the Sun for 10 to 20 minutes till the wet earth on the skin dries up. Then take a bath with cold water. Bath with wet earth removes all the dirt from the skin and opens up the pores. It is very useful in case of boils which are running. In Western countries ladies use special earth on their skin to enhance their beauty. Generally it is used on face to tighten the. skin and make it look fresh.

Earth Treatment Just as wet bandage is used in Na- ture Ce Treatment, bandage with wet earth is also used. It is more ffcTiithan wet bandage. The wet earth absorbs the heat as well as the'poison of the body where it is placed. That is why earth is used in Nature Cure treatment in many ways. Earth is a medicine which is cheap and can be stored in the house. It is not damaged. All one has to do is to mix it with water and apply it on the abdomen or on the place which is diseased. Just by doing so there is surprising improvement. There can never be any harm by the use of wet earth, as is the case with other medicines. Many illnesses are removed, as if by magic, by the use of wet earth.

Difficult diseases also go away after persistent application of wet earth bandage. Whether the disease is inside the body or on the surface, wet earth sucks it and destroys it from the root

Application of Earth in Diseases

In case of disease earth is used in the following six ways: 1. Hot Bandage of.Earth 2. . Cold Bandage of EarthBandage of Hot Earth 3. Dry Earth Bath' 4. Mud Bath 5. Eating Sand.

Hot Bandage of Earth To make earth banadage one may use the local earth. The condition is that it is clean and without small pieces of stone or any hard substance. Earth found on the banks of the rivers is regarded good for this purpose. To make earth bandage we can use a mixture of smooth earth (Chikni Mitti) and sand in equal quantities. Unbaked boils can also be made soft with water ans used to make earth bandages. If we desire to take earth from the field, we should dig at least one foot before we take, earth from it. Care should be taken that it has no chemical fertiliser in it or any decayed matter. To apply earth bandage on wounds the best earth is from the earthen fireplace where food is cooked by burning wood. As this earth has been burnt by fire it does not have any harmful effect on the wound, but it sucks the poison in it.

Pure dry earth should be thoroughly pounded and then sieved through a cloth.

Then water should be added to it while it is stirred by a piece of wood or spoon. It should not be touchedby fingers. It should not be made wet by ice cold water. After mixing in water it should be neither too hard nor it should be too thin. Wet bandage is to be applied. The wet earth on the cloth should beabout half inch thick Now the Wet Earth bandage should be placed on the body where it is required so that wet earth touches the skin and the cloth on which it had been placed is covering it Now place a Woollen cloth on this cloth and puta safety pin so that .the earth bandage along with woollen cloth remains in place. If the Wet Earth bandage is put on the abdomen after putting woollen cloth or flannel on it the entire bandage should be covered by a bjg piece of cloth and tied. Then the patient should be allowed to take rest.The bandage may be kept from 10 minutes to 30 minutes or even during the night if it is needed After removing the bandage the part of the body where it had been placed is wiped with a wet cloth Then for two or three minutes it should be given dry massage This is knwon as Hot bandage of Earth Earth which has been used once should not be used again, because it would have poisonous matter of the disease. If the cloth used in the bandage does not have pus, it can be washed and dried and used again.

Benefits of Hot Bandage of Earth This bandage is very useful in all cases of serious and ordinary diseases, whether they are chronic or they are new. It is specially effective in case of chronic constipation, loose motion, indigestion and other ailments of stomach and fever. It is very effective in removing the heat of the body after any disease. It is more effective then taking water baths. It removes pain as well as burning sensation. In case of chronic diseases this ban-dage should be applied two times every day for several days. In case of such diseases it is desirable to take Stomach bath after

the bandage has been removed. If Enema and stomach bath, both have to be taken, first Enema should be taken and half an hour later Stomach bath should be taken. Most of the diseases are caused by bad condition of stomach and the digestive system. Therefore, while putting earth bandage where there is pain one should also put it on the abdomen. This would clean the abdomen and the disease would subside soon. Many diseases are removed merely by putting earth bandage on the abdomen. When one is ill besides putting earth bandage one should also fast or live on fruits and juices or on fruits and milk. During fasting Enema should be certainly taken. When one is not sure about the nature of disease, and the patient is unable to tell his problems clearly, one should put hot mud pack on the abdomen of the patient in the morning and evening. The disease would certainly come under control. Enema should be given at the end of the hot mud pack or at least after one bandage. The effect of mud pack is that the cause of disease is loosened and removed. The mud pack also removes the swelling and burning sensation at the part of body which is effected and where the mud pack is put. Mud pack can be put on any part of the body, such as throat if there is any throat ailment or on chest in case of chest ailment or on spinal column if there is nervous ailment, on the eyes if there is eye problem, on sex organs and on the entire body.

Cold Bandage of Earth When wet mud pack is put on any part of body and it is not covered by flannel or woolen cloth, it is known as Cold Bandage of Earth. As it is not covered by flannel it does not heat up. The moisture evaporates and keeps the earth of the banadeage cold. There fore it is known as cold Bandage of Earth.

Bandage of Hot Earth In this bandage earth is mixed with water and it is warmed on fire. Then it is put on the body of the patient and covered by flannel. Hot mud pack is useful in case of sprain. It is also used in case of female ailments like that of womb.

Mud Bath The mixture of mud and sand should be applIed all over the naked body. Then the patient should sit in Sun. When one layer of this mixture has dried, the second layer should be applied. This should be done for 15 to 60 minutes. When the mud has dried on the body it should be washed with cold water by rubbing it with palms. This bath has curative effect on all skin and blood diseases like itching, eczema and leprosy. Another way of mud bath is to dig a pit in which the patient may stand up t6 his chest. Then this pit is filled with mud. Then the patient stands in it naked The patient maystay there for 15 minutes to one hour. If this is done daily for one month many ailments are cured, such as : gout, skin diseases, pain in waist, headache, stomachache, swelling, constipation, pain in nerves and blood vessels. The poison of snake bite is also removed)

Eating Sand In Hindu religious books to eat sand is regarded as a religious act. This is an example of quality of sand to improve the digestive system. The Nature Cure experts know the health giving properties of sand. If vegetables are eaten in their natural form they have particles of sand on it. These particles of sand help to keep our digestive ability in good condition. In mountain springs there are sand particles in water. That is why we feel hungry when we drink water of a mountain

spring. Often people say that by drinking water of a particular well they have good digestion. The reason is that the water of that well has come after passing through a pile of sand and bring with it small particles of sand. Similarly, the rivers which descend from the mountains and have sand- particles in them provide us water which is good for digestion. Sand is like medicine given to us by Nature which can kill poison. Louis Kuhne has said If one has a stomach ailment, if he is suffering from constipation, and he takes a pinch of fine sea sand after meal two or three times a day and swallows it, the very next day his intestines would loosen and the foreign matter would easily go out, and in the end constipation will be removed."

DIET THERAPY

Diet should be such that it fulfils the nutritional requirements of our body. Such a diet can- also be tasty. But we shoUld know that tbose-foods; whiOh are tasty but have no nutritional value are injurious to our digestive system but body, has to work and spend energy toxpell such useless stuff from the system. Most people have weakness for tasty foods. They do not care much for the nutritional value of the food they are eating. They injure their digestive system by eating too much refined food, by frying vegetables so much that they lose most of their nutritional value by cooking them in such oils which are harmful and by adding tb much spices and chillies. Just as wrong food harms our digestive system, "right food" can cure any ailment. First we should know what a person should eat* under normal circumstances to keep healthy and strong, and then we should know what kind of food one should take in case he is suffering from any illness Then food is taken as medicine and the patient gets treatment by food) -

Balanced Diet Our diet should have enough proteins, carbohydrates fats roughage water, minerals and vittins. -Balanced diet fulfills all the requirements of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Meat, fish and eggs should not be taken. Those who have been regularly taking these in their diet should gradually give them up We should avoid all refined devitaminised anddemineralized food, spices, condiments, stimulants like tea, coffee and tobacco and all intoxicants. One should not take food while in tension or go to sleep at night just after meals or drink water with meals.

Proteins For the assimilation of proteins body releases enzymes into the intestinal tract. Enzymes break down the protein into amino acids. These amino acids are absorbed into our blood stream. About ten amino acids are essential for good nutrition. Proteins which have a fair balance of these essential amino acids are known as high quality proteins. Proteins are found in milk, almonds, peanuts, coconut, soyabean, pulses, peas and cereals. The requirment of proteins depends upon the body weight, age and the nature of work'a person is engaged in. The word protein has come from a Greek word which means, "I am first". It is indeed a very necessary substance in building our body and in maintaining it. Without protein, we would not have any flesh on our body. All the organs of the body are repaired by protein. Protein is made of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, sulpher and phosphorus. But nitrogen is the largest constituent of protein. Through protein, the body is provided with nitrogen which is very important for renewing the skin and maintaining the tissues of the body

Usefulness of Protein 1. Growing children and pregnant women need more protein. Though other nutritional substances are also needed, but protein is very-necessary. The food, which growing children and pregnant women take, should have sufficient quantity of protein in it, because it is needed in building the body of the child as well as that of the embryo in the womb. 2. Many people who are fat, generally lack protein in the body. Many persons who are very thin alsd lack protein. 3. If enough protein is not taken, a person becomes weak, the child does not grow normally and a wound takes more time to heal.

4. Protein increases mental strength. 5. Haemoglobin in blood is made of protein.

Too Much or Too Little Protein is Harmful Just as intake of too little protein is harmful, body is also harmed if too much protein is taken. For example, by taking too much protein, liver and kidneys are weakened and age is decreased. An American expert has said, "The present day man is consuming protein more than is needed, while his body can be kept healthy with much less quantity of protein than he takes. People are eating too much meat, which is protein rich food."

Daily Requirernent of Protein The daily requirement of protein is 45 to 65 gins

2. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. These elements provide us both heat and energy. The main Carbohydrates in our food are starch and sugar. Carbohydrates are found in ,ere- als, pulses, vegetables, fruits and nuts. Cereals and pulses which contain large percentage of carbohydrates are Cluster bean, Millet, Barley, Gram, Maize, Cow gram, Oat Meal, Peas, Rice, Bran, Soyabean, Wheat, Wheat Flour, Wheat bran and Wheat Sprout. Vegetables which contain large percentage of carbohydrates are Alfalfa, Amranthus, Asparagus, Bamboo Shoots, Sugar Beet, Beans, Bitter Gourd, Brinjal, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Drumstick, Ginger, white Goose Foot, Lady Finger, Lettuce, Lotus Root, Mango Green, Mint, Mustard, Onion, Peas, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Spinach,Tomato, Turnip, yam, Sweet

potato, Sugarcane. Fruits and nuts which contain carbohydrates are : Almonds, Emblica mirobelan, Apple, Apricot, Beel, Banana, Cashew Nut, Cherries, Pinus geradina, Coconut, Raisins, Dates, Figs, Grapes, Guava,'Jack Fruit, Blackberry, Lemon, Lichi, Mango, Water Melon, Musk melon, Water nut, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Peanut, Pear, Pineapple, Pistachio, Pomegranate, Strawberry and Walnut. Our body burns carbohydrates all the time heat and energy are produced. An average person requires150 to 250 gms of carbohydrates per day. If we eat more carbohydrates than required, it is converted into glycogen or fat and .stored in our body after the digestion of food. In case we do not eat sufficient carbohydrates or if lot of carbohydrates are burnt in our body during exercise or heavy physical work or during sickness, the reserve in the form of glycogen stored in the liver and muscles is first brought out and utilised and then fat is also ued by the body to produce heat and energy. Conversion of starch and sug'ar into glycogen and fat is done by liver. Reconversion of glycogen and fat, so that heat and energy are produced, is also done by liver. Therefore, liver is put to great strain if we do not eat balanced diet.

Harm of Eating Too Much Carbohydrates If there is too much carbohydrates in a meal, it causes acidity. Therefore, the diet should not be of only bread and rice. One should eat vegetables and pulses with rice and bread. Those who eat too much carbohydrates suffer from constipation. Daily Requirement of Carbohydrates The daily requirement of carbohydrates is about 400 gms

3. Fats Fat are required by our body as a concentrated source of energy and for providing some essential fats for lubricating various types of activities and movements within our body. There are two kinds of fats : animal fats i.e. milk, curd, cheese and ghee-etc. and vegetable fats i.e. seasamum, mustard, soyabean, olive, walnut, peanut, almond etc. and all kinds of oils and cakes All fats and oils are rich in fats. Other food stuffs rich in fat are nuts, soyabean and oil seeds. Cereals, pulses and vegetables also contain small quantity of fat. Even then soya oil and sunflower oil, being saturated, are most beneficial for the health. Persons who are over weight should avoid saturated fats. They should avoid cream, butter, ghee. They should take tonned milk and its products instead of whole milk and its products. Those who are doing hard physical work like labourers or army personnel should take fats to fulfil their requirements for energy

Harm caused by Too Little or Too Much Intake of Fats If a person does not take enough fats, his body is not well proportioned., and lacks beauty. By taking too much fat also the body becomes too fat and ugly. Besides, when the body has too much fat, the organs like heart and kidneys have to work more and they are weakened. Daily Requirement of Fat The daily requirement of fat is about 40 to 60 gms.

4. Roughage In our total food, such as fruits, vegetables and cereals there is a network of solid fibre made of cellulose.They themselves do not provide nutrition, and when they are eaten they are not digested. But they are very important for the digestive system. Our big intestines are made in such a way that the waste matter after digestion accumulates there. To expell the waste matter of the digested food, it is necessary that some roughage is also present in the big intestines. Nature cure specialist Dr. Kelong has said that the best treatment of constipation is to give food which has lot of roughage. When any patient came to him with cpmplaint about constipation, he advised him to take bread made of only wheat husk. This had miraculous effect. In refined food, all the roughage which is found in natural food is removed. It may be tasty but it is not good for health. The animals eat food in its natural condition, which has lot of roughage in it,'-and they re- main healthy. Roughage also provides us vitamin B. When ve eat polished rice, we deprive ourselves not only the roughage but also vitamins and minerals which are present on the coating of the rice. According to Dr. Albert Bradmit, food without roughage is the main cause of indigestion, weakness, gout, headache, pain in waist and heart problems. Nowadays, people are going to restaurants which sell "fast food'. These fast foods are tasty but they lack roughage in them. Besides, they have many chemicals to prevent the food from rotting, and these chemicals are harmful for health. Historians tell us that in eighteenth century, during war between Britain and France, there was not enough wheat for the soldiers in 'Britain. The British Parliament Minerals and trace elements are ordered that the soldiers should be given essential to health. Calcium, magnesium, bread made of whole wheat. This had sur- phosphorus, potassium and sodium are five prising effect on the health of

the soldiers. basic minerals for the body. Important trace Their health improved. Similarly, during the First elements are chromium, copper, iodine, iron, World War, when people of Denmark faced manganese and zinc. Other trace elements food shortage, the government ordered that found in the body are sulphur, nickel, cobalt the people should be given whole wheat and flourine. Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and bread. This improved the health of the entire nitrogen are also present. These minerals nation and death rate went down from 1236 and trace elements are present in the body to 985 per year. Calcium: It is required for the formation of bones and teeth and their maintenance, for regulating heart rhythm and for the formation of blood clot. It regulates cholesterol level and is good for the nerves Natural sources of calcium are milk and milk products pulses soyabeans green leafy vegetables citrus fruits, peas, beans and peanuts. Iodine It is necessary for the proper function- ing of the thyriod gland. Iodine deficiency may cause swelling of the thyriod gland, low mental reactions, hardening of arteries and obesity. Iodine is found in radishes asparagus carrots tomatoes spinach potatoes peas mushrooms lettuce onions bananas, strawberries, milk, cheese.' Iron it is required for the formation of haemoglobin of red blood cells which transport oxygen from the air to the body cells and tissues Iron defficiency can cause

breathlessness and fatigue:.Natural sources of iron Iare green leafy vegetables, peas, pears, raisins, apricots, peaches, whole grain cereals and lentils seeds soyabean fish poultry, liver and .egg yolk. Magnesium It is necessary for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. Low magnesium level can also lead to diabetes. Natural sources of magnesium are whole grain cereals,- pulses, nuts, green leafy vegetables and dairy products. Phosphorous It is needed for normal bone and tooth structue. Deficiency of phosphorus result in general weakness, pain in bones and decreased appetite. Natural sources of phosphorus are whole grain cereals, beans, pulses, milk and milk products, seeds, nuts, eggs, fish, poultry and meat Potassium It is necessary for the normal toning of mucies, nerves, heart action and enzyme reactions. It also helps to regulate body fluids balance. Deficiency of potassium may cause loss of memory, weakness of muscles, irregular heart beat and irritability. Sources of potassium are wheat germ, dates, potatoes, peanuts, cabbage, peas, bananas, dried fruits, orange, water melon apple and vinegar. Sodium It helps maintain water balance inside and outside body cells. Deficiency of sodium can cause muscle cramps and edema. But its excess has harmful effects like high blood pressure, kidney diseases and cirrhosis of liver. Sodium in the body is lost in urine and sweat. Organic sodium is found in food. Sometimes

organic sodium in natural foodisnot sufficient to meet the requirements of the body. Therefore, sodium chloride or table salt is added to the food. However, many people live without the use of table salt. Refined table salt sold in the market is harmful because it is devoid of minerals Rock salt is good for health Vitamins Vitamins help in processing proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Vitamins are not produced by our body except Vitamin K They are found in food. Vitamins are chemical substances required in very small quantities by our body for promoting certain chemical processes. Vitamins help our body in prcessing food so thth it creates energy, builds and replaces cells and they help in prevention of diseases It was in the beginning of eighteenth century that the presence of vitamins in food was first realized. In those days sailors who went on long sea voyage often got afflicted with disease known as Scurvey. Their gums began to blead, their muscles became loose and their heart beat stopped. Captain Cook overcame this disease by giving lemon juice to his sailors. Further research was done in Britain and by 1747 A.D., this disease was completely eliminated by giving fresh vegetables and fruits to the sailors. In 1765 a law was enacted in Britain which made it compulsory for sailors to take lemon juice. In 1880 A.D., another disease which sailors came to light. It was called Beriberi. In this disease, there is swelling in some nerves and the patient is paralysed. This disease was successfully treated by giving patients, bread made of whole wheat flower and fresh fruits and vegetables. In 1906, some American scientists made experiments on rats and introduced the word "vitamin" to indicate the important ingredients in food without which health would detoriorate. These American scientists were MacaIm and Steenwalk. They are regarded as inventors of vitamins. Later there was intense research on

vitamins and more than half a dozen vitamins were discovered. According to a Western scientist, "If we compare the human body with an internal combustion engine, the vitamins are like spark." These vitamins are very subtle but very powerful chemical compounds. If there are not sufficient vitamins in the food, a person cannot remain healthy. The following are some of the most important vitamins which are needed in our food.

Types of Vitamins

1. Vitamin A Generally promotes good eye sight, healthy skin, growth and vitality. It builds resistance to infection and is necessary during pregnancy and lactation. Deficiency of vitamin A, results in night blindness, retarded growth and lack of appetite. Natural sources of vitamin A, are coloured fruits, vegetables, especially carrot, milk, milk products, eggs and liver or liver oil. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) It is essential for normal functioning of the nervous system, heart and muscles It aids digestion and promotes the utilization of carbohydrates. Deficiencyof vitamin B1 results in nervous irritation, mental depression and loss of weight. Natural sources of vitamin B1 are whole wheat, rice husk, peanuts, oat meal, most vegetables, milk.

2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) It promotes general health and growth.eficiency of vitamin B2 may result in burning of eyes and in itching and cracking of the corners of lips. Natural sources of vitamin B2 are whole wheat grains and their products, milk and milk products, liver and meat.

3. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) It helps in the normal functioning of gastroihtestinal tract and maintaining normal skin condition, nervous system and good memory. Deficiency of Niacin may result in gastrointestinal and skin lesions, loss of weight, insomnia and general weakness. Natural sources of Niacin are whole wheat, green vegetables, pulses, beans, peanuts, brewer's yeast, meat and liver. 4. Vitamin B4 Dr. Reader invented this vitamin in 1929. This is destroyed in heat and alkalines. Much is to be invented about this even now.

5. Vitamin B5, Dr. Chick and Couping invented this vitamin in 1930. This is not destroyed in heat and alkalines. Much is to be known about this vitamin also. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) It aids in the assimilation of fats and proteins and is essential for the functioning of the nervous system, brain and muscles. Deficiency of vitamin B6 may result in nervous system disorders, skin eruptions, loss of hair and loss of muscular control. Natural sources of vitamin B6 are wheat germ, bran, milk, banana, peanut, raisins, cabbage, molasses, liver, eggs, fish and meat.

6. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) It helps in the formation and regeneration of red blood cells and nerve tissue help in the utjlization of fats, proteins and carbohydrates Deficiency of vitamin B12 may lead to anae(nia, fatigue and lack of growth. Natural sources of vitamin B 12 are milk products, eggs, liver and meat .

7. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) It increases resistance to infection and hastens healing. Vitamin C, is necessary for healthy teeth, gums and bones and helps in resisting colds and cough. Deficiency of vitamin C may result in bleding gums, general weakness and anaemia Natural sources of vitamin C are citrus frdts, papaya, mango, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, peppers and also other fruits and vegetables.

8. Vitamin D (Coliferol) It is essential for the utilization of calcium and phosphorus and formation of good teeth and bones. Deficiency of vitamin D, may result in rickets in childre n. Vitamin D, is formed when the ultravoilet ray of the sun convert the cholesterol present in the skin. Vitamin D, is also present in milk and milk products and fish liver oil.and promotes better circulation of blood. Deficiency of vitamin E, may lead to early aging, loss of reproductive powers and to mus- cular disordersj'Jatural sources of vitamin E, are whole gralif products, wheat germ, green and leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, butter, eggs and liver.

9. Vitamin F It promotes growth. It is necessary for healthy glands, skin and hair. It helps in the assimilation of calcium and in lowering of cholesterol levels. Deficiency of vitamin F, may lead to skin disorders. Natural sources of Vitamin F, are vegetable oils, such as sun-flower oil and soyabean oil.

10.Vitamin K (Menadione) It helps in the maintenance of blood's clottinsystem and is important for the health of liver. Natural sources of vitamin K are whole grains, wheat germ, wheat bran, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, spinach. Vitamin K is also produced by bacteria in

hiifiian intestines.

11.Vitamin P (Bioflavonoid) It strengthens the walls of capillaries and builds resistance to colds and infection. Deficiency of vitamin P, may result in weakness of the capillaries and appearance of spots on skin Natural sources of vitamin P, are peals and pulp of citrus fruits, especially lemon.

12.Vitamin B15 It helps to make up the deficiency of oxygen in the tissues. The natural sources of vitamin B15 are whole wheat, brewer's yeast, unpolished rice, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds

HEALTH GIVING DIET

Before we know what is Health Giving and eat other time only milk This is known as Diet, we should first know what is the purpose of our taking food. The purpose of eating food is not merely to satisfy our hunger or for taste. The prupose is also not to fatten our gross body. When we take food, our purpose should be improve our mental and spiritual health besides nourishing our physical body. If any one of them is not healthy, we cannot be regarded completely healthy Keeping this in mind, our food is divided into three categories Satvik, Rajasik and Tamasik. Satik food is good for the health of body, mind and soul. Rajasik food strengthens the body, but is not good for spiritual growth. There are also foods like onion or garlic, which are good for health of the physical body but hav a bad effct on mind and spirit. Such foods are known as Tamasik.

Characteristics of Health giving food

1. It strengthens the body 2. It checks weaknening of body 3. It maintains the proper temperature of the body. 4. It is strength giving. 5. It is digested quickly. 6. It is not exciting. 7. It enhancs memory, life span and beauty.

Types of diet

Mono Diet

When we eat only one kind of food at a time it is known as Mono Diet. For example, at one time, one eats only one kind of fruit and eat other time only milk. This is known as Mono diet. What is the reason that we should eat only one kind of food at a time? The reason is that each kind of food when it enters our body causes its own reaction according to its quality. Different kinds of food take different time for digestion. Therefore, if we wish that the food we take is completely digested and abosorbed in our body, it is possible only if we take only one kind of food at a time. On the contrary, if we take many kinds of food at a time, it would cause disturbance in digestion.

Food Combinatons

a) Nutrition experts after much research have laid down some principles about food combinations which are good for health. These principles should be known to everyone. b) When we take protein rich foods like meat, fish, eggs. Gram flour, etc,. it is helpful to take bitter items with them. They help in digesting the protein rich foods. According to this principle, one may take milk along with curd, though many people regard this combination as harmful. c) Starch-rich foods like wheat, barley, maize, millet, rice, potato etc. have good combination with uncooked vegetables or salad, fresh sweet fruits dry fruits and sugar. According to this principle the followIflg are health giving

food combinations: d) Fatty foods are not digested in the stomach. They are digested in the intestines. Therefore, they should be taken with protein rich foods or starch rich foods. e) Starch-rich foods and fatty foods shouldbe taken with sugar-.rich .foods and green vegetables. f) Protein rich foods have a good combination with sour fruits or green vegetables. For example: 1. Curd with salad and pulse - 2. Curd with vegetables 3. Pulse with ghee and apple 4. Mango with cream 5. Pulse with cooked vegetable and ghee g) It is beneficial if protein-rich foods are taken together. But they should betaken in small quantity for example: 1. Gram bread with pulse 2. Gram bread and curd 3. Soyabean bread and pulse 4. Hyacinth Bean and cow bean 5. Gram bread and cooked green leaves

Balanced Diet A balanced diet is a diet which has all nutritions which we require to maintain the body. Such a diet keeps the bddy healthy and strong and increases the life span "of a. person. A balanced diet has, sufficient quantity of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, mineral salt, roughage, water and all kinds of vitamin which fulfill all the

requirement of the body. What is a balanced diet? Ordinarily it means how much a person should eat different items of food in a day so that all his requirement are fulifilled.

Balanced Diet with respect to Acidity and Alkalinity of Blood The blood of a person is regarded to be pure if it is 80% alkaline and 20%.acidic after chemical process in it. This means that if one portion of our daily diet is acid producing, four times that portion should be alkaly producing. Only then we would remain healthy, otherwise not. When there is departure of this proportion of alkalinity and acidity in our blood (4 and 1) one becomes poisonous which is very dangerous. A famous doctor has said that there is no such thing as natural death. DeathSihich are said to be caused by natural reasons are always because of too much acidity in the blood. On the other hand the alkaline part of the bood repairs the tissues, gives new life to cells and enables us to fight diseases. We may say that we cannot live for a moment without alkalinity in our blood. Many diseases are caused because of lack of alkalinity in the blood, such as diabetes, eye diseases, all kinds of fever, and all kinds of ailment connected with the digestive system. Some top doctors are of the view that death is the last stage of acidity being absorbed by the body and the lack of alkalinity. When food is digested in the body it either produces alkaline or acidic substances. There are several mineral salts in the food. Some of them like sodium, potassium, calcium and ironetc. produce alkaly in the blood, while iodine, chlorinesulphur and phosphorus etc. produce acid. If, by eating a food-stuff it tastes bitter, it should not be regarded as acidic. its aciditydoes not depend on its taste but what it becomes after it enters the stomach. For example, lemon is hundred percent alkaline, though its taste is bitter. Not only lemon but all fresh fruits which are bitter are alkaline, because after entering the

stomach they become alkaline. There are three types of acids which are found in alkaline foods, which cause bitterness. These are : malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. All three are very beneficial to the body. All other foods, which are bitter, are acidic and are harmful to the body. Lemon and all other citric fruits have citric acid. Seedless black raisins and tomato also have this acid. In apple, grape and tomato malic acid is found. A. Roughly Balanced Diet In balanced food, roughly there would be 2/3 portion carbohydrates, 1/6 portion fats, 1/6 portion protein, mineral salts and vitamins. This would be balanced food for an ordinary man. But, according to the age of a person, his build, profession, season and geographical region, there would be small differences in the proportion of different items in the food make it balanced diet from the following 1. Protein (pulse) 2. Fat (ghee, butter etc.) 3. Carbohydrates (flour, rice) 4. Milk and curd 5. Vegetables 6. Raw sugar TOTAL 120 gms. 30 gms. 500 gms. 500 gms. 420 gms. 30 gms. 1 Kg. 600 gms)

Daily Balance Diet for an Old Person

1.Whole meal bread or Rice 2. Pulse 3. Green leafy vegetables 4. Carrot etc.

350 gms. 75 gms. 100 gms. 75 gms.

5. Other vegetables 6. Fruits 7. Raw sugar & Ghee, oil or butter 9 Milk

75 gms. 75 gms. 50 gms. 50 gms. 325 gms)

The famous nutritionists of the world prepared the following table for balanced dietwhich will suit any person, and they claim that it would fulfil the needs of any person in any part of the world. Natural and Satvik Diet. Satvik food is that which is juicy, tasty and nutritious. Food, which is bitter, acidic and very spicy, is Rajasil. Food which is dry, old and impure is Tamasik. Satvik food increases life, strength and enthusiasm and enhances spiritual growth. Rajasik food causes diseaseand unhappiness. Tamasik food causes dullness, disease and animal nature. Therefore, wise men love Satv ik food and hate Rajasik and Tamasik food

Natural Food or Living Food It is the principle of Nature that food which has pran would give us strength. The animals eat living food or which has life force in it, such as grass or leaves, and they are strong. On the other hand most of the people in the world eat 90% lifeless food, only 10% of their food has life in' it. This is the reason that in this age of development, our health is going down. Nature wants that we eat food as it is found in' Nature. If we eat fruits and vegetables as they are got from Nature, we would get all the vitamins and minerals in them and our body would absorb them. But we do not obey this direction of Nature and apply our mind to make the food tasty by cooking it on fire or frying it

in oil, thus making it lifeless. Nature does not forgive anyone. This is also one of its rule. Those who violate the rules of Nature become weak and sick History is a witness to th&fact that since man began to cook food on fire, his health has gone down. Man who has 32 teeth as strong as stone has to make food soft so that he may eat it. It is very heartening that some national and foreign doctors are nowadvising that people should eat food as it is found in Nature If we eat natural food and chew it properly our teeth would remain healthy. These days many people are suffering from dental diseases because they eat cooked food which does not require any great effort to chew by our teeth Gandhiji has written in his journal "Navjeevan": "One should eat food which has become ripe on plants, and take as little artificially cooked food as possible. Fruits: and many green vegetables can be takefl without cooking them. But the proportion of uncooked green vegetables, should be very small. We can get enough nutrition through 20 to 30 grams of uncooked green vegetables We should completely give up sweets and spices." -

It has been experienced that if we take uncooked food we need only half of what we need when the food is cooked. For example, if we cook half kilogram spinach, we can easily eat it, but if we eat that much uncooked spinach it would be difficult to eat it. In fact we would get the same amount of benefit by eating 80 to 100 gm of uncooked spinach as we would get by eating half Kg cooked spinach The second important aspect of-uncooked food is that it is without any impure effect. Not only this, natural food is not only pure, it also purifies the body of one who eats it Uncooked food when it enters the intestine, does not decay there On the other hand it destroys the harmful bacteria which are growing in intestines and produces beneficial bacteria in their place. Besides this, the natural food is completely alkaline and its alkali destroys the acidity in the blood and purifies the

body and removes any disease in the body. Therefore, if one is ill, he should certainly eat natural food which has life in it so that the disease is cured soon. It is clear from the above scientific analysis that we should take fresh fruits andvegetables, milk which has been just milked, honey and nuts. Such food is like Amrit or ambrosia. It is not cooked on fire and does not have chillies and spices.

All cereals when they are put in water and sprout are full of life. All sprouts are very good for health - of -wheat, barley, millet, grams and pulses Milk should also be taken as it is milked, without boiling it. Almond, wallnut and peanuts are rich in protein. The quality of their protein is much superior to that of meat. Meat has harmful urea and uric acid which are not present in natural dried fruits. Instead of sweets, we should take ripe sweet Thuits and honey. Honey is digested as soon as it enters the stomach. It has 47% glucose in- it. Similarly, dates and raisins can be taken instead of sugar. Sugar which is present in them :S much superior to refined sugar. We can get sufficient fats through coconut, milk and dried fruits We have lots of minral salts in fresh fruits.

Vegetarian Food In India, vegetarian food is regarded as best since ancient times. But now, even in Western countries vegetarian food is being popularised Even doctors are advising their patients in Western countries to give up meat. Just by taking vegetarian food the founder of "Indian Daily Mail"; Fedrick-Holm was cured of his gout permanently. The famous writers George Bernard Shaw and Romain Rolland were vegetarians. During the First World War when there was scarcity of food and there was danger that many people would die of starvation, it was decided that for one year from October 1917 to October 1918, the people of Denmark would live on vegetarian

diet. The result was that the death rate in Copenhagen went down as indicated in the following table:.

Average Death 1890- 1891 1900- 1904 1905 -1909 1910 - 1914' 1915 -1916 1917

Rate per year 1582 1450 1461 1371 1386 1236

Deaths between October 1917 and October 1918 were only 985. Dr. Hindheed of Denmark wrote: "I was asked to control the food being consumed by the people. I kept the people mostly on vegetarian diet. For twelve months from October 1917 to October 1918, the people of Denmark remained on vegetarian diet. It is not surprising that the death rate went down during this period. I belong to that group of nutrition scientists who believe that if a large proportion of protein is taken from meat and eggs it spreads poison in digestive system, intestines, kidneys and lungs."

Diet According to Season If we take those foods which are grown in that geason, it is known as diet according to the season. For example, mango is grown in summer and rainy season. Therefore, it is most beneficial if mango is taken in those seasons. Often mango is preserved and eaten even in winter. This is undesirable. After being preserved for a long time such 'a mango does not have either the aroma or the taste or the nUtritions which it had during the season it was grown.

There is a strong relationship between foods and theseson-in which they are grown. Nature grows those kinds of foods which would cure the diseases which develop in that season, so that those foods can help in curing those diseases. This is the far-sightedness of Nature for keeping us healthy. There is no doubt that if we strictly take food which is grown in the season we would have good health and would live up to 100 Years. In any country, the foods which are grown in a particular season are good for health if they are taken by the people living inthat country in that season. Nature enriches those foods with such nutritions which are required by the people in that season. All kinds ofnutritions and "ras" cannot be .produced in all seasons. Therefore, Nature bestows various "ras" in several foods which are grown in a particular season. Therefore, we should take all those foods which are grown in a particular season, so that we take all the "ras" given to them by Nature. We may take them by changing our menu so that all of the foods grown in the season are included. If we take diet according to the season we would always get balanced diet. Western nutrition experts do not know about what kind of food should be taken in a particular season and how it should be prepared. In Europe and cold countries, as there is always cold, one kind of diet can be taken all year round. But in a hot country like India this cannot be done, and this would not prove to be beneficial. We have six seasons in one year, and all of them are very powerful, which affect not only human beings but also birds, animals and plants. Therefore, Nature compels us to change our diet according to the season. If we do not do so, we would certainly fall ill and should not complain about it.

Some Special Health Giving Food

Milk is the only kind of food which has protein, carbohydrates, milk sugar,. mineral salts, fat and vitamins, which are required to build, maintain and protect the body. In fact, milk is complete food on which a new born baby lives and grows. Milk has two kinds of proteins, one is albumin and the other is butter. There is phosphorus in milk protein. This strengthens the body. Milk is fat-rich food, which gives heat and strength to the body. The fat in milk is present in small molecules in the entire milk. When it is heated, fat molecules come together and come to the surface. This fat is difficult to digest, while fat present in milk, just after it have less qualities than those ripened on the plants and trees. Therefore, one should eat fruits ripened on trees. Some fruits can be eaten with their skin They should be eaten With the skin. The fruits which have hard skin should be pealed but the portion of the fruit below the skin should be eaten. It has many useful minerals and protein. By roasting a fruit, its good- qualities are destroyed. Therefore, fruits should not be roasted If the juice of fruits is taken out it should be taken as soon as possible It should not be kept in contact with air for long. Similarly by eating- fruits one can cure diseases. If a. patient is kept on fruits under the guidance of an experienced Nature Cure specialist, even every difficuit and chronic diseases can be cured in a short time. Fruits which are used for fruit treatment should be1esh and ripe and they should be selected from the point of view of the patient For example, in case of ailments of kidneys and liver,- a patient should be given lot of orange and grape juice, and in case of lumbago, the patient should be kept Only on orange juice. Fruit treatment is very beneficial to patients

One should not peal a fruit and put suffering from nervous diseases and skin dison it salt, chillies and spice before eating it. eases. A famous doctor of England is of the By doing so one does not get all the benefits view that fresh fruits can cure cancer. Such of the fruit patients should be kept only on fruit juice and should not be given water. Fruits have so much How much fruits should a -person eat water that if one does not take salt and cerein a day? An American expert in nutrition has als he Would not need extra water Grape juice said a person may take 350 gms dry fruits and pomegrenate juice are very beneficial in and one and half kg. fresh fruits per day. One .case of fever. In typhoid fever fruit juice is very mayincrease the quantity of fresh fruits and effective. If there is deficiency of blood the decrease the quantity of dry fruits juices of carrot, tomato and lemon are very Many specialists are of the view that beneficial because they increase red blood fruits should not be taken just after a meal It cells in the blood Custard apple is helpful in is better to take fruits one hour before a meal case of gout All skin diseases can be cured Doctors advise that fruits should be taken by by carrot and lemon juice Ailments of liver themselves or utmost with milk One does not and constipation can be removed by raisins derive all the benefits of fruits by taking them For this raisins should be put in water at night with a meal At one time only one kind bf fruit and in the morning its water should be taken should be eaten along with raisins.

Fruit Treatment

Fruits are both food and medicine. Just as by eat- the next five to ten days one should take fruits ing fruits man can live long and remain healthy similarly by eating fruits one can cure disease. If a patients is kept on fruits under the guidance of an experienced Nature Cure specialist, even very difficult and chronic diseases can be cured in a short time. Fruit which are used for fruit treatment should be fresh and ripe and they should be selected from the point of view of the patient. For example, in case of ailments of kidneys and liver, a patients should be given lot of orange juice. Fruit treatment is very beneficial to patients suffering from nervous diseases and skin diseases. A famous doctor of England is of the view that fresh fruits can cure cancer. Such patients should be kept on fruit juice and should not be given water. Fruits have so much water that if one does not take salt and cereals he would not need extra water.Grape juice and pomegranate juice are very benifical in case of fever. In typhoid fever fruit juice is very effective. If there is deficiency of blood the juices of carrot, tomato and lemon are very benifical, because they increase red blood cells in the blood. Custard apple is helpful in case of gout. All skin disease can be cured by carrot and lemon juice. Ailments of liver and constipation can be removed by raisins. For this, raisins should be put in water at night and in the morning its water should be taken along with raisins. Mangoes and dates fatten a person who is thin. Mangoes and dates fatten a person who is thin. Mangoes should be taken with milk. Pimples can be removed by lemon juice, and in case of toncils, and in case of toncils pineapples and lemon should be taken. Chronic diseases are cured by fruit treatment. For this, cereals should be gradually given up. For the first three or four days the patient should live only on fruit juice. During these days enema should be taken in the morning

and evening.

Dry Fruits

Dry fruits have all the qualities which fresh fruiti have becaUse all the useful nutritions are safely present in them. In some ways they are even more suitable than fresh, fruits. Though fresh fruits have enough mineral salts,they do not have enough calciUm, iron and phosphorus. But in dry fruits the are found in good quantity. No fruit can remain fresh for a long lime, but dry fruits can be kept for a long time. pry fruits have lot of proteins, mineral salts and sugar. For example, grapes have 15 percent sugar, but when grape dries and becomes raisin, its content of sugar is 73 percent. In fig and dates the quantity of sugar is 74 percent and 68 percent respectively. Before dry fruits are eaten, they should be soaked in water for some time, so that they become soft. But the water in which they are soaked should also be drunk. Dry fruits should never be boiled. In dry fruits the natural water of fresh fruit does not exist in largeproportion. Therefore, they create heat when eaten and they are difficult to digest. Therefore,dry fruits should be eaten along with fresh fruits Dry fruits do not have sufficient amount of vitamin C, because when fresh fruits are dried, vitamin C is destroyed. But the tasteof sugar increases. Therefore, raisins, dates and apricot can be used instead of sugar. Mill sugar is difficult to digest and it causes harm, but sugar of fruits is absorbed immediately. Mill sugar has no mineral salts and it is also acidic. But dry fruits are alkaline and have plenty of mineral salts. All dry fruits are tasty and good for healthne can get eight to nine times as much strength by eating dry fruitsas one gets by taking milk. Dry fruits are complete food. But they should be taken along with fresh fruits and vegetables, otherwise

they are not prop-erly digested. Dry fruits that they should be taken only in winter, not in summer and rainy season. This is a wrong notion. One can take dry fruits along with fresh fruits and vegetables once a day even in summer and maintain good health. Dry fruits create blood and keep it purified. They keep the stomach and digestive system clean. They have large quantity of fat, carbohydrates, calcium, iron and vitamin A and B. But after full meal, it is not beneficial to, eat dry fruits. Similarly, dry fruits should not be taken more than required. There are many kinds of dry fruits. Among them are raisin, dried grape, fig, almond, walnut, peanut, pinus gradiana, pistasio, cashew nuts, chironji, euryle forex, coconut, apricot etc.

Leafy Vegetables

The leafy vegetables whose leaves are eaten are known as Patra Shak, such as spinach, white goose foot, etc. Vegetable whose floWers are eaten are known as Pushp Shak, 'such as kacInar etc. Vegetables whose fruits are eaten are known as Phal Shak, as jack iruit, tomato, etc. Vegetables whose stern-s--are eaten are known as Dandi Shak, as asparagus, etc. Vegetables whose roots are eaten are known as Kandmoo! Shak. Vegetables whose seeds are eaten are known as also enema should be taken once in a day. Then one should live for ten days on fruits and milk. Milk should be of cow, which is freshly milked. It should not be heated or any sugar added to it. If fresh fruits are not available, raisins should btaken instead of fruits. Raisins should be put in water for seven to eight hours. The water should be drunk and raisins which have swelled should be eaten. If milk does not suit .a patient, buttermilk should be taken instead of milk. At the end of this period cereals should be gradually started by taking fruits and milk in the morning and

evening and roti and vegetables in the after- noon By fruit treatment most of the chronic diseases are cured. After fruits, the natural food of human beings is leafy vegetables. It is alkaline and at the same time it has mineral salts. If the acidity of-The body is increased by eating wrong food it is neutralized by eating leafy vegetables. All leafy vegetables are alkaliAein their natural form, but when they are cooked and chilies and spices are added to them, they become acidic and they are less beneficial. Therefore, the best way of eating leafy vegetables is to make their salad. By taking salad regularly skin diseases and impurity of blood do not occur, the heat of the body subsides and one -does not suffer from constipation.

Treatment of Diseases by Juices By drinking juices of fruits and veg etabls, many diseases can be cured. The following is the list of diseases and the juices which shold be taken to cure them: 1. Insomnia Juice of apple, grape, carrot and spinach, onion juice with honey. 2. Acidity Juice of apple; mausambi, orange, watermelon, grape,. radish, carrot with cabbage. 3. Ulcer Coconut water, juice of cucumber, carrot, cabbage, bottle gourd, wheat grass juice 4. High Blood Pressure Juice of tomato, pomegranate, orange, papaya, lemon, sugar beet, garlic, wheat grass juice 5. Constipation Juice of apple orange mausambi emblicamirobelan, papaya, (beel water +

honey) sugar cane beetroot carrot radish cucumber, bottle gourd, spinach.

6. Cough Juice of pomegranate, apple, carrot,radish, (garlic + honey), (onion + honey), (ginger + lemon + honey) 7. Gas Trouble Juice of apple, papaya, bitter goujd, (radish + radish leaves), (garlic + 3 spoon water) (ginger + lemon + honey + water) 8. Cancer Juice of grapes, apple, carrot, sugar beet, wheat grass. 9. Pregnency Juice of pomegranate, mausambi, orange, tomato, carrot, sugar beet, spinach. 10.Rheumatism Juice of apple, garlic,. fenugreek leaves, (radish + ginger + cabbage), (ginger + lemon + honey) 11.Skin Diseases Juice of apple water melon, carrot sugar beet, lemon, cucumber, tomato, bitter gourd, cabbage, kulfa, amaranthus, radish, spinach. 12.Fever Juice of pomegranate, orange, mousambi, lemon. 13.Cold Juice of-pomegranate, apple, orange, mousambi, (ginger + lemon + honey). 14.Asthma Juice of pomegranate, apple, grapes, papaya, lemon, carrot, sugar beet, bitter gourd, radish, (emblica mirobelan + honey), (garlic + honey), (ginger + lemon + honey).

15.Dental Trouble Juice of apple, orange, guava, lemon, cucumber, tomato, carrot, radish, emblica mirobelan. Harmful Food Besides the food told above all other foods are harmful, and by eating them one becomes ill and does not have long life: In brief, harmful foods are as follows:

Mixed Food

If in one meal one takes not one but many kinds of food, it is called mixed food. FOr example, if whole meal bread, rice, pulse, kheer, milk, ghee, pickles, fruits, dry fruits, etc. are taken together, it is harmful for health.

Wrong Food Combinations

Wrong food combinations are harmful and act like poison. For example, if equal quantities of ghee and honey are taken a person may die, and if milk is taken with salt one may get lukoderma.

Non-Vegetarian Food

Meat, fish and eggs are known as non- vegetarian food. Their consumption is wrong for the health of the body as well as morally. Non-vegetarian food is not the Natural diet of human being. Therefore, its consumption is unhealthy.

Overeating Overeating means to go on eating when the stomach is already full. It is harmful for health.

Chillies-Spices-Oil

They cause heat in the body and increase acidity of the blood, which causes many ailments.

Outside Salt

All kinds of inorganic salts which are added to food are called outside 'salts. Natural food has organic salts in it. Outside salts are like spices, which are not the food of human beings. Therefore, to maintain good health, one should not use outside salts or use them as little - as possible. Fast Food

Now-a-days our young generation has become very fond of fast foods like Burgar,' Choumean, Hot dog etc.

Uncooked Food

Life exists on Earth in 'innumerable forms- 'living creatures are in water,on Earth and in air. Nature provides them food and fulfills all their requirements. From tiny insects to huge elephants, Nature provides food to all of them; They do not haveto cook it All living creatures except human beings fake their food directly from

Nature) Previously, before the dawn of civilization man beings also ate uncooked food. The epics Ramayan and Mahabharat tell us that our Rishis lived on Kand, Mol andPhal, that is on sterna, roots and fruits They lived in forests and developed highest knowledge while living 'on uncooked food. As civilization developed, people began to live unnatural and undisciplined life. The rich began to live a life of indulgence. Tasty foods were prepared even though they had little nutritional value. 'The general population also began to enjoy tasty foods prepared after being cooked on 'fire. Spices and chillies were added to make it hot and tempting. When food is fried or roasted many important nutrients in it are destroyed. -

When food is cooked,enzymes in it are also destroyed. There are three prftary digestive enzymes -protease Ii5se and amylase, -which digest, respectively, protein, fat (lipids), and crbohydrats, Amylase comes from the salivary glands, Enzymes are also made in'liver, pancreas, stomach and intestines When we eat uncooked or raw food we get enzymes from- our fool besides the enzymes produced in our body. But when we eat cooked food we have to completely depend on enzymes produced in our body to digestthe food. Therefore, those who eat only cooked food ovrtax'their organs for digesting it

Types of uncooked Food. Sprouts of Cereals and Seeds There is an increase in nutrients in sprouted cereals and seeds when compared to their dried embryo. In the process of sprouting, the vitamins, minerals and protein increases substantially with corresponding decrease in calories and carbohydrates content. The increase in protein availability is of great significance. It is a valuable indicator of the enhanced nutritional value-of a food when sprouted. Dried seeds and grains do not contain discernable traces of ascorbic acid, yet

when sprouted, they reveal quite sig nificant quantities which are impotant in the body's ability to metabolise proteins.The presence of ascorbic' acid derives from their absorption of atmospheric elements during growth. Sprouts supply food in predigested form. It has already been acted upon by the enzymes and' made to digest easily, During sprouting, much of-the starch is broken down into simple sugars such as glucose an sucrose by the action of the enzyme "amylase" amides. The cereals and seeds which are usually sprouted are wheat, wheat gram, green gram, ragi, groundnut, peas, cow gram pulse. Sprouts are an inexpensive method of obtaining a concentration of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. They, have in them all the constituent nutrients of fruits and vegetables. They are "live" foods. By a process of natural transmutation, sprouted food acquires vastly improved digestibility and nutritional quaJties when compared to non-sprouted seeds.

Salad The second type of uncooked food is salad. lfcan be made in several ways out of fruits and vegetables. Fruits can be taken by themselves or in the form of salad, but uncooked vegetables are mostly eaten in the form of salad. Salad is itself a vegetable. Originally, salad leaves were eaten with food. But later on other vegetables were added to it like tomato, onion and cucumber.

Vegetable Salad Vegetable salad can be made out of the following vegetables Spinach, tomato, fresh coriander, radish, turnip, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, onion, sugar beet, carrot, lettuce. Any two, ftfree or four vegetables out of the above can be used to

make vegetable salad. Light salt and lemon can be added to it to make it tasty. Vegetable salad is usually taken along with a meal, but it can be taken by itself. Sauce Sauce has been a regular item of an Indian. meal for centuries. It is tasty and at the same time it is full of vitamins and minerals. Two important ingredients of sauce are coriander and mint. Other items which can go in a sauce are emblica mirobelan, tamarind, goose berry, bukhara plum and kaitha. Sauce is also made of unripe mango. Sauce is used in small quantity. It provides vitamins and minerals and at the same time it helps to digest food.

Fruit Cream Fruits like mango, banana, papaya etc. are cut and put in fresh cram Sugar is added to it. It makes a very tasty and nutritious dish; Fruit cream is a Western dish. A similar dish is made in India which is known as Fruit Cream. In this, ripe fruits like mangoes, bananas, etc. are mashed by hands or spoon and then milk, curd, honey or mollass is added to it. The best thing is to use honey instead of mollases to make it sweet.

Milk and Curd Milk should be taken without boiling it. It comes under the category of uncooked food when ilis not boiled. Milk should be taken within two hrs after it has been milked without heating it or boiling it. Curd is made after boiling milk. But curd is also included in the category of uncooked food, because it has been made after enzymes are added to the milk which has been boiled and then cooled. Curd has enzymes as other uncooked foods have. In fact, curd is regarded as superior to milk. It is easily digestible and helps to digest other food taken.

ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure (a blend of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is an alternative medicine technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices. Traditional Chinese medicine's (TCM) acupuncture theory predates use of the scientific method, and has received various criticisms based on scientific thinking. The anatomical or histological basis of acupuncture points or meridians, is unknown. Felix Mann "...a Acupuncturists tend to perceive TCM concepts in functional rather than structural terms, i.e. as being useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients. Neuroimaging research suggests that certain acupuncture points have distinct effects that are not otherwise predictable anatomically. Acupoints used in treatment may or may not be in the same area of the body as the targeted symptom. The TCM theory for the selection of such points and their effectiveness is that they work by stimulating the meridian system to bring about relief by rebalancing yin, yang and qi (also spelled "chi"). This theory is based on the paradigm of TCM. Many East Asian martial arts also make extensive study and use of acupressure for self-defense and health purposes, (chin na, tui na). The points or combinations of points are said to be used to manipulate or incapacitate an opponent. Also, martial artists regularly massage their own acupressure points in routines to remove blockages from their own meridians, claiming to thereby enhance their circulation and flexibility and keeping the points "soft" or less vulnerable to an attack.

RESEARCH
A preliminary randomized trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique found a possible correlation with weight loss maintenance using TAT versus Qigong or self-directed support, suggesting that TAT might outperform the other methods studied. The results were not statistically significant, but a separation test indicated that further study is warranted. A full randomized trial of TAT versus standard weightloss management intervention is currently being conducted, funded by the NCCAM. An acupressure wristband that is claimed to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness and other forms of nausea provides pressure to the P6 acupuncture point, a point that has been extensively investigated. The Cochrane Collaboration, a group of evidence-based medicine (EBM) reviewers, reviewed the use of P6 for nausea and vomiting, and found it to be effective for reducing post-operative nausea, but not vomiting. The Cochrane review included various means of stimulating P6, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, laser stimulation, acustimulation device and acupressure; it did not comment on whether one or more forms of stimulation were more effective. EBM reviewer Bandolier said that P6 in two studies showed 52% of patients with control having a success, compared with 75% with P6. One author of an article published in the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine disagreed

Acupressure work theory

According to the principles of TCM, qi flows through the body via 14 primary meridians or channels. To strengthen the flow of qi,or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at certain specific points (called acupoints) along the channels.

There are four to five hundred named acupoints along the meridians, some of which are associated with specific internal organs or organ systems. If you are suffering from nausea, for example, needles might be inserted into acupoints on your wrist, while a vision problem might be treated with needles in the foot. (Additional ear, scalp, and hand points are also commonly used by some practitioners.) Acupuncture practitioners believe that the therapy stimulates the bodys internal regulatory system and nurtures a natural healing response. A variant system known as two point acupressure attempts to bypass a blockage of vital flow by using one acupoint to create a link with one of the collateral meridians, and then using one additional acupoint to stimulate or reduce the flow around the obstruction.

INSTRUMENTS
There are several different instruments for applying nonspecific pressure by rubbing, rolling, or applying pressure on the reflex zones of the body. The acuball is a small ball made of rubber with protuberances that is heatable. It is used to apply pressure and relieve muscle and joint pain. The energy roller is a small cylinder with protuberances. It is held between the hands and rolled back and forth to apply acupressure. The foot roller (also "krupa chakra") is a round, cylindrical roller with protuberances. It is placed on the floor and the foot is rolled back and forth over it. The power mat (also pyramid mat) is a mat with small pyramid-shaped bumps that you walk on. The spine roller is a bumpy roller containing magnets that is rolled up and down the spine. The Teishein is one of the original nine classical acupuncture needles described in the original texts of acupuncture. Even though it is described as an acupuncture needle it did not pierce the skin. It is used to apply rapid percussion pressure to the points being

treated.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ACCUPRESSURE

Accupressure is used to treat a wide range of physical conditions. One of its most common uses is in the treatment of pain. Accupressure can be used relieve pain in the back, hips, face, legs, shoulders, neck and other areas of the body. This therapy is frequently used to help people suffering from arthritis, sports injuries or chronic pain due to nerve damage or other medical conditions. To reap the full benefits of acupuncture, patients typically get weekly or bi-weekly treatments until their condition begins improving. Less severe pain might require fewer treatments to produce results. In addition to treating pain, accupressure is also used to treat digestive problems, respiratory conditions, neurological disorders and urinary problems.

Accupressure can also be used to boost immune system function, fight infection and relieve the side effects of certain medical treatments like chemotherapy. While serious conditions may require additional medical treatment, many patients find acupuncture to be an effective complimentary or solitary treatment. In women, accupressure can also be used to treat menstrual problems, infertility and menopausal symptoms. In many cases, female infertility is due to a lack of ovulation. Acupuncture can stimulate ovulation and make it easier for women to get pregnant. Acupuncture can also relieve tension, balance the hormones and treat circulatory problems, which may help to treat infertility.

How Accupressure Benefits the Mind

In addition to treating physical conditions, accupressure also benefits the mind.

Patients who suffer from certain psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety, can relieve their symptoms through acupuncture. After several treatment sessions, many patients report increased energy, feelings of well-being and improved mood. Acupuncture is a great therapy for people who cannot take traditional medications due to side effects or have not responded to drug therapy. In some cases, accupressure has also been used to treat chemical dependency, insomnia, eating disorders and certain phobias. While acupuncture might seem like an odd treatment method, many patients find it effective. Acupuncture benefits people suffering from emotional disorders by producing feelings of calm, supporting the release of endorphins and balancing the bodys flow of energy. This therapy can also stimulate the appetite, making it useful in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. While accupressure is usually used to treat pain, disease and psychological disorders, there are a few interesting accupressure benefits that many people are unaware of. The first is that acccupressure can be used as an effectiveweight loss treatment. For many people, losing weight is an extremely difficult task. Acupuncture benefits dieters by controlling appetite, eliminating cravings, improving digestion and balancing the hormones. Accupressure also enhances organ function and may speed the metabolism. This makes it easier for dieters to lose weight and keep it off permanently. The second unique benefit is accupressure use as a smoking cessation aid. Quitting smoking is almost just as, if not more, difficult than losing weight. When a person stops smoking, he or she may experience anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, cravings, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and headaches. Accupressure benefits smokers by eliminating the side effects

associated with quitting. When these side effects are eliminated, smokers can focus on quitting, instead of focusing on the unpleasant side effects they are experiencing.

Are the Benefits of Acccupressure Real, or Are Patients Being Duped?

Although many people believe in the benefits of accupressure, others are not so sure. However, accpressure is not some outdated mystical therapy. There have been hundreds of scientific studies proving the effectiveness of accupressure for numerous medical conditions. For example, a 2001 study published in Anesth Analg found that auricular, or ear, accupressure can decrease anxiety in healthy individuals. A study published in Rheumatology International in 1998 found that accupressure decreased pain levels and reduced tender points in people suffering from fibromyalgia. Researchers have tested the effectiveness of accupressure on everything from headaches to high blood pressure. For the most part, these studies have produced very positive results. While accupressure is a very interesting natural therapy, it is one that has stood the test of time for a very important reasonit works.

AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant

materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person's mind, mood, cognitive function or health. Some essential oils such as tea tree have demonstrated anti-microbial effects, but there is still a lack of clinical evidence demonstrating efficacy against bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Evidence for the efficacy of aromatherapy in treating medical conditions remains poor, with a particular lack of studies employing rigorous methodology, but some evidence exists that essential oils may have therapeutic potential. Aromatherapy is the treatment or prevention of disease by use of essential oils. Other stated uses include pain and anxiety reduction, enhancement of energy and short-term memory, relaxation, hair loss prevention, and reduction of eczema-induced itching. Two basic mechanisms are offered to explain the purported effects. One is the influence of aroma on the brain, especially the limbic system through the olfactory system. The other is the direct pharmacological effects of the essential oils. While precise knowledge of the synergy between the body and aromatic oils is often claimed by aromatherapists, the efficacy of aromatherapy remains unproven. However, some preliminary clinical studies of aromatherapy in combination with other techniques show positive effects. Aromatherapy does not cure conditions, but helps the body to find a natural way to cure itself and improve immune response. In the English-speaking world, practitioners tend to emphasize the use of oils in massageAromatherapy tends to be regarded as a complementary modality at

best[and a pseudoscientific fraud at worst. Many such oils are described by Dioscorides, along with beliefs of the time regarding their healing properties, in his De Materia Medica, written in the first century. Distilled essential oils have been employed as medicines since the invention of distillation in the eleventh century, when Avicenna isolated essential oils using steam distillation. The concept of aromatherapy was first mooted by a small number of European scientists and doctors, in about[1907. In 1937, the word first appeared in print in a French book on the subject: Aromathrapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Vgtales by Ren-Maurice Gattefoss, a chemist. An English version was published in 1993. In 1910, Gattefoss burned a hand very badly and later claimed he treated it effectively with lavender oil. A French surgeon, Jean Valnet, pioneered the medicinal uses of essential oils, which he used as antiseptics in the treatment of wounded soldiers during.

Modes of application
The modes of application of aromatherapy include:

Aerial diffusion: for environmental fragrancing or aerial disinfection Direct inhalation: for respiratory disinfection, decongestion, expectoration as well as psychological effects

Topical applications: for general massage, baths, compresses, therapeutic skin care.

Types of Essential oils:

Fragrant oils extracted from plants chiefly through steam distillation (e.g.oils

eucalyptus oil) or expression (grapefruit oil). However, the term is also occasionally used to describe fragrant oils extracted from plant material by any solvent extraction.

, Absolutes: Fragrant oils extracted primarily from flowers or delicate plant tissues through solvent or supercritical fluid extraction (e.g., rose absolute). The term is also used to describe oils extracted from fragrant butters, concretes, and enfleurage pommades using ethanol.

Carrier oils: Typically oily plant base triacylglycerides that dilute essential oils for use on the skin (e.g., sweet almond oil).

Herbal distillates or hydrosols: The aqueous by-products of the distillation process (e.g., rosewater). There are many herbs that make herbal distillates and they have culinary uses, medicinal uses and skin care uses.Common herbal distillates are chamomile, rose, and lemon balm.

Infusions: Aqueous extracts of various plant material (e.g., infusion of chamomile).

Phytoncides: Various volatile organic compounds from plants that kill microbes[Many terpene-based fragrant oils and sulfuric compounds from plants in the genus "Allium" are phytoncides though the latter are likely less commonly used in aromatherapy due to their disagreeable odors.

Vaporizer (Volatized) Raw Herbs: Typically higher oil content plant based materials dried, crushed, and heated to extract and inhale the aromatic oil vapors in a direct inhalation modality.

Popular uses

Lemon oil is uplifting and anti-stress/anti-depressant. In a Japanese study, lemon essential oil in vapour form has been found to reduce stress in mice. Research at The Ohio State University indicates that Lemon oil aroma may enhance one's mood, and help with relaxation.

Thyme oil Peppermint oil is often used to deter ants, by applying a few drops on their trail.

Both lavender and Tea tree oil are used as antiseptics, sometimes in lotions or soaps. Lavender oil is said to help heal wounds and burns.

Lavender, Jasmine, Chamomile and Peppermint are used for anti-stress, anti-anxiety and as an anti-depressant.

Sage oil has been suggested to boost short-term memory performance in many using it as a dietary supplement.

Efficacy
There is little evidence to date about the efficacy of aromatherapy. Martin et al. (1996) concluded that most of the clinical trials suffered from various confounding factors, such as a lack of adequate control, small sample sizes, and lack of repetition by independent researchers. As well, many are served in conjunction with other possible influencers. One example being Kuritama et al.s (2005) experiment where the psychological benefits of aromatherapy massage was compared to massage alone. Once the tests and questionnaire measures were evaluated there showed a significant reduction in anxiety and self-ranked depression, though there was no difference between the two groups. Aromatherapists tend to back up their belief in their practice by saying that one

cannot confirm or reject their methods by using scientific approaches, because science is reductionist and that aromatherapy depends on a holistic method (Schnaubelt 1998). Some benefits that have been linked to aromatherapy, such as relaxation and clarity of mind, may arise from the placebo effect rather than from any actual physiological effect. The consensus among most medical professionals is that while some aromas have demonstrated effects on mood and relaxation and may have related benefits for patients, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the claims made for aromatherapy. Scientific research on the cause and effects of aromatherapy is limited, although in vitro testing has revealed some antibacterial and antiviral effects. There is no evidence of any long-term results from an aromatherapy massage other than the pleasure achieved from a pleasant-smelling massage. A few double blind studies in the field of clinical psychology relating to the treatment of severe dementia have been published. Essential oils have a demonstrated efficacy in dental mouthwash products. Mainstream literature suggests that aromatherapy is based on the anecdotal evidence of its benefits rather than proof that aromatherapy can cure diseases. Scientists and medical professionals acknowledge that aromatherapy has limited scientific support, but critics argue that the claims of most aromatherapy practitioners go beyond the data, and/or that the studies are neither adequately controlled nor peer reviewed. Some proponents of aromatherapy believe that the claimed effect of each type of oil is not caused by the chemicals in the oil interacting with the senses, but because the oil contains a distillation of the "life force" of the plant from which it is derived that will "balance the energies" of the body and promote healing or well-being by "purging negative vibrations" from the body's "energy fire.

Arguing that there is no scientific evidence that healing can be achieved or that the claimed "energies" even exist, many skeptics reject this form of aromatherapy as pseudoscience.

Safety concerns
In addition, there are potential safety concerns. Because essential oils are highly concentrated they can irritate the skin when used in undiluted form. Therefore, they are normally diluted with a carrier oil for topical application, such as jojoba oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Phototoxic reactions may occur with citrus peel oils such as lemon or lime. Also, many essential oils have chemical components that are sensitisers (meaning that they will after a number of uses cause reactions on the skin, and more so in the rest of the body). Some of the chemical allergies could even be caused by pesticides, if the original plants are cultivated. Some oils can be toxic to some domestic animals, with cats being particularly prone . Two common oils, lavender and tea tree, have been implicated in causing gynaecomastia, an abnormal breast tissue growth, in prepubescent boys, although the report which cites this potential issue is based on observations of only three boys (and so is not a scientific study), and two of those boys were significantly above average in weight for their age, thus already prone to gynaecomastia. A child hormone specialist at the University of Cambridge claimed "... these oils can mimic estrogens" and "people should be a little bit careful about using these products." The study has been criticised on many different levels by many authorities. The Aromatherapy Trade Council of the UK has issued a rebuttal The Australian Tea Tree Association, a group that promotes the interests of Australian tea tree oil producers, exporters and manufacturers issued a letter that questioned the study and called on the New England Journal of Medicine for a retraction (ATTIA). The New England Journal of Medicine has so far not replied and has

not retracted the study. As with any bioactive substance, an essential oil that may be safe for the general public could still pose hazards for pregnant and lactating women. While some advocate the ingestion of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, licensed aromatherapy professionals do not recommend self prescription due the highly toxic nature of some essential oils. Some very common oils like Eucalyptus are extremely toxic when taken internally. Doses as low as one teaspoon have been reported to cause clinically significant symptoms and severe poisoning can occur after ingestion of 4 to 5 ml. A few reported cases of toxic reactions like liver damage and seizures have occurred after ingestion of sage, hyssop, thuja, and cedar. Accidental ingestion may happen when oils are not kept out of reach of children. Oils both ingested and applied to the skin can potentially have negative interaction with conventional medicine. For example, the topical use of methyl salicylate heavy oils like Sweet Birch and Wintergreen may cause hemorrhaging in users taking the anticoagulant Warfarin.

The Benefit of an Aroma - Inhaling Essential Oils

Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs offer both psychological and physical benefits. Not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate trigger a reaction, but when inhaled into the lungs, the natural occurring chemicals) can supply therapeutic benefit. oil to help ease congestion is a prominent

the brain to

constituents (naturally

Diffusing eucalyptus essential example.

If not done correctly and safely, however, the use of essential oils can have severe consequences.

The Benefit of Physical Application

Essential oils that are applied to the skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The constituents of essential oils can aid in health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Since essential oils are so powerful and concentrated, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. To apply essential oils to the skin, essential oils are typically diluted into a carrier such as a cold pressed vegetable oil, also known as a carrier oil. Common carrier oils include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil and grapeseed oil. A more detailed definition of Carrier Oils is found on the What are Carrier Oils page. A detailed list of carrier oils and their properties can be found on the Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy properties page.

Other Benefits
In addition to therapeutic benefit at the emotional and physical level, essential oils are helpful in other applications. Essential oils can be used in household and laundry cleaners. Some oils act as a natural insect repellent and pesticide. You may recall using citronella candles during the summer to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella essential oil is the ingredient in the candles that is responsible for repelling the mosquitos. Visit the Essential Oil Uses page for additional information on ways that you can use essential oils.

Essential Oil Blends

Essential oils can be blended together to create appealing and complex aromas. Essential oils can also be blended for a specific therapeutic application. Essential oils that are carefully blended with a specific therapeutic purpose in mind may be referred to as an essential oil syngery.

A synergistic essential oil blend is considered to be greater in total action than each oil working independently. AromaWeb's Recipes area offers a variety of recipes and synergies.

Colour Therapy
It has been known for eons of time that color plays a major role in setting up a particular mood or state of mind. Color does affect one's feelings, moods, and emotions. Colors are certain wavelengths of electro-magnetic energy seen through our eyes. The color we see is the part of the visible spectrum that is reflected back by a certain object. We know that when all colors join the result is white light. Therefore working with White Light brings about completeness, oneness, union of all complementary parts. Colors affect us in different ways:

Color is one of the languages of the soul, just look at inspired or meditative paintings.

They influence our mood and emotions. They have their impact on our sense of well-being or un-easiness. Using and avoiding certain colors is a way of self-expression; it sheds light on our personality.

Colors affect our way of perception (light colors make a space look big, a high ceiling looks less high when painted in a dark color, etc.)

Colors have a symbolic meaning which is immediately recognized by our subconsciousness. It must be said that not all colors mean the same to all persons and all cultures.

They influence the flow and amount of energy in our bodies. Colors tell something about biological attraction and sexual availability.

Before examining color and its healing implications, we must address a very important concept: that of cause and effect. True healing comes about when the cause of the condition or illness is addressed and transformed. If healing goes no further than a mere relief or masking of the symptoms, then, eventually, that which brought about the need for healing, in the first place, will resurface and manifest itself within the body in one form or another. Body is an outward expression of that which is taking place within the mind, the soul (subconscious) , and the spirit (superconscious) of the individual. Thus, any healing technique which deals only with the physical body and the energy field of the individual tends to accomplish one thing: it jump starts the individual, so to speak, and gives him or her an added boost of energy. That energy boost then allows that person's own internal healing mechanism to become mobilized into greater activity. Keeping this in mind, let us look at how color can help jump-start the tired or diseased body. Color healing, known as Chromotherapy, can be implemented in a number of ways. The ancients built great halls of color healing, where individuals entered and were bathed in light that was filtered through various colored glass panels or windows. Energy (spiritual) healers often supplement their healing work with color healing. As they lay their hands on the patient, they mentally direct specific color rays into the patient's aura and body. Oftentimes, the color used is inspired by the superconscious. In healing colors act as balancers: we administer the color(s) someone needs more of, or we give the opposite of the color someone has too much of.

Color Chart A preference for certain colors can point at two things:

self-expression (you choose the colors which match your personality; for instance green for a lover of harmony and nature)

completion (you choose the colors you need more of; for instance an active, passionate person chooses blue colors to cool down his nature).

An aversion against certain colors gives information as well. Possible explanations are given in the chart. Red Healing properties: Brings warmth, energy and stimulation, therefore good for energy, fatigue, colds, chilly and passive people. Red energizes heart and blood circulation, it builds up the blood and heightens a low blood pressure. Energizes all organs and the senses hearing, smell, taste, vision and touch. Increases sexual desire and activity. Stimulates ovulation and menstruation. Never treat cancer with red, because this color will stimulate cell growth! Red links with and stimulates the root chakra, at the base of the spine, causing the adrenal glands to release adrenalin. This results in greater strength. Red causes hemoglobin to multiply, thus increasing energy and raising body temperature. It is excellent for anemia and blood-related conditions. It loosens, opens up clogs, releases stiffness and constrictions. It is excellent for areas that have become stiffened or constricted.

Esoteric/magickal: Deities of love, passion, sexuality and war (to stimulate a healthy portion of assertiveness). Great energy, courage, will-power, determination, speed, assertiveness, aggression, masculinity, independence, physical strength, sports, competition, conflicts, health, sexual attraction and potency, love and passion, fertility. Preference for red: Red is associated with passionate love, sex, great energy, impulse, action and stimulation, assertiveness and aggression, courage, strength and power, adventure, danger, warnings, revolt and revolution. Temperamental and ambitious people with a need for personal freedom. Aversion to red: A person who has an aversion to red may be over-active, too impulsive, hot-tempered, aggressive and egocentric, or have difficulties with people with such characteristics. It can also symbolize deeply hidden fears and rejection of his own assertiveness. Orange Healing properties: Orange is warm, cheering, non-constricting. Orange has a freeing action upon the body and mind, relieving repressions. Orange shows new possibilities and other options in life. Stimulates creative thinking and enthusiasm, and helps assimilate new ideas.It is also helpful in dealing with excess sexual expression. Orange stimulates the lungs, the respiration and the digestion. Increases the activity of the thyroid. Reliefs muscle cramps and spasms. Increases the amount of mother milk.

Finally, orange links very strongly with the sacral chakra. Esoteric/magickal: Deities of good luck and fortune. Attraction, charm, kindness, encouragement, stimulation, optimism, success, abundance, prosperity, feast and celebration, energy, achieving business-goals, investments, success in legal matters. Preference for orange: Orange represents the warmth of the fire. It brings even more energy than yellow, celebration and great abundance, comfort, enjoyment of the senses. Warm, sociable, dynamic and independent people who dedicate themselves to whatever they do. Aversion to orange: A person who has an aversion to orange may have suppressed sexual feelings or other difficulties with sensual enjoyment of life. The attitude can also be over-sensual, indulgent, or too materialistic. Yellow Healing properties: Yellow helps strengthen the nerves and the mind. It helps awaken mental inspiration and stimulates higher mentality. Thus, it is an excellent color for nervous or nerve-related conditions or ailments. It also energizes the muscles. Dark yellow soothes pains in the nerves (shooting pains) Yellow can be used for conditions of the stomach, liver, and intestines. Speeds up the digestion and assimilation, and the stool. It helps the pores of the skin and aids scarred tissue in healing itself. Yellow links with and stimulates the solar plexus, or psychic center. It can

be used for psychic burnout or other psychic-related conditions or ailments. Activates and cheers up depressed and melancholic people. Gives lust for life. Esoteric/magical: Elemental air. Deities for trade, travel, knowledge and magick. Life-force, vitality, change, progress, contact, communication, trade, commerce, to persuade with confidence, joy, cheerfulness, learning, knowledge, mental clarity, concentration, memorizing, tests, speaking and writing, traveling, affirmation, visualization. Preference for yellow: The color of the sun, life-force, vividity, vitality and energy. The color of cheerfulness, curiosity, alternation, flexibility, progress, amusement, contact through traveling and communication, learning and practical knowledge. A feeling for writing and speaking. Aversion to yellow: A person who has aversion to yellow may be emotionally disappointed and bitter.May have tendency to rationalize feelings, or to avoid the depth of life by often changing relationships, many superficial relationships and/or constant changing activities. Green Healing properties: Green is the color of Nature and the earth. It is balance and harmony in essence and possesses a soothing influence upon both mind and body. It is neither relaxing nor astringent in its impact.Green can be used for just about any condition in need of healing. Green rings psychological and emotional harmony and balance. Green links with and stimulates the heart chakra.Green affects blood

pressure and all conditions of the heart. It has both an energizing effect and a moderating or soothing effect. It cures hormonal imbalances. Stimulates growth hormone and rejuvenation. Cleans and purifies from germs, bacteria and rotting material. Harmonizes the digestion, stomach, liver, gall. Has a healing effect on kidneys. Increases immunity. Builds up muscles, bones and tissues. Stimulates inner peace. Strengthens the nervous system. Esoteric/magickal: Elemental earth (dark green) and elemental water (blue-green). Nature, fertility, growth, rejuvenation, recovering, healing, harvest and abundance, prosperity, harmony, balance, peace, hope, mother earth, home, herbal magick, plants and animals, counteract greed and jealousy. Preference for green: Green brings peace, rest, hope, comfort and nurturing, calmness and harmony. Interest in nature, plants, fellowmen, children and animals, health and healing, natural and plain life. Longing for a safe home and family-life. A dislike of conflicts. Aversion to green: A person who has an aversion to green may be more interested in independence and self-development than in a warm family-life. May prefer to keep a certain distance in (sexual) relationships. Blue Healing properties: Blue is cooling, electric, astringent. Dr. Edwin Babbitt, in his classic, "The Principles of Light and Color," states that "The Blue Ray is one of the greatest antiseptics in the world."

Cools down inflammations (don't forget rheumatic inflammations), fever, high blood pressure, stops bleedings, reliefs the bursting headaches, calms strong emotions like anger, aggression or hysteria. Brings tranquility. Anti-itching. Anti-irritation (for instance redness of the skin), anti-stress. Soothes suffering. Blue can be used for any type of ailments associated with speech, communication, or the throat. Excellent forlaryngitis or inflammation of the larynx. Blue links with and stimulates the throat chakra. The throat chakra is often referenced as the "power center" and "the greatest center in the body" because it is the primary center of expression and communication, through speech. Esoteric/magickal: Elemental water and elemental air. Deities of the sea, truth and wisdom. Peace and tranquility, calmness, truth, wisdom, justice, counsel, guidance, understanding, patience, loyalty and honor, sincerity, devotion, healing, femininity, prophetic dreams, protection during sleep, astral projection. Preference for blue: Cool and soothing, dreamy and magical. Peace and rest. For people who keep a certain distance, but give calm and practical help; they are faithful and loyal, have a sense for order, logic and rational thinking. Flying in day-dreaming, ideals or nostalgia when felt mis-understood. Dark blue is more severe and can be melancholic. Blue is also the color of truth. Aversion to blue: A person who has an aversion to blue, may be very

disciplined, strong career worker, with an aversion of commentary or restriction. He may have charted out a clear direction for his life and wants to follow that lacelike . Indigo Healing properties: Indigo is a great purifier of the bloodstream and also benefits mental problems. It is a freeing and purifying agent. Indigo combines the deep blue of devotion with a trace of stabilizing and objective red. Indigo is cool, electric, and astringent. Indigo links with and stimulates the brow chakra (third eye) and controls the pineal gland. It governs both physical and spiritual perception.It can be of great assistance in dealing with ailments of the eyes and ears. Violet / Purple Healing properties: These are colors of transformation.They heal melancholy, hysteria, delusions and alcohol addiction and bring spiritual insights and renewal. These colors slow down an over-active heart; stimulate the spleen and the white blood cells (immunity). Bring sleep. Soothe mental and emotional stress. Decrease sexual activity. Decrease sensitivity to pain. They help in detoxification. Leonardo da Vinci proclaimed that you can increase the power of meditation ten-fold by meditating under the gentle rays of Violet, as found in Church windows. Esoteric/magickal: Elemental spirit. Divination and prophecy. Angels.

Psychic abilities, divination, counter-acting negativity/black magick, reversing curses, psychic healing, psychic power, inspiration, meditation, spirituality, spiritual power, astral projection, third eye, compassion, counter-acting depression. Preference for violet/purple: Colors for meditation, contemplation, mysticism, spirituality and religion power. A longing to ascend and dissolve polarities (purple consists of the active red and passive blue), to improve the world. Reservation, mystery and dignity. Soft, sensitive people with often paranormal abilities. Aversion to violet / purple:A person who has an aversion for violet / purple may have very serious attitude towards life; and may find it difficult to give dreams, fantasies, vague fears or memories a place in it. May have tendency to rejection everything he regards as unnatural or unrealistic. White Healing properties: White is the perfect color; for it is all colors, in perfect balance and harmony. It is the color of the awakened Spirit; the light of perfection; the light of the Cosmic Consciousness,the Divine Light. Just about everyone has heard of surrounding people with the "White Light of Healing and Protection." White light raises the vibration of one's consciousness and the body, bringing harmony in all aspects of one's life. Directing white into to a part of the body that needs healing is one of the fastest ways to bring about healing.

Esoteric/magickal: Purification and cleaning on all levels, contact with higher self and spiritual helpers, (inner) peace, aura-healing, truth seeking, consecration, spiritual enlightenment, protection against negativity by raising your vibration, breaking curses, exorcism, meditation, divination, inspiration, clairvoyance, invoking spirits White can be a replacement for any other color your magick requires. Preference for white: White points at innocence, purity, virginity, cleanliness, freshness, simplicity, nothingness, oneness and completion, truth. In certain cultures white is the color of death and mourning. Aversion to white: A person who has an aversion to white color isforemost or solely interested in 'realistic' and tangible things, not in illusions or things that are beyond seeing or understanding. Knows and accepts the own imperfection and does not wish to achieve perfection. Magenta Healing properties: Strengthens contact with your life purpose. Stimulates adrenalineand heart activity. Esoteric/magickal: Scorpio-energy. Magnetism, to attract or speed up things, extra power, when immediate action and great spiritual power are needed, life purpose, life path. Preference for magenta: Much energy and activity focused on achieving power and self-realization. Strong but controlled passions and emotions. Daring, ready to fight, willing to give everything for a goal. Can drive things too far and have fixed ideas.

Aversion to magenta:A person who has an aversion to magenta may feel overwhelmed by people with strong convictions or heavy emotions like jealousy; also may have difficulties with exposing deep emotions. Pink Healing properties: Heals grief and sadness. Restores youthfulness. Brings you in contact with your feelings. Esoteric/magickal: Softness and tenderness, romance, caring, nurturing, for children, youth, peace, friendship, femininity, emotional love, emotional healing. Preference for pink: Regarded as a feminine color. Pink symbolizes softness, sweetness, innocence, youthfulness and tenderness. Soft and kind people. Aversion to pink: A person who has an aversion to pink may have a challenge with expressingsoft, tender, female side. Turquoise Healing properties: Increases intuition and sensitivity. Works disinfecting and antiseptic. Tones the general system. Builds the skin. Relaxes sensations of stress. Esoteric/magickal: Alterations, intellectual and intuitive insights, technique, inventions, originality, renewal, brotherhood, humanism. Preference for turquoise: Just like the wide turquoise sea you don't want to feel restricted and you don't immediately bring to the surface what goes on

in you; emotions can remain hidden. A color for non-triviality, renewal, innovation and inventions, progressive technics, alternative ways of living together, humanity. Aversion to turquoise:A person who has an aversion to turquoise may be looking for solidity and security in society, especially in marriage. Also, may be reluctant to think originally or to walk new paths. Brown Esoteric/magickal: Elemental earth. The planet-spirit Saturn. Stability, grounding, conservation, protection of household, family and pets, healing animals, finding lost objects, material constructions (buildings etc.), material increase, to make relationships solid, to increase decisiveness and concentration, attracting help in financial crisis. Preference for brown: An earthly color for practical people with a preference for natural, tribal and primitive things, solidity and simplicity. Brown can be warm and cosy but also depressing. Family-life persons, stable people, loyal friends. Aversion to brown: A person who has an aversion to brown may feel an aversion against normal, boring, trivial life; may not feel connected with his roots (home-land, family, etc); may experience instability in health and attitude. Grey Esoteric/magickal: Neutralizing negative influences, erasing or cancelling

situations, causing stalemates Preference for grey: Very neutral and indifferent, non-expressive. It can be deliberate, but also lifeless, fixed, depressed and apathic. Reserved, cool people; unwilling to expose themselves or to have obligations. Grey can be refined and tactful. Aversion to grey:A personwho has an aversion to grey may prefers to be straight to the point, no time for political and tactical attitudes. Demands clarity, a knowing where one stands. Black Esoteric/magickal: Elemental earth. Deities of the underworld. Repel/banish evil and negativity, protection, banishing, binding, breaking free from bad habits/addictions, deep meditation, opens up deep unconscious levels. Preference for black: Symbolizes seriousness, darkness, depression, death, mourning, mystery, secrecy, occultism, a standing apart from or revolting against triviality, provocation, underground, underworld, things that have to remain hidden, nothingness as the great source of all creation, the need to keep your energy with you. Black is a color for extremes, everything and nothing. People who foremost trust themselves. Aversion to black: A person who has an aversion to black may have fear for the unknown, or fear for the abuse of power. Desires to become free from all kinds of dependency, blockages, hindrances; to throw off shackles.

Gold Esoteric/magickal: Absolute authority, (self)confidence, creativity, perfection, solar energies, male energy, financial riches, investments, luxury, winning, worldly power, magickal power, overcoming bad habits/addictions. Silver Esoteric/magickal: Female energy, cycles, rebirth, reincarnation, healing of hormonal imbalances, emotional stability, remove or neutralize negativity, intuition, dreams, psychic abilities and psychic workings. Copper/Bronze Esoteric/magickal: Love and passion, for positive relationships in love, friendship and business, career promotions, negotiations. The point to remember concerning color therapy -is that complete healing generally comes about through some type of internal transformation. Heal the mind and the body will, surely, follow. There is positive evidence the influence of colour has on mood, emotion, mental performance and well-being. It is, therefore, not without reason that the importance of colour therapy is being increasingly recognised in the symptomatic treatment of several health disorders. All of us know how colours affect our moods and emotions. This is not just an everyday observation, but a view that has been well-documented by way of scientific studies. Sensitivity to colour is a major component of colour healing, or therapy. This

form of treatment uses our sensitivity to colour to identify and correct imbalances in our internal bodily energy patterns that colour therapists relate to. Colour therapy, in essence, aims to harmonise and enhance our bodys energy centres, or chakras in Sanskrit, by using the seven colours of the light spectrum, which are said to stimulate our bodys own healing process. Ancien t wisdom also suggests that each of the seven colours reverberates with one of the seven chakras. Colour therapists believe that since all matter is a form of energy, the application of energy to the body will have certain effects -- both good and bad. Light, as all of us know, is a form of energy. Since it can be split into colours, it is possible for therapists to deliver this energy at very precise levels, and in easily controlled doses. Chakras Balanced Colour therapy is said to balance the chakras of the body. In simple terms, each of the spectrum colours is basically light of varying wavelengths. This means that each colour has its own particular energy -- where each of the spectrum colours vibrates with the energy of each of the seven chakras in the body. Therapists also observe that a sick person is lacking in one or more of the colour types. By restoring the correct energy balance by way of appropriate colours to the body, therapists note, will correct physical and/or mental imbalance. You may think of energy or chakra centres as a set of cogs in the wheel, where each cog or wheel needs to move smoothly, and at an identical speed for the engine to work appropriately. You get the point. Good, or optimal, health and well-being are achieved by a balance of all energies in the body -- in other words, the smooth running of the wheels.

History Of Colour Therapy The use of colour as a form of therapy has a long history. One can trace its origins from the healing temples of light and colour in ancient Egypt and also Greece. The Egyptians used colour in all aspects of their lives, especially in the form of decorative drawings and hieroglyphics in their homes, burial chambers and, of course, temples. Archaeologists note that Egyptian temples often contained rooms that allowed the incoming rays of the sun to split into colours of the spectrum. It is suggested that this allowed Egyptian healers to colour diagnose the sick, who were, thereafter, invited into the room which radiated with the suitable, or appropriate, colour for therapy. Researchers also observe that solarised water was often used in healing by ancient Egyptian physicians. The tradition is still in use and involves the shining of full-spectrum light through a glass of spring water. This potion is prescribed to the patient in small doses over a specific period of time as detailed by the therapist. Also, therapists today use a variety of treatment options apart from solarised water. This includes light boxes/lamps -- fitted with colour filters -- and, colour silks. Besides solarised water therapy, ancient Egyptians also used gems as part of their colour treatment plan. They believed, as do ancient and modern ayurvedic physicians in India, that gems contain pure, concentrated colour and, therefore, have a considerable effect on the body. It is also said that ancient Egyptian physicians used to ground gemstones into a powder and administer it to their patients -- a practice that is also a significant part of ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda Colour therapy is elementary to ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine maintains that each of us wears a cover of many colours, which is in a state of continual change, subject to the individuals physical, emotional and mental state. Ayurveda envisages that this colour coat is composed of seven bodies which merge with each other and, thereafter, constitute the aura or the electromagnetic field around each individual. Ayurvedic physicians note that the densest of the layers, which is also the purest essence of all the aura layers, is the physical body. Each subsequent layer, they further note, tends to become finer. However, they are not usually visible following the eighth colour, even to physicians adept at seeing auras. Ayurveda works with in tune with our aura and seven charkas, or energy centres -- in so doing, it helps correct imbalances in the body. A holistic form of therapy, ayurveda also looks at the whole being -- body, mind and spirit -- as one unit, not something related to a specific symptom and its mitigation. It is, therefore, not without reason that ayurvedic treatment also depends, in part, on colour therapy in the form of coloured gemstones or light therapy. To cull one example, violet relates to the crown chakra, while red connects to the base chakra. In colour therapy, colour is absorbed by the eyes, skin and skull. The energy of colour can affect us at all levels -- physical, spiritual and emotional. Needless to say, every cell in the body needs light energy -- no wonder why colour energy, or therapy, has extensive effects on our whole body, or psyche.

Psychology Of Colour What is life without colour? Colour is a fundamental part of our lives. We are

continually fascinated by different colours, hues and tints, in the eye, as it were, although we do not always think of their influence. We may also rarely notice the colours around us. However this may be, research testifies that -- consciously and subconsciously -- colour affects our behaviour and moods, and our spirits. It lightens our world, or dulls it. In other words, it controls the way we view others and ourselves. Let us look at how colours influence us -- or, signify their psychological impact on our lives.

Red. A physical, energising and dynamic colour, red has the greatest emotional impact on our psyche and self-assertiveness. Its emotions cover love, passion and lust, not to speak of anger, rage and violence. The colour can, therefore, be related to being both warm and loving, or vicious and perilous. Red is used to treat anaemia, low energy, infertility or impotence, and low blood pressure. Complementary colour: turquoise.

Pink. A sensual or physical colour, pink is often associated with the colour of flesh. It is also the colour which celebrates the parenting impulse. However, the colour in its watery, or pale form, or as a light version of red, may also denote a flaw of character.

Yellow. A highly reflective colour, yellow is said to influence the mind to focus on creativity, hopefulness and self-worth. Yellow is also a very intense and extremely extroverted colour in its brightest form. When the colour is loaded in all its wondrous golden hues, yellow is often linked to spring and autumn, capturing the grandeur of nature in its most beautiful form. Yellow is used to treat arthritis, rheumatic disorders, and stress. Complementary colour: violet.

Orange. Orange is said to be yellows mild cousin. The colour is often associated with happiness, elevated nature and spirit, not to speak of an extroverted disposition. When it is shaded with a light tinge of red, orange is said to enhance physical passion. Orange also suggests our very basic instincts -- the natural feeling to survive, the need for shelter, security and also food. Orange is used to treat depression, kidney and lung/respiratory affections, including asthma and bronchitis. Complementary colour: blue.

Brown. A dark pigment of orange, brown is related to warmth and security. It mirrors the dark colour of earth. It is, therefore, said to denote a very strong, firm, and practical shade. Think of coffee or chocolate, and you will sure visualise brown as a luxurious colour.

Green. Green offers the perfect balance to our psyche. It is the most peaceful, or soft, colour to the eye. It is evidenced that the retina does not need to adjust to focus on it. This is one reason why nature is predominately green! The colour reflects a positive attitude of the mind; it also denotes a sense of security and stability. On the negative or literal side, green is equated with envy or jealousy. Green is often used to balance both physical and mental imbalance. Complementary colour: magenta.

Blue. An extremely serene colour, blue is the colour of the sky and sea. It is strongly associated with the intellect and also healing. While paler shades of blue suggest a cool, gentle and meditative disposition, the darker shades signify both power and competence. Blue is used to counteract throat affections, asthma, stress-related disorders, and migraine. It has been used with considerable success in improving verbal skills. Complementary colour: orange.

Violet/Purple. Violet and purple connote the spiritual self. An amalgam of red and blue, violet/purple has traditionally been connected to royalty and

religion. The two are also the most expensive dyes to manufacture. The two colours, singly or jointly, evoke peaceful reflection and a sense of high self-esteem. Violet/purple has been effectively used in the treatment of mental and nervous disorders -- especially with symptoms connected to anxiety and hopelessness. Complementary colour: yellow. On A Deeper Plane Colour therapy has been shown to be effective on the physical plane -- because it is the most tangible. However, the therapy has the ability to affect our deeper planes -- both at the psychological and spiritual levels. Since our well-being is not merely a physical concern, it is now not uncommon for practitioners, in either stream of medicine -- conventional and complementary -- to treat patients on a holistic plane. In other words, treating individuals not on a compartmentalised format -composed of body parts and organs -- but, as body, mind and spirit as one whole -- is what medicine is all about today. This makes sense, because none of our different body areas function entirely alone; they complement each other. This is also one huge reason why colour therapy can be quite useful -- more so, because it takes into consideration all levels of our being and addresses them as one unit, and not in isolation. Remember the time when we, as infants, first experienced colour -- most precisely, when its pink form enveloped us in an extremely nurturing and comforting womb. We related to pink, unconsciously, as part of our first step in learning. The colour contributed much to our consciousness. However, as we grow, or get, older, we do not attach as much importance to our first colour choice [though we may to a certain extent], as much as we do to our many

different feelings, memories and meanings vis--vis certain colours. This perception gets entrenched in our mind and memory -- and, relates itself as a part of our subconscious. This may lead to our own colour choice -- colours of different hues, denoting different connotations, such as happiness, boredom, melancholy, and so on. It all filters to just one thing -- every life experience makes an impression on our psyche. They have both positive and negative sides. It is needless to say that negative experiences, in the long-term, often manifest themselves as physical aspects of disease state. Youd think of the time, over the years, for instance, where you have not been willing, for one reason or another, to speak your mind, express your needs, or feelings. The result is -- you may have developed a problem in the throat chakra, which connects to the spiritual aspect of self-expression. You are ever since on the defensive, even guarded. Your energy levels, therefore, in this particular aspect of your being is rigid, and not indicative of being energetic. It is precisely in a situation such as this that appropriate colour/colours can help you put to flight negative feelings, and remove certain mental/physical distresses, or road blocks, and restore balance to the body. Colour Therapy For All A holistic, and an extremely useful, safe, and non-invasive form of treatment, colour therapy may be practised by just about anyone -- everyday. And, with good results. Making colour therapy a part of everyday living is quite easy -- because, there is colour all around us. Also, colours do not come with a price tag. Colour is all

around us -- everywhere. Everything on our planet has a purpose just as well -- so also colour. What you need to experience when you use colour therapy is the ability to elevate your awareness of the energy of colour, and how it can change your life. With time, you can quite easily learn how to heighten your own awareness about the colours around you, because the capacity for health and well-being is within us all. Besides, you can always seek the help of a professional therapist who would be quite happy to initiate you into the world of colour healing -- well versed as the therapist would be with a wide variety of techniques used for the application of the therapy.

MASSAGE THERAPY Introduction Massage is a "hands on" treatment in which a therapist manipulates muscles and other soft tissues of the body to improve health and well being. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. It helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and evoke feelings of calmness. Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

HISTORY OF MASSAGE THERAPY The use of massage for healing purposes dates back 4,000 years in Chinese medical literature and continues to be an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A contemporary form of massage, known as Swedish massage, was introduced to the United States in the 1850s. By the end of the 19 th century, a significant number of American doctors were practicing this manual technique, and the nation's first massage therapy clinic had opened its doors to the public. In the early 20th century, the rise of technology and prescription drugs began to overshadow massage therapy. For the next several decades, massage remained dormant, with only a few therapists continuing to practice the "ancient" technique. During the 1970s, however, both the general public and the medical profession began to take notice of alternative medicine and mind-body therapies, including massage therapy. Today, more than 125,000 massage therapists practice in the United States. Their numbers are growing rapidly to keep up with

the more than 80 million massage therapy appointments people make every year. Types of massage

Myofascial release: Gentle pressure and body positioning are used to relax and stretch the muscles, fascia (connective tissue), and related structures. Trained physical therapists and massage therapists use this technique.

On site/chair massage: On site massage therapists use a portable chair to deliver brief, upper body massages to fully clothed people in offices and other public places.

Polarity therapy: A form of energy healing, polarity therapy stimulates and balances the flow of energy within the body to enhance health and well being.

Reflexology: Specialized thumb and finger techniques are applied to the hands and feet. Reflexologists believe that these areas contain "reflex points," or direct connections to specific organs and structures, throughout the body.

Rolfing: Pressure is applied to the fascia (connective tissue) to stretch it, lengthen it, and make it more flexible. The goal of this technique is to realign the body so that it conserves energy, releases tension, and functions better.

Shiatsu: Gentle finger and hand pressure are applied to specific points on the body to relieve pain and enhance the flow of energy (known as qi) through the body's energy pathways (called meridians). Shiatsu is widely used in TCM.

Sports massage: Often used on professional athletes and other active individuals, sports massage can enhance performance and prevent and treat sports related injuries.

Swedish massage: A variety of strokes and pressure techniques are used to enhance the flow of blood to the heart, remove waste products from the tissues, stretch ligaments and tendons, and ease physical and emotional tension.

Trigger point massage: Pressure is applied to "trigger points" (tender areas where the muscles have been damaged) to alleviate muscle spasms and pain.

Integrative touch: A gentle form of massage therapy that uses gentle, noncirculatory techniques. It is designed to meet the needs of patients who are hospitalized or in hospice care.

Compassionate touch: Combines one on one focused attention, intentional touch, and sensitive massage with communication to enhance the quality of life for elderly, ill, or dying patient.

EFFECT OF MASSAGE For centuries, human touch has been shown to be emotionally and physically healing. Particular massage techniques may either stimulate or calm the body's muscles and tissues to create a desired effect. When a practitioner massages soft tissue, electrical signals are transmitted both to the local area and throughout the body. These signals, in combination with the healing properties of touch, help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension, and induce a calming effect. Massage may also enhance well being by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural painkillers and mood elevators) and reducing levels of certain stress hormones.

Massage therapy session At your first massage therapy session, the practitioner will ask you about any symptoms you may have (like low back pain) and will also ask questions about your medical history. The practitioner may also initiate a discussion about what you expect to achieve from the massage session. The therapist leaves the room while you undress and lie down on the massage table. A sheet is draped over your body during the session and moved only to expose the part of the body being worked on at any given time. Massage oil or lotion is often used to reduce friction between the practitioner's hands and your skin. The room is kept warm and free of distractions. The therapist will ask whether they are applying too much or too little pressure. Soft music may be playing in the background. The manner in which a practitioner massages your body depends on the problem being treated. A massage session can last from 15 - 90 minutes and may include a schedule of follow up visits, depending on the severity of your situation.

In general, massage is believed to support healing, boost energy, reduce recovery time after an injury, ease pain, and enhance relaxation, mood, and well being. It is useful for many musculoskeletal problems, such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sprains and strains. Massage may also relieve depression in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, ease chronic constipation (when the technique is performed in the abdominal area), decrease swelling, alleviate sleep disorders, and improve self image. In the workplace, massage has been shown to melt away stress and enhance mental alertness. One study found that deep tissue massage reduced blood pressure levels (an average reduction of 10.4 mm Hg in

systolic pressure and a diastolic pressure reduction of 5.3 mm Hg). Other studies show that massage may have immediate beneficial effects on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer. Clinical studies show that massage relieves chronic back pain more effectively than other treatments (including acupuncture and conventional medical care for this condition with education via books and videos) and, in many cases, costs less than other treatments. Mothers and newborns also appear to benefit from massage. Mothers trained to massage their infants often feel less depressed and have a better emotional bond with their babies. Newborns who receive massage from their mothers also tend to cry less, and are more active, alert, and sociable. Premature babies who receive massage therapy have been shown to gain weight faster than preemies who do not receive this type of therapy. Infants who receive massage regularly may also sleep better, be less gassy or colicky, and have better body awareness as well as more regular digestion. Clinical studies also show that massage may be an effective treatment for young children and adolescents with a wide range of health problems, including:

Autism: Autistic children, who usually don't like being touched, show less autistic behavior and are more social and attentive after receiving massage therapy from their parents.

Atopic dermatitis/eczema: Children with this scaly, itchy skin problem seem to experience less redness, scaling, and other symptoms if receiving massage between flares. Massage should not be used when this skin condition is actively inflamed.
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Massage may improve mood in children with ADHD and help them feel less fidgety and hyperactive.

Bulimia: Studies show that adolescents with this eating disorder feel less depressed and anxious after receiving massage therapy.

Cystic fibrosis: Massage may reduce anxiety and improve respiration in children with this lung condition.

Diabetes: Massage may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce anxiety and depression in children with diabetes.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) have been shown to experience less pain, morning stiffness, and anxiety as a result of massage therapy.

Precautions In general, massage is considered relatively safe. Pain or other rare negative side effects are generally caused by an extremely vigorous massage technique. Women should be very cautious about receiving massages during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, be sure to find a therapist specifically trained to perform massages on pregnant women. Even though massage is a useful technique to help regulate blood sugar over time, if you have diabetes you should check your blood sugar after receiving a massage because it may be too low. Plus, if you have diabetes and you are receiving massage on a regular basis, you should check your blood sugar frequently to evaluate changes over time. Conditions in which massage should be avoided People with these conditions should avoid massage:

Heart failure Kidney failure

Infection of the superficial veins (called phlebitis) or soft tissue (called cellulitis) in the legs or elsewhere

Blood clots in the legs Bleeding disorders Contagious skin conditions

If you have cancer, check with your doctor before considering massage because massage can damage tissue that is fragile from chemotherapy or radiation treatments. People with rheumatoid arthritis, goiter (a thyroid disorder characterized by an enlarged thyroid), eczema, and other skin lesions should not receive massage therapy during flare ups. Experts also advise that people with osteoporosis, high fever, few platelets or white blood cells, and mental impairment, as well as those recovering from surgery, should avoid massage. Check with your doctor. Physical and Mental benefits of massage 1. Promotes deeper breathing

-deep breathing is vital to ensure that oxygen circulates easily throughout your body, and encourages healing and growth in the process. Decreased oxygen circulation results in headaches, tension aches, and random muscle pain that can accumulate into a significant problem over time. By enhancing your oxygen intake, you will naturally promote the release of toxins and negative energy within the body. 2. Improves posture

-although massage should never be used as a replacement for a chiropractic diagnosis, posture can slowly and naturally improve as the spine and muscles around the spine become more flexible and supple. Improved posture also aids in

breathing and less tension throughout the body. 3. Improves circulation

-an improvement in both blood and lymph circulation helps your body gain strength and maximizes your energy level. Especially during the winter months when circulation and metabolisms may be slower, massage can help in removing toxins in the blood and encouraging fresh energy to circulate easily. Efficient circulation also helps in muscle recovery, growth, and promotes the natural healing process. 4. Enhances skin tone and skin health. Skin cells are revitalized, moisturized, and replenished naturally. health of your skin after just a few massage sessions using high-quality oils and creams, massage therapists can significantly improve the tone . Choose Vitamin E and natural grapeseed oil bases for maximum benefits. 5. Increases and promotes joint flexibility

-repetitive stress or overused joints can stunt growth and create problems later. Massage helps to relieve stored tension and encourages flexibility of the joints after rest. Any soreness experienced after a massage can be indication that these are tension spots for you, and focusing on these areas on your next massage will increase joint recovery. There are even some special oil formulations to target joints, so do check with your massage therapist beforehand to discuss options. 6. Enhances a calm mind -encouraging a calm mind creates an avenue for creativity; it is during these times that our minds are most conducive to creative thinking, developing plans, organizing thoughts, and reducing stressful thoughts. Massage can encourage this state of mind by relaxing the entire body.

7.

Reduces

anxiety

-as a natural deep relaxant, a successful massage can significantly reduce anxiety. Usually, anxiety is stored in some key areas of the body; the lower back, shoulders, abdomen, and neck. By relieving these areas of tension, the mind can 'let go' of anxiety and experience a light, almost freeing sensation. 8. Increases self-awareness

-the mind-body connection is often overlooked in today's fast-paced society. From the minute you wake up, to the moment you go to bed, it is easy to slip into 'mind-only' mode. When you re-establish the connection with your body, you will experience greater ease of movement, a more centered feeling, and an enhanced feeling of well-being. 9. Promotes mental alertness

-although a massage can bring you into a state of deep relaxation, this is also a state of heightened mental alertness. Your mind is relaxed and calm, but acutely aware and in this state, capable of solving even the toughest problems! 10. Increases peace of mind

-with your ability to feel relaxed and naturally aware, peace of mind becomes a necessary result. Peace of mind can be defined as a sense of calm well-being and just feeling good naturally. 11. Satisfies need for human touch

-as human beings, we all need to feel the touch of another human being. This can range from a simple hug, handshake, or a nurturing touch. A massage encourages this type of connection and increases your appreciation for this human need.

AYURVEDA
Ayyrveda is the combination of 2 words: Ayur Veda

Ayur meaning The Whole Lifespan Veda meaning Total Knowledge

The science of Ayurveda, therefore, encompasses the total knoawledge of the whole Lifespan.

Charaka defines Ayur-Veda as follows:

Hita hitam sukham dukham ayustasya hita hitam manam ca tacca yatroktam Ayurveda ca ucayate. (Charak Samhita)

The science that describes what is appropriate and inappropriate, happy or unhappy life, and describes the guidelines for what is essential and irrelevant for a long life, and everything about life, called Ayur-Veda.

Although Ayurveda has been practiced in India for at least 5,000 years, it has become a popular form of alternative medicine in the west in more recent times. The theory behind Ayurvedic medicine is taken from several sacred Indian Sanskrit texts written between 1500 BC and 400 AD and it is thought be one of the oldest forms of healing system.

Aims and objectives of Ayurveda have been divided into two aspects namely:

 Swasthasya Swathya Rakshanam (Preventive and Social medicine) Aturasya Vikar Prashamanam (Therapeutics)

Ayurveda objective is to help the healthy person to maintain good health and the diseased person to regain good health. The practice of Ayurveda is designed to promote human happiness at physical, mental and spiritual level. By the proper balance of all vital energies in the body, the processes of physical deterioration and disease can be reduced. This is accomplished through proper eating, thinking and living habits as well as the use of herbal remedies to treat illness.

" Samadosha Samagnishcha Sama Dhata Mala Kriya. prassanna atma indriya manah swastha iti abhideyate." (Sushruta Samhita)

In Ayurveda one is in good health when our inner and internal environment is in balance: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha (vital humors) are in balance. Agni (the digestive fire) is balanced. Dhatus (the 7 body tissues) are functioning normally. Mala (the waste products) are produced and eliminated normally. The Mana, Indriya and Atma (mind, senses and consciousness) are working

in blissful harmony.

Ayurvedic: The Indian System of Medicine Ayurveda was practiced in the southern Himalayan region 3000 to 5000 years ago. An attempt at serious study of Ayurveda clearly reveals high conceptual content. The concept of Universality of matter and man being an integral part of

the Universe is influenced by and responds of the Universal rhythm, is very fascinating.

Many universities in India offer formal education in Ayurveda. Students joining these degree courses get education in modern science until they join these courses. But they are unable to appreciate the basis of Ayurvedic methods of diagnosis and treatment mainly because there is no attempt at experimental validation of these methods. When many of these graduates go into practice, they use modern medicines. They also use commercially available Ayurvedic/Herbal remedies but generally ignore basic Ayurvedic principles.

Some of the recently gained medical knowledge seems to lend credence to the basic concepts of Ayurveda. Modern medicine has come to realize the importance of body rhythms in health and disease, as also the importance of body constitution in susceptibility to disease. It is realized that drugs are double edged weapons and concern over iatrogenic diseases are growing. These are recent realizations based on the knowledge gained during the past five decades. While these form some of the basic concepts of Ayurveda there seems to have much greater insight into each of these areas.

Key Foundations of Ayurveda Ayurvedic medicines have several key foundations that pertain to health and disease. These concepts have to do with universal interconnectedness, the bodys constitution (prakriti), and life forces (doshas). 1. Interconnectedness: Ideas about the relationships among people, their health,

and the universe form the basis for how Ayurvedic practitioners think about problems that affect health. Ayurvedic medicine holds that: All things in the universe (both living and nonliving) are joined together. Every human being contains elements that can be found in the universe. Health will be good if ones mind and body are in harmony, and ones wholesome.

interaction with the universe is natural and

Disease arises when a person is out of harmony with the universe. Disruptions or a combination of these.

can be physical, emotional, spiritual,

2. Constitution (Prakriti): Ayurvedic medicine also has specific beliefs about the bodys constitution. Constitution refers to a persons general health, the likelihood of becoming out of balance, and the ability to resist and recover from disease or other health problems. The constitution is called the prakriti. The prakriti is a persons unique combination of physical and psychological characteristics and the way the body functions to maintain health. It is influenced by such factors as digestion and how the body deals with waste products. The prakriti is believed to be unchanged over a persons lifetime. 3.Life Force (Doshas): Important characteristics of the prakriti are the three life way doshas are balanced, the state of the physical body, and mental or lifestyle factors. Ayurvedic medicine holds the following beliefs about the three doshas: forces or energies called doshas, which control the activities of the body. A persons chances of developing certain types of diseases are thought to be related to the Each dosha is made up of two of five basic elements: ether (the upper regions

of space), air, fire, water, and earth. Each dosha has a particular relationship to bodily functions and can be upset

for different reasons. Each person has a unique combination of the three doshas, although constantly being formed and

one dosha is usually prominent. Doshas are reformed by food, activity, and bodily processes.

Each dosha has its own physical and psychological characteristics. An imbalance of a dosha will produce symptoms that are unique to that persons age, unhealthy lifestyle,

dosha. Imbalances may be caused by a

or diet; too much or too little mental and physical exertion; the seasons; or inadequate protection from the weather, chemicals, or germs.

The doshas are known by their original Sanskrit names: Vata, Pitta and Kapha Vata Dosha The vata dosha combines the elements ether and air. It is considered the most powerful dosha because it controls very basic body processes such as cell division, the heart, breathing, discharge of waste, and the mind. Vata can be aggravated by, for example, fear, grief, staying up late at night, eating dry fruit, or eating before the previous meal is digested. People with vata as their main dosha are thought to be especially susceptible to skin and neurological conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, anxiety, and insomnia. Pitta Dosh The pitta dosha represents the elements fire and water. Pitta controls hormones and the digestive system. A person with a pitta imbalance may experience negative emotions such as anger and may have physical symptoms such as heartburn within 2 or 3 hours of eating. Pitta is upset by, for example, eating

spicy or sour food, fatigue, or spending too much time in the sun. People with a predominantly pitta constitution are thought to be susceptible to hypertension, heart disease, infectious diseases, and digestive conditions such as Crohns disease. Kapha Dosha

The kapha dosha combines the elements water and earth. Kapha helps to maintain strength and immunity and to control growth. An imbalance of the kapha dosha may cause nausea immediately after eating. Kapha is aggravated by, for example, greed, sleeping during the daytime, eating too many sweet foods, eating after one is full, and eating and drinking foods and beverages with too much salt and water (especially in the springtime). Those with a predominantkapha dosha are thought to be vulnerable to diabetes, cancer, obesity, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma.

Current Status Today, Ayurveda is more practiced like a ritual and business rather then an ancient medical science. Modern Ayurveda is high commercialized and traditional Ayurveda is slow disappearing. Several renowned centres specialize in the practice of some aspects of Ayurveda. These are mainly centres for treatment of certain disorders like arthritis or asthma. But it is difficult to understand the general basic principles from these therapies and to separate rituals. The main activity of these centers is to compare the efficacy of some Ayurvedic formulations with modern drugs in diseases with modern diagnosis. Expensive sophisticated instruments are often used and clinical trials are sought to be conducted in a double blind fashion, but the basic principles of Ayurvedic treatment are generally ignored.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF AYURVEDA

The benefits of Ayurveda are widely touted by its followers as being numerous and essential to the healthy and balanced life of each individual. The ideas of Ayurveda are holistic in nature and thus are meant for people that have no reservations toward a very spiritual approach to every aspect of their life. In fact, the work avurveda is a combination of the two sanskrit words, ayur and veda. Together, these words are the deeper meaning of the following that is "knowledge of life". Regarded as a contemporary and alternative medicine, Ayurveda is an ancient practice first introduced in the mid-second millennium BCE. Ayurvedic treatments are primarily focused on disease and disorder prevention, rather than treating existing conditions. There are, however, certain treatments recommended for existing conditions like the common cold and acne, similar to modern medicine. Ayurveda asserts that the body is composed of elements, which when unbalanced, cause undesirable conditions in the human body that lead to sickness and disease. So many of the treatments associated with Ayurveda are intended not to address the condition, but the imbalance of elements as the condition's root cause. Physical Benefits of Ayurveda

Many of the physical benefits of Ayurveda are derived from an increase in physical wellness. For example, lifestyle changes in sleep patterns and adding daily exercise to your life -- both core beliefs in Ayurvedic culture -- can have numerous positive impacts on your overall physical health. Beyond these

benefits, there is little scientific research or data to support specific claims of Ayurvedic products have a positive physical impact, at least beyond what can be expected from a placebo. 1. Followers of Ayurveda are more likely to lead lives that have less opportunity for disease and stress. While many studies are inconclusive as to Ayurveda's ability to treat serious or long term conditions like cancer, their practices are aimed to prevent diseases like cancer from occurring in the first place.

2. The dietary advice given by Ayurveda is beneficial to anyone, even if they are not prepared to completely follow the spiritual aspects of such a belief system. For example, it is a commonly accepted fact that drinking hot liquids can eventually contribute to the development of throat cancer. Ayurveda addresses this and many other problems that can arise due to the temperature of food.

3. Many of the changes that Ayurveda recommends to lifestyles such as sleep patterns and daily activity habits are known to have marked effects on overall health. For example, there has been evidence that sleeping on your back can make digestive processes less effective. Ayurveda wisely recommends sleep habits (like sleeping on your side) that are valuable to health.

4. Ayurveda is an individualized set of beliefs that is often more effective for treating some conditions that may be misdiagnosed by other methods. The belief structure is also a way of classifying people in groups based on their

personal demeanor to make interactions and relationships much easier and more productive.

5. Ayurveda is also valuable in selecting the best physical activity or exercise for each individual based on their mindset. Followers are more likely to stick to exercise programs if they are selected to be their best form of physical activity.

Mental Benefits of Ayurveda

The mental benefits of Ayurveda are far more numerous than the physical benefits, and are often more central and important to practitioners. Ayurveda has been shown to reduce stress in some followers, as well as providing a relaxing feeling similar to that of meditation. Ayurveda is particularly popular in combating seasonal affective disorder, a condition proposed by Norman E. Rosenthal that has gained increasing acceptance by the scientific community as a legitimate disorder affecting certain populations. In Alaska, where there is little to no sunlight for a significant portion of the year, the SAD rate is estimated at 24.9% of the population. 1. Studies have been conclusive on the ability of Ayurveda to help relieve stress and reduce tension. Recent studies have shown that followers of Ayurveda are much less likely to suffer conditions related to stress or experience frequent stress at all. In this study, 9 out of 10 followers of this belief system showed stress levels at 60% less than non-followers.

2. Somewhat related to stress relief is the apparent ability of Ayurveda to be very mind relaxing. Ayurveda employs many techniques that are not only meant to reduce stress and tension but also methods of reducing anxiety and relaxing the mind into a semi-sleep like state. In many instances, these techniques are intended for the individual to give their body what followers feel is a restful state more beneficial than actual sleep.

3. Believers also support the added benefit of Ayurveda to give them a feeling of knowledge about not only the meaning of life, but the knowledge of how life can be altered to be extended in length and quality. Some followers actually go as far as to say the Ayurveda can reward the follower with eternal life.

4. Followers also claim that Ayurveda is essential to fully understanding how to react to situations that arise on a daily basis. This way of understanding focuses on why you currently react the way you do and how to alter your mindset to form more productive and reasonable reactions.

5. Ayurveda is very concerned with the effects of seasonal affective disorder. Their beliefs are set up to help with depression that often occurs during the winter months. Although it is believed that such depression is usually caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight (a habit that inhibits the production of serotonin), there are other methods employed by Ayurveda that are very effective.

6. The habits that Ayurveda engrains in your mind are very effective at early detection of disease or other conditions that are easily treatable if caught early but can develop into serious conditions if not detected early enough.

Applying Ayurveda Benefits to Your Life

Most of the aspects of Ayurveda are designed to not only be treatments for illnesses that arise from time to time, but for a new way to approach life as a whole. For this reason, many of the beliefs of Ayurveda revolve around preventative measures rather than specific treatment. There are generally no side effects to the treatments employed by Ayurveda. Most of the treatments are all natural herbal supplements or different approach methods that do not cause additional conditions in most circumstances. While many of the beliefs of Ayurveda can be transferred to the ideas of many other healthy ways of living, it should be mentioned that many of the benefits depend on the individual's ability to truly believe what the system is teaching. People who do not have a very spiritual background or belief structure may not be able to fully appreciate what Ayurveda has to offer. If you are currently involved in Yoga, consider Ayurveda as a viable supplement to your activities.

REIKI According to the Japanese healing technique known as Reiki (pronounced "ray-kee"), when your Ki -- or life force energy -- is low or disrupted, youre more likely to feel stressed or sick. High levels of Ki lead to health and happiness, and it is upon this principle that Reiki exerts its healing effect Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a Japanese name consisting of 2 words Rei and Ki meaning spiritually guided life energy (commonly known as Universal Life Energy), an energy which animates us all and is found all around us. Reiki is a form of spiritual healing using "universal life energy" channelled through the practitioner to the recipient.

Reiki helps to harmonize body, mind and spirit for yourself or anyone you want to help. Reiki treatment A treatment can last an hour or longer depending on the treatment required. In the western You relax, fully clothed, on a couch or seated while the healer holds his hands on or above world many practitioners use the standard hand positions and commonly a full treatment is given covering all the important organs of the body. There is no pressure on the body making it ideal for treating all ages and conditions, sometimes hands are even held away from the body. The energy flows wherever it is required (spiritually guided) and can normally be felt as a warm sensation or tingling in the body. Receiving Reiki is a very relaxing and soothing experience!

How Does Reiki Work?

A Reiki treatment generally involves working with a Reiki practitioner who will access your life force energy and allow it to flow freely. This is done by placing their hands palms down on or just above your body in up to 15 different positions. Each position is held for two to five minutes, or until the practitioner feels heat and tingling sensations dissipate, which signals that the flow of energy has stopped.

Each Reiki session lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, and patients generally receive multiple sessions. It is also possible to receive Reiki long-distance, in which Reiki is performed on clients who are not physically present. Although there are reports of beneficial effects of Reiki performed at a distance, it is generally considered preferable to visit a Reiki practitioner in person, if possible.

A Gentle Form of Mind-Body Medicine

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing Reiki will improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.

The energy that is channeled from the hands of a Reiki practitioner is said to break up and wash away negative thoughts and feelings that are stopping the flow of your life force energy, leading to improved mental and physical health. As

the International Center for Reiki Training reports. Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy. It raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break apart and fall away. In so doing, Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way.

Because Ki is influenced by your thoughts and feelings, Dr. Mikao Usui, who rediscovered the ancient healing art of Reiki in Japan in the early 1900s, also developed five Reiki principles that complement the healing technique. To improve your mind and body, Dr. Usui recommended repeating the following, out loud and in your heart, each day, morning and night. 1. Just for today, I will let go of anger. (Letting go of anger brings peace into the mind.)

2. Just for today, I will let go of worry. (Letting go of worry brings healing into the body.)

3. Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings. (Being thankful brings joy into the spirit.)

4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. (Working honestly brings abundance into the soul.)

5. Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing. (Being kind brings love into the will.)

Health Problems For Which Used For

Reiki is used for relaxation and stress relief as well as to relieve chronic pain, side effects from medications and medical treatments, and to improve overall health and well-being. The technique is increasingly being offered in U.S. medical settings, and its estimated that over 800 U.S. hospitals now offer Reiki as part of their services. Research into Reiki can be difficult to rely on, as a system known as The Touchstone Process -- developed as an ongoing process to systematically analyze published, peer-reviewed studies of Reiki -- found in an analysis of 26 Reiki articles that only 12 were based on a robust experimental design and utilized well-established outcome parameters. Of them, two provided no support, five provided some support, and five demonstrated strong evidence for the use of Reiki as a healing modality. Researchers concluded there is a need for further high-quality studies in this area. A separate study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded: The serious methodological and reporting limitations of limited existing Reiki studies preclude a definitive conclusion on its effectiveness. High-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to address the effectiveness of Reiki over placebo.

Still, to date there have been some intriguing studies published that have

demonstrated Reikis potential healing effects, including:

Pain and Anxiety Relief Following Surgery: Women who received three 30-minute sessions of Reiki along with traditional nursing care after abdominal hysterectomy reported less pain and anxiety and requested fewer pain medications than those who received only nursing care.

Improvements in Pain, Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults: Older community-dwelling adults who received a 30-minute Reiki session once a week for eight weeks reported significant decreases in depression, anxiety and pain compared to those who received no treatment.

Management of Cancer-Related Pain: In a study of advanced cancer patients, those who received Reiki in addition to pain medication experienced improvements in pain control and quality of life.

Significant Reduction in Pain from a Variety of Causes, including Cancer: In a study of 20 people experiencing pain at 55 locations for a variety of reasons, including cancer, Reiki treatment resulted in a highly significant reduction in pain.10 Easing Anxiety in Prostate Cancer Patients: A pilot study found that Reiki therapy may help reduce anxiety in men being treated with external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Reduction of Pain and Anxiety During Colonoscopy: A pilot study suggested that Reiki therapy may reduce pain and anxiety, along with the need for pain medication, during colonoscopy.

Health benefits of Reiki Reiki works on the physical, emotional, mental and spritual levels, and can help you enhance every aspect of your life. This ancient Eastern method of healing uses energy to balance the body and mind, For example:

Promotes natural self-healing Balances the energies in the body Balances the organs and glands Strengthens the immune system Treats symptoms and causes of illness Relieves pain Clears toxins Adapts to the natural needs of the receiver Enhances personal awareness Relaxes and reduces stress Promotes creativity Releases blocked and suppressed feelings Aids meditation and positive thinking Heals holistically

Reiki calms. It reduces stress, and provides deep relaxation, comfort & peace.

Reiki may bring spiritual clarity. Reiki offers relief during emotional distress and sorrow. Reiki helps in the grieving process. It cleans and clears the emotions from being so draining and offers perspective.

Reiki relieves pain. Reiki can improve good blood circulation Reiki can cleanse organs (liver, kidneys, arteries, spleen, gall bladder, lungs & heart).

Reiki is safe to treat symptoms of imbalance: chronic and acute conditions, stress related disorders, conditions related to sinus, menopause, migraine, cystitis, asthma, chronic fatigue, arthritis, back, sciatica, insomnia and depression.

Reiki speeds up recovery from surgery or long-term illness. As it tends to reduce side-effects, it helps in adjusting to medicine/treatment. For example, Chemo-therapy patients who received Reiki noticed a marked decrease in side effects from treatment. Reiki can also be put directly in medicine (as well as food and water).

Reiki purifies environments,

Relief from Physical Illness Reiki provides relief not only from illness but also from trauma, and can be used for both chronic and acute conditions. Reiki is based on the premise that there is a Universal Life Energy that circulates throughout the universe and connects all living things. This force has inherent healing powers that know exactly where the body is damaged. Reiki practitioners act as channels for this energy, enabling it to enter a persons body and go straight to the cause of their illness. The energy works by restoring the body to a state of balance. When this balance is achieved, overall physical health is improved. Wounds heal faster, bleeding stops more quickly and pain and illness can be reduced. Reiki is frequently used for chronic

conditions like asthma, high blood pressure and arthritis, and can be used for acute conditions like the flu, indigestion and allergies. When done regularly, it can also serve as a preventative measure, maintaining a state of optimum health. Reiki also strengthens the immune system, which serves as protection against illness and infection. If the immune system is compromised, people become vulnerable to diseases, bacteria, germs, even stress-induced conditions. Stress may be a major culprit in many immune-system disorders, but because Reiki helps to bring about balance and harmony within the body, it helps fortify the immune system and strengthen the bodys defenses. Healing for the Mind Much in the same way Reiki works to balance the body, it also balances the mind and emotions. Regular Reiki treatments can bring about a calmer and more peaceful state of being, in which a person is better able to cope with everyday stress. This mental balance also enhances learning, memory and mental clarity. In more severe situations, Reiki can help alleviate mood swings, fear, frustration and even anger. During a Reiki treatment, the practitioner helps the client recognize and change negative thought patterns. By helping people pinpoint the underlying cause of their problems, Reiki can make it easier for them to identify the fears, conditioning and beliefs that cause them emotional pain. Reiki allows the mind to expand, so that thoughts and emotions buried deep in the subconscious can be brought to the surface. In doing so, it can provide great insight into deep-rooted mental and emotional problems. With this comes a greater awareness of how ones mind and emotions work, which can give people the information th ey need to help unravel the problems plaguing them. They may even experience sudden

flashes of insight that shed light on the true cause of their mental or emotional disturbance. With this insight, they can take the first steps toward healing. A Tool for Spiritual Transformation and Growth Because Reiki helps bring about inner peace and harmony, it can be valuable tool in the quest for spiritual growth. Reiki nurtures a calm and relaxed emotional state, which helps clear the mind and provides greater access to the subconscious. This, in turn, can enhance focus and concentration, and allow insight into the workings of both the mind and the soul. Meditation an important components of spiritual transformation, is easier when the mind is clear. This clarity also helps develop intuition, increase self-awareness and makes it easier to hear and follow our own inner guidance. With Reiki, personal relationships can also be strengthened and healed. By practicing Reiki with a loved one, you can heal mental and emotional wounds, work through dysfunction and create a newfound closeness and intimacy. Because Reiki enhances your capability to love, it can open you up to the people around you and help your relationships grow. And by improving your capacity for empathy, it allows you to connect with people on a deeper level. The impact of Reiki can be felt on several levels--from physical healing to inner peace to improved relationships. Reiki can be an effective way to treat immediate problems, such as physical or mental illness, but regular treatments can also improve overall health. By helping to maintain a state of physical and emotional balance, Reiki can not only treat problems, but perhaps even prevent them from ever developing.

HOMEOPATHY Homeopathy is the system of medicine which works on the principle of 'like cures like' (Similia Similibus curanter). This system of holistic healing was founded by Dr.Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. Hahnemann, who was translating the a book on the medicinal properties of drugs, was reading the properties of the medicine Cinchona, when he read that Cinchona cures malaria, because of its bitter taste. Hahnemann was surprised by this statement and when he read on, he found a footnote which said that cinchona poisoning leads to malaria-like symptoms. This set him thinking and he decided to test the medicine of himself. He experienced the symptoms of malaria, by repeatedly taking the Cinchona medicine and after continuing his experiments found that those medicines which cause disease-like symptoms in healthy individuals are capable of curing the diseased individuals. So, homeopathy relies on the Materia Medica - a book containing the properties of medicines, properties which have been proved on healthy individuals. Homeopathic doctors rely on the materia medica as the authority for it contains not empty theories, but details of symptoms which were experienced by hundreds of provers. It is thus a system based on sound principles and as a result of solid experiments. How does homeopathy work ? The theory behind the working of homeopathy is that the body of every human being contains a vital force within the body which regulates the functioning of the body. Due to reasons such as heredity, environmental conditions, stress etc, this vital force weaken causing disease. So, disease is nothing but a complex of certain symptoms observed in the human body. The homeopathic physician make a study of not only the symptoms the patient is complaining of, but of the entire patient himself. This leads to a picture of the patient. The physician then prescribes

homeopathic medicine, which matches this picture. Now, the medicine so prescribed would have caused the same symptoms in healthy person during 'drug provings'. This medicine is given in a highly diluted dose, so as to prevent side effects. This minute dose, creates a similar disorder in the vital force and provokes the vital force to react to the symptoms and overcome. (The same system is used in vaccines, where vaccination against small-pox is done by injecting the small-pox disease-causing organism, so that the body can build up its natural immunity). Treatment of diseases by homeopathy Homeopathy is the best way to cure both acute and chronic diseases. Right from fever, cough, cold to asthma, skin diseases, cancer and diabetes. All these are not only just curable but the cure is mild(without side effects) and permanent. While allopathy makes use of strong medicines to cure, which cause severe side effects, homeopathic medicines are not only sweet and east to take, they work highly effectively without any side effect. The danger of allopathic medicines is that they do not cure but suppress. For eg : a cough and throat infection is not cured by allopathic drugs, but is suppressed and the disorder may move to the lungs causing asthma and other severe problem. Homeopathy works on the principle of 'Cure the person, not the disease'. It takes into account the totality of symptoms of the individual and treats each individual separately.For eg: there may be two patients suffering from fever. While an allopath would prescribe the same medicine for both, the homeopath observes the overall symptoms. The first patient may be suffering from fever caused due to exposure to cold wind, also the patient is full of anxiety and fearful of death. This corresponds to a homeopathic medicine Aconite, which when given results in immediate cure. The other patient suffering from fever, has his conditions worse after midnight. Despite the high

fever and thirst, he wants to drink just little quantities of water. This corresponds to a homeopathic medicine Arsenic. So, the same medicine may not cure two cases of the same disease. Homeopathy thus, treats the individual and not the disease. The name of the disease is not important to the homeopathic physician.

Mahatma Gandhi - "Just like my principle of ahimsa(non violence) homeopathy can never failure. Failure if any is of the person who practices it". Medicines used in homeopathy Homeopathy uses an array of medicines whose source ranges from animals to plants and chemicals. Plants like Onion (Allium),Capsicum,Belladonna, Cactus, etc are used for preparation of homeopathic medicines. A large number of chemicals like Nitric acid, Arsenious acid, Iron, Phosphorous are popular homeopathic remedies. There are also a large number of animal sourced medicines like Naja & Lachesis which are snake poisons. Medicines are also prepared from substance like milk (Lac def) and sand (Silica). The products of diseases are used to prepare homeopathic medicines called as nosodes.These nosodes include Carcinosin(prepared from the cancer

cells), Tuberculinum (prepared from the cells of the lungs of cow infected by tuberculosis), etc. While there may be a few people who are apprehensive of taking such medicines, they need not fear, because the process of preparing homeopathic medicines ensures that they are diluted such that they lose their original form and are rendered harmless.

Homeopathy: a complete system of medicine Homeopathic medicines are aimed at improving the level of health by stimulating the self-regulatory mechanism. Improving the level of health implies reducing any disease process as well as the susceptibility to illness and disease. That means that it is not limited to certain diseases but is universally applicable to all kinds of diseases. It can often be used as a first option in certain medical conditions, keeping more costly and potentially toxic treatment as a second option. In addition, it can offer therapeutic options where conventional treatments have failed or where conventional treatments do not exist for the problem, where they are contraindicated or not tolerated. In many disorders homeopathy should be a first choicetreatment instead of a last resort. In many cases of chronic disease homeopathic treatment can achieve results which would be considered impossible with conventional treatment. The therapeutic possibilities, however, depend on how much irreversible damage has, or has not, occurred, and on the extent to which the organism is able to recover. If the distortion is too great, the damage too severe, the disease highly infectious or life-threatening, the condition becomes more suitable for the stronger methods of conventional, allopathic medicine. Limitations are specific surgical indications, deficiency diseases and very serious diseases in which gross anatomical changes have evolved. However, in incurable stages of a disease homeopathic treatment may relieve a patient to a large extent. In injuries and accidents, homeopathic treatment can be of immense

value. Homeopathy can even help if surgery is necessary. Homeopathic medicines can be given both pre-operatively and post-operatively to speed up healing and to counteract any effects of anxiety, shock and anaesthetics. In general, patients treated with homeopathy make a much more rapid

post-operative recovery than patients who have not had this treatment.

Homeopathy: an effective treatment Homeopathic treatment is an effective method of healing - in both acute and chronic conditions, as claimed by millions of patients and

thousands of homeopathic doctors. It may even offer long lasting to permanent cure, treating the disease from its roots, for most of the ailments. The bodyof clinical evidence for the effectiveness of homeopathy continues to accumulate. Several research studies have shown overall that three quarters of the chronically ill patients reported that they felt moderately better or much better. A number of rigorous clinical trials have shownhomeopathy superior to placebo; others have shown it to have effects similar to conventionaltreatments. Homeopathy is an effective alternative to antibiotics in infectious diseases, producing no toxic side effects and bringing about rapid recovery. Viral infections are also very well treated withhomeopathy. In addition, homeopathy is effective for a variety of complaints occurring in children, including behavioural problems. Other medical conditions successfully treated are: skin diseases such as acne, boils, eczema, psoriasis, warts; musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, bursitis and fibromyalgia; allergies, frequent infections; tension headache and migraine; heartburn, gastritis, constipation, intestinal conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease; frequent colds, sinusitis, tonsillitis, cough, asthma and respiratory infections; emotional conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia; menstrual disorders, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, hot flushes; morning sickness, labour induction, labour pain, lactation problems, breast inflammation (mastitis); coronary dysfunctions, liver disorders, Mnire's disease. There are many other

conditions besides those listed where homeopathy is found to be effective. Homeopathy: a safe treatment Homeopathy is safe. Unlike other medication, homeopathic medicines are non-toxic and harmless and do not have any adverse side effects. Patients unable to use conventional prescription drugs due to side effects can often safely use homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines are natural, prepared from minute amounts of herbs, minerals and animal products. Their quality and safety are assured by the national medicine agencies based on European Union legislation and European Pharmacopoeia requirements. They are suitable for pregnant women, infants and children without worrying about the dosage. Many childhood ailments could be very effectively and quickly treated with homeopathy without producing any side effects whatsoever. Unlike antibiotics and other such medicines, homeopathic pills do not hamper digestion, or lower the body's resistance. Neither do they cause any allergies nor cause any damage, even if taken over a long period. There is no toxicity, no addiction, no dependency, no withdrawal. Millions of people use it to help themselves, their families and their pets without any dangerous physical repercussions. Homeopathy: a low-cost treatment Homeopathic medicines are much less expensive than conventional prescription drugs, because they are generic, non-patented and non-patentable medicinal substances, produced at low costs. On average, homeopathic medicines cost less than 1 per day in acute conditions and a few cents per day (sometimes a fraction of a cent) in chronic conditions. Since homeopathic doctors need to obtain a large amount of information from their patients, a longer consultation time is required. This means that

consultations are more expensive than usual GP consultations. The overall costs of a homeopathic treatment may therefore be comparable to

that of conventional treatment. In the long run, however, homeopathy saves money. Under proper homeopathic treatment not only the persons immediate complaints improve, but also his/her susceptibility to disease decreases as there is a general improvement in health and thus less need for medical consultations. So the cumulative costs are very low. The long-term gain has been demonstrated by several research studies. They show that patients who were treated with homeopathy used fewer medications, had better health, fewer days off sick, fewer visits to medical specialists, less time in the hospital than patients of conventional physicians. Moreover, there are no costs associated with complications due to adverse medication effects. In other words, homeopathy may offer significant cost savings to public health bodies, and to the economy more widely. Principles of Homeopathy

Law of similars. Hahnemann believed that "like cured like." If a substance in large amounts CAUSED a certain disease, then that same substance in small amounts could cure the disease. Hahnemann proposed that disease was a dysfunction of the body's ability to cure itself. Therefore, administering a diluted form of a toxic substance could provide the stimulus the body needed to begin to heal itself.14488

Provings. In order to find homeopathic treatments, Hahnemann conducted "provings." This involved testing substances such as herbs or minerals in healthy people to see what kind of reaction occurred. Reactions were documented in

detail in order to determine which substances might serve as treatments for certain conditions. If a substance caused fever, then that substance was noted as a treatment for conditions involving fever.

Law of infinitesimals. In the beginning of homeopathy, small doses of the "proved" substance were used. This eventually evolved into using extreme dilutions of the original substance. Hahnemann suggested that the more dilute the substance, the more potent effect it had against a given disease.

Potentiation through dilution. Related to the law of infinitesimals is the concept of potentiation through dilution. The preparation of a homeopathy product involves a step-wise dilution process along with succussion. Each dilution is succussed, or shaken vigorously. It is believed that this process leaves behind the image, essence, or spirit of the original compound in the water. The more times this process is repeated, or the more dilute the end-product, the more potent the homeopathic preparation.

Nomenclature

Homeopathic preparations follow a specific nomenclature to indicate the level of dilution, and therefore, the level of potency. Dilutions of 1/10 are signified by "X." So, 1X = 1/10, 2X = 1/100, 3X = 1/1000, and 6X = 1/1,000,000, and so on. Dilutions of 1/100 are signified by "C." So, 1C = 1/100, 2C = 1/10,000, 3C = 1/1,000,000, and so on.14487

After a certain number of dilutions, these products will cease to contain even one molecule of the original substance. Chemists can relate this to the concept of

"Avogadro's number," which states that one mole of a given substance contains 6.023X1023 molecules. At dilutions of 12C or 24X, Avogadro's number is exceeded and there will cease to be a measurable amount of original substance contained in the product. BENEFITS OF HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT European citizens increasingly recognise the benefits of a holistic approach to care, where the practitioner views them as a whole, rather than a clinical condition or a set of symptoms and takes the time to listen. From a holistic perspective, the patient is considered as unique, requiring individual assessment and treatment. As an integrated entity, including the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and any other aspects of the total person. Individuals are seen as living systems that are self-healing, self-renewing, homeostatic and adaptive. Health is not merely the absence of disease/illness, but the ability of a system, e.g. cell, organism, family, society to respond Disease adaptively is to a as wide a

range of environmental challenges.

considered

result of an off-balance state of the whole individual (mind and body) rather than a local disturbance. Homeopathy looks beyond the labels of disease to cure their causes rather than merely their symptoms and it stimulates the body's own natural healing powers to bring health, vitality and well-being. It does not treat superficially by just driving away the symptoms but heals the patient from within. It uses medicines that cover the disturbance of the whole person rather than giving different medicines for different afflicted parts of the body. Patients often report improvement in overall energy, mood, quality of sleep, and digestion, and the disappearance of other symptoms apparently unrelated to the condition being treated with homeopathy. Homeopathic doctors relate individual patterns of responding to

environmental influences, infectious agents and potential stressors to specific homeopathic medicines that can remedy these susceptibility patterns. Skilled homeopathic prescribing requires that the characteristics ofthe chosen medicine should be as similar as possible to the characteristics of the illness in the patient. The more detailed the understanding of the symptom nuances of the patient, the more accurate the prescription. Thus, homeopathy is highly individualised and based upon a holistic assessment. As well as the patients actual complaint and conventional diagnosis, the following factors may play an important part in medicine selection, especially in chronic disease: the patients constitution, emotional and mental make-up, the way the patient responds to physical, emotional and mental influences/stress in his/her life, the patients personality, temperament, genetic predispositions and any strong family history of particular diseases