Our skin faces a constant barrage of chemicals everyday from pollution to harsh chemically formulated products that strip the skin of its natural balance. These simple Ayurvedic home remedies help you to attain a clear, healthy and glowing complexion. Ayurveda mentions many simple natural ways to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. Using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals.
Below are some simple 'secrets' to achieve a naturally beautiful skin.
Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.
Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)
Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.
Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.
Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.
Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.
Thanks to: "s.v.m.sathishkumar" svm_sathishkumar@yahoo.co.in
1) Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
2) Cut some beet root into small pieces and grind them. Squeeze juice from beet root and massage to your face for 5 minutes. Shower after 10 minutes with mild soap or gram flour.
3) Mix sandalwood powder with rose water and add 4 to 5 drops of milk in it and apply on to your face and body. Shower after 15 minutes with warm water.
4) Mix honey in water and drink daily in the morning to keep your skin shiny and smooth.
5) Warm honey and mix with lemon juice and apply on to face. Wash after it dry.
6) Mix Turmeric, sandal powder and olive oil and apply to body. Shower after 10 minutes.
7) Massage your skin with milk. Milk has moisturizer, it will keep your skin smooth. read more tips on http://www.online-articles.org/beauty/site-map.php
8) Use humidifiers and keep room temperature moderate to keep your skin away from dryness.
9) Hot water blushes your skin and you don't feel fresh unless you have bath with little cold water. If you have shower for a longtime, dead skin will be automatically be removed. Do not rub with towel, be gentle on your skin.
10) Take food which contains more A and C vitamin.
11) Grate carrot and boil. Massage that mixture to body to get fair and smooth skin.
12) For natural bleaching: - mix milk and lemon juice. The milk will break as soon as you mix the lemon juice in it. Use that mixture to massage on your body. It works as natural bleaching.
13) Mix turmeric and cream on the top of milk, massage that mixture to body.
14) If you go into sun your skin will lost the fair ness. To get your skin color to normal take equal quantities of cucumber juice and tomato juice and apply on to skin. Shower after 10 minutes.
15) Massage mustard oil to your skin for 5 minutes and have shower with gram flour or mild soap.
16) Mix cream on the top of milk and all-purpose flour and apply that paste on to your skin avoid eyes, eyebrows and lips. Shower after 5 minutes. This will make skin smooth.
17) Mix curds (yogurt) with wheat flour and apply to your skin and take shower after 5 minutes. r ead more tips on chinkap@gmail.com
Monday, January 22, 2007
Benefits of Walking
The Organs of your body have their sensory touches at the bottom of your foot.
If you massage these points you will find relief from aches and pains as you can see the organs are on right and left foot
God created our body so well and connected each body part to our foot so that when we walk every body part of ours get massaged.
So, keep walking...
So, keep walking...
Thanks to: "deepesh prajapati" deepesh992002@yahoo.com
Sunday, January 21, 2007
A to Z of Various Medicine Systems
Allopathy :
Also known as ‘scientific medicine’, ‘orthodox medicine’ and ‘modern medicine’, is barely about 200 years old. It lays emphasis on drugs. It offers antibiotics, synthetic vitamins, steroids, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunization all of which are highly dangerous. Its diagnostics methods are not foolproof and 95% of surgeries in allopathic hospitals are unnecessary. Doctors of modern medicine receive their continuing education from Medical Representatives of (P)harmaceuticals, and prescribe lethal drugs based on cuts and commission. These inadequately tested and prescribed drugs create more diseases. Allopathy is a ‘pseudo science’ which has done more harm to health and wellbeing of humanity than any other 40 odd systems of healing described below.
Acupuncture/Acupressure :
In this age-old Chinese system, the body is divided into 14 meridians and 365 specific points to stimulate, disperse and regulate the flow of vital energy and restore a healthy balance. In acupuncture, needles are inserted at these points, whereas in acupressure only finger pressure is used. Acupoints are also stimulated by a low-frequency electrical current (electro-acupuncture), or with finely tuned laser beams. Some times moxa (common mugwort) heat is used over specific points (moxibustion), some times needles dipped in homoeopathic mother tinctures are inserted (homoeo-puncture). In addition to pain relief, acutherapy is used to improve well being and treat acute, chronic and degenerative conditions. Under acupuncture anaesthesia minor/major operations are conducted effortlessly with conscious participation of the patient.
Ayurvedic Medicine :
Practiced in India for more than 5000 years, ayurvedic tradition holds that illness is a state of imbalance among the body's systems. These imbalances can be detected through diagnostic procedures like : Nadi (pulse), Mutra (urine), Mal (feaces/stools), Jeevha (tongue), Shabda (tone clarity), Sparsh (touch), Netra (eyes), Akruti (figure). Nutrition, counseling, massage, natural medications, meditation and other modalities are used to address a broad spectrum of ailments.
Biofeedback :
It is a practical psychosomatic medicine according to which the autonomic nervous system can be trained. With this, blood pressure can be lowered, cold hands warmed, migraine and epilepsy treated, hemiplegias rehabilitated and deep meditative states induced. Any bodily or mental function that can be monitored can be altered.
Biotesting and Biotherapy :
This is a total cleansing process. This therapy helps to eradicate the root cause of diseases by removing the viruses, bacteria, chemicals and toxins stored in the body. A bio-therapist asks the patient to think of his problems and starts the treatment by giving anti-dotes as per the body's requirement. As the anti-dote is placed in the patient's palm, the practitioner starts tapping the thighs of the patient to let the anti-dotes flow in the body. This therapy has shown encouraging results in cases of AIDS, Cancers, Meningitis, Hepatitis, and Malaria and host of other toxic symptoms.
Chromotherapy :
Our body is composed of seven colours of the Rainbow, namely : violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and the red. Thought patterns as also breathing can change the colours in the body. Consequently, the seven colours and sub-colours are used in the treatment of various diseases of the body and the mind. The body synthesizes colours from fruits, vegetables and food eaten. A solarium, colour suncharged water, 12 tissue salts which emanate different colours, are used by experts of Chromotherapy in treatment. It is a fascinating art and science.
Colonics :
Using sterilized equipment, filtered water is gently introduced into the rectum, which softens and expels stagnated faecal matter and colon poisons from the large intestine. Colon malfunction can lead to 80% of diseased states. Keep the innards clean and you will be fine throughout your life.
Counseling :
This broad category covers a range of practitioners, from career counselors to psychotherapists who treat depression, stress, addiction, and emotional factors. Formats can vary from individual counseling to group therapy. Some therapists may also incorporate bodywork, ritual, energy healing, and other alternative modalities as part of their practice.
Dance therapy :
Dance and/or movement therapy uses expressive movement as a therapeutic tool for both personal _expression and psychological healing. Practitioners work with people with physical disabilities, substance abuse, sexual abuse cases, eating disorders, and other concerns.
Diet therapy :
No matter what name you give to a dis-eased body state, the cause is ever the same! The bottom line or the root cause of any illness, by any name, is simply too much acid tissue waste in your body fluids or your body organs. A body fluid in an alkaline base state is your key to lasting health and eternal youth. Your major five body fluids, saliva, blood, mucous, lymph and urine, have the important job of carrying acid wastes out of your body. The more we consciously do to keep these body tissues and body fluids alkaline, the easier it will be for us to throw off any disease and to keep our bodies in a constant state of tingling vibrant health. Diet therapy therefore concentrates on Alkaline Diet versus Acid Diet, Constipating Diet versus Laxative Diet, Living Diet as against Dead Food, and Perfect Food versus Junk Food. It also considers seasonal food, hot and cold food, and the input and output ratio of food and water intake.
Ear Candling :
Primarily used for wax buildup and related hearing problems. Ear candling is also used for ear and sinus infections. Treatment involves placing the narrow end of a specially designed hollow candle at the entry of the ear canal, while the opposite end is lit.
Feng Shui :
Ancient Chinese practice of arranging the home or work environment to promote health, happiness and prosperity. Consultants may recommend changes in the surroundings - from color selection to furniture placement, in order to promote a healthy flow of Chi, or vital energy.
Flower Remedies :
A method of alleviating negative emotional states that may contribute to illness or hinder personal growth. Discovered by Dr. Edward Bach there are thirty-eight remedies, each flower or bud being specific for an emotional state or a personality type. Flower remedies are made from water in which flowers have been dipped and exposed to sunlight for a few hours. Remedies are administered sub-lingual.
Gem Therapy :
Vibrations from gem-stones can relieve or remove mental and emotional problems – for example, emerald is said to improve memory; red coral gives beneficial results in anemia, lassitude, pain, collapse and general debility; Ruby balances tridoshas and is specific for biliousness and blood disorders. Since AIDS spreads through blood, Ruby can be worn on the right hand.
Homoeopathy :
Founded in 1790, by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, it is a therapeutic system that uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances - called remedies - to stimulate a person's immune and defense system. A remedy is individually chosen for a sick person based on its capacity to cause, if given in over dose, physical and psychological symptoms similar to those a patient is experiencing. The four cardinal laws of homoeopathy are: (a) the law of similars (b) the law of drug proving (c) the principle of potentisation and (d) the theory of chronic diseases. Then there is (e) the law of direction of cure (f) the law of single remedy and (e) the law of minimum dose.
Hypnotherapy :
A means of bypassing the conscious mind and accessing the sub-conscious, where suppressed, repressed emotions, and forgotten events may remain recorded. Hypnosis may facilitate behavioral, emotional, or attitudinal changes, such as, weight loss, or smoking cessation. It is also used to treat phobias, stress, and as an adjunct in the treatment of illness.
Imagery :
Your thinking or imagination can make or mar you. Imagery can boost the immune response, thereby increasing the activity of natural killer cells to identify and eliminate virus-infected cells, other microbes, and tumor cells. Imagery can lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate, alleviate insomnia, relieve stress and anxiety, treat phobias and obesity, and help regulate menstrual cycles. If you can imagine, it can become real.
Iridology :
The diagnostic system based on the premise that every organ has a corresponding location within the iris of the eye, which can serve as an indicator of the individual organ's health or disease. Iridology is used particularly when diagnosis achieved through standard methods is unclear.
Iscador Therapy :
It centres round the extract of the white-berried mistletoe (viscum album) plant which grows on a number of host trees. Mistletoe therapy is directed not only against Cancer cells, but it aims to restore the dynamic equilibrium between cells and organism. The earliest declaration over the use of the mistletoe for the healing of Cancer was made by Dr. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, in 1904 and was introduced into medicine in 1920 by the Lukas Clinic at Arlesheim in Switzerland by Dr. Ita Wegman.
Joviality/or laughter therapy :
It creates in the body a different chemistry. When you are jovial or when you laugh, you relax, you breathe freely, your digestion improves, movements are easy, coordination better, thinking cordial, memory becomes sharp and vision becomes clear. Joviality, laughter, love leads to vibrant health.
Kirlian Photography :
For centuries, mystics, spiritual healers and psychics have been fascinated by the ‘auras’ – luminous, misty outlines – that surround people, animals, plants and other animate or inanimate objects. Kirlian photography prints auras that reveal people’s mental and physical disorders before they display any outward symptoms. Cancers can be diagnosed by modern medicine in later stages and a lot of time is wasted in sub-classifying them while the patient sinks further in health. A good Kirlian photograph in experienced hands can reveal cancer two years before its onset. Isn’t that good? But the ostriches of modern medicine will not see the light of the day because of their closed minds.
Lamaze Method :
The purpose of the Lamaze education is to prepare a mother for happy childbirth. This is done by removing fear from her mind and by making her relax and teaching her how to coordinate her breathing, so that childbirth is normal and natural. Based upon Pavlov’s principle of conditioned response, the theory is that the brain can be trained to accept and analyze a given stimulus and select a response to it.
Massage :
A general term for a range of therapeutic approaches with roots in both eastern and western cultures. It involves the practice of manipulating a person’s muscles and other soft tissue with the intent of improving a person’s well being or health. Massage can sooth the body, mind and the spirit.
Music Therapy :
The rhythm of life as a healing force has been used since ancient times. Making music, dancing to the tune of music, drawing some revealing patterns on paper with colours as music unwinds, breathing in and out in synchronisation, frees the client from submerged feelings and problems. Many people carry unnecessary burdens of the past which, in an enlightened moment, music helps them to unload.
Naturopathy : The oldest health-care system which emphasizes the curative power of nature, treating both acute and chronic illnesses in all age groups. The three cardinal principles of nature cure are : (a) healing is within (b) there is inner environment and (c) treatment should not be worse than the disease. It is a drugless healing. Naturopathy can cure every disease.
Negative Ion :
Air molecules are continually being broken down into positively or negatively charged particles. Negative ion concentration is good for health, whereas positive ion concentration is bad. Urban areas, and homes with many electrical gadgets have positive ions. Negative ion therapy helps people to function better by improving their health.
Ohashiatsu :
A system of physical techniques, exercise and meditation used to relieve tensions and fatigue and induce a state of harmony and peace. The practitioner first assesses a person's state by feeling the hara, the area below the navel. Then, using continuous and flowing movements, the practitioner presses and stretches the body's energy channel, working in unison with the person's breathing.
Prolotherapy :
It uses injections of natural substances, such as, dextrose, glycerin and phenol in order to stimulate the growth of connective tissue and this strengthens weak, damaged joints, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. This re-constructive therapy is used to treat degenerative arthritis, lower back pain, torn ligaments and cartilage, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other conditions.
Qi :
It is a pre-physical energy existing in air. T’ai chi which means great pole or axis is a form of active meditation which helps in tapping the qi or chi or prana. Breathing is faulty in almost 90% people. Due to wrong breathing there is insufficient oxygen in the blood. This leads to hypoxic diseases, like cancers, gangrene, heart attack, stroke, impotence, low vitality, etc.
Radionics and Radiesthesia :
Some men and women have the capacity to transmit a steady flow of healing; others, sorcerers, on occasion transmit harm. Inherent within most of us is the ability to switch on to receive healing and to provide it. Radionics and radiesthesia are methods of recapturing and exploiting these largely dormant powers. Radionics is an instrumentally tuned form of distant healing, whereby everybody and every condition can be treated. Radiesthesia has a predictive aspect to it and, as such, its application to prevention presents interesting possibilities.
Reiki :
It is the fine art of tuning the body, mind and the spirit. Practitioners of this ancient healing system use light hand placements to channel healing energies to the recipient. Reiki is commonly used to treat emotional and mental distress as well as chronic and acute physical problems, and to assist the recipient in achieving spiritual focus and clarity. The five principles of Reiki are : Just for today, I will live with gratitude. Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will not be angry. Just for today I will do my work honestly. Just for today, I will love and respect every living being.
Shiatsu :
The most widely known form of acupressure. Shiatsu has been used in Japan for more than 1000 years to treat pain and illness and for general health maintenance. Using a series of techniques, practitioners apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points on the body in order to stimulate Chi, or the vital energy.
Silva Mind Control :
This technique teaches you how to tap brain-waves as an aid to the development of greater mental discipline. It is a combination of Autosuggestion and Meditation to expand intuition and extrasensory perception.
Tibetan Medicine :
Evolved as a synthesis of Tibetan, Chinese, Persian medicine, and Ayurveda. These remedies include indigenous herbs, fruits, flowers, metallic powders and minerals given in tablet or powder form, and are especially effective in treating rheumatism, asthma, gastritis, diabetes and many neurological disorders.
Unani :
Involves the use of plants, herbs and minerals. Known to provide cures for diseases, such as, sinusitis, leucoderma, rheumatism, jaundice and elephantiasis, Unani Tibb or Graeco-Arab medicine is mainly practised in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. The basic framework of the four-humour theory of Hippocrates, which presupposed the presence in the body of four humours : blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile. Vital force or life-force is called Ruh in this system of health care.
Vitamin therapy :
A complementary therapy of vitamin usage combined with other treatments to address a range of illnesses and to enhance the functioning of the body system. Assists the immune system in combating chronic fatigue syndrome and HIV/AIDS.
Water therapy :
Also known as hydrotherapy, it is a treatment of diseases by means of water in various forms and temperatures. For example, ice massage is given in Parkinson’s disease and paralysis, steam for throwing out impurities from the body by opening blocked pores of the skin. In enemas, stomach wash, douches, sitz baths, spinal baths, compresses - cold or warm water is used, both internally and externally. Water is the best cleanser and healer, as 70% body is made of water.
X-ray therapy or X radiation :
Here radiated medicine is used to treat diseases like cancers, tumours, genetic deformities and to nullify radiation effect in the human body. This is not the same as irradiation.
Yoga :
It is an eight-fold method of evolving an ordinary man into a super human being. Yoga connects an individual with the universe. It consists of Asanas (physical postures), Pranayam (breath control), Kriyas (cleansing techniques), Mudras and Meditation (for mind control). Yoga addresses mental and physical problems, while integrating body, mind and the spirit.
Zone Reflexology :
This modality is based on the idea that specific points on the feet and hands correspond with organs and tissues throughout the body. With fingers and thumb, the practitioner applies pressure to these points reflected in the feet or hands to treat a wide range of illnesses.
From the above description, you would note how the Holistic Healing modalities are far superior to Modern Medicine’s treatment-oriented chemical approach, which only tackles the human body in parts, not bothering about the mind and spirit aspect. Modern medicine does not also know anything about ‘soul sickness’.
Thanks to: "Jagannath Chatterjee" jagchat01@yahoo.com
Also known as ‘scientific medicine’, ‘orthodox medicine’ and ‘modern medicine’, is barely about 200 years old. It lays emphasis on drugs. It offers antibiotics, synthetic vitamins, steroids, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunization all of which are highly dangerous. Its diagnostics methods are not foolproof and 95% of surgeries in allopathic hospitals are unnecessary. Doctors of modern medicine receive their continuing education from Medical Representatives of (P)harmaceuticals, and prescribe lethal drugs based on cuts and commission. These inadequately tested and prescribed drugs create more diseases. Allopathy is a ‘pseudo science’ which has done more harm to health and wellbeing of humanity than any other 40 odd systems of healing described below.
Acupuncture/Acupressure :
In this age-old Chinese system, the body is divided into 14 meridians and 365 specific points to stimulate, disperse and regulate the flow of vital energy and restore a healthy balance. In acupuncture, needles are inserted at these points, whereas in acupressure only finger pressure is used. Acupoints are also stimulated by a low-frequency electrical current (electro-acupuncture), or with finely tuned laser beams. Some times moxa (common mugwort) heat is used over specific points (moxibustion), some times needles dipped in homoeopathic mother tinctures are inserted (homoeo-puncture). In addition to pain relief, acutherapy is used to improve well being and treat acute, chronic and degenerative conditions. Under acupuncture anaesthesia minor/major operations are conducted effortlessly with conscious participation of the patient.
Ayurvedic Medicine :
Practiced in India for more than 5000 years, ayurvedic tradition holds that illness is a state of imbalance among the body's systems. These imbalances can be detected through diagnostic procedures like : Nadi (pulse), Mutra (urine), Mal (feaces/stools), Jeevha (tongue), Shabda (tone clarity), Sparsh (touch), Netra (eyes), Akruti (figure). Nutrition, counseling, massage, natural medications, meditation and other modalities are used to address a broad spectrum of ailments.
Biofeedback :
It is a practical psychosomatic medicine according to which the autonomic nervous system can be trained. With this, blood pressure can be lowered, cold hands warmed, migraine and epilepsy treated, hemiplegias rehabilitated and deep meditative states induced. Any bodily or mental function that can be monitored can be altered.
Biotesting and Biotherapy :
This is a total cleansing process. This therapy helps to eradicate the root cause of diseases by removing the viruses, bacteria, chemicals and toxins stored in the body. A bio-therapist asks the patient to think of his problems and starts the treatment by giving anti-dotes as per the body's requirement. As the anti-dote is placed in the patient's palm, the practitioner starts tapping the thighs of the patient to let the anti-dotes flow in the body. This therapy has shown encouraging results in cases of AIDS, Cancers, Meningitis, Hepatitis, and Malaria and host of other toxic symptoms.
Chromotherapy :
Our body is composed of seven colours of the Rainbow, namely : violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and the red. Thought patterns as also breathing can change the colours in the body. Consequently, the seven colours and sub-colours are used in the treatment of various diseases of the body and the mind. The body synthesizes colours from fruits, vegetables and food eaten. A solarium, colour suncharged water, 12 tissue salts which emanate different colours, are used by experts of Chromotherapy in treatment. It is a fascinating art and science.
Colonics :
Using sterilized equipment, filtered water is gently introduced into the rectum, which softens and expels stagnated faecal matter and colon poisons from the large intestine. Colon malfunction can lead to 80% of diseased states. Keep the innards clean and you will be fine throughout your life.
Counseling :
This broad category covers a range of practitioners, from career counselors to psychotherapists who treat depression, stress, addiction, and emotional factors. Formats can vary from individual counseling to group therapy. Some therapists may also incorporate bodywork, ritual, energy healing, and other alternative modalities as part of their practice.
Dance therapy :
Dance and/or movement therapy uses expressive movement as a therapeutic tool for both personal _expression and psychological healing. Practitioners work with people with physical disabilities, substance abuse, sexual abuse cases, eating disorders, and other concerns.
Diet therapy :
No matter what name you give to a dis-eased body state, the cause is ever the same! The bottom line or the root cause of any illness, by any name, is simply too much acid tissue waste in your body fluids or your body organs. A body fluid in an alkaline base state is your key to lasting health and eternal youth. Your major five body fluids, saliva, blood, mucous, lymph and urine, have the important job of carrying acid wastes out of your body. The more we consciously do to keep these body tissues and body fluids alkaline, the easier it will be for us to throw off any disease and to keep our bodies in a constant state of tingling vibrant health. Diet therapy therefore concentrates on Alkaline Diet versus Acid Diet, Constipating Diet versus Laxative Diet, Living Diet as against Dead Food, and Perfect Food versus Junk Food. It also considers seasonal food, hot and cold food, and the input and output ratio of food and water intake.
Ear Candling :
Primarily used for wax buildup and related hearing problems. Ear candling is also used for ear and sinus infections. Treatment involves placing the narrow end of a specially designed hollow candle at the entry of the ear canal, while the opposite end is lit.
Feng Shui :
Ancient Chinese practice of arranging the home or work environment to promote health, happiness and prosperity. Consultants may recommend changes in the surroundings - from color selection to furniture placement, in order to promote a healthy flow of Chi, or vital energy.
Flower Remedies :
A method of alleviating negative emotional states that may contribute to illness or hinder personal growth. Discovered by Dr. Edward Bach there are thirty-eight remedies, each flower or bud being specific for an emotional state or a personality type. Flower remedies are made from water in which flowers have been dipped and exposed to sunlight for a few hours. Remedies are administered sub-lingual.
Gem Therapy :
Vibrations from gem-stones can relieve or remove mental and emotional problems – for example, emerald is said to improve memory; red coral gives beneficial results in anemia, lassitude, pain, collapse and general debility; Ruby balances tridoshas and is specific for biliousness and blood disorders. Since AIDS spreads through blood, Ruby can be worn on the right hand.
Homoeopathy :
Founded in 1790, by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, it is a therapeutic system that uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances - called remedies - to stimulate a person's immune and defense system. A remedy is individually chosen for a sick person based on its capacity to cause, if given in over dose, physical and psychological symptoms similar to those a patient is experiencing. The four cardinal laws of homoeopathy are: (a) the law of similars (b) the law of drug proving (c) the principle of potentisation and (d) the theory of chronic diseases. Then there is (e) the law of direction of cure (f) the law of single remedy and (e) the law of minimum dose.
Hypnotherapy :
A means of bypassing the conscious mind and accessing the sub-conscious, where suppressed, repressed emotions, and forgotten events may remain recorded. Hypnosis may facilitate behavioral, emotional, or attitudinal changes, such as, weight loss, or smoking cessation. It is also used to treat phobias, stress, and as an adjunct in the treatment of illness.
Imagery :
Your thinking or imagination can make or mar you. Imagery can boost the immune response, thereby increasing the activity of natural killer cells to identify and eliminate virus-infected cells, other microbes, and tumor cells. Imagery can lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate, alleviate insomnia, relieve stress and anxiety, treat phobias and obesity, and help regulate menstrual cycles. If you can imagine, it can become real.
Iridology :
The diagnostic system based on the premise that every organ has a corresponding location within the iris of the eye, which can serve as an indicator of the individual organ's health or disease. Iridology is used particularly when diagnosis achieved through standard methods is unclear.
Iscador Therapy :
It centres round the extract of the white-berried mistletoe (viscum album) plant which grows on a number of host trees. Mistletoe therapy is directed not only against Cancer cells, but it aims to restore the dynamic equilibrium between cells and organism. The earliest declaration over the use of the mistletoe for the healing of Cancer was made by Dr. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, in 1904 and was introduced into medicine in 1920 by the Lukas Clinic at Arlesheim in Switzerland by Dr. Ita Wegman.
Joviality/or laughter therapy :
It creates in the body a different chemistry. When you are jovial or when you laugh, you relax, you breathe freely, your digestion improves, movements are easy, coordination better, thinking cordial, memory becomes sharp and vision becomes clear. Joviality, laughter, love leads to vibrant health.
Kirlian Photography :
For centuries, mystics, spiritual healers and psychics have been fascinated by the ‘auras’ – luminous, misty outlines – that surround people, animals, plants and other animate or inanimate objects. Kirlian photography prints auras that reveal people’s mental and physical disorders before they display any outward symptoms. Cancers can be diagnosed by modern medicine in later stages and a lot of time is wasted in sub-classifying them while the patient sinks further in health. A good Kirlian photograph in experienced hands can reveal cancer two years before its onset. Isn’t that good? But the ostriches of modern medicine will not see the light of the day because of their closed minds.
Lamaze Method :
The purpose of the Lamaze education is to prepare a mother for happy childbirth. This is done by removing fear from her mind and by making her relax and teaching her how to coordinate her breathing, so that childbirth is normal and natural. Based upon Pavlov’s principle of conditioned response, the theory is that the brain can be trained to accept and analyze a given stimulus and select a response to it.
Massage :
A general term for a range of therapeutic approaches with roots in both eastern and western cultures. It involves the practice of manipulating a person’s muscles and other soft tissue with the intent of improving a person’s well being or health. Massage can sooth the body, mind and the spirit.
Music Therapy :
The rhythm of life as a healing force has been used since ancient times. Making music, dancing to the tune of music, drawing some revealing patterns on paper with colours as music unwinds, breathing in and out in synchronisation, frees the client from submerged feelings and problems. Many people carry unnecessary burdens of the past which, in an enlightened moment, music helps them to unload.
Naturopathy : The oldest health-care system which emphasizes the curative power of nature, treating both acute and chronic illnesses in all age groups. The three cardinal principles of nature cure are : (a) healing is within (b) there is inner environment and (c) treatment should not be worse than the disease. It is a drugless healing. Naturopathy can cure every disease.
Negative Ion :
Air molecules are continually being broken down into positively or negatively charged particles. Negative ion concentration is good for health, whereas positive ion concentration is bad. Urban areas, and homes with many electrical gadgets have positive ions. Negative ion therapy helps people to function better by improving their health.
Ohashiatsu :
A system of physical techniques, exercise and meditation used to relieve tensions and fatigue and induce a state of harmony and peace. The practitioner first assesses a person's state by feeling the hara, the area below the navel. Then, using continuous and flowing movements, the practitioner presses and stretches the body's energy channel, working in unison with the person's breathing.
Prolotherapy :
It uses injections of natural substances, such as, dextrose, glycerin and phenol in order to stimulate the growth of connective tissue and this strengthens weak, damaged joints, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. This re-constructive therapy is used to treat degenerative arthritis, lower back pain, torn ligaments and cartilage, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other conditions.
Qi :
It is a pre-physical energy existing in air. T’ai chi which means great pole or axis is a form of active meditation which helps in tapping the qi or chi or prana. Breathing is faulty in almost 90% people. Due to wrong breathing there is insufficient oxygen in the blood. This leads to hypoxic diseases, like cancers, gangrene, heart attack, stroke, impotence, low vitality, etc.
Radionics and Radiesthesia :
Some men and women have the capacity to transmit a steady flow of healing; others, sorcerers, on occasion transmit harm. Inherent within most of us is the ability to switch on to receive healing and to provide it. Radionics and radiesthesia are methods of recapturing and exploiting these largely dormant powers. Radionics is an instrumentally tuned form of distant healing, whereby everybody and every condition can be treated. Radiesthesia has a predictive aspect to it and, as such, its application to prevention presents interesting possibilities.
Reiki :
It is the fine art of tuning the body, mind and the spirit. Practitioners of this ancient healing system use light hand placements to channel healing energies to the recipient. Reiki is commonly used to treat emotional and mental distress as well as chronic and acute physical problems, and to assist the recipient in achieving spiritual focus and clarity. The five principles of Reiki are : Just for today, I will live with gratitude. Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will not be angry. Just for today I will do my work honestly. Just for today, I will love and respect every living being.
Shiatsu :
The most widely known form of acupressure. Shiatsu has been used in Japan for more than 1000 years to treat pain and illness and for general health maintenance. Using a series of techniques, practitioners apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points on the body in order to stimulate Chi, or the vital energy.
Silva Mind Control :
This technique teaches you how to tap brain-waves as an aid to the development of greater mental discipline. It is a combination of Autosuggestion and Meditation to expand intuition and extrasensory perception.
Tibetan Medicine :
Evolved as a synthesis of Tibetan, Chinese, Persian medicine, and Ayurveda. These remedies include indigenous herbs, fruits, flowers, metallic powders and minerals given in tablet or powder form, and are especially effective in treating rheumatism, asthma, gastritis, diabetes and many neurological disorders.
Unani :
Involves the use of plants, herbs and minerals. Known to provide cures for diseases, such as, sinusitis, leucoderma, rheumatism, jaundice and elephantiasis, Unani Tibb or Graeco-Arab medicine is mainly practised in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. The basic framework of the four-humour theory of Hippocrates, which presupposed the presence in the body of four humours : blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile. Vital force or life-force is called Ruh in this system of health care.
Vitamin therapy :
A complementary therapy of vitamin usage combined with other treatments to address a range of illnesses and to enhance the functioning of the body system. Assists the immune system in combating chronic fatigue syndrome and HIV/AIDS.
Water therapy :
Also known as hydrotherapy, it is a treatment of diseases by means of water in various forms and temperatures. For example, ice massage is given in Parkinson’s disease and paralysis, steam for throwing out impurities from the body by opening blocked pores of the skin. In enemas, stomach wash, douches, sitz baths, spinal baths, compresses - cold or warm water is used, both internally and externally. Water is the best cleanser and healer, as 70% body is made of water.
X-ray therapy or X radiation :
Here radiated medicine is used to treat diseases like cancers, tumours, genetic deformities and to nullify radiation effect in the human body. This is not the same as irradiation.
Yoga :
It is an eight-fold method of evolving an ordinary man into a super human being. Yoga connects an individual with the universe. It consists of Asanas (physical postures), Pranayam (breath control), Kriyas (cleansing techniques), Mudras and Meditation (for mind control). Yoga addresses mental and physical problems, while integrating body, mind and the spirit.
Zone Reflexology :
This modality is based on the idea that specific points on the feet and hands correspond with organs and tissues throughout the body. With fingers and thumb, the practitioner applies pressure to these points reflected in the feet or hands to treat a wide range of illnesses.
From the above description, you would note how the Holistic Healing modalities are far superior to Modern Medicine’s treatment-oriented chemical approach, which only tackles the human body in parts, not bothering about the mind and spirit aspect. Modern medicine does not also know anything about ‘soul sickness’.
Thanks to: "Jagannath Chatterjee" jagchat01@yahoo.com
Brain Damaging Habits
1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.
7. Head covered while sleeping
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.
2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.
3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.
4. High Sugar consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.
5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.
6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.
7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.
8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.
9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.
10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain
Thanks to: "Varun Mahajan" ssi_varun@yahoo.com
Heart Care Tips
Heart Care Tips :
by Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty
Q What are the five thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart?
A. 1. Diet – Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil.
2. Exercise – half an hour's walk, at least five days a week. Avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a long time.
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control blood pressure and sugar.
Q Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart?
A. No
Q. It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person get a cardiac arrest. How do we understand it in perspective?
A. This is called silent attack. That is why, we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health check-ups.
Q Are heart diseases hereditary?
A. Yes
Q What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?
A. Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.
Q Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?
A. Walking is better than jogging since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints.
Q You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?
A. Mother Theresa, who was my patient.
Q Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?
A. Extremely rare.
Q Does cholesterol accumulate right from an early age (I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?
A. Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.
Q How do irregular eating habits affect the heart?
A. You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme releases for digestion gets confused.
Q Can a healthy person without a medical history have a heart attack due to stress?
A. Extremely rare
Q How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?
A. Control diet, walk and eat walnut.
Q Can yoga prevent heart ailments?
A. Yoga helps
Q, which is the best and worst food for the heart?
A. Best food is fruits, worst are oils.
Q If a person has undergone angioplasty, what are the chances of the stent getting displaced?
A. Stent doesn't get displaced. It can get blocked. You could prevent it by controlling sugar, cholesterol and taking medication to prevent clots.
Q Do negative emotions like depression or anger always cause heart disease?
A. Not always. On the other hand, positive emotions help recovery of the heart.
Q I have read about music therapy for the heart and the mind. What is your opinion on this?
A. Guess, it helps.
Q Which oil is better – gingili, groundnut, sunflower, saffola, olive?
A. All oils are bad. The so-called best oil company has the largest marketing budget.
Q What is the routine check-up one should go through? Is there any specific test?
A. Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo .
Q How different was it in treating Noor Fatima, the little kid from Pakistan?
A. It was extremely difficult because of the media attention. As far as the medical treatment is concerned, she was like any other child with a complex heart problem.
Q What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack ?
A. Help the person into a sleeping position, put an Aspirin tablet under the tongue with a Sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to coronary care unit since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.
Q How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that cause due to gastric trouble ?
A. Extremely difficult without ECG.
Q Can drinking less water lead to heart problems ?
A. No. However, drinking plenty of water in normal people helps preserve good health.
Q Is it true that diabetic women seem to have 3 to 7 times greater risk of developing heart diseases than non-diabetic women? Is it the same with high BP patients as well ?
A. Women are protected by the hormones till the age of 45. After that, their risk increases like men and in general, the result of treatment on heart patients who are women is slightly poorer than men.
Q What are some of the precautions during pregnancy to avoid heart problems in the new born ?
A. German measles, which causes congenital abnormalities in the babies. No smoking.
Q What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 years of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.
A. Increased awareness has increased incidents. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.
Q What is the right time to check the BP in any person?
A. Past the age of 30 and earlier, if you have symptoms.
Q Is it possible for a person for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet to be perfectly healthy ?
A. Yes
Q Are there any symptoms for heart problems, which we need to be aware of ?
A. Shortness of breath on exertion, and chest pain.
Q If a person has had a heart attack, how frequently is regular heart check-up recommend?
A. Once in 6 months.
Q Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?
A. Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may not have a software engineer as a child.
Q Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a time we have to stay in office till late nights. Does this affect our heart? What precautions would you recommend?
A. When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as you grow older, respect the biological clock.
Q How can we find out about blockage of arteries, beforehand?
A. Routine cardiac evaluation by blood test, ECGs, TMTs, Stress Thallium Scan, Cardiac CT Scan for Calcium score.
Q Does a recurring pain in the left arm signify any heart related ailment?
A. Usually, you get chest discomfort or shortness of breath, months or years before the heart attack. So, when in doubt, go for a heart check-up, which should not take more than a couple of hours.
Q Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short/long term) ?
A. Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti-hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.
Q Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?
A. No
Q What are the chances of lean people developing heart complications? Are they at less risk?
A. Obese people are at a higher risk. Lean people also develop heart attacks, but primarily because of genetic predisposition.
Q Is it true that after open-heart surgery, patients lose memory-recall to some extent?
A. No. Especially after bypass grafting on a beating heart, incidence of neurological problems have come down significantly.
Q Are Asthma patients more prone to heart disease?
A. No
Q How would you define junk food?
A. Fried food like Kentucky, McDonalds, Samosas, and even Masala Dosas.
Q You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food ?
A. Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.
Q Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?
A. No
Q Is there any cure for chronic palpitations?
A. The patient should be investigated and if there is a cause for palpitation like an electrical abnormality of the heart, this can be rectified by a procedure called radio-frequency-ablation.
Q How would you rate the health facilities currently available in India?
A. There are institutions, which are as good or even better than the one in the US and Europe. However, they are exceptions. In general, the qualities of health-care available to the masses are poor.
Q If there is a small hole in the heart, what are the possible ways of curing it? Is operation the only solution?
A. Small holes in children less than 6 months of age usually closes. But the decision not to operate should be taken by the specialists who are experts in treating children with heart problems.
Q Are emotions really controlled by heart?
A. No. The heart is just a slave of the brain and it is the brain, which controls the emotions.
Q If a person does not do any physical exercise, he is bound to have shortness of breath on exertion; say climbing stairs. Is this an indication of heart disease?
A. No. But if one has difficulty in breathing on mild exertion, it is better to go for a heart check-up.
Q Can a person help himself during a heart attack?
A. Yes. Lie down comfortably and put an aspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary-care-unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.
Q Do, in any way, low white-blood-cells and low hemoglobin-count lead to heart problems?
A. No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity .
Q Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule, we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?
A. Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.
Q Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?
A. Yes. A strong relationship is there since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics .
Q Do bypass surgeries reduce the risk of future heart attacks ?
A. It significantly reduces the risk of heart attack.
Q What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?
A. Diet, exercise, drugs on time. Control Cholesterol, BP and weight.
Q Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?
A. No.
Q Can you brief us about angina attack? How major it is?
A. Angina is the pain, which comes on exertion and goes away with rest and medication. One has to be investigated in detail to plan treatment.
Q What are the modern anti-hypertensive drugs?
A. There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem. But my suggestion is to avoid the drugs and go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyle.
Q Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?
A. No
Q If there is about 85 percent blockage in the arteries, can the person be treated without surgery? If not, what other remedies and the power of your heart muscles
A. It depends on collateral or natural bypass, the quality of other arteries and the power of your heart muscles. It's impossible to give an opinion without seeing the angiography film.
Q There is a feeling that bypass is unnecessarily being performed in some cases. When is bypass really needed?
A. When you have blockages affecting major arteries, bypass is the best option. I am sure, conscientious doctors will not perform an operation when it is not required.
Q Is it true that mechanical valves can fail any moment?
A. No. If you take medication to prevent clot formation and maintain the INR at accepted levels, the valve cannot get blocked. However, like any mechanical gadget, it can fail and fortunately, such incidences are extremely low.
Q Can you brief me on pulmonary stenosys problems? What are the complications involved and what care needs to be taken?
A. In this condition, the pulmonary valve is narrower at birth and putting a balloon across the valve and dilating it can easily correct it.
Q Why is it the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?
A Nature protects women till the age of 45.
Q How can one keep the heart in a good condition?
A Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise every day, do not smoke and, go for a health checkup if you are past the age of 30 for at least once in two years. And WORK VERY HARD.
...
Thanks to: "gurubalan kumar" gurubalanm@gmail.com
by Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty
Q What are the five thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart?
A. 1. Diet – Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil.
2. Exercise – half an hour's walk, at least five days a week. Avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a long time.
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control blood pressure and sugar.
Q Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart?
A. No
Q. It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person get a cardiac arrest. How do we understand it in perspective?
A. This is called silent attack. That is why, we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health check-ups.
Q Are heart diseases hereditary?
A. Yes
Q What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?
A. Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.
Q Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?
A. Walking is better than jogging since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints.
Q You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?
A. Mother Theresa, who was my patient.
Q Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?
A. Extremely rare.
Q Does cholesterol accumulate right from an early age (I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?
A. Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.
Q How do irregular eating habits affect the heart?
A. You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme releases for digestion gets confused.
Q Can a healthy person without a medical history have a heart attack due to stress?
A. Extremely rare
Q How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?
A. Control diet, walk and eat walnut.
Q Can yoga prevent heart ailments?
A. Yoga helps
Q, which is the best and worst food for the heart?
A. Best food is fruits, worst are oils.
Q If a person has undergone angioplasty, what are the chances of the stent getting displaced?
A. Stent doesn't get displaced. It can get blocked. You could prevent it by controlling sugar, cholesterol and taking medication to prevent clots.
Q Do negative emotions like depression or anger always cause heart disease?
A. Not always. On the other hand, positive emotions help recovery of the heart.
Q I have read about music therapy for the heart and the mind. What is your opinion on this?
A. Guess, it helps.
Q Which oil is better – gingili, groundnut, sunflower, saffola, olive?
A. All oils are bad. The so-called best oil company has the largest marketing budget.
Q What is the routine check-up one should go through? Is there any specific test?
A. Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo .
Q How different was it in treating Noor Fatima, the little kid from Pakistan?
A. It was extremely difficult because of the media attention. As far as the medical treatment is concerned, she was like any other child with a complex heart problem.
Q What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack ?
A. Help the person into a sleeping position, put an Aspirin tablet under the tongue with a Sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to coronary care unit since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.
Q How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that cause due to gastric trouble ?
A. Extremely difficult without ECG.
Q Can drinking less water lead to heart problems ?
A. No. However, drinking plenty of water in normal people helps preserve good health.
Q Is it true that diabetic women seem to have 3 to 7 times greater risk of developing heart diseases than non-diabetic women? Is it the same with high BP patients as well ?
A. Women are protected by the hormones till the age of 45. After that, their risk increases like men and in general, the result of treatment on heart patients who are women is slightly poorer than men.
Q What are some of the precautions during pregnancy to avoid heart problems in the new born ?
A. German measles, which causes congenital abnormalities in the babies. No smoking.
Q What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 years of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.
A. Increased awareness has increased incidents. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.
Q What is the right time to check the BP in any person?
A. Past the age of 30 and earlier, if you have symptoms.
Q Is it possible for a person for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet to be perfectly healthy ?
A. Yes
Q Are there any symptoms for heart problems, which we need to be aware of ?
A. Shortness of breath on exertion, and chest pain.
Q If a person has had a heart attack, how frequently is regular heart check-up recommend?
A. Once in 6 months.
Q Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?
A. Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may not have a software engineer as a child.
Q Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a time we have to stay in office till late nights. Does this affect our heart? What precautions would you recommend?
A. When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as you grow older, respect the biological clock.
Q How can we find out about blockage of arteries, beforehand?
A. Routine cardiac evaluation by blood test, ECGs, TMTs, Stress Thallium Scan, Cardiac CT Scan for Calcium score.
Q Does a recurring pain in the left arm signify any heart related ailment?
A. Usually, you get chest discomfort or shortness of breath, months or years before the heart attack. So, when in doubt, go for a heart check-up, which should not take more than a couple of hours.
Q Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short/long term) ?
A. Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti-hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.
Q Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?
A. No
Q What are the chances of lean people developing heart complications? Are they at less risk?
A. Obese people are at a higher risk. Lean people also develop heart attacks, but primarily because of genetic predisposition.
Q Is it true that after open-heart surgery, patients lose memory-recall to some extent?
A. No. Especially after bypass grafting on a beating heart, incidence of neurological problems have come down significantly.
Q Are Asthma patients more prone to heart disease?
A. No
Q How would you define junk food?
A. Fried food like Kentucky, McDonalds, Samosas, and even Masala Dosas.
Q You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food ?
A. Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.
Q Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?
A. No
Q Is there any cure for chronic palpitations?
A. The patient should be investigated and if there is a cause for palpitation like an electrical abnormality of the heart, this can be rectified by a procedure called radio-frequency-ablation.
Q How would you rate the health facilities currently available in India?
A. There are institutions, which are as good or even better than the one in the US and Europe. However, they are exceptions. In general, the qualities of health-care available to the masses are poor.
Q If there is a small hole in the heart, what are the possible ways of curing it? Is operation the only solution?
A. Small holes in children less than 6 months of age usually closes. But the decision not to operate should be taken by the specialists who are experts in treating children with heart problems.
Q Are emotions really controlled by heart?
A. No. The heart is just a slave of the brain and it is the brain, which controls the emotions.
Q If a person does not do any physical exercise, he is bound to have shortness of breath on exertion; say climbing stairs. Is this an indication of heart disease?
A. No. But if one has difficulty in breathing on mild exertion, it is better to go for a heart check-up.
Q Can a person help himself during a heart attack?
A. Yes. Lie down comfortably and put an aspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary-care-unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.
Q Do, in any way, low white-blood-cells and low hemoglobin-count lead to heart problems?
A. No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity .
Q Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule, we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?
A. Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.
Q Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?
A. Yes. A strong relationship is there since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics .
Q Do bypass surgeries reduce the risk of future heart attacks ?
A. It significantly reduces the risk of heart attack.
Q What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?
A. Diet, exercise, drugs on time. Control Cholesterol, BP and weight.
Q Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?
A. No.
Q Can you brief us about angina attack? How major it is?
A. Angina is the pain, which comes on exertion and goes away with rest and medication. One has to be investigated in detail to plan treatment.
Q What are the modern anti-hypertensive drugs?
A. There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem. But my suggestion is to avoid the drugs and go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyle.
Q Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?
A. No
Q If there is about 85 percent blockage in the arteries, can the person be treated without surgery? If not, what other remedies and the power of your heart muscles
A. It depends on collateral or natural bypass, the quality of other arteries and the power of your heart muscles. It's impossible to give an opinion without seeing the angiography film.
Q There is a feeling that bypass is unnecessarily being performed in some cases. When is bypass really needed?
A. When you have blockages affecting major arteries, bypass is the best option. I am sure, conscientious doctors will not perform an operation when it is not required.
Q Is it true that mechanical valves can fail any moment?
A. No. If you take medication to prevent clot formation and maintain the INR at accepted levels, the valve cannot get blocked. However, like any mechanical gadget, it can fail and fortunately, such incidences are extremely low.
Q Can you brief me on pulmonary stenosys problems? What are the complications involved and what care needs to be taken?
A. In this condition, the pulmonary valve is narrower at birth and putting a balloon across the valve and dilating it can easily correct it.
Q Why is it the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?
A Nature protects women till the age of 45.
Q How can one keep the heart in a good condition?
A Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise every day, do not smoke and, go for a health checkup if you are past the age of 30 for at least once in two years. And WORK VERY HARD.
...
Thanks to: "gurubalan kumar" gurubalanm@gmail.com
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