Monday, August 10, 2015

Benefits of Fasting


Fasting is defined as an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. Fasting can be ‘absolute’ or ‘relative’. In absolute fasting there is abstinence from all foods and liquids for a defined period, whereas in relative fasting we relatively reduce intake of certain food items or avoid them completely.
                Fasting has many fold benefits in the form of health benefits, spiritual benefits and prayer benefits. If one does regular fasting then one can remain healthy physically, socially, mentally and spiritually.
Following are the benefits of fasting:
1. Detoxification - Foods which are consumed in the form of processed foods contains a lot of additives and preservatives. They later become toxins in the body and most of them are stored in fat cells. In fasting, the fat cells get burned especially then it is prolonged resulting in the release of the toxins from lever, kidneys and other organs of the body. Thus, helps in detoxification.
2. Digestive system - Digestive organs gets rest during fasting. Both digestion and eliminations are energized after fasting.
3. Inflammatory responses - Fasting promote resolving of inflammatory disease and allergies such as rheumatoid arthritis, joint pains, skin diseases such as Esoriasis, asthma and hey fever.
4. Fasting and Pre-Diabetes - People can avoid becoming diabetic by periodically fasting to bring down glucose level. It helps in pre-diabetic, a person whose fasting blood sugar is high (100 to 125). According to the new research presented at the meeting of the American Diabetic Sessions in Sans Francisco, people with chronically high blood sugar can avoid becoming diabetic by periodically fasting to bring down glucose levels. Researchers at the Intermountain Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. Utah, found that individuals are classified as pre-diabetic because the amount of sugar in their blood is higher than normal but is not high enough for them to be considered diabetic. Thus, can stave off the metabolic disorder by occasionally going on a one-day water-only fast. Routine fasting is associated with lower risk of diabetes, coronary artery disease, reduction in triglyceride levels, low LDL (bad cholesterol).
5. Blood Pressure - It helps in the reduction of blood pressure by reducing the risks of atherosclerosis i.e. clogging of arteries by fat cells. In fasting, glucose and fat are used to produce energy, thus, the metabolic rate is reduced. The production of fear-flight hormones such as adrenaline and nor adrenaline are trim down. This keeps the metabolic steady and within limit which leads to the reduction in blood pressure.
6. Obesity - The lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, joint pains are directly linked to the weight of our body. Fasting helps in maintaining our weight within the prescribed normal limit. Thus, it helps in preventing diseases and also gradual and slow reduction in weight and along with this decreases the demand of drugs (medicine). Reduction in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, intake of sugar, fast food, increase intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables, increase in physical activity in the form of yog is useful tool to reduce the weight and thus prevention of the above mentioned diseases.
7. Immunity - Fasting itself boosts immunity by elimination of toxins and reduction in fat stored. In between the fasting period one always tries to maintain a balanced diet by the consumption of fruits, milk, water which in turn increases the body’s store of vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamins A and E which are good antioxidants. These measures all together boost our immunity. It has also been observed that Fasting also builds immunity against cancer and other diseases.
8. Addictions - Fasting can help addicts in reducing their craving for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and other substance abuse. It has been observed that people have overcome tobacco and alcohol addictions by fasting and even drug addictions.
9. Spiritual - In hindi fasting is known UPAVAS. UP means ‘going back’ or ‘retreat’ and VAS means ‘to live or life’. Thus, fasting in Hindi means withdrawing from all sinful thoughts and actions and going back to the divine and holy communion with the Lord. In every religion, fasting is considered a path to be near to divine, God. In Islam, fasting strengthens control of impulse and help in developing good behavior. During Ramajan, Muslims believe fasting purify the body and increases their taqwa (good deeds and God consciousness). In Jainism, they say it decreases desire and passion for the physical world and attains spirituality by meditation.
10. Prayers - The other meaning of UP-VAS is, UP means near and VAS means to ‘reside’. It is believed that when you observe ‘fast’ you are in Holy Communication with the Lord.  Thus, ‘fasting’ is accompanied by ‘purification’. It’s been said that only in pure body devoid of all toxins the lord can reside. Thus, fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to confirm and the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice everything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.

                We must observe fast at least once a week to keep our weight under control and to get rid of life style disorders such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, joint pains, allergic disorders etc. On the fasting day, we would consume only seasonal fruits, vegetables, water, milk and avoid intake of fried and high calories foods. One can remain healthy by adopting a healthy lifestyle which is possible through yoga which make us socially physically, mentally and spiritually well being.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

WATER IN MORNING

Drinking water immediately after waking up is a popular ritual in Japan. Scientists agree that is very beneficial to our health. For our readers we publish below a description of use of water. For curing various kinds of diseases drinking water has been found to be very successful in the Japanese medical society, treating numerous diseases, including: Epilepsy, bronchitis asthma, diarrhea, vomiting, urine and kidney diseases, diabetes, menstrual disorders, meningitis, arthritis, headache, heart beating fast, all eye diseases, prevents fatness etc.

Drinking water when you wake up

1. Drink 4 x 160 ml of water immediately after waking up, even before brushing teeth.
2. Now you can brush your teeth, but don’t eat yet anything for another 45 minutes.
3. After 45 minutes you may eat normally.
4. After eating breakfast, lunch and dinner do not drink or eat anything for another 2 hours.
5. Those unable from sickness or age to drink 4 glasses of water can gradually increase the content little by little each day.
6. People who practice this routine will cure above mentioned diseases and enjoy the full benefit of healthy life.
Below we will describe the list of days it takes to practice this routine for curing certain kinds of diseases:
1. Gastric – 10 days
2. High blood pressure – 30 days
3. Constipation – 10 days
4. TB – 90 days
5. Diabetes – 30 days

Patients with arthritis should practice this treatment only for 3 days the first week, and continue daily from next week.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times. It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.


Saturday, August 1, 2015

Ayurveda -TRIDOSH

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian science, the ‘science of life’. Ayurveda is about ten thousand years old, the oldest healing science until date. The system concentrates on firstly healing the illness, secondly preventing the disease and thirdly longevity. It is a science, which treats not just the symptoms but also the root cause of the problem. Ayurveda is a hundred percent natural science. The causes of illness are spiritual factors when you loose faith in the divine presence, internal factor like liquids and food substances we consume and external factors like lifestyles or seasons. The major cause of disease is imbalance like poor digestion and low immunity. When our body is unable to digest the food we eat, it remains in the body. The essential nutrients in the body are not absorbed and the food starts decaying. This decaying food releases toxins cause diseases in the body. Thus, good digestion is the most important factor that influences your health. According to Ayurveda all life forms are made from three energy elements namely Vayu or Vat i.e. air, Pitt is fire and Kapha or water. When all the three elements vat, pitt and kapha are balanced a person is healthy and when not, he is ill. The imbalance of one or more of these elements causes all disorders. Every person’s constitution or Dosha has one or more of these elements. A vayu dosha (air constitution) has a bony, thin constitution with drying skin, constipation and gas. The mental state of such persons is nervous and anxious. The persons with the fire constitution or pit dosha, Ayurveda says these are strong, good leaders, goal oriented and are warm in nature. In case they have the imbalance in the pitt dosha they are impatient and hot tempered. The physical symptoms are rashes, acne, liver, kidney, heart and spleen diseases. The kapha dosha or water constitution persons are loyal, calm and strong. When they have imbalance in the kapha dosha they become lethargic with a greedy nature. Their physical problems may range from overweight, congestion, kidney or heart problems etc. According to Ayurveda, an extreme lifestyle along with poor nutrition, too much work and drugs can be detrimental to your health and your immune system. Good nutrition gives you vital energy that boosts the immune system and gives mental peace along with spiritual growth. Have you ever wondered what actually accounts for differences in people? Why are some people hyperactive and fast moving, while others exude grace and stillness? Why can some people eat a five-course meal with ease, while others can barely finish a salad? Why are some people inherently joyous, while others carry the weight of the world on their shoulders? Modern genetics offers some insight, but what about the characteristics and idiosyncrasies that make every person unique? Ayurveda answers all of these questions with the Three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The doshas are biological energies found throughout the human body and mind. They govern all physical and mental processes and provide every living being with an individual blueprint for health and fulfillment. The doshas derive from the Five Elements and their related properties. Vata is composed of Space and Air, Pitta of Fire and Water, and Kapha of Earth and Water. The doshas derive from the Five Elements and their related properties. Vata is composed of Space and Air, Pitta of Fire and Water, and Kapha of Earth and Water. Vata, Pitta, Kapha A person with a predominantly Vata constitution will have physical and mental qualities that reflect the elemental qualities of Space and Air. That is why Vata types are commonly quick thinking, thin, and fast moving. A Pitta type, on the other hand, will have qualities reflective of Fire and Water, such as a fiery personality and oily skin. A Kapha type will typically have a solid bodily frame and calm temperament, reflecting the underlying elements of Earth and Water. While one dosha predominates in most individuals, a second dosha typically has a strong influence. This is referred to as a dual-doshic constitution. To begin figuring out your own unique constitution, click here for a dosha self-test. The doshas are dynamic energies that constantly change in response to our actions, thoughts, emotions, the foods we eat, the seasons, and any other sensory inputs that feed our mind and body. When we live into the fulfillment of our individual natures, we naturally make lifestyle and dietary decisions that foster balance within our doshas. When we live against our intrinsic natures, we support unhealthy patterns that lead to physical and mental imbalances. If the proportion of doshas in your current state is close to your birth constitution, then your health will be vibrant. A divergence between these states, however, indicates a state of imbalance. Vikruti is the term used to describe this imbalanced deviation away from prakruti. In total, there are three primary doshic states: Balanced: All three doshas are present in their natural proportions; also referred to as “equilibrium.” Increased: A particular dosha is present in a greater-than-normal proportion; also referred to as an “aggravated” or “excess state.” Decreased: A particular dosha is present in a less-than-normal proportion; also referred to as a “reduced” or “depleted state.” Of the three states, the increased or aggravated state leads to the greatest number of imbalances. Such imbalances can arise from any number of influences, including following a dosha-aggravating diet or, more generally, carrying too much stress in life. You can initiate a restoration of balance, however, when you begin to understand both your unique constitutional make-up and how to harmonize your internal environment and its needs with the external world. We are most susceptible to imbalances related to our predominant dosha. If you’re a Pitta type, for example, you may experience heartburn (a common Pitta disorder) after eating spicy foods. The key to remember is that like increases like, while opposites create balance. By simply choosing cooling or more alkalizing foods, you can avoid heartburn, while also supporting your underlying make-up. Ayurveda offers specifically tailored recommendations for every individual, ranging from general lifestyle changes to the treatment of dis-ease (literally, an imbalance within our natural state of “ease”). For this reason, Ayurveda can truly be called a system of individualized health care, something remarkably different from the Western model’s “one-pill for all” approach. Since the doshas are used to detect imbalances before the manifestation of dis-ease, Ayurveda is also a complete system of preventative medicine. VATA snapshot Vata derives from the elements of Space and Air and translates as “wind” or “that which moves things.” It is the energy of movement and the force governing all biological activity. Vata is often called the “King of the Doshas,” since it governs the body’s greater life force and gives motion to Pitta and Kapha. Just as the wind in balance provides movement and expression to the natural world, the balanced Vata individual is active, creative, and gifted with a natural ability to express and communicate. When the wind in a Vata type rages like a hurricane, negative qualities quickly overshadow these positive attributes. Common signs of Vata imbalance include anxiety and bodily disorders related to dryness, such as dry skin and constipation. The qualities of Vata are dry, rough, light, cold, subtle, and mobile. A Vata individual will display physical and mental characteristics that reflect these qualities in both a balanced and an imbalanced state. The main locations of Vata in the body are the colon, thighs, bones, joints, ears, skin, brain, and nerve tissues. Physiologically, Vata governs anything related to movement, such as breathing, talking, nerve impulses, movements in the muscles and tissues, circulation, assimilation of food, elimination, urination, and menstruation. Psychologically, Vata governs communication, creativity, flexibility, and quickness of thought. Key Words to remember: Grounding, Warming, Routine (Note: Many of the following suggestions will be explained in greater detail throughout the book.) -Eat a Vata-balancing diet. -Eat in a peaceful environment. -Engage in wholesome and contemplative activities (like spending time in nature). -Follow a regular daily routine. -Go to bed early. -Meditate daily. -Do gentle physical exercise like yoga, swimming, tai chi, or walking. Ways Vata Becomes Imbalanced -Eating Vata-aggravating foods -Eating while anxious or depressed -Eating on the run -Drinking alcohol, coffee, or black tea -Smoking cigarettes -Following an irregular daily routine -Going to bed late at night (Note: For more extensive information on all three doshas, please see Eat-Taste-Heal) Pitta snapshot Pitta derives from the elements of Fire and Water and translates as “that which cooks.” It is the energy of digestion and metabolism in the body that functions through carrier substances such as organic acids, hormones, enzymes, and bile. While Pitta is most closely related to the element of Fire, it is the liquid nature of these substances that accounts for the element of Water in Pitta’s make-up. The qualities of Pitta are oily, sharp, hot, light, moving, liquid, and acidic. A Pitta individual will display physical and mental characteristics that reflect these qualities in both a balanced and imbalanced state. The main locations of Pitta in the body are the small intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, blood, eyes, and sweat. Physiologically, Pitta provides the body with heat and energy through the breakdown of complex food molecules. It governs all processes related to conversion and transformation throughout the mind and body. Psychologically, Pitta governs joy, courage, willpower, anger, jealousy, and mental perception. It also provides the radiant light of the intellect. When a person has a tendency to “overheat,” excess Pitta is usually the culprit. Just as a campfire may turn into a forest fire without proper care, the internal fire of the mind and body must be kept in check. The balanced Pitta individual is blessed with a joyful disposition, a sharp intellect, and tremendous courage and drive. As the fire of the mind and body becomes unruly, however, the laughing Pitta quickly becomes the yelling Pitta. Anger, rage, and ego replace Pitta’s positive attributes, leaving an individual who is bitter with life and overbearing towards others. There is a saying that imbalanced Pitta individuals don’t go to hell; they simply create it wherever they go! Pitta imbalances commonly manifest in the body as infection, inflammation, rashes, ulcers, heartburn, and fever. Ways to Balance Pitta Key Words to Remember: Cooling, Calming, Moderation -Eat a Pitta-balancing diet. -Eat in a peaceful environment. -Avoid artificial stimulants. -Engage in calming activities, like spending time in nature. -Meditate daily. -Do calming physical exercise, such as yoga, swimming, tai chi, or walking. Ways Pitta Becomes Imbalanced -Eating Pitta-aggravating food -Eating while angry -Drinking coffee, black tea, or alcohol -Smoking cigarettes -Over-working -Being overly competitive Kapha snapshot Kapha derives from the elements of Earth and Water and translates as “that which sticks.” It is the energy of building and lubrication that provides the body with physical form, structure, and the smooth functioning of all its parts. Kapha can be thought of as the essential cement, glue, and lubrication of the body in one. The qualities of Kapha are moist, cold, heavy, dull, soft, sticky, and static. A Kapha individual will display physical and mental characteristics that reflect these qualities in both a balanced and imbalanced state. The main locations of Kapha in the body are the chest, throat, lungs, head, lymph, fatty tissue, connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons. Physiologically, Kapha moistens food, gives bulk to our tissues, lubricates joints, stores energy, and relates to cool bodily fluids such as water, mucous, and lymph. Psychologically, Kapha governs love, patience, forgiveness, greed, attachment, and mental inertia. With its earthly makeup, Kapha grounds Vata and Pitta and helps offset imbalances related to these doshas. Just as a nourishing rainstorm may turn into a rampant flood, the fluids of the body may flood the bodily tissues, contributing to a heavy dampness that weighs down the body and clouds the mind. This dense, cold, and swampy environment becomes the breeding ground for a number of bodily disorders such as obesity, sinus congestion, and anything related to mucous. Mentally, the loving and calm disposition of the Kapha individual may transform into lethargy, attachment, and depression. Ways to Balance Kapha Key words to remember: Drying, Stimulating, and Expression -Eat a Kapha-balancing diet. -Eat in a loving environment. -Avoid a luxurious, leisurely lifestyle -Focus on non-attachment in daily life. -Do emotional housekeeping regularly. -Make time for introspective activities, like meditation and writing. -Make a distinction between being nice and being taken advantage of. -Go to bed early and rise early, with no daytime naps. Ways Kapha Becomes Imbalanced -Eating Kapha-aggravating food -Overeating -Eating to offset emotions (like indulging in sweets when depressed) -Spending too much time in cool, damp climates -Not engaging in physical activity -Spending most of one’s time indoors (especially on the couch watching TV!) -Avoiding intellectual challenges