Minerals Dictionary

Panchakarma Basic Principles

Panchakarma consists of medicated emesis (vamana) to remove excess kapha, therapeutic purgation (viracana) to clear excess pitta, medicated enema (vasti) to eject excess vata, nasal drops or snuffs (nasya) for diseases of the head & neck and bloodletting (raktamokshana) in case of blood disorders. Five purification procedures for removing accumulated toxins and other waste material in the body.

As the humors and tissues are related closely to each other, this discharge procedure affects the tissues indirectly by the strong elimination of related humor. For example, the pronounced elimination of kapha by herb induced emesis causes an effect on the nutrient tissue fluid pool, containing water and electrolytes, plasma, muscle, fat. Or the large release of pitta by selective purgation similarly causes an indirect effect on the total colouring material in the body or blood. Vasti is somewhat different, as it is meant to nullify excess vata and contains warm oleation substances. During its long contact with the membrane of the large intestine, it separates layers of faecal matter and thus enhances better absorption, which is responsible for the ultimate nourishment of all tissues. Nasya in turn cleans the sinus and thereby improves the function of sense organs.

Physical and mental diseases occur due to the vitation of somatic doshas vata, pitta and kapha and due to mental doshas Rajas and Tamas. Volitional transgression, effect of time and senses are the three primary causes responsible for vitation of biological and mental doshas. Food, drinks & environmental factors with similar properties to the doshas vitiates them and cause disease. Panchakarma's purificatory therapies balance out the three doshas, acting both as a curative and a preventive measure.

(See also: Panchakarma , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Non-ego In European metaphysics, that which is external to or other than the ego; the object as opposed to the subject.

Non-ego means both that which has risen above all lower egoities and become universal in its consciousness -- in other words a jivanmukta, a monad which has attained mukti or moksha; and that which is beneath the state of egoity in its evolutionary development, in which this egoity has not yet been emanated or brought forth, such as the minerals, plants, and nearly all of the animal.

Non-ego, therefore, in another sense corresponds to the term Absolute, that which is freed or above the circumscribing limitations of even egoity, which nevertheless is the abstract self or individual; or paradoxically enough the monad or ego in its jivanmukta form, where the ego becomes one with the surrounding cosmic spirit, while retaining its own individuality.

(See also: Non-ego , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

The Malas

Malas are the various waste products of the dhatus produced during the normal metabolical process. The three primary malas being Purisa (faeces), Mutra (urine) and Sweda (sweat). Ayurveda clearly states that only a balanced condition of doshas, dhatus and malas is arogya (good health or disease free condition) and their imbalance is the cause of ill health or disease.

Purisa is the waste left back after nutrients of digested food have been absorbed in the small intestine. While water and salt absorbed in the large intestine, the residue now converted into solid faeces, leaves the body. The consistency of the faeces depending both on gastrointestinal mobility and nature of diet.

The tridoshas must be in balance to ensure normal evacuation. Pitta and kapha help digestion and vata governs the mobility throughout the process. Any discrepancy or imbalance between these can lead to various symptoms of abdominal heaviness or pain, flatulance, constipation or diarrohea. It may also give rise to diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, asthama, bronchitis as well as stomach ulcers and irritable bowels.

Mutra is derived during the course of biological processes within the human body. The first stage of urine formation begins in the large intestine where fluids are absorbed into the system. The entire urinary system (kidneys, uterus, bladder and urethra) takes part in the formation and elimination of urine, regulating the fluid balance in our body and also maintaining blood pressure. Any imbalance of increased or decreased urine, may result in disorders as kidney stones urinary infections, cystitis, abdominal pain and bladder disorders.

Sweda is the third primary mala, and it occurs as a waste product during the synthesis of meda dhatu (fatty tissue). Eliminated through skin pores, it controls body temperature and helps to regulate the electrolytic balance. The channels responsible for bringing the sweat to skin surface are known as sweda vaha srotas. It is essential that normal formation and flow of sweat takes place as otherwise it may lead to skin infections, itching/burning sensation over the body, loss of fluid balance and reduced body temperature.

(See also: Malas , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

The Tridoshas

The Tridoshas (tri meaning three and doshas being the basic physical energies) are the primary and essential factors of the human body that govern our entire physical structure and function. Derived from the Panchmahabhutas, each dosha – which like the elements cannot be detected with our senses but their qualities can be – is a combination of any two of the five bhutas with the predominance of one. Called Vata, Pitta and Kapha in Sanskrit, these three are responsible for all the physiological and psychological processes within the body and mind – dynamic forces that determine growth and decay. Every physical characteristic, mental capacity and the emotional tendency of a human being can therefore be explained in terms of the tridoshas.

Most of the physical phenomena ascribed to the nervous system by modern physiology for example, can be identified with Vata. Just as the entire chemical process operating in the human body can be attributed to Pitta, including enzymes, hormones and the complete nutritional system. And the activities of the skeletal and the anabolic system, actually the entire physical volume of an organism, can be considered as Kapha.

Each dosha thus shares a quality with another (although there remain slight differences in the nature of shared quality), the third having just the opposite quality. Also, each has an inherent ability to regulate and balance itself, coming from the antagonistic qualities that arise from the doshas constituent elements.

When the doshas are in balance i.e. in a state of equilibrium, we remain healthy. As Charaka, the great ayurvedic sage, explained: "Vata, pitta and kapha maintain the integrity of the living human organism in their normal state and combine so as to make the man a complete being with his indriyas (sense organs) possessed of strength, good complexion and assured of longevity." It is only when that there is imbalance within the three that disease is caused. And since it is the strongest dosha in the constitution that usually has the greatest tendency to increase, one is most susceptible to illnesses associated with an increase of the same.

It is important to realise that these three are forces and not substances. Kapha is not mucus; it is the force that causes mucus to arise. Similarly pitta is not bile; but that which causes bile to be produced. And they are called doshas – literally meaning `faults’ or `out of whack’- as they indicate the fault lines along which the system can become imbalanced.

It is equally important to understand that the three doshas within any person keep changing constantly, due to the doshic qualities of specific lifestyle and environment, such as time and season. And that these three are not separate energies but different aspects of the same energy, present together in an infinite variety of combinations, wherein their qualities overlap and interrelate.

Ayurveda however considers only three types of constitution – in monotypes just one dosha predominates, in duo types two have near similar strength, and in the very rarely found third type all three are equally powerful. Within this broad classification, there are in the first category various sub-types that are listed below for easier reference.

(See also: Tridoshas , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Astrology and Ayurveda: Gemology

In exactly the same manner precious gemstones such as rubies, diamonds, pearls, red corals, sapphires etc. can influence the effects of the planets substantially. Although they can minimise the impact of planetary afflictions, they should always be worn with care and on recommendation of an experienced astrologer. For the wrong stone can aggravate the condition and even cause fresh problems.

PLANET * DISEASE *GEM

Mars, Mercury, Moon

Rheumatism, musculo skeletal

Red coral, emerald, dark blue pearl,

Saturn, Sun

Problems and bone diseases

sapphire, ruby

Mars, Mercury

Digestive diseases, diabetes

Red coral, white coral,emerald

Saturn, Ketu

Diseases of the nervous system

Dark blue sapphire

Mercury, Mars, Ketu

Psychol0ogical diseases, including hysteria

Emerald in the night, red coral in the day

Mars, Saturn, Rahu

Skin diseases

White coral, yellow sapphire

Saturn, Mars, Moon,Venus, Mercury, Jupiter

Urinary and gynecological problems

Pearl, diamond, red coral, yellow sapphire, emerald, topaz

Saturn, Mars

Dental problems

Sapphire, red coral

Saturn, Mars

Ear nose, and throat problems

Yellow sapphire, white coral

Saturn, Mars

Blood-related problems

Dark blue sapphire, emerald, ruby

(See also: Gemology , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

The Dhatus

The Sapta (seven) Dhatus (tissues) elements form the pillars of the body that form the means of nourishment and growth while providing support to the body as well as the mind.

Rasa (fluid) Dhatu –Derived from the digested food, it nourishes each and every tissue and cell of the body and is analogous to the plasma.

Rakta (blood) Dhatu – Regarded as the basic of life, it is analogous to the circulating blood cells. It not only nourishes the body tissues, but provides physical strength and colour to the body.

Masma Dhatu – The muscle tissue, its main function is to provide physical strength and support for the meda dhatu.

Meda (fat) Dhatu – Consists of adipose tissue providing support to ashti dhatu. It also lubricates the body.

Ashti Dhatu – Comprising of bone tissues, including cartilages, its main function is to give support to the majja dhatu and provide support to the masma dhatu.

Majja Dhatu – Denoting the yellow and red bone marrow tissue, its main function is to fill up the ashti and to oleate the body.

Shukra Dhatu – The main aim of this reproductive tissue is to help reproduction and strengthen the body.

Since the dhatus support and derive energy from each other, affecting one can influence others. For instance, interference in the manufacture of the plasma affects the quality of the blood, which in turn effects the muscle. Each tissue type has its own agni, which determines metabolic changes in the tissues. And forms by-products, which are either used in the body or excreted. Menstural periods for example are a by-product of rasa. The tissues are also governed by the three doshas, and any imbalance in them also causes imbalances in dhatus. Heavy periods therefore can also be caused by the effects of the excess of Kapha on plasma.

(See also: Dhatus , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Cleanliness

Thorough washing of the limbs, face, mouth, eyes & nose purifies the bodies sense organs. Best done with a bath in clean water, it should accompany brushing of the teeth (should be repeated after every meal), scraping off a toxicated coating of ama from the tongue, occasional gargling of salt water with a pinch of turmeric to keep gums, mouth & throat healthy, proper cleaning of the nose and the ears and washing the eyes with warm water held in mouth for moments (saliva being very good for the eyes). Keep your hair trimmed, nails filed and wear clean clothes. Feel free to use perfumes in moderation and feel good.

(See also: Cleanliness , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

The Trigunas

Just as the doshas are the essential components of the body, the three gunas - Satwa, Rajas and Tamas - are the three essential components or energies of the mind. Ayurveda provides a distinct description of people on the basis of their Manasa (psychological) Prakriti (constitution). Genetically determined, these psychological characteristics are dependent on the relative dominance of the three gunas.

While all individuals have mixed amounts of the three, the predominant guna determines an individual's mansa prakriti. In equilibrium, the three gunas preserve the mind (and indirectly the body), maintaining it in a healthy state. Any disturbance in this equilibrium results in various types of mental disorders.

Satwa, characterised by lightness, consciousness, pleasure and clarity, is pure, free from disease and cannot be disturbed in any way. It activates the senses and is responsible for the perception of knowledge. Rajas, the most active of the gunas, has motion and stimulation as its characteristics. All desires, wishes, ambitions and fickle-mindedness are a result of the same. While Tamas is characterised by heaviness and resistance. It produces disturbances in the process of perception and activities of the mind. Delusion, false knowledge, laziness, apathy, sleep and drowsiness are due to it.

Rajas and Tamas, as with the doshas, can be unbalanced by stress and negative desires as kama (lust), irshya (malice), moha (delusion and halucination), lobha (greed), chinta (anxiety), bhaya (fear) and krodha (anger). Each of these three properties is also comprised of sub-types and the particular sub-type to which one belongs to determine the qualities of that individual.

Satwika individuals are usually noble and spiritual in character, their nature determined as much by body type as their star constellation, having an element of kapha in their constitution.

Pitta dominated Rajasikas, intellectually oriented but vulnerable to temptations, are very human in their character and approach to life.

A dominant Vata ensures that Tamasika individuals are the most down to earth, concerned about fundamental questions of practical existence, specially when confronted by more spiritual and less physical issues.

(See also: Trigunas , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Rhabdomancy:

Divination by means of wands, sticks, rods and pendulums, usually when searching for water, minerals or other valuable items. Sometimes called “dowsing” or “water witching.”

(See also: Rhabdomancy , Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Oelation Therapy

1. Involves saturation of the body with herbal & medicated oil via external & internal oelation to make it soft and disintegrate the doshas. Takes between three to seven days to take effect.

2. The medium used is of 4 types - vegetable oils (for external oelation), animal fat & fats from bones (for internal oelation) and clarified butter (for internal oelation).

3. Caution should be exercised in ensuring that oil used matches need of the patient.

Shirodhara

The most commonly employed pre-procedure, it means `the dripping of oil like a thread (dhara) on the head (shiro). This treatment drips warm oil in a steady stream on the forehead, particularly on the brow and in the region between the eyes. It is often added to the panchakarma regimen because it pacifies vata and calms the central system. It cleans both the mind and the senses which allows the body's natural healing mechanisms to release stress from the nervous systems. This in turn, improves mental clarity and comprehension. Usually given for twenty minutes, three to four times during a seven day treatment period, it uses oils made with special herbs (Mahanarayan Oil, Mahamash Oil etc.) that calm and nourish the nervous system. The technician administers the oil in a thin stream which flows from a copper vessel hung approximately 6-8 inches above the patient's forehead.

Shirovasti

Shirovasti is administered on the head through the use of a specialized leather container resembling a hat. This type of vasti improves the sensory functions. It also promotes kaphagenic secretions in the para-nasal sinus zone which reduce vascular congestion in the brain. Shirovasti is extremely useful in vascular headaches, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders, memory loss, disorientation, glaucoma and sinus headaches.

(See also: Oelation Therapy , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Examination Process

Eight (Asht) fold (Bidha) Examination (Pariksha)

Provides a clear picture of nature of ailment and patient's general condition.

Involves the examination of pulse, tongue, voice, skin, eye, general appearance, urine & stool.

1  Examination of the pulse (nadi pariksha):

The foremost clinical art in ayurvedic diagnosis it can provide deep insights into the history of the patient. The ideal time for pulse examination is early morning in empty stomach. But in case of emergency, it can be examined at any time of the day or night. An experienced ayurvedic physician can assess your body’s nature (prakriti), pathological state (vikruti), imbalances of body type, very subtle observations & even prognosis of disease through the pulse.

2 Examination of the tongue (jivha pariksha):

Assessed through its doshic state, a vata aggravated tongue is dry, rough & cracked, pitta suffered tongue is red with a burning sensation and kapha influenced it is wet, slimy and coated. Suggesting the state of the digestive system.

3 Examination of the voice (sabda pariksha):

Healthy and natural when the doshas are in balance, the voice will become heavy when aggravated by kapha, cracked under pitta effect and hoarse & rough when afflicted by vata.

4 Examination of skin (sparsha pariksha):

Also used for assessing the state of organs and tissue, palpation is an important clinical method for examination of skin. Noted for doshic influences, a vata aggravated skin is course & rough with below normal temperature, a pitta influenced one has quite high temperature and kapha effected it becomes cold & wet.

5 Examination of eyes (drka pariksha):

Vata domination makes the eyes sunken, dry and reddish brown in colour. On aggravation of pitta, they turn red or yellow and the patient suffers from photophobia and burning sensations. High kapha makes them wet & watery with heaviness in the eyelids.

6 Examination of general appearance (akriti pariksha):

The doshic influences that reflect on the face of the patient enables physicians to gauge the basic constitution and the nature of the disease.

7 Examination of urine (mutra pariksha):

Both examination of urine sample and questioning of patient are important for assessing doshic influence. A modification of this is the oil (taila) drop (bindu) test (pariksha) in which the effect of an oil drop on urine sample suggests the curability of disease.

8 Examination of stool (mala pariksha):

If digestion & absorption of food are poor, the stool carries a foul odour and sinks in water. Vata aggravated, the stool is hard, dry and grey / ash in colour. Excess pitta makes it green / yellow in colour and liquid in form. And high kapha lines it with mucus.

(See also: Eight Fold Examination Process , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Nutritional Counseling: Nutritionists counsel clients on a wide variety of issues ranging from proper levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to weight loss, food allergies and optimal health. Many follow a "whole foods" approach to proper diet.

(See also: Nutritional Counseling , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Panchakarma: Fomentation Therapy

Fomentation, or sweating, necessarily follows oleation. Induced by heat from different sources it brings sweat on the skin through hair follicles by opening the pores of the skin. Due to fomentation the agni is increased and the fatty tissue gets mobilised. While throwing out waste as ama (toxins) through the skin it also helps liquify aggravated doshas, dilating all body channels for the cleansing.

It is divided into two main types, Agni Sweda wherein heat is applied directly as steam and Anagni Sweda where no external heat source is necessary e.g exercises, fighting, walking, lifting heavy loads, exposure to sunlight, stay in centrally heated rooms, putting heavy blankets over the body etc.

Charaka has described about thirteen types of fomentation of which some are in practice now.

Upanaha Sweda - fomentation by poultice

Ushma Sweda - steam fomentation

Nadi Sweda - local steam fomentation (steam/vapour of medicated decoction of leaves)

Avagah Sweda - tub bath in warm decoction of medicated water.

Pizichili - pouring of oil on the body.

After this therapy patients are advised to go for rest, avoid cold, take warm baths and get adequate fresh air. Nasal therapy, enema or bloodletting can be undertaken immediately after fomentation. Purgation should be done only after two days of fomentation. However, care should be taken to ensure that no part of the treatment is missed out on as that would not only reduce efficacy but may even prove detrimental.

Once the body has been correctly and suitably prepared, under supervision of a qualified doctor only should the administering of Panchakarma happen. It is best to depend on a reputed Ayurvedic nursing home and experienced Ayurvedic doctors.

(See also: Fomentation Therapy , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Characteristics of PITTA

A moderately well developed physique with mascular limbs and a purposeful, stable gait of medium speed. With a loud, strong voice and precise, convincing speech. The skin is fair, soft, lusterous, warm, and tends to burn easily in the sun – has freckles, many moles, and a tendency to rashes. And the bodies are hot and sweaty. Characterised by fine and soft, either fair or reddish hair that tends to gray soon. Face is heart-shaped, often with a pointed chin. While the neck is proportionate and of average size. A neat, pointed, and average sized nose matches the average sized eyes that are either light blue, light gray or hazel in color, with an intense luster which get red in summer or after bathing. The mouth being medium, with average lips and medium-sized, yellowish teeth.

Ambition * Concentration * Confidence * Courage * Enthusiasm for knowledge * Happiness * Intelligence

Pittas have an intellectual and precise disposition due to a very alert, focussed mind. Sharp and knife-like in anger, they are irritable, jealous and aggressive by nature. Discriminating and judgemental, they are articulate, learned and proud. With a developed sense of responsibility, they can take decisions and organise affairs well. Argumentative, but with a sense of humour, their selectively excellent memory makes them fast learners. Moderately passionate in their sexual pursuits, they spend moderately, usually on luxuries.

Warm to cool rather than steaming hot.Sweet ,bitter and astringent tastes.

Oil Massage

With cooling oils such as chandanbala Laxadi oil

Exercise

Moderate exercise which may include jogging, swimming, Yoga, cycling and weight lifting

Herbal Dietary supplements

Haritaki, Bhumiamla, Chyavanprash, surakta, sitopladi churan,pitta Tea.

Factors that increase pitta

1.    Exposure to heat, eating too much red meat, salt, spicy or sour foods.

2.    Indigestion and irregularity of meals. Exercising at midday, Drugs especially antibiotics.

3. Too much intellectual work/thinking. Alcohol, Fatigue.Anger,Hate fear, emotion.

(See also: PITTA , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Salt

The water & fire in salty taste increases pitta and kapha. It clears obstruction of channels and pores and increases the digestive activity and salivation. Also responsible for lubrication and sweating, it penetrates the tissues. An excess of it may cause baldness and graying of the hair, wrinkles, thirst, skin diseases, blood disorders, herpetiform leisons and loss of body strength

(See also: Salt , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

REIKI:

·      Discovered and propounded by Dr.Mikao Usui in 1800, it is the ancient Japanese art of healing by the 'laying on of hands' - Reiki meaning universal energy in Japanese.

·      A powerful and spiritual experimental technique that opens up the vision, heart, palm chakras, third eye and other psychic abilities.

·      Providing holistic, positive energy without any side effects, it can be undergone independently or with other medical treatments.

·      Treating the root-cause of a disease, it enhances the body's natural ability to heal itself. And maintains equilibrium of both body and mind to promote complete relaxation, thereby raising the life-force energy.

·      The therapist first makes a body-scan of the seven chakras to determine individual needs. Actual therapy follows when the universal energy flows through the therapist into the client.

The various stages in the entire process being:

THE FIRST DEGREE STAGE

This is the primary stage where you get attuned as the universal energy activates in you through transmission for approximately four hours over some days. When the attunement is established, information is given on four levels of energy - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. At this stage, you are opened up to a higher level of universal resonance that can be ventured up to unlimited heights through suggested use and applications.

THE SECOND DEGREE STAGE

Slightly more advanced, great changes in the energy levels are achieved here and symbols are introduced to unlock the chakras that will improve your health.

THE THIRD DEGREE STAGE

In this most advanced and powerful stage you are taught the intricate process of passing on the reiki energy and ways of enhancing personal growth, transformation and increased enlightenment.

(See also: REIKI , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

A dominant Vata ensures that Tamasika individuals are the most down to earth, concerned about fundamental questions of practical existence, specially when confronted by more spiritual and less physical issues.

Pasava

Lack of intelligence, forbidding dispositions, envious nature. Excessive sexual indulgence and sleep.

Matsya

Unsteadiness, constant passion, and cowardice. Excessive desire for water intake.

Banaspatya

Indolence. Excessive indulgence in food. Deficiency of intellectual faculties.

(See also: Tamas , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

According to ayurvedic philosophy an individual bundle of `spirit’, desirious of expressing itself, uses subjective consciousness or Satwa to manifest sense organs and a mind. Spirit and mind then project themselves into a physical body, created from the five (Pancha) great (maha) eternal elements (bhutas) – together called the Panchamahabhutas – which arise from Tamas. The sense organs then using Rajas to project from the body into the external world to experience their objects. The body becoming the mind’s vehicle, its physical instrument for sense gratification.

The Bhutas combine into "tridoshas" or bioenergetic forces that govern and determine our health or physical condition. While the three gunas (Rajas or activity, Tamas or inertia and Satwa, which balances the first two) or psychic forces determine our mental and spiritual health. Ayurveda is thus a holistic system of health care that teaches us to balance these energies in order to achieve optimum health and well being.

(See also: Principles of Ayurveda , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Shape Of The Site

Symmetrical shapes like square or rectangular, circular & hexagonal promote overall growth, increases mental capabilities and generates prosperity.

Asymmetrical shapes like oval, triangular, parallelogram, star & trident are deemed inauspicious.

SHAPE & EFFECTS

Rectangular = Overall Growth

Hexagonal = Prosperity

See also: Vastu Shastra

(See also: Vastu Shastra , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

ACCUPUNCTURE:

·      The modern name is derived from the Latin words Acus (needle) and Punctura (penetration). It is, however, an ancient Chinese art of healing that sticks needles into a patient's skin or even muscles to correct imbalances in the `yin' & `yang' of the body.

·      Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, one of the oldest medical texts in the world, comprises a special section called `Magic Gate', which is devoted to this therapeutic style.

·      Although modern acupuncture charts more than 2000 points in the body - located along invisible energy called `meridians', 12 channels in each half of the body and 2 major channels (Ren & Du) along the middle line - traditionally there were only 365.

·      The western explanation for this is that a needle inserted at specific acupuncture points of the body releases certain chemical substances, that activate neuro-transmitters, which then pass on nerve impulses to the brain to obtain the desired effects. Must be performed by trained practitioners only.

The fundamental difference between these two systems being:

ACUPUNCTURE

·      A form of surgery where needles are penetrated into specific points of your body.

·      To cure chronic aches and pain.

ACUPRESSURE

·      A form of physiotherapy that indulges in massage and stimulation of precise points of the body.

• To ease all kinds of aches and pains and provide relief from tension, exhaustion and disease.

(See also: ACCUPUNCTURE , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

LAUGHTER THERAPY:

Laughter is said to be addictive. Given its several health benefits, that is desirable. Firstly it gives a sense of well being because of release of endorphins and neuropeptides. By ensuring the inhalation of more oxygen, the lifeline of the system, it makes people feel better. It decreases stress leading to lowered stiffness of muscles - muscle relaxation easing headaches, body aches and other muscular problems.

As blood vessels get dilated, blood pressure falls by 10-20 mm mercury after 10 minutes of laughter - very useful for patients of hypertension. With levels of antibodies and natural killer cells going up with laughter, it also improves the immunity - evident from thousands of laughter club members have decreased incidences of cough and cold.

Laughter has innumerable other benefits. It proves a potent anti-stress factor, decreases asthmatic attacks, increases stamina, relives arthritic pain, ensures good sleep and elevates mood. Since the serotonin levels go up after laughter, it is an effective antidote for depression too.

Haasya Yoga is a method of group laughter that is based on yogic techniques. The exercises are designed based entirely on yoga stretching, breathing and variety of stimulated laughs, starting with deep breathing. As simulation helps stimulation, exercise induced laughter - that compliments but is not a substitute for natural laughter - increases the capacity for the latter.

Helping individuals increase their capacity to laugh more, be more self-confident and self-expressive. Positive qualities are cultivated, thereby removing negative emotions as jealousy, fear, guilt and anger. The laughter club is in effect a behavioral training institute that spontaneously raises spirits at no cost. The concept of a laughter bank, where people come up with creative ideas for different types of laughter, for instance is to bring in play fullness into the atmosphere. The fun, frolic and childish attitude generated not only reduces inhibitions, but also curtails tensions.

Under certain conditions though laughter therapy is not recommended. Patients with hernia, advanced piles, eye complications, Angolan pain and those who have just undergone major surgery should not venture into this therapy without the explicit advice of a doctor. Pregnant woman should also preferably avoid laughter sessions till some conclusive data regarding the safety is available. Patients suffering from tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory infections where phlegm is produced must take precaution against spread of infection. Finally, even a normal person experiencing discomfort while laughing, must discontinue immediately and seek expert medical help.

(See also: LAUGHTER THERAPY , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Examination Process

To confirm, evaluate and treat a disease, physicians need to perform clinical examinations of patients – wherein textual knowledge (aptopadesa), direct perception (pratyaksha) and inference (anumana) are all very important components. The examination of patients can be carried out in the following manners:

Three (Tri) fold (Bidha) Examination (Pariksha)

Covers a general examination of the patient.

Involves:

1      Visual observation (Darshan)

2      Tactile perception (Sparsha)

3      Questioning (Prashna)

(See also: Three Fold Examination Process , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)