Bar Drinks Pack More Punch Than Thought

(HealthDay News) -- If you sidle up to a bar and assume one drink an hour won't make you legally drunk, think again. A new study finds that bartenders pack a lot more booze into common drinks than many people realize.

Researchers visited 80 bars and restaurants in Northern California last year and found that glasses of wine and spirits are often 50 percent larger than the "standard" size used in guidelines. That means people who follow recommendations about avoiding more than one drink an hour may be getting more booze than they bargained for, the study found.

"These things can creep up on someone without their being aware," said study lead author William Kerr, a senior scientist at the Public Health Institute's Alcohol Research Group. "There should be caution."

Kerr and his colleagues launched their study as part of ongoing research into alcohol consumption. "It occurred to me that we didn't know much about what people meant when they said they had a drink," he said.

The researchers visited 80 randomly selected drinking establishments in Northern California, including some in the major cities of San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento. Some were bars, while others were restaurants.

The researchers typically visited in groups of three to four and bought a round of drinks. Then one member of the group would use a cylinder to measure the drinks. Sometimes the researchers would duck into the restroom so they wouldn't be noticed. Bartenders occasionally noticed what the researchers were doing and spoke up, but they never made a major fuss, Kerr said.

An analysis of 480 drinks found that wine, beer and mixed drinks were often 50 percent larger than a "standard" drink. The average glasses of wine and mixed drinks were 42 percent to 43 percent larger, and the average draft beer was 22 percent larger. (Bottled beers weren't measured.)

Glasses of wine, meanwhile, typically packed more alcohol per volume -- 14 percent instead of 12 percent -- than those used to define a standard drink.

Factors like the type of establishment, the region of Northern California and the gender of the bartender didn't seem to affect the sizes of the drinks, Kerr said.

The findings were expected to be published in the September issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research and are available online.

Some people use the definition of a standard drink to figure out how much they can drink before becoming drunk.

"If the chart says you can have five standard drinks (before you get drunk), you can only have three to four of these actual drinks," Kerr said.

Dwight Heath, a professor of anthropology at Brown University who studies alcohol consumption, said the study "points out a dirty little secret of alcohol research: The definition of 'standard drink' is inaccurate and out-of-date."

Researchers have failed to recognize and adjust to "changes in culture," Heath said.

More information
Learn more about alcohol and potential health risks at Pace University.

Meaning and Principles of Ayurveda

Ayurveda comprising of Ayur (life) and Veda (Scince or knowledge) is a holistic healing science which is in other words called “Science of life”.

Ayurveda deals with the complete way of life, rather than just the treatment of diseases.Basic principlesAyurveda considers the humanity and universe as a common origin, and considers nature to […]

Health Tip: Is GERD Causing Sleep Problems?

(HealthDay News) - Gastroesophageal reflux reflux disease (GERD) can cause symptoms during the night that can prevent a good night's sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation offers these suggestions to keep GERD symptoms calm at night:

• Be careful of the foods you eat from late afternoon until bedtime. Try to avoid spicy foods, onions and chocolate.
• Eat a larger meal at lunch, and have a small, light dinner.
• Don't eat anything after two or three hours before you plan to go to bed.
• Don't drink alcohol or smoke before bed.
• Sleep on a pillow or two, with your head and shoulders elevated.
• Try sleeping on your left side.

Ear Wax Softener Can Affect Hearing, Study Reports

(HealthDay News) - An over-the-counter ear wax softener may cause inflammation and damage to the eardrum and inner ear, and harm hearing in the process, report Canadian researchers who made the discovery in an animal study.

The researchers looked at the effect of a softener called Cerumenex on hearing and the ear cells in chinchillas, a standard model for this type of research.

The product is no longer sold in the United States, according to a spokesman for its manufacturer, Purdue Pharma LP.

"Purdue discontinued U.S. distribution of this product in 2002," James Heins said. But, he added, the product is still marketed in Canada and Europe.

In the study, published recently in The Laryngoscope, a team led by Dr. Sam Daniel, director of the McGill University Auditory Sciences Lab at The Montreal Children's Hospital, inserted tympanostomy tubes in one of the ears of five chinchillas.

These tubes are often used in children with middle ear infections, to keep fluid from accumulating behind the ear drum. The chinchilla has a hearing mechanism similar to humans, Daniel explained in a prepared statement.

His team assessed hearing in both ears of all the animals and then introduced the wax softener, which is dropped into the ear canal, into the ears with the tubes.

In four of five ears with tubes, the researchers noticed swelling, crusting and fluid accumulation. One animal developed facial paralysis on the side treated with the softener.

The ears without the tubes served as the controls. When the team evaluated the animals' hearing, they found a reduction in hearing in the treated ears, as well as damage to the treated ears' nerve cells. Some of the effects occurred after just one of the four doses had been given.

Daniel and his colleague recommended caution in using the wax softener if the status of a person's eardrum is not known.

Randy Steffan, a spokesman for Purdue Pharma in Canada, said that the company is aware of the study and plans to follow up with the Montreal Children's Hospital researchers to review the full results.

Meanwhile, he said, "the package insert clearly specifies not to use Cerumenex if there is perforated eardrum, middle ear infection, atopic dermatitis or inflammation of the external ear or a previous skin reaction." Cerumenex has been available in Canada since 1958, he added.

Instead of using a wax softener, those with a wax problem who do not have a perforated drum may be advised by their doctor to flush the ears with warm water using an ear bulb. They could then use an eye dropper to apply a few drops of a solution of 50-50 alcohol and white vinegar, said Dr. Chester Griffiths, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital, Santa Monica, CA.

However, people with a hole in their eardrum should not do that, he added. If someone has a perforated drum, he needs to see an ear doctor if there is excess wax or other problem, Griffiths said.

For others, routinely taking care of the wax problem is advisable, he said.

"The problem with wax is, when people feel it, it's too late. And they use wax softener and it can make it worse," Griffiths added.

More information
There's more on ear wax at the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery.

Health Tip: Before You Get Pregnant

(HealthDay News) - It's important to take care of yourself while you're pregnant. But you should begin caring for your body long before you confirm that you're expecting a baby.

Here are suggestions on how to prepare your body for pregnancy, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat.
• Start a regular exercise routine. You should get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
• Stick to a regular sleep schedule, to make sure you get plenty of rest every night.
• Take a daily multivitamin that includes 400 milligramns of folic acid.
• See your doctor for a physical exam, and make sure you're up-to-date on all vaccinations.
• Also talk to your doctor about whether any of your current medications may not be safe during pregnancy.
• Don't use illicit drugs, cigarettes or alcohol.

The Secret to Health DVD $19.95 [ learn more ] The Secret to Health reveals information that has been suppressed by the medical establishment for over 100 years! Learn from Dr. Group, how you can restore your health and take control of your body again! Running Time: 80 min

Kama Raja

In order for erection to occur, the nerves of the penis must be functioning properly, blood circulation to the penis must be adequate, and there must be stimulus from the brain. If there is something interfering with any or all of these conditions, a full erection is not possible.

Common causes for erectile dysfunction include diseases that affect blood flow and nerves, psychological factors such as stress, depression, and performance anxiety, and injury to the penis.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a majority of men at some point in their life experience occasional failure to achieve erection which can occur for a variety of reasons such as drinking too much alcohol or from being extremely tired.

Failure to achieve erection less than 20% of the time is not unusual and medical treatment is rarely needed. But the causes for this minor problem might lead to a permanent condition where failure to achieve erection occurs more than 50% of the time.

Once this stage of erectile dysfunction is reached, medical treatment is required to reverse the situation. Approximately 5 percent of 40-year-old men and between 15 and 25 percent of 65-year-old men experience erectile dysfunction on a long-term basis.

Western medicine relies on aggressive prescription drugs and surgery to deal with many problems related to sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, these methods often result in unwanted and even dangerous side effects. Non-medical methods of penis enhancement through exercise using weights, straps, rings, and pumps have proven destructive to muscle tissue.

And natural pills provide fleeting, inconsistent results. Ayurveda, the science of life, prevention and longevity, is the oldest and most holistic and comprehensive medical system available. Its fundamentals can be found in Hindu scriptures called the Vedas - the ancient Indian books of wisdom written over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda uses the inherent principles of nature to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual's body, mind, and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature.

India Herbs has a seasoned group of Ayurvedic doctors specialized in Vajikarana, one of the eight major specialties of Ayurveda. Vajikarana is "a process or a drug, which make a man sexually as strong as a horse and able to copulate for long and frequently with many wives and partners." Vajikarana prescribes the therapeutic use of various aphrodisiacs and tonic preparations for enhancing the reproductive capabilities and vigor of men while strengthening the body and overall well-being.

India Herbs' Vajikarana doctors combine a proprietary herbal formula based on centuries' old wisdom with advice on diet, exercise, mental training, and relaxation to help men reach their peak and overcome sexual concerns through safe, natural means. Results: The precise combination of ingredients in Kama Raja along with a mind-body focus precisely addresses the sexual concerns of men!

more information @ http://www.kamaraja.com/index.htm?aff=dreddyclinic

Health Tip: Managing Stress

(HealthDay News) - A certain amount of stress is natural and unavoidable, but too much can be debilitating.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help you reduce stress:

• Figure out what is causing your stress, and talk to a friend or family member about your concerns.
• Avoid overeating, and stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule and exercise routine.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoid smoking and recreational drugs.
• Try relaxing techniques such as meditation or yoga.
• Make time for fun activities that you enjoy, and spend time with people who make you happy.

Health Tip: Say Cheers With Red Wine

(HealthDay News) -- Red wine has been shown to help improve cardiovascular health, most likely because it is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids.

You should limit yourself to a 4-ounce glass of wine daily, Yale-New Haven Hospital advises. But check with your doctor, especially if you presently don't drink alcohol.

Here's more information:

• Drinking for health should be done only in moderation -- binge drinking or drinking large amounts of alcohol is dangerous.
• If you have health problems such as liver disease, very high blood pressure or depression, you should not drink alcohol.
• Wines thought to contain the highest concentrations of flavonoids are Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir.

Meditation May Help Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

(HealthDay News) -- For rheumatoid arthritis sufferers whose painful illness prompts depression, relief may come from the practice of an age-old technique already embraced by millions around the world: meditation.

Researchers found that a half-year exposure to meditation techniques helped patients shave as much as one-third of their psychological distress.

The research team, led by Elizabeth K. Pradhan of the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Integrative Medicine, based its conclusions on an analysis of a specific training course called "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction" (MBSR).

Pradhan and her colleagues said the MBSR concept of "mindfulness" is designed to guide patients to focus on the "here and now," while emphasizing the value of calmness, clarity, well-being, and a compassion for oneself and others.

The Arthritis Foundation has said that several so-called "mind-body practices" may help arthritis patients alleviate stress, pain, anxiety and depression.

In addition to meditation, the organization acknowledges the potential of electronic monitoring techniques such as biofeedback; the mental health benefits of guided imagery and hypnosis; and the ability of physical activities such as yoga and tai chi to both calm and energize patients.

The Maryland researchers noted that prior studies had already shown that the MBSR course, in particular, seems to have a positive impact on the psychological symptoms of patients with conditions such as anxiety disorders, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

Patients recovering from organ transplant surgery also seem to derive some benefit, the researchers said.

For their study, published in the October issue of Arthritis Care & Research, Pradhan and her colleagues focused specifically on rheumatoid arthritis. It was the first-ever analysis of MBSR and its impact on depression, general well-being, and disease progression among rheumatoid arthritis patients, the researchers said.

Thirty-one patients were offered the mediation course over an eight-week period, followed by a four-month maintenance program. Another 32 patients did not participate but were told they would be offered free meditation training once the study was completed.

With an average age of 54, most of the patients were female, white, married, college-educated, middle-class, and all were free of either psychiatric illness or alcohol or drug addiction.

During the trial, all the patients continued to be treated by their regular doctor and to take whatever medication they'd been taking before the study began.

At the start of the study, and two and six months later, all the patients completed questionnaires to assess depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Also, blood measures of inflammation were taken and an assessment of tender and swollen joints was done to evaluate current RA status.

By the two-month mark, both the meditation and the non-meditation groups had shown equal levels of improvement in terms of depression and emotional symptoms.

But by six months, there was a "significant" difference in perceived psychological distress between the two groups -- those practicing mediation reported a 35 percent reduction in psychological distress.

The researchers emphasized, however, that the meditation had no impact on the progression and activity of RA disease itself.

Pradhan and her team concluded that the meditation technique offered rheumatoid arthritis patients a safe and appealing way to improve their sense of well-being, when offered alongside traditional medical care.

"There's a fair amount of emotional distress that accompanies RA in terms of stability, worrying about the future, worrying about the ability to take care of oneself, to keep a job, to say nothing about the daily pain," Pradhan said. "There's just a lot to deal with. So, I think this is a novel and innovative way to handle this emotional distress and one that hasn't been tried before, and we were happy to see that it did make a difference along those lines.

"It doesn't really change disease status. That didn't happen," she said. "But in terms of ability to cope with a chronic and debilitating condition, meditation did appear to be quite helpful. And there was really high satisfaction with the intervention. So, I think this bodes well for the future.

"The other thing I think is important to note about our study," Pradhan said, "is that mindfulness meditation can be combined with any rheumatological therapy. It is truly complementary medicine in that sense, done in addition to pharmacological or other intervention. So, for physicians and patients who wonder what they can do to improve well-being, beyond taking medications, this study offers evidence for a beneficial approach to dealing with the psychological distress of RA.

Dr. Stephen Lindsey, head of rheumatology at Ochsner Health Systems in Baton Rouge, La., applauded Pradhan and her team for managing to get a scientific handle on a phenomenon he has observed throughout his practice.

"If someone is having stress and trouble with their arthritis, if you can somehow decrease the stress, you might be able to increase their function," Lindsey said. "And when you're meditating, you're trying to relax your body and get rid of the tension. It doesn't necessarily have to be a meditation scheme. It could be yoga, or Pilates, or a self-help course. But I'm in favor of using everything possible to help people, and this would be just one more way to help patients improve their lives."

More information
To learn more about meditation and arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation.

Health Tip: Female Infertility

(HealthDay News) -- About 12 percent of women in the United States aged 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term, the U.S. government says.
Here is a list of risk factors for infertility, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Age, usually 35 or older.
• Stress.
• An unhealthy diet and/or body weight.
• Excessive exercise or training.
• Alcohol and tobacco use.
• Sexually transmitted disease.
• Any health condition that causes hormone levels to change.

TREATMENT OF AIDS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDIC SYSTEM:

TREATMENT OF AIDS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDIC SYSTEM:
Prof Madiraju V Subramanyam

All seems not lost for the HIV infected persons as the Ayurvedic supplements are proven to be harmless without any side effects and there can only be improvement and not deterioration.

TREATMENT PLAN
Initially, the patient is given tonics and rejuvenators (Rasayanas) to boost immunity levels and to strengthen the system and stimulate appetite. After gaining some strength, shodhana (elimination) techniques are used to expel toxins from the body through enemas, purgation and emesis. The medications administered at this stage are not hard or drastic, but soft, ghee-based so that the patient withstands them with ease. Secondly the blood is purified with appropriate medications. Liver corrective measures also play an important role. A strengthening diet along with medicated ghee preparations and soups is recommended. But spicy, oily and acidic foods are to be avoided. A little alcohol is recommended as anupana (carrier) to aid the digestive process, and also remove blockages in the flow of Rasadi dhatus, i.e. srothorodha.

Patient is advised to do regular exercise. If the patient is incapable of exercising or running due to weakness, then steaming (swedanam) is also recommended. reason behind this is `Heated blood is said to weaken, and even destroy, the virus in some cases`. Experience has shown that certain herbo-mineral compounds prepared as per the formulae prescribed by sages like Agasthya, Charaka, Sarangadhara and others for the treatment of Kshaya have brought about significant results in improving the condition of AIDS patients. The Rasayana and Vajikara effects of the these medicines are good for the patients. Some of the propritery ayurvedic medicines achieving good improvement in the quality of life of patients include `Chyavanprash`, `Raktavardhak` for Immunity building and `Sookshma triphla tabs` to keep awaythe the infection.

CHYAVANPRASH:
An example of an Ayurvedic remedy which may be of use in the treatment of persons diagnosed with AIDS is `Chyavanprash`. `Chyavanprash` is most useful and most popular rejuvenator tonic (Rasayana) of Ayurveda . This is an Ayurvedic Herbal formula which increases ojas, and restores the digestive, eliminative, respiratory and sexual systems. It is frequently employed in wasting conditions where it has been clinically shown to improve health and assist with weight gain. The main ingredient in Chyavanprash is `Amalaki`- the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), which has the highest yield of natural source vitamin C, with 3000 mg per fruit.

It is also a rich source of naturally occurring anti-oxidants including bioflavonoids, vitamin B-complex and carotenes (vitamin A). Studies suggest that this berry possesses antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It assists digestion, lowers high blood pressure and lowers blood cholesterol. Clinical research has shown that it accelerates repair of muscle and skin and enhances natural anti-inflammatory substances. Chayvanprash also contains about 35 others herbs which amplify and augment the effects of its main ingredient; such a powerful formulation may indeed be helpful in the treatment of persons who have been diagnosed with AIDS.

Is the Macrobiotic Diet Good for You?

Is the Macrobiotic Diet Good for You?
Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: What is your opinion of the macrobiotic diet? I was on it about 20 years ago, lost weight, and felt absolutely wonderful. -- Jaime A: The macrobiotic diet, which originated in Japan, emphasizes whole grains (such as brown rice, barley, oats, corn, rye, wheat and buckwheat, which comprise 50 percent of the diet), seasonal vegetables, and, for protein, fish, soy foods and legumes with smaller amounts of sea vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It excludes all meats, eggs, cheese, sugar and sweets, most spices, coffee, alcohol, and most fruit.

You definitely can lose weight on a macrobiotic diet because it is low in fats, sugar and calories, and contains lots of fiber and complex carbohydrates. In general, it is a healthy way of eating, since it eliminates processed, highly refined foods, but claims that it can reverse cancer or strengthen the immune system have yet to be proved. An ongoing study sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is investigating whether a macrobiotic diet works better than the American Heart Association diet (with or without added flaxseeds) in lowering the risks of heart disease, breast and endometrial cancers and osteoporosis among women between the ages of 50 and 72.

Despite its benefits, there are some drawbacks to the macrobiotic diet due to its limited food choices. It provides too much sodium, as does Japanese food in general, and its exclusion of most fruit deprives people of many beneficial phytonutrients. Eliminating all animal protein can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12. Following a macrobiotic diet can also lead to deficiencies of protein, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, iron and other B vitamins such as riboflavin. If you go macrobiotic, I would recommend taking a good multivitamin and mineral supplement.

A peculiarity of the diet is that it eliminates and labels "nightshade" vegetables - including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplants - as unhealthy. However, this is not the case. These foods are not at all dangerous except possibly to those who have allergies or sensitivities to one or more of them. A small percentage of people with arthritis are sensitive to nightshade vegetables and do better if they avoid them.

If you can live with the restrictions and manage to avoid the potential nutritional deficiencies, there's no reason not to follow a macrobiotic diet. However, I would recommend following this diet while under the supervision of a physician, who you can alert if you have any symptoms of fatigue, pain in muscles or joints, increased irritability or susceptibility to infections.
Andrew Weil, MD

Nighttime Urination?

Nighttime Urination?
Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: What can a man do about frequent urination at night? Is this a sign of a serious health problem? -- Bobby H.

A: As men approach their forties, it isn't unusual to get up once or twice to urinate. After the age of 50, most men develop some degree of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate, which obstructs outflow of urine from the bladder and can cause increased nighttime urination. Other symptoms of BPH include difficulty initiating urination, weaker flow, increased frequency and dribbling at the end of urination. BPH stems from the long-term effects of testosterone on the prostate, a walnut-sized gland that secretes lubricants to condition the lining of the urethra and optimize the environment for sperm.

BPH requires treatment only if symptoms are bothersome. Drugs called alpha blockers may be prescribed to relax the smooth muscle tissue in the prostate. Another drug, finasteride (Proscar), can shrink the enlarged prostate by blocking an enzyme needed to change testosterone to another hormone that prompts prostate growth. However, finasteride works for only about 30 percent of patients; worse, it can cause impotence, less desire for sex, and even breast enlargement or tenderness in men.

Sometimes, surgery is recommended to relieve BPH symptoms by removing part of the prostate. I think this is a terrible idea. It's unnecessary, crude surgery that almost always damages sexual function.

Fortunately, there are some excellent alternatives:

• Avoid prostatic irritants such as alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and spicy foods.
• Eat plenty of soy foods, which may block some of the effect of testosterone on the prostate.
• Take saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), which can protect the prostate from excess testosterone and shrink the gland. Take 160 mg of a standardized extract twice a day; this should reduce the size of the gland in about four to six weeks. Some formulas combine saw palmetto with Pygeum africanum, another prostate protectant, made from the powdered bark of a tall evergreen tree. I also recommend taking 30 mg of zinc picolinate every day.
• In younger men, drinking alcohol or consuming too much caffeine (especially coffee) can cause nighttime urination. Frequent urination among men in their twenties and thirties can also be due to a prostate infection (prostatitis). Antibiotics can help but are less effective if the infection becomes chronic.

I advise patients to drink lots of water, and take 60 mg of zinc picolinate once a day until the symptoms improve, then halve the dose and continue on it. Other measures include keeping clear of the prostate irritants listed above as well as avoiding dehydration and prolonged sitting or bouncing (as on a horse, bicycle or motorcycle).
Andrew Weil, MD

Ayurvedic Management of Ulcerative Colitis - Part 1

by Dr. Harish Kumar Verma
Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease, which causes inflammation and ulceration of inner lining of the colon and rectum. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and sigmoid colon and spread upward to the entire colon. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine. It occurs at the rate of approximately five cases per 100,000 people. The disease pattern is one of the remission and exacerbation. It can occur at any age but its onset is most common among people between ages of 15 - 40. Ulcerative colitis affects male and females equally and appears to run in some families.
What Causes Ulcerative Colitis ? -The exact cause of Ulcerative is not known. Autoimmune factors, food allergies, collagen disorders, genetic factors, infection and psychogenesis have all been suggested. One or some combination of these factors thought to trigger the inflammatory process. The theory of the involvement of the immune mechanism has been widely accepted because of concept that therapeutic agents like Corticosteroids and Azothiaprine exert their effect via the immuno suppressive mechanism. The psychological factors of feelings like anger and anxiety of the degree of depression experienced by a sufferer are also important in modifying the course of the disease.
How Ulcerative Colitis Affects the Intestines ? In Ulcerative Colitis, inflammation is triggered by some unknown elements. Hyperemia and swelling occur as part of the vascular response. The swollen, engorged bowel is fragile and is therefore inclined to ulcerate, thus creating a break in the mucosal barrier. Digestive enzymes and intestinal bacteria act upon this exposed tissue, causing further irritation, inflammation, ulceration and bleeding.
Ayurvedic view - Sushruta mentioned in Sushruta Samhita about 3000 years ago that Pitta type people are more prone to Ulcerative Colitis (Rakata Atisaar).
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis according to Ayurveda -All the factors that imbalance ‘Pitta’ bio-energy are also responsible for developing Ulcerative Colitis. These include indulgence in too many arguments, eating while watching TV or walking, watching too many violent movies, excessive heat or exposure of the sun, excessive alcohol and smoking, excessive mental activity, skipping meals, spicy, sour or stale and infected foods etc. In Pitta constitution persons, Pitta gets aggravated very quickly with the above factors and patients develop diarrhea followed by bloody diarrhea.
Ayurvedic Medicine
DrEddyClinic.com

Live Blood Mircroscopy with Dr. Eddy

C o u r s e _ D e s c r i p t i o n s
Introductory Seminar: Detailed Outline
I.
The Four Underlying Causes of Illness and What To Do About Them
A.
Trauma is the cause of all illness
1.
Trauma is generated through the effects of emotional and environmental stressors
2.
Our inability to either shield ourselves from them or transcend our negative reactions to them
B.
Review of Evaluation Form
C.
The Four Underlying of Causes related to illness
1.
Chemicals
a.
Endogenous sources
b.
Exogenous sources
c.
Environmental
d.
Dietary
e.
Self-generated (endocrine/stress chemistries)
2.
Diet
a.
The four food groups
b.
Processed, junk, fast, nuked
c.
Indigestible, unassimilable, difficult to eliminate
d.
Stimulants, sugar, alcohol
e.
Poor food combining
f.
Excess animal protein
g.
Overeating
h.
Enxymatic depletion
3.
Radiation
a.
ELF/EMF
b.
Nuclear
c.
Radon
d.
UV
e.
X-Ray
f.
Scalar
g.
Cosmic
4.
Emotion
a.
Unmitigated Chronic Stress
b.
Addictions
c.
Unresolved emotional/sexual conflicts and early-life traumas (i.e., abuse)
d.
Life-style problems
e.
Inability to transcend the negative effects of fear, sorrow and anger (chronic reactive emotions)
D.
pH and Oxygenation
1.
pH and Oxygenation are effected by:
a.
Chronic stress
b.
Lack of exercise
c.
Poor circulation
d.
Chronic infection
e.
Mental attitude/emotional disposition
f.
Poor diet
g.
Environmental factors


II.
The life cycles of symbiotic microorganisms
A.
How to use the manual and worksheets
B.
Introducing Professor Dr. Gunther Enderlein
1.
Pleomorphism - The Lifecycle of Mucor Racemosus Fresen
2.
Blood Pictures
3.
Review of Blood Forms
4.
Application of SANUM Remedies
C.
Vocabulary
1.
RBC
2.
WBC
3.
Endobiosis
4.
Dysbiosis
5.
Colloid
6.
Protit
7.
Thrombocyte
8.
Filit
D.
Dr. Gunther Enderlein - Born July 7, 1872 / Died 1969
1.
The fundamental tenets of Pleomorphism per Enderlein
a.
The cell is not the smallest visible living organism, but rather the colloid
b.
Bacteria have a nucleus or nucleic equivalent
c.
Proof of the sexual propagation of bacteria
d.
The scientific proof of pleomorphism in microbes
e.
The proof that there is no sterile, germ-free blood
f.
Disease means symbiotic disturbance, or Dysbiosis
g.
Certain microorganisms undergo an exact, scientifically verifiable growth cycle (cyclogeny)
h.
Normally apathogenic microorganisms can progress into disease related, toxic phases of development
i.
That progression is dependent on the terrain
j.
Each transition through a single cyclogenic phase of development progresses in leaps and is known as a cyclode
k.
Pathogenic microbes can be reverted to their lowest, primitive developmental stage, which can then be excreted by the body
l.
The stages are the primitive phase/bacterial phase and fungal phase
m.
Pathogenicity is the viral phase which may occur at any point in the development
n.
The Life Cycle of Mucor racemosus Fresen, The Endobiont (see the manual, lesson II)
I.
The Endobiont, Mucor racemosus Fresen
1.
There are, of the millions of microbes, only two that should be considered to be a constant companion in the human body (and all mammals)
a.
They are Mucor racemosus Fresen and Aspergillus niger van Teighem, the two primary parasites
b.
They are present in all phases of development of the body and are present in every cell with a developed symbiosis
c.
Mucor is transformed, through excessive animal protein, sugars, and other acidifying factors into the worst kind of parasite. It has a congestive effect causing circulatory hindrance and subsequent underoxygenation of the tissues and cells, leading to cancer, heart disease and strokes.
J.
Aspergillus niger van Teighem
1.
The second primary parasite
2.
Considered to be the second leg of one degenerative process, with one leg always being predominant
3.
The working method of Aspergillus is the misdirection of biological processes.
4.
Aspergillus is related to tuberculin and paratuberculin disorders, (generally, breakdown of the body rather than congestion)
5.
In degenerative disease conditions, both are always addressed therapeutically
K.
Early Chondrit phases
1.
Protits are living albumic colloids which are achro chromatic (not stainable)
2.
There are approximately 0.01 microns, invisible by light microscopy, entirely non-virulent and regula tory. They are observable under some conditions as a veil or haze over the microscopic field.
3.
The protit regulates through copulation with the mutagenic forms (information sharing, per Dr. Enderlein)
4.
A communization of protits occurs in three ways
a.
A one dimensional line becoming a thread (filum) with a diameter the size of the protit, becoming stronger and thicker as it is formed
b.
Two dimensional arrangement of protits or spermit. Protit head and filum.
c.
Three dimensional arrangement, the symprotit. Tiny grainlets or clusters of symprotits and nutritional reserves.
d.
All higher developmental phases represents a nationalization of all previously developed forms.
L.
Advanced Developmental Phases
1.
The protits and symprotits are the "bricks"
2.
The further developmental phases are the "buildings" which are constructed of them.
3.
Similar to architecture, the "buildings" have different functions
M.
pH as related to the Cyclogeny
1.
The endobiont is very specifically a protein devourer, particularly animal proteins. Excess accumula tions of proteins as unassimilated nucleic acids create an acidic milieu in the tissues.
2.
The pH of the blood is shifted through the activity of the endobiont (through acidification of the tissues and subsequent alkalization of the blood)
3.
Progression from the protit stage to the colloid stage is dependent on the pH value progressively descending
4.
Each microbe produces a purely organic acid which is species specific in nature:
5.
Aspergillus niger van Teighem - citric acid
6.
Penicillium Notatum West - penicillic acid
7.
Mucor Racemosus Fresen - lactic acid
8.
Otto Warburg, twice Nobel prize winner in medicine
a.
Reports that all cancer tumors form lactic acid
b.
The human organism is incapable of this without the entire developmental stages of the endobiont
c.
Discovers that lack of O2 and subsequent fermentation are related to all cancers.
9.
It is not possible to force a developmental rise by enriching the acidity of the nutritive medium, even using the Microorganism specific acid.
10.
It is possible to create a descending developmental tendency into the lowest forms through alkaliza- tion, whereby the chondrit stage is immediately observed.
11.
Phases in the life-cycles of pleomorphic microorganisms progress in developmental "leaps" which are pH dependent.


III.
The Heitan/LeGarde Test
A.
Oxidative Stress/PPP's
B.
Reading the rings
C.
Reading the layers


IV.
Requirements for Dry Blood Analysis

A.
Low magnification, 2.5X to 4X objective with optional 10X objective

B.
Low intensity illumination sources from reflected light, direct light, or fluorescent, tungsten or halogen bulbs

C.
Monocular, Binocular, or Trinocular Microscope

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Win the Winter

By Dr.Savitha Suri
Long nights, short days, sparkling snow flakes and people dressed in warm clothes are the images evoked for the word winter. The winter season is marked as Hemanta ritu and Sisira ritu in ayurveda. Hemanta ritu starts from mid November and ends in mid January.

This falls in southern solstice which is called as visarga kala or dakshinayana in ayurveda. Sisira ritu starts from mid January and lasts till middle of march. Sisira ritu falls in Northern solstice which is called as Aadana kaala or uttaraayana.Winter causes health problems when adequate precautions and safety measures are not taken.

But winters can be enjoyed to full extent when we alter our diet and lifestyles a little as nature desires. As we are part of nature these changes help us to face the seasonal changes without much serious health problems.Beat the winter time BluesFew experience a condition called Winter Time Blues. This condition precipitates symptoms like increase in appetite, craving for sweets, chocolates or starchy foods, weight gain, mild depression, irritability and short temper. This condition is well marked in persons who live in places which experience long severe winter.

In winter the agni or body fire increases with the support of vata . Hence there will be a marked increase in appetite. The frequency of food consumption increases. We should keep a watch on the type of food we consume to satisfy our appetite during winter. Avoid consumption of junk foods, too much of sweets and oil food as these lead to weight gain.

Simple remedies for this condition are exposing our body to sunlight, exercising for 30 minutes and using bright light when you are indoorsPamper your skin during winterDuring winter skin can not replenish its moisture naturally due to less humidity in air. Low humidity due to indoor heating, hot showers and bath exaggerates this condition and skin is bound to become dry and irritated. Dry skin tends to crack and bleed. Cracked skin looses its ability to protect the body and increases the risk of infection.

The best ways to keep the skin soft, healthy and moisturized are
• Avoid long hot showers and bath.
• Quick three minutes bath is advisable.
• Use moisturizing body wash.
• Apply petroleum jelly on tough areas like knees, elbows and heels .
• Apply lip balm to prevent cracking.
• Twenty to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week can give your skin a healthy glow
• Ayurveda stresses on massaging body with oil during winterSpecial care for your face

Avoid washing your face repeatedly. This washes off natural oils from our skin and makes the skin dry, scaly and wrinkled. Use luke warm water instead of hot water to wash face. Apply moisturizer lotion if you feel dryness on skin. Apply sun screen lotion to exposed parts of body and face when you go out in sun.Preventing cold and cough in winter.

Consume well balanced good nutritious food, exercise thrice in a week and sleep well to keep up natural resistance. Avoid direct contact with those who have colds and wash your hands frequently.HypothermiaHypothermia is a drop in body temperature to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less than this. This can be fatal if not detected promptly and treated properly. Any body can be the victim of hypothermia.

The elderly are at the highest risk as their bodies do not adjust to the changes in temperature quickly. This condition takes few days to few weeks to develop. A temperature of 60F to 65 F can trigger this condition. A drop in body temperature triggers fatal responses from body. The blood vessels near the body surface narrow to prevent heat loss. Muscles tighten to generate heat. Person affected by hypothermia will be having symptoms like shivering, drowsiness, slurred speech, week pulse, slow heart beat, slow and shallow breathing.
If the body temperature falls down below 86 F he may slip into coma.

Do not try to treat a person with hypothermia at home. Immediately shift him to hospital as soon as you notice the symptoms. Do not give alcoholic beverages and do not give him hot water bath.In ayurveda it is advised to drink hot water, wear warm clothes and to stay near fire place at indoors in winter to prevent this condition

FrostbiteThe exposed areas of body like face, feet, wrists and hands are affected by frost bite. The skin on the affected part becomes white, stiff and feels numb.Warm the affected parts gradually. Wrap the area with warm clothes or keep the affected hands under arm pits and seek the medical attention immediately. Do not rub the affected areas as it may damage the underlying tissues.Protect your tiny tots from cold.

Children are usually thrilled to go outside irrespective of weather conditions. To ensure that these tiny tots have a safe and fun winter, take some simple measures to keep them warm and unharmed both inside and outside. Ensure that they stay warm while waiting for school bus in low temperature conditions. Keep them as dry as possible in cold weather and make them to wear properly fitting warm clothes. Cover their head, face and neck as much as possible. Inadequate head protection lead to loss of almost half of body heat . Don’t allow them to overexert and sweat. Sweating cools the body which is hazardous in winter and it becomes difficult to warm up again. Keep them well hydrated as they may not drink sufficient water in winter due to less thirst.Other general precautions by Red Cross for winter.

Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

Daily routine for winter
1. Tickle your taste buds with sweet, sour and salt tastes.
2. Satisfy your appetite with hot soups, milk and balanced food.
3. Pamper your body with mild oil massage.
4. Always wear warm clothes.Home made natural scrub for winter.? Mix yellow gram (channa), green gram (moong) , fenu greek seeds (methi) in equal proportion. Get this mixture floured. Use this flour as scrub while taking bath instead of soap and body washes.? Mix few drops of coconut oil in little water. Rub this all over body at the end of bath or shower. Dab the body with towel. This helps to increase the moisture of skin naturally.

We wish you a healthy winter. Have a great winter
Dr.Savitha Suri has been an Ayurvedic Practitioner since 1989. After getting a graduation degree in ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) in 1988 from University of Mysore, India, she started practising ayurveda . Her articles about ayurveda have been published in news papers and websites. She is a regular health columnist to a regional news paper.Dr.Savitha Suri lives in Mysore , Karnataka, India.

She gives consultations in Mysore and also in Bangalore, the silicon valley of India.
http://www.ayurhelp.com/
email doctor@ayurhelp.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr.Savitha_Suri

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Traditional Indian Medicine Reverses Atherosclerosis

For the first time, traditional healing techniques long used in India have been found to reverse atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. In a well-designed study reported in the April, 2002, American Journal of Cardiology, a comprehensive, prevention-oriented non-Western approach to heart disease in the elderly showed promising results.

The small pilot study compared heart patients using regimens of Maharishi Vedic Medicine (MVM), a form of 4,000-year-old Ayurvedic medicine, and patients following standard pharmaceutical and lifestyle recommendations of modern Western-style medicine to a control group. After a year, researchers found that participants in the MVM program were nearly four times more likely to reverse atherosclerosis as those in the other two groups combined.

Although all people develop some degree of atherosclerosis, in some it leads to serious complications. Artery walls may thicken with fatty deposits, called plaque, and narrow to block blood flow. The blockages can trigger a heart attack, or encourage the formation of clots that, when dislodged, can travel to the brain and cause stroke.

The MVM approach to heart disease included the use of transcendental meditation (TM), herbal supplements, a low-fat, high-fiber diet, yoga, and regular walking. Comparison groups included one receiving anti-aging focused modern medicine (with dietary advice, aerobic exercise and walking, and vitamin supplements), and a control group, which received normal nonspecialized care from their regular health providers. Fifty-seven healthy elderly individuals selected from a larger trial of MVM were randomly assigned to the three groups, and 46 completed the study. Final outcomes were determined by ultrasound measurements of the thickness of the participantsí carotid artery walls.

"The bottom line is that this natural approach to reversing atherosclerosis appears in this pilot study to be even more effective than drug-based or surgical approaches," says Kenneth Walton, Ph.D., Senior Fellow at the Center of Natural Medicine and Prevention in Fairfield, Iowa, and one of the study's lead authors.

Harnessing the Body's Healing Powers
Previous research has found that TM alone reduced atherosclerosis in African-Americans with high blood pressure. And the current study indicates that using the multiple components of MVM to combat atherosclerosis is even more effective.

"This study shows that the body has its own inner intelligence for healing, and its own know-how for repairing cardiovascular disease. And one can enliven this intelligence by using natural modalities such as these," says Robert H. Schneider, M.D., Director of the Center for Natural Medicine and Prevention, and also a lead author of the study.

Subjects in the MVM group trained in transcendental meditation and practiced the technique for 20 minutes twice a day. They took an antioxidant-rich herbal food supplement and learned in monthly follow-up meetings how to follow a Vedic medicine diet--seasonally based, generally low in fat, and high in fruits and vegetables. They were also taught two stress-reducing yoga exercises to do, each for 10 minutes every day, and they also walked for 30 minutes daily.

In the modern medicine group, participants were taught standard anti-aging practices, including aerobic walking three times weekly, and stretching and isotonic exercises twice a week. This group also met monthly to discuss dietary recommendations and the health consequences of negative habits such as alcohol abuse and smoking. Twice a day the participants took a multivitamin supplement that slightly exceeded the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for vitamins and minerals.

As did both the other groups, members of the control group obtained their usual health care from their regular health-care providers, but they received no other interventions.

Biggest Benefits for the Most At-Risk
The success of MVM in reversing atherosclerosis was even more marked for some study participants. As the data were analyzed, the researchers found a subgroup of subjects who were at higher risk for heart disease than the group as a whole. These participants had at least one of the following risk factors in addition to age: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

The reversal of atherosclerosis in these subjects was considerably more significant--carotid artery measurements improved in 80% of the MVM group as a whole, but they improved in 100% of this high-risk subgroup.

Because this was a pilot study, the significance of the results is limited by the small number of participants. However, since no subjects in the MVM group stopped their treatment before the study's end, it may be appropriate to give these conclusions more weight, researchers contend.

Urging a larger trial, the authors conclude that the multiple therapies of MVM can reverse atherosclerosis, and hence reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. In particular, their findings suggest these average decreases in risk: 8% in the larger group of MVM subjects, and a substantial 33% in the high-risk subgroup, in comparison to the modern and control groups combined.

From the ancient roots of Vedic medicine, science has found proof of the benefits of a multifaceted approach to wellness. When it comes to reversing atherosclerosis, this traditional medicine may be among the best. "These results were achieved at a very small fraction of the cost of surgery or drug-based treatments, and in only one year--which is quite a short time," Dr. Walton explains. "These people averaged 75 years of age, and that's a suggestion that it's never too late."

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