Care for Yourself by Yourself
Self care-physical, mental and spiritual-is a concept that has come of age again in this country. No, this is not a new concept. Our forefathers followed it, as do many people in the developing nations today. It certainly has merit in the age of rising medical costs. Self care starts with diet, eating only those foods and in the amounts that will bring about good health. The science of Ayurveda has many gems to offer in this regard. Second and equally important is to see that we receive the proper amount of exercise. We must practice the asanas of hatha yoga and perform an optimum amount of aerobic exercise. Third, we must have a healthy and loving mental attitude for life and live it with that perspective. We must train ourselves in the discipline of self observation and examination. Without the powers of observation, we are likely to exaggerate our aches and pains and believe that they are truly a disease process. To examine ourselves properly we must have at least an oral thermometer, a stethoscope, a blood pressure machine (sphygmomanometer), a dental mirror, a reflex hammer and some experience in observing normal tissues. A flash light is also useful. It is not difficult to learn the use of these instruments as well as methods such as palpation. Every female adult should learn to do a monthly breast examination on herself. Every male adult should also learn how to do a monthly manual testicular examination. Done correctly and faithfully much of the morbidity from malignancies of these organs can be avoided by the early detection of cancer and other tumors. Health agencies teach these technics. Self care may also mean self-medication in order to alleviate some minor symptoms. This is best done with the help of Ayurveda, homeopathy, herbology, acupressure, Reiki and nutritional changes. All of these are able to be easily learned by the lay person and can be used to overcome the day-to-day aches and pains that are due to minor lapses from discretion in diet, exercise and mental health. All of these methodologies are safe for use by the educated lay person; however, there is some chance of improper observation and improper choice of remedy to relieve the pain or symptoms. There is also the possibility of an overdose, if one is of the thought that “If a little helps, a lot will be better.” This is the major danger in self medication. Even such a thing as chamomile tea, usually very soothing, can be taken in such large amounts that it becomes toxic. One patient went from doctor to doctor for two years before she was asked how many cups of chamomile tea she drank in a day. When the answer given was 45, there was no doubt that she had a toxic overdose, which was proven when she stopped drinking the tea. Let us educate ourselves in the alternative systems so that we will be able to provide self-care for ourselves and our families without a possible hazard of self-harm. Common sense should tell us when it is necessary to have professional advice outside of our regular annual physical and psychological medical check up. §
Don’t Live with Unhappiness
A reader recently wrote: “Is there treatment in Ayurveda for anxiety, depression and unhappiness?” The answer to this question is somewhat complex; but in general let me state that there are many things in Ayurveda as well as homeopathy that can be done to relieve these symptoms. Indeed in the Homeopathic Repertory (the reference book for the science), there are many mental and psychological symptoms mentioned with specific remedies listed. Allopathic medicine, of course, has a whole branch-psychology and psychiatry-to deal with these problems. The science of the Bach Flower Remedies deals with the mental and psychological symptoms that often plague man. Dr. Bach wrote beautifully about the 38 flower remedies and their psychological and personality characteristics. Often self diagnosis and therapeutic use of the proper flower remedy will correct the imbalance that produces the symptoms. The science of Ayurveda has a very deep understanding of mental and personality symptoms and, indeed, was the first healing discipline to consider the vast field of psychosomatic disease. Many maladies of the psyche are due to dietary imbalance with resulting aggravation of specific doshas. When the dosha is vitiated, the symptoms will disappear. Each constitutional type and variant has fairly specific mental symptoms that are recognizable. The science clearly points out the type of exercise and yogic asanas that are best for specific constitutional types. If these are not followed, mental and personality disorders may occur that can easily be corrected by a change in diet and a change in exercise protocol. For more serious conditions, there are herbal remedies and drugs that may correct the problems. The Ayurvedic science of jyotisha (vedic astrology) can help to make a diagnosis for unhappiness and anxiety by pointing out past and current planetary influences that affect one’s well being. The karmic debts and karmic sources of serious mental malfunction are also clearly seen by the experienced astrologer. In fact, this may be the only obvious explanation for some conditions. Ayurveda teaches many other modalities that lead to relaxation and inner balance, such as physical massage, musical therapy, aromatherapy, specific marma therapy (a form of ancient acupressure), propitiation through gem therapy and herbal therapy, ritualistic propitiation and the use of prayer and mantra. All of these-especially those associated with diet, exercise and meditation-can bring happiness into our lives. The philosophical principle of “loving what you do and doing what you love” is a very profound truth that readily leads to happiness and balanced living. For anyone who has any of these mental or personality “dis-eases” a consultation with a good physician is the first order of business. There is certainly no reason for one to lead a life of depression, anxiety and unhappiness. Life is meant to be lived joyously, and we are truly blessed to have the great science of Ayurveda. §
Taking Good Care of Our Eyes
Everyone should at least once a week give the eye lashes and lids a soapy bath, especially those people prone to itching eye lids, accumulation of dried tears, inflammation of the eye lids with styes or blepharitis. Use a soft wet washcloth wrapped about the index finger. Apply “No More Tears” or baby shampoo to this cloth and use it to “scrub” directly the eye lids and lashes, approximately thirty times each side. For the other eye use a fresh spot on the cloth and fresh shampoo in order to prevent any cross contamination of dirt or bacteria. This is to be done gently and then rinsed well with copious amounts of water and/or follow with a shower. Daily applications of heat to the eyes is also suggested. This is to be done with a hot wet washcloth held near, but not touching the eyelids. Allow the heat to rise to the eye lids. This tends to help the tear glands and ducts clear themselves of any accumulated debris. This may be followed by exercising the muscles by alternately moving the eyes from up to down, side to side and diagonally upper outer and lower inner and upper inner and lower outer directions. This may be followed by the eye rotations. These should be done about 3-5 times in each direction. To prevent eye strain when working at close range or reading and while driving, frequently change the focus of the eye by looking off to the distance and then back again to a near spot. Never allow yourself to stare, for this not only places strain upon your delicate inner and outer ocular muscles but also may lead to a possible trance or altered state of consciousness. During the day “cupping” is also advised. This is done by rubbing the hands together until you feel the warmth, then hold the cupped hands over the eyes, not allowing them to touch the eyes. This replenishes the eyes with prana and can be done as often as one desires. Many people who work at a desk put extreme strain upon their neck muscles which is reflected in eye strain. The yogic neck asanas are suggested to go along with the changes in focus and eye muscle exercises. If one wears contact lenses, which I do not advise, he must faithfully follow the directions of his eye care specialist. Glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts are aging conditions that interfere with vision. Some recent studies suggest that “free radicals” may be causative of these conditions. It is suggested that certain ultraviolet rays in the light tend to produce these oxygen radicals. This is a reason for wearing good sunglasses in bright sunlight. Betacarotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are antioxidants which may help prevent these aging changes. Although there is not enough clinical evidence at this time to prescribe a minimum dose, it is advisable to take 10,000 units Beta Carotene every other day, at least 100 mg. of Vitamin C and probably 100-400 units Vitamin E as supplements daily. This dosage is safe and may act as insurance against premature damage. There is no evidence that mega-doses are advisable. Indeed, there is some evidence that mega-doses of vitamins for any reason are to be discouraged. §
Adjusting to the Fall Season
The months of October, November and December constitute in the northern hemisphere the fall, autumn or early winter of the year. This is the time when there is withdrawal of water from nature, the winds increase and the temperature falls due to decrease in sunshine. There is an increase in the vata dosha at this time of year and a tendency for more vata disease to become evident, especially in those who have a vata constitution. It is a good time to review our diets and way of life and make changes according to the needs expressed by the withdrawal of heat and moisture. The pitta and the kapha types may find some relief with the dawning of this season; but they too should review and revise wherever necessary. At this time we need more moist and warm foods. There may be an increase in the sweet, sour and salty tastes with a relative decrease in pungent, bitter and astringent. We can eat avocado, berries and figs. We may also add brown rice and other grains to give us the earth connection we need; but we will still use sparingly barley, corn and millet. Yogurt relieves excess vata as does sesame and corn oils. Shun the cruciferous vegetables (mustard greens, cabbage, cress, etc) as they increase vata as does celery and okra. Cucumber, radishes, sweet potatoes, cardamom, ginger, clove, mustard seed, salt and sesame tend to relieve vata. The seat of vata within the body is the lower pelvis. The daily asanas should be changed to include more positions that apply pressure to the pelvic area, such as backward bends, plough, cobra, knee to chest and the head stand. All of these will aid in keeping the vata in its natural location, as will a light circular massage of the lower abdomen with castor oil. The diseases that are most common at this time of the year are dryness and cracking of the skin and angles of the mouth, aches and pains in the joints and accumulation of gas in the bowel. There may also be some minor temporary difficulty in remembering. If the vata becomes unbalanced, there may be instability and lack of tolerance. If these should pop up, dietary changes are indicated. As the seasons change, our bodies are more susceptible to colds and flu. Thus it behooves us to be specifically cognizant of the incoming changes and make enlightened adjustments to our life style, especially diet. Our main dietary regimen would still be that of our constitutional dosha; but we would make minor adjustments such as eating more of the seasonal vegetables of our particular area. Use very sparingly vegetables that are not native to our area-especially fruits that are grown far away, picked while still green and shipped long distances. At this time of year, going from pitta season to vata, we would eat fewer cold salads, cold drinks and we would substitute room temperature red wines for the chilled white wines and avoid dry and uncooked foods and raw fruits. We may eat half our diet from our constitutional dosha list and half from the seasonal dosha list. Use more of the spices consistent with the seasonal dosha. Do not be alarmed at this time by an increase in appetite, but do not overeat. §
The Importance of Skin Care
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is at the interface of the body and the external environment and functions as a protector of the underlying tissues. It is a part of the excretory system helping to rid the body of many toxins and as such supplements the respiratory and other components of the excretory system. Our skin serves as an efficient regulator of body temperature under normal circumstances. Heat, wind and sunshine are the great enemies of the skin. They each tend to dry it out and cause it to age prematurely. As we have found that there are certain rays of the sun that may cause severe damage to the lens of the eye, we now also know that these same rays may cause severe damage to the skin, even to the extent of causing cancers. Even though we know that the interaction of the sun’s rays with certain elements of the skin produce Vitamin D, an essential vitamin, we want to protect the skin by the judicious use of sun-protective lotions when we are forced to be in the sun for prolonged periods of time. The great American pastime of “getting a dark tan” is to be discouraged for even if no cancers result, the skin is prematurely aged. It loses its elasticity and becomes dried and wrinkled. Steam baths may be very helpful in aiding the skin in its excretory function; however, unless these are followed by cool rinses, oils and massage their value is lessened. It is advised that everyone participate in a daily total body rub down and massage with sesame oil. Some people may prefer olive oil and the pitta types may find that coconut oil is more cooling. The massage should be done gently with the flat of the hands and start at the scalp, continuing down the body to the feet. More vigorous massage of the extremities and feet is helpful. It has been found that the massage produces changes in the underlying tissues that stimulate and tone the autoimmune system. As this system functions better, we are protected from outside invaders such as bacteria and viruses. If possible, a very thin layer of the oil is left on the skin by using only warm water to wash with. If it is desirable to get rid of all the oil, a hotter bath or shower may be taken as long as it is followed by a cool rinse. Premature aging of the skin is produced by the drying effects of heat, dry winds and sunshine. Aging is also due to the dehydration of the skin. As this proceeds, those pesky and unsightly small lines and wrinkles occur around the eyes and lips. They can be made to disappear by replacing the moisture in the skin. The daily oil bath also helps prevent lines and wrinkles. Millions of dollars are spent annually by men and women for moisturizing creams and other “miracle” substances. But petroleum jelly is the finest moisturizer that is available and it does not cost a fortune. A simple, very thin layer of petroleum jelly applied at night over the face will soon moisturize the underlying skin and make it recover its suppleness. A coating of this same jelly over the hands will protect them from harsh chemicals and toxins that may be absorbed through the skin during work. §