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Healing Poses for the Abdominal Organs: By Christine Wushke

Christine Wushke — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:48:06 +0000

This sequence of poses is great for when you feel sluggish, run down, heavy, or are just needing some over all healing for the abdominal organs. If you have a serious medical condition, these poses may not be for you, when in doubt check with your doctor.

Reclining Bound Angle Pose

Lie on two or three staggered blankets, checking that your body is totally comfortable. Support your head with a blanket, and support your thighs with blocks or pillows. Breathe evenly and relax into the pose. Enjoy for 3 or more minutes, and then roll to your right side.

Find more in depth instructions for Reclining Bound Angle Pose here.

Double Leg Reclining Twist Pose

Lie on your back with some blankets and blocks near by. Hug your knees into your chest, let your back muscles relax, and then then roll to your right side. Shift the upper back to the floor, and rest your left arm on the floor or a blanket. For a more relaxing stretch, place a block or two in between your knees. Rest here for 2 or 3 minutes, or until you feel finished with the stretch, and then switch sides. Notice your breathing, and feel the nourishment in your breath massaging your abdominal organs.

Find more in depth instructions for Double Leg Reclining Twist Pose here.

Reclining Twist Pose

Lie on your back with some blankets and blocks near by. Roll to your right side, with your left knee bent, and your right leg straight. Rest your Left knee on a block or two, (or more as needed) so that the pose is now adjusted to the comfort level of your body. Shift the upper back to the floor, (or as close to the floor as you can) staying in your own comfort range. Rest your left arm on the floor, or a pile of blankets. Stay here for as long as you are comfortable, and then switch sides.

Find more in depth instructions for Reclining Twist Pose here.

Inverted Lake Pose

Bring one or two folded blankets to the wall as shown in picture. Sit on the edge of the blankets with one hip touching the wall, and then swivel around until your sit bones are touching with wall (or as close as you can get ) and then carefully lie down. Place your legs against the wall so they are resting. Make sure your shoulder blades are flat on the floor, so there is no strain on your neck. Stay here for 3 or more minutes, as long as you are comfortable. Notice the deep relaxation that happens naturally with restorative yoga poses, enjoy that deep rest, and nourishment.

For more in depth instructions for Inverted Lake Pose click here.

Supported Bridge Pose

Stack 2 or 3 folded blankets and place them a few feet away from a pile of blocks. Sit on the blankets, and lie down on your back so that your lower back is on the blankets, and your head neck and shoulders are resting on the floor. Place your heels on the blocks. For a more restful version of the pose, you can also set yourself up to have the soles of your feet resting into a wall. Stay here for 3 or more minutes, or as long as you are comfortable.

For more in depth instruction for Supported Bridge Pose, click here.

Forward Hero Pose

Stack 3 or more folded blankets and place them in front of you. Sit on your heels, and place your knees about shoulder width apart. Bring the blankets close to your body, in between your thighs. Keeping your sit bones down on your heels, (or close to the heels) bend forward from the waist, and bring your abdomen and chest onto the pile of blankets. Stay here for 3 or more minutes, enjoying the deep peace, rest and contentment. Let your body sink deeply into the pose, especially on your exhalations.

For more in depth instructions, as well as a few helpful modifications for Forward Hero Pose, click here.

Benefits of the Healing Poses for the Abdominal Organs Sequence: Each of these poses has one of three effects to healing and increased function of the abdominal organs. Twisting will squeeze, tone, and detoxify the organs. Gentle back bending will stretch and lengthen the organs, increasing blood flow to the organs of the abdomen. Supported forward bending will massage and nourish the abdominal muscles and organs. Restorative yoga poses are also very relaxing and often induce the well known ‘relaxation response’. This allows the body to rest more deeply and may speed healing and improve overall organ function. Restorative yoga poses are also deeply meditative, encouraging clarity of mind, inner peace, acceptance and a feeling of overall well being.

For a more in depth guide to Yoga, and how it can be integrated into your lifestyle, check out the yoga E-Books here.

Christine Wushke is a certified yoga and meditation teacher with over 15 years of experience. Her aim is to create a sacred space for students to effortlessly find the presence of stillness and an inner silence. Christine’s mission is to raise consciousness on the planet by empowering people to realize their own Divinity and to uncover a deep peace within. Christine is committed to assisting you in your journey, and helping you to realize directly for yourself the truth of what you are, and the stillness of truth within. In addition to her yoga and meditation training, Christine is also a registered massage therapist. In the past two years she has studied extensively in the spiritual tradition of Advaita Vedanta. Her teaching style is largely influenced by Iyengar yoga, and the nondual tradition of Advaita.

www.journeytolight.net
www.innerlightyoga.blogspot.com

written and modeled by Christine Wushke, Photo’s by Dianne Wushke.

How Simple and Natural Food Changes Your Life: by Dr. Damiana Corca

Dr Damiana — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:54:04 +0000

After a two-month break from my writing, here I am, ready to share with you brand new ideas and thoughts. On a more personal note, my husband and I have recently moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee and we are excited to let you know that we will open the Elite HealthPlex Clinic here in Chattanooga, late this fall.

This article was inspired by the mountains and rich nature where our farm is located. Next spring is going to be a full and busy one for me, as I plan to have a relatively big garden, enough to grow most of the vegetables that one needs for a self-sustainable life. The following thoughts are just what I needed to reinforce this decision – the desire for fresh, organic, healthy food.

Food can bring delightful tastes and much pleasure but it can also govern and control your life. Nothing wrong with enjoying food but mind you, when highly processed food is part of your diet, addiction follows fast.

I have been a healthy eater for as long as I can remember. But I still enjoy a tasty bar of chocolate, love bread and, am a bit addicted to cheese. Growing up in a farm leaves traces behind – beautiful, clean memories. The bread came from our own wheat and the cheese was made weekly by my mother. Getting back to our roots is what we need today.

Anyways, despite my good habits I have recently learnt a lesson. I decided to follow a program that I often recommend to my patients – a 21-day program that combines lifestyle and diet changes and organic whole food supplements that help purify and give your body a kick to start the healing process.

The diet consists of vegetables and fruit, lentils or wild/brown rice combined with a few teaspoonfuls of oil a day and lots of water. Nature at its highest power! It pushes one to try new vegetables and new ways of combining them. I have learnt to cook different soups that I would probably never have tried otherwise.

This leaves ALL processed food behind – no bread or pasta, no dairy, no meat. Just pure, clean vegetables and fruits – so as to give your body a chance to focus less on digestion and more on healing. The program does allow eating organic, low fat meat from the 11th day up, however this is a personal choice. Whole food vegetable protein such as whey is offered to supplement the protein needs for these 21 days.

The supplements added to this diet are made of organic, whole food preparations, to aid and stimulate the function of the Liver, Kidneys, and Intestines. Ultimately, food is what can bring healing and long-term results.

Why do we need this kind of changes in our diet? Because there are approximately 80,000 synthetic chemicals registered for use in the U.S. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that there are hundreds of these chemicals present in our bodies. They are everywhere, from air and water, cosmetics, household cleaning products to pesticides and herbicides that ultimately end up in our food.

Before I tell you the benefits of this program, I will share with you my experience. It literally changed my life and taught me how shifting priorities can make you a different person. This reminded me of the time when I started meditating and had this amazing insight – life is never the same after you experience the silence and the love you feel when allowing your heart to speak. This clean, pure, simple diet did something similar. And I believe that this is something to be expected. We are a whole; we should not separate the body from soul. Goethe wisely said: “Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded. “

And yes, many patients loose weight, health problems start improving, there is increased energy, and digestion gets better, along with clearer skin and other benefits depending on each person.

This is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. A 21-day journey is long enough to build new, better habits, by substituting the old ones. It gives you a chance to realize that simple food can really be tasty. Through these simple choices you will reeducate your tastes. You will discover that coconut oil can be as tasty as butter, but with the better health benefits. Your taste buds will me amazed to discover the real taste of a salad. Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of salt are enough to make a great salad without overwhelming it with a heavy, high calorie dressing.

You only need to dare try it! Let the joy of simple food become a part of your life. There is always a choice and a wide range of different possibilities. One of my previous articles entitled “Eating Healthier Just Got Easier” can bring more ideas for you to make that shift.

Be Healthy and Happy!

By Dr. Damiana Corca, DOM, AP, Dipl. C.H. & O.M.

Check more of my articles at: Elite HealthPlex Clinic

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Disclaimer

The information on this blog is provided for educational or reference purposes only and it is NOT a substitute for professional health care. No information obtained on this blog should be relied on as the basis for treating or diagnosing conditions, symptoms, or illness and all queries should be directed to your health care provider. No warranty or guarantee of a cure is expressed or implied with any information at this blog, nor does Elite HealthPlex Blog make any representations regarding the use or the results obtained with the information. In no event shall Elite HealthPlex Blog, its employees or associates be liable to any person or individual for any loss or damage whatsoever which may arise from the use of this blog or any of the information available on this blog.

The Rainy Season in Ramcharitmanas: By Aparna Sharma

aparna sharma — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:37:03 +0000

Monsoon in India is like Gods brought down on earth- lending color and life to this land both in the realm of life, and in the realm of its emotional and religious ethos. The first monsoon showers breathing life and love into the parched earth and the waters reflecting the clouds and the sky above – all these reflect life, in its sheer fullness, reflected on life, so that life may know itself more fully.

Perhaps, one of the most enthralling descriptions of the rainy season appears in the ‘Ramcharitmanas’ by Goswami Tulsidas.

Lord Ram, while in exile, spends a few months on the Prabarasana hill before journeying to Lanka to rescue Sita. Seated in a cave with only haystack as a cushion on a stony bench, Lord Ram gives an intimate discourse to his brother Lakshman on seasons as they pass by.

The beautiful, lyrical description not only touches the exquisiteness of the rainy season in the physical sense, but also lends a metaphorical meaning to it. The lines below are taken from Kishkindha Kaand and are intrinsically linked to our experiences in life.

(A marvelous musical version of the same is rendered by the singers Umakant & Ramakant Gundecha in the Times Music album Bhaktimala- Rama)
घन घमंड नभ गरजत घोरा प्रिया हीन डरपत मन मोरा

Ghan Ghamand Nabha Garajat Ghora, Priya Heen Darapat Mann Morã

The dark clouds thunder terribly in the sky

Bereft of the Beloved my heart trembles

दामिनि दमक रह न धन माहीं खल कै प्रीति जथा थिर नाहीं

Daamini Damak RahaN Ghan Maahi Khala Kai Priti Jathaa Thir Nãhi.

The lightning flashes fitfully amid the clouds,

The way the love of the wicked is never stable or enduring

बरषहिं जलद भूमि निअराएँ जथा नवहिं बुध विद्या पाएँ

Barashahi Jalad Bhumi Niaraé, Jatha Navahi Budh Bidyã Pae

The pouring rain clouds hover low, so close to the ground,

Like the sages humbled with the knowledge they have realized

बूंद अघात सहहिं गिरि कैसे खल के बचन संत सह जैसें

Boond Aghaat SahahiN Giri Kaisé, Khala Ke Bachan Sant Sahae Jaisé..

How the mountains endure the assault of the piercing raindrops

The way saints endure the scathing words of the evil

क्षुद्र नदीं भर चलीं तोराई जस थोरेहुँ धन खल इतराई

Kshudra Nadi Bhar Chali Torâi, Jas Thorehu Dhan Khal Itarãi.

The little, frivolous streams overflow, gushing with speed,

Just as the evil puff up even with a small fortune

भूमि परत भा ढाबर पानी जनु जीवहि माया लपटानी

Bhoomi Parata Bhá Dhaabar Pani, Janu Jivahi Maya Lapatani

The water becomes turbid the moment it descends on earth,

just as the way Jiva (embodied soul) is wrapped in illusion (Maya) on the earth

समिटि समिटि जल भरहिं तलावा जिमि सदगुन सज्जन पहिं आवा

Samiti Samiti Jal Bharahi Talava, Jimi Sadagun Sajjan Pahi Ávã

The water comes from various directions gathers into ponds

just as naturally as virtues come into the hearts of the noble

सरिता जल जलनिधि महुँ जाई होइ अचल जिमि जिव हरि पाई

Sarita Jal Jal-nidhi MahuN Jaaii, Hoii Achal Jimi Jiv Hari Paaii

The water of the stream becomes still once they pour into the Ocean,

just as the Jiva (soul) finds eternal rest on attaining union with Hari

May this Monsoon season bring that eternal rest to every seeker’s search.

Nobody summarizes this better than Rabindranath Tagore:

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”

How And Why I became a Vegetarian: By Tony O’Clery.

aoclery — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:39:35 +0000

In 1985 on a visit to family in Australia I was on Bondi Beach, where I ate a hamburger. I fell asleep on the beach and had a strange dream that I was a cow. I saw the whole process of the slaughterhouse, including fear, smells, noises, terror, cruel treatment etc.

It was a horrifying nightmare and I awoke saying aloud ‘They know, they know they are to be cruelly slaughtered’. That day I became a vegetarian. I had always said that if I ever really thought about the morality of eating meat, I would probably stop.

Of course what had happened was that I had started meditation some months before that, and no doubt started to cleanse the kosas after K-prana experiences. So all the above was imprinted into the flesh of the animal that I had eaten. It was taken into my body and caused the dream on the beach.

I was lucky to be sensitive enough to receive the dream. Many years before, the vibrations were just going into my mind forming vasanas and bad karmas, and being an impediment to the purification of my vijnanamayakosa or awareness sheath.

I wonder how much of the horrible violence against animals is translated to violence on a world scale? There must be a huge “thought form” of these animal slaughterings hanging over the planet combined with the resentfulness of the animals whose lives are manipulated and cut short due to human weakness, selfishness, greed, and meat addiction.

According to the Hindu doctrine of karma, all living beings including animals reincarnate. I wonder what happens when these reincarnated animals who were slaughtered in a previous life take birth as humans? Is it possible that they bring their resentment, fear, and anger with them? Perhaps that can explain why the world is in such a mess. I don’t know. What do you think?

Self-Realization and Physical Immortality: By Dr. Harsh K. Luthar

Harsha — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:37:28 +0000

Can Self-Realization and Physical Immortality co-exist?

Many schools of yoga emphasize that through various practices of pranayama and kriyas, one can not only gain super natural and super conscious experiences but also make the body healthy and disease free. Some schools of yoga go one step further and say that the human body itself can be made to live so long that it is practically immortal.

There certainly have always been enough people willing to believe such things and pay for learning those secret methods that many schools of yoga prosper materially and their gurus live a nice comfortable life.

Although there is no doubt that the practice of certain yogic exercises, walking, and a moderate, nutritious, and suitable diet leads to good health, that is not something that has ever been hidden from anyone. Many of yoga texts point this out explicitly. Sri Krishna, in fact, says in the Bhagavad-Gita that a yogi should eat nutritious food in moderate quantities and not sleep too much or too little. However, there is no mention of physical immortality. There is a good reason for that. The desire for physical immortality and Self-Realization cannot co-exist together.

I certainly respect various yogic traditions of India. However, the emphasis on physical immortality among some yoga schools and practitioners seems like a diversion from the main path, a side show. There is a school in southern India where this tradition of perfecting the body so that it becomes immortal continues. We have all heard of Himalayan yogis who are long lived and some are reputed to be hundreds of years old. Whether these stories are true or not, I don’t know.

Such accounts and stories existed also in Bhagavan Sri Ramana’s time. True or not, the Sage of Arunachala was always unimpressed by such things.

Sri Ramana sometimes used to joke and say that various people give enthusiastic lectures on physical immortality, prescribe various herbs and medicine and exercises for it, write long treatises on how to achieve it, and then at some point get old and die like everyone else!

My own experience with the so called spiritual masters and yogis is that they are pretty ordinary folks. Just like you and me! Their greatness lies only in our “perception.”

In the path of Sri Ramana, how healthy the body can be made or how long lived it can be is entirely irrelevant to Self-Realization. The idea of body only occurs in our perception which arises from consciousness.

Therefore, we should pay attention to the nature of “perception” which arises in us. Without the clear knowledge of the source of all perception, one is lost in diversity of thought and moods. In doing so, we remain at the periphery of consciousness and in maze of contradictions impressed by every novel or interesting concept that emerges in this scenic view we call life.

It is the inquiry, “Who Am I?” that serves to draw us in and center us in the source from where perception emerges.

The one who gazes intently at the root of all perception, and roots out the illusion that gives rise to differentiation, will have no more questions left and no answers to give. When we experience our wholeness, the deep contentment that overtakes us makes us indifferent to attaining anything.

All thing are transient, including this body and mind. Those who wish to attain physical immortality are only holding on to things which are bound to change and cannot be made permanent. One harboring such desires cannot give up everything and surrender one’s life and mind to the Lord of the Heart. However, it is only by offering our very identity, our individuality, that we evoke Grace, and realize our nature as the Heart, the Self. That is Self-Realization. It transcends identity with the body and mind completely. Therefore, the idea of physical immortality becomes moot in Self-Realization.

The Freedom of Being: Tails of a Loving Dolphin Encounter by Christine Wushke

Christine Wushke — Sun, 02 May 2010 17:27:42 +0000

Ever since childhood I had dreamed of swimming with dolphins, so it was no wonder when I heard someone shout “there are dolphins in the bay!” I dropped everything and ran to the beach. This was my first up close glimpse of wild dolphins. I was on day one of my first Retreat on the magical big Island of Hawaii, and seeing wild dolphins was a life long dream finally fulfilled.

Without thinking (which turned out to be a good thing) I put on my snorkel gear and started to head out in their general direction with a friend. Having been previously advised by a few friends experienced in the area of swimming with wild dolphins, I was told to not approach the dolphins, but to swim out and “mind your own business”. Or just hang out in their general vicinity, and maybe, just maybe, they would come over and check you out.

I was normally pretty terrified of swimming in the ocean, and phobic of sharks, but on this day I felt completely safe, as if the aura of the dolphins were saying “it’s OK we will protect you”. At some point when I was swimming out I could hear the chirps and whistles under the water, and the feeling of safety and calm strengthened. I looked up and could see the fins off in the distance, and decided I was close enough. Not wanting to disturb their personal space, I just floated where I was, waiting. My friend had asked me to stay close by, as he wasn’t a very strong swimmer, so I was keeping my eye on him. At some point we decided to float and meditate, in hopes that the dolphins would get curious and come over to see what we were doing. I started to enter a meditative state, and let my inner heart open, as if sending a message to the dolphins that I was happy to see them, and could almost immediately feel a deep love and joy come back to me.

About ten minutes passed, and I was starting to feel cold, I thought to myself, ‘maybe I will just swim back, I got to hear them, and feel their love, that is enough for me.’ I was secretly wishing for a really close encounter though, hoping to get to see one up close.

When I looked up, getting ready to swim back, I realized my friend had drifted off somewhere, and I could no longer see him. I had a moment of sudden worry that he was in trouble, and I started to look all around to find him, I had the thought ‘how will I ever find him in this huge ocean?’ Almost as soon as the feeling of distress entered my mind, I heard a loud dolphin whistle; I looked down into the water and saw a dolphin right below me. Immediately my heart opened, and I felt a joy rush through my body like I had never experienced before. As it came up to the surface for a breath the dolphin moved right alongside me, and looked me in the eye. For a moment the entire world stopped, everything became still and calm. It was as if he was telling me, ‘it’s OK, it will be all right, I am here’. Instinctively I followed the dolphin, it was moving very slowly, and I was surprised how I could keep up with it.

After a while of following the dolphin I could hear more chirps and whistles off in the distance, before I knew it the dolphin I was following was joining up with an entire pod. I stopped swimming for a while and just floated in one spot watching them all circle under me. After a few minutes I looked up, and was happy to see my friends head bobbing in the distance. Swimming over to him I noticed that he had made a few friends, and was alright. I was so relived that I hadn’t lost him to the vast expanse of the ocean, that I didn’t even realized that the dolphin had lead me right to him. I had a moment of second guessing the experience, wondering if it was a happy coincidence or if that dolphin had really come to me because of my distress.

After some more time in the water and the wonderful experience of feeling this dolphin joy, I decided that I had had enough, and wanted to head back to shore. My friend reassured me that he was OK now, and so I headed back on my own. After a few moments of swimming back I looked up to the shore and realized just how far out I had gotten. Again a moment of panic entered my inner space, and I thought, ‘how am I ever going to make it back there?’ Again, as if on cue, I heard that now familiar sound of a dolphin whistle in my ears. As I looked down into the water just ahead of me, I saw the single dolphin that had lead me to the pod earlier that day. I felt such deep gratitude and joy to see him, and felt my heart open wide. He was swimming towards me face to face, and as he came close to me I saw his mouth open as he said something to me. This time, instead of hearing the sound with my ears, I felt the sound vibration resonate through my whole body. Almost instantly I had a sense of renewed strength and stamina, and I felt like I could more easily make it back to shore. About thirty seconds later I realized that he had actually turned around and was now swimming right below me. It was as if I had my own personal escort, as he stayed with me for several hundred meters. Once I felt really comfortable with my distance to shore, I silently thanked him, and gave him an inner hug. He turned again and headed back the other way. This was the first of many beautiful dolphin encounters that were yet to come, and many more were also shared by the friends who also got to know the local pod.

After some time passed I realized just how beautiful and touching the experience was for me, not only to fulfil a life long dream, but to experience first hand the simple and humble presence of such an amazing being. To see and feel the compassion and care of an entirely different species was very inspiring for me. What I took back with me was the realization that this love and compassion is always enough, in every moment. The dolphins own nothing, they are whole and complete just in and of themselves, having no possessions, or sense of ownership, they simply exist in an inner freedom and peace, that very few humans can relate to. I was deeply touched and inspired by this experience to realize the inner freedom of having nothing but the presence that you are. It was as if the dolphins wanted to teach me that in truth there is really nothing to own, and no possessions to acquire. To own something you would need a container to hold it in, and what really matters, what is all encompassing, has no walls, no limits, and no end. The presence that we are can never really be held in one place as it is free flowing like a dolphin, and rests in vast open space like the ocean. In this space of free flowing openness there is an ease and a trust that makes it clear that this moment is enough, just as it is.

* After returning home from my retreat I wanted to make sure I found a way to give back what I was grateful for; 15% of the Hawaii retreat proceeds have been donated to the World Wildlife Federation, as well as the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more about the writings of Christine click here . For information on Christine’s Yoga Retreats in Magical Hawaii click here.

www.journeytolight.net
www.innerlightyoga.blogspot.com

Stress and Its Many Hats: by Dr. Damiana Corca, DOM, AP

Dr Damiana — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:15:58 +0000

“Every stress leaves an indelible scar, and the organism pays for its survival after a stressful situation by becoming a little older.”

Dr. Hans Selye, also called Dr. Stress

Stress seems to have become commonplace nowadays. Everybody talks about it and everybody is ready to give you a word of advice on what you should do when you feel stressed. But what does stress really mean? And is stress really only the bad guy? Most of us think of emotional pressure when stress is mentioned. The truth is that stress is much more than that. Furthermore, stress should not be viewed only as a negative feature. Most of the time it’s our friend; we just get sometimes to the point where the abuse done to our body and spirit cannot be handled anymore; and then stress can have a negative connotation.

Stress is an essential part of our physiological processes. Even when sleeping there is a minimal amount of stress exerted in our body, otherwise our heart would stop and we would die. Jogging, for example, is not thought of as a stressor, although it does impose some stress on our body. The fact that I call it stress doesn’t make it negative. Our society has a tendency to overuse this word, not really understanding the meaning of it.

So what are those common stressors that may lead to diseased conditions? Anything that comes in higher amounts than our body is able to cope with can potentially be a problem. We are all most different and as such we respond differently to different stressors. A person born with a weak digestive system will respond differently from a person with a strong digestive system.

But our body is so wonderful and it can put up for a long time with the many negative stressors. But what happens when enough is enough? Imagine a piece of elastic. You keep stretching it and for a while it is able to keep coming back. But what happens when you stretch it so much and for such a long time that it looses its ability to return to its initial state? Then it becomes useless. Likewise, our body is capable of doing the same thing, compensating and working hard to keep everything balanced. But sooner or later the body gets tired and just can’t manage everything, as it should. We tend to think that as long as we feel relatively healthy we are truly healthy. Then one day, we are “suddenly” told the shocking news that we are really sick. Did the problem really arise that suddenly? No, it was a long-term build-up; most of the diseases certainly do not develop overnight.

Let’s discuss some of the stressors that might affect you and your health.

1. Strong Emotions

Emotions poorly managed can be the source of many problems. Much research shows that many chronic conditions seem to have a strong link with psychological stress. Some of the main pathways through which stress can affect our whole body are the nervous and endocrine systems. But long before the scientific studies, thousands of years ago, Chinese medicine talked about emotions as the primary cause of many diseases.

2. Malnutrition

It is really not a secret that our nutritional lifestyle is lacking much of the necessary nutrients. First, soil overuse delivers depleted foods from the start. However, most important are the foods of our choice. Living on high processed foods is really not how the human body survived for thousands of years or more. Imagine how hard our body must work to function without the adequate nutrients due to our poor diet. I cannot emphasize enough that it is of crucial importance for our body to have all that it needs to work properly. What is to be done if the cells are starving? Didn’t Hippocrates say thousands of years ago, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”?

Think of the kind of stress your body must endure while trying to keep its vital necessary balance. There are certain areas of your body that need just the right amount of nutrients; otherwise life would not be possible. What happens if it doesn’t have enough of those nutrients? It simply steals from other parts that can survive longer without those nutrients. Are those places happy to be deficient? Surely not! As I said before, sooner or later, some kind of diseases will appear, depending on the amount of stress, time, and your particular inherited deficiency.

3. Environmental Pollution

This is one of the stressors relatively new to the human race. Air pollution is taking its toll on our health. From the heavy smog in big cities to strong chemicals from our household, our health is more and more threatened. Furthermore, electromagnetic pollution, noise pollution, and water quality are other concerns that we have to deal with. Drug toxicities can also be a cause for internal environmental pollution triggering many consequences and easily become a stressor for our body. Some of these are harder to avoid than others but the simple fact of us becoming aware of them, shall enable us to take small steps that could make big differences to our health.

4. Severe Exertion

Overwork is our middle name in this Western society and it leaves its trace in every aspect of our life. Physically, our body can be oftentimes exhausted through lack of rest and not being given a chance to heal and recover. Moreover, it steals from our spiritual time and from the time we should dedicate to spending with our loved ones.

5. Informational Trauma

When is the last time you spent 24 hours without your good friend, the laptop or your blackberry? We are constantly hit with instant news, most of the time negative. Google seems to have all the answers, but none in the same time. There is so much information and so much confusion! We could easily call that a stressor and it can easily become an addiction. There is even a name for it – Internet Addiction Disorder – we have a definition, help line, and it is considered to be included in the near future in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Remember, living in a virtual world is certainly not true living.

These are just a few of the stressors. We could easily add physical trauma, infections, and exposure to extreme cold or heat. Another condition not commonly thought of as a stressor is pregnancy. The body undergoes tremendous changes, as it needs to sustain another living body. This is why in pregnancy some diseases are so easily triggered if the pregnant woman is not healthy.

Bottom line is that stress is a multi dynamic process, a normal physiological activity. But when stretched over its limits, disease is facilitated and activated. This is where the concept of prevention comes in. Do not wait until the last minute, it might be too late and it’s no good crying over spilt milk. Steps that you should have taken years back and could have changed your life don’t have the same power on an advanced disease. An ounce of prevention is worth more than everything. Integrative therapies can bring solutions for each one of you and a simple holistic evaluation can be of crucial importance. Advanced Manual Techniques such as CranioSacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, and Myofascial Release are such therapies; appropriate nutritional intakes, herbology, acupuncture, homeopathy, and yoga are most useful therapies.

In addition, taking time to be with your own self regularly is a therapy that can never fail. So don’t forget, PREVENTION is the key to a healthy happy life.

More at: http://elitehealthplex.com

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Herbal Care in Dentistry: by Dr Damiana Corca, DOM, AP

Dr Damiana — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:34:05 +0000

When it comes to teeth and other related problems, there is a tendency to treat locally and symptomatically only. Is that going to have long-lasting results? One of my mottos is that if a problem took a few years to develop, it is rather important to stress that it will likely take at least a few months to resolve. Consistent herbal care will offer those long-term results, especially if combined with lifestyle changes.

Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Native American Medicine all agree that healthy teeth are many times a matter of inheritance. It is commonly said that strong healthy teeth are a sign of longevity. However, maintenance above all is the key word.

Blessed with healthy teeth or not, all of us need good prevention and maintenance. Don’t forget, the bacteria that cause cavities and dental decay thrive in sugar. Does this means that we should altogether give up sweets because they enhance cavities occurrence? This is one of the myths of medicine. It is not the sweets that cause cavities, but rather forgetting to brush and floss the teeth regularly. Moreover, it is the entire diet that needs to be more balanced and based on natural foods. So, yes, you can eat your healthier choice of chocolate – in moderation, of course – but combine it with daily mindful and natural eating.

Chinese Medicine principles state that teeth are extensions of the bones. Bones along with the Kidney Essence are associated with heredity, or to put it otherwise, the whole health baggage we are born with. Ayurvedic Medicine emphasizes the same concept – the state of health of the teeth and bones mirrors the health of our whole body. People with a Vata constitution seem to have more problems with teeth and bones. Finally, research shows that Native Americans had increased incidence of dental disorders in more sedentary tribes and in people where Western food habits were introduced.

There are literally hundreds of herbs used throughout the world that are beneficial in dental disorders. Chinese herbal prescription combines the wisdom of thousands of years of experience with the latest research and most importantly – with proper diagnosis, based on each individual’s condition. As I have stated in my article Acupuncture in Stomatology – Research, Treatments, and Concepts, long-lasting results are better achieved when herbs are prescribed based on each patient’s condition. However, I am going to acquaint you with a few herbs and foods that are commonly used in different systems of Herbology. Many of them are even used in natural mouthwashes and toothpastes found in most whole food stores.

A Native American formula combines ¼ cup of baking soda, 5 drops of essential oil of myrrh (or ¼ teaspoonful of ground myrrh), 3 drops of essential oil of peppermint (or ¼ teaspoonful of finely ground peppermint leaves) – stored in an airtight container – dip your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth everyday. Great to prevent formation of plaque and refresh your breath[i].
Dandelion and oak bark root tinctures taken orally, as recommended by your health care provider, can be an effective way of dealing with infection in the jawbone and gum diseases[ii].
Make your own gargle – combine echinacea, goldenseal and myrrh tinctures by putting half a dropper each herb in a little warm water and gargle for one minute or more if you have severe conditions[iii].
Did you know that fluoride is naturally found in green and black tea? Fluoride strengthens the bones and teeth and it is commonly added to toothpastes and mouthwashes for healthier teeth[iv].
Avoid soft drinks, as they are high in sugar and phosphorus. The calcium/phosphorus balance is disturbed, which leads to a higher incidence of teeth issues.
Low calcium levels can be related to teeth, jawbone, and periodontal diseases. Read my article titled Our Daily Calcium (Part II) – Triple Strong Calcium Plan to learn how you can achieve a calcium rich diet.

To sum it up, there is really no bigger trick on keeping your teeth healthy than diligent daily hygiene.

Part 3 of this stomatological article series coming soon – Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Solutions. Until then, keep on smiling!

Read Part I – Acupuncture in Stomatology – Research, Treatments, and Concepts.

More at http://elitehealthplex.com

[i] Miczak M. (1999). Nature’s weeds, Native Medicine. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.

[ii] Wood, M. (1997). The Book of Herbal Wisdom. Berkely, CA: North Atlantic Books.

[iii] http://www.evergreenherbgarden.org/articles/teeth.html

[iv] Haas, M.E. (1992). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Berkley, CA: Celestial Arts Publishing.

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Acupuncture in Stomatology – Research, Treatments, and Concepts: by Dr Damiana Corca

Dr Damiana — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:27:48 +0000

“For there was never yet philosopher

That could endure the toothache patiently.”

~William Shakespeare

With my next dental visit drawing near, I “coincidentally” came across the above quote from Shakespeare. Needless to say it immediately occurred to me that my next article should definitely be on teeth – and everything related to them.

A major overview of the disorders involved in stomatology highlighted the need for a holistic approach. We have to be reminded that our teeth, gums, facial muscles, etc. work as a whole within the rest of our body. This being said, many of the disorders such as bleeding gums, excess salivation, excessive cavities, recurrent infections and many others, may have systemic causes and therefore we have to treat the root of the problem rather than pinpoint symptoms.

Some of the therapies effective against dental disorders are Acupuncture, Advanced Manual Techniques, Herbal Therapy, and Homeopathy. This article will only cover Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine concepts. However, I am planning to cover each one of these therapies in future articles.

Scientific Views of the Pain Relieving Effects of Acupuncture

The pain relieving effect of acupuncture is widely recognized and the explanations are various. I have touched upon this aspect in Acupuncture 101, but let’s take these explanations a step further.

The analgesic effect of acupuncture is thought to work by raising the threshold of pain. Specific acupuncture points, commonly known to be effective in pain relief, are used. Such points are selected depending on the source and location of the pain.

As we move towards acupuncture anesthesia, explanations go even deeper. One of the theories that explain how pain is reduced or blocked, even in cases of complex surgeries or dental work is the Gate Control Theory of Pain, a theory promoted by R. Melzack and P.D. Wall in 1965. As the perception of pain is modulated in the Central Nervous System and the normal painful impulses go across these gates, there is a second set of non-painful impulses that are triggered by the needling of acupuncture points. This creates a congestion of the two types of impulses, which leads to the closing of the gates and less pain or no pain results. Other experimental evidence shows that the acupuncture impulses also travel up to the spinal cord and brain through the sympathetic plexuses[i].

The chemical mechanisms open the door to more explanations. Generally, the naturally occurring endorphins seem to play a very important role for the analgesic effect. Serotonin seems to be also activated, along with other over 100 neurotransmitters. Moreover, enkephalin may inhibit pain by “blocking the release of acetycholine and glutamate, thereby reducing the receiving cell’s excitatory input”[ii].

Research Studies – Acupuncture Effectiveness in Dentistry Related Issues

Acupuncture Anesthesia

Acupuncture anesthesia is a system that uses acupuncture points to reduce or eradicate pain during surgery or dental procedures. In China, this type of anesthesia is used in many types of surgeries and is particularly beneficial when a patient is allergic to anesthetics, when there is a liver, kidney or lung condition or the patient is too old to undergo surgery. The patient remains conscious so there is a better control during surgery and the post-operative recovery process is shortened[iii]. In addition, it works better near the midline and above the diaphragm so brain, cranium, dental, neck and chest operations are much more often seen in China. In 1970’s the acupuncture anesthesia was as high as 5% of all surgeries[iv].

A few clinical reports originated in Japan show how acupuncture is used both as anesthetic and analgesic in acute pain[v], while another study from a Chinese Department of Stomatology suggests that acupuncture anesthesia is more efficient in senior patients as their threshold pain line is higher[vi].

Acupuncture point manual stimulation is often combined with electroacupuncture and microsystem acupuncture such as auricular acupuncture.

Microsystem Acupuncture for Pain, Anxiety and Excess Gag Reflex

Auricular acupuncture has won much recognition all over the world and it is used for a wide array of disorders. One of the most common usages in USA is in addiction disorders with a 5-point auricular acupuncture protocol called NADA, which stands for National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. As unbelievable as it might sound, the ear contains some 200 acupuncture points. This should come as no surprise as the ear offers access to many structures of the body. It has a very rich nerve supply from the spinal segments and there is a rich blood supply with sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers running very close to them.

Auricular acupuncture anesthesia, by itself or combined with electroacupunture, is a valuable pain-relieving and sedating tool. Anxiety before dental procedures is not uncommon. A randomized controlled trial conducted by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Hannover Medical School, Germany, concludes that auricular acupuncture and intranasal midazolam had about the same level of efficacy in anxiety before a dental procedure[vii]

As I have mentioned before, greater effects are seen when auricular acupuncture is combined with body points and electroacupuncture.

Excess gag reflex can be so severe that it may impede dental procedures. Auricular acupuncture has been found effective in this respect as well. British researchers have published a study in the British Dental Journal, which shows that the gag reflex can be controlled with selected auricular points[viii].

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

There are numerous clinical studies[ix] that show how acupuncture, either by itself or combined with electroacupuncture, warm needle (moxibustion), magnets and most importantly with advanced manual techniques can promote a healthier temporomadibular joint. Moreover, it can have beneficial effects on the myofascial system and increase the mobility of the whole joint. This is a subject to which I shall dedicate a whole article in the near future, as there is plenty of research, on both acupuncture and advanced manual techniques, showing the many benefits of this common disorder.

Chinese Medicine Concepts in Stomatology

There are numerous Chinese Medicine patterns[x] covering symptoms related to stomatology. For example, bleeding gums is usually related to 3 major patterns – Spleen Deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Excess Fire. If a patient has Spleen Qi deficiency, other symptoms such as bloating, loose stools, easy bruising, and a decreased appetite may be present. If the bleeding is due to a Yin deficiency pattern, then night sweats, dry mouth, or irritability could be experienced. Finally, in Excess fire, extreme hunger and thirst, constipation, etc. may be present along with the bleeding gums. These might be concepts that you are not very familiar with; you may wonder for example, what has Spleen got to do with your teeth or your appetite.

While some of these theories might sound esoteric to you, you have to remember that this entire Chinese Medicine system has proved its efficacy over thousands of years. It has an organized system based on experience and trials over trials. Looking back at the early days of this medicine’s roots, I firmly believe that this system not only proves an excellent paradigm and a high level of thinking but also a good reminder that balance – or homeostasis – will never be an outdated word. I may need to explain more about the Chinese Medicine Organ Systems in one of my next articles. Bur for now, the message I want to convey to you is that Chinese Medicine diagnosing methods based on symptoms, observation, but also on pulse and tongue diagnosis, makes the treatment with Acupuncture (and other Chinese Medicine modalities) an integrative way of treating the whole body while taking care of the many dental disorders.

Gum problems, recurrent infections, excessive cavities, cold sores, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and trigeminal neuralgia, are but a few of the conditions successfully treated with Chinese Medicine. The research provided in this article offers just a glimpse of the wide application of Acupuncture for dental disorders. Consult an Acupuncture Physician to find out if your condition can be helped with Acupuncture.

This is the first of a series of four articles. Soon to come – an integrative approach to advanced manual techniques, herbal therapy, and homeopathic remedies as they apply to stomatology.

Until then, keep on smiling!

More at: http://blog.elitehealthplex.com

Reference:

[i] Jayasuriya, A. (2006). Clinical Acupuncture. India: B. Jain Publishers Ltd. pp 25-33

[ii] Ibidem

[iii] Shanghai College of Traditional Medicine, Translated and Edited by O’Connor J. and Bensky D. (1995). Acupuncture, A Comprehensive Text. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. pp 562.

[iv] Mayor F.D. Electroacupuncture, (2007). A practical Manual and Resource. New York: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone. pp 246

[v] Tagichi, R. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2008 Jun);5(2):153-8.

Acupuncture anesthesia and analgesia for clinical acute pain in Japan. Department of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion II Meiji University of Oriental Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

[vi] Chen W, Wang Y, Wu H, Gu Z. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. Department of Stomatology of Tong Ji Hospital, Tong Ji Medical University.1991;16(1):1-3, 14. Analysing the effects of tooth extraction under acupuncture anesthesia in 825 cases of senior.

[vii] Karst, M., Winterhalter, M. et al. Auricular Acupuncture for Dental Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (Anesth Analg 2007;104:295–300)

[viii] Fiske J, Dickinson C. The role of acupuncture in controlling the gagging reflex using a review of ten cases. British Dental Journal June 9, 2001;190(11):611-613.

http://acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=27879

[ix] Rancan SV, Bataglion C, et al. Ribeirão Preto Dental School, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil. Acupuncture and temporomandibular disorders: a 3-month follow-up EMG study. Altern Complement Med. 2009 Dec;15(12):1307-10.

Wang M, Loo WT, Chou JW. Professor, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China of Stomatology College, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People’s Republic of China. Electromyographic responses from the stimulation of the temporalis muscle through facial acupuncture points. J Chiropr Med. 2007 Dec;6(4):146-52.

[x] Maciocia G. (2004). Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine, A Comprehensive Guide. New York: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone. pp 101

Disclaimer

Depression – Happiness Unveiled: by Dr Damiana Corca

Dr Damiana — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:46:17 +0000

When I started writing articles a while ago I never knew how much of a blessing would be to me. Every article I write comes from my heart, but this one is truly special. It has brought me joy and gratitude, and for that I need to thank all who participated in this interview-article.

The last article I wrote, titled “Depression – Lifting the Cloud with Natural Medicine”, asked for something more. I have decided to interview 8 people of different faiths, cultures and careers. My question to them was: “What makes you happy and what keeps you antidepressant-free?” Let’s get going and explore this wealth of answers!

“Most of us spend our whole lives in veiled search for the only two things we really want. Those are to be loved and happy. We wrap this search into a lifetime of actions, events, things and people. If I could just have a little more free time, I would be happy. If I just had a little more money, I would be happy. If I could get a new car, I would be happy.” These are the first thoughts of Dr. Rodney Dunetz, an Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine practicing in Boca Raton, Florida. He continues by explaining how helping others is at the core of true happiness: “I too, did this dance for much of my life. Then I realized, it was not the getting of my “stuff” that made me happy, it was the no longer wanting the “stuff”. I realized at the end of my life, I was going to give all my stuff back. I didn’t even get to keep my body. I give that back too. The stuff only made me a little happy and for a little while. And when I really looked at my life, I realized what truly made me happy was helping others. I embraced the idea of helping others. I made helping others a priority in my life and found my path to happiness. The more happiness I give, the more happiness I get. May you find your happiness, may you find your path. The truth is they’re one in the same.” He beautifully ends his thoughts by quoting Rabindranath Tagore: ”I slept — and dreamed that life was joy. I woke — and saw that life was but service. I served – and understood that service was joy.”

Dr. Martha Lucas holds a PhD in Psychology; she is a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, teacher, and author, and has a practice in Denver, Colorado. She begins by summarizing all that brings her happiness in one single sentence: “My life is so full and, in part, it is gratitude that makes me happy.” She goes on through every major aspect of her life showing us how every day and every moment can be lived at its fullest: “Wonder - I have beautiful, healthy grandsons who fill my heart with joy and whose wonder about the world is so sweet to watch. There’s a line in one of Neil Young’s song I am a Child that says, “you can’t conceive of the pleasure in my smile”. That is a perfect description of how I feel when I watch the young ones wonder at the world; their smiles are so sweet and innocent. Service/Career - as a Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I see all manner of illness and pain. This often makes me very grateful for my good health and that of my family. Having the ability using this wonderful medicine to help someone who has given up on life is very rewarding. Further, knowing the energetic effects of antidepressants make me want to avoid taking them; for the most part, we can treat emotional distress using acupuncture and herbal prescriptions rather than relying on pharmaceuticals. Nature - I love the outdoors, sunlight, moonlight, the quiet after a deep snowfall … I think that it is important to truly “see” those experiences. Sometimes we take the burst of Spring for granted but it is so rewarding to appreciate all the new growth, sweet smells, warm sun on your skin. Relationships - my children, husband, good friends, and students, all add wealth to my life. Don’t get me wrong; I have stresses and disappointments just like most other people. The bottom line is though that this moment is in a real sense, the only moment. Therefore I do my best to enjoy the moment and put worry aside.”

Dr. Cynthia O’Donnell is the CEO of the East West College of Natural Medicine, Sarasota, Florida, and has been in the Natural Medicine field for 25 years; she is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Acupuncture Physician, she has extensive training in Taoist longevity exercises such as Qi Gong and has had full training as a Classical Homeopath. Cynthia answered the following to my question: “I have been lucky in my life in that I had an incredibly happy childhood, and my disposition has always been positive. I have incorporated classical constitutional homeopathic treatment, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage and herbs and nutrition into my lifestyle as health maintenance therapies and I have exercised regularly my entire life. I also have guided my life with spiritual principles and have been blessed to enter the career of my choice and be successful at it. However, I did once become terribly depressed for a long period of time after having received anesthesia for surgery. For that, I received healing sessions of external qi healing (a hands on healing technique similar to reiki) from a Taoist master and I was cured. After having been depressed for several months, with sluggishness and excessive tiredness, three external qi gong treatments had my friends marveling at the difference.”

Dr. Harsh Luthar, PhD, professor in Providence, Rhode Island, and the founder of HarshaSatsangh based on Ahimsa (the philosophy of nonviolence) and the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, states that “In terms of what happiness means, I am not sure it is a transient stage where some external thing or force can make us happy or unhappy. In Advaita, we use the term the Sahaj state or the natural state of the Self.” He feels that reading his article called “Easy and Natural is the Way” posted on his personal blog site, will describe more of his underlying orientation.

Claire Bangasser from San Juan, Puerto Rico, holds a Masters in Human Resource Development and a Masters in Pastoral Studies, with a focus on Feminist Theology. She is a passionate writer and she is sharing her first contact with depression and antidepressants: “I have friends who have to take anti-anxiety pills for long whiles to help them cope with their daily life. I may never have suffered from a depression because I understand that it is a real illness. On the other hand, when I was a child, I saw my mother taking sleeping pills and tranquilizers to escape a life that she did not like. I saw her groggy and no long remembering where she was. Once, I had to guide her to the bathroom as she was too lost to find it by herself. Having seen what pills did to her, I have never had any desire to follow her path. Strangely enough, it is also my mother who has taught me to look at the small ways Life blesses each of my days: a bird on the window sill, the blueness of the sky, the balminess of the wind. Thus, possibly, the attention I give to the moment helps me enjoy life more than others and prevents me from falling into a funk. Finally, I remember reading psalms of praise when feeling really down some years back. I praised God despite my deep fear of what was to come. This had a way of lifting me up and place me just a little above the fear itself.”

My dear sister, Mariana Corca, B.Sc, nun at the Valeni Monastery, Romania, for over 10 years, is sharing her view by quoting the devout Paisie of Mount Athos, “Psychiatric clinics would be empty if Christians would confess sincerely, humbly and reverently to an experienced confessor, who may even be a little harsh. No one would then experience anxiety, troubles and great temptation, as you should know they all arise from selfishness, disobedience and bad thoughts…” She continues by showing her gratitude for the simple joys of life, “I praise God for the world he created, for the snowdrops and violets already into bloom these first days of March, and for the snowflakes which seem to have forgotten winter is gone and are joyfully dancing in the air.”

Iuliana Olteanu from Brasov, Romania, B.A. and Certified Translator in 3 languages, is my cousin and best female friend. Iuliana truly lets love shine through her words. “When it comes to happiness, I have come to realize that we pursue it so eagerly in the wrong places, being blissfully unaware that in trying to cope with our daily routine, we have become blind to wonderful things right under our nose. As soon as things do not turn out as we wish, we tend to jump to conclusions, dramatize things and whine about being unhappy, and even envy others who SEEM to have a happier lot. Experience has taught me that situations having a quite black picture often result in the happiest outcome. I am truly blessed and thankful to have learned lately the most wonderful lesson, which is seeing life again through the innocent eyes of a child. Since my own eyes have started to betray me, I will from now on rely more on the apple of my eye, Sara-Marie.”

Finally, Dr. Catalin Buiu, PhD and professor in Bucharest, Romania, has practiced Integral Yoga since 1992. Here is his answer to my question: “there are a lot of reasons for me to be happy, and none to be unhappy. I’d even go so far as to say that the mere fact that I can answer this quite inspired question and share a bit of my innermost feelings makes me happy. As I was thinking about all these reasons, I’ve come to realize that behind them there must be an ultimate reason. It has to do with the fact that I am intuitively aware and many times I happen to directly feel the divine presence inside my being, that eternal spark bestowed upon me by God the Father, the individual Supreme Self. It is to me an inexhaustible source of beauty, harmony, hope and love. How could I ever be unhappy or unsure of my spiritual destiny and myself now that I feel I am Everything?”

The truth is, WE ALL HAVE A CHOICE. This being said, I have nothing more to add and I’d better leave you to meditate upon all these thoughts! Maybe you too would care to share your experience with the quest for happiness?

Click on each person’s name to learn more about them and read part I of this article “Depression – Lifting the Cloud with Natural Medicine”.

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