The Karma theory is not merely about re-incarnation. It includes the whole gamut of situations and relationships that we encounter in this birth.  Many westerners believe that the ‘Karma theory’ has made us Indians fatalistic and materially backward.  While, this may be partly true, the ‘Karma theory’ has held Indian society together over the years.

In recent times we have forgotten the real meaning of this theory and that is why our health has deteriorated to its current levels.  Our statistics of Cancers, Coronary artery disease and Dyslipidemias are worse than the Western standards, ever since we became urbanized and industrialized. 

Very simplistically put, according to the ‘Karma theory’, when we die in our last birth, we are shown a review of our actions in that life and we are actually made to experience the pain that our actions caused to others.  UNABLE TO FORGIVE OURSELVES FOR WHAT WE HAVE DONE TO OTHERS, AND UNABLE TO FORGIVE OTHERS FOR WHAT THEY DID TO US IN OUR LAST BIRTH, it is we who tell God to give us another birth where we can atone for our wrong actions and take revenge on those who have hurt us.

So, in the truest sense, God is not the cause of our current state of misery in this life.   Our current life is AN AGREEMENT WITH GOD, MADE BY GOD AND US DOES NOT HAVE ANY PART IN OUR CHOICE.  When we are born again, we have no memory of our past life action. That is taken away from us.  It is only a few yogis who know there past lives and that of the others.

This theory is not something that we can dismiss as nonsense or irrelevant.  It helps us have a correct understanding of why we suffer and why certain relationships are doomed in failure. This theory makes us feel contented and we will not exult when things go right or experience depression when things go wrong.

A proper understanding of this theory can also serve as a medical tool to combat the increasing numbers of ‘STRESS RELATED DISEASES’.

Introduction:

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, a pea sized structure that is located in the center of the brain.  At night Melatonin is produced to help our bodies regulate the sleep-wake cycles.  The amount of Melatonin produced by our bodies seems to lessen, as we get older.  Scientists believe that this may be why old people have problems of falling asleep.

The uses of Melatonin:

• It is useful to hasten sleep and combat jet lag, without having the side effects of conventional sleeping pills.
• It strengthens the Immune system.
• It delays degenerative changes in the body.
• It has an anti-oxidant effect, which is useful to prevent strokes, coronary artery disease and cancer.
• It is useful to combat fatigue.
• It is said to prevent aging.
• It is said to enhance the testosterone levels in males, thus making them more sexually active in their later years.

Side effects of Melatonin:

• Some persons complain of nightmares.
• Headaches.
• Morning grogginess.
• Mild depression.
• Low sex drive.

Who should avoid it?

• It should not be given to pregnant or lactating mothers, as it might affect the fetus.
• It should not be given to people with severe allergies.
• It should not be used in patients with Auto- immune diseases or with Leukemia.
• It should not be administered to children.

Dosage of Melatonin:

The dosage varies enormously from person to person and successful results have been obtained with doses ranging from 1 mg to 200 mg. It is best that this drug be started in a low dosage and then worked up to larger doses to get the optimal effects.

It should be taken only at nighttime, usually about 30 minutes prior going to bed.  If a person sleeps at night, then Melatonin should not be taken during the day and vice versa – because Melatonin plays a role in setting the body’s daily clock.

Is Melatonin safe?

Melatonin is one of the least toxic substances known. People have taken as much as 6 grams (600 to 3000 times the normal dose) and carefully monitored studies have shown no sign of toxicity. The only consistent side effect has been drowsiness and a slower reaction time. In the most extensive clinical trial 75 mgs of Melatonin per day was given to 1400 women in the Netherlands for up to four years and no untoward side effects were noted. In the US, FDA reports indicate that there have been no alarming side effects, despite the fact that this medication is available as an ‘over the counter remedy’.

Conclusion:

In India, flight crews are conversant with this drug and use it regularly to combat jet lag. Some of the claims that Melatonin retards the aging process have been debunked.  But, it would good if it would be made available over the counter remedy in India, as it could be safer than commonly used medications, such as Calmpose or Valium.

Introduction:

Eye irritations are a common problem. Some common causes are due to:

• Airborne irritants such as chemicals, smoke, smog, animal dander, and pollen
• Contact lens wear
• Excessive rubbing of eyes
• Inflammation caused by allergens or infections
• Too much sun exposure
• Dry eyes or inadequate lubrication of eye surface
• Viral infections such as the common cold

Common Home remedies for eye irritation:

Honey and milk:

Make an eyewash with warm milk and honey. Honey is known to have many amazing anti septic properties. Take equal parts of honey and lukewarm milk and mix them together and with a dropper she used to instill 2 to 3 drops of this mixture three times the day in each eye and this will often work wonders.

Castor oil:

Pure castor oil is very useful for eye irritations. Administer one drop of castor oil in each eye, thrice a day and that used to magically reduce the swelling and redness.

Cucumber slices:

Cut two slices cucumber and place it in cold ice for a few minutes. Then place the cool cucumber over the closed eyes and it is soothing and reduces the soreness in the eyes.

Rosewater:

When the eyes are irritated you can  rinse your eyes with rose water and it is very soothing for irritated eyes. Even instilling 3 to 4 drops of rose water are useful.

Aloe Vera:

 One of the most proven home remedy in recent times is Aloe Vera.

Aloe vera is readily available in different forms at drug stores and natural food stores and is fairly inexpensive. This natural remedy has proven antibacterial, anti fungal and antiviral properties..Aloe Vera eye drops also contains Aloe to soothe inflammation. Aloe is gentle enough to be used in and around the eye.

Conclusion:

A word of caution: Not all red eyes are conjunctivitis. If red eyes or eye irritation persist after three day use of home remedies, please contact your eye specialist.

Introduction;

Medical Qigong is an ancient form of Chinese energetic medicine; it is one of the four main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), along with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and medical massage.

The Principle – how Qigong acts:

It is believed that disruptions in the electromagnetic energy of the body happen throughout our lifetime as a result of poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, injuries, surgery, suppression of emotions, and aging. The goal of qigong is to correct these bio-energetic imbalances and blockages. This enables the body to strengthen and regulate the internal organs, the nervous system and the immune system, relieve pain, regulate hormones, and strengthen and release deep-seated emotions and stress. What the Qigong practitioner does is he regulates the patient’s Qi energy and brings the patient back to health.

Medical qigong therapy consists of treatment by a practitioner to regulate the client’s qi. After the treatment the client will be given qigong prescriptions to assist in their ongoing healing. Tailored specifically to the client’s medical qigong exercises use physical movement, breathing methods and mental intention to correct and restore the function in the body.   Like any other system of health care, qigong is not a cure-all but a highly effective health care practice. Qigong as an important form of complementary and alternative medicine.

Common reasons for referring someone to Qigong instruction or therapy:

• Management of chronic illness
• Wellness promotion/preventative medicine
• Stress management
• Inability of Western medicine to clearly diagnose an illness or condition i.e. strange or bizarre symptoms that don’t conform to any known Western pattern of disease.
• Patient requests for holistic or natural treatment options
• Unacceptable risk (to patient or physician) of proposed medical interventions
• Terminal illness: palliative or therapeutic stages

Some diseases that Qigong treats:

Hypertension: benefits include improved blood pressure control. decreased medication use, decreased mortality by offsetting of the progression of cardiovascular lesions and retinopathy .

Asthma: disorders which are affected by emotional components or stress are very amenable to Qigong.

Allergies: Studies show Qigong can affect the immune system and stabilize the effects of stress and emotions.

Stress and stress-related disorders:  Vague. Fatigue, tension headaches, poor concentration, difficulty sleeping, problems with appetite, vague aches and pains are amenable to Qigong therapy.  

Cancer: Many studies have been presented at scientific meetings about the beneficial effects of Qigong on cancer cells and tumors.

AIDS: It can ameliorate the effects of AIDS especially in the last stages.

Gastro-intestinal: Irritable bowel, peptic ulcer disease, poor appetite, constipation, hemorrhoids, etc are successfully treated with Qigong.

Chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia: These syndromes can be frustrating to treat with Western medicine. Qigong can help these patients rebuild their stores of Qi and balance their energy circulation.

Diabetes: There is evidence that Qigong can alter hormonal levels in the body. Specific Qigong techniques exist for diabetes mellitus.

Arthritis: Qigong appears to benefit rheumatoid as well as osteoarthritis. The exercises are gentle and generally easy to learn.

Musculoskeletal pains and sports injuries: Acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries. Best used under the guidance of a trained Qigong practitioner to avoid further injury.

Low energy states: If Western medical investigations reveal no clear cause for fatigue or low energy states, it is likely due to Qi deficiency.

Conclusion:

Qigong therapy is a great alternate medicine tool for many vexing problems that the Western orthodox medicine cannot solve.