Introduction:

Coining or Gua sha is a technique used in traditional East Asian medicine. It is often used to treat muscle pain and tension, but there has been limited study into how well it works. Gua sha aims to move energy, known as qi or chi, around the body. The treatment involves using a tool to rub the skin in long strokes, applying enough pressure to create minor bruising.

In Gua sha a tool is used to apply pressure and scrape the skin to relieve pain and tension. This action causes light bruising, which often appears as purple or red spots known as petechiae or sha.

Uses:

Gua sha is most often used to relieve muscle and joint pain. Conditions of the muscles and bones are known as musculoskeletal disorders. Some examples of these include back pain, tendon strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Practitioners claim that gua sha can also benefit the immune system and modify the adverse inflammatory reactions in the body. . Sometimes, gua sha is used to treat a cold, fevers, or problems with the lungs.

Benefits:

• women near menopause with perimenopausal symptoms
• people with neck and shoulder pain from computer use
• male weightlifters, to help with recovery after training
• older adults with back pain

Side effects:

Gua sha is not suitable for everybody. People who should not have gua sha include those:

• who have medical conditions affecting the skin or veins
• who bleed easily
• who take medication to thin their blood
• who have deep vein thrombosis
• who have an infection, tumors, or wound that has not healed fully
• who have an implant, such as a pacemaker or internal defibrillator

Is Gua sha painful?

Treatment is not supposed to be painful, but gua sha deliberately causes bruising, which may cause discomfort for some people. These bruises should heal within a few days.

Conclusion:

Gua sha is used to treat a range of illnesses and disorders, but research has only been carried out on a small number of specific medical conditions. More evidence is needed to confirm whether gua sha is an effective treatment. Gua sha is unlikely to have any serious side effects, but it can be painful for some people. A person who plans to have gua sha should make sure that they go to an experienced practitioner.

After the devastating second wave that hit us, I am often asked this question by many of my friends, relatives and patients. Will there be a third wave? As the number of cases has significantly reduced, I am sure we all are wondering whether we are at the fag end of the Covid pandemic or still we are going to be attacked by one more tsunami of this dreaded disease.

If we go by the experience of second wave of COVID in India as it occurred in March to June 2021, I can surely say that if third wave has to come will not come on its own but we, the people of India, will generate it and make it bigger & deadlier by our incorrect behavior.

International scientific community has beyond doubt accepted that the best solution to control the pandemic is to follow ‘COVID APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR’. Vaccination is only next best to it. People even after full vaccination, have suffered from Covid if they continue to meet people without maintaining proper distance especially in closed places, attend parties without wearing masks, eat or drink together etc.

If we want our children to soon attend schools, colleges, the adults in our society must behave more & more responsibly. If anyone has any of the following symptoms like cough, cold, sore throat, body pain, nausea, loose motions, fever, loss of smell or taste, he or she must isolate oneself immediately and not attend offices etc. at least for one week. To avoid stepping out of house, one should get treated by a doctor through tele-consultation. If due to space constraints home isolation is not possible one should get admitted to COVID CARE CENTER. Do not wait for covid RT PCR report to come positive, to consider you as a possible threat to others as this report can come falsely negative in about 30 to 40 percent cases.

Wearing mask properly covering nose & mouth all the time when we are moving in community is the most useful intervention proven till now. If you find difficult to wear mask for long time do breathing practices like Pranayam at home. This definitely improves your tolerance to wear mask.

Covid vaccination is very safe and its side effects are only temporary. There is no need to be worried even if you are suffering from any disease or taking any medicines. So please take it as soon as possible.

Discipline, however troublesome it may sound, is the only way to success. Without community participation and self motivation, no government can win this battle against COVID. So we all citizens of India must make a pledge to avoid arranging & attending not so necessary gatherings like marriage parties, birthday functions, funeral processions etc. for at next 6 months to come.

Scientific research is endorsing benefit of a medicine called Ivermectin (a well established deworming drug) for treatment and prevention of covid. Large scale community dosing with such a medicine should be seriously considered as a ‘surgical attack’ on COVID. People on individual basis also can take it under the guidance of their doctors.

UNITED WE STAND…. JAI HIND.

Dr. Pushkar A. Shikarkhane

MD, DNB (Med)

Consulting Physician

Dr. Pushkar. A. Shikarkhane is a genius who wears many hats. He is a brilliant Internal Medicine specialist, who visits a number of leading hospitals in the city of Mumbai. He has been a front-line warrior in the Covid fight.

Introduction:

Chakra Balancing is a form of energy healing that focuses on channeling energy into the seven chakras. When we talk about treating chakras we are referring to treating your energetic body. The body is not only made up of the physical body, we have an energy that extends beyond our physical wellbeing.

The seven Chakras and problems that manifest if they are imbalanced:

1. Root Chakra –This Chakra is located at the base and it sits on your spine or tailbone. Physical imbalances become evident as problems in the legs, rectum, tailbone, immune system, male reproductive parts and prostate gland.   Emotional imbalances manifest themselves as feelings affecting the basic survival needs; money, shelter, food and the ability to provide life’s necessities.

2. Sacral Chakra–  It is located two inches below the navel
Physical imbalances manifest themselves as sexual and reproductive issues, urinary problems, kidney infections, hip pelvic and lower back pain.  Emotional imbalances manifest themselves as fear of commitment to relationships, expressing emotions, fears of impotence, betrayal and addictions.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra – It is located about three inches above the navel
Physical imbalances manifest themselves as digestive problems, liver dysfunction, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcers and colon issues.
Emotional imbalances manifest themselves as issues of personal power and self-esteem.

4. Heart Chakra – Located in the center of the chest at the level of the heart
Physical imbalances manifest themselves as asthma, heart disease, lung disease, issues with breasts, lymphatic systems and upper back and shoulder problems.
Emotional imbalances manifest themselves as jealousy, abandonment, anger, bitterness and fear of loneliness.

5. Throat Chakra –it is located at the throatPhysical imbalances manifest themselves as thyroid issues, sore throats, laryngitis, ear infections, neck and shoulder pain. Emotional imbalances manifest themselves as fear of communication, will-power and being out of control.

6. Third Eye Chakra – It is located in the middle of the eyebrowsPhysical imbalances manifest themselves as headaches, blurred vision, sinus issues, seizures, hearing loss and hormonal imbalance. Emotional imbalances manifest themselves as moodiness, volatility and self-reflection.

7. Crown Chakra – It is located at the top of the head
Physical imbalances manifest themselves as depression, inability to learn, sensitivity to light, sound and the environment.
Emotional imbalances manifest themselves as confusion, prejudice and self-doubt.

These chakras bring in and give out energy which flows in our day to day lives. Each chakra relates to a different part of our life and being. If the Chakras get blocked the energy can stop flowing freely and they can become imbalanced. These blockages can manifest in many ways. For example, the throat chakra is strongly linked to communication, if you are in a relationship where you are not able to say how you truly feel you may lose your voice physically.

Aims of Chakra balancing:

The treatment aims to identify any possible blockages in the guest using crystals, essential oil blends, massage and energetic techniques. The aim is to release any chakra blockages and promote a free flow of energy to restore balance and a sense of wellbeing. By balancing your Chakras you may be able to:

1. Stay calm within your everyday life
2. See challenges for what they are, and not be as affected by them.
3. Overcome past life experiences which could have left their mark on you.
4. Help others without their troubles affecting you.
5. Develop confidence, energy, freedom and contentment to feel good about yourself and life every day

Conclusion:

Chakra healing is an exceptional way to balance your chakras and find balance within your body and mind.

• Enhanced overall health and well being.
• Greater and faster ability to heal your mental, physical, spiritual and emotional issues.
• Increased sincerity, memory, concentration and awareness.
• Positive outlook in terms of understanding, perception of behaviors and thought process.
• Heightened creativity and better originality because of better perception.
• Sense of self-worth, self-esteem and self- confidence.
• Improved and deeper sleep, better control over your emotions and improved patience.

Introduction:

Cupping therapy is a very old form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including helping with pain, inflammation, to increase blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.

Cupping is also called as Hijama in Arabic, is an ancient, holistic method for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Though the exact origin of cupping therapy is a matter of debate, its use has been acknowledged in early Egyptian and Chinese medical practices. Diverse human civilizations have contributed to the historical development and continuation of cupping therapy.

Types of cupping:

There are different methods of cupping, including:

• Dry
• Wet.

The method:

During both types of cupping, your therapist will put a flammable substance such as alcohol, herbs, or paper in a cup and set it on fire. As the fire goes out, they put the cup upside down on your skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes your skin to rise and redden as your blood vessels expand. The cup is generally left in place for up to 3 minutes.

A more modern version of cupping uses a rubber pump instead of fire to create the vacuum inside the cup. Sometimes therapists use silicone cups, which they can move from place to place on your skin for a massage-like effect.

Wet cupping is a variation of the procedure where prior to the cup being placed, your skin is punctured and blood is drawn out in the suction process.

Wet cupping creates a mild suction by leaving a cup in place for about 3 minutes. The therapist then removes the cup and uses a small scalpel to make light, tiny cuts on your skin. Next, they do a second suction to draw out a small quantity of blood…

Cupping is useful in many diseases:

• Herpes Zoster
• Acne
• Facial paralysis
• Cervical spondylosis
• Blood disorders such as anemia
• Rheumatic diseases, arthritis and fibromyalgia
• Fertility and  gynecological disorders
• Skin problems, such as eczema and acne.
• High Blood pressure
• Migraines
• Anxiety and depression
• Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma
• Varicose veins

Side Effects

Cupping is fairly safe, as long as you go to a trained health professional. But you could have these side effects in the area where the cups touch your skin:

• Mild discomfort
• Burns
• Bruises
• Skin infection

Conclusion:

It is an interesting mode of therapy but it is always better to talk with your doctor before you start cupping or any other type of alternative or complementary medicine. It is also better to talk extensively with your cupping therapist, too, before you try it.

Introduction:

Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian method of stress reduction, conflict resolution and energy clearing from people and places. Ho’oponopono provides a profound method of healing that promotes the Universal Law of the Interconnection of Life. It is a powerful method that can meet the stressful challenges of our times.

Effectively, it means to make it right with the ancestors, or your family, friends or anyone or anything with whom or which you have a relationship. This can include the animal, vegetable or mineral kingdoms and indeed our planet. Originally Ho’oponopono was used to correct the wrongs that had occurred.

Dr. Hew Len:

Dr. Hew Len demonstrated the healing technique from 1984 till 1987 he worked as a staff psychologist for Hawaii State Hospital overseeing high security unit housing male criminally insane patients.

You are 100% responsible for everything. Everything and everywhere! And it means not only your personal screw-ups and your personal successes. If means if someone somewhere did something and you became aware of that – you are 100% responsible for that…

The Ho’oponopono Process:

Apparently Ho’oponopono process is very simple. Actual Ho’oponopono cleaning process consists of repetitions of the following phrases:
• I Love You
• Please forgive me
• I am sorry
• Thank you
these phrases repeated will ignite the self-transformation process for the practitioner. This is exactly what Dr. Hew Len did to invite divine transformation powers for his surrounding during his work at Hawaiian mental hospital.

Benefits of practicing Ho’oponopono:

1. Practicing this ritual allows you to let go of negative emotions particularly anger and resentment.
2. It is a great way to improve our relationships. Or let go of situations, past issues and ‘wrongs’.
3. By letting go of these negative emotions that only cause us pain we can truly heal and be happy.

Conclusion:

The Hawaiian word ho’oponopono comes from ho’o (“to make”) and pono (“right”). The repetition of the word pono means “doubly right” or being right with both self and others. In a nutshell, ho’oponopono is a process by which we can forgive others to whom we are connected.