Kriyás- Bridging the body and mind

Balancing the Breath

It is well-known that removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the surroundings of a cell reduces Tamas or lethargy and makes it function vigorously. Kriyás accomplish this act of invigoration or activisation of cells, as we have seen before. But Pránáyáma has totally opposite effect as far as the respiratory physiology is concerned. The concentration of CO2 increases in the blood in Pránáyáma. Then, is it not dangerous? Will not the cells start getting lethargic and dull? What are the advantages of slowing down of the breath?

Since we systematically and gradually train the system for slow breathing through Pránáyáma, there will be no danger. ‘Not with great will or force’, Na Hathát Na Balát, is the injunction in Yoga which avoids all dangers, ‘Slow and steady’ - is the mandate.

The untrained cells certainly get dull with increased CO2 content around them. However, when they are trained by consciously handling the respiratory impulses reaching the respiratory centre in the brain, the cells work effectively with lesser O2 demands. This is what we term as `increasing efficiency of the cells,’ The dormant potentiality of the cells will start manifesting.

The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the rate at which we spend energy for carrying out basic body functions. The breathing rate is almost directly proportional to BMR. (It is well-known that good sleep will reduce the BMR by about 9% in about 5 hours. Corresponding reduction of Breathing Rate (BR) is also noticed). The amount of reduction in BMR is a measure of the rest of the systems. Slowing down the breath, therefore, provides very deep rest to the body-mind complex.

The science of ‘Working in relaxation’, and ‘Attention without tension’ is imminent in Pránáyáma. We learn to work without getting tensed up, with no overtones, hypersensitivity and overreactions. With lesser energy expenditure, we accomplish the job or, as they say, ‘more mileage to a litre of petrol’. How does this happen in automobiles? By reduction in friction losses, more effective combustion of the fuel, etc.
The Royal Enfield (Bullet) motorcycle used to give about 16-20 km/litre of petrol. With the hike in prices of petrol and with newer, lighter, trouble-free 2 wheelers flooding the market in 1985-86, the sales of ‘Bullet’ came down drastically. Even the rich who used to buy ‘Bullet’ for its majestic ride said ‘why not’ ‘Hero Honda’ or ‘Yamaha’ which provided a royal finish. Soon the research wing of ‘Royal Enfield’ had a brain-storm session and improvised its carburator, jets, etc. to increase the mileage to 30-35 kms/litre! That is efficiency. For the same input–increase the output!

And that is what Pránáyáma does to us. It enhances the efficiency. Thus, we conserve the energies.

An average adult takes about 3000 calories of food. Nearly 1500-2000 calories are spent for the basic functions, if the adult is fast, sensitive and often over-reactive. By performing Pránáyáma, he needs only 500-1000 calories for the basic maintenance. He has a lot more energy to perform his other actions. That is why normal person feels energised and enthusiastic throughout the day by performing Pránáyáma for about 30 mts in the mornings.

Russian massage

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by David Helwig

Definition

Russian massage is a system of therapeutic and sports massage developed in the former Soviet Union. It uses a variety of manipulations of the body's soft tissues to achieve benefits, including stress reduction and relief from muscle aches.

Origins
Many cultures around the world developed forms of massage therapy , including the ancient peoples of China, India, and Greece. One early advocate was Hippocrates, the Greek physician widely considered to be the father of medicine. Per Henrik Ling, a nineteenth-century Swedish physician who employed vigorous massage to stimulate circulation of the blood and lymph, is usually considered the founder of modern European massage. Massage was not studied or used scientifically in Russia until 1860. Treatment methods were developed further after World War II when pharmaceuticals were in short supply. The Soviet Union employed physiatrists--medical doctors with Ph.D. degrees in physical therapy--to research the benefits of using natural healing modalities. They developed a form of petrissage to reverse atrophy in muscles and help stimulate new growth. Russian physiologists found all movements of massage function on the basis of neurohormone and neuroendocrine reflexes. Unlike other massage therapies, Russian massage is based on the physiology of a dysfunction rather than on anatomy as the principal guideline for treatment.

Benefits
Practitioners say that Russian massage is useful for a wide range of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, gynecological, internal disorders, and in post-surgical situations. In Russia, massage therapists are regarded as medical professionals. The massage therapy department is often the largest in Russian hospitals and clinics because it is crucial to rehabilitation. Patients describe it as "waking up" both body and mind. It has been used to increase circulation of blood and lymphatic flow, to stimulate production of endorphins, control physical and mental stress, and to increase range of movement. Ailments said to benefit from massage therapy include asthma, insomnia, arthritis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome , hip sprains and strains, rotator cuff injuries, myofascial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, headache, spastic colon, colic, constipation, and immune function disorders. Because of its gentle, non-invasive nature, Russian massage is considered especially suitable for seniors.


Description
Russian massage is considered less invasive and more relaxing than many other forms of massage therapy. It uses four principal techniques:

petrissage, a stretching or kneading motion
effleurage, a gliding, relaxing stroke
friction, a rubbing action
vibration, a continuous-motion stroke ranging from very fast to very slow

Treatments may be as short as 15 minutes or as long as almost one hour. They may be repeated daily or every other day, but may also be interrupted after a dozen or so treatments to ensure that patient does not become dependant on massage.

Precautions
Like other types of massage therapy, Russian massage involves intimate personal contact. To lessen the possibility of unprofessional conduct, it is important to ensure that practitioners belong to a known regulatory body.

Massage should not be used on burns, in cases of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots ), infectious diseases, or in other situations in which it is clearly inappropriate. In cancer patients, there is no evidence that massage causes the disease to spread. However, it is nonetheless advisable to avoid direct pressure at tumor sites. There is controversy over the advisability of massage following a heart attack . Some studies have suggested that the heart is not unduly strained by gentle massage, but this issue should be discussed with a physician. Massage is also not recommended in cases of phlebitis.

Side effectsAdverse effects from massage therapy are quite rare, and are usually related to unusually vigorous methods or used when contraindicated.

Research & general acceptance

The usefulness of Russian and other forms of massage therapy is acknowledged by most medical professionals, some of whom have undertaken massage training themselves. One 1995 study found that 54% of family practitioners and primary-care doctors in the United States were prepared to recommend therapeutic massage to their patients, and 34% would refer patients to a massage therapist. Many health insurance plans now cover prescribed massage therapy.

Training & certification

In Russia, massage therapists are highly trained health professionals who start with a college degree in nursing or some related discipline such as physiotherapy, then undertake months of specialized training. In the United States, massage therapists are regulated in at least 29 states. There are numerous regulatory bodies, including the American Massage Therapy Association, which recommends a minimum 500 hours of classroom instruction. The U.S. National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork administers a national certification examination. In the United Kingdom, there are also a number of regulatory organizations, of which some are members of the British Complementary Medicine Association, that conducts regular membership reviews. The International Therapy Examinations Council conducts examinations for would-be massage therapists.

A pill 'to curb smoking damage' soon

13 Jan 2009, 1605 hrs IST, PTI

WASHINGTON: Finding it hard to quit fags? Fret not, for researchers are close to developing a pill which they claim could mitigate some of the
negative health effects of smoking.

According to a report in the 'New Scientist', a team at Boston University School of Medicine has already identified 28 molecules known as microRNAs, that are produced in abnormal amounts in cells lining the airways of smokers.

And, if the levels of these molecules could be restored to that of non-smokers it might allow chronic smokers to improve their health prospects as well as enable people to puff without any significant damage to their health.

"These micro-RNAs serve to regulate the gene expression changes occurring in people who smoke and who get smoking rel- ated diseases, including cancer," lead researcher Avrum Spira was quoted as saying.

In fact, in their study involving ten smokers and ten non-smokers, the researchers have found one of the microRNAs, called mir-218, controls a group of genes that usually protect lung and airway cells from oxidative damage caused by smoke.

"We think the level of activity of mir-218 is crucial in how a smoker defends his or herself against any injury and potential development of lung disease," Spira said.

And, giving supplements of mir-218 to smokers, or developing a drug that restores levels of disrupted micro-RNAs to normal could help mitigate some of the damaging effects of smoking, the researchers believe.

"We might be able to alter the host's response to tobacco smoke so that it is a protective one," Spira said.

The findings of the study have been published in the latest edition of the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Science' journal.

Facts and Myths about Cosmetics Products

Run an eye through the matrimonial column of a newspaper and the words (or rather demand) 'wanted fair complexion?' scream at you. What is this fixation with fairness?
According to a research by a leading cosmetic company, a major part of the Indian population buys these fairness products.

Taking on the men
Manufacturers have taken to building brand names and a niche market for men. Their argument? The metro-sexual male in India and elsewhere (read Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Korea, Japan, Middle Eastern and other south Asian countries) deserve it!

Reality check!
In a bid to get fair, beautiful skin in a jiffy, you tend to ignore some vital facts.

Since the skin pigmenting agent, Melanin, is determined at birth (genes) for all humans, fairness creams cannot possibly raise it or add to it using unnatural means. At best, the so-called fairness creams help users maintain a sort of 'status quo' since they contain sunscreen protection that prevents further skin darkening.

Most fairness creams contain chemicals like hydroquinone, which has a strong bleaching effect. Some contain high levels of mercury that are above the US FDA prescribed contents. These cause skin irritation while ingredients such as koiic acid (a Vitamin C derivative) and retinoic acid (Vitamin A derivative) increase intolerance to sun sensitivity and result in mild to severe skin rashes for certain users.

Vanity, no apologies
The next time you want to buy a fairness cream, pick a quality product containing natural plant extracts that have mild whitening agents (e.g. blackberry, sandalwood, mulberry, saffron, etc.).

Ensure that it adheres to FDA standards for inclusion of skin lightening agents. Conduct a 'patch test' on a small portion of your skin so you know it's gentle on your skin and easy on your mind.

Restrained eating helps fend off weight

4 Jan 2009, 2109 hrs IST, ANI

WASHINGTON: Trying to eat less can be beneficial to stave off middle-age weight gain in women, according to a new study.

Researchers have found that those women who did not practice more restraint on their eating, over the time, had more than twice the risk of substantial weight gain.
"Some suggest that restrained eating is not a good practice," said Brigham Young University professor Larry Tucker, the study's lead author.
In the study involving 192 middle-aged women, the researchers have found that women who did not become more restrained with eating were 138 percent more likely to put on 6.6 pounds or more.

Columbia University researcher Lance Davidson, who was not involved with the analysis, said the findings highlight an important principle of weight management.
"Because the body's energy requirements progressively decline with age, energy intake must mirror that decrease or weight gain occurs," he said.
"Dr. Tucker's observation that women who practice eating restraint avoid the significant weight gain commonly observed in middle age is an important health message," he added.

"Weight gain and obesity bring a greater risk of diabetes and a number of other chronic diseases. Eating properly is a skill that needs to be practiced," said Tucker.

Golf could make you deaf

4 Jan 2009, 1632 hrs IST, ANI

LONDON: Playing golf can make you deaf, say doctors, who warned that golfers using latest generation of titanium drivers should wear earplugs to protect them from noise.
Those at risk are the players who use a new generation of thin-faced titanium drivers to propel the ball further and make the game easier, the scientists said.
According to ear specialists who studied the case, the booming noise the metal club head makes when it strikes the ball was found to have reduced the hearing of a 55-year-old golfer.
The study has been published in the latest edition of the British Medical Journal. In the study, tests of six titanium clubs against six thicker-faced stainless steel models revealed that the former all produced greater sound levels.
The authors say: "Our results show that thin-faced titanium drivers may produce sufficient sound to induce temporary or even permanent cochlear damage in susceptible individuals."
Andrew Coltart, one of Scotland's leading professional golfers, said: "If you are wearing earplugs you might not hear the shouts of 'fore', be hit by a ball on the head and get brain damage."
The doctors, based at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, decided to conduct the tests after a 55-year-old golfer attended their clinic with unexplained tinnitus and reduced hearing in his right ear.

Organized people 'live longer'

5 Jan 2009, 1346 hrs IST, PTI

LONDON: Their behavior might sometimes appear boring but organized people live longer. An international team has carried out the study and found
people who are ambitious, organized and conscientious live longer than those who are impulsive.

According to researchers, the study has suggested that psychological traits can be as important in predicting health as medical and social factors, and conscientious people can live up to four years longer. Moreover, highly conscientious people are less likely to smoke or drink alcohol to excess, and live more stable and less stressful lives, it found.

"Not only do conscientious individuals have better health habits and less risk-taking, but they also (have) more stable jobs and marriages and may even have a biological predisposition toward good health," said lead researcher Professor Howard Friedman. To reach the conclusion, the researchers looked at the three facets of conscientiousness: Self-control, organization and industriousness in the study, involving 8,900 participants from the US, Canada, Japan, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

They found the second two were most closely linked to longevity. Other traits included thoroughness, reliability, deliberation, competence and dutifulness.
There is some evidence that people can become more conscientious, especially as they enter stable jobs or good marriages. We think our findings can challenge people to think about their lives and what may result from actions they do.

"Even though conscientiousness cannot be changed in the short term, improvements can emerge over the long run as individuals enter responsible relationships, careers and associations," co-researcher Margaret Kern said.