Musings

Melatonin is a chemical that makes us feel tired while sending a signal to our brain informing us that it is dark outside and it’s time to get your Zzzzs. If you are not receiving these signals for any reason, this can disrupt your sleep wake cycle, leading to sleep difficulties.

At least 40 million Americans each year suffer from chronic, long term sleep disorders, and an additional 20 million experience occasional sleeping problems.

The most common sleep difficulties include:

• Insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep when you first go to bed at night, waking up too early in the morning, and waking up often during the night. Insomnia can result from stress, jet lag and an unhealthy diet.
• Sleep Apnea is a disorder of interrupted breathing during sleep. Sleep Apnea is associated with loud snoring. The person asleep struggles to breathe causing a drop in a person’s oxygen level. The person is awakened enough to open the collapsed windpipe to breathe and then resumes snoring. This cycle may be repeated hundreds of times during the night.
• Restless legs Syndrome is a disorder that causes unpleasant crawling, prickling, or tingling sensations in the legs and feet and an urge to move them for relief. This causes repetitive jerking movement of the limbs every 20 to 40 seconds causing repeated awakening and severely fragmented sleep.
• Narcolepsy causes people to have frequent "sleep attacks" at various times of the day, even if they have had a normal amount of night time sleep. These attacks last from several seconds to more than 30 minutes. Narcolepsy is linked to brain damage from a head injury or neurological disease.
• Involuntary astral projection during sleep occurs when the person leaves the body without intention and cannot understand how this happened. The individual lies down and falls asleep naturally. It can be subtle in its manifestation, such as a vague sense of being gone and awaking fatigued. Or it can be more dramatic in its manifestation. For example, when the person wakes up, the person discovers he or she is floating out of the physical body, close to it or at a distance in known or unknown places. The projected person observes his physical body lying on the bed and becomes frightened thinking he is deceased. The individual becomes so desperate that he or she dives back violently into the physical body. Some think they are having a nightmare and desperately try to awaken their physical body. The person may wake feeling more exhausted than when he or she went to sleep. If you are experiencing these issues, please consult a holistic provider, after having seen your medical provider, so that you and the provider can address the possible issues. This can be a significant source of health imbalance and needs to be addressed, usually with the assist of a provider, since it is occurring without the control of the individual.

The best measure of the amount of sleep needed is how you feel. If you awaken feeling refreshed, you are getting enough sleep. For some people, this may take only 4 hours. Others need up to 10 hours to feel rested. If you wake up feeling exhausted and irritable than you may be suffering from sleep deprivation or a sleep difficulty. Sleep deprivation results in feeling tired and sleepy during the day. Inadequate sleep leads to impaired memory and physical performance and can interfere with your social and physical activities.

Tips for a good night’s sleep are:

1. Set a Schedule. Go to bed at a set time each night and at the same time each morning. Disrupting this schedule may lead to insomnia.
2. Exercise. Daily exercise often helps people relax and sleep, although a workout soon before bedtime may interfere with sleep.
3. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Caffeine acts as a stimulant and keeps people awake. Smokers tend to sleep very lightly and often wake up in the early morning due to nicotine withdrawal.
4. Relax before bed. A warm bath, reading a good book, listening to soft music or meditating can make it easier to fall asleep.
5. Sleep until sunlight. Wake up with the sun, or use very bright lights in the morning. Sunlight helps the body’s internal biological clock reset itself each day.
6. Don’t lie in bed awake. If you can’t fall asleep, get out of bed and find something to do until you feel tired and sleepy.
7. Control your room temperature. Maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom. Extreme temperatures may disrupt sleep or prevent you from falling asleep.
8. See a health provider. If you are having trouble sleeping or suffering from sleep difficulties see your medical provider to rule out serious medical conditions, such as sleep apnea.

References

1. Jacques Duff. Sleep Difficulties in Children and Adolescents. Behavioral Neurotherapy Clinic. http://www.adhd.com.au/sleep.htm.

2. Tammy Duffey. What is Astral Projection. Published October 23, 2008. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1112495/what_is_astral_projection.html.

3. Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Updated May 21, 2007.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm.

4. Introduction to Astral Projection. Este artigo Vem de Portal IppB.http://www.webindia123.com/health/age/brain/brain.htm.

5. Sleep Difficulties. Novita Children’s Services. Updated November 25, 2009. http://www.novita.org.au/Content.aspx?p=88

6. Sleeping Difficulty. Updated by Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist. Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003210.htm

7. Tips For a Good Night’s Sleep. About.com: Senior Health. http://seniorhealth.about.com/library/prevention/bl_good_sleep.htm

8. Your Guide to Healthy Sleep. MedicineNet.com http://www.medicinenet.com/sleep/article.htm.

Yogi Aristha

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The Wellness of Your Brain

The brain is the most vital organ in any organism. It is responsible for everything from involuntary life support functions like heart rate and breathing to the essence of personality and memory.

The Brain together with the spinal cord make up the nervous system which controls everything we do, and every thought we have. The brain contains more than 100 billion cells called neurons which are specialized cells of the nervous system responsible for the transmission of electrical impulses to and from the central nervous system.

The main function of the brain is to control the actions of a human. The brain controls the other organ systems of the body, either by activating muscles or by causing secretion of chemicals such as hormones. It is responsible for the regulation and control of bodily activities, receiving and interpreting sensory impulses, and transmitting information to muscle and body organs. It is also the center where thought, consciousness, memory and emotion reside.

As we age, our brain ages as well. Age and change go hand in hand. The brain goes through natural changes as it ages. The brain and spinal cord lose nerve cells and weight. Nerve cells begin to transmit messages slower than in the past. Waste products can collect in the brain tissue as nerve cells break down, causing abnormal structures called plaques and tangles to form. The breakdown of nerves can affect the senses, causing reduced or lost reflexes or sensation, leading to problems with movement and safety.

The 4 main physical changes that occur to the brain as we age are:-

1. Brain mass shrinks. Between the ages of 60–70 some people’s overall brain mass may shrink a little. Certain brain areas may shrink more than others including the frontal lobe which is important for mental abilities and the hippocampus where new memories are formed.
2. Outer surface thins. The cortex is the heavily ridged outer surface of the brain; it thins slightly as we age. The thinning of the brains\’ cortex is due to a decrease in synaptic connections. Synapses are like intersections in the brain that allow brain cells to communicate with one another to form connections.
3. White matter decreases. The brain is made up of myelin a fatty white substance. Myelin helps to improve communication between brain cells. Decreases in Myelin are linked with changes in the speed of cognitive processing such as; memory, problem solving and decision making abilities.
4. Decrease in chemical messengers. As our brains age, they generate fewer neurotransmitters (chemicals like serotonin, which carry messages between brain cells) and have fewer receptors that lock on to these messengers.

You want to eat an overall healthy well balanced diet to keep your brain functioning at optimum levels. Your brains fuel is carbohydrates. The brain likes a steady supply of carbohydrates and dislikes wild fluctuations. Simple carbohydrates like processed flour products and sugary foods cause high fluctuations. These cause a rush of sugar into the bloodstream, which triggers a rush of insulin, leading to a plunging blood sugar level.

The best brain foods are complex carbohydrates like legumes, cereals, grains and vegetables. These provide a steady source of energy rather than a surge followed by a plunge.

The best 5 foods that increase mental agility and improve your memory are:-

1. Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, also high in DHA, a fatty acid crucial to the health of the nervous system. Fish also contains iodine, which is known to improve mental clarity.
2. Blueberries have been proven to improve short term memory.
3. Tomatoes have lycopene a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against free radical damage to cells.
4. Blackcurrant has vitamin C which helps to improve mental agility.
5. Pumpkin seeds have zinc which is vital for enhancing memory.

There are many ways you can boost your brains performance such as:-

• A. Breathing deeply. When you breathe deeply more air moves in the body which means more oxygen in the blood and therefore in the brain. Several deep breaths can help you relax, which is conducive to clearer thinking.
• B. Meditate. Five to ten minutes of meditating will relax you, clear your mind and leave you more ready for any mental task.
• C. Learn a language. Learning a new language has been shown to halt the age related decline in brain function. It introduces your mind to new concepts and new ways of looking at things.
• D. Write. Writing is a way to tell your memory what is important, so you’ll recall things more easily in the future. It is a way to clarify your thinking and exercise your creativity and analytical ability.
• E. Exercise. Long term exercise can boost brainpower. Anything that affects physical health in a positive way helps the brain too. Research shows that cognitive function is improved immediately after just 10 minutes of aerobic exercise.

Supplements and herbs that boost brain power are many. One well-researched herb is Gingko Biloba. The leaves of this tree have been proven to increase blood flow to the brain. Just sniffing rosemary wakes up your brain. While creatine a compound found in meat has been shown to improve memory and general intelligence. Fiber is very important to brain health. It isn’t just what goes in, but what comes out that is important to brain function. Toxic build–up in the body can cause "brain fog". People report clearer thinking after using fiber to cure their constipation. Ten to fifty milligrams daily of Alpha Lipoic acid improves memory and protects nerve cells while Huperzine a compound extracted from Chinese Club moss improves memory and learning. Please consult a holistic provider for more information and always discuss changes in your diet with your primary provider.

You should recognize foods and habits to stay away from that diminish brain activity. Hydrogenated fats and high cholesterol foods that clog the arteries can lead to restricted blood flow to the brain. Alcohol kills brain cells while nicotine causes constriction of capillaries, which restricts blood flow to the brain. Consuming MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and Aspartame can negatively impact memory and the brains learning sensors.

You can harm your brain by not getting enough sleep. A consistent lack of sleep affects the body and brain by "disrupting hormones that regulate appetite," too little sleep affects memory loss and the brains ability to process information. The brain requires down time to preserve memory and retain information. Your brain needs to be flexed and exercised in order to stay in shape. Challenge yourself by trying a new sport or solving puzzles. Isolating yourself dampers your mood and can drastically affect your overall mental health and happiness.

Much of how the human brain operates will remain a mystery. The wellness of your brain depends mostly on you. If you can stay away from unhealthy behavior and habits and stick to a positive healthy life–style, your brain will continue to operate smoothly with each and every decade as you age.

References

1. Monika Guttman. The Aging Brain. USC Health Magazine. http://www.usc.edu/hsc/info/pr/hmm/01spring/brain.html

2. Steve Gillman. 70 Ways to Increase Your Brain Power. Excerpt from a Book of Secrets. http://www.mindpowernews.com/BrainPower.htm

3. Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff. Memory Loss with Aging: What’s normal, what’s not. Created 01/96. Reviewed/Updated 12/09.http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/seniors/common-older/124.printerview.html. family doctor.org.

4. Aging brain. Coypright2000_SuniSystems (P) ltd. Webindia.123.com.http://www.webindia123.com/health/age/brain/brain.htm.

5. Aging Changes in the nervous system. Updated 2/19/2009 by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004023.htm

6. Brain. Copyright 2010 Answers Corporation. Answers.com http://www.answers.com/topic/brain

7. Brain Foods. www.IncreaseBrainPower.com. http://www.increasebrainpower.com/brainfoods.html

8. How Aging Changes the Brain. AARP.org. http://www.aarp.org/health/brain/aging/how_aging_changes_the_brai.html

9. 10 Foods to boost your brainpower. BBC Magazine Ltd. BBC GoodFood. http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/wellbeing/features/boost-brainpower/1/

Yogi Aristha

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Miasms and Chakras

Miasm is a homeopathic term to describe tendencies and root issues to develop chronic diseases. A miasm is a cloud or fog in the being. As well miasm is a general weakness or predisposition to chronic disease that is transmitted down the generational chain. Miasms are believed to be the core and the underlying cause of all disease. All disease has its roots in a miasm. Conditions that would modify a miasm in a person’s body are things like; climate, physical character of the person it is in, mental delays, excesses, deficiencies, abuses in life, diet, habits and different customs.

The Psora Miasm is from suppression of the itch (dermatitis) and is also known as the mother of all disease.

Chakra: Saturn, Jupiter, Crown

Physical disorders: Physical irritation is characterized by itching all over the body. Skin problems rash, psoriasis, vitiligo, allergies, dry skin and itch.

Mental/Psychological disorders: Mental irritation leads to mental turmoil characterized by anxiety, alertness and apprehension, chronic fatigue syndrome, slowness and withdrawal.

The Sycosis Miasm is the result of suppressed gonorrhea or fig wart disease. Sycosis has its origin in the fig wart, the wart that can be contracted after someone has sexual intercourse with a person who has gonorrhea.

Chakra: Venus, Mercury

Physical disorders: In coordination in development proliferation or excess, tumor, fibroids, warts and any growths, all kinds of venereal infections, painful joints, inflammation and all its illnesses.

Mental/Psychological disorders: lacking a real touch with reality, hidden or open inclination to promiscuity, sexual excesses, irritability and easily provoked.

The Syphilis Miasm comes from the suppression of its original venereal chancre disease..You are getting the influences of the original disease, not the disease itself.

Chakra: Moon, Crown, Sun

Physical disorders: characterized by structural destruction and degeneration. Ulcers, various tumors, bodily deformations, necrosis characterized by structural degeneration.

Dharmananda Yoga Chakra Chart

Planet	Saturn	Jupiter	Venus	Mercury	Moon	Sun	Crown
Location	base of spine	Small of spine	heart-chest	throat	base of skull	forehead	above head
Color	brown-black	green	pink	blue	white-violet	white-yellow	purple
Symbol	square	pyramid	cross	chalice	circle	6 point star	lotus
Sound	LA	BA	YM	HA	RE	AH	OM
Emotion	appropriate discipline	giving well	readiness for love	appropriate commitment	flexibility	humility	spiritual growth
Alignment Statement	I let go well	All I give I receive	It is safe to love	Balance	I bend but do not break	I am one with all	OM and/or All is one
Essential oil	eucalyptus, rosemary	peppermint, sage	bergamot, rose	myrrh, rosewood	chamo- mileylang- ylang	lavendar spruce	sandalwood
Horary Activity	1-5am;	1-5am	4-8pm	4-8am	7-11pm	7-11am	11am-1pm, 11pm-1am
Mudra	Prithvi	Cup	Buddhi	Ahamkara	Gomukha	Gnana	Om/ Namaste

References

1. Dr. Subrata Kumar Barnerjea. Miasmatic Prescribing.
http://www.homeoint.org/articles/banerjea/miasmaticpresc.htm

2. George Loukas. Homeopathy Philosophy. Hpathy Ezine. May, 2005.
http://www.hpathy.com/philosophy/loukas-personality-types.asp

3. Grahame Martin. Chakra Prescribing and Homeopathy.
http://www.minimum.com/images/chakra_prescribing.pdf

4. Harry Hong Ph.D. L.Ac. W. What is Miasm? June 8, 2009.
http://www.altmd.com/Specialists/Healing-Highly-Sensitive-Body-and-Mind/Blog/What-is-Miasm

5. Peter Morrell. Hahnemann’s Miasm Theory and Miasm Remedies.
http://www.homeoint.org/morrell/articles/pm_miasm.htm

6. Roger Morrison. A Little History.
http://www.homeopathyplanet.com/AudeSapere/Study%20Room/Library/Miasms/LibraryMiasmsMorrison.htm

7. Shirley Lipschutz-Robinson. Miasms: Fundamental Cause of Disease.
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/homeopathy_miasm_gina.htm

8. Tomislav Budak. Miasms-A New Perspective. September, 2004.
http://www.tomislavbudak.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=102&Itemid=51

9. The Development of Miasmatic Theory, from Hahnemann to the Present Day-Part 1. July 2008. National Center for Homeopathy (NCH).
http://www.homeopathic.org/content/the-development-of-miasmatic-theory-from-hahnemann-to-the-present-day-part-1-0

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Astral Projection

Some say that the sky is the limit, but through astral projection, the sky is just the tip of the ice berg. With astral projection no limit exists in what you can experience or where you can travel. Astral projection is generally considered any form of out of body experience. During astral projection the spirit leaves the physical body and travels in his/her dream body or astral body into higher realms.

Astral projection can occur involuntarily usually when one is experiencing strong emotions. A very most common reason to astral project is resolve anxiety and worry over problems that you may face in everyday life. Through your astral body you find ways of addressing these problems and difficulties. These problems are often "lived out" and resolved during astral projection. That is why you often awake or return feeling better because you have found ways to cope with problems in your daily life. Strong positive emotions can be balanced as well.

There are techniques to learning how to astral project. Astral projection is dependent on your brain and knowing how to separate from your physical body. Most frequently it takes years of practice and dedication to learn how to astral project.

Some healing can be done with the help of astral projection. Astral projection helps the body maintain a state of equilibrium. The astral body helps heal the physical body by opening blockages in the physical body that are put up by the worried or afraid individual.

Astral projection helps you connect more spiritually to a higher being. You will know by experiencing first hand that you can exist without a physical body. You will acknowledge that there is life after death and at the same time eliminating your fear of dying. Eliminating your fear of dying allows you to live your life to the fullest without any fear or worries about not existing. You will realize you do exist but on a different plane.

Through astral projection you will experience and discover the world and beyond. You will become a firsthand believer because you will find the answers yourself to life's mysteries. Remember that each experience is unique to each person. Whether you astral project for fun, knowledge, adventure or growth be assured that you will be awakened to higher levels of understanding and growth in your life.

References

Buhlman,W. Out of Body techniques. Retrieved on October 12, 2009 from

Pusey, Kate. Top 10 Benefits of Astral Projection. Article Posted on Feb 26th, 2008 Retrieved on October 12, 2009 from

Yogi Arishtha

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Generosity as a form of healing As I give, I get are powerful words said by Mary Mcleod, an African American educator (1875-1955) who, an educator, realized the power of generosity and its powerful affect on humans. In One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity, Debbie Macomber describes how you can experience many positive things in return for your generous acts. While we may generally be aware of the temporary lift in spirit by our acts of kindness, more than likely we do not consider the total impact on our health. You will benefit on the physical level, emotional level and spiritual level. Just by being generous your immune system becomes stronger, you experience less stress and your sleep improves. For example, the positive mental attitude created by the generosity works to increase the number of T-cells in your immune system, as well as cause a release of endorphins into the bloodstream which function to decrease pain, normalize blood flow, improve your mood. Generosity is nourishing your soul and mind. Anyone and everyone can be generous. Experience the positive health benefits physically, emotionally and spiritually with your random act of generosity. Yogi Arishtha

Attitudinal healing Book review

Frequently I am asked about the challenges of living in a detached manner in the midst of the 24/7 activity of the urban environment. In her book, Tanna helps you to see how to do just that. She addresses basic areas of complication and simplifies them. The narrative is well delineated and allows you to reference one area, while being connected so that you can read cover-to-cover easily. It is all about balance from her closing paragraph summarizes the theme which Tanna's suggestions will help you in a practical, step-by-step manner reach. :) Treat yourself to a read of this supportive book.

Connectivity Connectivity is often used to describe technical aspects of the internet. With this musing, I would like to highlight connectivity and the internet as they relate to spiritual centeredness. While I fully appreciate the challenging aspects of the internet(please see bullets below for just a few), the internet can work to unify us and appreciate the spiritual aspects around us. The internet can positively impact humanity on both the conscious level and on a deeper level. Conscious level At its best, the internet can help peoples of all cultures all over the world can interact more intimately and immediately than ever before, which can work to help us empathize with others. The possibilities for information exchange are almost endless. As well, ability to help in emergencies is there. There are countless stories of friends chatting and one becoming in need during the chat, only to have a member across the world alert local emergency services. And health professionals have been able to network in real time fashion resulting in life-saving information for unstable patients. The possibilities for bringing us together by providing information and the opportunity to just talk to each other across the world are endless. Deeper level While many holistic providers are quick to point out the very real challenges of the type of electrical energy around the computer, I have found that the connection of the internet can create a very useful conduit for the work of grounding and providing spiritual softening. In my distant healing work, I find that the chat creates a joining similar to that of laying on hands. In my channeling/reading work, I find that the internet facilitates the formation of a pathway of energy flow which allows me to better do my readings for distant clients. As well, audiofiles of sacred chantings have appeared to be stronger than simple CD or cassette recordings perhaps due to the extra movement of the internet over a CD or cassette recording. Oddly, this very highly technical advance seems to be able to help us access our most primitive energies to heal and move forward. Challenges created by the internet Emphasis on the head which works to increase the disconnect between mind and body. Emphasis on the divide between haves’ and have nots’, as computers require constant expensive updating to stay functional. Emphasis on the now, instant gratification in the entire workings of the internet process which diminishes our ability to deliberately move toward our goals. Emphasis on the emotional extremes, since the written word is taken more seriously, leading to a stronger response than one might have in person. Yogi Arishtha

Trees as healers Trees provide protection from the elements with their branches. They share their fruit, sap and bark to provide nutrition. They uplift us with their shape, color, smell, and longevity. Sensitives among us easily understand that they provide us with much more. They directly deliver to us their energy, their prana. All we need to do is sit or stand near the tree to receive its healing energy. Although sensitives can easily sense this healing force, any of us can learn to discern this energy. Tree Prana Energy Sensing Exercise Place yourself in a wooded area with trees of different types and ages. Center yourself with your preferred method. Select several trees of different types and ages. With each of these trees, take time to address the tree. a. Stand about 6-12 inches away from the tree. b. Place your hands, palm side facing the tree, about 4-6 inches away from the tree. c. Hold your hands in this position for several rounds of deep, gentle breathing, with your eyes closed. d. Note the character of your sensations at your hands for each tree. Go outside, find your tree, and help yourself to balance your energy by sitting under your gentle, generous giant.

Resources:

Keith, Arthur Berriedale. The religion and philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads Yogi Arishtha