Pranayamam & its significance
Human activities cover a very wide range .It includes not only physical activities but also intellectual activities.For this wide range of activities of a human , only one raw material input is the food we take .
The Vedic references mention about 'Prana' , as the source of energy for the activities of the human body.This is available everywhere in the universe. According to vedic tenets ,'Prana' enters the body and divides itself into five forms to cover different zones and also assumes different names .
'Prana' is the prime source of energy and enters the body through respiration. The life energy or 'Prana' distributing itself all over the body is known as 'Vyana' .The energy regulating excretory organs is known as 'Apana'.The life energy catering for the neck region is known as 'Udana' .The life energy covering nabhi region to support digestion etc is known as 'Samana'.These are known as 'Pancha Pranas' or five life energies .
It is customary practice to make offerings to 'Pancha Pranas' before taking food .Thus respiratory system is a source of energy supply to the body .
Realising the importance of pranic energy , efforts were also made for their intake as a part of our living .Sages such as Manu , Yagnavalkya , Parasara , Gautama and others in their 'Smritis' have given the art of living ( Dharma Shastra ) based on their experience .
Their one objective was to enhance the nobility and respectability of humans and establish an ideal human society . Out of a rock lying uncared for and tredded by one and all , if our artisan carves an idol of God , it becomes worthy of worship .
In the same manner , a human birth alone cannot reach a level of respect .Some processing is necessary .This is called 'Samskaras', and were made integral part of living .These 'Samskaras' enabled the individual to acquire various qualities through absorption of appropriate pranic energy. Our predecessors realised that respiration held the key to health and personality of humans .Thus ,respiratory control or 'Pranayamam' was evolved.
Around 1960 , some studies of the brain and the Kirlian photography brought about a revolution .The approach of our sages received recognition .Since then lot of progress has been made.
This is also used in all Vedic rituals . Our sages have given a format for 'Pranayamam' .This format is discussed in the light of research of human body through Kirlian photography , brain studies etc.
It will be seen from these discussions , that the format for 'Pranayamam' given by our sages is indeed unique and helps a great deal in preserving our physical health and also develop personality .
2009/08/05
2009/08/04
Divine discourse - Sri Aurobindo
We are sons of God and must be even as he ;
His human portion , we must grow divine .
Our life is a paradox with God for key .
SRI AUROBINDO
Divine discourse - Sri Mother
We all who have a common uplifting ideal ,
shall unite ; and in this union ,and by this union
we will face and overcome the attacks of all
opposing forces of darkness and devastation.
In union is the Strength ,
In union is the Power ,
In union is the Certitude of Victory .
SRI MOTHER
2009/08/03
Share a Heart
Share a Heart which never breaks,
Have a smile which never hurts,
Give a word which never pains,
Maintain a friendship which never ends
2009/08/01
HEART CARE TIPS
What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart ?
1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil
2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week; avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a longtime
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control blood pressure and sugar
Are heart diseases hereditary?
Yes
Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?
Walking is better than jogging since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints .
Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?
Extremely rare
What is the routine checkup one should go through?
Is there any specific test?
Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test
after an echo.
What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters?
Sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise ,
People in India are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.
What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?
Diet, exercise, drugs on time , Control cholesterol, BP, weight.
How can one keep the heart in a good condition?
Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise everyday, do not smoke and, go for health checkups if you are past the age of 30 ( once in six months recommended)...
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.
The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand - houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.
Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body's peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Some carpal tunnel sufferers say their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. The symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with flexed wrists.
A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to "shake out" the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks.
In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Some people are unable to tell between hot and cold by touch.
What are the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. Other contributing factors include trauma or injury to the wrist that cause swelling, such as sprain or fracture; overactivity of the pituitary gland;
Hypothyroidism; rheumatoid arthritis; mechanical problems in the wrist joint; work stress; repeated use of vibrating hand tools; fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause; or the development of a cyst or tumor in the canal. In some cases no cause can be identified.
Who is at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome?
Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, perhaps because the carpal tunnel itself may be smaller in women than in men. The dominant hand is usually affected first and produces the most severe pain.
Persons with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that directly affect the body's nerves and make them more susceptible to compression are also at high risk. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs only in adults.
The risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is not confined to people in a single industry or job, but is especially common in those performing assembly line work - manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, and meat, poultry, or fish packing.
In fact, carpal tunnel syndrome is three times more common among assemblers than among data-entry personnel. A 2001 study by the Mayo Clinic found heavy computer use (up to 7 hours a day) did not increase a person's risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome should begin as early as possible, under a doctor's direction. Underlying causes such as diabetes or arthritis should be treated first.
Initial treatment generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending. If there is inflammation, applying cool packs can help reduce swelling .
There are both non surgiacl , and surgical treatment available .
How can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?
At the workplace, workers can do on-the-job conditioning, perform stretching exercises, take frequent rest breaks, wear splints to keep wrists straight, and use correct posture and wrist position. Wearing fingerless gloves can help keep hands warm and flexible.
Workstations, tools and tool handles, and tasks can be redesigned to enable the worker's wrist to maintain a natural position during work. Jobs can be rotated among workers.
Employers can develop programs in ergonomics, the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers. However, research has not conclusively shown that these workplace changes prevent the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.
The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand - houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.
Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body's peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Some carpal tunnel sufferers say their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. The symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with flexed wrists.
A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to "shake out" the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks.
In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Some people are unable to tell between hot and cold by touch.
What are the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. Other contributing factors include trauma or injury to the wrist that cause swelling, such as sprain or fracture; overactivity of the pituitary gland;
Hypothyroidism; rheumatoid arthritis; mechanical problems in the wrist joint; work stress; repeated use of vibrating hand tools; fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause; or the development of a cyst or tumor in the canal. In some cases no cause can be identified.
Who is at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome?
Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, perhaps because the carpal tunnel itself may be smaller in women than in men. The dominant hand is usually affected first and produces the most severe pain.
Persons with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that directly affect the body's nerves and make them more susceptible to compression are also at high risk. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs only in adults.
The risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is not confined to people in a single industry or job, but is especially common in those performing assembly line work - manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, and meat, poultry, or fish packing.
In fact, carpal tunnel syndrome is three times more common among assemblers than among data-entry personnel. A 2001 study by the Mayo Clinic found heavy computer use (up to 7 hours a day) did not increase a person's risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome should begin as early as possible, under a doctor's direction. Underlying causes such as diabetes or arthritis should be treated first.
Initial treatment generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending. If there is inflammation, applying cool packs can help reduce swelling .
There are both non surgiacl , and surgical treatment available .
How can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?
At the workplace, workers can do on-the-job conditioning, perform stretching exercises, take frequent rest breaks, wear splints to keep wrists straight, and use correct posture and wrist position. Wearing fingerless gloves can help keep hands warm and flexible.
Workstations, tools and tool handles, and tasks can be redesigned to enable the worker's wrist to maintain a natural position during work. Jobs can be rotated among workers.
Employers can develop programs in ergonomics, the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers. However, research has not conclusively shown that these workplace changes prevent the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.
2009/07/31
You can't run away from pain
An old matured, seasoned farmer, one day, was very angry with God though he was a great devotee.
He said to God in his morning prayer, "I have to tell it as it is — enough is enough! You don't understand even the ABC of agriculture! When the rains are needed, there are no rains;
when the rains are not needed, You go on pouring them. What nonsense is this? If you don't understand agriculture, You can ask me — I have devoted my whole life to it. Give me one chance; the coming season, let me decide and see, what happens."
God said, "Okay, this season you decide!" So the farmer decided, and he was very happy because whenever he wanted sun there was sun, whenever he wanted rain there was rain, whenever he wanted clouds there were clouds.
And he avoided all dangers, all the dangers that could be destructive for his crops; he simply rejected them — no strong winds, no possibility of any destruction to his crops. And his wheat started growing higher than anybody had ever seen; it was going above a man's height. And he was very happy.
God said, "Okay, this season you decide!" So the farmer decided, and he was very happy because whenever he wanted sun there was sun, whenever he wanted rain there was rain, whenever he wanted clouds there were clouds.
And he avoided all dangers, all the dangers that could be destructive for his crops; he simply rejected them — no strong winds, no possibility of any destruction to his crops. And his wheat started growing higher than anybody had ever seen; it was going above a man's height. And he was very happy.
He thought, "Now I will show Him!" And then the crop was cut and he was very puzzled. There was no wheat at all — just empty husks. What happened? Such big plants — plants big enough to have given wheat four times bigger than ordinary wheat — but there was no wheat at all. And suddenly he heard laughter from the clouds.
God laughed and He said, "Now what do you say?" The farmer said, "I am puzzled, because there was no possibility of destruction and all that was helpful was provided. And the plants were growing so well, and the crop was so green and so beautiful! What happened to my wheat?"
God laughed and He said, "Now what do you say?" The farmer said, "I am puzzled, because there was no possibility of destruction and all that was helpful was provided. And the plants were growing so well, and the crop was so green and so beautiful! What happened to my wheat?"
God said, "Because there was no danger — you avoided all danger — it was impossible for the wheat to grow. It needs challenges."
We all flee from pain and seek pleasure forgetting there are times in everyone's life when something constructive is born out of adversity. When things seem so bad it prompts us to escape the burden and realize our strength, either through creating healthy changes in our outer world or transforming ourselves inside and realizing our hidden potential.
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