Cleanliness

Thorough washing of the limbs, face, mouth, eyes & nose purifies the bodies sense organs. Best done with a bath in clean water, it should accompany brushing of the teeth (should be repeated after every meal), scraping off a toxicated coating of ama from the tongue, occasional gargling of salt water with a pinch of turmeric to keep gums, mouth & throat healthy, proper cleaning of the nose and the ears and washing the eyes with warm water held in mouth for moments (saliva being very good for the eyes). Keep your hair trimmed, nails filed and wear clean clothes. Feel free to use perfumes in moderation and feel good.

(See also: Cleanliness , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

The Tridoshas

The Tridoshas (tri meaning three and doshas being the basic physical energies) are the primary and essential factors of the human body that govern our entire physical structure and function. Derived from the Panchmahabhutas, each dosha – which like the elements cannot be detected with our senses but their qualities can be – is a combination of any two of the five bhutas with the predominance of one. Called Vata, Pitta and Kapha in Sanskrit, these three are responsible for all the physiological and psychological processes within the body and mind – dynamic forces that determine growth and decay. Every physical characteristic, mental capacity and the emotional tendency of a human being can therefore be explained in terms of the tridoshas.

Most of the physical phenomena ascribed to the nervous system by modern physiology for example, can be identified with Vata. Just as the entire chemical process operating in the human body can be attributed to Pitta, including enzymes, hormones and the complete nutritional system. And the activities of the skeletal and the anabolic system, actually the entire physical volume of an organism, can be considered as Kapha.

Each dosha thus shares a quality with another (although there remain slight differences in the nature of shared quality), the third having just the opposite quality. Also, each has an inherent ability to regulate and balance itself, coming from the antagonistic qualities that arise from the doshas constituent elements.

When the doshas are in balance i.e. in a state of equilibrium, we remain healthy. As Charaka, the great ayurvedic sage, explained: "Vata, pitta and kapha maintain the integrity of the living human organism in their normal state and combine so as to make the man a complete being with his indriyas (sense organs) possessed of strength, good complexion and assured of longevity." It is only when that there is imbalance within the three that disease is caused. And since it is the strongest dosha in the constitution that usually has the greatest tendency to increase, one is most susceptible to illnesses associated with an increase of the same.

It is important to realise that these three are forces and not substances. Kapha is not mucus; it is the force that causes mucus to arise. Similarly pitta is not bile; but that which causes bile to be produced. And they are called doshas – literally meaning `faults’ or `out of whack’- as they indicate the fault lines along which the system can become imbalanced.

It is equally important to understand that the three doshas within any person keep changing constantly, due to the doshic qualities of specific lifestyle and environment, such as time and season. And that these three are not separate energies but different aspects of the same energy, present together in an infinite variety of combinations, wherein their qualities overlap and interrelate.

Ayurveda however considers only three types of constitution – in monotypes just one dosha predominates, in duo types two have near similar strength, and in the very rarely found third type all three are equally powerful. Within this broad classification, there are in the first category various sub-types that are listed below for easier reference.

(See also: Tridoshas , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Hippocrates health program (Hippocrates program): Variation of Nature Cure developed by wholistic health educator Dr. Ann Wigmore (1904-1994), author of Be Your Own Doctor, The Healing Power Within, The Hippocrates Diet and Health Program, Hippocrates Live Food Program, Recipes for Longer Life, The Sprouting Book, The Wheatgrass Book, and Why Suffer?. Wigmore founded the Hippocrates Health Institute in 1957.

The Hippocrates program encompasses brushing the skin, deep breathing, enemas, food combining, the Hippocrates Diet (see Living Foods Lifestyle), and exercises such as squatting. According to its theory, integration of body/mind/spirit is central to health. In Belief: All There Is (1991), Brian R. Clement, codirector of the Hippocrates Health Institute, in West Palm Beach, Florida, asserted: [B]elief can bring you anything that you desire (p. 41). He further stated that death is a sham (p. 67).

(See also: Hippocrates health program , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

Ayurvedic (pronounced eye yur VEH dik) medicine stresses a holistic approach to health. It means “science of life.” It places equal emphasis on body, mind and spirit and its main goal is to restore the innate harmony of the individual.

Ayurvedic medicine defines disease as the result of climatic extremes, bacterial attack, nutritional deviance, and stress, as well as other forms of emotional imbalance. Optimal health is achieved by cultivating mental and physical habits that are conducive to physical and spiritual well-being. Treatment often includes yoga, diet, and the development of positive attitude

Ayurvedic medicine evolved among the Brahmin sages of ancient India some 3000-5000 years ago. There are specific aspects of this system of medicine that distinguish it from other approaches to health care. It focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of the life energies within us, rather than focusing on individual symptoms.

"Constitution” is the keystone of Auruvedic medicine. Constitution refers to the overall health profile of the individual, including strength and susceptibilities. Ayurvedic doctors determine each metabolic body type and then specify a treatment plan to guide one back into harmony with the environment. 

Underlying Ayurveda is the view that everything is composed of five basic elements: ether/space, air, fire, water and earth. These are similar to the elements in traditional Chinese medicine. These elements combine to form the metabolic body types, or doshas (pronounced DOE shas). Ayurveda describes three body types. Even though each person’s metabolic type is determined by a predominant dosha, all three doshas are present in varying degrees in every cell, tissue and organ of the body.

The three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. Vata is motion that activates the physical system, physical activity, and nerve force. It allows the body to breathe and circulate blood. The seats of the vata are the large intestine, pelvic cavity, bones , skin, ears and thighs. Pitta processes food, air and water and is responsible for charging the endocrine and enzymatic activities throughout the body. The seats of the pitta are the small intestines, stomach, sweat glands, blood, skin and eyes. Kapha involves the structure of bones, tendons, muscles and the fat that holds the body together. It offers nourishment and protection. The chest, lungs, and fluid surrounding the spinal cord are the seats of kapha.

When the doshas are balanced in accordance with the individual’s constitution, the result is vibrant heath and energy. When the balance is disturbed the body becomes susceptible to disease. Imbalance in the doshas is the first sign that the mind and body are not perfectly coordinated.

Ayurvedic medicine believes that once people understand the characteristics and qualities of their body type they can make changes in their lifestyle and environment to restore dosha balance. Ayurveda seeks to heal the fragmentation and disorder of the mind-body complex and restore wholeness and harmony to all people of all ages, from young children to the elderly.

(See also: AYURVEDIC MEDICINE , Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Alambusha nadi: Yogic nadi, channel.

(See also: Alambusha nadi , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

The Dhatus

The Sapta (seven) Dhatus (tissues) elements form the pillars of the body that form the means of nourishment and growth while providing support to the body as well as the mind.

Rasa (fluid) Dhatu –Derived from the digested food, it nourishes each and every tissue and cell of the body and is analogous to the plasma.

Rakta (blood) Dhatu – Regarded as the basic of life, it is analogous to the circulating blood cells. It not only nourishes the body tissues, but provides physical strength and colour to the body.

Masma Dhatu – The muscle tissue, its main function is to provide physical strength and support for the meda dhatu.

Meda (fat) Dhatu – Consists of adipose tissue providing support to ashti dhatu. It also lubricates the body.

Ashti Dhatu – Comprising of bone tissues, including cartilages, its main function is to give support to the majja dhatu and provide support to the masma dhatu.

Majja Dhatu – Denoting the yellow and red bone marrow tissue, its main function is to fill up the ashti and to oleate the body.

Shukra Dhatu – The main aim of this reproductive tissue is to help reproduction and strengthen the body.

Since the dhatus support and derive energy from each other, affecting one can influence others. For instance, interference in the manufacture of the plasma affects the quality of the blood, which in turn effects the muscle. Each tissue type has its own agni, which determines metabolic changes in the tissues. And forms by-products, which are either used in the body or excreted. Menstural periods for example are a by-product of rasa. The tissues are also governed by the three doshas, and any imbalance in them also causes imbalances in dhatus. Heavy periods therefore can also be caused by the effects of the excess of Kapha on plasma.

(See also: Dhatus , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Gout: Metabolic disease marked by acute arthritis and inflammation of the joints

(See also: Gout , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

ACCUPUNCTURE:

·      The modern name is derived from the Latin words Acus (needle) and Punctura (penetration). It is, however, an ancient Chinese art of healing that sticks needles into a patient's skin or even muscles to correct imbalances in the `yin' & `yang' of the body.

·      Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, one of the oldest medical texts in the world, comprises a special section called `Magic Gate', which is devoted to this therapeutic style.

·      Although modern acupuncture charts more than 2000 points in the body - located along invisible energy called `meridians', 12 channels in each half of the body and 2 major channels (Ren & Du) along the middle line - traditionally there were only 365.

·      The western explanation for this is that a needle inserted at specific acupuncture points of the body releases certain chemical substances, that activate neuro-transmitters, which then pass on nerve impulses to the brain to obtain the desired effects. Must be performed by trained practitioners only.

The fundamental difference between these two systems being:

ACUPUNCTURE

·      A form of surgery where needles are penetrated into specific points of your body.

·      To cure chronic aches and pain.

ACUPRESSURE

·      A form of physiotherapy that indulges in massage and stimulation of precise points of the body.

• To ease all kinds of aches and pains and provide relief from tension, exhaustion and disease.

(See also: ACCUPUNCTURE , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Examination Process

Eight (Asht) fold (Bidha) Examination (Pariksha)

Provides a clear picture of nature of ailment and patient's general condition.

Involves the examination of pulse, tongue, voice, skin, eye, general appearance, urine & stool.

1  Examination of the pulse (nadi pariksha):

The foremost clinical art in ayurvedic diagnosis it can provide deep insights into the history of the patient. The ideal time for pulse examination is early morning in empty stomach. But in case of emergency, it can be examined at any time of the day or night. An experienced ayurvedic physician can assess your body’s nature (prakriti), pathological state (vikruti), imbalances of body type, very subtle observations & even prognosis of disease through the pulse.

2 Examination of the tongue (jivha pariksha):

Assessed through its doshic state, a vata aggravated tongue is dry, rough & cracked, pitta suffered tongue is red with a burning sensation and kapha influenced it is wet, slimy and coated. Suggesting the state of the digestive system.

3 Examination of the voice (sabda pariksha):

Healthy and natural when the doshas are in balance, the voice will become heavy when aggravated by kapha, cracked under pitta effect and hoarse & rough when afflicted by vata.

4 Examination of skin (sparsha pariksha):

Also used for assessing the state of organs and tissue, palpation is an important clinical method for examination of skin. Noted for doshic influences, a vata aggravated skin is course & rough with below normal temperature, a pitta influenced one has quite high temperature and kapha effected it becomes cold & wet.

5 Examination of eyes (drka pariksha):

Vata domination makes the eyes sunken, dry and reddish brown in colour. On aggravation of pitta, they turn red or yellow and the patient suffers from photophobia and burning sensations. High kapha makes them wet & watery with heaviness in the eyelids.

6 Examination of general appearance (akriti pariksha):

The doshic influences that reflect on the face of the patient enables physicians to gauge the basic constitution and the nature of the disease.

7 Examination of urine (mutra pariksha):

Both examination of urine sample and questioning of patient are important for assessing doshic influence. A modification of this is the oil (taila) drop (bindu) test (pariksha) in which the effect of an oil drop on urine sample suggests the curability of disease.

8 Examination of stool (mala pariksha):

If digestion & absorption of food are poor, the stool carries a foul odour and sinks in water. Vata aggravated, the stool is hard, dry and grey / ash in colour. Excess pitta makes it green / yellow in colour and liquid in form. And high kapha lines it with mucus.

(See also: Eight Fold Examination Process , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Oelation Therapy

1. Involves saturation of the body with herbal & medicated oil via external & internal oelation to make it soft and disintegrate the doshas. Takes between three to seven days to take effect.

2. The medium used is of 4 types - vegetable oils (for external oelation), animal fat & fats from bones (for internal oelation) and clarified butter (for internal oelation).

3. Caution should be exercised in ensuring that oil used matches need of the patient.

Shirodhara

The most commonly employed pre-procedure, it means `the dripping of oil like a thread (dhara) on the head (shiro). This treatment drips warm oil in a steady stream on the forehead, particularly on the brow and in the region between the eyes. It is often added to the panchakarma regimen because it pacifies vata and calms the central system. It cleans both the mind and the senses which allows the body's natural healing mechanisms to release stress from the nervous systems. This in turn, improves mental clarity and comprehension. Usually given for twenty minutes, three to four times during a seven day treatment period, it uses oils made with special herbs (Mahanarayan Oil, Mahamash Oil etc.) that calm and nourish the nervous system. The technician administers the oil in a thin stream which flows from a copper vessel hung approximately 6-8 inches above the patient's forehead.

Shirovasti

Shirovasti is administered on the head through the use of a specialized leather container resembling a hat. This type of vasti improves the sensory functions. It also promotes kaphagenic secretions in the para-nasal sinus zone which reduce vascular congestion in the brain. Shirovasti is extremely useful in vascular headaches, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders, memory loss, disorientation, glaucoma and sinus headaches.

(See also: Oelation Therapy , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Ayurveda, Ayur-veda:

Ayurveda, Ayur-veda ("life science"): one of India's traditional systems of medicine, the other being South India's Siddha medicine

(See also: Ayurveda, Ayur-veda ,Yoga, Yoga Dictionary)

Annamaya kosha: Physical or gross body.

(See also: Annamaya kosha , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

classical Indian medicine (ancient Indian medicine, Ayurveda, classical Ayurveda, classic Hindu medicine, traditional Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine): A group of certain of the ancient indigenous medical ways of India that stems principally from two ancient treatises - the Caraka Samhita and the Susruta Samhita. Both describe Ayurveda's source as divine.

(See also: Classical Indian medicine , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Aromatic: Taste which stimulates the gastrointestinal tract.

(See also: Aromatic , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

LAUGHTER THERAPY:

Laughter is said to be addictive. Given its several health benefits, that is desirable. Firstly it gives a sense of well being because of release of endorphins and neuropeptides. By ensuring the inhalation of more oxygen, the lifeline of the system, it makes people feel better. It decreases stress leading to lowered stiffness of muscles - muscle relaxation easing headaches, body aches and other muscular problems.

As blood vessels get dilated, blood pressure falls by 10-20 mm mercury after 10 minutes of laughter - very useful for patients of hypertension. With levels of antibodies and natural killer cells going up with laughter, it also improves the immunity - evident from thousands of laughter club members have decreased incidences of cough and cold.

Laughter has innumerable other benefits. It proves a potent anti-stress factor, decreases asthmatic attacks, increases stamina, relives arthritic pain, ensures good sleep and elevates mood. Since the serotonin levels go up after laughter, it is an effective antidote for depression too.

Haasya Yoga is a method of group laughter that is based on yogic techniques. The exercises are designed based entirely on yoga stretching, breathing and variety of stimulated laughs, starting with deep breathing. As simulation helps stimulation, exercise induced laughter - that compliments but is not a substitute for natural laughter - increases the capacity for the latter.

Helping individuals increase their capacity to laugh more, be more self-confident and self-expressive. Positive qualities are cultivated, thereby removing negative emotions as jealousy, fear, guilt and anger. The laughter club is in effect a behavioral training institute that spontaneously raises spirits at no cost. The concept of a laughter bank, where people come up with creative ideas for different types of laughter, for instance is to bring in play fullness into the atmosphere. The fun, frolic and childish attitude generated not only reduces inhibitions, but also curtails tensions.

Under certain conditions though laughter therapy is not recommended. Patients with hernia, advanced piles, eye complications, Angolan pain and those who have just undergone major surgery should not venture into this therapy without the explicit advice of a doctor. Pregnant woman should also preferably avoid laughter sessions till some conclusive data regarding the safety is available. Patients suffering from tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory infections where phlegm is produced must take precaution against spread of infection. Finally, even a normal person experiencing discomfort while laughing, must discontinue immediately and seek expert medical help.

(See also: LAUGHTER THERAPY , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Psychosomatic: Pertaining to the mind-body relationship: an illness caused by anxiety and worry

(See also: Psychosomatic , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Alochaka pitta: Form of pitta governing vision.

(See also: Alochaka pitta , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Shape Of The Site

Symmetrical shapes like square or rectangular, circular & hexagonal promote overall growth, increases mental capabilities and generates prosperity.

Asymmetrical shapes like oval, triangular, parallelogram, star & trident are deemed inauspicious.

SHAPE & EFFECTS

Rectangular = Overall Growth

Hexagonal = Prosperity

See also: Vastu Shastra

(See also: Vastu Shastra , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Acne: An inflammatory eruption occurring usually on the face and neck.

(See also: Acne , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Examination Process

To confirm, evaluate and treat a disease, physicians need to perform clinical examinations of patients – wherein textual knowledge (aptopadesa), direct perception (pratyaksha) and inference (anumana) are all very important components. The examination of patients can be carried out in the following manners:

Three (Tri) fold (Bidha) Examination (Pariksha)

Covers a general examination of the patient.

Involves:

1      Visual observation (Darshan)

2      Tactile perception (Sparsha)

3      Questioning (Prashna)

(See also: Three Fold Examination Process , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

REIKI:

·      Discovered and propounded by Dr.Mikao Usui in 1800, it is the ancient Japanese art of healing by the 'laying on of hands' - Reiki meaning universal energy in Japanese.

·      A powerful and spiritual experimental technique that opens up the vision, heart, palm chakras, third eye and other psychic abilities.

·      Providing holistic, positive energy without any side effects, it can be undergone independently or with other medical treatments.

·      Treating the root-cause of a disease, it enhances the body's natural ability to heal itself. And maintains equilibrium of both body and mind to promote complete relaxation, thereby raising the life-force energy.

·      The therapist first makes a body-scan of the seven chakras to determine individual needs. Actual therapy follows when the universal energy flows through the therapist into the client.

The various stages in the entire process being:

THE FIRST DEGREE STAGE

This is the primary stage where you get attuned as the universal energy activates in you through transmission for approximately four hours over some days. When the attunement is established, information is given on four levels of energy - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. At this stage, you are opened up to a higher level of universal resonance that can be ventured up to unlimited heights through suggested use and applications.

THE SECOND DEGREE STAGE

Slightly more advanced, great changes in the energy levels are achieved here and symbols are introduced to unlock the chakras that will improve your health.

THE THIRD DEGREE STAGE

In this most advanced and powerful stage you are taught the intricate process of passing on the reiki energy and ways of enhancing personal growth, transformation and increased enlightenment.

(See also: REIKI , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Dream Dictionary Index with links to 10.000 dream interpretations from many different sources.

Please note that all words in grey are hyperlinked to an archive with articles related to that word, including dream interpretations.

For more dream interpretation, see: Meaning of Dreams or Dream Dictionary

For articles about dreams, see: Dreams

Read more here: » Dream Interpretation Index: Dream Interpretation Index including links to 10.000 dream interpretations