Viral Infection Remedy That Really Works

Viruses are extremely tiny- much smaller than bacteria. They invade individual cells and turn them into tiny factories to make more viruses. The pharmaceutical community has developed antibiotic after antibiotic to target an ever-growing group of bacterial pathogen, yet few medicines today work on viral infections. Health-care practitioners have little ammunition when it comes to viruses.

Viral diseases include colds and flu, chicken pox, hepatitis, measles, herpes, viral pneumonia, shingles, Epstein Barr virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), AIDS, and numerous others. That are also a host of intestinal viruses that cause diarrhea and other life-threatening symptoms. Viruses cause serious health difficulties each year.

In my opinion, aiding the good guys- experts call it enhancing host resistance- is the way to go. I think it’s a crying shame that natural supplements and other immune system boosting herbs aren’t more widely used. Instead, doctors keep writing prescriptions for antibiotics, which gradually breed stronger, more virulent germs that require stronger, and always more expensive, antibiotics.

Generally speaking, pharmaceuticals have just one active ingredient with which to fend off an infectious invader. That’s like going into battle with one bullet in your rifle. What’s great about natural supplement is that each one contains many, even hundreds, of biologically active compounds, some in dose ranges that might provide real benefit to us humans. Natural supplements give your body an entire arsenal from which to select the weapons it needs.

In the last few years, colostrum and a number of its individual components have been seriously studied for their effects against a variety of viral diseases. As with the bacteria pathogens, colostrum’s ability to help with viral infections is more likely due to immune support and the combination of substances than to any specific antibody reaction.

Colostrum anti-viral properties include:

-Lactoferrin, an iron binding protein with antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is currently being studied for its effects against the HIV virus, herpes, and even cancer.

- Cytokines, which regulate the intensity of the immune response. They are known to boost the production of antibodies important in fighting viral infections.

- Leukocytes, the white blood cells that engulf invading organisms, including viruses.

- Proline Rich polypeptide, is a small protein chain in colostrum with the same ability to regulate the immune system as the hormones of they thymus gland, as reported by a 1979 study published in Immunology.

Proline Rich poly peptide helps regulate the immune system to maintain balance between under and over-activity- extremely important for those with autoimmune disease. It is also a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which may help relieve painful flair-ups. Proline-Rich polypeptide also stimulates the body’s immune cells to produce cytokines: immune- regulating proteins that regulate the duration and intensity of the body’s immune response.

In a 1998 study conducted at the laboratory of Virology, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland, it was shown that when praline rich polypeptide isolated from bovine colostrums was added to the immune cells found in the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and viscera immediately after virus absorption or one day before or after viral infection, infected cells were better able to inhibit virus replication.

Proline rich polypeptide is one of the key component that virologists all over the world are researching on in the battle against the ever growing virus threat.

I have no doubt that colostrum is effective against many types of viruses, as these studies show. Notice that researchers are not saying that colostrum immune factors and other components are effective against every type of virus. But they help a great deal on several significant diseases.

If you are suffering from viral infection such as herpes viral infection on your skin, apply colostrum powder and some water to the infected skin area 3 times a day. The part of the skin will become dry and will heal much faster than other methods.

For more info on Bovine Colostrum, Visit :

http://www.BuyBovineColostrum.com

References

Orzechowska, B., et al. “Antiviral effect of proline rich polypeptide in murine resident peritoneal cells.” Acta Virol; 1998;42(2):75-78.

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Boost your Immune System

The main function of the immune system is to protect the body against various infections. It is the most important body component that helps in determining one’s state of health. The effectiveness of immune system varies from person to person. In case of weak immune system the person is more susceptible to infections and other health problems. Immune system forms various antibodies that fight against germs. The main components of the immune system are bone marrow, antibodies, cells, lymph nodes, spleen, chemicals, thymus glands and tonsils. There are many foods that interfere with the working of immune system and various nutrients and herbs that enhance immune system. The two main herbs that are highly beneficial for immunity enhancement are:

Amla

It is the richest natural source of vitamin C. It is considered as a versatile and powerful antioxidant that protects the body against all types of cancer, fights against virus that is responsible for causing AIDS and HIV. Amla also helps in lowering the blood pressure. Other than a rich source of vitamin C it is a good dietary source of various minerals and amino acids. It is helpful in raising the total protein level and the body weight. Due to its antibacterial and astringent properties it helps to fight against various infections, thus, making the immune system strong. In Ayurveda it is considered as an acrid, cooling, refrigerant, diuretic, laxative and with anabolic effect.

Various other benefits of amla are:

Helps in good iron absorption from the dietary sources.

It increases the protein synthesis that strengthens the body muscles.

Helps in better food absorption making the digestive system strong and balances the stomach acid.

It strengthens the liver and helps in the easy removal of toxins and morbid matter from the body.

It is also responsible for strengthening the hair, nails, bones and teeth. It prevents the premature graying of hair and dandruff.

It provides nourishment to the brain and heart making the nervous system strong and lowering the blood cholesterol.

It is considered best tonic for eyes .

All these benefits make amla a strong immune enhancer

Ashwagandha

In Ayurveda the herb ashwagandha is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, anti-oxidant, rejuvenating, aphrodisiac and immune enhancing properties. It is considered as an adaptogen that stimulates the immune system and improves memory. It also helps to fight against stress due to its anti-stress properties. It increases the count of white blood cells and prepares the body to produce antigens against various infections and allergies. It is also considered as a tonic for the heart and lungs as its regular intake controls the blood pressure and regulates the heartbeat. It has a strong nourishing and protective effect on the nervous system.

Various other benefits of ashwagandha are:

It reduces the inflammation of the joints, eases arthritis and increases the energy level of body.

It is also considered as a sex stimulant for both men and women.

It helps in preventing miscarriages in pregnant women by balancing the hormones that stabilizes the pregnancy.

Its regular use helps in the maintaining the sugar and cholesterol levels.

It is the only herb that supports the immune system of HIV patients.

It has been used in prolonging life, improving overall health, enhancing mental function, increasing fertility and libido, augmenting physical energy, and preventing infections. Thus, acting as an immune booster.

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Nutritional Supplements For Children

Children these days if given a choice to choose between a candy bar and an apple would choose the candy bar. Schools are promoting the salty, fried, calorie full, sugary snacks, by adding them to the vending machines in both grade schools. These snacks look appealing, but their nutritional value does not.

Supplemental multivitamins can answer many parents’ worries about their child’s nutritional intake. Some multivitamins are not the same quality as others and some taste awful; yes, there are ones that taste good without being sugar-loaded. This article will help you ensure your children’s health by discussing 100% natural flavored nutritional supplements.

My child eats a lot of everything. Does that still mean that he needs to take a multivitamin? Would he benefit from taking one?

Getting all of the nutrients that a multivitamin can offer is challenging. If only depending on the daily food the child eats, it can be next to impossible for a child to receive the needed vitamins to build health bones and muscles. Also, cooking can alter the nutritional value of the food. For example, vitamins A, C and E are gradually destroyed by exposure to the air. Always eating fruits and vegetables is not a safe way out. Some fruits and vegetables grown are harvested in a way that the nutrients are sometimes being destroyed. This means that even raw food nutrients may be deficient.

Many children eat sugar-filled junk food more than is recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For one boy, this eating habit became almost deadly. Written in an article by Jeff Bradstreet, “A five-year old boy ate nothing but cheese pizza, Pop-Tarts, biscuits, and water, refusing fruits, vegetables, juices and vitamins. He slowly developed a limp, swollen gums, and small purple spots appeared on his skin. After five months of this extremely deficient diet, he was unable to walk or get out of bed because the pain was so severe. Doctors diagnosed the boy as having a severe vitamin C deficiency after ruling out other ailments such as leukemia. Within a week of getting vitamin C supplements, the boy’s pain and other symptoms were completely resolved.” The story is atypical, yet it can happen as it did to the boy.

Would taking a multivitamin help my child concentrate more in school?

Teachers agree that a balanced diet effects students’ intelligence in the classroom. But the question is if taking a multivitamin can help children become better students.

Two research teams set out to find the answer. They followed 245 random students aged 6 to 12 years for three months. Half of the students received a placebo and the other half received a multivitamin. After reviewing the data, the children who took the multivitamin improved their nonverbal intelligence scores. Academic performance is said to be personally related with nonverbal intelligence.

Are there any 100% natural multivitamins that taste good?

Absolutely! Some chewable vitamins taste bad because of the minerals magnesium, iodine, copper, and iron. There are cases where manufacturers will not include the correct amounts of those key ingredients. They will also add substantial amounts of sugar and artificial flavors.

Some companies have found a way to get past this obstacle by using a fruit base which provides both antioxidants and other healthy phytonutrients and can be used because it has a very low sugar and calorie content and fruit base concentrates are high in vitamins and minerals.

What should I look for in the ingredients of a multivitamin for children?

Some very important vitamins and minerals are biotin, folate, niacin, panthothenic acid, vitamins B12, B1, A, B6, C, D, E, and K. Let’s review some of these vitamins and minerals.

Folate is one of the B vitamins and it helps the body do many things including, using protein, making DNA, helping cells grow and divide, and maintaining the nervous system. Because Folate is so vital for children the FDA now requires that folate be added to all processed foods children consume, including cereal, enriched bread, flour, corn meal, rice, and pasta.

Folate reduces Homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is the building block of protein and can irritate blood vessels causing an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Taking folate reduces harmful homocysteine levels. If a child has high homocystein levels, then he/she is more likely to have heart disease as an adult.

Vitamins C and E are also very crucial. Pollution and changes in the Earth’s atmosphere are causing an increase in children with asthma. Vitamins C and E, both antioxidants help a child breathe and feel better.

Should my child take minerals?

Calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and phosphorous are essential minerals for children. Now-a-days, children drink carbonated drinks instead of milk. The lack of calcium in children causes more fractures and the lack of vitamin D is causing more bone disease and rickets. Rickets in the 1950’s became almost absent when vitamin D was added to milk, but now milk intake is at an all time low.

Zinc is another mineral that assists with normal growth and development in children. Zinc allows a child to process information, pay attention, as well as remember and retain new information. Children need zinc because it also helps with their immune system to fight off infections, possibly even pneumonia.

What else should I do other than giving my child a multivitamin to keep her healthy?

Taking an immune formula that has zinc, vitamins B6, C, and A, plus elderberry extract. These sorts of formulas are very easy to find. Elderberry has been used for hundreds of years for the yearly cold and flu virus. It stimulates important immune cells into action to fight the invading germs.

Along with helping children to breathe easier, vitamin C speeds up the healing of wounds. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so it needs to be replenished every day, especially when a child is sick. Human bodies use up vitamin C faster when sick.

Vitamin B6 only stays in a child’s body for about 8 hours, and then it should be taken again. B6 strengthens the immune system to help make antibodies. Vitamin A fuels the thymus glad, which is an important immune organ.

Should children take an immune formula when they are sick, or every day?

A parent can decide what is right for their child. Some give it to their child when school starts, or during the season when allergies pick up. If the child is given the 100% all natural flavored supplement, there is nothing in a natural vitamin supplement that can hurt the child with the exception of iron, it will only better them.

Conclusion

Giving your child important nutrients now will achieve great health in their future. Today’s adults have diabetes, heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis, and cancer that could have been prevented during childhood with the correct nutrients.

Gratefully, the opposite is also true. By giving your child the correct nutrients will allow him/her to live a happy and healthy life as an adult.

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Vitamin B6 Benefits, Sources and Deficiency

Vitamin B6 is one of the eight water-soluble B vitamins. It was originally isolated in the mid-1930. Vitamin B6 has the maximum number of chemical structures – all begin with the letters “pyr,” and include pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxamine (PM), pyridoxine phosphate (PNP), pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), and pyridoxamine phosphate (PMP). PLP is the most active coenzyme form, and has the maximum importance in human metabolism

This vitamin was initially not known by this name, but was referred to as the “antidermatitis factor.” This was because, it was noticed that skin inflammation (dermatitis) increased whenever there was a decrease in intake of foods containing Vitamin B6.

Benefits of vitamin B6 –

* Pyridoxine helps in the proper functioning of the cells of the nervous and muscular system.

* Pyridoxine is also known as a “woman’s vitamin” because it helps relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as pre-menstrual fluid retention, severe period pains, emotional PMS symptoms, premenstrual acne, and nausea/vomiting in early pregnancy. It also helps balance hormonal changes in women.

* It aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material.

* B6 also helps in the movement of sulfur-containing molecules around the body, as that is very important for hormonal balance and elimination of toxic substances through the liver.

* It is essential for the proper absorption of vitamin B12; as well as for the production of red blood cells (haemoglobin). Vitamin B6 also helps increase the amount of oxygen carried by haemoglobin.

* B6 is also an “anti-stress” vitamin because it improves the activity of the immune system, and develops the body’s ability to resist stressful situations.

* Pyridoxine is considered beneficial for children with difficulty in learning, as well as assisting in the

prevention of dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.

* It helps maintain sodium and potassium balance in the body. Supposed to provide immunity against cancer and resist the formation of the toxic chemical homocysteine, which increases the risk of cardio-vascular diseases.

* Mood swings, irritability, depression as well as loss of sexual drive may be at times linked to B6 deficiency.

* It helps maintain the health of the lymphoid system (thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes) that produces white blood cells in the body. A vitamin B6 deficiency can decrease a person’s antibody production and suppress immune response altogether.

* Vitamin B6 is also very important for the conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (vitamin B3).

* Hemoglobin within red blood cells carries oxygen to tissues. Your body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin. A vitamin B6 deficiency can result in a form of anemia that is similar to iron deficiency anemia.

* Vitamin B6 also helps maintain the blood glucose (sugar) within a normal range. When caloric intake is less, the body uses vitamin B6 to help convert stored carbohydrate or other nutrients to glucose to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Dosage of Vitamin B 6 –

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 (in milligrams) is –

* 1.3 mg for men and women under age 50

* 1.7 mg for men and 1.5 mg for women over the age of 50

* 1.9 mg for pregnant women, and

* 2 mg for lactating women.

Vitamin B6 can be found as multivitamins, B complex vitamins.

People who eat a balanced diet containing good sources of vitamin B6 should be able to meet the daily requirement without taking a supplement.

Vitamin B6 supplements should always be taken with water, preferably after a meal.

Deficiency of vitamin B6 –

Vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms are quite similar to those of B2 and B3, as B6 is needed by the body to manufacture its own B3 vitamin.

* The skin is among the first to show up deficiency of Vitamin B6. Many skin disorders have been associated with B6 deficiency, such as eczema, acne, allergies and seborrheic dermatitis. . Symptoms may include nails that are uneven, a sore tongue (glossitis) as well as changes in bones – which can include osteoporosis and arthritis.

* Kidney stones may also appear.

* Irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as general weakness are other associated symptoms.

* Neural problems also erupt when there is a lack of Vitamin B6. Symptoms can include convulsions, confusion, and seizures in the case of severe deficiency.

* Other deficiency related problems include anemia, depression, and fatigue. When anaemia is entirely related to B6 deficiency, it is usually classified as pernicious anaemia.

Who are at risk of Vitamin B6 deficiency?

Vitamin B6 deficiency usually occurs in individuals who eat poor quality food that is scarce in many nutrients. Symptoms usually occur during later stages of deficiency, when the poor intake has prolonged for quite some time.

Alcoholics and older adults are more likely to have inadequate vitamin B6 intake. Alcohol promotes the destruction and loss of vitamin B6 from the body.

Some asthmatic children treated with a particular drug, may need to take a vitamin B6 supplement.

Rich dietary sources of Vitamin B6 -

Good dietary sources of vitamin B6 include chicken, tuna, salmon, shrimp, brewer’s yeast, lentils, soyabean, nuts, peas, walnuts, bananas, peanut butter, carrots, brown rice, bran, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and whole-grain flour.

Pyridoxine is sensitive to sunlight; cooking and processing, so watch out while cooking!

Exercising may aid the production of the active form of vitamin B6.

Do medications affect vitamin B6?

Some prescription medications lead to depletion of the body’s B6. These medications include birth control pills and oral estrogens; diuretics, anti-epileptic drugs, asthma-related drugs, tuberculosis drugs and anti-fibrotic drugs.

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Vitamin C, The Master Nutrient, Part I: Benefits

A report in the Lancet, March 2001, stated that those with the highest levels of vitamin C in their blood had one half the risk of death from all causes, including heart disease. Dr. Kay Tee Khaw found that there was a decreased risk of cancer for those with high levels of C in their blood. German physician Matthias Rath theorizes that cholesterol is used by the body as a temporary repair substance for the walls of the arteries when there is not enough of the C complex available to permanently repair the arterial damage.

In addition, there is abundant research to show that vitamin C is vital for many fundamental processes in the body. For example, it is a well known immune system builder as well as an aid in maintaining healthy skin, eyes and gums and in forming collagen. It is also a powerful antioxidant, which means that it can help protect your body from free radicals that are created in abundance in the modern world by stress, pollution and toxins.

Additional Functions of Vitamin C in the Body

In addition to the above functions, the C complex does a lot of other things in the body. In fact, some have called it a nutrient “extraordinaire.” Vitamin C can aid in tissue growth and repair, and is hence helpful in healing after surgery. It also as acts as a natural antihistimine and can protect against the development of allergies. Studies have shown that C can help to reduce asthma symptoms as well.

The C vitamin aids in the manufacture of the hormones adrenaline and cortisone and also in the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical for proper brain function and mood. Vitamin C has been found to aid in proper adrenal and thyroid function. It also helps to regulate cholesterol levels and to reduce the incidence of gallstones.

The C complex vitamin also increases the absorption of iron, and can combine with toxins in the body like heavy metals and turn them into harmless substances so they can be eliminated from the body. Huge amounts of C are found in the adrenal, pituitary and thymus glands, as well as in the retina in your eyes. Many other organs, like the brain, lungs, liver, spleen, thyroid and the pancreas also contain much higher amounts of C than your blood does.

Vitamin C is needed to make carnitine, which is used to help transfer energy to the cells. This may explain why some feel an increase of energy when adding vitamin C-rich foods to their diet. Recent studies have shown that if you have adequate C, you will oxidize 30% more fat during moderate exercise than those with low C. This implies that the C vitamin may be useful for weight loss.

In fact, recent research has shown that the level of vitamin C in the body is inversely related to body mass. This means that the more overweight you are, the lower your levels of C. People of normal weight tend to have higher levels of the C vitamin.

In addition, it appears that vitamin C dilutes fat, which makes it easier to flush out of your system. Try adding some vitamin C-rich fruits or vegetables to each meal, like citrus fruits, red peppers, parsley or broccoli. This may well increase your metabolism and hence increase your ability to get rid of fat. If this isn’t enough, you might want to consider adding a whole food C complex supplement to your diet.

Another way that C may help with weight loss is by helping boost your mood and feeling of well being. You don’t need a study to know that dieting often causes you to be in a poor mood, and that in turn often causes you to go off your diet. So the C vitamin, especially in the form of natural camu camu berries can help you to maintain an up mood while dieting. In fact, camu camu berries appear to provide the nutritional support the brain needs to optimize its own mood-balancing chemicals.

So make sure and add vitamin C to your diet if you are having a hard time losing weight, especially if you are an older adult.

Vitamin C is truly an extraordinary nutrient!

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The 200 Essential Enzymes That Prove Zinc Is Vital For Health

Zinc is one of the many trace minerals required by the body, but the fact that it’s required in relatively small amounts should not be allowed to obscure its significance. It’s required by the body for the production of more than 200 essential enzymes, one of the most crucial of these being superoxide dismutase, a vital anti-oxidant.

The particular importance of superoxide dismutase lies in its role in mopping up the superoxide free radicals which are released upon the metabolism of oxygen within cells, literally with every breath we take. Superoxide free radicals react with other by-products of energy production to form hydroxyl, the most damaging free radical of all, and to attack the mitochondria of the cells themselves.

Since it is the mitochondria which ultimately produce the energy for all the body’s vital reactions, mitochondrial damage due to free radicals can only mean the production of less and less energy and the gradual deterioration and degeneration of the entire organism.

As well as being vital for the body’s manufacture of anti-oxidants, zinc also helps the immune system to regulate the process by which defective or worn out cells are killed off by the body before they have chance to multiply themselves and perhaps ultimately become cancerous. These functions alone would make it one of the key micronutrients which are vital to the body’s long-term health.

But there’s much more to zinc than this, because it’s now known to be necessary for the production of the white blood cells which are one of the body’s first lines of defense against infection, and for the proper functioning of the thymus gland which is heavily involved in the regulation of the immune system. So zinc is crucial not just in staving off long-term degeneration, but in fighting off acute infections.

And this well documented value as an immune system booster has given zinc great popularity as a cold and flu remedy, although the effectiveness of the many lozenges sold for this purpose once illness is established remains open to question. But the importance of a healthy immune system in preventing infection in the first place is not in doubt. And it’s here that an adequate supply of zinc is essential.

Although the typical requirement for zinc is only 15 mg a day, it is surprisingly easy to fall below this. Indeed some estimates suggest that typical dietary intakes may be as low as 9 mg for women and 13 mg for men, and even this may be poorly absorbed so some nutritionists recommend aiming for an intake of around 25 mg to ensure an adequate supply.

It also needs to be remembered that certain groups of people with depressed immune systems, such as HIV sufferers, diabetics and alcoholics may have an increased requirement for zinc. But by far the largest such group is comprised of the over 65s. And it should be realized that the consequence of a zinc deficiency may be much more serious for these older individuals, given that their immune systems are likely in any case to be less effective than those of healthy young adults.

So the conclusion appears to be straightforward: ensuring that the diet is adequate in zinc is vital to the efficiency of the immune system, and therefore to long-term health and well being. But as always with the human body, the full story isn’t quite so simple. The body functions holistically, and an excess of any one nutrient may well lead to a deficiency in another. Taking in too much iron, for example, may in itself lead to a deficiency in zinc. But in the case of an excess of zinc (defined by the US Food and Nutrition Board as more than 40 mg a day), the associated deficiency is of copper.

Deficiency in copper is rarely severe enough to produce clinical symptoms, but this should not obscure the important functions of this trace mineral. As with zinc, adequate supplies of copper are vital for the production of anti-oxidant enzymes and energy within the body’s cells. Sub-clinical deficiencies have also been implicated in cases of mild anemia and depression of the immune system.

The best way to counter these risks is, of course, to consume a diet rich in both zinc and copper. Red meat, particularly beef, and shellfish are known as good animal sources, whilst nuts and beans offer a useful source for vegetarians. Whole grains are a useful additional plant source of copper. Plant sources of zinc, however, are less well absorbed by the body than those derived from animal sources, and so this is a nutrient which may require particular attention for those following a vegetarian diet.

But given the poverty of modern Western diets in both vitamins and minerals, supplementation may in any case be necessary to ensure the health of the immune system, particularly, as discussed above, for the over 65s. Various forms of specific zinc supplement are readily available, but it is probably wiser to ensure that any supplementation of zinc is taken in a properly balanced multi-mineral formulation also containing an appropriate amount of copper.

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Yoga And Meditation Go Hand-In-Hand

Western Researchers are currently studying the healing effects of beta-endorphins released during yoga and meditation that may be curing people of everything from asthma, ADHD and high blood pressure to diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer. “Ayudervedic healing,” as it’s called, has been in practice for over 5,000 years but didn’t arrive in the United States until the 1970s. The healing is based on three areas — diet, herbs and meditation yoga — particularly “Sahaja Yoga.”

In recent years, Sahaja yoga and meditation has caught a lot of media attention for its alleged healing properties, as well as its use at Rikers Island prison in New York City to treat mentally disturbed criminals. It is believed that Sahaja relaxation technique can instill a sense of deep spirituality and facilitates the release and circulation of beta-endorphins associated with wellness. The end goal of its meditation is a sense of inner awakening and union (sometimes referred to as “kundalini”).

Students of this branch will study the three vertical energy channels within the human body: the sun channel (governing our thought processes), the parasympathetic / nervous system channel (governing our body processes) and the moon channel (governing our emotions).

In addition to these three channels, millions of chakras (literally translated from Sanskrit to mean “wheels” or energy centers) are swirling around us, keeping the channels in motion. Chakras can vary from religion to religion, but Sahaja relaxation technique focuses on several in its yoga and meditation:

- the crown chakra (pituitary gland / consciousness);

- the third eye chakra (pineal gland / sleep and awakening);

- the throat chakra (thyroid / growth and maturity);

- the heart chakra (thymus / stress and wellbeing);

- the solar plexus chakra (pancreas / digestion and energy);

- the sacral chakra (groin / sexuality and reproduction);

- and the root chakra (adrenal gland / basic fight or flight instincts and kundalini awakening).

Another study is the Raja relaxation technique tradition (the “king” of yoga or “royal path”), which is heavily steeped in spirituality. Practitioners believe in a serious code based upon self-restraint, quietude, concentration, regulation of breathing, uniting body and mind through action, withdrawing from the senses and studying religious texts.

Often retreats are offered (by places like the Margaret Austin Retreat Center in Texas or the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California) to help students immerse themselves in a new way of thinking. Students will learn about the Eightfold Path and the seven chakras, in addition to yamas and niyamas (code of conduct and religious observances, respectively).

Curious parties can go to SahajaYoga website for more information on the teachers, philosophy and practice of yoga and meditation. If you’re in the California region, another highly acclaimed meditation expert and retreat guide is Deepak Chopra, who can be found at Chopra website.

Also, if you go to the Yoga website studio search, you can look up Raja relaxation technique studios near you. IAYT has information regarding healing yoga.

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