Kimaya Ayurveda

Tulsi Plant (Holy Basil) Found to Remove Flouride from Water

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:51:21 GMT

A plant called Tulsi, or Holy Basil, which grows all over India might just be another answer to defluoridating water in poor countries all over the world. Research scientists at Rajasthan University have discovered that Tulsi can replace some of the more expensive alternatives to fluoride removal. The process is so simple, its downright exciting. The researchers conducted the experiment in a village of Narketpally Mandal by soaking 75 mg of Holy Basil leaves in 100ml of water that had over 7 parts per million of fluoride. After soaking the leaves in the water for a mere 8 hours, the fluoride was reduced to just 1.1 parts per million. The World Health Organization says that ‘safe’ levels of fluoride in water are no higher than 1 part per million. With the recent admittance by Harvard University that fluoride was bad for health, and the continuing news that points to fluoride being responsible for depleting brain capacity to causing ADD and ADHD, or even calcifying the pineal gland, (which inhibits important hormonal secretions like Melatonin and Seratonin, and DMT), it is wonderful news that such a simple remedy has been found. As mentioned, fluoride has been linked to numerous health consequences, and for good reason: it’s toxic. •A Harvard study explains: “The children in high fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ than those who lived in low fluoride areas.” •The EPA had similar statements, demonstrating how fluoride displays ”evidence of developmental neurotoxicity” and can damage unborn babies.”Fluoride readily crosses the placenta. Fluoride exposure to the developing brain, which is much more susceptible to injury caused by toxicants than is the mature brain, may possibly lead to damage of a permanent nature.” •One paper entitled Fluoride – A Modern Toxic Waste says the following: Yiamouyiannis documents research showing that fluoride increases the [cancer] tumor growth rate by 25% at only 1 ppm, produces melanotic tumors, transforms normal cells into cancer cells and increases the carcinogenesis of other chemicals. For the original references to these studies, refer to Yiamouyiannis’ pamphlet, Lifesavers Guide to Fluoridation. •It was shown in 1977 that water fluoridation sparked nearly 10,000 cancer deaths in epidemiological studies by Dr. Dean Burk, former head of the Cytochemistry Section at the National Cancer Institute and Yiamouyiannis (information from the above document).

For poor countries, the use of tulsi for cleansing water of fluoride is ideal, but also for the ‘civilized’ nations that put fluoride in the drinking water to begin with. Maybe we can skip the over-priced water filters and use nature instead. Now, if we can just figure out how to remove the chlorine, pesticides and other toxic residues, with a plant, we would be golden. Options aside from purchasing a reverse osmosis system would be as beneficial as Tulsi leaves, since even houseplants tend to grow better on water without chlorine in them, and fish definitely don’t like the chemical. If Tulsi leaves do the trick on fluoride, there is bound to be another plant in nature’s cornucopia that can help with other toxins.Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/tulsi-plant-holy-basil-remove-flouride-water-support-pineal-gland-health/#ixzz2ScO8lVoF by Christine Sarich

Amla For Health

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:24:53 GMT

Ever wonder why almost all Ayurvedic preparations contain amla? Or why it is suggested that everyone should have one piece of amla on a daily basis? Well studies have shown that amla or the Indian gooseberry is packed with nutrients and can actually help you live a longer healthier life. One of the most important fruits in Ayurveda, the fruit grows well in a warm climate. It is known to be a rich source of Vitamin C. So much so, that one small amla has as much Vitamin C as 2 medium oranges. Packed with compounds like polyphenols, minerals like Iron and zinc and vitamins like Carotenes and Vitamin B complex, amla can definitely keep a number of diseases at bay. Here are a few benefits of this amazing fruit:

Acts as an antioxidant: Rich in Vitamin C and polyphenols, amla is a great source of antioxidants. Research has shown that it has a high content of tannins, which when combined with polyphenols gives the fruit a unique free radical scavenging property. This unique asset helps reduce the damage caused by free radicals on the body.

Protects your heart: Amla is known to reduce cholesterol, and keep heart disease under check. Rich in fibre and iron, it is very effective in controlling the oxidation of LDL (Low density lipoprotein). Oxidation of LDL releases free radicals which are known to cause coronary artery disease, therefore stopping this oxidation is essential for preventing heart disease. Amla also helps to maintain cholesterol levels by inhibiting the oxidative properties of a chemical calledthiobarbituric acid (TBA) that induces LDL oxidation. Another benefit of this wonder fruit is that itprevents arthrosclerosis (accumulation of plaque in the arteries) thereby protecting you from heart disease.

Controls diabetes and its complications: Research studies show that the polyphenol- rich fruit actually has properties that can protect the body from the oxidative properties of high blood sugar. The same compound is also effective in preventing the insulin resistance caused due to a high fructose diet. What this means is that the fruit can actually assist in the proper absorption of insulin leading to a drop in blood sugar in diabetics.

Reverses the ageing process: The extract of amla is rich in Vitamin A. This vitamin is essential in collagen production, a compound that keeps the skin looking young and elastic. Amla when consumed on an empty stomach has properties that slow down the degradation of collagen and helps the body produce more.

Improves your sex life: In a recent study, it was found that the iron content in amla has sperm enhancing properties. Ayurvedic practitioners suggest, drinking amla juice once a day helps increase the virility as well as sexual vigour. Amla has also proven to increase the motility of sperm and increase sperm production in men suffering from Oligospermia (a condition where a man has a low sperm count).

Protects you from cancer: Packed with antioxidant properties, amla has the potential to keep cancer at bay. Research into this particular property of the fruit, has found that it had the potential to prevent cancer by helping the body fight the harmful effects of chemicals that are carcinogenic. It also helps to inhibit the further growth of cancer affected cells. Apart from this, Amla extract can reduce the harmful effects of radiation and chemotherapy without reducing their beneficial effects as an anti cancer treatment.

Gastric problems: The fiber, polyphenol and water content of amla combined with its anti inflammatory properties make it a great antidote for an upset stomach. Having one teaspoon of amla juice on an empty stomach can take care of acidity and resolve a stomach upset.

Soothes the throat: Amla juice mixed with some ginger provides instant relief from a sore throat and cough.

Protects your liver: Studies have proved that amla has properties that protect the liver from oxidative damage caused by chemicals or alcohol. So after a long night of partying, have a piece of amla first thing in the morning, to get rid of that hangover and keep your liver safe.

Being indigenous to India, amla is a real boon to the world of natural medicine. Amla powder is brown in colour and so is the juice. If you do plan to purchase either amla powder or juice, make sure you buy it from a trusted source. Adulterations could be dangerous.

http://health.india.com/diseases-conditions/why-amla-is-so-great-for-your-health/

National Geographic Traveller, featuring Sri Lanka.

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:25:24 GMT

The National Geographic Traveller, one of the most widely read magazines in the world, has featured Sri Lanka in its UK edition. Highlighting 21 must-see places, the magazine features the Indian Ocean island in a 36-page supplement to the April 2013 issue. The magazine describing Sri Lanka as a cast away off the tip of India says the writers who often refer to it as ‘India in miniature’ fail to grasp that the tear drop shaped island has a fervent personality all of its own. “From tea plantations, to ‘rice and curry’, Ayurveda and spice gardens, Buddhist monks and more, Sri Lanka is emerging as a gem in the rough,” the National Geographic Traveller tells. Among the highlighted places in Sri Lanka are Dumbara Hills for trekking, Mirissa Beach for serene views and Adam’s Peak.

Mobile App for Meditation uses neuro-feedback to improve mental clarity, reduce stress

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:57:51 GMT

Personal Neuro Devices Inc. (http://personalneuro.com/), a developer of mobile neuro applications, today launched Transcend, an app that gives its users real feedback about the quality of their meditation, using actual neuro-feedback. Transcend allows users to track and improve their meditation practices over time by reporting the quality and duration of their meditation sessions, as well as other helpful metrics. Using these metrics, Transcend can tell when a user is successfully achieving meditative states regularly, or whether a user may benefit from an alternative form of meditation. By measuring and recording meditative states, a user can track his or her progress and receive confirmation that their meditation has been effective. Unlike other meditation apps available today, Transcend directly measures neural activity and takes into account the different ways that people meditate. It includes meditation guides for users new to the practice, or more experienced users looking to try a different style. Transcend’s ability to provide personalized feedback and suggest improvements for more effective meditation can benefit users of any experience level. “This is the first mobile meditation app that gives constructive feedback based on actual neuro-imaging,” said Tony Gaitatzis, CTO and co-founder at Personal Neuro Devices. “Transcend incorporates proprietary brain-activity-analysis algorithms and is based on research studies with individuals who are new to the practice of mediation as well as experienced users.” Data from each meditation session is gathered using NeuroSky’s MindWave Mobile headset. http:neurosky.com, which uses Bluetooth to transmit real-time electrical impulses via strategically placed electrodes, allowing users to monitor their progress as they melt into a more personal meditation. “We are very pleased to collaborate with Personal Neuro Devices to bring Transcend to market,” said Stanley Yang, CEO of NeuroSky. “Transcend will significantly extend and enhance the usefulness and benefits of the MindWave Mobile headset to many new users.” Transcend is available for Android in Google Play while an iOS version has just been submitted to the Apple App Store and will soon be available. Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/20/5203121/new-mobile-meditation-appuses.html#storylink =cpy

Devarana Spa

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 13:41:27 GMT

The dry season can leave your skin parched and dull, and the gloomy weather can make you idle and lethargic. Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani Bangkok has just the solution for you. The spa’s recently added two treatments, Rudolf’s Favourite Body Scrub and Abhyanga Massage, help make your skin supple, and your muscle energised.The body scrub uses mainly apples and carrots to give back glow and elasticity to the skin. Apple, apart from its delectable crunchiness and sweet-and-sour taste, contains high vitamin C that can effectively and quickly brighten your skin. It also has malic acid that brightens, softens and soothingly rids the skin of dead cells and impurities. Carrots, on the other hand, are rich in beta carotene that improves skin tone and colour. The carrots are also a good astringent that tightens pores, and reduce fine lines. With apples and carrots combined, you get a high power, all-natural scrub that gently exfoliates and polishes the skin. The scrub contains no salt or any other grains, just the fibre from the fruit pulps, to ensure no excessive abrasion or rash after the use. They add a bit of pine essential oil to calm and soothe. Have a warm shower and get ready to be blissfully energised with the Abhyanga Massage. The treatment involves long, full strokes with palms occasional acupuncture pressure to dissolve the accumulated stress and toxins in the mind and body, leaving you totally relaxed and recharged after the session. The therapist starts by slowly pouring warm oil of patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver (perennial grass originating in India) and grapefruit on your body, followed by long stroke massage and medium pressure to stimulate the circulation. The therapist then applies gentle but substantial pressure on the “marma points” throughout the body. Marma is a Sanskrit word meaning hidden or secret. By definition, a marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet. Marmas are vital centres or subtle energy fields on the body. They are storehouses of life breath pranic energy. A thrust or unusual throbbing on these parts can cause serious problems and eventually death. Marmas are not structural organs like liver, heart or lungs, but are sensitive areas located at the junctions of the muscles, bones, and nerves. The knowledge of marma is available in Ayurveda as well as in Kerala’s martial art form, Kalaripayattu. The marma technique can heal many diseases. There are 107 marma points on the body and these are similar to meridians in acupuncture and acupressure. The pressure applied on marma points is good in healing hypertension, neurological problems, stomach ache, gastritis and so on. The idea behind massaging the marma points is to cleanse blocked energy in our seven chakras that is believed to often cause illness. The seven chakras spots are lined vertically from the top of our head, throat, chest down to the abdomen and tailbone, and each represents different parts from our emotional well being. Abhyanga Massage helps increase circulation, especially at nerve endings, tone muscle, lubricate joints, increase mental alertness and stamina. These Ayurveda techniques also enhance deeper sleep at night and also promote a luminous complexion. www.DevaranaSpa.com. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/The-magic-of-marma-30197314.html

Yoga Helps Reduce Stress During Exams

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 14:08:31 GMT

Washington: A Loyola University Chicago Nursing Professor is going to teach yoga to her students to help them reduce stress during final exams. Dr. Sandi Tenfelde, who is an assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and recently became a certified yoga instructor, will offer a yoga class for nursing, health sciences management and exercise science students during final exams week.Her goal is to help her students reduce their stress levels, enhance their immune system and improve their emotional wellness, flexibility, strength,balance and posture. “Yoga can provide college students with many emotional and physical benefits. Regular yoga practice during finals week also can improve mental clarity and concentration making students more likely to excel under pressure,” Dr. Tenfelde said. Dr. Tenfelde also recognizes the long-term benefits of yoga for her students.“Part of preparing my students to be good health-care professionals involves educating them on how to take care of themselves,” she said. “It is easy to lose sight of self-care when you are concerned with caring for others on a daily basis. I hope to instill in my students the ability to reduce their own stress levels to better care for their patients,” she added.“My hope is that yoga will give students a healthier alternative to the caffeine, sugar and adrenaline that often carry them through finals week,” Dr. Tenfelde added. http://zeenews.india.com/ayurveda/yoga-help-reduce-stress-during-exams_1304.html

Ginger Tea & Ayurveda

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:13:12 GMT

Even with the outburst of coffee shops, Indians still love their tea especially when out for a drive. That one cup of tea wakes you up, while the gentle warmth soothes your soul. But did you know that tea has healing properties, more so if you add a slice of ginger to it? Ginger tea is available at most tea stalls even on highways, but you can prepare it at home too. What makes ginger tea healthy? We head to the expert, Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, the Ayurvedic Consultant with SativikShop.com. We find out that ginger tea is effective for a lot more than just the common cold. Dr. Jaishree takes us back in time to decode the mystery of ginger in Ayurveda: “Ayurveda believes in the fact that herbs when ingested or applied (few of them) bring changes in the bio energetic of the human body. Human body is regulated by balanced existence of three main bio-energies namely- vata( this energy regulates all the macro/micro, voluntary/ involuntary movements of the body. Pitta(regulates all the conversions processes) and Kapha(regulates stability/structure/ growth/ repair work). Herbs and food with their unique taste, after taste and specific therapeutic action, affect these bio energies by aggravating or pacifying them.” So how does ginger change the bio energy of the human body? She explains, “Ginger is a revered herb in ayurveda for many ailments. It has pungent and sweet taste, and pungent after taste. It has hot potency. All these properties of ginger make it highly capable of balancing aggravated kapha and vata. Ginger tea has its benefits in almost all the health problems arising from these doshas (bio- energies).” Health benefits of ginger tea: “Ginger tea is a very popular cure for cold and cough. It helps drying up running and dripping nose and expels phlegm from respiratory tract.” This is a hot favourite on a rainy day and a favourite with mothers to cure your cold. Of course, we’re using the word ‘cure’ loosely here, since there isn’t a known cure to this malady yet. However, ginger is known to soothe a common cold to make it bearable and perhaps even speed up recovery. Health benefits of ginger tea: “It helps those people who have very low appetite as ginger’s hot potency ignite digestive fire and initiate release of digestive enzymes.” In this crazy world filled with high levels of stress, we tend to lose our appetite. Could this be the answer? Health benefits of ginger tea: “It improves digestion and helps in proper assimilation of food.” Digestive problems may be an issue for the elderly but lifestyle changes can have an impact on you too. Ginger tea seems to be the key to better digestion. Health benefits of ginger tea: “Regular intake of ginger tea helps in alleviating constipation and expelling stagnated undigested food (‘ama’) or toxic gases from the digestive system.” This is a great solution after indulging in rich festive food. Ginger tea can easy your system, making you happy. But don’t expect miracles. The most it can do is calm an upset stomach, not cure it. Health benefits of ginger tea: “It almost works like magic to give you shot of energy, lift your spirits and bring you out of your lethargy.” This is something we can all relate to; ginger tea adds the buzz in your day. Health benefits of ginger tea: “During winters, it warms you up as it increases your body temperature.” Well winter is around the corner; here’s the hint for the healthy winter drink. Cheers! Health benefits of ginger tea: “It boosts your circulatory system due to its hot potency.” Sedentary life slows down your circulation system. We could all use a little help with energy every now and then. Health benefits of ginger tea: “Ginger is a detoxifying herb which helps in removing accumulated toxins in the body.” Could this be the answer to a hangover? Health benefits of ginger tea: “Ginger tea is extremely good for persons with kapha constitution as it keeps this dosha (kapha) in balance.” Ginger tea helps build and repair blemishes on your body. It acts like a cell builder.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/What-makes-ginger-tea-healthy/articleshow/17030896.cms

Aromatherapy and Ayurveda

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:15:48 GMT

Aromatherapy is a method of treatment that is personalised. A scent that might work for you might not work for everybody. Identifying what works for you can often be by the ‘trial and error’ method. Sounds like a long and daunting process? Don’t give up just yet, Ayurveda has unique and diverse ways of identifying the essential oils best suited to you, depending on factors such as your particular mind-body type. It has been classified into the 3 basic body types. Here is how you can identify what would suit you the best: If you are a vata type (typically susceptible to headaches, dry skin, constipation, nervous anxiety, hypersensitivity, insomnia), avoid sharp or strongly perfumed essential oils. You would benefit from warm, energizing oils such as camphor, cinnamon and cypress, combined with the stabilizing, calming oils such as sandalwood, jasmine or rose, blended in sesame oil, a carrier oil generally regarded as incomparable in its ability to penetrate the skin. A pitta type (typically prone to ulcers, fevers, inflammatory skin diseases, acidity, agitation, anger) would benefit from cooling, calming oils, flowery fragrances such as gardenia, jasmine, mint, rose, sandalwood blended in a cooling carrier like coconut oil. A kapha type (predisposed to respiratory ailments) will benefit from the use of warm, light, stimulating oils such as sage, basil, cedar, pine, myrrh in very light carrier oils. The use of sharp, stimulating fragrances is beneficial for the kapha type. Aromatic ayurvedic massages, whether for rejuvenation or health, are big business the world over. An entire tourism industry is booming around it in Kerala, with tax and other incentives given to entrepreneurs to set up quality ayurvedic resorts offering genuine ayurvedic treatment. Aromatherapy, an integral part of ayurveda, will obviously receive a fillip with such incentives. Over centuries and across cultures, the belief holds that essential oils have the ability to advance mystical ecstasy and heightened awareness—be it in places of worship, religious gatherings or in the meditation room. Beneficial oils include frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, rose, jasmine, rosemary and angelica. An ancient recommendation of essential oils to balance, strengthen and energizes your seven chakras: jasmine and ylang-ylang for the base or root chakra, vertivert for the hara, rose-mary and lemon for the solar plexus chakra, neroli for the heart chakra, benzoin for the throat chakra, sandalwood for the third eye chakra and rose for the crown chakra.For instance, sandalwood oil, blended in a carrier oil and rubbed between the brows, the third chakra, holds the promise of psychic enfoldment. So what in essence, does one have here? An alternative remedy which has crossed barriers, got the tacit nod of approval from orthodox medical researchers, scientists and doctors. Their research has demonstrated that medicinal properties are actually present in aromatherapy oils, that aromatherapy is an immensely versatile system which is accessible to both scientific examination and individual experimentation. http://health.india.com/diseases-conditions/aromatherapy-identify-your-essential-oil-with-ayurveda/

Tranquil Treehouse Escape, Wayanad, India

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:10:43 GMT

Dubbed as a “Plantation Hideaway,” Tranquil Resort is located on a 400-acre private estate complete with a working coffee and spices plantation near the southwest coast of India in the unbelievably lush, sparsely populated district of Wayanad in the state of Kerala. For those unfamiliar with Kerala, it’s, well, paradise. Offering full luxury resort amenities and services with an intimate, B&B-ish twist (travelers are treated as extended family and share communal meals with the property owners and staff), a majority of Tranquil guests sleep in one of several private rooms located in a renovated annex attached to the main home that was originally built to accommodate friends and family of the plantation owner. While perfectly lovely, those rooms don’t hold a candle to Tranquil’s two elevated sleeping options: The Tree House and the Tree Villa, the latter being a sprawling (1,080 square feet!) sanctuary with double verandas that towers 35 feet above the estate. Heck, one of the two bathrooms even has panoramic views. When guests do eventually decide to descend to ground level from their insect-proofed tree retreats, they can indulge in an in-house Ayurvedic spa treatment, unwind in the killer-looking swimming pool or enjoy a leisurely extended constitutional around the estate. Additionally, Tranquil-ites may opt to embark on a day trip to a range of nearby attractions including the Edakkal Caves, Pookote Lake and the elephant-filled Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary — all worth writing home about or, at the very least, sharing around the dinner table with Victor, Ajay, Anjini, Nisha and the rest of the Tranquil Resort family. Info: www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/stories/8-unreal-treehouse-escapes

India's Best Spa's Recognized

Mon, 28 May 2012 15:14:43 GMT

The spa culture has arrived in India. Hundreds of spas across the country are providing high-quality treatments with lots of innovative packages. Modern science and traditional Indian practices combine at these temples of well-being to offer a wide variety of experiences at different price points. The recent GeoSpa AsiaSpa India Awards at The Claridges Surajkund was to honour the stalwarts of this growing industry—25 of the best spas from all over India were awarded at a well-attended evening function. This year’s awards are our most competitive yet,” said Parineeta Sethi, chief editor and publisher of AsiaSpa India Magazine. The Imperial Spa and Salon, considered the largest spa in the capital and housed inside The Imperial Hotel at Janpath, was judged “The Best New Spa(Hotel)” along with the Jiva Spa at Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. The Imperial Spa, which opened about a year ago with its sublime opulence,is designed to purely de-stress and rejuvenate the body and mind. A must-try there is a signature line called SUFI. Also providing the ultimate spa treatments in the country are The ITC Mughal Agra and The Claridges at Surajkund. Both were adjudged the “Most Luxurious Spa Treatment 2011’ for their spectacular offerings. The Surajkund Ritual at The Claridges Spa is designed to balance the primary life forces of fire from the sun or ‘suraj’ and water from the ‘kund’ or lake. The ritual also includes a cleansing body scrub followed by a synchronised massage and the healing properties of hot stones. Kaya Kalp at ITC Mughal in Agra is the largest spa in the country spread over nearly 100,000 square feet. The whole spa is themed on the pomegranate fruit due to its exfoliating and anti-oxidant properties. “Mumtaz’s Journey” there won the most luxurious spa treatment award. The KayaKalp is no stranger to highly coveted awards. In 2008, it won the “Tatler Award” for best city spa in the world.Some of the other acclaimed spas which did not feature in the list of awardees include The NeoVeda Spa at The Metropolitan Hotel and Spazzo at theCrowne Plaza Today at Okhla.The NeoVedaSpa at The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa in New Delhi is an ayurveda style spa for the 21 century. It provides an exceptional experience with the power of Ayurveda to heal, restore, relax and invigorate. NeoVeda has a plethora of signature experiences to choose from. www.http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-18/travel/31764404_1_imperial-spa-largest-spa-spa-industry