Managing Lockdown

COVID 19 has caused all of us to stay indoors. Many of us are working from home. Working from home is not as same as working from office. Our productivity maybe less maybe more. But it should not be a thing to worry. 

Many amongst us are facing difficulties during this period like time managemnet, sleep problems etc.

Dear friends due to lockdown we are unable to take care of our health both physically and mentally. Though it is more important to take care of ourselves in such a time.

Here I share a few points which can help us to maintain good health both mentally and physically.
1. It is very important to maintain discipline in our daily schedule as we were doing in our regular course.
2 it is very important to have fixed meal times. Eat healthy meals. Do not do binge eating.
3. Having complete sleep is also very important. Maintain regular sleep cycles.
4. Do fix a particular time in morning or evening for exercise at home only.
5. Meditate. It is very important.
6. Make a list of 5 things everyday before going to bed for which you want to show gratitude. It can be any person or any thing. You will see you are very lucky.
7. Follow the guidelines to keep yourself safe from infection.
8. Having a strong immunity is also important. There are lot of things which help us increase our immunity like yoga, pranayam, healthy diet, exercise, meditation etc.
9. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water.
10.Take breaks in between work. Do not work continuously for long hours on your laptop.

I have shared a few ideas of how to keep ourselves healthy during the lockdown when we are stuck at home.
If any one has any queries related to health can contact me at 9650343664.

REINVENT YOURSELF- SOME GREAT WAYS TO RENEW YOURSELF

                                                Rest when you're weary. 
                                             Refresh and renew yourself, 
                                          your body, your mind, your spirit. 
                                                Then get back to work.

1. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in nature. Take walks in a good park or work in       your garden. Create a balanced fitness programme or modify the one you are already following that will not only create a healthy body but will also fill your mind with happiness. working up a sweat helps you dump toxins.

2. Ask a qualified nutritionist to make up a specific detoxification programme for you. This could include avoiding some things like sugar and caffeine. Certain herbal medicines are great for such detoxification programmes.

3. Renew all aspects of your life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let the things flow. Give things away, recycle or re-circulate what you can.

4. Begin gently, yet seriously, re-evaluating the key areas of- work( career), relationships and health. Again look at what undermines your potentials in these worlds and allow clear ideas, suggestions, guidance and actions to arise in your being.

5. It is your healthy body that lets your spirit fly more freely. Eat healthy and if need be use nutritional supplements to nourish and support your body and mind.

6. Be earth aware and earth friendly. Re-use, re-cycle and reduce as much as you can.

7.Identify the areas of life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualise your Perfect Life and nourish that vision through renewing yourself.

8. Let go of what you don't need( physical, mental and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew( accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative or read by the candlelight at night or just sit quiet to meditate and listen.   

A Cup of Tea for Healthy Living - Herbal Tea and its Benefits

On a cold winter day nothing is more soothing than a cup of herbal tea. Besides being  tasty, warm, free from caffeine, herbal tea has lots of other wonderful health benefits. Some of its benefits are relaxing a troubled  tummy, reliving insomnia and it also helpsin relaxing a stressed mind.  Herbs in such tea have a lot of healing powers. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals.
What is a Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is an infusion of leaves, seeds, roots or bark  extracted in hot water. By drinking a cup of herbal tea, we get all the benefits of the plants in a digestible form. Drinking herbal tea every day, can bring all sorts of significant changes to one's mood, skin, and brings in a sense of well-being.

There are many wonderful herbal teas from which we can choose. Here are a few of them:

1. Peppermint Tea:
    This tea is especially good for bloating, gas and indigestion. Peppermint tea works by relaxing the muscles of     stomach. Drink one cup which can be followed by another after sometime if required.

2. Lemongrass Tea:
    Lemongrass is commonly found. It has a very good aroma. It helps to dilate blood vessels which help to         increase the flow of blood. it is also a mild diuretic. persons having problems of blood pressure can have this         tea. It is also an effective antibacterial and digestive drink.




3. Lavender Tea:
    Lavender tea relaxes the nerves and helps one to sleep better. If taken regularly it helps to reduce the     symptoms of depression and stress. It also helps to relieve bloating and the colic associated with it.


4. Mint Tea:
    Mint's antibacterial properties make it a great mouth freshner tea. It relieves nausea and also reduces     cramps and spasms associated with diarrhoea. Mint tea also helps in reliving cough arising from allergies and     chest infections.


5. Chamomile Tea:
    Chamomile is a flower and when taken in the form of tea relieves anxiety and also relaxes the nerves. It is best when taken at bed time as it relaxes the nerves and also induces sleep.

HOW TO LOOSE WEIGHT BY A VEGETARIAN DIET

A healthy and nutritious diet plays an important role in maintaining the complete health of the body. Veg diet can also help in weight loss, while providing the basic nutrients required by the body. 

5 Vegetarian Foods For Weight Loss

Green Leafy Vegetables : are storehouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins and fibers. The green leafy vegetables like Spinach,Kale, Brocolli, Parsley contain less calories and reduce the fat levels in our body.


Nuts and Seeds: are also store house of minerals, proteins, fiber, vitamins. They also have fatty acids, but these are essential fats. Flax seeds, Sesame seeds, peanuts, Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds etc not only keep our heart healthy and reduce cholesterol, but also strengthen bones and functioning of brain. Nuts and seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These should be included in our veg diet but in a limited quantity.

Beans and Soya Products: We should incorporate more of dairy products, soya products and beans in a vegetarian diet as they contain sufficient quantity of protein and other nutrients and soluble fibers which help to process fats in our body. Foods like Soya Bean, Baked Beans, Lentils, Black Beans,Tofu, Kidney beans, Chickpeas etc. help to increase our metabolic rate, reduce appetite and help in weight loss.


Cereals and Grains: They are a great source of iron and zinc and give plenty of energy to our body. Cereals like Whole Wheat Bread, Muesli, Brown Rice, Oats, Porridge, Semolina, Barley should be included in our daily diet. They provide us with a lot of nutritional values.




Fruits : They are the best part of our diet. They have less calories and plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients. For weight loss,go for fruits with high water content like in Watermelon, Muskmelon, Apple, Papaya, Orange, Berries.

Vegetarian Diet Plan To Be Followed for Weight Loss

A vegetarian diet should be such so that it provides all the nutrients required in our body and also help us to loose weight. One can start with the following vegetarian diet.

Morning- empty stomach : Start the day with honey and lemon juice with lukewarm water. This is useful in getting rid of harmful toxins present in our body.

Breakfast: You can take Brown bread with skimmed milk, wheat bran/oats/cornflakes or sprouts or fruit salads. Or  you can also have Vegetable Poha / Upma/Idlis/ Vegetable Daliya with fruits along with skimmed milk

Mid meal : almonds or walnuts handful with green tea/black coffee/ juice . 

Lunch : Chapati without ghee or oil, rice (one small bowl), salad, vegetable(one bowl), dal and curd.

Evening : Any one fruit or Sprouts or nuts or tea with 2 lite biscuits

Dinner: Chapati without ghee or oil, rice (one small bowl), salad, vegetable soup, vegetable, dal.

Before going to bed you can have a glass of skimmed milk or a single fruit. Dinner should be had by 7 p.m.

Along with all the above do not forget to drink 8-12 glasses of water daily. Daily walk, exercise or run for 30 minutes should also be done. Do avoid junk and fried food, sweets and bakery products.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR DEPRESSION

When a person feels depressed, it needs attention. Too much stress can make it hard to cope, and important feelings may be suppressed or turned inside. A major loss or grief requires time and emotional support for real recovery—and even a buildup of minor stresses (disappointments, setbacks, trouble in relationships, or work-related problems) can contribute to depression. Dietary deficiencies, allergies and sensitivities, hormonal imbalances, or biochemical conditions may also be involved. A person going through a period of mild sadness or depression may find relief through homeopathy. The guidance of an experienced homeopath is often valuable, to choose a remedy that fits the situation best. Any person with deep, long-lasting, or recurring depression should seek the care of a licensed health professional.

Commonly used HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES for treatment of depression

Arsenicum album

This remedy is indicated for people who worry unduly about their health or who are perfectionists and overly critical of themselves and others. They are at risk of depression if they fail to reach their own high standards. People who respond to Arsenicum album are often physically worse in cold weather, very sensitive to pain and suffer most between midnight and 2am.

Aurum metallicum

Made from gold and used for people who are workaholics with an excessive sense of duty. This renders them prone to despair, feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts following a perceived failure in their work or personal life. People who do well with Aurum metallicum often feel better by walking outdoors.

Calcium carbonicum

Suits people whose outward strong, dependable and industrious appearance hides a shy and introverted nature. Such people can be left feeling fatigued, anxious, withdrawn and self-pitying by overwhelming work pressures. People who respond to this remedy, which is made from the inner layer of an oyster shell, are chilly people who sweat easily, who periodically feel sluggish and suffer with insomnia– especially when away from home.

Ignatia amara

Suits those who become depressed after trying to suppress feelings of grief, despair or emotional upset at the expense of outbursts of hysteria or mood swings. Such people may suffer from a lump in the throat and frequent bouts of yawning. The remedy is often used after bereavement.

Kali phosphoricum

Benefits people who are normally clear sighted and extrovert, who suffer from the effects of exhaustion from overwork by becoming shy, seeking their own company and flinching at sudden noises. Alongside the change in mood they often develop muscular weakness, yellow discharges and may wake early with hunger pangs.

Lachesis 

This remedy made from snake venom can help depression caused by repression, jealousy or suspicion. Suits people who hate commitment and confinement. They may worry about world affairs and be very talkative. Lachesis may treat menopausal depression, particularly if the woman feels worse on waking and suffers with hot sweats.

Natrium carbonicum

Gentle, unselfish people who care deeply for their family and friends may become depressed after a loss or disappointment. They try to hide their feelings from others, which does not help their condition. Constitutionally, they have weak digestive systems and a marked intolerance to dairy products. When suffering, they isolate themselves and may listen to sad music. Natrium carbonicum may help in these cases.

Natrium muraticum

This remedy is helpful for sensitive, refined, serious-minded people, whose inner feelings are strong and may be of anger, grief or fear of losing control. The manner in which they bottle up these feelings may lead to depression. They dislike consolation from others and appear stoical and controlled. They need to be alone to cry and can be moved to tears by music. People benefiting from this remedy often suffer from migraines and are fatigued by the sun.

Pulsatilla nigricans

People needing this remedy appear childlike with emotions that vary from moody and clingy to yielding and sensitive. When depressed, they cry readily and enjoy consolation and need the support of others. Pulsatilla is a useful remedy for depression due to hormonal changes after childbirth or menopause. The woman will often crave sweet foods and put on weight.

Sepia

Sepia is made from cuttlefish ink. It is used for weary, irritable people – especially when overwhelmed by their responsibilities to family members. They direct their irritability towards loved ones and have trouble in explaining their symptoms. The remedy is used for postnatal depression, loss of libido and menopausal symptoms, especially when accompanied by a sagging feeling in the pelvic area.

Staphysagria

Suppressed emotions, particularly rage, that can erupt under severe pressure, can be helped with this remedy. When the person is well they are mild and yielding, but they can be addicted to work. A high sex drive is often present. Stress related headache, toothache and stomachache are pointers to the use of this remedy.

Causticum

A person who feels depressed because of grief and loss (either recent or over time) may benefit from this remedy. Frequent crying or a feeling of mental dullness and forgetfulness (with anxious checking to see if the door is locked, if the stove is off, etc.) are other indications. People who need this remedy are often deeply sympathetic toward others and, having a strong sense of justice, can be deeply discouraged or angry about the world.

Cimicifuga

A person who needs this remedy can be energetic and talkative when feeling well, but upset and gloomy when depressed—with exaggerated fears (of insanity, of being attacked, of disaster). Painful menstrual periods and headaches that involve the neck are often seen when this remedy is needed.

These medicines should be used with expert professional advice.

DEPRESSION - WHAT IS IT

 Depression: What Is It?

It's natural to feel down sometimes, but if that low mood lingers day after day, it could signal depression. Major depression is an episode of sadness or apathy along with other symptoms that lasts at least two consecutive weeks and is severe enough to interrupt daily activities. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a negative personality. It is a major public health problem and a treatable medical condition.

Depression Symptoms:

1. Emotional :The primary symptoms of depression are a sad mood and/or loss of interest in life. Activities that were once pleasurable lose their appeal. Patients may also be haunted by a sense of guilt or worthlessness, lack of hope, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

2. Physical   : Depression is sometimes linked to physical symptoms. These include:

Fatigue and decreased energy

Insomnia, especially early-morning waking

Excessive sleep

Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Changes in appetite or weight- another hallmark of depression. Some patients develop increased appetite and some may lose it altogether.

Weight loss or weight gain

 Depression can make other health problems feel worse, particularly chronic pain. Key brain chemicals influence both mood and pain. Treating depression has been shown to improve co-existing illnesses.

Impact on Daily Life

Without treatment, the physical and emotional turmoil brought on by depression can derail careers, hobbies, and relationships. Depressed people often find it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. They turn away from previously enjoyable activities, including sex. In severe cases, depression can become life-threatening.

People who are depressed are more likely to attempt suicide. Warning signs include talking about death or suicide, threatening to hurt people, or engaging in aggressive or risky behavior.

Who’s is at risk of getting depression

Anyone can become depressed, but many experts believe genetics play a role. Having a parent or sibling with depression increases your risk of developing the disorder. Women are twice as likely as men to become depressed.

Causes of Depression

Doctors aren't sure what causes depression, but a prominent theory is altered brain structure and chemical function. Brain circuits that regulate mood may work less efficiently during depression. Drugs that treat depression are believed to improve communication between nerve cells, making them run more normally. Experts also think that while stress -- such as losing a loved one -- can trigger depression, one must first be biologically prone to develop the disorder. Other triggers could include certain medications, alcohol or substance abuse, hormonal changes, or even the season or postpartum depression.

Diagnosing Depression

As of yet, there is no lab test for depression. To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors rely on a patient's description of the symptoms. You'll be asked about your medical history and medication use since these may contribute to symptoms of depression. Discussing moods, behaviors, and daily activities can help reveal the severity and type of depression. This is a critical step in determining the most effective treatment.

Counselling or Talk Therapy for Depression

Studies suggest different types of talk therapy can fight mild to moderate depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression. Interpersonal therapy identifies how your relationships impact your mood. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps people understand how their behavior and mood are affected by unresolved issues and unconscious feelings. Some patients find a few months of therapy are all they need, while others continue long term.

Medications for Depression

Antidepressants affect the levels of brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. There are many options. Give antidepressants a few weeks of use to take effect. Good follow-up with your doctor is important to evaluate their effectiveness and make dosage adjustments. If the first medication tried doesn't help, there's a good chance another will. The combination of talk therapy and medication appears particularly effective

Exercise for Depression

Research suggests exercise is a potent weapon against mild to moderate depression. Physical activity releases endorphins that can help boost mood. Regular exercise is also linked to higher self-esteem, better sleep, less stress, and more energy. Any type of moderate activity, from swimming to housework, can help. Choose something you enjoy and aim for 20 to 30 minutes four or five times a week

       Kevin Breel: Confessions of a depressed comic

         http://www.ted.com/playlists/175/the_struggle_of_mental_health

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR HAIR FALL

Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid is a wonderful deep acting constitutional remedy. It is one of the very good remedies for mental debility followed by physical debility, which leads to a host of complaints. Frequently used for complaints of hair loss, diabetes, hemorrhages, debility, depression, gastro-intestinal affections, sexual complaints, etc. Complaints arising due to loss of vital fluids from the body and after acute illnesses. Early hair falling and graying of hair. Hair tends to fall out from the scalp, eyebrows, genitals, etc. When complaints of hair loss come on after acute illnesses like fevers, etc. Phosphoric acid turns out to be a very good remedy. Often the complaints come on after some sorrowful experience and the patient tends to be chronically sad and depressed.

Flouric Acid

It is one of the excellent remedies for hair loss and few of its common indications are as follows: Very good remedy for cases of alopecia areata. Patient has loss of hair especially after fevers. Brittle hair. After fever, patient loses hair in spots from the scalp. Hair loss due to syphilis. Sticking of hair; they are matted together and tangle easily. Falling out of hair after typhoid.

Graphites

Graphites is a wonderful deep acting constitutional remedy prepared from black lead. Graphites positively influences the skin, nutrition, circulation, gastrointestinal organs, reproductive system, glandular tissues, mind, etc.

Its one of the commonly indicated remedies for hair loss, eczema, callosities, fissures, ulcerations, dyspepsia, chronic constipation, obesity, menstrual complaints, etc.

Graphites is a great remedy for menopausal complaints and it's frequently indicated for various symptoms that develop during the menopausal period. A few of its common indications are: One of the very good remedies for falling out of hair from the entire scalp; also for alopecia patches on the occiput due to moist eruptions on the scalp. Falling of hair at temples. Alopecia in infants.

Sepia

Sepia is one medicine prepared from inky juice of Cuttle fish.

Sepia,has a broad spectrum of action and is useful for a wide range of disease processes. It positively influences the skin, digestive system, female genital organs, liver, glands, lungs, and nerves. It is one of the most commonly used medicines for hair loss, irritable bowel syndrome, herpes, eczema, urticaria, lichen planus, ring worm, vitiligo, styes and chalazion, asthma, urinary tract infection. It is one of the best medicines for many gynecological and pregnancy related complaints.

It’s an especially good drug for hair loss during the climacteric period, during and after parturition. It’s also a very good remedy for alopecia areata where the hair falls out from the scalp leaving bald patches behind. Good drug for matting of the hair.

Niticum Acidum

Nitricum acidum is a deep acting, constitutional remedy which positively influences the gastrointestinal tract, nerves, glands, skin, bones, etc. Its one of the commonly used drugs for hair loss, vitiligo, warts, ulcers, fissures, gastritis, hemorrhoids, bony and rheumatic affections, malignancy, cachexia, etc. Loss of hair from the vertex. Sensitiveness of the scalp.

Lycopodium

Lycopodium is one of the wonderful remedies in Homeopathy.
This drug is frequently prescribed for complaints of hair loss, premature baldness, premature graying of hair. Lycopodium is also one of the commonly prescribed remedies for complaints of the gastro-intestinal organs, reproductive organs, urinary complaints, skin and respiratory disorders. Its frequently prescribed for chronic eczemas where the skin becomes excessively dry and raw from itching. Thick and indurated skin due to eczema. Offensive secretions, fissured eruptions and violent itching are a few of its common indications. The complaints are worse from warmth and better by cold applications.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus predominantly acts on the gastrointestinal tract, hepato-biliary system, blood, kidneys, bones, lungs, nervous tissue, etc.

It is frequently used in the homeopathic treatment of hair loss, nephrotic syndrome, hepatitis, cirrhosis, hemorrhagic tendencies, respiratory infections, osteomyelitis, paralytic symptoms, etc. Some of the common indications of this drug are: Falling of hair in large bunches; in spots. Dandruff with intense itching of the scalp. Highly sensitive to external impressions such as light, sound, odors, touch, thunderstorms, etc. Restless, excitable, nervous individuals. Affects the kidneys causing albuminuria and haematuria; patient has profuse, pale, watery urine with intense weakness. There is increased susceptibility to colds amongst children.

Silicea

Silica positively influences bones and joints, mucous membranes, skin, cellular tissue, nerves, glands, lungs, digestive system, etc. Silica is one of the frequently used medicines for complaints of hair fall, vitiligo, eczema, lichen planus, herpes, urticaria, asthmatic bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, styes and chalazion, trigeminal neuralgia, complaints of nails, tonsillitis, etc. Its frequently prescribed for the complaints of hair loss.

Patients requiring silica usually have tendency of easy suppuration of skin injuries. Silica positively influences nutrition as well and hence its one of the prominent remedies used for rickets in children.

Natrum Muriaticum

Constitutionally, this medicine has a broad spectrum of action, and is useful for a wide range of disease processes affecting the skin, gastrointestinal organs, nose, lungs, kidney, metabolism, muscles, head, hormonal system, etc. It is one of the commonly used remedies for hair loss, fissures, urticaria, migraine, eczema, lichen planus, vitiligo, asthma, etc.

Natrum muriaticum is frequently prescribed in cases of hair  loss especially in anaemic females.