Colon Therapy

Colon therapy is the process of cleansing and flushing out the colon, or large intestine. Also called colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy, the treatment is similar to an enema but more extensive. Whereas an enema (which you can do yourself) bathes only the lower portion of the colon, colonic irrigation (which must be done by a trained practitioner) attempts to clean the entire--roughly five-foot--length. Colonic Irrigation, or Colon Hydrotherapy, has its roots in ancient Egypt, Greece and India and has been used in the Western world since the 1800s. Practitioners believe that toxins built up in the bowel may be responsible for many health problems and the goal is, therefore, to flush them from the colon.

Treatments are usually given in a clinic or spa and sessions last between 30 to 50 minutes. Practitioners should be qualified and a member of a recognised professional association, such as ACHA. The patient is required to change into a hospital style gown and may be asked to take an enema, before the procedure begins. During the treatment, they lay on a table and a special device is used to fill their colon with warm purified water. Herbs or enzymes may also be added to the water. The water causes the muscles lining the colon to contract and expand forcing out fecal matter, which may include bacteria and undigested food, through an evacuation tube into the machine. The therapist may massage the abdomen to help loosen pockets of waste and gas. The procedure may be repeated several times and should be pain free.

Prior to the treatment and after it has been completed, it is suggested that the patient eat light meals for a period of time. Some practitioners recommend 1-2 sessions whilst others will suggest treatments every few months. Those who espouse colon therapy say that the health of the colon can affect the health of the entire body. This theory holds little credence with the majority of conventional physicians, however. They believe there is no reason whatsoever to irrigate the colon, except in some cases of constipation and before certain surgical procedures, such as a colonoscopy. They also contend that the best way to care for the colon is to let its own natural physiological actions keep it in good working order.

Colonic Irrigation may be of assistance for general body detoxification and secondary conditions arising from poor bowel function, such as skin problems, bloating and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is not suitable for people suffering from many inflammatory diseases such as Crohns disease, Diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis or Haemorrhoids. If in doubt, medical advice should be sought before commencing a treatment.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical practice that encompasses a range of treatments, including Herbal Medicine, changes in diet, meditation, massage and Yoga, to maintain or restore health. Constituted of two words, Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge, ayurveda means the knowledge of life. Another accurate translation of ayurveda is 'the knowledge of longevity. The roots of ayurveda rest in the ancient Indian culture. Ayurveda can be thoroughly understood by getting woven up in the fabric of nature.

Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine, originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. Ayurveda is constituted of two words, Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge, ayurveda means the knowledge of life. Based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in the individual's consciousness, Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, and the environment. Another accurate translation of ayurveda is 'the knowledge of longevity. The roots of ayurveda rest in the ancient Indian culture. Ayurveda can be thoroughly understood by getting woven up in the fabric of nature.

Ayurveda encompasses the secrets of why Man needs to cooperate with Nature completely in order to insure his well-being. Ayurveda treatment begins with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation. Studies have shown reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and reaction to stress in people who practiced Ayurvedic methods. In some countries, Ayurveda is considered a form of medical care, equal to conventional Western and homeopathic medicine. Practitioners of Ayurveda in India undergo state-recognized, institutionalised training. However, Ayurvedic practitioners are not licensed in the United States.

Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard/conventional medical care. According to Ayurveda, every person contains some of the universe's five basic elements: earth, air, fire, water and ether (or space). The combination of these elements in each individual breaks down into three metabolic body types, or doshas. They are known as vata, pitta and kapha. The theory behind Ayurveda states that sickness is caused by an imbalance in one ore more of the doshas, resulting in toxicity in the body and mind.

Ayurveda does not only address specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds differently to another. Ayurveda itself is a holistic healing science that can be applied to every activity in life and for some, becomes a complete way of life. Research has shown that individuals who practice Ayurvedic methods are at a decreased risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stress, all factors for heart disease. Herbal remedies within the treatment are considered to help allergies, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual cramps, Parkinson's disease, and digestive disorders, including constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

The first Ayurveda consult may last 45 to 90 minutes. Your doshic profile will be determined when questioned about your physical traits, emotional temperament, food preferences and mental attributes. Once your dosha is identified, a combination of Ayurvedic treatments will be prescribed. The frequency and duration of Ayurvedic visits varies widely, depending on your condition and the practitioner's prescription.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Massage:

Aroma Therapy is not just doing massage on body with fragrant oils or has an odorous bath. It's such a therapy, which uses healing power of herbs, shrubs and trees for physical and mental enhancement of soothing mankind. The roots of this therapy are deep to primitive age. Likewise it had been old for more than 5000 years ago. Aroma Therapy was very popular in old Egypt. It has intense power to heal many diseases from cough to asthma. Recently it has been proved perfect to cure lungs and respiration disorders. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, often through massage. Individual blends are prepared by the practitioner, in a base of cold pressed oil and then applied to the patient's skin through a remedial or relaxing massage. It is important that they are not used directly on the skin, as burning or rashes could occur.

As a holistic treatment, aromatherapy can have a profound effect on physical and psychological well-being. There exists the belief that scent, as the most enduring of our senses, has the power to transform our emotions, and heal our bodies.

Essential Oils:

The essential oils used in aromatherapy are extracted from plants and herbs to treat conditions ranging from infections and skin disorders to immune deficiencies and stress. When aromas are detected in the nasal cavity, impressions associated with previous experiences and emotions are created. Combining this with the fact that the parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance are also related to the nasal cavity, it is evident that the use of essential oils contributes to and achieves many physiological or psychological effects.

Fragrance oils:

It contains a bottle that can be used to store fragrance oil. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are not the same as perfume oils or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume and fragrance oils are artificially created fragrances, contain artificial substances or are diluted with carrier oils and do not offer the calibre of therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

Check some of them here:

• Eucalyptus: for congestion/coldsFrankincense: for calming emotions and nightmares
• Geranium:for menopausal problems & PMS Lemongrass; for sore or injured muscles
• Lavender: for relaxation
• Peppermint: for quick energy
• Rose: a uterine tonic and aids in contractions during childbirth
• Sandalwood: for relaxation, digestive troubles (esp. due to tension), dry skin
• Tea Tree: a strong disinfectant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal

Benefits of Aromatherapy:

The benefits of essential oils can be obtained through inhalation or by external application. Aromatherapy is easy to practice, readily available, and effective as a therapy, but should be used with care.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of healing that focuses on improving the overall well being of the patient. Health problems are treated by the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points. Originating in China, these points have been mapped out over two thousand years and have more recently been confirmed through electromagnetic research.

Acupuncture is the practice of puncturing the skin with needles at certain anatomical points in the body to relieve specific symptoms associated with many diseases. The anatomical points (acupuncture points) are thought to have certain electrical properties, which affect chemical neurotransmitters in the body.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical practices in the world. Originated in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture gained attention in this country in the 1970s, when China and the US opened relations. The practice has been growing in popularity since.
According to theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected via pathways, or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. Acupuncture may correct these imbalances when applied at acupuncture points and improve the flow of Qi.

Acupuncture theories today are based on extensive laboratory research, and have become widely known and accepted. In addition, controlled studies have shown evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture for certain conditions. Approximately 10,000 certified acupuncturists practice in the US today. Not all certified acupuncturists are physicians, but, currently, about one-third of certified acupuncturists are US physicians who have incorporated acupuncture into their medical practices.

Acupuncture is not for everyone. If you choose to see an acupuncturist, discuss it with your physician first and find a practitioner who is licensed with appropriate training and credentials. Acupuncture is generally performed with metallic, solid, and hair-thin needles. Patients report different feelings associated with acupuncture, but most feel minimal pain as the needle is inserted. Acupuncture makes some people report feeling energized by the treatment, while others say they feel relaxed.

Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy), also referred to as Chi and Xue (blood) through distinct pathways or meridians that cover the body. Acupuncture, that is inserting special needles into acupoints, stimulates and enhances the free flow of Qi, therefore regulating the harmonious energetic balance of the body. This consequently relieves pain and restores health.

Acupuncture Treatments:

The location of the points selected, the nature of the problem, the patient's size and age and the acupuncturist's style are all factors that will determine how deep the needles actually go. Acupuncture needles are usually inserted from 1/8 to 1 inch in depth. The patient will feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or travelling along the energy pathway. However the pain level is considered mild. During the treatment the patient will need to uncover the area on which they will be worked and will usually lay on a massage table. The number of treatments required for healing varies depending on the duration, severity and nature of the complaint.

Acupressure

Acupressure is one of the oldest and most widespread healing methods in the world. By using deep finger pressure at certain points, practitioners can reduce tension, increase circulation and offer relief for many complaints. It is a part of Chinese Traditional Medicine and often described as "Acupuncture without the needles".The points triggered are located along an invisible system of energy channels within the body, known as meridians and relate directly to organs and glands of the body where constrictions in the flow of energy at these points cause disease and discomfort. The gentle pressure applied to these points removes blockages promoting health and harmony throughout the body.
Acupressure deals with all aspects of a person considering body, emotions, mind and spirit as one, not as separate parts. The healing touch of acupressure relieves stress thus strengthening resistance to disease and supporting a longer, healthier, more vital life. It also increases blood circulation and aids in the removal of toxic wastes.
The patient usually lies fully clothed on a soft massage table while the practitioner presses gently on points situated on various parts of the body. The session is non-invasive and gentle. An average session lasts for about one hour, and a number of sessions are normally required to complete treatment.

Phobia

This is a list that has been stewing on my datafile for several years, defining 136 phobias, irrational or pathological fears of various things. The reason I've resisted is that someone else has done a far more thorough job than I could ever do, over at The Phobia List, where around 530 phobias are listed. While the Phobia List includes phobias used in medical papers or other printed sources, but not in a major reference dictionary, I strongly recommend it to those interested in phobias.

List of Phobias:

· Acarophobia: Fear of itching or of insects causing itching
· Acrophobia: Fear of heights
· Aerophobia: Fear of flying or draughts
· Agoraphobia: Fear of open spaces
· Agyiophobia: Fear of crossing busy streets
· Aichmophobia: Fear of sharp or pointed objects
· Ailurophobia: Fear of cats
· Algophobia: Fear of pain
· Amathophobia: Fear of dust
· Amaxophobia: Fear of riding in a car
· Ambulophobia: Fear of walking
· Anglophobia: Fear of England or the English
· Anthrophobia: Fear of humans
· Anuptaphobia: Fear of staying single
· Aquaphobia: Fear of water
· Arachibutyrophobia: Fear of peanut butter sticking to roof of mouth
· Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders
· Astraphobia: Fear of being struck by lightning
· Astrapophobia: Fear of thunder and lightning
· Automysophobia: Fear of being dirty
· Autophobia: Fear of solitude
· Ballistophobia: Fear of missiles
· Bathophobia: Fear of falling from a high place
· Batophobia: Fear of heights or being close to tall buildings
· Batrachophobia: Fear of frogs and toads
· Belonephobia: Fear of pins and needles
· Bibliophobia: Fear of books
· Blennophobia: Fear of slime
· Brontophobia: Fear of thunder and lightning
· Cancerophobia: Fear of cancer
· Cathisophobia: Fear of sitting
· Cenophobia: Fear of empty spaces
· Chrematophobia: Fear of money
· Cibophobia: Fear of or distaste for food
· Claustrophobia: Fear of closed spaces
· Climacophobia: Fear of falling down stairs
· Clinophobia: Fear of staying in bed
· Cremnophobia: Fear of cliffs and precipices
· Cyberphobia: Fear of computers
· Cynophobia: Fear of dogs
· Dromophobia: Fear of crossing streets
· Dysmorphophobia: Fear of physical deformities
· Ecophobia: Fear of home
· Eleutherophobia: Fear of freedom
· Eosophobia: Fear of dawn
· Ergasiophobia: Fear of work
· Ergophobia: Fear of work
· Erotophobia: Fear of sex
· Erythrophobia: Fear of red lights or of blushing
· Euphobia: Fear of good news
· Francophobia: Fear of france or the french
· Gallophobia: Fear of france or the french
· Gamophobia: Fear of marriage
· Geniophobia: Fear of chins
· Genophobia: Fear of sex
· Gerascophobia: Fear of growing old
· Graphophobia: Fear of writing
· Gymnophobia: Fear of nudity
· Heliophobia: Fear of sunlight
· Herpetophobia: Fear of snakes
· Hierophobia: Fear of sacred things
· Homichlophobia: Fear of fog
· Homophobia: Fear of homosexuals
· Hydrophobia: Fear of water
· Hypsophobia: Fear of high places
· Iatrophobia: Fear of going to the doctor
· Iconophobia: Fear or hatred of images
· Kainotophobia: Fear of change
· Kakorrhaphiophobia: Fear of failure
· Kenophobia: Fear of empty spaces
· Ligyrophobia: Fear of loud noises
· Linonophobia: Fear of string
· Lygophobia: Fear of darkness
· Lyssophobia: Fear of hydrophobia:
· Macrophobia: Fear of prolonged waiting
· Metrophobia: Fear of poetry
· Monophobia: Fear of being alone
· Muriphobia: Fear of mice
· Myophobia: Fear of mice
· Mysophobia: Fear of contamination or dirt
· Nebulaphobia: Fear of fog
· Necrophobia: Fear of corpses
· Negrophobia: Fear of blacks
· Neophobia: Fear of novelty
· Nosophobia: Fear of disease
· Novercaphobia: Fear of one's stepmother
· Nyctophobia: Fear of the night or darkness
· Ochlophobia: Fear of crowds
· Oenophobia: Fear or hatred of wine
· Ombrophobia: Fear of rain
· Onomatophobia: Fear of hearing a certain word
· Ophidiophobia: Fear of snakes
· Ophthalmophobia: Fear of being stared at
· Optophobia: Fear of opening one’s eyes
· Ornithophobia: Fear of birds
· Paedophobia: Fear of children; Fear of dolls
· Panophobia: melancholia marked by groundless Fears
· Pantophobia: Fear of everything
· Parthophobia: Fear of virgins
· Pathophobia: Fear of disease
· Pediculophobia: Fear of lice
· Pentheraphobia: Fear or hatred of one’s mother-in-law
· Phagophobia: Fear of eating
· Phengophobia: Fear of daylight
· Phonophobia: Fear of noise or of speaking aloud
· Photophobia: Fear of light
· Pogonophobia: Fear of beards
· Psychrophobia: Fear of the cold
· Pteronophobia: Fear of being tickled by feathers
· Pyrophobia: Fear of fire
· Russophobia: Fear of russia or russians
· Satanophobia: Fear of the devil
· Sciaphobia: Fear of shadows
· Scopophobia: Fear of being looked at
· Scoptophobia: Fear of being looked at
· Scotophobia: Fear of the dark
· Sitiophobia: Fear of food
· Sitophobia: Fear of food or eating
· Spectrophobia: Fear of looking in a mirror
· Symmetrophobia: Fear of symmetry
· Syphilophobia: Fear of syphilis
· Taphephobia: Fear of being buried alive
· Technophobia: Fear of technology
· Thalassophobia: Fear of the sea
· Thanatophobia: Fear of death
· Theophobia: Fear of god
· Tocophobia: Fear of pregnancy or childbirth
· Tonitrophobia: Fear of thunder
· Topophobia: Fear of performing; Fear of certain places
· Toxicophobia: Fear of poisoning
· Toxiphobia: Fear of poison or being poisoned
· Triskaidekaphobia: Fear of the number thirteen
· Uranophobia: Fear of heaven
· Xenophobia: Fear of foreigners
· Zelophobia: Fear of jealousy
· Zoophobia: Fear of animals

Music Therapy

The Influence of Music:

While music as a whole is well recognized for its entertainment value, the Indian civilization had gone a step forward to attribute the curative aspect to music. Long before acoustics came to be understood in Europe as a subject of study, the ancient Arab, Greek and Indian civilizations were already familiar with the therapeutic role of sounds and vibrations and the later day concepts pertaining to them.

The ancient system of Nada Yoga, which dates back to the time of Tantras, has fully acknowledged the impact of music on body and mind and put into practice the vibrations emanating from sounds to uplift one's level of consciousness. It is the Indian genius that recognized that ragas are not just mere commodities of entertainment but the vibrations in their resonance could synchronize with one's moods and health. By stimulating the moods and controlling the brain wave patterns, ragas could work as a complementary medicine.

What is a Raga?

Raga, we all know is the sequence of selected notes (swaras) that lend appropriate 'mood' or emotion in a selective combination. Depending on their nature, a raga could induce or intensify joy or sorrow, violence or peace and it is this quality which forms the basis for musical application. Thus, a whole range of emotions and their nuances could be captured and communicated within certain rhythms and melodies. Playing, performing and even listening to appropriate ragas can work as a medicine. Various ragas have since been recognized to have definite impact on certain ailments.

Historic References on Raga Chikitsa:

The ancient Hindus had relied on music for its curative role: the chanting and toning involved in Veda mantras in praise of God have been used from time immemorial as a cure for several disharmonies in the individual as well as his environment. Several sects of 'bhakti' such as Chaitanya sampradaya, Vallabha sampradaya have all accorded priority to music. Historical records too indicate that one Haridas Swami who was the guru of the famous musician in Akbar's time,Tan Sen is credited with the recovery of one of the queens of the Emperor with a selected raga.

The great composers of classical music in India called the 'Musical Trinity', - who were curiously the contemporaries of the 'Trinity of Western Classical Music, Bach, Beethoven and Mozart were quite sensitive to the acoustical energies. Legend has it that Saint Thyagaraja brought a dead person back to life with his Bilahari composition Naa Jiva Dhaara. Muthuswamy Dikshitar's Navagriha kriti is believed to cure stomach ache. Shyama Sastry's composition Duru Sugu uses music to pray for good health.

Raga Chikitsa: Raga Therapy in India:

Living systems show sensitivity to specific radiant energies be it acoustical, magnetic or electro-magnetic. As the impact of music could be easily gauged on emotions and thereby on mind, it can be used as a tool to control the physiological, psychological and even social activities of the patients.

Indian classical music can be classified into two forms: kalpita sangita or composition, which is previously conceived, memorized, practised and rendered and manodharma sangita or the music extemporised and performed. The latter can be equated to the honey-mooner's first night as it conceives both spontaneity and improvisation. It is fresh and natural as it is created almost on the spot and rendered instantly on the spur of the moment.

According to an ancient Indian text, Swara Sastra, the seventy-two melakarta ragas (parent ragas ) control the 72 important nerves in the body. It is believed that if one sings with due devotion, adhering to the raga lakshana (norms) and sruti shuddhi, (pitch purity) the raga could affect the particular nerve in the body in a favourable manner.

Some Therapeutic Ragas:

Some ragas like Darbari Kanhada, Kamaj and Pooriya are found to help in defusing mental tension, particularly in the case of hysterics. For those who suffer from hypertension, ragas such as Ahirbhairav, Pooriya and Todi are prescribed. To control anger and bring down the violence within, Carnatic ragas like Punnagavarali, Sahana etc. do come handy.

We experimenting on the impact of raga on mentally-retarded children and notice that it is the right combination of rhythms and tempo, which also affect the quality of a raga. Not only psychological impact, but also somatic or physiological impact of ragas has come to light in some recent works.