Ayurvedic Events in Ottawa this Fall

Here, for your enjoyment, a reproduction of the October Newsletter of the Shree Ma Ayurveda Institute and Wellness Centre.

Register on their site, to get your own copy every month directly in your inbox!!! 

Enjoy!

What is Natural Hygiene?

One of the most rewarding aspects of fields of study such as Alternative Medicine, is that is it always evolving. With evolution, of course, comes revision of course manuals! Here at the Alternative Medicine College of Canada, we strive to bring our students fresh, new, innovative, current information and course materials so that they can always be well-versed and current with what is going on in the every-changing landscape of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

A course presently being revised is the Vital Hygiene course (course 122). So, in the spirit of keeping you, our reader as well informed, here is just a sneak-peak at what is inside this manual. Enjoy! This text is adapted from Dr. Herbert Shelton's, Human Life It's Philosophies and Laws, published in 1928.

What is Natural Hygiene?

Hygiene is a branch of biology that relates to the preservation and restoration of health. Bionomy is the science of the laws of living functions; or that branch of biology which treats of habits and adaptation. Orthobionomics is a word coined to design the correct adaptation of life and environment to each other.

The hygiene of health and the hygiene of disease is one. For convenience, we divide it into preventive hygiene (hygiene of maintaining health), and remedial hygiene (hygiene of health restoration). Preventive hygiene is the intelligent use of hygienic principles, forces and agencies for the maintenance of functional and structural integrity. Remedial hygiene is the intelligent use of hygienic principles, forces and agencies for the restoration of sound health.

An amusing story I found relating to this very aspect of health:  The superintendent of an institution sent an inmate into the basement to mop up the water from a faucet that had accidentally been left running. When the superintendent decided to go check out how the inmate was progressing, he found him mopping the floor... with the water still running full blast. "You idiot, why don’t you turn off the faucet," shouted the superintendent. The inmate replied: "Nobody’s paying me to turn faucets off. I’m getting paid two bucks an hour to mop up."

Does this not illustrate perfectly that the land we live in is flooded with sickness which flows from ignorance of the laws of nature. Proper instruction would shut off disease at its source, but if doctors turned off  "the tap", they would put themselves out of a job. Nobody pays the medical profession to "turn off the faucet". They are getting paid "to mop up".

Reflectively yours,

Fibromyalgia and Complementary Medicine

The word fibromyalgia comes from fibro meaning tendons,  myo for muscles; algie for pain. In other words: pain all over! It affects mainly women in their late 30s and in their 40s. Waking up with generalized pain and feeling run down are usual complaints.

Fibromyalgia is often diagnosed as part of a chronic fatigue problem where the pain component is more important for the patient than the fatigue element.

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed when there is presence of several symptoms including (but not limited to): muscle pain, muscular fatigue, stiffness, chronic pain in the neck and shoulders, restless sleep, headaches, numbness. Usual the diagnosis is given after all other illness that could produce such discomforts have been eliminated.

Practitioners will test to see if at least 11 of the 18 tender sites on the body present with pain: if they do,  fibromyalgia is very likely the problem.

Causes

Certain studies point to food sensitivities or allergies as aggravating factors in fibromyalgia. At the heart of the illness, present-day knowledge thinks there are hypersensitive neurons, inflammation and damages cells. It would explain the aggravation of symptoms seen when allergenic foods are consumed, since those foods usually produce an inflammation reaction, exacerbating sensitized neurons.

Treatments and Complementary Approaches

Fibromyalgia can be naturally treated thanks to several approaches aimed at the body, the mind and  at the combination of the two. These various approaches, are applied simultaneously and in different combinations, to yield optimal results for the fibromyalgic person. Light exercise is recommended, as well as massages and healthy & balanced eating which relies on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. The  fibromyalgic should avoid fast food (of course!), too much animal products as well as sugar.  It is also wise to check for any food allergies or sensitivities. Often, a nutritional supplement will be suggested.

Rest and proper stress management are crucial. It is imperative to have a balanced lifestyle and eliminate (or greatly reduce) any source of stress. Since rest is essential, proper sleeping habits must be encouraged, with the help of some supplements, if needed.

Acupuncture has showed some good results for some fibromyalgic patients, by stimulating sensitive points.

Various natural and effective supplements can help manage and alleviate fibromyalgic symptoms. A qualified naturopath will want to discuss the possibities with the patient. Finding the proper combination of body-mind approaches that will provide optimal results requires teamwork. Worthwhile teamwork, according to those successfully managing their fibromyalgia with natural approaches. 

Relaxingly yours,