Human body has no way to store water and needs fresh supplies to function better. The best source of fluids is fresh tap water. From children to aged people need different amounts of fluid, depending on their age and gender. Women should have about 2 litres (8 cups) of fluids a day, and men about 2.6 litres (10 cups). Children should drink the number of 8-ounce cups of water equal to their age, with a minimum of 64 ounces of water for children over the age of 8. These amounts do not include other beverages they may consume in a day such as milk and juice.

It’s important to note that our overall brain health depends on our water intake. Staying hydrated is linked to good concentration and increased short-term memory. During interviews, exams, for higher scores our water intake is most important.

Yes, water is vital to our health. It and plays a key role in many of our body’s functions, including cleansing our bodies:

• The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen, a water-soluble waste that can pass through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine. Our kidneys do an amazing job of cleansing and removing body of toxins hence, our intake of fluids must be adequate.  
• When wastes are eliminated from our body, it encourages healthy digestion and transporting nutrients to whole body where they are needed. 
• Water regulates body temperature. Moistening tissues, water moistens tissues in the eyes, nose and mouth. People who stay hydrated, get lesser wrinkles. And they have a sheen on their skin.
• It protects body organs and tissues.
• Water lubricates our joints.
• It dissolves minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to our body.
• It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues.
• It forms saliva and mucus.
• It delivers oxygen throughout the body.

The amount of water a person needs to consume each day to survive varies by age, gender, and where they live. On average, the exact amount can be affected by factors such as activity level, hormone levels, and body weight. For example, pregnant or breastfeeding ladies need more fluids than usual, and people should increase their water intake on hot days or when they’re physically active. Dehydration can occur when the body’s fluids are low, and it can be life threatening, especially for babies, children, and the elderly. 

It’s good to note that drinking water can help stabilize our emotions and combat feelings of anxiety. But it’s best to stay away from sweetened beverages trying to stay hydrated.

The human body is made up of about 60–70% water, but the exact percentage can vary from person to person depending on age, sex, and hydration levels. The organs in the human body with the highest percentages of water are the brain (80-85%), kidneys (80-85%), heart (75-80%), lungs (75-80%), liver (70-75%), muscles (70-75%), and skin (70-75%).

Drinking water before bed helps us sleep better. Dehydration impacts our sleep-wake cycle and the quality of sleep. Drinking water helps prevent dehydration and regulate our body temperature, which can help you sleep more comfortably and uninterrupted. 

Conclusion

Water is important to nearly every part of our body. Water therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is the practice of using water to treat a variety of conditions and symptoms such as pain, stiffness, bruising, swelling, muscle pain, menstrual pain, arthritis, joint problems, muscle disorders, and nervous system disorders and mental sickness such as depression and stress. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. This way you can drink whenever the need occurs. And importantly keep track of your water intake to stay healthy.

Social scientists have shown in many studies for past few decades that caring touch can have good effects in several different mental and physical problems. Consider this case: a doctor hugged his patient who survived a complicated surgery of six hours; when the patient regained his consciousness after surgery, the doctor felt so happy, he gave the patient a gentle hug.   

A hug is a universal and widely accepted ways to show our affection and love. It communicates many emotions that words fail to express. There are different types of hugs that express different emotions. When you feel low, angry, distressed, or sad, a quick squeeze or hug is all you need to lift your mood.

Hugging helps lower our stress throughout the day. Hugging a person is one of the most natural and emotional physical touches one can have with others. It gives us a sense of security and makes us feel loved and cared for. There are many different types of hugs one can coddle in; few are romantic while others are just friendly, they are emotional and supportive. For example, a side hug is friendly; hugging from behind portrays intimacy; in a friendly hug two people engage in arm-hug; hugging around the waist is romantic; a bear hug is for warmth; one-sided hug shows caring.  And there are many unseen benefits of hugging; the biggest is boosting of dopamine hormone which is ‘feel good’ hormone and in case of loving hug, oxytocin hormone boosts feeling of love.

Research shows that hugs can be healthy. Hugs cause a decrease in the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, and another research indicates that hugs decrease our blood pressure and heart rate in stressful situations. The stress-reducing effects of hugging keeps us healthier. In a study of over 400 adults, researchers found that hugging reduces the percentage of falling sick. From childhood to old age people who are hugged by near and dear ones stay healthy.

According to one study, it takes merely 7 seconds of a hug for our brain to signal the release of oxytocin hormone that is associated with, amongst other things, increased levels of trust, calmness, and creativity. Hugging often creates a feeling of calmness and relaxation. That’s because of oxytocin which is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin is released when people or pets snuggle up or bond socially. This release can have a domino effect throughout the body and has been found to reduce inflammation, improve wound healing, it lessens cravings for drugs, alcohol, and sweets and lowers heart rate and stress. Domino effect is a situation in which one event causes a series of related events, one following another.

Getting a firm, reassuring hug before or during a stressful event, such as waiting to receive the results of a medical test, waiting for an examination result, waiting to receive a near and dear one at station, can help you stay calm because your oxytocin levels remain elevated.  A hug a day may, in fact, keep the doctor away.

They make us happier. An assuring hug is much better than gulping anti-depressants. Hugging triggers the release of serotonin in the brain to create happiness and ease sadness.  They Help deepen our relationships. As human, we automatically want to hug those we know are in pain. In many ways, hugs are a form of meditation. They allow us to be present in the moment, to let go and flow with the energy of the embrace. It’s easy to forget how meaningful a hug can be, but it can truly deepen your connection with another person. Hugs convey, in a nonverbal way, an understanding of each other.

Humans and dogs have been together since primitive times, and both have a primal need for physical touch. All monkeys, from chimpanzees to Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) to humans, are hard-wired to console others and transmit affection by hugging. Even a reptile, a hen, and a fish look enjoy some human affection. Bears, koalas, deer, elephant, and even birds such as parrots, crows, pigeons, sparrows, peacocks love human touch. Indian scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose showed that plants can experience sensations and feel pleasure and pain. Like birds and animals, plants also respond to human touch.  

Don’t underestimate the healing power of a hug. Just as we exercise to stay in shape and diet to stay healthy, we should make the effort to stay connected to the people. We can never get enough hugs. They are priceless gifts of unconditional love because a hug communicates a thousand words.

I call pomegranate the wonder fruit.  I daily consume a small portion less than two ounces of pomegranate juice and I have seen superb benefits; my health parameters have improved immensely. Hence, I am writing this small passage about pomegranate on my blog.

Pomegranate travelled to central and southern India from Iran in the first century A.D. It has been widely cultivated throughout India and drier parts of Southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies, and tropical Africa.

The fruit’s red colour comes from plant pigments called polyphenols found in many plant-based foods that work as antioxidants in the body and help fight inflammation and aging. When you open a pomegranate, you find a bounty of red, round arils that have a sweet and tart taste. Inside each aril is a small seed. It’s alright to eat the arils as a whole or stick with the juice and spit out the seeds.  The micronutrient polyphenol improves lipid profiles, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation.

Memory Booster

Some studies have shown that it boosts memory because of it contains polyphenol which is memory boosting micronutrient. Pomegranate is polyphenol-rich fruit. Certain polyphenols promote healthy brain function, which can aid with concentration, learning, and memory.

Heart-healthy

Pomegranate contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. Pomegranate juice helps people with inflammatory conditions, diabetes, and other health issues. According to a recent study, drinking as little as two ounces of pomegranate juice daily has shown to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol and cleanse plaque from arteries all of this is good news for our heart. The study goes on to suggest that pomegranate juice maintains health of the heart. A 2017 review published in a Pharmaceutical Research with eight clinical trials showed pomegranate juice reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The effect remained even when consuming pomegranate juice at different amounts. The authors concluded it is a heart-healthy diet.

Hydrates skin

According to dermatologists, pomegranate juice can help replace dry, dull skin. It is also a great source of vitamin C, which, improves skin’s texture and brightness.

Fights cancer

Studies have suggested that pomegranates can prevent certain types of cancer at different stages. The anti-inflammatory properties and rich polyphenol content protect DNA from mutations hence inhibits cancer cell growth and help prevent cancer from spreading. A progressive study is carried on in this regard. Pomegranates can help combat prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancer.

Relieves Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint pain due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating symptom to experience. Pomegranate rescues people who consume little bit of juice daily due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, this fruit can decrease joint tenderness, swelling, and pain. And some studies suggest that pomegranate extract may block production of an enzyme that worsens arthritis by destroying cartilage.

Promotes good texture of hair

Because the pomegranate is packed with antioxidants, it makes hair follicles stronger, and improve blood circulation in the scalp. These factors help to stimulate hair growth.

Stress buster

Pomegranate is known to reduce psychological stress. A study conducted by the Queen Margaret University found that people who consumed pomegranate juice regularly had lower levels of cortisol hormones in their body.

Mental fatigue is a state of tiredness that sets in when your brain’s functioning drive gets depleted. We experience mental fatigue usually as the result of prolonged stress; it gets prolonged by a variety of factors, such as multitasking, pending work, challenging events in life, a demanding job, demanding spouse, kids, and also mainly because of procrastination.

If mental fatigue is ignored, your brain just won’t function right. It is also described as brain fog. If it is not tackled in time, it becomes difficult to concentrate on even simple daily tasks; while reading newspaper you might just glare it blankly, you finish a task but keep lingering on even after it’s finished, you may find yourself repeating a task again and again. Things which you would have finished off keep piling and you become more irksome, you get impatient with co-workers, you pick arguments with family members, friends etc. If not treated in time, mental fatigue can become acute or chronic. Acute fatigue is short-lived and is relieved after a brief period of rest. Most of us experience acute fatigue during an afternoon slump or at the end of a particularly hectic day. Acute fatigue is normal because after a good sleep in night, you feel fresh and recharged the next morning.

However, if left unaddressed, acute fatigue can snowball into chronic fatigue and ultimately lead to burnout. Identify the root causes of your mental fatigue and take proactive steps to manage it early on.

What causes mental fatigue? It is complex to explain. It is usually caused by multiple causes such as too much of physical work, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, hormonal imbalances, bad relations, too much of cognitive load and physical illness. The cognitive overload can take the form of intense focus on a single task over an extended period of time, for example, the case for those chess grandmasters that burn 6,000 calories in a day which often results in mental fatigue of the players. We all spend lot of efforts in spreading our attention across too many things; we take so many decisions throughout the day. We wake up every morning with decisions to make right from what to wear, what to eat, and of course the perennially difficult decision of heading to the gym, health regime. And once you clock into work, the decision flood gates open. By the time you are winding down for the night, you have made an average of 35,000 decisions….isn’t this unbelievable?

We grasp so much of information and process it, the emails we answer, the tasks we need to keep track of, the daily chores; our mobile phone keeps us so busy that taking care of all of this makes us mentally tired. Worrying about a task can be as mentally taxing as actually doing it. That means even while we are procrastinating, we are taxing our brain.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to manage both the physical and cognitive sides of mental fatigue.

Weather it is physical tiredness or mental fatigue, it can be tackled by taking good rest. But if it is mental tiredness that impacts both body and mind. So when you are stressed, pause. Because stress requires a longer pause to resolve the inner wound. And, even when things are fine learn to take a pause. We take our strength for granted, our inner strength is so important, it should never be overlooked. Factually, the stress response is supposed to be short-lived because it wears down our body, your health, and our energy. It also impacts our emotional intelligence and decision making. When we get tightly wound up, we tend to react to situations than to respond with reason.

I have constantly been a fast mover for as long as I can remember. My mind moves faster and my body automatically maintains speed with my mind. I don’t like to waste time, I get things done quickly, and finding proficiencies and shortcuts in work and life brings me great contentment. The thing which I am not good at is taking a break or even just a short pause between moments. That is really what this post is about; it is a reminder to self and any other fast movers out there about the significance of taking space between moments.

Resting increases productivity, it works miraculously. We feel fresh, we feel vital, our confidence increases, and therefore a good pause is most essential.  Listen to your mind, when it asks for a pause, take a pause. Sometimes you need to stop in order to get ahead. Pause to ask yourself what, how, when, whom, and why you are doing things; these questions can be tell exactly what you need in order to continue your progress. Other times, you may simply need a break to recharge and prevent exhaustion. If that occurs, you are going to spend a lot more time recovering than if you had taken a break in the first place.

So whenever you lag behind, press the pause button. If you are all times working on yesterday’s work, you will never be able to give time to today’s work, it’s time to take a pause and catch up. If you are experiencing monotony and feel your quality of work is reducing, pause. The importance of pausing applies to all areas of life. I used to associate stopping and quietness to laziness. I generally thought it was a big waste of time. But in fact, it’s a way to recharge and reset your energy, which can actually help you become more productive.

Globally, Ayurveda-based products saw surges in demand in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic even as scientists’ world over are sprinting against time to bring out the standard treatment modality. In terms of time almost a year has passed to find the vaccine to curb the increase curve of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The situation has been acclaimed globally that strengthening the immune system will work wonders in combating the pandemic. Allopathic companies are trying to find out an all-time well tested mantra to stay safe and healthy. Having recognised the significance of the holistic approach of Ayurveda, the Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has supported the role of Ayurvedic remedies and Ayurvedic poin the prevention and treatment of the coronavirus disease especially for its immunity-boosting properties.

Ayurveda is one of the ancient traditions to heal different health problems in our country India. Indian Ayurveda industry has become one of the fastest-growing industries with numerous ranges of products. Despite being the modern medical system, Allopathy has been incapable to find an enduring solution for few of the diseases like Jaundice, Piles, and Biliousness etc. These ailments can be effectively managed by Ayurveda. Though Ayurveda acts slowly but works effectively and cures the disease from its root.

Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Cumin, Turmeric, Licorice root, Gotu kola, Bitter melon, Pepper, Giloy etc are making entry into households like never before. Indians are continuing to put a united front against the battle with the novel coronavirus; people are going back the herbal way to boost their immune systems. Giloy is winning hearts of millions in the struggle against the Virus. Giloy has been hailed for its medicinal properties and a host of health benefits. The scientific name of this age-old miraculous herb is Tinospora Cordifolia and it is also known as ‘Amrita’ in Sanskrit, which literally translates to ‘the root of immortality’.

Charak Samhita is Ayurvedic’s conclusive treatise and the most referred text by students, scholars, teachers, physicians and researchers. It has the unique distinction of being the only text available worldwide on the most restorative science. It emphasizes on the promotion of health and prevention of disease as the actual solution for controlling diseases, which is especially relevant in modern times. Further, it also seriously dwells upon the concept of healthy aging and longevity, as described in Swastha Chatushka and Rasayana chapters.

Ayurveda and natural segment products are increasingly being preferred by consumers across the globe and especially in India. One of the prime reasons for this is that Ayurveda and any other medicine which is not allopath are considered ‘safe’ by a large number of people.

A survey by market research firm Nielsen found that the natural segment accounts for 41 per cent of the total of ₹ 44,790 crore personal care market share. Many MNCs, which were the leaders in the toothpaste category, lost their shine when home-grown Ayurveda companies found flavour with consumers forcing some companies to come out with herbal variants. Herbal brands and variants from Dabur, Colgate and Patanjali gained nearly 350 basis points in market share in a year in the ₹7,000 crore Indian oral care segments according to Economic Times. Among the natural segment category, toothpaste is growing at 20.1 per cent, followed by hand and body at 17.5 per cent and shampoo with 13.2 per cent and the sanitizer sale has shot up beyond our imagination.

Is Ayurveda safe? To cite an instance, Advertising Council of India (ASCI) pulled up a number of brands for making misleading or false claims in their ads or not adequately substantiating these claims which were found to be in violation of its code. Among these were new age alternative medicine companies which made false claims. The US$53 billion fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in India is moving towards the wider adopting Ayurvedic products. HUL’s Ayush is the only brand which is spread across categories from toothpaste, soaps, face wash, and face cream, shampoo and hand wash.  Dabur is the world’s largest Ayurvedic and Natural Health Care Company with a portfolio of over 250 Herbal and Ayurvedic products. Dabur also recommends various Ayurvedic Home Remedies, Besides Vicco Vajrdanti toothpaste, Colgate has entered with their Ayurvedic toothpaste, and it is piggybacking on Ayurveda in other segment of products too.

Over the years the climate is changing, quality of soil is changing due to over use of fertilizers, due to altered method of collection, commercial growing, residue of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in soil and water the standard of Ayrvedic products too are deteriorating in terms of purity. Ayurvedic drugs falls under two types: classical and proprietary formulations. Those ayurvedic formulations manufactured as described in the classical texts Ayurvedic Samhita, are classical drugs, and while proprietary are those made using plant extracts. The Ministry of AYUSH has amended Rule 170 regarding issuance of guidelines for evaluation of Ayurvedic, Siddha & Unani Drugs (ASU) and other traditional medicines of India. The Ministry website asserts that various kinds of ASU products licensed in the country are being sold claiming to be safe. These ASU plants based medicines/product are also marketed in different doses from like extracts etc.

The top FMCG Emami acquired Kesh King, a top selling brand of ayurvedic hair oil in North India. On the other HUL acquired Kerala based Indulekha hair oil for 330 crores.  Marico acquired Nihar Shanti Amla hair oil. It had acquired private equity-controlled Paras Pharmaceuticals for ₹ 3,260 crore in 2016.

The global Ayurveda market is predicted to grow at a healthy CAGR over the forecast period (2018-2023), states the new Market Research Future (MRFR) report. Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is amid the oldest holistic healing systems. The goal of Ayurveda is in promoting good health and not fighting diseases.

Ayurveda is here to stay and has golden days ahead.

Giloy is known as a wonder herb because it is packed with healing and therapeutic properties. It is promoted in Indian medicines and its extracts are actually used as a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines. Recent reports have suggested that giloy may also help in lessening the symptoms of autoimmune conditions such as like SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and chronic arthritis. Consuming the extracts of this herb can also be immensely beneficial for those suffering from chronic fever, high sugar levels and even a disturbed digestive system.

Since past many decades, giloy has been addressed for its medicinal properties and a host of health benefits. The scientific name of this age-old miraculous herb is Tinospora Cordifolia and is also known as ‘Amrit’ in Sanskrit, which literally translates to ‘the root of immortality’, the elixir. Piles, constipation or indigestion Giloy cures it all. Giloy acts as a hypoglycaemic agent and since it reduces blood pressure, it is believed to help in curing type 2 diabetes too. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is helpful in respiratory issues like asthma, cough, cold and tonsils.

Giloy herb doesn’t have any side-effects. However, when taken Giloy with other diabetic medications it may lead to low blood sugar levels. Giloy may cause the immune system to become more active which may worsen the symptoms of autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is helpful in respiratory issues like asthma, cough, cold and tonsils.

Giloy removes toxins from the body, purifies the blood and fights bacteria. It is especially beneficial for people with liver disease. It is antipyretic in nature, which means it can reduce fever and ease the symptoms of life-threatening fevers like dengue, swine flu and malaria. This age-old miraculous herb according to the Ayurvedic experts is the most healing herb; consuming giloy on a daily basis can keep disease at bay. This is the reason why giloy extracts have been used as an active ingredient in several Ayurvedic medicines.

Weight loss

Giloy contains antioxidants that can help boost immunity and remove toxins from the body, which can help protect the body against various diseases and infections. The herb is also known to boost metabolism, leading to better weight loss. Right from building resistance to fighting bacteria and virus attacks, giloy extracts can help in treating cold, allergies, flu and fever. Moreover, it helps in purifying blood naturally and drinking giloy juice daily can give your body ample resistance to fight virus attacks like COVID-19. It improves digestion

Giloy is advantageous for any bowel related issue

Piles, constipation or indigestion, Giloy cures it all. It fights respiratory problems. Giloy stem can help improve digestion, reduce constipation, acidity, gas and bloating. It works well for people with a weak digestive system.

Is Giloy safe for children?

Giloy is safe for children who are aged five years and above. However, doses shouldn’t be given for more than one to two weeks.

Giloy treats Arthritis

Giloy helps in treating Arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties Gilloy helps in treating arthritis and joint pain; the powder from giloy stem can be boiled with milk and consumed, it helps tremendously. It can be used along with ginger to treat rheumatoid arthritis, http://www.papsociety.org/prednisone/.

Giloy reduces asthmatic Symptoms

Asthama causes chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, etc. which makes it very difficult to treat such a condition. Chewing on giloy root or drinking giloy juice helps asthma patients and is often recommended by experts

It improves Vision

In several parts of India, Giloy plant is applied to the eyes as it helps boost vision clarity. All you need to do is boil Giloy powder in water, let it cool down and apply over the eyelids.

Giloy reduces aging process

Giloy plant contains anti-aging properties that help reduce dark spots, pimples, fine lines and wrinkles. It gives you that flawless, glowing skin you’ve always wanted.

The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) has started distributing saplings of Glioy to households in Dehradun to boost immunity of the people against infections like Covid-19.

The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has set up ‘giloy’ nurseries in seven districts.

The Savitribai Phule Pune University has received a grant of 1.67 crores from Ayush ministry to grow the multi-trait plant of gilloy along with some other herbal plants.

Ayush Ministry has tied up with the Delhi Police to put their 80,000 personnel deployed in the field on this experimental medicine mix containing Giloy Ghan Vati and Chyawanprash as part of an observational study to see its prophylactic effects by altering a person’s immune response, this information is given by the secretary of Ayush ministry.

Finally, why am I writing about giloy? My sister sent me Baba Ramdev’s video clips on the benefits of giloy which helps tremendously to combat urinary tract infection. And, since past five months I have been consuming Giloy Ghana Vati by Patanjali twice a day and I am relieved of recurring UTI and I am overall feeling the positive effects which are listed above in the narration.   

Today, in our society we consider ‘not be busy’ as despicable. People misunderstand being busy with worthiness, popularity, and success. Complaining about being busy and working all the time is such a humdrum which most of us do it without thinking. We funnily derive our self-esteem from what others think about us…we look up to the tags given by other to us. We put in efforts to satisfy others, so that in turn they satisfy our egos.

On the other hand, solitude is the state of being alone without feeling lonely. It leads to self-awareness. Sometimes, we need to be left alone, this aloneness is chosen by a conscious choice by an individual for quiet solitude, and it does not carry with it the negative emotional conditions associated with loneliness. Solitude is a time for personal reflection. People who are artists, intelligent and creative need time to live alone to accomplish their goals.

Solitude allows our body to catch up with our mind: We over use our mind and body thinking, analyzing, contemplating and planning always; only when we take a pause or stop and get off the merry-go-round of daily life, our mind and body can once again get back into sync. Body gives signals often to slow down, which solitude offers.

Solitude allows brain to rest: In an over stimulated world, our minds are constantly in an overactive mode. Solitude allows mind to detach from the entire endless rattle coming from the environment around us: the radio, TV, mobile, newspapers, Internet, the hustle bustle, traffic noise on street and chattering of others. When we get some time for self, our muscles relax, blood pressure decreases, and heart rate slows. Solitude is the anti-adrenaline system that kicks off when we just relax.

Solitude prevents burnout: We keep struggling with multitasking job, career, socialising which creates prolonged, intense and unresolved stress. We literally run out of physical and psychological energy, due to which we get disorganized, inefficient, and become erratic.

Solitude enhances creativity: It frees the mind up from the commotion of everyday life and allows it to focus more fully on one thing. It allows the brain to think outside the box and to come up with inimitable, extraordinary solutions to ordinary problems. That is the reason why artists such as painters, sculptures, musicians, authors, lyricists and researchers spend a lot of time being alone.

Solitude helps in self-discovery: It gives us a chance to learn something about ourselves, in my opinion self-discovery is a process that involves asking and answering basic questions: who am I? What am I doing? Where is my journey taking me? Am I at ease with myself?  Solitude allows dealing with these pertinent questions in life. It is therefore important for our internal growth, it restores body and mind. Sometimes it’s better to choose to be lonely. The quieter we become, the more we can hear.

That is whole; this is whole; From that whole this whole came; From that whole, this whole removed, What still remains is whole.

Tough Adi Shankarachrya wrote the annotations on Vishnu Sahasranamam first; in fact he wanted to write annotations on Lalita Sahasranamam (Goddess Shakti) before Vishnu Sahasranamam. There is an interesting story behind it.

Shankarachrya one day decided to write interpretations/annotations on Lalita Sahasranamam. He asked one of his disciples to bring palm-leaf manuscripts of Lalita Sahasranamam. The disciple went to the room where it was kept and returned with the manuscript. When Shankarachrya opened the manuscript, he found that it was Vishnu Sahasranamam. He again asked the disciple to go back and bring Lalita Sahasranamam. When the disciple returned, Shankarachrya found that it was again Vishnu Sahasranamam. The third time, again Sankaracharya instructed the disciple to bring Lalita Sahasranamam only; and even the third time the disciple returned with Vishnu Sahasranamam.

A little annoyed, Shankaracharya asked the disciple “Didn’t you understand properly, I told you to bring Lalita Sahasranamam.” The disciple replied “Revered Sir, all the three times I went to bring Lalita Sahasranamam only but there is a cute little girl in there who told me to take Vishnu Sahasranamam every time and I followed her instructions she is divine.” Shankarachrya at that time understood that Goddess Shakti (Amba) wanted him to write commentaries on Vishnu Sahasranamam and he completed the divine task; as Lord Vishnu is seen as the preserver of all that is – the Universe. He is described as the omnipresent, essence of all beings, the master of past, present, and beyond future.

Instantaneously, Adi Shankarachrya wrote “Om Poornamadah;” madah means completeness, totality and also Infinity. It is an abstract concept of Universe and the ultimate truth, “Brahman” means God, Almighty is a complete entity. This mantra has a superb meaning – you can take as much as you want from the Universe, you can even take infinity from it, even if you do that nothing can diminish it, it remains unlimited and immensurable!! It means we (each one of us) are connected to the Almighty. Each of us is element of the infinite constituting the infinity. When the eternity is so full, so complete how can one feel incomplete? The fullness here symbolizes accomplishment, realization, integrality, wholeness of our being. These words express the deep aspirations of the human heart, aspirations which cannot be long suppressed. Every bit of our existence, every heart beat, every pulse, each breath of ours is towards life’s fulfillment. Whoever you are, or whatever is it that you do, when you really want something, your desire is originated in the soul of the universe. Therefore, when you want something from the bottom of your heart, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. So don’t feel you are unaccompanied or unaided in your effort; have a keen/urging desire while continue your hard work to achieve it and see the change. There is no sorrow once we realize we are ever full, we are Bliss.

It can also be construed as – if you give, you will never fall short of things in life. We, the human are so scared to give/impart thinking that we will fall short after giving. In fact the more we give the more we receive, because the infinite wants us to be inclusive with completeness. The energy you put out will always re-circulate and find its perfect way back to you. Have Trust in Life. The essence of this Shanti (serenity) mantra is indeed profound. OM SHANTI, SHANTI, SHANTI!!!

The 5 elements (Mahabhutas) have certain qualities, attributes and impacts on the body and mind. All objects and substances are a mixture of the five elements, but they have one dominant element that allows them to be identified and classified. Examples of food and herbs are used to illustrate the elemental groups; eg. Pepper, chilies, spices are related to fire element. Likewise cucumber, melon and curds is related to water element.

In every individual’s horoscope (kundali) the Panchmabhuta placement is represented by each element’s association with a planet. The placement of those planets in the horoscope suggests the health condition, temperament, ethical frame, intelligence, life span etc of an individual.

The Prithvi (earth) element represents the solid state of matter in the body. It symbolizes stability, durability and firmness. The bones, teeth, cells and tissues in human body are stable in nature thus they mark the earth element. Earth is regarded as a stable substance. It denotes hard formation that shapes body. The earth element is responsible for giving shape and strength to the body.

The sensory organ associated with earth element is smell (gandha). The nose in human body is hard compared to the other sensory organs. Characteristics of earth element are heavy, dull and solid in nature. In astrology the planet associated with the Earth element is Mercury.

The Akash (ether) element represents the space, everything happens here. All matter exists in space. Ether is the distance that separates matter. Space is everywhere and touches everything. It is the receptivity and non-resistance to what is true. Talking about the human body, space is the considered as the vessel that receives all impressions. In the heart, it is believed that space accepts love and in our brain space accepts knowledge.

Space denotes vastness and openness. It therefore refers to the mind. The mind can conceive ideas, imagination and thoughts. The ideas can be as big as sky or as small as an ant. The mind needs to be open to originality and newness. The job of Ether is hearing sound. Therefore, ear is connected with this element. Our ear is hollow and transmits the sound waves. In compacted molecules we get dull sound and in more spacious room we get a booming sound. The qualities of ether element are clear, light, subtle and infinite. In astrology the planet connected with space (ether) is Jupiter.

The Vayu (air) element is associated with movement. Air is movable, mobile and lively. Within the human body air is present in the form of oxygen, which is the basis for all energy transferred reactions. Air exists without any form and is the essential for fire to burn. It is also the basic element of Ayurveda.

The sensory organ related to Vayu is the skin. It is the most sensitive organ of body. Skin is related with touch. It detects any movement easily. The air element in body is mobile, dry, light, cold and subtle in nature. This element in body is connected with any kind of movement. In human body air is required to produce energy. It keeps the body in constant motion. In astrology the plant connected with air element is Saturn.

The Agni (fire) element converts solids into liquids and liquid to gas and back again to the original state. The body requires a certain amount of power to transform energy from solid and liquid intake. Fire provides that energy to the body. Fire has the power to change the state of any substance. In human body, fire is present in the form of energy that binds atoms together, converts food to fat and strengthening muscle. In addition, fire creates impulses and tense reactions in our mind and disturbs even our thought process.

The fire element in body is responsible for the digestion of food. The sensory organ eyes (vision) are connected with the fire. Fire element is hot, sharp, light, dry and delicate. Penetration, digestion of food, renovation, thought process, intelligence and most importantly perception of human mind are connected with the fire element.  The body temperature is also connected with the fire element.  In astrology Mars is connected with the fire element of body.

The Jal (water) element in Ayurveda is connected with lubrication in body. The liquid component in body is represented by water. Water is the prerequisite for the survival of living creatures, including humankind. About 70% of human body is made up of water and it is very important for body’s smooth functioning. In addition to water other fluids and blood are in liquid form. Blood which carries on function of supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues, removes waste, transports hormones and other signals inside body to different organs. Blood also regulates body temperature. Water is a not stable it keeps moving from part to part. It binds different structures i.e the cells in our body.

Taste (rasa) is associated with water element. The qualities of water are cool, liquid, and dull, soft and thin. Its main jobs are cohesiveness and stickiness.  This element has no odor (smell) but can be heard, felt, seen and tasted. In astrology Venus is connected with water element.

A year is divided into four seasons; namely winter when it is cold and rainy (water drains into earth), spring when new growth occurs and it becomes warmer in summer. The air is as hot as fire in the summer. This is how the Panchmahabhutas dominate the nature.

In Ayurveda Vayu (Air) and Akash (Ether) form vata. And, vata governs body movement. The elements Agni (fire) and Jal (water) are reflected in pitta and pitta governs transformation. Kapha is combination of Ether and Water; it manifests itself as a matter. These three bio-energies regulate all physical, spiritual and mental doshas (malfunctions). Their proportions in an individual’s body form his/her personality which does not change throughout the life. According to the dominance of the Dosha, a person is considered Vata, Pitta or Kapha type. Each of these types has its own strengths and weaknesses.

The renowned Panchkarma treatment is considered to be the supreme discipline of deep cleansing. The literal translation of the word in Sanskrit is “five actions”. Through different treatments the body is cleansed by removing toxins and other byproducts such as undigested foods. The fundamental of Panchkarma is realignment of the metabolism so that body can regain its original balance. By doing so, body’s own self-healing power is reactivated. The cleansing process happens both in mind and body. It is a process of “letting go.” Therefore, Panchkarma presents itself as a unique concept of rejuvenation, prevention and healing.  Because of the intensity of such cure, the duration of the treatment is minimum two weeks. The longer duration would show better results.