January 2020

The Joy of Fasting in an Age of Pleasure-Oriented Consumption

Lyam Thomas Christopher    |    Forbidden Realms

Sometimes, it is necessary for you to take a roller-coaster ride — from Biblical myths to civilizational diseases to understand the history of fasting and the journey of sugar aka the white poison. Lyam Thomas Christopher, a practicing Hermeticist and bio-hacker beautifully chronicle the story of fasting; recommends ways to do an effective fasting to lead a healthy-life without carbohydrates. This well-intended essay neither makes an effort to glorify the fasted state nor neglects the ill-effects of sugar on our physical body and brain. Read full essay.

January 2020

Parallels in Ayurveda and Biomedicine suggest a deeper engagement with traditional knowledge systems. The recreation of methodologies that enabled a holistic approach to health in Ayurveda may unravel some of the complex connections with Nature.

January 2020

“

Each time a new element is introduced into the possible combinations, it causes what may be called a "tearing of limits"... It is obvious that modern scientific perception is much closer to something corresponding to the new reality than, say, were the perceptions of the Stone Age — without a shadow of doubt. But even that will suddenly find itself completely outdated, surpassed, and probably overturned with the intrusion of something which was not in the universe that was studied. It is this change, this sudden transformation of the universal element that will quiet certainly bring about a kind of chaos in the perception, out of which a new knowledge will emerge."

Mirra Alfassa

(The Mother)

January 2020

Which Developed First — Brain or Gut? Trust Your Gut Feeling!

Dr. Emeran Mayer    |    Goop

For over a century, experts debated over which developed first — the Brain or the Gut. And by now, we all know that microorganisms that developed millions of years ago make our gut the second brain! According to the scientific community, it is possible to enhance the mind-gut relationship to boost immunity, change our mood or even treat chronic diseases. In this narrative presented in a Question & Answer format, Dr. Emeran Mayer, neuroscientist and the author of 'The Mind-Gut Connection' answers some of the complex questions surrounding the mystery of how the tiny microbes in the gut communicate with the human brain. Read the narrative.

January 2020

The Rise of Sunrise Culture of Love and Healing

Chad Cornell    |    Our Common Roots

“Why can’t we as North American doctors prescribe herbal medicine or homeopathy as is the case in other countries like China, India and parts of Europe?” This 'trillion-dollar question' from a young doctor provoked Chad Cornell, a Natural Healing Practitioner from Canada to write about the Sunrise Culture of love and healing — our attempt to rediscover and relearn the traditional way of having a holistic approach to life and environment. He envisions of a dynamic movement toward freedom, health, and happiness sans toxic chemicals. Read more.

January 2020

Extraction to Extinction: Global Rescue Mission For A Sustainable World

Sally Angel & Josh Good

In this inspirational documentary 'Animate Earth', Dr. Stephan Harding, a close associate of James Lovelock, the ecologist who co-developed the 'Gaia Hypothesis' talks about one of the root causes for the degradation and disintegration of our living earth — the absence of holistic approach. In order to understand and present the core issue of traditional science without intuition vs. holistic science, the presenter brings together leading environmentalists and scientists such as — Jules Cashford, Vandana Shiva, Brian Goodwin, Iain McGilchrist, Fritjof Capra, and Satish Kumar. Watch now.

January 2020

“

I think of veganism humbly and holistically. It’s about taking personal responsibility in a world so full of needless suffering. It’s challenging one’s self to open one’s eyes and question society’s assumptions and habits. It’s about critical thinking and compassion and how we would like to see the world evolve."

Dr. Michael Greger

Nutrition Expert and Author of 'How Not to Die' and 'How Not to Diet'

January 2020

Sounds from Silence & the Science of Mantra

Swami Rama    |    Yoga International

Swami Rama (1925-1996), founder of the Himalayan Institute talks about the science of Mantra in the ancient tradition of meditation. He believes that without the benefit of a Mantra, it would not be possible to make an inner pilgrimage to the deepest level of being. Swami Rama cautions that however authentic a Mantra maybe, given to a student for whom it is not appropriate, will be of no benefit, unless they are prepared to purify their body, senses and mind though preliminary practices. Read more.

January 2020

Global Alliance for the Sacred: An Utopia or A Possibility?

Martin Winiecki    |    Kosmos Journal for Global Transformation

Non-violence and spirituality are as old as mountains and rivers. Thousands of people across the globe continue to sacrifice the comforts of their normal lives to defend and preserve our indigenous culture and environment. From Greta Thunberg in Sweden to Malala Yousafzai in Pakistan, the young activists are demonstrating that the 21st century belongs to them and proving that any environmental and social movement feminine in its essence is still relevant and applicable. Activist and networker Martin Winiecki write about the need for global collaboration and alliance for the success of spiritual movements. Read to find out more.

January 2020

Ayurveda Simplified: Regina Meredith in Conversation with Dr. Nita Desai

Film: Courtesy of Gaia.com

In this GaiamTV interview, Dr. Nita Desai, an integrated medicine doctor and an Ayurvedic practitioner talks about the wonders of the 5000-year-old medical tradition of Ayurveda from India; ‘Tridosha’ theory — the balance of three fundamental bodily substances and the ancient skills used to diagnose diseases by observing one's face, nail, tongue, urine and pulse. “Western medicine is great for emergencies. But it is weak at solving the issue of chronic problems, as these tend to arrive from energy imbalances, and that’s exactly where Ayurveda comes in,” she states while proposing a blend of the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern medical techniques.

January 2020

Demystifying Meditation Beyond 'Normal Human Happiness'

Dr. Michael McGee    |    Psychiatry

Dr. Michael McGee, clinical instructor in Psychiatry explores possibilities with the ancient Asian technique of Meditation as a therapeutic application for healing from modern-day psychiatric illnesses. The author suggests more clinical studies followed by scientific experiments and recommends psychiatrists to receive the practice of Meditation to develop remedial applications in the field of psychotherapy. This review is an attempt to examine the effect of Meditation in treating complex psychophysiological functions and behaviours.

January 2020

Detoxing Life: Dr. Jason Fung on Fasting for Health and Longevity

Dr. Jason Fung    |    Diet Doctor

Wondering what a Nephrologist is doing at a Podcast studio discussing intermittent-fasting? In this Diet Doctor Podcast hosted by Dr. Bret Scher, renowned Canadian Nephrologist and an advocate of Intermittent Fasting, Dr. Jason Fung answers some of the common and complex questions on Fasting and outlines the difference between fasting and starving. According to him, fasting is voluntary and controlled unlike starving — "like someone running for fun and running because a lion is chasing after him." Known for unique and radical views, Dr. Fung recommends Fasting as a potent antidote to obesity and Type II Diabetes. Listen to the Podcast.

January 2020

'There Is No Planet B' in a Divine Plan

Corinne McLaughlin & Gordon Davidson    |    The MOON Magazine

How determined and prepared are we, the 'custodians' of this Planet to carry out the Divine Plan or the Evolution of Consciousness? Are we worthy enough to enjoy the fruits of the Mother Earth without appreciating and understanding her plans? According to Corinne McLaughlin and Gordon Davidson, co-authors of 'Spiritual Politics, Builders of the Dawn', our Planet as a living-being is desperately struggling to reorient itself toward Spirit and to undergo a purification process in order to retain its sanctity and sacredness. Read and act now.

January 2020

“

Fasting is the first principle of medicine; fast and see the strength of the spirit reveal itself.”

Rumi

Mystic, Poet & Philosopher

January 2020

What Threatens Our Existence As A Living Being Is Now Identified — The Human Mind!

Prof. Nathaniel Barr & Prof. Gordon Pennycook    |    Quartz Africa

While acknowledging the technical advancements and scientific innovations made by man since creation, Prof. Nathaniel Barr and Prof. Gordon Pennycook, co-authors of this essay caution about the irreparable damage and challenges that have arisen from the very same advancements and innovations. This essay, adapted from a chapter in 'The New Reflections in Cognitive Psychology', unveils the ultimate source that threatens our own existence on this living planet — the Human Mind! Read the essay.

January 2020

Calorie Restriction and Our Pursuit for Immortality

Dr. Morten Scheibye-Knudsen    |    The Scientist

The Calorie, a term that was once developed to measure the efficiency of steam engines is probably one of the most used and printed words of our times. And by now, the Calorie war has divided the scientific community, calorie-conscious population as well as global food producers. As a Research Fellow at the National Institute on Aging, USA, Morten Scheibye-Knudsen focuses on brain-aging and how dietary interventions could have a positive impact on the neurological decline. The author is optimistic that possible therapeutic interventions will have the capacity to modulate or prevent the decline of brain-aging. An excellent read for weight-watchers.

Ketogenesis

Ketogenesis is the biochemical process through which organisms produce ketone bodies through the breakdown of fatty acids and ketogenic amino acids. This process supplies energy under circumstances such as fasting or caloric restriction to certain organs, particularly the brain, heart and skeletal muscle. Insufficient gluconeogenesis can cause hypoglycemia and excessive production of ketone bodies, ultimately leading to a life-threatening condition known as ketoacidosis.

November 2019

Art of Healing vs. Engineering of Healing: Benefits of Working With Subtle Energies

Philippa Lubbock    |    Conscious Lifestyle Magazine

Philippa Lubbock, author of 'The Healing Power of Life Alignment' whose evidence-based 'Mind As the Source of Disease' theory led to further research on healing methods. While endorsing the science and art of healing, she cautions that any model that excludes mind, heart and spirit merely becomes a form of engineering, not art. In this essay, Philippa offers three practical exercises to work with subtle energies.

November 2019

"Throughout the ages, certain individuals and groups have tried to create a body that could contain more light and that could therefore house the highest degree of spiritual consciousness… This is an important fact for those who wish to serve the Earth."

Guruji-Ma

November 2019

“

Can we hope that this body, at present our means of terrestrial manifestation, will have the possibility of transforming itself progressively into something which will be able to express a higher life, or will it be necessary to abandon this form totally to enter another which does not yet exist on earth? Will there be a continuity or will there be a sudden appearance of something new?"

Mirra Alfassa

(The Mother)

November 2019

Will We Ever Have a Silent Zone on This Planet? A Study on the Silent Effect of Noise on Our Brains

Azriel Re'Shel    |    UPLIFT

It is scientifically proven that silence has a unique ability to heal our body, mind and soul! Author, Editor, Social Worker and Yoga Teacher, Azriel Re'Shel writes about the powerful physical effect of noise on our brains, causing elevated levels of stress hormones. According to her, silence may be just what we need to regenerate our exhausted brains and bodies in our noisy world.

November 2019

Future Medicine: A Collaboration of Modern Medical Knowledge and Wisdom of Traditional Healers

Todd Pesek, Lonnie Helton & Murali Nair    |    EcoHealth

In a research paper titled, "Healing Across Cultures: Learning From Traditions", three researchers from the Cleveland State University, USA discuss the balance between the natural world and human health while proposing a collaboration capable of developing mutually beneficial learning partnerships combining modern medical knowledge with the wisdom of traditional healers around the world.

November 2019

The Unmeasurable Prana and Quantifiable Chi: Overlapping Properties With Endless Possibilities

TM Srinivasan    |    International Journal of Yoga

In this journal, TM Srinivasan of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana examines the overlapping properties of both Prana and Electrons. The author proposes that subtle 'Prana' and observable 'Chi', the Chinese equivalent for Prana are distinct in conception and activity level, hence the interaction between 'Prana-Chi-Electrons-Health' needs to be tested and experimented.

November 2019

The Ancient Practice of Fasting Finds New Takers in The Modern World

Sylvie Gilman & Thierry de Lestrade    |    Arte France, Via Découvertes

The documentary 'Science of Fasting' (2012), directed by Sylvie Gilman and Thierry de Lestrade examines the unknown and hidden powers of the ancient practice of fasting. Biologists, scientists, doctors and researchers in Russia, Germany and the US are exploring a therapeutic approach to fasting based on clinical studies. Their experiments and findings are captivating!

November 2019

"Sound & Technologies of Consciousness"

Film: Courtesy of Gaia.com

This 2019 Gaia Original documentary featuring Swami Suddhananda, Sally Kempton, Yogi Amandeep, and many other spiritual masters and experts explores Nada Yoga, an ancient Indian meditation technique that uses music and sounds to calm the mind. Filmed across the Indian subcontinent, this episode takes a deeper look at the ancient system of inner transformation through sound vibrations or nadas.

November 2019

Fasting Trends in a Starving World: A Reality Check on the Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Dr. Andreas Michalsen    |    The Wall Street Journal

After the Mediterranean and Keto diets, 'Intermittent Fasting' retains its position in the list of most-Googled diets in America. Author of 'The Nature Cure: A Doctor’s Guide to the Science of Natural Medicine,' Dr. Andreas Michalsen talks about two profound benefits of fasting — longevity and immunity. Is our modern world slowly finding the spiritual and health benefits of an ancient practice?

November 2019

"Wisdom of Ayurveda"

Film: Courtesy of Gaia.com

Can the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda trump modern science for bringing the body into healthy states of wellbeing? In this video, Natural Health Physician and the creator of LifeSpa, Dr. John Douillard talks about the avenues of consciousness that allow body and mind to access a deeper state of self-awareness and healing. He also discusses the cause of brain fog, the importance of sleep and the connection between digestion and stress.

November 2019

Strategies to Modulate Gut Microbiota — the Virtual Organ of the Human Body

Ana M. Valdes, Jens Walter, Tim D. Spector & Eran Segal    |    The British Medical Journal

Ana M. Valdes, Associate Professor at School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and her team of researchers discuss the possible strategies for modulating the gut microbiota through diet and probiotics. Their study warns about the adverse impact of antibiotics and pesticides while highlighting the benefits of probiotics and dietary fiber on the gut microbiota.

November 2019

Breath or Consciousness? A Guide to 'Prana', One of the Most Important Yogic Thoughts

The American Institute of Vedic Studies    |    VedaNet

Defined as simply as breath but also as the energy of consciousness, Prana, the primary energy is probably the most understood and misunderstood term of our times. This analysis by the Americal Institute of Vedic Studies is about one of the most important Yogic thoughts — five Pranas, Pranamaya kosha is composed of.

November 2019

Dr. Bruce H. Lipton on "The Wisdom of Your Cells: How Your Beliefs Control Your Biology"

Dr. Bruce H. Lipton    |    brucelipton.com

This transcription is derived from 'The Wisdom of Your Cells: How Your Beliefs Control Your Biology' presentation given by the renowned American Cell Biologist Dr. Bruce H. Lipton. Based on his new understanding of science, Dr. Lipton explains how disharmony in a 'community' of 50 trillion living cells could develop a disease on any individual human body.

November 2019

“

I believe that it may be normal, healthy, and even productive to experience mild to moderate depression from time to time as part of the variable emotional spectrum, either as an appropriate response to situations or as a way of turning inward and mentally chewing over problems to find solutions.”

Dr. Andrew Weil

Author of 'Spontaneous Healing' and an Authority on Integrative Medicine

Autophagy

Autophagy (or autophagocytosis) (from the Ancient Greek αὐτόφαγος autóphagos, meaning 'self-devouring' and κύτος kýtos, meaning 'hollow') is the natural, regulated mechanism of the cell that removes unnecessary or dysfunctional components. It allows the orderly degradation and recycling of cellular components.