The Hindu Business Line : Inner joy promotes healing

I am 82 years old and a diabetes patient for the past 17 years. The result of the blood test taken in April 2007 is — Glucose (fasting):147 mg/dl; Glucose (PP2 hours):171 mg/dl. Though I was able to read newspapers and small typefaces, for the last four months, I am able to only read bold letters. I have consulted an eye specialist who told me that my right eye is slightly damaged and the left eye retina is completely damaged. The diabetes specialist told me that my glucose level (PP) at 170 is not harmful for my age and that a reduction could lead to a heart attack. What should I do?

P. S. Krishnan

Please get a second opinion regarding your glucose level of 170 from a diabetologist, and a vitreo-retinal specialist for your eyes. And make sure you discuss all test-findings and medicines with your family physician to get an overall view.

Meanwhile, give complete personal attention to getting well by following a few simple steps:

To balance your blood-sugar level, soak a teaspoon of methi seeds in water overnight. Next morning, drink the water and chew the seeds before you have tea or coffee. I suggest you do the soaking of methi seeds yourself. Participating actively in one’s own healing process is extremely empowering.

Cut down sweets and fats. Avoid foods that give acidity and starches (such as rice, potatoes, etc) because starch turns into sugar. Eat small meals.

Check with your family physician whether you can have haritaki. It is recommended in Ayurveda for diabetes (as well as other disorders such as constipation, heart disease, etc). It is said to promote eyesight as well. The average recommended dose is 2-5 grams per day.

Again, after checking with your doctor, do stationary cycling daily. Start with five minutes, then 10 and go up to 20 minutes. Cycling improves not just blood circulation, lymph circulation and synovial (fluid in the joints) circulation, it also improves the circulation of the aqueous fluid in the eyes.

In the science of life, it is recognised that calming emotions promote inner joy, and inner joy promotes healing. To calm the emotions and steady the system, the best method is meditation. Meditation beautifully lessens mental agitation (anxiety), cools fiery emotions (anger), neutralises self-negating feelings (depression), and promotes the healing intelligence of cells. You could order ‘Guided Meditation for Beginners’ cassettes from the Ananda Foundation. (Their e-mail: ananda@anandaindia.org).

Meanwhile, do this: Sit comfortably, spine straight, your back, neck, head well-supported. Close your eyes, looking straight ahead. (Don’t focus on the mid-eyebrows point on your forehead as it could strain your eyes). Forget about your past doings and plans for the future; be completely into the meditation. Now, inhale slowly to the count of eight, exhale as slowly three times. Next, relax each part of the body — feet, calves, knees, thighs, stomach, chest, neck, jaw, eyes. With each part, let go tension, let in complete deep relaxation.

Imagine healing light spreading through every part of your body right up to the eyes. Remain for some time at the eyes, commanding them to heal and restore vision. End the meditation by sending peace and health to your loved ones. Inhale, exhale slowly three times. Then, sit as long as you wish ensconced in the warm, still, relaxed feeling of peace, love, joy.

In meditating, you withdraw from giving energy to troubling emotions and thoughts and redirect that energy to changing the inner chaotic situation to harmonious wellness.

Please suggest some diet product. My gym instructor recommended a product priced Rs 1,000. My body facts are: height: 175 cm; weight: 70 kg.

Amit

Most ‘diet products’ are overpriced and unhealthy. Don’t get carried away by promises of quick weight loss and muscle gain. Your ideal weight should be in the range of 62 to 67 kg. So, don’t worry, just workout! On the food front, I’ll give you a sample food plan:

Breakfast: Oats with non-fat milk; or two egg whites scrambled with onions, mushrooms, capsicum; with seven-grain bread or whole-wheat bread; coffee or tea. Fruits.

Lunch: Rajma in oil-free curry; whole-wheat rotis; lots of raw salad (onions, tomatoes, carrots, steamed french beans); banana raita.

Tea: Tea or coffee with whole-wheat soup sticks or Marie biscuits.

Dinner: Multi-pulses curry (combination of white chowli, whole masoor, kabuli channa, etc.); whole-wheat rotis, oil-free sabzi (cauliflower/ladyfingers/spinach); apple raita.

For losing weight, cut ghee, butter, oil, fried foods from your diet. For muscle gain, have mixed proteins — whole pulses, egg white, mushrooms, soya, chicken. Try to have dinner before 8 p.m. so that your metabolism has time to work. (It slows down when you sleep.) This kind of food plan accompanied by regular cardio- and weight-training will reduce your weight and increase your muscle bulk.

The writer is co-author of the book ‘Fitness for Life’.

Queries may be sent to life@thehindu.co.in