Many of us "think" we are sick, and thinking can make it real - kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. But sometimes we do feel all the symptoms of sickness.
Many of us are unable to live at peace with ourselves. Truly, in life, there are many problems. Social and personal problems are often interrelated, such that they become complex.
To further complicate matters, there are many so-called "experts" or "specialized" sciences trying not only to understand but also to unravel the complexity of human problems. But if one cannot understand oneself completely, striving to make sense of others will be frustrating and even futile. In the end, problems will only become more complex. Remember, in life, there are no satisfactory solutions to human problems. Specialized sciences and experts will never be able to solve our problems.
Because we are living in a world with problems, we are unable to live in harmony with ourselves. This lack of harmony leads to disordered body function, so we feel sick. But are we "really" sick? Or are we psychosomatic?
In many instances, we are simply psychosomatic. We think we are sick, and our body symptoms convince us that we are. As we think, so we become!
Our disordered body function, which results in psychosomatic illness is due to our disordered living, which is often a consequence of alcoholism, analgesic abuse, overeating, and smoking, among others. A disordered lifestyle leads to a disordered mind with a disordered personality - human sickness is a byproduct of the disharmony.
Interestingly, in India, yoga is considered a science: it is the "ultimate remedy for all ailments of existential life." The reason is that for thousands of years, Eastern culture has regarded yoga as a total therapy of personality. In other words, man should be treated as a "whole," not just as "parts" of a whole. To cure human sickness, one has to address not just the physical, but the mental, the moral, the intellectual, and the spiritual aspects as well. Based on this innate belief, yoga is considered not just a form of exercise for the body, but also for the mind and the spirit. Yoga is a total therapy of personality.
To illustrate, in India true yogis used food to facilitate spiritual development. Unlike us, they do not think of food in terms of protein, carbohydrate and fat content. Instead, they use food as some sort of spiritual learning experience. For one thing, they never overeat like most of us do. They utilize their eating habits to control their body and mind. Simply put, they have rigid routines regarding eating. They eat four times a day at equal intervals, and a very simple diet at that. It does not mean that they do not enjoy food, but they would not live for eating. It is the calmness and harmony that bring orderliness into existence. With this harmony and internal peace, there is no room for psychosomatic sickness. With a harmonious personality, there is no disordered body function, and hence no sickness.
You do not have to take up yoga or eat like a yogi. Looking at yourself introspectively may help you find answers to your disordered body function - or why you are sick. If you attain balance and harmony in body and mind, then there will be no psychosomatic illness.
Disease is somatic, and an imaginary ailment is worse than a disease.
Copyright (c) 2009 Stephen Lau
The news lately has been filled with frightening stories that link oral bacteria and oral disease to a variety of serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. This dental health subject isn't really new. Dentists have long known that there is a strong relationship between oral health and general health. For example, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs not only affect overall health but oral health as well.
?Persons who suffer with dry mouth'a lack of saliva?whether from age, disease or medications, are at increased risk for tooth decay.?, explains Dr. Maddahi. ?And if you have oral pain or can't eat properly, you won't get the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy. It's not news that the mouth is connected to the body. The mouth often times is the location used to diagnose, make a prognosis, treat and intervene on a host of diseases.?
For example, some researchers have found that periodontitis (the advanced form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss) is associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Other research has found that pregnant women with periodontitis may be at increased risk for delivering babies that are pre-term, have low birth weight or both.
Dr. Maddahi further explains, ?Although reports suggest that periodontitis may contribute to these conditions, you should know that just because two conditions occur at the same time, it doesn't necessarily mean that one causes the other. These conditions and diseases are complex. Oral health must be considered an important part of overall health but scientists are still studying how closely the two are connected.?
To make sense of all this, scientists are examining what happens when periodontitis is treated in persons who have other health problems. There's evidence that diabetics are more likely to develop periodontitis (and more severe cases) than non-diabetics. Two conditions that occur together may be caused by a third factor. People who smoke or use alcohol are at increased risk for periodontitis and other conditions, such as oral cancer.
?If there were a cause-and-effect relationship, we'd expect that improvements to periodontal health would also improve other health conditions.?, says Dr. Maddahi. ?The results from initial studies are intriguing. Some studies suggest that treating periodontitis in people with diabetes can improve their blood sugar control, but other studies have not found this connection. The ADA supports and encourages further research into what remains a promising but inconclusive question as to the effects of periodontal disease on specific systemic conditions and diseases.?
What does this mean for you? Given the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, preventing periodontitis may turn out to be an important step in maintaining overall health. In most cases, that can be done with good daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular professional care.
Make sure to tell your dentist about changes in your oral health, including any recent illnesses or chronic conditions. Provide an updated health history including medication use, both prescription and over-the-counter products. And if you smoke, talk to your dentist about options for quitting smoking.
Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles and superior dental health for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.
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Stephen Lau has sinced written about articles on various topics from Chocolate and Health, Fitness and Disease & illness. Stephen Lau is a researcher and writer. He has recently published a 300-page e-book entitled "YOUNGER AND HEALTHIER FOR LONGER - A Handbook for Both Men and Women" which focuses on the physical, the mental, the intellectual, the emotional, and the spiritu. Stephen Lau's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
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