Monday 22 October 2012

Mesothelioma Cancer - Awareness

WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA CANCER- Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen.The primary cause and risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Cancer- post is the first of the guest post of LoveandHeal Blog. 
The Author/Guest Blogger of the post is Melanie Bowen from Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.


Melanie Bowen- Guest 
Blogger
Types and Benefits of Psychotherapy during Cancer Treatment

Psychotherapy is recognized as an adjunct treatment for cancer. Although it is certainly not a cure and should never be used as a sole treatment source, it has shown in multiple studies to have greatly beneficial effects on patients undergoing cancer treatments. Different types of psychotherapy can offer a wide range of potential benefits to the patient and his family members.

The first type of psychotherapy generally used in these circumstances is individual sessions. In this mode, the patient alone visits with the psychotherapist, who may focus on a variety of concerns. Two of the most common stressors during cancer treatment are depression and anxiety. Depression often occurs along with the diagnosis as the patient attempts to cope with the actual and potential changes in his life and as he thinks of the future. Anxiety is also quite common as many parts of cancer diagnoses and treatments are uncertain.

The National Cancer Institute states that, anxiety has many negative effects including increased pain and an increased chance of delaying treatment. Some individuals may also struggle with a fear of particular treatments including needles or larger diagnostic modalities such as body scanning equipment. A licensed psychotherapist will be able to discuss these concerns with the patient, look at his personality and his past and offer constructive, helpful solutions.

Family therapy is another useful treatment type. It is often employed as an assistant to individual therapy. In this setting, the patient, as well as his close family members or support people, will come together to meet with the psychotherapist. This treatment is beneficial since many family members struggle with various aspects of cancer. They may also have trouble accepting the diagnosis or clearly seeing the changes that they will need to make. They may feel that they have lost their family member, as they once knew them. Discussing these concerns with a psychotherapist can greatly decrease anxiety and denial among families.

Finally, group therapy is a chance for the patient to meet with a psychotherapist along with a group of patients in similar situations to his. The people in his group may be at various stages in the cancer diagnosis, treatment and remission process and as such may be able to offer valuable answers and support. The psychotherapist will guide discussion among participants and will offer helpful coping methods of his own. Often, group participants will form important relationships among each other that will last for months and even years. The therapy group may even become like a family to each other. Group sessions can occur weekly or less often for as long as the patient needs to attend.

Psychotherapy, while not providing a cure for cancers such as breast cancer or mesothelioma treatment, can provide a wonderful and powerful adjunct to traditional treatments. The type of psychotherapy chosen depends on the patient and on the availability of options. However, any one of these types can provide the answers to important questions and concerns that the cancer patient may have.

If there is a chance to bring your mind some clarity amidst a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs throughout your cancer recovery; why not jump on all therapy has to offer? Allow yourself to let in positivity and talk to someone who not only cares but can truly help.

About the author- 

Melanie Bowen joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in 2011 as an awareness advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives. You will often find her highlighting the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. She also assists in social media outreach in her efforts to spread awareness.
You can reach out to her at - http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/

Thanks Melanie !!!

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Navratri- Nine goddesses & Chakras

Every year we celebrate Navratri in India which is followed after observing Shradh ( Pitr Paksh/ Prayers for Ancestors). Though throughout the year there are 5 Navratris which are observed in India- Hindus but this Shradh Navratri which falls in the months of Sept- Oct( Ashwini ) has a bigger significance.
Sherawali Mata
During this time - Shakti in various forms is worshipped for 9 days and 10th day Vijaydashmi/Dusshera is celebrated. The first three days - Shakti in durga/MahaKali form is worshipped, next 3 days MahaLakshmi is worshipped, and last three days Maha saraswati is worshipped.  The three goddesses are related to be better halves for Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. In India different states celebrate navratri in different ways each having a significane of their own but popular ones are in Bengal, Karnataka, Himachal Pradhesh and Gujarat.

This year Dusshera is on 24-10-2012 ( as per lunar calendar) as Navratri starts on 16-10-2012 after the Pitr Paksh Amvasya on 15-10-2012. This varies every year.

Forms of  Nau/Nine forms of Mata :-

Here the Message column means what the Mata/Goddess teaches us, the nature of vehicle is extension of character and also what needs to be improved or tamed, color represnts the specific quality and related chakra areas.


Goddess Name
Meaning
Teaches us/Message
Nature of vehicle
Color
Chakra
Maa Shailputri

She is Parvati/Hema vati, re-birth of Sati
Toughened by life, confident to deal with situations
Sturdy & experienced
Green- Nature
Heart
Maa Brahmacharini
Higher and peaceful form in meditation, related to severe penance taken by Sati and all fasts
Meditative person, spiritual and chaste
Spiritual
Indigo- devotion
Third eye
( Vedic astro-places Hara Chakra)
Maa ChandraGhanta
Terrible form of Mata when provoked can be malevolent
If  disharmony deal with it
Aggressive
Pink- beauty
Heart
( vedic astro places Manipura)
Maa Kushmanda
Happy form of mata ( ashtbhuja), when she smiles the darkness ends and creation starts
normal happiness and leads a normal life
Comfortable
Violet- New Beginnings
Crown and 8th Chakra
Maa Skanda
Mother of skanda, has all motherly love
Loving and motherly
Placid
Yellow- Hard work
Manipura( vedic astro places Throat Chakra )
Maa Katyani
She is epitome of love and happiness but when angered can be ferocious
Balance
Contemplative
Orange- Courage
Hara Chakra ( Vedic astro place third eye)
Maa Kalratri
Destroys ignorance and darkness, very ferocious and violent form of mata, supposed to have drank blood from Rakht Beej
Fierce when time comes, a different side to us
Free-Spirited, does what it wants
Blue- Illusion
Crown , Third eye
& Root Chakra
Maa Mahagauri
Purity, form of durga which did penance to get Shiva as her husband
Noble and generous
Proud
Red- Purity
Root and Crown Chakra
Maa Siddharatri
Mother of Knowledge , she removes ignorance, she makes us realize everything is supreme in its form
Teacher and giver
Teacher
Grey & White
Crown Chakra

One can meditate on the specific Mata/Goddess or recite mantras and balance the chakras and inculcate qualities of the goddess within .

" Sherawali Mata Teri Sada Jai"