Amnesia- Scientific approach to memory loss and its Yogic treatment
Definition:-
Amnesia refers to the loss of memory. Memory loss may result from two-sided (bilateral) damage to parts of the brain vital for memory storage, processing, or recall (the limbic system, including the hippocampus in the medial temporal lobe).
Description
Amnesia can be a symptom of several neurodegenerative diseases; however, people whose primary symptom is memory loss (amnesiacs), typically remain lucid and retain their sense of self. They may even be aware that they suffer from a memory disorder.
People who experience amnesia have been instrumental in helping brain researchers determine how the brain processes memory. Until the early 1970s, researchers viewed memory as a single entity. Memory of new experiences, motor skills, past events, and previous conditioning were grouped together in one system that relied on a specific area of the brain.
If all memory were stored in the same way, it would be reasonable to deduce that damage to the specific brain area would cause complete memory loss. However, studies of amnesiacs counter that theory. Such research demonstrates that the brain has multiple systems for processing, storing, and drawing on memory
Comman causes & symptoms:-
Amnesia can be a symptom of several neurodegenerative diseases; however, people whose primary symptom is memory loss (amnesiacs), typically remain lucid and retain their sense of self. They may even be aware that they suffer from a memory disorder.
People who experience amnesia have been instrumental in helping brain researchers determine how the brain processes memory. Until the early 1970s, researchers viewed memory as a single entity. Memory of new experiences, motor skills, past events, and previous conditioning were grouped together in one system that relied on a specific area of the brain.
If all memory were stored in the same way, it would be reasonable to deduce that damage to the specific brain area would cause complete memory loss. However, studies of amnesiacs counter that theory. Such research demonstrates that the brain has multiple systems for processing, storing, and drawing on memory .
Yogic cure:-
[1]Shatkarma {Purificatory techniques}
{a} Jal-neti {Nose washing by water}
[2]Yogasanas {Posture}
{a} Tadasana {Palm tree}
{b} Parvatasana {Mountain posture}
{c} Ardha chakrasana {Half wheel}
{d} Vipreetkarni {Inverted pose}
{e} Gomukhasana {Cow posture}
{f} Ardha Matsyendrasana {Half spinal twist}
{g} Ustrasana {Camel posture}
{h} Naukasana {Boat posture}
{i} Pawanmuktasana {Wind reliving pose}
{j} Shalabhasana {Locust posture}
{k} Dhanurasana { Bow posture}
{l} Sarvangasana {Shoulderstand}
[3]Pranayama {Body-mind energising breathing practices}
{a} Kapalbhati {Lungs & brain wash by breathing}
{b} Bramari { Bellows pranayama}
{c} Anulome-vilome {Alternate nostrilar pranayama}
[4]Bandhas:- {Bands}
{a} Uddiyana bandha {Abdominal lock}
[5] Mudras:-
{a} Gyan mudra
{B} Ashwini mudra
Scientific explanation:-
A common technique used in yoga is breathing through one nostril at a time. Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies of the electrical impulses of the brain have shown dial breathing through one nostril results in increased activity on the opposite side of the brain. Some experts suggest that the regular practice of breathing through one nostril may help improve communication between the right and left side of the brain.
Other studies show this increased brain activity is associated with better performance and suggest that yoga can enhance cognitive performance. For example, a study of 23 men found that breathing through one nostril resulted in better performance of tasks associated with the opposite side of the brain.
Home Remedies:-
Person may be able to correct certain types of anemia by using these simple home remedies.
- Daily intake of 3-4 pieces of dry figs helps in curing anemia.
- Make sure you are eating plenty of iron rich food, such as, liver, green leafy vegetable, beets, dried fruits, bran flake, oysters, brown rice, lentils and molasses, raisins, prunes; breads and pastas made from hole grain flour.
- 1 cup beetroot juice, 1 cup of apple juice, mixed with either sugar or honey once a day.
- For those with anemia or general weakness, dates with milk and cream at breakfast are very helpful.
- Eat a diet replete with green, leafy vegetables. Whole-grain breads, cereals and beans are excellent blood builders. Avoid dairy products as they contain very little iron and tend to bind iron present in other foods. Eat dry fruit frequently, especially peaches and apricots.
- For anemia, soak washed raisins and cashews overnight in water, in equal proportions. Grind them and add some of the water in which they were soaked to make a paste. Spread this on toasted breads or eat by itself.
- Drink a mixture of apple and tomato juice.
- Gentian – The bitter herb gentian is popular in England for the treatment of anemia. Gentian can be brewed into a tea or you can take a commercially available extract.
- Yellow Dock – 1 capsule or 20 drops of tincture with every meal. Improves iron absorption.
- Consume a ripe banana with 1 tbsp of honey 2 times a day.
- Drink plenty of water. Drink two glasses before breakfast, two in the midmorning, and again in the mid-afternoon, and one to two glasses at night.
Further suggestion:-
The following methods can help alleviate sleeplessness:
- Develop a regular sleeping schedule. Avoid daytime naps and stimulating activities just before bedtime.
- Avoid stimulating drugs, such as caffeine and nicotine, particularly before going to bed.
- Exercise during the day (but not in the late evening).
- Avoid alcohol- it is a leading cause of poor sleep.
- Drink a cup of warm milk.
- Mask background noise in the bedroom throughout the night.
- Try using a sleep mask and ear plugs at night.
- Take medications that may be stimulating long before bedtime.
By- Yogi Yoganand