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Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine. Aromatherapy means “treatment using scents”. Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils extracted from herbs, trees and plants for therapeutic purposes. Essential oils are complex, highly fragrant and volatile substances, with varying degrees of complexity, fragrance, and volatility.Essential oils which are the pure “essence” of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. Aromatherapy is a generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that make use of essential oils sometimes in combination with other alternative medical practices and spiritual beliefs. There are about 150 essential oils. Most of these oils have antiseptic properties; some are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antidepressant and expectorant. Other properties of the essential oils which are taken advantage of in aromatherapy are their stimulation, relaxation, digestion improvement, and diuretic properties. To get the maximum benefit from essential oils, it should be made from natural, pure raw materials. Synthetically made oils do not work. Medical aromatherapy uses the knowledge of the effect of essential oils on health when treating clinically diagnosed medical conditions.

Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs are believed to offer both psychological and physical benefits. Aromatherapy is believed to be suitable for people of all ages, even babies. Fragrant oils extracted from plants chiefly through distillation (e.g. eucalyptus oil) or expression (grapefruit oil). Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. It is widely used at home, clinics and hospitals for a variety of applications such as pain relief for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effects of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients, and rehabilitation of cardiac patients. Essential Oils can supply other benefits as well. Some oils, for instance, act as a natural repellent and pesticide.  Citronella essential oil is the ingredient in the candles that provides this benefit. Oils vary in price based on the amount of the harvest, the country of origin, the type of extraction used (steam distillation, CO2 extract, enfleurage), and how desirable the oil is. Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) is considered more desirable than Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum), based upon the aroma, and is twice as costly, mainly because the species that yields Indian Sandalwood essential oils is endangered. Organic and wild harvested essential oils also tend to be more expensive.

Aromatherapy has roots in antiquity with the use of aromatic oils. However, as currently defined, aromatherapy involves the use of distilled plant volatiles, a twentieth century innovation. Essential oil” is used somewhat loosely as it is often applied to all aromatic products such as essence oils, absolutes, resinoids, and concretes. Oils that are applied to the skin are believed to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The components of the various oils are believed to aid in a variety of health, beauty and hygiene conditions. In Aromatherapy it is held that once extracted, the chemical constituents of a particular essential oil will determine its primary action. Generally, essential oils consist of chemical compounds which have hydrogen, carbon and oxygen in their building blocks. Cosmetic aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils in hair and skin creams. Psycho-aromatherapy uses essential oils to bring about certain emotional states and moods, whether the desired feeling be relaxation, invigoration or a pleasant memory. Aromatherapy massage is the most common method utilized by aromatherapists. The aim in combining aromatherapy with massage is relaxation. A practitioner of this particular specialization must be well versed in massage and understand the varied properties of oils. In Aromatherapy it is held that when essential oils are applied in a body massage, they are carried by the to specific organs and systems of the body where they enhance the natural functions of these organs.

Essential oils can be used in making homemade lotions, facial toners, shampoos, perfumes, soaps, shower gels, and other natural products. Yarrow oil is used to reduce joint inflammation and relieve cold and influenza symptoms. Basil is used in perfumery for its clear, sweet and mildly spicy aroma. In aromatherapy, it is used for sharpening concentration, for its uplifting effect on depression, and to relieve headaches and migraines. Basil oil has many chemotypes and some are known to be emmenagogues and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Additionally, essential oils are often blended for their therapeutic synergistic abilities. Tea tree oil and many other essential oils have topical (external) antimicrobial (i.e. antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, or antiparasitic) activity and are used as antiseptics and disinfectants. Essential oils and fatty/vegetable oils are two completely different types of oils.  Essential oils as implied by the term “Aromatherapy”, have a powerful effect through our sense of smell. In the field of Aromatherapy it is held that in skin care essential oils regulate the activity of capillaries and restore vitality to the tissues.

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Nail Patella Syndrome (NPS) also known Fong Disease. Nail-Patella syndrome (NPS) is a rare genetic disorder and those affected may have small or absent patellae (kneecaps), underdeveloped nails and an inability to fully straighten the elbows.  It has been recognized as a hereditary condition for over 100 years and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Less common medical findings include defects of the upper lip, the roof of the mouth, and unusual skeletal abnormalities. Skeletal abnormalities may include poorly developed scapulae (shoulder blades), sideways bent fingers (clinodactyly), clubfoot, scoliosis, and unusual neck bones. There are also other effects, such as thickening of the basement membrane in the skin and of the tiny clusters of capillaries (glomeruli) in the kidney. Scientists have recognized an association between nail-patella syndrome and colon cancer. Nail changes are seen in 98% of patients with NPS but they may be subtle. Nails may be missing, small or abnormal, ridged, pitted, discoloured, separated into two halves by a ridge of skin, thin or less often, thickened. Nail changes may be noticeable at birth and are most often on both hands and are usually symmetrical.

Nail-patella syndrome is associated with open-angle glaucoma, which, if untreated, may lead to blindness. The gene for NPS, which was just recently discovered, is located on Chromosome 9q34 and is called LMX1B. Patients may also have cataracts, drooping eyelids (ptosis), or corneal problems such as glaucoma. People with nail-patella syndrome may display only a few or many of the recognized signs of this disease. Symptoms vary widely from person to person. Signs even vary within a single family with multiple affected members. The incidence of nail-patella syndrome is approximately one in 50,000 births. This disorder affects males and females equally. It is found throughout the world and occurs in all ethnic groups. The strongest risk factor for nail-patella syndrome is a family history of the disease. The LMX1B gene codes for a protein that is important in organizing embryonic limb development. Mutations in this gene have been detected in many unrelated people with nail-patella syndrome. Scientists have also been able to interrupt this gene in mice to produce defects similar to those seen in human nail-patella syndrome.

Kidney problems are sometimes worsened by pregnancy, and women with no history of renal problems can also experience pregnancy-related kidney problems like toxemia and pre-eclampsia. Kidney problems (see entry, Kidney disease) can occur in people with NPS at any age. Absence or hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the kneecaps (patella) and deformities of the knee joint itself often give them a “squarish” look. Ankle edema and recurrent urinary tract infections can also be manifestations of renal involvement. Other problems seen more frequently in NPS include Irritable Bowel syndrome, constipation and poor circulation in the hands and feet with occasional numbness and tingling. NPS does not affect intelligence but there may be a link with Attention Deficit.The most obvious sign associated with nail-patella syndrome is absent, poorly developed, or unusual fingernails. Fingernail abnormalities are found in over 80% of patients with this disorder. Abnormalities may be found in one or more fingernails. Only rarely are all fingernails affected. This disease most commonly affects the fingernails of the thumbs and index fingers. 

Nail Patella Syndrome Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Treatment, when required, depends on each patient’s specific symptoms. Severe kidney disease is treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant. Patients receiving kidney transplants do not develop nail-patella type renal complications in their new kidney.

2. Although more than 90% of patients with NPS have patellar involvement, most patients are asymptomatic and rarely require surgical treatment.

3. Associated abnormalities require appropriate care from specialists.

4. Eye drops, pills, laser procedures, and surgical operations are used to prevent or slow further damage from occurring.

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1. Whole Grain bread - Eat the bread during breakfast, ahead of any protein rich food. Chew well for teeth exercise. Its amino acids are benefial for brain.
2. Sprouted Pulses - Whole pulses like moong, gram, etc. should be sprouted by soaking in water and may be taken during breakfast by dressing it with salt, black-pepper powder and lemon juice for taste. It is nutritious food with vitamins.
3. Plenty of water during the day - relieves fatique and is a cure for constipation. A glass of water if taken immediately after getting up from sleep early in the morning, cools and cleans the internal system. Lemon juice in a cup of water in the morning removes acidity.
4. Use of ginger for indigestion - Take a small piece of ginger and add a little salt to it. Chew well before lunch and dinner and throw away the solid part after sucking its juice. It removes indigestion and mouth germs.
5. Raw salads of carrot, cabbage leaves, tomatoes, coriander leaves, etc. are good. Some boiled vegetables may be added while taking this raw salas. Proper chewing is essential. Salad is beneficial for the health of teeth and skin.
6. Other fruits and vegetables according to the season may be added to the diet to make it more nutritious.

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The mind-altering amino acids “tryplophin” is converted to serotomin, which is a neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter assists and regulates the sleep. The carbohydrate produces insulin, which helps in amino acid tryplophin reaching the brain nerves. High carbohydrate dinner includes bread and bananas, figs or dates, grape, juice and apply juice. If the problem is frequent awaikenings or short sleep, eat your carbohydrate rich dinner before sleep.

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1. Use of Fenugreek Seeds (Methi) : It can be used in powder form in doses from 25 grams to 40 grams before meals. In the beginning, a dose of 12.5 grams powder be taken daily before lunch and dinner. Its water, after soaking the fenugreek seeds for whole night, may be taken in empty stomach or before meal. Fenugreek can be taken in winter by making its balls with gur and skimmed milk without sugar. Regular use of fenugreek leafy vegetables or a drink of fenugreek with gur cleans the body and is useful in diabetes.
2. Ayurvedic Medicines : Juice of leaves of bail, Neem and Gurmar should be taken daily.
3. A small piece of fresh Turmeric : to be chewed with salt befor meals.
4. Juice of Neem and Tulsi leaves : Two teaspoonful daily in the morning.
5. Use of Guava leaves : Take 100 grams of good guava leaves and after pounding them, soak in a glass of water. After filtering the liquid, drink in the morning.
6. Use of Jamun leaves : Chew for 4-5 jamun tree leaves well in the morning and evening regularly. Test sugar after a week and mark the results.

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In yoga concept, heart is an organ which is the seat of sensation and consciousness. Heart is thus controlled by the mind. The heart trouble is closely conected with the function of the mind. According to yoga philosophy, mind is the cause of diseases and also of its cure.

It has been observed that spasm can affect clogged arteries to cause heart attack. Panic can also lead to such spasm. There are clogged and unclogged arteries. A big spasm may effect both clogged and unclogged arteries. Panic has been known to cause spasm, excessive muscular contraction, sudden convulsion movement of stretch.

There is a need to change lifestyles, and to bring a change in attitudes to prevent cardiac disorders. Afterall, yoga is nothing but a better way of living. Wholesome diatary habits, positive forms of physical exerciese, healthy routine of the day, adequate rest and sleep, and a balanced state of mind generating right kind of attitude are sure ways of preventing sudden and severe heart attacks.

The yoga way of life shuns materialism. Materialism, selfishness, egoism, negative emotions and all kinds of excesses cause heart trouble. If one takes to spiritual way of life, he can lead a long healthy and happy life. Mental and physical exercises along with relaxation reduces the chances og angina and heart attack.

Yoga lays stress on a sound mind - a mind free from stress, worry and insecurity. “A sound mind in a sound body” is the yogic way of thinking. A sound mind leads to a sound heart in a sound body. No doubt yogic way of life is good and the sure way to healthy heart.

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High Cholestrol in the blood is a major risk for heart and blood vessel disease. Although, cholestrol is an essential part of the body, yet its excess leads to serious heart trouble. Increase of cholestrol in the blood hardens the arteries and causes death ultimately. When arteries feeding the heart get blocked, heart attack occurs. When an artery leading to the brain gets blocked, a stroke occurs.

Average cholestrol level is between 5.1 and 6.5 according to the age. A level less than 5.2 normally is desirable. Even more ideal will be 4.8 or below. Cholestrol is a unigue fatty substance transported through the blood stream by LDL and HDL carriers. When LDL increases, the risk of heart becomes greater, which indicates that it will be deposited in the arteries. When HDl is abundant, risk of heart attack is lessened.

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