No more nightmares

Dream therapy could show a way out of recurring nightmares, says a new study. The previously discredited approach is drawing the interest of clinicians, because it can treat nightmares by training the victims to dream lucidly, so they can consciously wake up.

Lucid dreaming- when you are aware of dreaming- is a state between sleeping and being awake. It creates distinct patterns of electrical activity in the brain similar to the patterns made by psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia.

The links between lucid dreaming and psychotic conditions offers potential for new therapeutic routes based on how healthy dreaming differs from unstable mental states.

New data affirms the connection by showing that, while dreaming lucidly, the brain is in a dissociated state, according to Ursula Voss from the University of Frankfurt.

Silvio scarone, of universita degli studi di milano in Milan, said, “Neuroscience investigators could explore how to extend their work to psychiatric conditions, using approaches from sleep research to interpret data from acute psychotic and dissociated states of the brain-mind. Exposure to real threatening events supposedly activates the dream system, so that it produces simulations that are realistic rehearsals of threatening events in terms of perception and behaviour”.

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Ragas do have curative power

Music therapy is not new to Indians. It is called Gandharvaved in ayurveda where there is reference about particular ragas treating particular diseases.

The raga hindol used in a specific way gave miraculous relief to patients suffering from spondylitis. Lower back and knee pains in other patients also gave similar results. Being an engineer and a student of science, I wondered about the phenomenon behind these occurrences and started discussing with qualified therapists- Dr Himalaya Pantavaidya (M.D). a well-known anesthetist, and Vaidyaraj Sanjay Chhajed (M.D. Ayurveda), a Nadiatadnya (pulse expert), helped me clear my doubts- and I formulated a theory and system of music therapy called Sur-Sanjeevan, based on four major aspects – modern science; mood elevation theory; principles of ayurved; traditions of Indian classified music.

Stress relaxation:

Music can affect one’s moods in various ways. It can relax as well as activate the mind. At the end of a hectic day of work, your brain goes to the beta frequency state (between 12 and 16 Hertz). A favourite piece of slow instrumental music will bring it back to its relaxed alpha state (between 9 and 12 Hertz) and then in Theta state (between 5 and 8 Hertz). Any raga, any ghazal, any western music, film songs, fast or slow music- whatever you like can be used for relaxation. Music refreshes your mind, elevates your mood and prepares you for the next activity. Alaaps in ragas like Yaman, Bihag, Malkauns, Darbari Kanada on flute or violin are particularly effective in soothing the mind.

To perform your work smoothly, to accept challenges, to complete a task in scheduled time, you need ‘positive stress’ Ragas like hindol, Alaiya Bilawal and Bihag Shankara will enhance your willpower and help prepare your mind to face difficult situations.

Feelings like tension, anxiety, grief, anger, fear and depression create disturbances in the mind and generate harmful ‘negative stress’. To reduce tension and anxiety, a feeling of reassurance is required. Ragas like Rageshree and Gavti on instruments like sitar and sarod, played in Madhyalaya (medium speed), should be used for this purpose.

To get relief from grief, ragas like Kalavati and Bihag can be used. For anger, the Noon Ragas like Madmad Sarang and Multani heard several times over give you results. Ragas like Yaman and Bhoop are effective in combating fear, while ragas like Darbari, Sohni and Shankara are useful for depression.

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Garlic therapy

Garlic is an herbal supplement that has various uses and medicinal benefits. There are different kinds of garlic all over the world. We are used to incorporate garlic in our foods. It can be also readily available in the markets and it is one of the safest herbs. Externally, garlic is a known anti-bacterial and anti-infection agent. For internal problems, eating raw garlic is the most potent way to identify it. It is also considered as a nature’s wonder drug for thousands of years. Garlic is a rich source of minerals and nutrients. So it is safe to involve in the treatment of garlic therapy. Oral garlic supplements are also available in supermarkets to reduce the risk of heart disease and also help to treat high cholesterol.

Garlic is also used to keep distance from developing several types of cancer. The therapy involves by ingesting four grams of garlic daily. It can taken raw, cooked, baked or in a capsule form. The uses of garlic include prevent cancer, lower your cholesterol level, reverse high blood pressure, boost your immune system, overcome fatigue, resist colds and flus, and so on. Garlic may also reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, throat, stomach, esophageal and colon cancer. Garlic is used to act against bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses and fungi.

Garlic therapy can be treated well only to persons who are physically strong. It is because some people who are sensitive to garlic may experience heart burn and flatulence. The patients who are supposed to involve in this treatment of garlic therapy, they should inform their surgeon if they are taking garlic supplements. Studies say that taking garlic during pregnancy can cut down the risk of pre-eclampsia. It may be safe but one should check out their health care provider better before involving in to the treatment.

Raw garlic is also used by some to treat acne. Some people like to take garlic supplements. They believe that pills and capsules have the advantage of avoiding garlic breath. Raw garlic is very strong. So it is best to avoid excess intake of raw garlic. The symptoms include skin rash, headaches and temperature. Other than this garlic is good for zapping bacteria, keeping your heart healthy, and warding off coughs and colds.

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Art therapy

Art therapy is a form of expressive theory that uses paints, clay, chalk, markers and batik. It is a fine therapy for everyone. The main intention of the therapy is to cut down the painful thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment and to increase emotional well-being. It does not require any artistic talents or previous experience in it. The registered art therapist will guide and support the patients by using different art materials.

The therapy is safe and gentle way to annoy stress, anxiety and depression. Art therapy can be done individual or in a group. But art therapy is generally differ from other psychological therapies. The program can be performed in clincals, hospitals, school, colleges, elder care facilities, scheduled work shop, art studios and so on. Art therapists generally use the traditional psychotheraptic theories and techniques on their clients. Thus helps to lead a colorful life without any unwanted tensions and worries. It also helps to improve mental health and emotional well-being.

The patients can improve the psychological, emotional and physical health in the program of art therapy. Many of the people are highly recommend this kind of therapy to their family and friends to try out the sessions. Art therapy can help them to take any successful decisions in their life. There must be a cordial relationship to attain the full benefits of practice sessions. Art is a wonderful tool to be treated on stress and reduction. It is simple and easy to do this art therapy but the benefits are endless. It helps to create a visual representation of thoughts and feelings.


Art therapy can obviously promotes personality development, increases coping skills, beautiful thoughts, and enhances cognitive function. The therapy is mainly based on personality theories, human development, family background, psychology and art education. An art therapist must have patience, empathy, sensitivity, interpersonal skills, and an understanding of art media. People who find hard to express their thoughts and feelings can really benefit from this art session.

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