Information on popular complementary and alternative medical topics

This is essential as we become more experienced in mental exercises. The aim is more complete relaxation of the mind. When we are in comfortable positions the relaxation of our mind comes largely from the feeling of bodily comfort. When we achieve this relaxation in situations of physical discomfort, the relaxation comes from the mind itself. This is what we aim to achieve.

We can practise in positions of varying discomfort according to our taste and the degree to which we have mastered the exercises. When we can do it well lying on the floor, we can try lying with a few pebbles under our back in the region of the shoulder blades. When we can do this, we are immediately aware of the much greater relaxation of our mind, and we soon notice that the relaxation remains with us for increasing periods in our everyday life.

In the sitting position we can put a small clip on the skin of our arm. We immediately relax deeply so as to avoid the feeling of discomfort. This soon passes off, and we come to feel a very complete relaxation of our mind. Young people can practise in the cross-legged, squatting position, and maintain a sufficient degree of discomfort by pulling their legs under their buttocks as the yogis do.

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What not to eat is, perhaps, even more important that what to eat when planning a program of vital nutrition.

First and foremost, white sugar and all foods made with it should be totally excluded. Ice cream, candies, sodas, pastries, cakes, cookies, pies, sugared desserts—all must go. The astronomical use of refined white sugar and sugar syrups in the American diet is, to my mind, the greatest health-destroying factor causing the deplorable health condition of the nation.

Coffee, tea, and chocolate drinks, as well as all soft drinks, should be omitted and replaced by wholesome herb drinks and fruit juices. Health food stores carry a wide assortment of delicious herb teas: peppermint, alfalfa, camomile, rose hips, mate, white clover, fenugreek, etc. There you can also acquire a vegetable and fruit juicer, which will make it possible to squeeze fresh juices in your own home.

Salt and all sharp, irritating spices, such as white pepper, mustard, black pepper, etc. must be excluded. When you get accustomed to eating fresh, raw fruits and vegetables you will soon find that they taste delectable even without any seasoning. Even steamed vegetables and baked potatoes taste excellent without salt. This is also true with whole grain breads and cereals. If seasoning for salads or cooked dishes is desired, onions, garlic, dill, sage, watercress, paprika, red chili, and many other herb flavorings will give you a wide variety of choice. Kelp, powdered or granulated, can serve as a salt substitute for a beginner. This seaweed product has a mild, salty taste and could be added to various dishes. Of course, sufferers of arthritis should use a great amount of kelp as a food supplement—it is an extremely beneficial biological therapeutic agent in arthritis.

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