Something about viruses that makes them quite interesting is how they can only survive when there are cells they can infect. They cannot live on their own and so survive through using cells of living organisms. This makes them so powerful because they attack the fundamental structure of a human body: the cells.
Some great resources and articles on the topic:
Virus or Parasite
An article on how much humans are compared to viruses and the promise of it becoming instead a symbiotic parasite.
Even Viruses Catch Viruses
Aha! Fierce fight of the most apt.
Viruses, the Unknown Frontier
A high school student's still to come research on viruses. Useful on its simplicity to explain what a virus is and how it reproduces.
And of course... wikipedia on viruses, cytokine storm, influenza
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
What moves viruses?
How fascinating...
I was reading about the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and how 'experts' fear it becoming a pandemic. Will it?
I find the topic of viruses and bacteria (micro organisms in general) so interesting. How is it that they infect some while not others? What makes someone prone to infection? What is the interaction between these and the cells in the body?
Adenovirus, from wikimedia commons
Sure, these questions can be answered from the medical perspective, but I want to go beyond these answers. For example, I was reading about the etymology of the word Influenza. Wikipedia says:
"The word Influenza comes from the Italian language and refers to the cause of the disease; initially, this ascribed illness to unfavorable astrological influences. Changes in medical thought led to its modification to influenza del freddo, meaning "influence of the cold". The word influenza was first used in English in 1743 when it was adopted, with an anglicized pronunciation, during an outbreak of the disease in Europe...."
This is where things start to become interesting. It says that the original word captured the cause of the disease as the result of 'unfavorable astrological influences'. Did I just read 'astrological influences'? [Smile.]
In the past I used to think that getting sick as a result of a viral influence was like having something parasitic come into my system and lodge there. Like a piece of dirt that can be removed with proper disinfectants. However my views have changed over the years. Sure, a virus is something that infects the body and, when it overpowers the balance systems in the body a person becomes sick. However I couldn't say that a virus is just an 'organism' [1] that comes and stays. Most viruses are highly contagious. The survival fight they launch is fierce. Their power is not necessarily individual but as a group. When they start to infect and replicate they can decimate large populations of people. There are forces behind these little buggers. And these forces are usually quite sharp and intense. In fact, if you have a close look at them, they are only made of information [2]. Look at some of their shapes... they carry something. Some even are extremely beautiful: geometrical forms so tiny and 'perfect', ever ready to attack and infect.
It has been my perception that outbreaks like the one in Mexico are often a sign of something else. Some sort of force (and here, please avoid interpreting my words with some tint of paranoia). I think there is much more to see about viruses and their 'power' than what has been explored so far. What moves these forces behind virus outbreaks? What makes certain people more prone to be infected than other people? Not all viruses infect everyone and maybe these predispositions can hint some answers as much as the fact that there could be astrological forces linked to these outbreaks. After all, despite scientific skepticism, astrology was considered an important influence in many, many ancient traditions - that have shaped what we are today. [3]
Virus are moved by forces that interact with our physical bodies. They can change and modify them through their infection, to the point that malformations and growths can occur. Have a look - if you have the belly for it - at this man's hands and feet infected with the human papilloma virus. Who needs genetic engineers when there are viruses to do the job?
Perhaps that is what Sri Aurobindo meant in the quote I last posted and as long as every cell in the body stops responding to 'whatever forces' except the One Force, then we are all prone to becoming sick.
The question remains, what force is behind this outbreak in Mexico? (Or any other outbreak for that matter...)
[1] The idea of viruses being organisms is still debated as they don't have the ability to metabolize food and lack their own cellular structure.
[2] Comparing the action of computer viruses to 'biological' viruses can be quite interesting from this perspective.
[3] I tend to believe that in the not so distant future astrology will be re-considered as an important source of information for some of these so called skeptics.
I was reading about the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and how 'experts' fear it becoming a pandemic. Will it?
I find the topic of viruses and bacteria (micro organisms in general) so interesting. How is it that they infect some while not others? What makes someone prone to infection? What is the interaction between these and the cells in the body?
Adenovirus, from wikimedia commonsSure, these questions can be answered from the medical perspective, but I want to go beyond these answers. For example, I was reading about the etymology of the word Influenza. Wikipedia says:
"The word Influenza comes from the Italian language and refers to the cause of the disease; initially, this ascribed illness to unfavorable astrological influences. Changes in medical thought led to its modification to influenza del freddo, meaning "influence of the cold". The word influenza was first used in English in 1743 when it was adopted, with an anglicized pronunciation, during an outbreak of the disease in Europe...."
This is where things start to become interesting. It says that the original word captured the cause of the disease as the result of 'unfavorable astrological influences'. Did I just read 'astrological influences'? [Smile.]
In the past I used to think that getting sick as a result of a viral influence was like having something parasitic come into my system and lodge there. Like a piece of dirt that can be removed with proper disinfectants. However my views have changed over the years. Sure, a virus is something that infects the body and, when it overpowers the balance systems in the body a person becomes sick. However I couldn't say that a virus is just an 'organism' [1] that comes and stays. Most viruses are highly contagious. The survival fight they launch is fierce. Their power is not necessarily individual but as a group. When they start to infect and replicate they can decimate large populations of people. There are forces behind these little buggers. And these forces are usually quite sharp and intense. In fact, if you have a close look at them, they are only made of information [2]. Look at some of their shapes... they carry something. Some even are extremely beautiful: geometrical forms so tiny and 'perfect', ever ready to attack and infect.
It has been my perception that outbreaks like the one in Mexico are often a sign of something else. Some sort of force (and here, please avoid interpreting my words with some tint of paranoia). I think there is much more to see about viruses and their 'power' than what has been explored so far. What moves these forces behind virus outbreaks? What makes certain people more prone to be infected than other people? Not all viruses infect everyone and maybe these predispositions can hint some answers as much as the fact that there could be astrological forces linked to these outbreaks. After all, despite scientific skepticism, astrology was considered an important influence in many, many ancient traditions - that have shaped what we are today. [3]
Virus are moved by forces that interact with our physical bodies. They can change and modify them through their infection, to the point that malformations and growths can occur. Have a look - if you have the belly for it - at this man's hands and feet infected with the human papilloma virus. Who needs genetic engineers when there are viruses to do the job?
Perhaps that is what Sri Aurobindo meant in the quote I last posted and as long as every cell in the body stops responding to 'whatever forces' except the One Force, then we are all prone to becoming sick.
The question remains, what force is behind this outbreak in Mexico? (Or any other outbreak for that matter...)
[1] The idea of viruses being organisms is still debated as they don't have the ability to metabolize food and lack their own cellular structure.
[2] Comparing the action of computer viruses to 'biological' viruses can be quite interesting from this perspective.
[3] I tend to believe that in the not so distant future astrology will be re-considered as an important source of information for some of these so called skeptics.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sri Aurobindo on illness
A quote:
"The human body has always been in the habit of answering to whatever forces chose to lay hands on it and illness is the price it pays for its inertia and ignorance. It has to learn to answer to the one Force alone."
Something to aspire too. Definitely.
"The human body has always been in the habit of answering to whatever forces chose to lay hands on it and illness is the price it pays for its inertia and ignorance. It has to learn to answer to the one Force alone."
Something to aspire too. Definitely.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Dan-de-lion...
I was introduced to this delicious alternative to coffee on a trip to Australia.
Dandelion tea!
I like the flavor of this in particular, but it has lactose, so might not be an option for some people. There are many brands and presentations you can buy, or you could grow some of your own (it's considered a pest for so many).
Not only it has a toasty flavor, but it is good for the liver and many other things:
"Diuretic, tonic and slightly aperient. It is a general stimulant to the system, but especially to the urinary organs, and is chiefly used in kidney and liver disorders."
(botanical.com)
"Dandelions are also good for the bladder, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines. It’s recommended for stressed-out, internally sluggish, and sedentary people. Anyone who's a victim of excessive fat, white flour, and concentrated sweeteners could benefit from a daily cup of dandelion tea."
(wildmanstevebrill.com)
"Actions: diuretic, laxative, choleretic, tonic, stomachic, antioxidant, hepatic, alterative, aperient, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue"
(herbsarespecial.com.au)
"Dandelion tea, whether made from the root or the leaves, makes a great tonic, because it stimulates the body to eliminate waste and toxins. Because the leaves are rich in readily available magnesium, dandelion is a great herb for improving bone health. Magnesium increases bone density, so dandelions may actually help to prevent bone disorders such as osteoporosis."
(safealternativemedicine.co.uk)
"The leaves contain several vitamins and minerals to promote well-being. Dandelion leaves contains more beta-carotene than carrots, which is important for improving a person's ability to see in dim light. The leaves contain iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, as well as vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, D, E, and P.
Due to the existence of vitamin E, dandelion tea can be used to alleviate skin complaints. Vitamin E can help encourage the growth of body issue and protects cells from damage, therefore promoting healing and reducing scarring."
(teainfusion.com)
You can read a full list of properties here too.
My experience:
I drink a cup every now and then after meals. It simply makes me feel good.
Dandelion tea!
I like the flavor of this in particular, but it has lactose, so might not be an option for some people. There are many brands and presentations you can buy, or you could grow some of your own (it's considered a pest for so many).
Not only it has a toasty flavor, but it is good for the liver and many other things:
"Diuretic, tonic and slightly aperient. It is a general stimulant to the system, but especially to the urinary organs, and is chiefly used in kidney and liver disorders."
(botanical.com)
"Dandelions are also good for the bladder, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines. It’s recommended for stressed-out, internally sluggish, and sedentary people. Anyone who's a victim of excessive fat, white flour, and concentrated sweeteners could benefit from a daily cup of dandelion tea."
(wildmanstevebrill.com)
"Actions: diuretic, laxative, choleretic, tonic, stomachic, antioxidant, hepatic, alterative, aperient, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue"
(herbsarespecial.com.au)
"Dandelion tea, whether made from the root or the leaves, makes a great tonic, because it stimulates the body to eliminate waste and toxins. Because the leaves are rich in readily available magnesium, dandelion is a great herb for improving bone health. Magnesium increases bone density, so dandelions may actually help to prevent bone disorders such as osteoporosis."
(safealternativemedicine.co.uk)
"The leaves contain several vitamins and minerals to promote well-being. Dandelion leaves contains more beta-carotene than carrots, which is important for improving a person's ability to see in dim light. The leaves contain iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, as well as vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, D, E, and P.
Due to the existence of vitamin E, dandelion tea can be used to alleviate skin complaints. Vitamin E can help encourage the growth of body issue and protects cells from damage, therefore promoting healing and reducing scarring."
(teainfusion.com)
You can read a full list of properties here too.
My experience:
I drink a cup every now and then after meals. It simply makes me feel good.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Raw foods retreats
These are some resources, available online. I found some of these very interesting and appealing. There is a whole range from only classes to full retreats with services and therapies as part of their program. I feel that if I were to do something like this I'd probably go for the full thing and experience it on a retreat setting. The more beautiful the place the better. However there are programs for all types of people, ranging from very serious, medically based ones to programs in which people share their personal healing experiences resulting from living a raw food lifestyle.
The list:
USA
ARIZONA
http://www.treeoflife.nu/
This is a community centered around a Dr. called Rebbe Gabriel Cousens. They offer different programs and options with a spiritual focus. I can't fully comment on something I haven't experienced myself, but this seems a little new agey for me.
CALIFORNIA
http://www.therawretreat.com
The place looks very beautiful and what they offer seems interesting, but the website seems out of date. It is also focused on individual needs and not for groups.
http://jinjee1.securesites.net/retreat/
This place is still under construction. The place also looks beautiful in a different way. The owners/developers seem to be very convinced about the benefits of raw foods and they have build a whole website with pictures to prove it.
PUERTO RICO
http://www.annwigmore.org/
Also based on Dr. Ann Wigmore's ideas (and they make sure you know it), who according to the website spent time there teaching, when she was not in Boston (or elsewhere). They don't have retreat facilities, but you can stay at nearby apartments and hotels. They are close to the sea. Their focus is educational as they are not 'a spa nor clinic'.
FLORIDA
http://www.hippocratesinst.org/
This is a fully fledged program, probably the most professional. They have spa services and intensive workshops leading to certification. The original Ann Wigmore's school. If I were serious about raw foods, I'd probably give this one a chance.
http://rawfoodsretreat.com
This is more of a luxury type, personal retreat place. Things get organized around the individual needs.
http://www.circle-of-life.net/
They offer individualized programs in Florida as well as group retreats in other parts of the world. They focus too on juice fasts. The Florida programs do not offer accommodation as part of the retreat.
GEORGIA
http://www.livingfoodsinstitute.com
The owner/teacher seems very upbeat and willing to teach anyone. Her transition into raw foods was due to an illness. This is also mostly educational (although she offers therapies and treatments - colonics, reflexology, Bach flowers, etc) as part of the program. People stay at hotels or nearby homes as she does not provide retreat facilities. Her prices are a bit higher, but she offers different packages to match different budgets.
HAWAII
http://www.vacationinnparadise.com
They provide you with everything so you can do it yourself.
ILLINOIS
http://www.naturesrawenergy.com
Five and 12 days detox retreats based on classes. Their prices seem to be affordable and include room and board and classes.
Based on Dr. Ann Wigmore's ideas.
MICHIGAN
http://www.creativehealthinstitute.com
Based on Ann Wigmore, they offer teaching retreats and support afterwards.
NEW MEXICO
http://www.wigmore.org/
Very secluded. Also based on Ann Wigmore's philosophy.
PENNSYLVANIA
http://www.purejeevan.com/
Individual guidance with raw foods or some group retreats done in a separate place.
TENNESSEE
http://www.serenitycove.com/
Also focused on individual needs. The owner offers other services. One that promised interesting results was a massage based therapy called chi nei tsang.
TEXAS
http://www.roylretreat.com/
They are closed at the moment, but including it since they seem serious enough.
WASHINGTON
http://www.cedarsprings.org/
The are looks beautiful, probably close to Canada. They make emphasis on the weight loss aspect of eating raw foods. They also have programs with horses.
OTHER:
http://www.optimumhealth.org/
They have two places one in San Diego and one in Austin. They hold full retreats, but focused on teaching, not on spa therapies. Their philosophy is Christian based.
OUTSIDE THE US:
AUSTRALIA
http://www.alivefoods.com/
They offer detox retreats on a yatch and other similar classes (not specific to raw foods).
BELIZE
http://www.vidaclara.com/
They offer water fasting, raw food retreats and Natural Hygiene programs, in beautiful lush surroundings. The retreats are individual with the support of one of the owners, Dr. Sniadach who offers personal support and assistance.
COSTA RICA
http://www.pachamama.com
They are a community based on Osho principles and practices. They offer raw detox as part of one of their longer workshops. The place looks beautiful.
http://www.waterfallvillas.com
They are not specifically raw food oriented. It is more like a spa retreat where they also have raw foods.
PANAMA
http://www.tanglewoodwellnesscenter.com/
Their specialty seems to be water fasting. Not my piece of cake, but perhaps some people will find it interesting.
THAILAND
http://www.dharmahealingintl.com/
Their program is a spiritual in nature and includes raw foods. These are some of the activities they advertise as part of their program: Meditation, Yoga, Qi Kung, Water Exercise, Raw Food Preparation, Spiritual Nutrition, Vibrational Sound Healing, Dharma Talk, Kundalini Colonic-Acupressure, an Iridology reading and personal psycho/spiritual counseling. Might be a good option if you can afford the trip to Thailand.
UK
http://www.livingfoods.co.uk/
Their focus is day in day out. They offer courses, consultation and practitioner trainings.
http://www.suradetox.com/
They seem to know what they are doing. Their retreats are for 7 days in countryside UK. They put emphasis on colonics and they have a lot of information about them on the website.
---
If anyone reading this has any suggestions or comments regarding the above, please share!
The list:
USA
ARIZONA
http://www.treeoflife.nu/
This is a community centered around a Dr. called Rebbe Gabriel Cousens. They offer different programs and options with a spiritual focus. I can't fully comment on something I haven't experienced myself, but this seems a little new agey for me.
CALIFORNIA
http://www.therawretreat.com
The place looks very beautiful and what they offer seems interesting, but the website seems out of date. It is also focused on individual needs and not for groups.
http://jinjee1.securesites.net/retreat/
This place is still under construction. The place also looks beautiful in a different way. The owners/developers seem to be very convinced about the benefits of raw foods and they have build a whole website with pictures to prove it.
PUERTO RICO
http://www.annwigmore.org/
Also based on Dr. Ann Wigmore's ideas (and they make sure you know it), who according to the website spent time there teaching, when she was not in Boston (or elsewhere). They don't have retreat facilities, but you can stay at nearby apartments and hotels. They are close to the sea. Their focus is educational as they are not 'a spa nor clinic'.
FLORIDA
http://www.hippocratesinst.org/
This is a fully fledged program, probably the most professional. They have spa services and intensive workshops leading to certification. The original Ann Wigmore's school. If I were serious about raw foods, I'd probably give this one a chance.
http://rawfoodsretreat.com
This is more of a luxury type, personal retreat place. Things get organized around the individual needs.
http://www.circle-of-life.net/
They offer individualized programs in Florida as well as group retreats in other parts of the world. They focus too on juice fasts. The Florida programs do not offer accommodation as part of the retreat.
GEORGIA
http://www.livingfoodsinstitute.com
The owner/teacher seems very upbeat and willing to teach anyone. Her transition into raw foods was due to an illness. This is also mostly educational (although she offers therapies and treatments - colonics, reflexology, Bach flowers, etc) as part of the program. People stay at hotels or nearby homes as she does not provide retreat facilities. Her prices are a bit higher, but she offers different packages to match different budgets.
HAWAII
http://www.vacationinnparadise.com
They provide you with everything so you can do it yourself.
ILLINOIS
http://www.naturesrawenergy.com
Five and 12 days detox retreats based on classes. Their prices seem to be affordable and include room and board and classes.
Based on Dr. Ann Wigmore's ideas.
MICHIGAN
http://www.creativehealthinstitute.com
Based on Ann Wigmore, they offer teaching retreats and support afterwards.
NEW MEXICO
http://www.wigmore.org/
Very secluded. Also based on Ann Wigmore's philosophy.
PENNSYLVANIA
http://www.purejeevan.com/
Individual guidance with raw foods or some group retreats done in a separate place.
TENNESSEE
http://www.serenitycove.com/
Also focused on individual needs. The owner offers other services. One that promised interesting results was a massage based therapy called chi nei tsang.
TEXAS
http://www.roylretreat.com/
They are closed at the moment, but including it since they seem serious enough.
WASHINGTON
http://www.cedarsprings.org/
The are looks beautiful, probably close to Canada. They make emphasis on the weight loss aspect of eating raw foods. They also have programs with horses.
OTHER:
http://www.optimumhealth.org/
They have two places one in San Diego and one in Austin. They hold full retreats, but focused on teaching, not on spa therapies. Their philosophy is Christian based.
OUTSIDE THE US:
AUSTRALIA
http://www.alivefoods.com/
They offer detox retreats on a yatch and other similar classes (not specific to raw foods).
BELIZE
http://www.vidaclara.com/
They offer water fasting, raw food retreats and Natural Hygiene programs, in beautiful lush surroundings. The retreats are individual with the support of one of the owners, Dr. Sniadach who offers personal support and assistance.
COSTA RICA
http://www.pachamama.com
They are a community based on Osho principles and practices. They offer raw detox as part of one of their longer workshops. The place looks beautiful.
http://www.waterfallvillas.com
They are not specifically raw food oriented. It is more like a spa retreat where they also have raw foods.
PANAMA
http://www.tanglewoodwellnesscenter.com/
Their specialty seems to be water fasting. Not my piece of cake, but perhaps some people will find it interesting.
THAILAND
http://www.dharmahealingintl.com/
Their program is a spiritual in nature and includes raw foods. These are some of the activities they advertise as part of their program: Meditation, Yoga, Qi Kung, Water Exercise, Raw Food Preparation, Spiritual Nutrition, Vibrational Sound Healing, Dharma Talk, Kundalini Colonic-Acupressure, an Iridology reading and personal psycho/spiritual counseling. Might be a good option if you can afford the trip to Thailand.
UK
http://www.livingfoods.co.uk/
Their focus is day in day out. They offer courses, consultation and practitioner trainings.
http://www.suradetox.com/
They seem to know what they are doing. Their retreats are for 7 days in countryside UK. They put emphasis on colonics and they have a lot of information about them on the website.
---
If anyone reading this has any suggestions or comments regarding the above, please share!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
