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Inaugural Issue September-October 2010
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Inside this Issue:
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AMWC SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
E-BULLETIN
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How to Heal Yourself with Clay and Mudpacks
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A Typical Incredible Skin Cure
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Recipes for Great Health
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Survey Next Training
Interested to get training to open an AM Wellness Center? The next one-month training is tentatively set for Jan 10 to Feb 10 (2011). If you are interested,please let us know if these dates are okay for you, or if you prefer the 30 days to begin earlier or finish later. Write to
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AMWC SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
E-BULLETIN
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Welcome to the new Ananda Marga Wellness Center E-Journal! We start by looking back at what clinical-medical doctors found unbelievable. Since its beginning in 2005, AMWC cared for many hundreds of students (not “patients”), most staying 2 to 4 weeks. We had dramatic positive results nearly 100% of the time.
People believe it miraculous when all of our diabetics stopped their insulin, when all of our high blood pressure folks stopped their maintenance drugs, when heavy skin psoriasis disappeared, when crippled arthritics walked with pleasure. But for us, these were completely normal, systematic and expected. Most of these hundreds tried to do the 5-day herbal detox juice fast. Of those, the number who failed was exactly zero. In fact it is such a satisfying, easy and valuable process that the average fast has been 7 or 8 days. Maybe 50% never fasted before, yet they were delighted to find it so easy.
The Center was set up to be a global model and training center. It took about four years until we finally felt ready, and in
January 2010, we held our first one-month in-house training session for therapists to open new centers. Trainees came from Finland, New Zealand, Estonia and Taiwan. They not only learned, but also made concrete plans for starting their own centers. There were others who wanted to come from Manila and other countries,
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but could not make it this time.
The one-month in-house training session will be followed up whenever any new center is nearly ready to start -- Dada Dharma will go there for further on-site training. In-house training is done by representatives of each center, whereas on-site training involves all staff of a new center.
The next one-month training is tentatively set for Jan 10 to Feb 10 (2011). If you are interested,please let us know if these dates are okay for you, or if you prefer the 30 days to begin earlier or finish later.
Other training systems also exist. In May Dada Dharmavedananda held a beautiful weekend Yoga Detox Retreat in the Prama Institute in North Carolina, and coordinated another one in the Ananda Dhiira community in California-in both cases the staff learned enough to continue making similar programs as stepping stones toward eventual full-scale Wellness Center.
Whenever our students complete their stay in Cebu, they give their departure comments. These vary in many ways except usually one thing is common – they almost always say “All eleven staff have been so very loving and caring, I can never forget it!” And that is our greatest pride – our staff, who offer personalized individual attention not only for all of your health needs -- but also, if you want, to help you solve your other small personal needs.
Why? Because we think of all of you as our family. Honestly and truly.
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How to Heal Yourself with Clay and Mudpacks
By Dada Dharmavedananda
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Our earth provides the nutrients that make plant life possible, and not only does the earth sustain the plant life, but it also sustains all animals and humans too. We sometimes think of soil as being “dirty” but ordinary soil and water is an effective cleaning agent, and sometimes it is even more effective than soap. Taking this a bit further, there are several naturopathic treatments that depend on the use of soil, in the form of clay and mudpacks.
Let’s take a look at how clay and mudpacks can be used to treat a variety of human ailments. Clay is generally used as a paste, to be applied directly as a salve, or in the form of a pack. Usually clay paste is applied to the abdomen or other regions of the body which show symptoms of disorder.
If necessary, it can be applied to the whole body, or a mud bath can be taken, in which the entire body excepting the head is buried in clay of suitable consistency.
The value of clay packs is multifold. The clay packs cool the affected area much more than an ordinary cold pack, bringing temperature down. They also absorb toxins when they are applied to a boil or a weeping wound.
In addition to the above mentioned benefits, clay helps by providing relief. The clay also helps by drawing out the pus and cleaning the wound. Clay also helps to reduce swelling and can be used to relieve tension in the muscles and soothing over-stimulated nerves
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from localized pain and is effective in treating fevers, constipation, diarrhea gastric/duodenal/ intestinal ulcers, bleeding of the uterus, piles, fissures, appendicitis, cancer, all kinds of skin problems, asthma and other lung conditions, migraine, high blood pressure, stomach ache, irregular menstruation, and hundreds of other diseases and conditions.
Clay of any color can be used, provided it does not contain harmful materials or chemicals. To minimize the presence of pesticides or any other chemicals, it is best to collect the clay from at least 3 feet or 1 meter below the earth's surface. If the clay is highly viscous (sticky), some fine sand should be mixed with it, even up to 50%. Coarse materials like pebbles and sticks should be removed, if necessary by a sieve. If the soil has too much sand already in it, then it is not suitable.
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Unless the clay is being used immediately, then it needs to be dried in the sun, then it may be powdered and stored until it is needed.
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When preparing the clay for a paste or pack, add just enough water so that it gets the consistency of butter or soft dough. Usually it is easiest to use hot water for mixing so that most of the lumps can be eliminated. It should be able to stick, and not be so thin that it slides off the skin.
Spread it over the affected part, to a thickness of about 1.5 to 2.5 cm (half to one inch). Or it can be spread on a piece of fine cloth. If it is spread on the abdomen, it should be 15 cm (6 inch) length by 7.5 cm (3 inch) width. If the clay is applied to any part of the hair area or the eyes, then a cloth is essential. If the clay paste or pack is left uncovered, then it has a cooling effect. To get maximum cooling effect, it should be changed frequently. But if it is covered well with a thick cotton or
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woolen cloth, generally a warming effect is developed. If therefore the aim is to cool the part or reduce the body's temperature, the clay should be left uncovered. But if a warming effect is desired, it should be covered. In either case, the pack will suck toxins from the body through the skin, but it does this slightly more effectively if the pack is covered, i.e. if that is the only purpose of the pack.
Commonly the clay is taken off after about 30 minutes or one hour. But it may be left up to 3 hours, or until it cracks, but not until it becomes stale. If it is desired to apply mud again, first the wounds should be cleansed with some antiseptic, give it a sun-bath, and then clay can be applied again. When clay has been used for its cooling effect, the part to which it has been applied should first be wiped clean with a piece of cloth, and then brought to normal temperature by a dry rubbing with the palms or with a dry cloth. If it has been used for warming part of the body, then that part should be wiped clean with a cloth wrung in cold water.
In case of serious sickness, the mud pack may be applied three times daily. In the case of an ulcer, the mud should be heated well to sterilize it. With cuts, scratches, sores and boils, it can be especially helpful in curing the disease and drawing out the poisonous substances.
Patients of constipation will benefit by swallowing daily 5 to 10 grams of clean clay mixed with water. This is to be done on an empty stomach. It is similarly useful for absorbing and eliminating any sort of toxic build-up inside the digestive system. However, a trained therapist’s guidance is needed to ensure that swallowing of clay is done systematically and according to the individual’s need.
So, never underestimate the power of soil and clay when it comes to healing our bodies.
Consult a naturopathic doctor or natural healer for further information.
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A Typical Incredible Skin Cure
By Lucie Plant
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Severe psoriasis has controlled over half my life, since the age of 12 years old. Treating it has consumed so much time and also money. I was told by doctors it is an incurable disease. Over the years I have tried so many different ways to cure psoriasis with no positive result. Some of the more common ways were steriod creams along with strict diets. I have seen countless doctors, dermatologists and naturopaths. I have also been hospitalised more than 20 times for up to a month at a time.
On 13 January 2007, I went again to the hospital for my condition. At the same time, a friend of my husband heard about AM Wellness Centre and contacted me. On the sixth day at the hospital, I had no improvement, and we called Dada while I was at the hospital. At that time, the psoriasis was over 90% of my body. The next day I told the doctor I wanted to leave. He did not think I was in any condition to leave and strongly advised me not to take the trip to the Philippines. In fact he laughed and said "you know this will not work". This gave me more motivation to go, not that I needed any more. I was so focussed now.
Lucie's Abs before Treatment
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My treatment started from the moment I arrived. I left for the Philippines on 25 January, 5 days after leaving hospital. It all happened so fast. . It was lunch time when I walked in the door and my cleansing was about to begin. At that moment I became vegetarian and while at the centre I would eat only fruits and vegetables. After lunch I was given my first treatment. I was covered head to toe in mud, one of the many detoxifying treatments offered at AMWC.
Every moment I was there was focused on healing and learning to cure myself. I learnt so much about health, digestion and spirituality. After 16 days of eating fruits and vegetables I began to fast. During fasting I was taking colon cleansing capsules and also toxin absorber powder which are part of the Detox Kit available to purchase from the centre. I fasted for 31 days in total and felt so great. While fasting I would sit with staff and students while they ate and I would have pure, strained fruit or vegetable juice. I also had 5-6 litres of water per day which is the amount I now drink every day. I stayed for a total of 7 weeks. The staff at the wellness centre are some of the most beautiful people
Lucy's Abs after Treatment
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I have ever met. They are so caring, so loving, so supportive. The atmosphere in the wellness centre is peaceful and always comfortable. I would recommend it to anyone. I met so many wonderful people during my stay (staff and students) who I will remain friends with forever. When I left my skin was around 96% clear and I had never felt better. I also lost nearly 10kg during my time away. I have been home for a month now and strictly following the vegetarian diet and doing yoga and meditation twice a day. The change in diet and the lifestyle changes I have made will allow me to keep my skin healed forever.
(Editor's note: This article was written by Lucie about a year ago.Now,though there was a temporary challenge,she continues to have clean skin and a wonderful life!)
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Lucie's picture during the time she had psoriasis
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All of the recipes of Ananda Marga Wellness Center are not merely good for maintaining your health, but even help in cleansing and healing you if eaten in combination with other similar foods. They are all easy to digest, fresh and vital, and do not include any kind of fried or refined foods.
Cabbage- Carrot- Tomato Salad
Dressing
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Serves 4
Ingredients:
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1 Cabbage (red, green or purple
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3 Medium carrots, shredded
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3 Fresh tomatoes
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Extra-virgin oil of your choice
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Pinch of Black pepper
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Pinch of Salt
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Cumin to taste
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Oregano to taste
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Procedure:
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Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy.
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Tossed Green Salad with Sesame Seeds
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Serves 4
Ingredients: |
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400g mixed salad leaves (greens) lettuce, cabbage, spinach-or other locally available salad leaves
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2 tbsp. extra-virgin oil of your choice
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3 tbsp. roasted sesame seeds- preferably ground into a powder. If desired you can add a little healthy salt to the sesame while grinding (or blending it). As alternative to sesame seeds you can try sunflower seeds or others.
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Wash salad leaves, pat dry, and tear them into small pieces.
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Put them into a large bowl and toss them with the oil.
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Grind roasted seeds into a powder in a coffee grinder or other grinding device and sprinkle on to the salad. If a grinder is not available, simply use a blender to combine the roasted seeds with the oil -- it's almost as tasty.
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Veggie Basil Soup
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Serves 6
Ingredients: |
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1 carrot, chopped half inch
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1 stalk of celery, Cut in about half inch chunks
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1 cup tomato, cut in small pieces
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1 tbsp ground flax seeds
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1 tsp thyme
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves
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1 tbsp extra-virgin oil of your choice
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3 cups Veggie broth (see below)
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Pinch of Black pepper
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Hing or Asafoetida(a healthy onion/garlic substitute,which is available in most Indian shops)--optional ingredient
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Pre heat non- stick pot (not Teflon), or use heat-resistant glass by direct heat on the stove or in an oven. Alternatively, use any pot and keep stirring the veggies as they are roasting, so that they won’t burn.
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Slightly dry roast cook carrots, hing and celery until good aroma comes, then stop – so it is only lightly cooked.
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Add thyme and tomatoes. Cook until tomato is very slightly liquefied.
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Add ground flax seeds and veggie broth & bring to boil.
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Turn off the fire and add fresh basil.
Veggie Broth
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Bring water to a boil
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Add roughly chopped vegetables (of your choice)to water
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Lower temperature and simmer for 30 minutes or until veggies are some what overcooked
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Strain and use only the liquid part as the veggie broth
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Patatas Condimentadas
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Serves 4
Ingredients: |
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4 medium potatoes, with skins still on, well scrubbed
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2 tbsp extra virgin oil of your choice
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2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp grated lemon peel
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2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
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Hing or Asafoetida (a healthy onion/garlic substitute, which is available in most Indian shops) -- optional ingredient
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Pinch of salt and pepper
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1-2 tbsp minced fresh parsley or fresh coriander leaves – optional
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Procedure:
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Pre heat non- stick pot (not Teflon), or use heat-resistant glass by direct heat on the stove or in an oven. Alternatively, use any pot and keep stirring the veggies as they are roasting, so that they won’t burn.
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Slice potatoes in thin wedges, either full or half length of the potato (full is better for nutrition).
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Brown the potatoes on both the cut sides, each side about 5-6 minutes.
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Reduce the heat to med-low, cover and cook the potatoes until tender.
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Meanwhile mix together oil, lemon juice, zest, oregano, hing or asafoetida, salt and pepper in a small bowl
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Once potatoes are cooked, turn of the heat and add the spices and oil with the potatoes.
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Mix well.
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