The First Branch of Yoga The Yamas

by Ram

Path in the Fog by Claude Monet

The first of the eight rungs or limbs is the yamas, which can be considered as universal morality. The practice of yamas lays the foundation from which to develop all the other subtle practices. Yamas serve as moral, ethical and societal guidelines to lead a conscious, honest, and ethical life. There are five yamas or positive guidelines that help us to behave and relate to our surroundings and environment, and to achieve oneness with it. Patanjali considered the five yamas as universal vows and preached that in order to have a harmonious life they be practiced on all levels: by way of thoughts, actions, and words. The five yamas are: 

• ahimsa=nonviolence
• satya=truthfulness
• aparigraha= noncovetousness/non-possessiveness/non-hoarding
• asteya=nonstealing
• brahmacharya= continence/sexual restraint

For more on the yamas in general, see Nina's post Yama Drama: Considering the First Branch of Yoga. 

Ahimsa: Himsa in Sanskrit means violence, which  is defined as the intentional use of force or power on self or against a person or a group that results in a physical/psychological harm, mental disturbance, injury or death. Going by this definition, himsa can mean both physical and mental violence perpetrated on self or others. Thus, there is no difference between a person who is harboring severe judgment and negativity towards self or others and a person who walks with a gun into a classroom and randomly shoots at the students. Both have committed himsa or violence, albeit to different degrees. Ahimsa (non-violence), is the opposite of himsa and refers to non-harming or non-injury, that is, physical, mental, and emotional non-violence towards self and others. Individuals who always experience natural inner peace and a non-harming attitude and who have given up on their hostilities, ill will, or aggression are practicing ahimsa. For more on ahimsa/nonviolence, see my post Ahimsa: Non Violence and Healthy Aging. 

Satya: Satya is defined in Sanskrit as "sate hitam satyam," which translates to “The path to truth is ultimate truth itself.” Thus, one who is always truthful in actions, speech, and thoughts, his or her will is naturally fulfilled since such a behavior allows a natural flow of goodness or positive feelings. Truth is considered divine and truth connotes purity. If we start living in truth, we are free from all kinds of emotional turmoil. For more on satya and its effects on healthy aging, check out my post Satya: The Truth about Lies and Healthy Aging. 

Aparigraha: Aparigraha means to limit possessions to what is necessary or important and taking what is truly necessary and no more. Hoarding is not just about accumulating material possessions but also about hoarding/holding thoughts and emotions that affect our normal mindset and thinking process. We tend to fill our minds with fear, worry, anxiety, grief, anger, rage, jealousy, judgments among others and we do not let go of these emotions. Over time, these emotions build up and accumulate as unexpressed or suppressed emotions that can trigger mental and/or physical pathological conditions. For more on this topic, see my post Aparigraha: Non-Hoarding and Healthy Aging.

Asteya: Desire or greed for material possessions can cause an individual to steal, overspend or even going into debt that is not only stressful for the individual but can ruin the family as well. The desire for material possession simply means that the individual is dissatisfied with what he/she possesses and is constantly looking to acquire more. Since the fundamental cause of acquiring more is desire, we should try to overcome our desires gradually through the regular practice of yoga.

Brahmacharya: This is a complex topic for our culture. While the original meaning in the Yoga Sutras certainly meant no sex at all for an individual on his/her path, I am not sure if this is how Patanjali would have truly interpreted. Sanskrit terms can have different contextual meanings and I like to interpret brahmacharya in two ways. First, I interpret brahmacarya as sexual responsibility. Recklessness in one’s sexual conduct can also lead to lies, violence, jealousy and pain, which leads the individual astray from the path of yoga. Second, brahma=divine/superior/heavenly and acharaya=routines/practices/tasks. So brahmacharya could also be interpreted as heavenly practices or simply put “good living practices”(GLP).  GLP is being honest, respectful, forgiving, kind, and selfless. People practicing GLP live a fulfilling life as they do not have any personal or selfish interest. Because of these virtues or positive character traits, an individual is committed to doing the right thing no matter what the personal cost, and does not bend to impulses, urges or desires, but acts according to values and principles. GLP helps us to attain wisdom, and when there is wisdom, there is no conflict. GLP helps individuals to turn into agents of social change.

In conclusion, the yamas may seem obscure and impenetrable, but I believe the principles of yamas are worth investigating. Yamas contain essential advice for daily/good living. As they offer a map or guidance that allows us to have enhanced emotional and mental wellbeing and a more fulfilling and meaningful life, yamas serve as the GPS for our lives. Practicing the yamas leads to greater happiness and spiritual fulfillment not only for the individual but also to those around him/her. 

And that is the ultimate truth!

Subscribe to Yoga for Healthy Aging by Email ° Follow Yoga for Healthy Aging on Facebook ° Join this site with Google Friend Connect 

Stem Cells in Ophthalmology Update 26 First Wet AMD Patient Treated With RPE Derived from iPS Cells

Earlier this week, it was reported that Masayo Takahashi, an ophthalmologist at the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology (CDB) in Kobe had appeared in front of a 19-member health-ministry committee for the safety of the clinical use of stem cells. She was flanked by Shinya Yamanaka, the biologist who first created iPS cells. Yamanaka shared the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his breakthrough and now heads the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application in Kyoto. Takahashi was seeking approval to implant a retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) sheet made from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into a human patient.

Takahashi and her collaborators had shown in monkey and mice studies that iPS cells generated from the recipients' own cells did not provoke an immune reaction that causes them to be rejected. There had been concerns that iPS cells could cause tumours, but Takahashi's team found that to be unlikely in mice and monkeys.

To counter further fears that the process of producing iPS cells could cause dangerous mutations, Takahashi's team had performed additional tests of genetic stability. Guidelines covering the clinical use of stem cells require researchers to report safety testing on the cells before conducting transplants. The health ministry said that no problems were found and that the human trial could commence.

Only four days later (Friday, September 12th), the first patient was treated with the implanted sheet of RPE cells. She derived them from the patient's skin cells, after producing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and then getting them to differentiate into retinal cells.

This is a major first for the stem cell and regenerative medicine fields.

Takahashi and her collaborators have been using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to prepare a treatment for age-related macular degeneration. Unlike RPE derived from embryonic stem cells (i.e., as being done by Advanced Cell Technology), iPS cells are produced from adult cells, so they can be genetically tailored to each recipient. They are capable of becoming any cell type in the body, and have the potential to treat a wide range of diseases. The CDB trial will be the first opportunity for the technology to prove its clinical value.

A Japanese woman in her 70s is the world's first recipient of cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, a technology that has created great expectations since it could offer the same advantages as embryo-derived cells but without some of the controversial aspects and safety concerns.

In a two-hour procedure starting at 14:20 local time, a team of three eye specialists lead by Yasuo Kurimoto of the Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, transplanted a 1.3 by 3.0 millimeter sheet of retinal pigment epithelium cells into an eye of the Hyogo prefecture resident, who suffers from age-related macular degeneration.

The procedure took place at the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation Hospital, next to the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology (CDB) where ophthalmologist Masayo Takahashi had developed and tested the epithelium sheets.

Afterwards, the patient experienced no effusive bleeding or other serious problems, as reported by RIKEN.

Another important element to this story is that Japan has a clinical translation pipeline that is now faster with recent changes in regulations than that of the US. For example, this and future iPS cell-based transplants were approved as part of a clinical study, a type of clinical research mechanism that doesn't exist in the US. It is safe to say that the same technology with the same research team and outstanding level of funding would still be at least a few years away from their first patient in the US due to the different regulatory scheme.

As noted by Dr. Paul Knoepfler, in his writeup about the procedure:

 “The patient is clearly a brave hero. The team transplanted a huge (from a bioengineering perspective) 1.3 x 3.0 mm sheet of RPEs into the retina of the patient, who did not have any clear immediate side effects from the procedure. Keep in mind again that this sheet was made indirectly from the patients own skin cells so it is an autologous (or self) transplant, a notion that 10 years ago would have seemed entirely like sci-fi.”

“This is not only a huge milestone, but also an astonishingly fast translation of iPS cell technology from the bench to the bedside.”

 “Also, on the positive side we have the encouraging results from the ongoing clinical trials from Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) using a similar approach to macular degeneration, but employing human embryonic stem cells to make the RPEs.”

“For the vision impaired and the broader stem cell field, it is heartening to have two such capable teams working to cure blindness with pluripotent stem cells.”

Sources:

1.Next-generation stem cells cleared for human trial: Japanese team will use 'iPS' cells to treat patient with degenerative eye disease, Nature, David Cyranoski, September 10, 2014.

2. Japanese woman is first recipient of next-generation stem cells: Surgeons implanted retinal tissue created after reverting the patient's own cells to 'pluripotent' state, Nature, David Cyranoski, September 12, 2014.

3. Stem cell landmark: patient receives first ever iPS cell-based transplant, Knoepfler Lab Stem Cell Blog, Paul Knoepfler, Septermber 12, 2014.

What To Do For Proper Acupuncture For The First Time

By Dawn Williams

Nowadays, there are people who will need to go through treatments for their body to be in good shape. A good treatment to keep the body in shape is acupuncture Toronto. It will be good for the person to know what to do when one is about to get this treatment. Here are those important tips to follow for this.

First, it is important to face the facts. Remember that there is no way around it. Even if the person is scared of the fact that this will require needles, the person just needs to check it up. It might be obvious but there are lots of people who cancel their appointment at the last minute since they get jittery about the needles part.

There are really a lot of people who, just by simply thinking about it, will feel pain by the simple mention of needles. That is only natural. However, the person should know that the needles used for this kind of treatment does not actually cause any pain. This is a thinner kind of needle so there is nothing to fear about.

It is necessary to ensure that the said treatment uses fresh, clean needles. They should always be a hundred percent sterile. After using the said needles, it is only natural for the needles to be thrown out. If the one who is responsible of the person's treatment is really a professional, the needles will not be used over and over again.

The person should try to eat lightly before enjoying this treatment. The most important thing that the person will need to remember when it comes to this treatment is to eat the kind of food that will simply prevent dizziness and nausea. Do not over-indulge so it is only appropriate to stick on snacks several hours before the scheduled treatment.

It is natural for people to take vitamins, herbs, or medications when their body require it. However, they should get the opinion of their provider if they want to go through this type of treatment. With their consultations, the person should be able to go through this type of treatment without worrying about anything related to the things they take regularly.

This is the treatment that one will need to go through in order to relieve the body from pain. Even if it does not totally eliminate the pain, the person must still be able to feel some relief even if it is just a little bit on the first day of the appointment. After recurring treatment, one's body will be in good condition already.

The person will have to consider the overall effect of this kind of treatment as well. Just remember that the first treatment will not really show any significant effect but one can still know with their body that the effect is there. After attending recurring treatments without fail, the person can ultimately feel relieved with this treatment.

There might be times when the one responsible of the acupuncture Toronto gets into the zone easily. If the responsible is able to find the said zone, this will certainly restore the body to its current natural condition. It will be beneficial to the person to raise the awareness of the said in-charge about the said zone.

About the Author:

Check out www.acupuncturetoronto.com for excellent tips on how to pick an acupuncture Toronto practitioner, today. You can also get more information about an experienced acupuncturist at http://www.acupuncturetoronto.com now.

My First Dental Filling along with Health Anxiety

I had my dental check up last month, with a new dentist because my old dentist wasn't on the insurance list, and when the dentist called out the number 15 when probing, I knew that couldn't be a good sign. I am in my 40's and never had a cavity. I went home and looked up adult cavities, and stopped after about 10 minutes. In the past I would've searched repeatedly, in hopes of finding the exact answer as to why I had a cavity, and how best to have it filled, so I can tell I've come a long way.

I had it filled yesterday, and there was a whole wave of things to stir up my health anxiety. First, the dentist asks if I want a silver filling or a white filling. I had a moment of "Oh, shit. I have to make a decision. I'm not prepared for this," and I ask what the difference is. He says it's "six of one, half a dozen of the other"--no absolute winner. It's like going to class and discovering a pop quiz and you haven't read the chapter. I picked the silver filling because it was a)cheaper and b)would probably last longer(when I asked which lasted longer the dentist said, "I'm not a fortune teller, but I'd say the silver.") Uncertainty all over the place.

All sorts of tidbits of things I'd heard in the past bubbled up while waiting for the numbing to take effect(what if I'm allergic to novacaine? What if?? What if I chose the wrong thing? What about all those people who are afraid of silver fillings?) I had my knitting which helped, as did thinking of Leonard, and all I've learned from him in Exposure Therapy, and the fact that we really aren't fortune tellers. We take our best guess, and sometimes the outcome sucks.

The sound of the drill wasn't as bad as I thought it would it would be, though it smelled like burning hair. I was pretty calm until I heard the dentist opening and shutting drawers, because he couldn't find something he needed--he's filling in for the regular dentist who is ill, and never used the item he wanted. So I'm listening to him improvising with the dental assistant with whatever they have on hand. The dentist ended by telling me that if I have some sensitivity to heat or cold, it will go away with time. I wanted to say, "I have OCD. My symptoms don't f-ing go away. . ." but I didn't because I know that there is a chance it will actually go away on its own if I let the fear be there, and go on with my life, rather than researching and checking the tooth constantly with my tongue.

I'm proud of myself that I haven't looked up the potential dire consequences of silver fillings, or a lack of cavity varnish. I woke up today wanting to look it all up because I was getting the insistent, "What if you screwed up? What if the sensitivity in your tooth won't go away?" Because, yes, cold water hurts my tooth. Finally I recognized that it's only the day after the dental work. It's too soon to tell. The OCD wants an answer NOW. But if I try to accelerate the answer to tamp down my fear, I will make it worse. If I repeatedly test the tooth with cold water, it is going to bring it to my attention and not give it a chance to get better. It might not. But I am practicing tolerating that uncertainty. That doesn't mean I like it, but I have things I want to do with my life, and probing my tooth will certainly lead to being stuck in compulsions, rather than making art.