Heal your life – 1: Medical science embraces spiritual wisdom
Life is beautiful—and becomes even more meaningful when it is driven by purpose. At birth, most of us arrive with perfect bodies and pure minds. But as we grow, we unknowingly begin to pollute this perfection—with impure food, unhealthy lifestyles, negative thoughts, and toxic emotions. We spend the first half of our lives working hard to earn money and the other half spending that money on trying to restore our deteriorated health.
Is there a way to live life fully while maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being? Can we live not just a long life, but a wholesome one? True wellness arises from a balance between the material and the spiritual. Importantly, spirituality is not about rituals—not about visiting temples daily and practising dishonesty outside them. It is about living a righteous, conscious life.
The science behind spirituality
Let's begin with a symbol familiar to all: the global medical emblem. Once represented by a red cross, it has now been largely replaced by the Caduceus—a rod with two serpents entwined around it, topped with wings and a glowing orb. This ancient Greek symbol, associated with Hermes (the messenger god), is rich with esoteric meaning.
In spiritual science, this rod symbolises the spinal column, the central conduit of life force that governs all organs. Where the snakes cross corresponds to energy centres or chakras in the etheric/energy body. The two serpents represent the dual aspects of the nervous system—the motor and memory channels. In yogic philosophy, these are the Ida (lunar, feminine) and Pingala (solar, masculine) energy pathways. The central rod is the Sushumna, through which Kundalini energy—the coiled feminine power at the base of the spine—ascends when awakened, bringing wisdom and enlightenment.
This concept is reflected across spiritual traditions:
In Hinduism, Shiva's Trishul represents Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.
In Chinese Taoism, the concept of Yin and Yang parallels this duality; so does the Ardhanarishwar.
The alchemical marriage in Western mysticism represents this energetic balance.
Lord Ganesha's snake belt signifies that his Kundalini has reached the navel chakra.
Cleopatra's serpent crown reflects her energy reaching the forehead chakra.
Numerous deities—from Shiva Lingam, Gautam Buddha, Mahaveer, Lord Vishnu, etc.—are depicted with multi-headed serpents behind them, indicating varying degrees of awakened energy (3, 5, or 7 heads representing the layers opened).
Even in modern times, this spiritual system underpins the very symbol of global medicine—a silent acknowledgement that spiritual science is now accepted by medical science.
The unseen is not unreal
Just because we cannot see something does not mean it doesn't exist. We cannot see love, anger, jealousy, or sorrow—yet we feel them powerfully. Similarly, the chakras, nadis, and aura are subtle energies that science is beginning to measure. Devices like Kirlian cameras and GDV cameras have now captured images of auras, emotions, and chakras, even the rise of Kundalini energy.
Physics identifies four states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. When gas is heated further, it becomes plasma—a state so refined that its particles are more dispersed than in air. Our bodies are made of all four: primarily liquid, then solid, gas, and subtle plasma.
The yogic tradition describes several subtle bodies:
Physical Body: Composed of organs, tissues, muscles, bones, etc.
Etheric Body: Houses our senses and vitality.
Emotional or Astral Body: Holds our emotions.
Mental Body: Our thoughts reside here.
Causal Body: Stores accumulated karma.
When negative emotions and thoughts accumulate in the emotional and mental bodies, they filter into the physical body—eventually manifesting as disease.
A real-life example
Consider a young boy hospitalised with a fractured leg. After three weeks, expecting to be discharged, he is told he must stay for two more. Disappointed, he becomes emotionally low. His sadness deepens into depression. Though the injury is physical, the emotional body is now impacted. Gradually, this emotional burden affects his appetite, energy, and social behaviour—proving how intimately the bodies are interconnected.
True healing, therefore, must address not just the physical, but the emotional and mental imbalances as well.
The symbolism of the serpent and wings
The snake—often feared—is a universal symbol of healing, rebirth, and transformation. It periodically molts or sheds its skin, which is a symbol of 'letting go,' releasing old patterns, regeneration, and renewal. The wings atop the Caduceus remind us to elevate our lives by balancing the material and the spiritual. The golden orb represents the illumined soul, our highest, most divine potential. The presence of the Caduceus in hospitals and clinics today affirms a subtle but powerful shift: modern medicine acknowledges the ancient wisdom of energy, consciousness, and spiritual balance.
Spiritual science in modern healing
Today, many chronic ailments are traced back to emotional or psychological roots. In the subsequent articles, all of which are inspired by the teachings of my guru, Pranic Healing founder Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, I will eleborate on the following topics:
How lifelong suppressed anger can lead to arthritis and chronic back pain.
How lifelong suppressed stress and worry are linked to diabetes.
How lifelong suppressed resentment and bitterness can eventually affect kidney function severely.
Understanding these patterns allows us to not only heal but transform. By integrating spiritual wisdom into daily life, we can live with clarity, vitality, joy, and good health. You may heal your body and your life with this wisdom.
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author's own.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Control blood sugar levels with these 10 powerful morning drinks
Managing blood sugar levels naturally is essential for overall health, and incorporating simple drinks and foods can make a big difference. Remedies like apple cider vinegar drink, green tea, black coffee, and vegetable smoothies are known to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate glucose levels. Additionally, cinnamon tea, lemon water, aloe vera juice, and fenugreek water provide antioxidant benefits and support insulin function. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also aids in flushing out excess glucose. These natural options offer effective ways to maintain balanced blood sugar, and support metabolic wellness for better long-term results. Morning drinks that help lower blood sugar: Apple cider vinegar, green tea, and more 1. Apple cider vinegar drink Apple cider vinegar has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar responses after meals. Mixing one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water can help manage blood sugar levels. Consume it before meals or at bedtime for optimal effect, but always dilute it to prevent harming tooth enamel and the digestive tract. 2. Green tea Rich in antioxidants called catechins, green tea has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. Drinking green tea regularly can provide ongoing benefits for blood sugar control. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo Steep green tea for about three minutes and avoid adding sugar. 3. Black coffee Black coffee, without additives, can improve insulin sensitivity and boost metabolism. However, be mindful of timing, as too much caffeine on an empty stomach can spike cortisol, leading to unintended sugar crashes later. Balance is key. 4. Vegetable smoothies Vegetable smoothies made with leafy greens like spinach or kale, low-sugar fruits, and protein sources like Greek yogurt or nut butter can help regulate blood sugar levels. These ingredients provide essential nutrients, fiber, and protein to support overall health. 5. Cinnamon tea Cinnamon contains compounds that mimic insulin's effects, helping to lower blood sugar levels naturally. Boil a cinnamon stick in water for 10 minutes or use cinnamon powder in a tea infuser. Drinking cinnamon tea before meals can help regulate glucose levels. 6. Lemon water Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon water can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. Squeeze half a lemon into warm or cold water and drink it multiple times a day for hydration and glucose control benefits. 7. Aloe vera juice Aloe vera juice can help stabilize blood sugar levels by promoting pancreatic health and improving insulin release. Drink 30-50 ml of aloe vera juice diluted in water, avoiding commercial drinks with added sugar. 8. Fenugreek water Soaking fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drinking the water in the morning can help regulate glucose metabolism and improve insulin function. Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which slows down sugar absorption and improves insulin sensitivity. 9. Water Staying hydrated is crucial for blood sugar control. Drinking water helps your kidneys flush out excess glucose from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of high blood sugar levels. Aim to drink at least two glasses of water soon after waking up. Also read | Natural herbs that help regulate blood sugar levels at home
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
20 hours ago
- First Post
Beyond the war: Cambodia's hidden Hindu heritage
Turf wars about monuments are not uncommon. But these usually happen when a monument collapses out of lack of upkeep and various departments and entities accuse each other of neglecting the monument. However, a corner of South-East Asia is witnessing the perhaps unprecedented scenario of two sovereign nations coming close to all-out war over control of some monuments and its surroundings. While the Preah Vihear Temple has long been contested between Cambodia and Thailand, the recent conflict has been centred around control and ownership of the Ta Muen Thom Temple. The temple complexes, which lie on the border between the two countries, are the victims of disputes arising from a colonial era border demarcation and a reluctance to accept this border in modern times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The temples at Preah Ko, part of the Roluos group Tension simmering for years has exploded now with shots fired and worse. Rocket-propelled grenades and even air forces have come into play. Amidst all this, if you are planning to visit Cambodia, there is plenty beyond the Angkor that can be explored. And none of it is controversial, never mind conflicts. Roluos (20 kms south-east of Angkor Wat): The place was once called Hariharalaya. At the end of the 8th century CE, Jayavarman II established the first Khmer capital here. His successors expanded the city and built the lofty shrine called Bakong as well as the smaller Preah Ko, which means 'sacred bull' – a reference to Nandi. Towards the end of the 9th century came Lolei, a temple whose name is said to be a mutation of Hariharalaya itself. It was built on an artificial island in the Indratataka Baray, a water body. The Temple Mountain of Bakong at Roulos. Source: Wikipedia Coming centuries before the globally celebrated Angkor Wat, these examples of early Khmer architecture are a joy to visit. And not just because they are away from the crowds that fill the Angkor and its immediate vicinity. Built mostly with bricks, the Lolei temples are the oldest examples of classical Khmer design. The Preah Ko comprises six shrines standing on a sandstone platform, in two uniform rows. The front row shrines are dedicated to Khmer rulers Prithivindreshvara, Jayavarman II and Rudreshvara, while the back row is in the memory of their respective wives. The carvings on the shrines are intricate and need careful examination. The sandstone shrine of Bakong was the first of the pyramid shaped temples of the Khmers. In some ways, it resembles Borobudur, the giant Buddhist shrine on the island of Java. As per an inscription found here, it was consecrated in 881 CE by the ruler Indravarman I as his state temple. This was a Shiva shrine named Indresvara, the name combining the ruler's identity with that of the God. With a moat as its boundary, the shrine is a vast complex with more than twenty satellite temples in its precincts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Banteay Srei (37 kms north of Angkor Wat): Its name literally meaning 'citadel of women' and figuratively referring to 'citadel of beauty', the Banteay Srei temple lives up to its name being an elegant and somewhat fragile looking temple complex with a water body in front. This is the only temple complex in Cambodia which did not have a ruler as its patron builder, but two courtiers of King Rajendravarman II. A temple inside the Banteay Srei complex Originally built in the latter half of the 10th century CE, the temples saw further expansion in the 12th and 13th centuries CE, with the last inscription found here dating to 1303 CE i.e. the early 14th century. Made of red sandstone, the temple's material was very amenable to rich carving. The result was a vast array of divine icons carved throughout its structure amidst floral patterns. Primarily a Shiva shrine, it also has Vishnu iconography within. The idyllic setting of the Banteay Srei complex Sadly, this extensive iconography meant that the temple complex drew looters and vandals in hordes. The most notorious incident was the theft of four icons by a Frenchman called Georges André Malraux. He was arrested and the idols recovered. That fact that he went on to become a respected author and 'intellectual' shows the state of justice. As has been the fate of many heritage sites in countries that were colonised, many icons and parts of the complex are in the Guimet Museum in Paris. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In its prime, the temple complex had a settlement called Ishvarapura around it. Nothing of this remains. The temple complex itself comprises three concentric rectangular enclosures. Within it lie various shrines, gopuras or gateways and structures popularly termed libraries. Kbal Spean (43 kms north of Angkor Wat): Sometimes called 'Valley of a Thousand Lingas', Kbal Spean is one of Cambodia's most visually striking sites. The place lies in the western part of the Kulein mountains. To reach, a visitor walks through a forest path, up a hill, for nearly two kilometres. And then arrives at a river whose bed is like no other! The Stung Kbal Spean River flows here, later merging into the Siem Reap River before its waters reach the Tonle Sap Lake. At Kbal Spean, leveraging sandstone rocks the river passes over, a stretch of about 200 metres of the riverbed has been extensively carved. The patron of this carving was a minister of the Khmer ruler in the 11th century CE, who created a thousand Shiva lingas on the riverbed. Close by are other carvings believed to have been done by hermits who dwelt here – carvings of Brahma, Vishnu atop his celestial serpent, Shiva-Parvati and others. Their intricacy is breath-taking. On one icon of Vishnu lying on Sheshnag, a lotus flower emerges from his navel and has a Brahma carving touching it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A reclining Vishnu icon at Kbal Spean The elaborate carving at Kbal Spean is no mere embellishment, but had a spiritual meaning attached. The Khmers believed that the water flowing into the Tonle Sap Lake near Angkor had been blessed by touching the sacred carvings at Kbal Spean. It is also mentioned that in 1059 CE King Udayadityavarman II consecrated a golden Shiva linga here. Given how much Cambodia has lost in terms of antiquities being looted, perhaps it is a blessing that the Kbal Spean carvings are on a riverbed, else they too could have ended up in a European museum. The list of Cambodia's less-known heritage nuggets can be a long one. The region has emerged from decades of horrific conflict and welcomed visitors. More and more stunning heritage seems to be emerging from the countryside. One hopes that both Cambodia and Thailand can resolve their differences and the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temple complexes can also be visited. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a heritage explorer with a penchant for seeking obscure sites. A brand consultant by profession, he tweets @HiddenHeritage. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
a day ago
- First Post
Craving for some crunch? A guide to maintaining healthy snacking habits at work
Healthy snacks like yoghurt, fruits, or nuts will keep you full for longer as compared to packaged sugary and salty snacks that just spike blood sugar levels but don't sustain for long. So, it is better to keep Greek yoghurt, fruits, nuts, or cottage cheese handy read more It is important to keep fresh fruits and nuts handy for when you get hungry. Pixabay When Claire Paré was a classroom teacher, working in a setting where every minute, down to the bathroom breaks, was scheduled, she brought granola bars, fruit and protein shakes to school so she'd be prepared when hunger hits. Then she transitioned to a job at education publisher McGraw Hill. Working remotely at home in New Hampshire, her children's cheddar bunny crackers and Fruit Roll-Ups lured her to the pantry, confounding her commitment to healthy snacking. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I have the opportunity to be judicious, but I choose not to most of the time,' Paré said. 'I really do enjoy being able to put the time into making something, but oftentimes convenience just has to win out.' The Cleveland Clinic recommends whole fruit, seeds, or nuts. Pixabay Eating healthy snacks during the workday can be challenging. Many people find themselves facing down a mid-afternoon slump and accompanying sugar, caffeine or carbohydrate cravings after lunch. Busy adults racing from back-to-back meetings to family commitments often reach for what's easy, whether it's a candy bar from the office vending machine or potato chips from a kitchen cupboard. The problem with eating packaged sugary or salty snacks to get through the afternoon is that they may spike blood sugar levels but don't give a sustained second wind, according to Beth Czerwony, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic. 'It's going to burn off really fast, so you're going to get that boost of energy and then all of a sudden you're going to get another crash,' Czerwony said. 'Some people just chase that for a while, and they're drinking coffee or their energy drinks and they're eating their candy, and it just sets you up for these spikes and these drops.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here are some ideas for maintaining healthy snacking habits at work. Peppering in protein Foods that are high in protein, such as Greek yoghurt, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese and beef or turkey jerky, can help people feel full for longer periods than snacks without protein, said Caroline Susie, a Dallas-based registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Eating a snack consisting of refined carbohydrates, such as a bagel, causes blood sugar to rise rapidly and then drop, so teaming it up with another source of nutrition is preferable, Susie said. 'When you pair that carbohydrate with lean protein or have a protein-forward choice, it contributes to satiety. So you're just going to stay fuller longer,' she added. Czerwony recommends snacks that combine lean proteins with complex carbohydrates such as crackers, rice cakes or fruit. The combination works because carbohydrates raise blood sugar, giving you a boost, while the protein takes longer to digest, helping to sustain you for longer, she said. 'The carbohydrates are like the kindling on the fire, and then the proteins are the logs,' Czerwony said. 'You're going to get the slow burn from the protein, but you need that sudden start, so you have the carbohydrates to get you going." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The crunch you crave Many people find it hard to resist crunchy foods. For a satisfying munch, the American Heart Association recommends sliced apples with a tablespoon of low-sodium peanut butter, pears dipped in reduced-fat cottage cheese, vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber or zucchini paired with hummus or tzatziki sauce, popcorn, rice cakes or unsalted nuts and seeds. You can also roast chickpeas, which provide both protein and carbohydrates. For a packaged snack, read the nutrition label to check how much added sugar and sodium it contains, the association suggests. The Cleveland Clinic recommends whole fruit, edamame, seeds, a handful of nuts or a single-serving package of tuna that you can eat with a fork. Pack ahead Bringing your own snacks to work can help you control the quality and quantity of what you eat, Czerwony said. Try slicing vegetables, cheese or low-fat meats on weekends to last through the week, she said. 'If you have all that stuff already made, then it's easy in the morning to just grab it and go,' she said. An afternoon smoothie is likely to keep you full until dinnertime. Pixabay Take along a small, soft-sided cooler to help keep snacks like yoghurt, sliced veggies or hummus fresh. 'Get cute little bento boxes, get little containers, make it fun if that's something that you want to do, because we'll eat things that are more attractive instead of just being in a Ziploc,' Czerwony said. Petra Durnin, a Los Angeles-based senior director at commercial real estate firm JLL, blends greens, nuts, berries, avocado, banana and chia or flax seeds into homemade smoothies, which she makes in large batches. At night, she moves one jar to the fridge to thaw for the next day. An afternoon smoothie keeps her full until dinnertime and less likely to reach for chips, chocolate and sugar, she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I feel like I have better brain clarity,' Durnin said. 'I'm able to push through the afternoon and work more efficiently. I don't feel bloated, bogged down. It just feels better.'' Occasionally indulge Adopting healthy snacking habits doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself entirely of treats. If a coworker is celebrating a birthday, an occasional slice of cake won't completely derail healthy habits. 'Let's not demonise food,' Susie said. Before dipping into a bag of chips, eat a meal that includes lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fat, and then add something healthy to the snack while keeping an eye on portion size, Susie said. 'There's not going to be a perfect substitute for chips. You can eat carrots all you want, but you can't trick your body with thinking that they're chips,' Czerwony said. 'If you want a chip, have the stinking chip and just be done with it." However, a constant hankering for chips could be a sign of a dietary deficiency, and it's worth figuring that out so 'those types of things are more treats than something that's in the routine mix of what you're eating throughout the day," Czerwony said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gisela Marx, 53, rarely gets a chance to sit or eat while working as deputy front of house manager at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. On event days, she works from 3 pm until 11 pm or later. She packs healthy snacks such as watermelon and nuts. She also keeps an emergency stash of Reese's Pieces, which her boss has to replenish if he eats the last one. 'Just having it there is a comfort. I can always have it if I want it,' Marx said.
