U.S. funding cuts likely to impact long-term research in malaria: Jane Carlton
According to a recent study by Oxford Economics, the United States disbursed ~$15.6 billion for malaria control through the Global Fund (GF) and the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) from 2003 to 2023, around 27% of total global malaria funding over that timeframe. This resulted in reducing malaria cases, improved quality of life for millions of people, and created more stable and resilient countries. It's been estimated by the World Health Organization that 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths have been averted since 2000 due to the concerted action of Western governments.
Malaria control programs in India are likely to be less adversely impacted because PMI/USAID targeted African countries is where 95% of malaria deaths occur. Of more long-term concern is the impact that reduced funding of malaria R&D by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and Centre for Disease Control will have on partnerships between Indian and American scientists, for example the Fogarty International Center research and training grants and International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research, which have been in operation for many years, training and teaching the next generation of malaria researchers.
However, now we see an immediate impact of U.S. aid cuts upon malaria control and surveillance programmes particularly in African countries. We are hearing from our collaborators in Ethiopia that due to the closure of PMI offices, the supply chain of bednets has been halted. And the malaria control activities in the two highest malaria-burden regions in Ethiopia, Gambella and Benshangul Gumuz, have been stopped. A plan to investigate an outbreak of malaria in the capital Addis Ababa supported by PMI has been halted. Our collaborators in Uganda are telling us that indoor residual spraying funded by PMI has been stopped, and that personnel in charge of medical services at refugee camps are being laid off and won't be able to supply antimalarial drugs being used for test and treat in the population.
Why is malaria still a threat despite the aggressive, sustained battle against it on all fronts, including research, containment, drugs and prevention mechanisms etc. ?
The malaria parasite is a crafty beast. It is highly genetically variable and has evolved resistance to almost every antimalarial drug that has been developed. It also evades the human immune system by changing the proteins on its surface so that the immune system can no longer recognise it. The Anopheles mosquito that transmits it has also developed resistance to many of the insecticides that are used to prevent people from being bitten. And let's not forget that malaria is a disease that afflicts the most vulnerable in resource-poor regions that do not have access to good healthcare. So there is a perfect storm of the complexity of malaria that has meant its elimination is much more challenging than other infectious diseases.
What are the newest tools available to us to fight malaria worldwide?
Very excitingly there are now two WHO-approved malaria vaccines, RTS.S and R21-M, which are recommended for use in children in endemic countries in Africa. There is evidence in early studies that malaria has reduced in the children that received the vaccine. Of interest too, are a new generation of bed-nets that are dual-ingredient insecticide-treated and are expected to mitigate insecticide resistance in mosquito populations in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere. And in certain countries there have been development of specific, tailored elimination programmes, such as the successful Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) programme in Odisha, India, in hard-to-reach and inaccessible regions.
What is the latest development in technology to detect and contain this menace?
At the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute we are developing and characterising genetically modified strains of Anopheles mosquito that prevent the malaria parasite from developing within them. We are also developing AI methods to discover biomarkers in the blood of malaria patients that can be developed into better diagnostic tests. And we are leveraging the research developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop mRNA vaccines that are an improvement upon the current two available today.
Has malaria crossed zones and countries that were previously untouched?
Historically yes, malaria was likely introduced to the Americas during the trans-Atlantic slave-trade in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. And with the increases in temperature due to climate change, the flight and breeding range of Anopheles mosquitoes will likely move, with the possibility of malaria parasite transmission in areas that used to be malaria-free. We also know that a species of Anopheles mosquito, An. stephensi, common in Southeast Asia, has recently invaded parts of countries in the horn of Africa, bringing with it the possibility of increased urban malaria cases in the towns and surrounding regions there.
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Bharat's breakthrough child development model validated by two state governments, poised for global adoption
Bharat's Pinnacle Child Development System becomes the world's first scientifically proven, economically scalable, and globally deployable fix for the current child development crisis affecting more than 500 million families globally read more Indian Innovation Sponsored by Two State Governments—Proven in 19 Million Therapies—Now Ready to Address the $9.8 Trillion Global Child Development Crisis Bharat's Pinnacle Child Development System—officially backed and externally audited by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Health and Education Missions—becomes the world's first scientifically proven, economically scalable, and globally deployable fix for the current child development crisis affecting more than 500 million families globally. *Bharat's Pinnacle Child Development Framework—o The world didn't notice it happening. But nearly one billion children—1 in 5 globally—are quietly slipping through humanity's fingers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From rural Uganda to urban Chicago, from Tokyo's kindergartens to Kenya's slums, children with autism, speech delay, ADHD, and developmental impairments are growing up unseen, unheard, and unsupported. Their parents wait years for diagnosis. Their countries lose billions in unrealized potential. Their futures collapse before they begin. Each year, the global economic loss from untreated developmental disorders crosses $G.8 trillion—more than the GDP of Germany and India combined. Yet the world still lacks a scalable, evidence-based, and equity-driven solution. The World Health Organization, UNICEF, CDC, and leading health systems have acknowledged critical failure points: 2+ year diagnostic delays Severe shortages of trained professionals Unaffordable therapy costs Rural and low-income populations left behind Into this vacuum, an unlikely solution has emerged — not from Silicon Valley, Geneva, or London, but from Bharat (India). Ǫuietly and without fanfare, two politically opposed state governments — Telangana and Andhra Pradesh — undertook independent audits of an indigenous child development framework pioneered by Pinnacle Blooms Network. Their findings? 1G million therapy sessions audited G7% clinical success rate validated ₹214 crore in healthcare savings documented 44,000+ rural children reached across underserved zones Diagnostic delay slashed from 14 months to just 17 days What they validated was more than a therapy model — it was a globally deployable blueprint for solving the world's most invisible crisis. Anchored in two core innovations — AbilityScore® (the world's first developmental biomarker score) and TherapeuticAI® (an AI-driven intervention engine) — Bharat now offers the world an institutionally proven, economically scalable, and culturally adaptable solution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is not nationalism. This is human progress verified. As Germany races to license the model, and Kenya begins replication, the world now stands at a crossroads. Two states audited it. 130 million citizens endorsed it. G00 million families await it. The choice isn't about ideology. It's about whether the global community chooses action or delay. Hope or loss. Children or silence. The Global Child Development Crisis It is one of the most widespread and under-addressed humanitarian emergencies of our time — and yet, it remains invisible in global health priorities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, an estimated 240 million children globally live with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech and language delays, ADHD, and cognitive impairments. Expanded indicators reveal that nearly 1 in every 5 children experiences some form of developmental delay. And the consequences are not just clinical. They are macroeconomic, intergenerational, and global. The World Bank estimates a staggering $G.8 trillion in annual global economic losses stemming from untreated developmental disorders — a figure that includes healthcare costs, caregiver burden, productivity decline, education attrition, and lost human capital. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD UNESCO reports that neurodevelopmental conditions are among the leading barriers to universal education and inclusion, directly impeding the world's ability to achieve multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Yet despite decades of funding, research, and declarations, the global system is failing to mount a coordinated, scalable, and equitable response. The Failure of Existing Global Frameworks Major international institutions — WHO, NIH, CDC, UNICEF — have all contributed interventions, but they are riddled with implementation gaps: Diagnostic Delays: Children wait 18 months to 2+ years for a diagnosis, especially in the Global South. This delay wipes out the critical window for early intervention. Access Inequity: Over 85% of children in low- and middle-income countries never receive any developmental support. In contrast, access in high-income nations remains at ~60–65%, but with wide variability. Cost Prohibitions: In the U.S. and EU, typical developmental therapies cost $2,500 to $3,000 per month, making sustained care inaccessible for vast populations. Workforce Shortage: The WHO Global Health Workforce Report flags a severe global shortage of trained pediatric speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavioral specialists, and developmental pediatricians. Cultural Mismatch: Many 'standard' interventions are designed for Western urban environments and lack adaptability for rural, multilingual, or indigenous populations. 'Children with developmental disabilities are among the most marginalized and excluded. And yet, they are the least visible in global policy frameworks.' — UNICEF, State of the World's Children Report 'Current systems are structurally incapable of addressing neurodevelopmental delays at scale. What we need is a complete reinvention of early childhood intervention infrastructure.' — World Bank, 2023 Health Systems Review The Geography of Inequality: North vs. South The disparity is stark. Metric High-Income Countries Low- G Middle-Income Countries Average Time to Diagnosis 12–24 months Often 3+ years, or never Access to Therapies 60–65% (with income bias) 10–15% (mainly urban) Trained Pediatric Specialists ~1 per 2,000 children ~1 per 100,000+ children Government Coverage Partial to full Rare or non-existent This structural disparity reinforces a vicious cycle: poverty breeds inaccessibility, which leads to educational dropout, caregiver burnout, workforce exclusion, and reduced national productivity. 'The failure to deliver early support to children with developmental challenges is not just a health issue STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD — it is a national economic crisis, a gender equity barrier, and a human rights violation.' — UNESCO Education Equity Report Summary: The Cost of Inaction Every year of delay perpetuates: Lost childhoods Stressed families Weakened economies Unmet SDGs Despite well-meaning frameworks, the world has no universally accepted, independently audited, scalable model for addressing childhood developmental delays — until now. Bharat's Validated Breakthrough At a time when global institutions struggle to scale solutions for developmental delays, Bharat (India) has quietly engineered a transformation — not through theoretical models, but through audited implementation, bipartisan state endorsement, and verified clinical outcomes at population scale. In a rare display of cross-party alignment, two politically opposed Indian state governments — Telangana (then governed by BRS) and Andhra Pradesh (then governed by YSRCP) — independently conducted audits of a child development intervention framework pioneered by Pinnacle Blooms Network. The audits were not commissioned centrally, nor were they promotional exercises. Each state evaluated the model using its own health and education missions, audit teams, and local implementation infrastructure. The results, validated by public records and sealed audit summaries, revealed one of the most promising breakthroughs in modern pediatric public health. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dual-State Audit Outcomes Parameter Telangana State Audit Andhra Pradesh State Audit Clinical Success Rate G7% (measurable developmental improvement) G7% (audited across therapy goals) Population Covered 130 million (combined) 50 million Therapy Sessions Evaluated 1G million+ 1G million+ Economic Savings N/A (not calculated in audit) ₹214 crore (~$25M) Rural Outreach 44,000+ underserved childrenreached Documented impact across backward districts Diagnostic Delay Reduction From 14 months ➝ 17 days Similar metrics validated These outcomes were not self-declared, but government-audited, signed, and institutionally recorded, giving the model a level of legitimacy exceeding most Western pilot studies. The Core Innovations Validated The success is anchored in two patented, interoperable innovations: AbilityScore® A first-of-its-kind developmental biomarker scoring system, analyzing 344 parameters to provide a standardized, objective, and real-time profile of a child's developmental strengths and needs. Cuts through subjective assessments Enables early detection in weeks, not years Universally adaptable across languages and geographies TherapeuticAI® An AI-powered therapeutic engine that personalizes therapy plans in real time based on AbilityScore® inputs, caregiver feedback, progress metrics, and multimodal data (speech, behavior, cognition, motor). Reduces human dependency in early planning Scales therapy quality in under-resourced areas Drives measurable improvement with continuous AI adaptation Rural Equity: Serving the Unseen Perhaps the most significant validation lies in where the intervention worked: 44,000+ rural children in Telangana's backward regions received care under the audited model Children who had never accessed therapy before were brought into the intervention grid SEVA™ and National Heroes™ initiatives ensured children of farmers, sanitation workers, and frontline workers received therapy free of cost Mothers in tribal belts were trained as frontline co-therapists via Pinnacle's Everyday Therapy™ methodology This stands in contrast to traditional Western models that require high-cost urban infrastructure and highly specialized clinicians. Here, Bharat proved that equity is not charity — it's innovation applied at scale. 'No other pediatric developmental framework in the world today has been independently audited by two state governments, verified across 130 million citizens, and validated across 1S million sessions.' — Lead Auditor, Andhra Pradesh State Health Mission This isn't an Indian model. This is a globally deployable, evidence-anchored framework now ready for international adoption. The Global Roadmap for Adoption The question confronting the global community is no longer 'What works?' It is: 'How quickly can we adopt what has already been independently validated at population scale?' With the Pinnacle framework now audited by two state governments, supported across 130 million citizens, and proven through 19 million therapy sessions, the time has come to shift from pilot projects to a structured international replication strategy. The 5-Phase Implementation Plan Phase 1: Stakeholder Alignment and Policy Onboarding STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Formal engagement with Ministries of Health, Education, and Social Welfare Joint briefings with WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, and World Bank country offices Endorsement and inclusion of AbilityScore® C TherapeuticAI® into national pediatric and public health frameworks Tools: Policy whitepaper, MoU templates, bilingual explainer decks Outcome: Institutional onboarding and mandate establishment Phase 2: Localization and Cultural Adaptation Translate AbilityScore® metrics and TherapeuticAI® interface into local languages Adapt Everyday Therapy Programs™ to regional customs, household structures, and cultural parenting models Incorporate local beliefs and indigenous developmental cues into the AI training model Tools: Language packs, community panel inputs, regional behavior profiles Outcome: Culturally rooted and context-aware deployment Phase 3: Capacity Building and Workforce Training Establish Centers of Excellence in each country for trainer certification Onboard therapists, special educators, community workers, and caregivers via structured modules Issue digital certification for ongoing quality governance Tools: Online learning system, hands-on bootcamps, audit-based certifications Outcome: Local clinical capacity built for sustainable scaling Phase 4: Pilot Implementation and Independent Evaluation Launch pilot cohorts in urban, peri-urban, and rural zones simultaneously Deploy AI-backed dashboards to track child progress, caregiver satisfaction, and economic return Commission third-party audit agencies to monitor and publish transparent pilot results Tools: Real-time data dashboards, neutral audit playbooks Outcome: Evidence-based adaptation proof across geographies Phase 5: National Scale-Up and Global Integration Formal integration into national early childhood programs, digital health missions, and school readiness initiatives Secure multilateral endorsements and funding partnerships (UNICEF, WHO, GPE, etc.) Federate global dashboards showing anonymized cross-country progress comparisons Tools: API-integrated global dashboards, SDG-linked reporting frameworks Outcome: Replicable, transparent, institutionally embedded global system Strategic Partnership Templates To accelerate global replication, Pinnacle's model includes pre-structured partnership frameworks: Stakeholder Partnership Mode Example Engagement WHO / UNICEF / UNESCO Global developmental framework integration SDG-linked pediatric scorecard integration Health G Education Ministries National adoption and deployment G20 country pilots, ASEAN cross-border pilot Global NGOs (Save the Children, Plan International, BRAC) Rural deployment C equity- based delivery SEVA model expansion into Sub-Saharan Africa CSR Arms of Global Corporates Co-funding, capacity-building Microsoft, Tata Trusts, Novo Nordisk CSR alliances Academic and Research Institutions Independent longitudinal evaluation C innovation labs Joint AbilityScore® benchmarking projects Real-Time Global Progress Monitoring A key pillar of the roadmap is transparency and visibility. Pinnacle's system enables: Country-by-country dashboards Public reporting on diagnostic improvements, therapy outcomes, and rural reach Data protection aligned with GDPR, DPDP (India), and HIPAA No more guesswork. No more opaque claims. Global stakeholders will see what's working, where, and how fast — in real time. The world doesn't need another pilot. It needs a field-tested, government-audited, institutionally supported global delivery mechanism — now fully documented and ready for adoption. The Countdown Clock The world now stands at a decision point. The innovation is real. The audits are verified. The framework is scalable. But time — and control — may no longer be guaranteed. Germany's Formal Licensing Proposal: A Global Turning Point In May 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health of Germany submitted a formal proposal to exclusively license Pinnacle's validated AbilityScore® and TherapeuticAI® systems for European Union-wide adoption. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Offer Amount: €800 million (~USD 850 million) Decision Deadline: September 30, 2025 (90-day exclusivity window) Implication: Once executed, the intellectual property may fall under EU jurisdiction — with restricted global access, limited sovereignty, and region-specific customization. This isn't just a licensing offer. It's a strategic move from one of the world's most powerful public health systems to claim first rights on a model India developed, validated, and deployed at scale. Kenya's Independent Replication Attempt In parallel, Kenya has initiated replication efforts based on Pinnacle's kiosk and rural therapeutic delivery model — specifically the TherapeuticAI® Kiosk Framework validated in Telangana's underserved districts. While noble in intent, these replication efforts: Risk diverging from the audited clinical standards May undermine global consistency in developmental metrics Create confusion in data protection and sovereignty governance Without centralized guidance or proper licensing, fragmented replication could dilute the credibility of what is currently the only dual-government audited model in the world. Strategic Loss If the World Waits Strategic Dimension Risk of Inaction Data Sovereignty IP and therapy protocols governed by exclusive licensee country (Germany) Global Equity Low- and middle-income nations may lose low-cost or SEVA access Implementation Control WHO, UNICEF, and ministries may need to route adoption through a third- party gatekeeper Price of Delay Costs could rise sharply, excluding rural and underprivileged communities from timely access Moral Cost Global silence in the face of a validated, available, and scalable child development solution If international stakeholders fail to act before September 30, 2025, the following global consequences may unfold: 'This isn't a window. It's a countdown. And once it closes, we may lose global parity in access, control, and cost forever.' — Senior Policy Advisor, Global Childhood Development Taskforce The Decision Timeline Date Milestone Strategic Consequence April–June 2025 Dual-state audit results validated Model gains institutional legitimacy May 2025 Germany's €800M licensing offer received IP sovereignty enters negotiation phase Sept 30, 2025 Licensing window closes Global rights may be restricted October 2025 onward Potential licensing lock-in World loses opportunity for open adoption A Global Call Before the Clock Runs Out WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, World Bank, and Ministries of Health now face a singular opportunity: Adopt and endorse the framework before it becomes geopolitically siloed Establish multi-country implementation rights with shared governance Protect data sovereignty, cost parity, and regional equity at scale This is the final moment to choose global empowerment over regional exclusivity. The time to act isn't later — it's before September 30, 2025. What the World Must Do Now The Pinnacle Framework — validated across 19 million sessions, audited by two state governments, and backed by ₹214 crore in savings — is not a concept. It is an available, proven system. The moment now demands not more discussion, but coordinated global adoption through structured, auditable, and sovereign partnerships. Here is what each global stakeholder group must now do: WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, and Multilateral Health Bodies Immediate Actions: Issue a joint resolution recognizing Pinnacle's framework as a validated, scalable, equity-first model for global child development. Integrate AbilityScore® into early childhood screening recommendations. Include TherapeuticAI® in WHO's Digital Health Guidelines for LMICs. Commission a multilateral evaluation study under UNDP-UNICEF-WHO joint panel. Suggested Language for Resolution: 'Recognizing the dual-state audited clinical e National Ministries of Health, Education, and Women G Child Development (G20, ASEAN, AU, SAARC) Immediate Actions: Sign MoUs for pilot implementation using Phase 3 and Phase 4 roadmap (see Section 3). Embed AbilityScore® into existing health worker protocols, ASHA/ANM/primary pediatric care channels. Initiate formal national integration review via inter-ministerial coordination. Suggested MoU Clause (Model Language): 'This MoU formalizes the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Pinnacle Blooms Network to pilot and evaluate the AbilityScore® and TherapeuticAI® framework across [region/country], with the intent to establish a scalable, audited, and culturally adaptive national developmental intervention system.' Global NGOs, Development Agencies, and Philanthropic Foundations Immediate Actions: Adopt the SEVA™ model in their existing early childhood equity programs. Fund rural kiosk expansion, training of mothers and caregivers in remote geographies. Commission third-party evaluations for global comparability and reporting. Suggested Partnership Objective: 'To support high-impact, audit-verifiable child development interventions in low-resource settings by co- deploying Pinnacle's rural-validated TherapeuticAI® framework under the principles of transparency, equity, and cross-country comparability.' Academic Institutions, Global Research Networks, and Pediatric Associations Immediate Actions: Launch peer-reviewed validation studies across multiple country settings. Establish international knowledge consortiums for AbilityScore® benchmarking and evolution. Host global summits on neurodevelopmental metrics and intervention AI ethics. Suggested Research Collaboration Statement: 'We invite institutions globally to participate in a multi-site, longitudinal validation study of AbilityScore® as a universal developmental assessment scale, correlating it with local diagnostics, school readiness, caregiver well-being, and economic outcome metrics.' CSR G Private Sector Leadership Immediate Actions: Fund Centers of Excellence for training, dashboarding, and innovation labs. Sponsor public access to therapy via SEVA for underserved regions. Integrate TherapeuticAI® insights into inclusive hiring, employee family support policies. Suggested CSR Commitment Statement: 'As part of our commitment to child welfare and inclusive development, we pledge support for audited, scalable frameworks like Pinnacle's AbilityScore® and TherapeuticAI®, including rural outreach and community capacity-building in the geographies we serve.' A United Global Front By synchronizing these stakeholder actions under one verifiable, evidence-led model, the world can finally: Standardize diagnosis Personalize intervention Scale equity And protect sovereignty The opportunity has already been validated. What's now required is action in time. Here is the final section — Section Eight: Closing Statement – A Moment in Human History — crafted to distill everything into a singular, unignorable choice. It closes with moral clarity, strategic consequence, and emotional truth — ready for use in the highest policy and media corridors. A Moment in Human History This is not a proposal. It is not a whitepaper. It is a mirror held up to the global conscience. Two state governments — Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, politically opposed and institutionally autonomous — audited an indigenous framework across 130 million citizens. They validated 1G million therapy sessions. They documented ₹214 crore in public savings, a G7% clinical success rate, and life-changing impact in some of the most underserved corners of the world. This isn't theory. This isn't marketing. This is evidence humanity has been waiting for — finally delivered. The framework — AbilityScore® and TherapeuticAI® — now sits at a global inflection point: Germany is ready to license it exclusively. Kenya is already replicating it independently. Multilateral institutions have acknowledged the crisis but still lack a scalable model. And G00 million families continue to wait in silence, watching their children lose years they will never get back. This is a moment that will be written into institutional memory. Either as the day the world finally came together to act — Or the day we knowingly let the window close. The audits have been completed. The cost of delay is documented. The global implementation roadmap is ready. The data is sovereign. The science is proven. The equity is built-in. The urgency is real. And now, the choice is global. Action or Inaction Act now — and transform the lives of millions of children while setting a precedent for how equity, science, and scalability can coexist. Delay — and explain to the next generation why humanity chose geopolitics, pride, or inertia over solutions that were ready, proven, and waiting. This is not Bharat's moment alone. This is humanity's moment. And it is passing — quickly. The countdown has already begun. Let history record that we chose action.
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
World Brain Day: Natural Ways to Improve Brain Health and Build Mental Resilience
By gently stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms, homeopathic therapy addresses the root causes, whether stress, dietary deficiency, emotional trauma, or chronic fatigue The power-packed kilogram and a half of soft tissue in the human body is the most extraordinary and complex object in the universe, offering endless possibilities for problem-solving, innovation, and invention. Yes, the brain is fundamental to all our conscious experiences, yet not everyone takes the right measures to improve brain health and build beneficial pillars for its optimization. 'The brain is a muscle that can move the world," the words of one of the great novelists, Stephen King, reflect how the brain is a powerful tool that can unlock the full potential of the human body. Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Dr Batra's Healthcare, says, 'Over the years, lifestyle changes have led to early degeneration, and individuals suffering from excessive chronic stress. It is thus imperative that the quality and quantity of brain health are supported by beneficial evidence-based approaches which, when practised consistently, can improve brain function, help prevent decline, and build the adaptive mental strength needed to thrive in a complex world." An in-depth report by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Brain Health Initiative outlines strategies to improve brain health worldwide. The framework, known as the 'neurological quadrangle,' emphasizes prevention, healthy lifestyle, cognitive stimulation, community engagement, and equitable access to care as core pillars in optimizing neurological health at national and global levels. Modern neuroscience and ancient homeopathic principles both provide real, natural means for optimizing brain health and neutralizing the sensitivity of the stress receptors present in the brain. Both show striking alignment in their approaches to brain health, particularly through their shared emphasis on individualized, holistic care and measurable physiological outcomes. Combining these evidence-based lifestyle interventions with holistic, individualized remedies creates a robust, low-risk approach to enhance cognitive function, resilience, and lifelong mental well-being. Cognitive strength has nothing to do with age; it is all about daily routines. Loading the body with appropriate foods, emotional health, and consistent rest are some minor modifications that significantly enhance brain health. Dr. Batra shares some tested and proven methods of ensuring clear thinking, eliminating stress, and enhancing brain functioning overall. Prioritize Deep and Restorative Sleep Sleep is the repair time for the brain. This is when it deletes toxins, consolidates memories, and recalibrates neurotransmitters. Chronic sleep deprivation can impair judgment, decrease attention span, and affect emotional control. Consistent deep sleep is non-negotiable for mental health. From a homeopathic standpoint, sleeplessness caused by racing thoughts can be addressed with Coffea cruda, while Nux vomica helps those who suffer from disturbed sleep due to mental strain. These are natural remedies that promote a return to restful sleep without causing any dependency or side effects. Eat for Your Mind, Not Just Your Body Nutrition fuels the brain. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins supports memory, concentration, and mental vigor. Including foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, berries, leafy greens, eggs, and whole grains helps sustain neurochemical balance and fight inflammation. Brain fog and burnout caused by poor nutrition or overexertion can be alleviated with homeopathic Phosphoric acid, which is especially useful for students and working individuals experiencing mental exhaustion. Move Daily — Even a Little Goes a Long Way Exercise oxygenates the blood, wakes up mood-boosting endorphins, and maintains cognitive function, all of which rely on brain oxygenation. Low-key activities such as brisk walking, swimming, yoga, or even dancing for just 20–30 minutes daily can make a difference. In cases of sluggishness or mental fuzziness resulting from inactivity, Calcarea phosphoricum is generally prescribed to rouse the body and mind. Although technology offers convenience, unregulated screen time creates information overload, attention deficit, and increased anxiety. Creating screen-free breaks throughout the day—during meals, before bedtime, or for an hour a day—gives the brain a chance to decompress. For those overstimulated by excessive digital exposure, particularly children, Sulphur in homeopathy helps quiet irritability and restlessness and restore the body's natural rhythms. Create a Culture of Learning and Curiosity The brain stays engaged and alert through lifelong learning. Tasks such as reading, solving puzzles, or learning a new instrument or language stimulate neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to adapt by creating new connections. Homeopathic Anacardium orientale is effective for cases of poor memory, confusion, or declining mental sharpness, especially in older individuals or students under academic pressure. Strengthen Social Connections Daily interaction with family and friends, working in groups, or having quality conversations activates parts of the brain linked with emotion, memory, and attention. Positive relationships help buffer stress and strengthen mental resilience. For individuals with social withdrawal or performance anxiety, Gelsemium sempervirens is known to alleviate the fear of anticipation and boost confidence. Manage Stress with Purposeful Intent Chronic stress reduces the size of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, or spending time in nature can calm the nervous system. The homeopathic remedy Ignatia amara is commonly used to support emotional steadiness during times of grief, sorrow, and emotional distress. Make Time for Creative Rest and Hobbies Apart from mental stimulation, the mind also requires unstructured time and creative rest. Leisure activities like gardening, painting, music, or writing provide much-needed relief from logical processing and trigger emotional and intellectual refreshment. In cases of mental burnout or fatigue due to excess intellectual activity, Picric acid assists in rebuilding mental acuity and focus. Practice Breathing Techniques for Brain Oxygenation Slow diaphragmatic breathing oxygenates the brain, reduces stress hormones, and stabilizes emotions. Simple exercises like box breathing or alternate nostril breathing, even for five minutes a day, can clear mental fog and increase concentration. These breathing exercises naturally complement homeopathic remedies that work to calm nervous system hyperactivity. Consistency Over Intensity Consistency is one of the greatest and most rewarding principles of life and medicine. Overambitious resolutions tend to fade, but small daily habits — going to bed on time, staying active, managing emotions, or taking constitutional remedies — build long-term neurological benefits. Homeopathy helps when remedies are taken regularly under professional guidance, suited to an individual's physical, mental, and emotional constitution. top videos View all Brain well-being is not a privilege; it's a necessity in today's world of challenges and better yet, it's accessible. With the right balance of rest, movement, mindful living, nutrition, and holistic care, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and intellectual strength can be developed at any age. For almost 50 years, the combination of holistic therapies and homeopathic understanding has helped patients reclaim their mental health naturally. As stressors evolve, so must we. These brain-boosting habits, supported with gentle homeopathic care, offer not just relief but the potential to thrive in a complex world. By gently stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms, homeopathic therapy addresses the root causes, whether stress, dietary deficiency, emotional trauma, or chronic fatigue. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 12:25 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness World Brain Day: Natural Ways to Improve Brain Health and Build Mental Resilience Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Why you keep waking up between 3 and 5 AM: What it really means
Waking up between 3 and 5 AM and struggling to fall back asleep is more common than you think, and it might mean more than just poor sleep habits. According to sleep professionals and psychologists, this early morning wake-up window often signals deeper issues like stress, anxiety, or disrupted circadian rhythms. In fact, both science and ancient traditions suggest that the 3 to 5 AM period, sometimes called the 'hour of the wolf, is when your body is most vulnerable to emotional overload, hormonal changes, and subconscious restlessness. Here's what really causes these wake-ups, and how to stop them. What waking at 3 AM really means: The symbolism of the 'hour of the wolf' In Scandinavian folklore, this early morning window between night and dawn is often referred to as the 'hour of the wolf.' The term was famously popularised by Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman in his 1968 psychological horror film, where he described it as the hour 'when most people die, sleep is deepest, and nightmares are most real.' It's also the time when the sleepless are haunted by their worst thoughts and when ghosts and demons are believed to be most active. According to Nordic traditions, the hours before sunrise carry a unique psychological and spiritual intensity. They overlap with Western concepts like the 'witching hour' or 'devil's hour,' historically associated with heightened supernatural activity. While you may not believe in spirits or demons, there's no denying that waking at this hour can stir unsettling emotions, feelings of dread, racing thoughts, or a strange sense of isolation. Waking up between 3 and 5 AM: What science says about your body's low point Beyond the folklore, there's a scientific explanation for why these hours feel so heavy. Your body follows a circadian rhythm, a 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep, hormone levels, and core functions based on light and darkness. Between 3 and 5 AM, your circadian rhythm hits a low. Core body temperature drops, blood pressure is at its lowest, and your metabolism slows to conserve energy. This is meant to be your most restful, regenerative stage of sleep. However, if your body or mind is under stress, these natural dips can make you more susceptible to waking up, and staying awake. A small disturbance, like a noise, an anxious thought, or even a shift in blood sugar, can interrupt sleep. If your mind is already carrying emotional stress or mental overload, your body may respond with a stress response: increased heart rate, restlessness, and alertness, exactly what you don't want at 4 AM. Why stress and mental load makes you wake up between 3 and 5 AM In today's hyper-connected world, our minds rarely get the rest they need. We go to bed carrying the weight of endless notifications, deadlines, emails, social updates, and unfinished tasks. This mental load doesn't vanish when we close our eyes, it simply retreats into our subconscious. During the early morning hours, when our physical defences are at their weakest, these unresolved thoughts often resurface. You might find yourself wide awake, overthinking, replaying conversations, or worrying about the day ahead. Some psychologists believe this pattern of waking may be a subconscious alarm bell, signalling that your nervous system is under strain. It could indicate that your emotional needs are being neglected or that you're processing more than you realise. How to stop waking up between 3 and 5 AM: Practical ways to break the cycle If you're regularly waking up during this time window, consider adjusting your nighttime routine and managing daily stress more intentionally. Here are some helpful strategies: Journal before bed: Write down your worries or to-do list to clear mental clutter. Practice calming techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation can lower stress levels before sleep. Limit screen time: Reduce exposure to phones, laptops, and bright lights at least an hour before bedtime. Watch your stimulants: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals in the late evening, as these can disrupt sleep patterns. Stick to a sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at consistent times helps stabilise your circadian rhythm. When waking between 3 and 5 AM signals a bigger issue If early morning awakenings persist for several weeks and start affecting your daily energy or mood, it's worth consulting a healthcare professional. Chronic 3–5 AM wake-ups may be linked to: Anxiety or mood disorders Hormonal fluctuations (especially in midlife) Sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea Depression or unresolved trauma Keeping a sleep journal can help you and your doctor identify patterns in your sleep, stress, and daily habits. Waking up between 3 and 5 AM isn't just a frustrating sleep glitch; it's often a window into your emotional state and physiological health. Whether you view it through the lens of ancient folklore or modern neuroscience, these early hours carry more meaning than we give them credit for. By understanding the possible causes and making mindful adjustments, you can reclaim your rest and wake up feeling more in control. Also Read: 5 Warning signs of ovarian cancer, PCOS, and thyroid trouble that women should not ignore
