Be tuned to the signals of nature

Be tuned to the signals of nature The human body is made up of matter. If you break the matter, it is converted into atoms and then to subatomic particles (protons, electrons and neutrons), photons, quantum and wave in sequence. Matter can therefore be converted into non-matter. Photon is a state where you are both matter and non matter. In quantum mechanics, this is called wave particle duality in which every particle can be described as a particle and also as wave. When two photons particles interact or become ‘entangled’ and then separate, they are connected at a speed much faster than the speed of light and act similar even when separated by huge distances. Einstein called this connection as “spooky action at a distance” as according to him this was impossible. This phenomenon answers many of the mysteries of consciousness. Because at the level of photon, we are connected to everybody in the universe. When we learn to live in the present, there is harmony between our inner rhythm and the rhythms of the nature, a phrase described in Vedic text as “ritam bhara pragya” Ritam (rhythm), Bhara (full of), Pragya (mind) or simply put, a “mind full of rhythm”. This is the extreme parasympathetic state of the body and represents a state of mind where the thought waves are synchronous with the order of the universe. It is the interface between the disturbed and the undisturbed state of consciousness. It can be achieved by deep meditation. People who meditate have been said to acquire many powers like telepathy, reverse telepathy, spontaneous fulfilment of desires, meaningful coincidences, synchrodestiny etc. Our consciousness or the soul is the silent state of mind with infinite powers. These powers are hidden under the smoke of mind, intellect and ego. Ritam bhara pragya is controlling the mind, intellect and ego. Our Vedas say that nature regularly sends us signals that show that you are on the right path or have taken a wrong turn in life. But we are oblivious to them because at that particular moment, we are living either in the past or in the future. The state of Ritam bhara pragya brings us in close contact with nature, enabling us to pick up the signals of the nature. Once the state of ritam bhara pragya is achieved, we start living in the present. Living in the present is sometimes referred to as mindfulness. If we live our lives mindfully, we will get more out of life. Because then the intention becomes powerful, and one starts experiencing spontaneous fulfilment of desires. This is also the level where one experiences Siddhis, or the super normal powers described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this write up are entirely my own. Dr KK Aggarwal

BP mismatch between arms signals risk

BP mismatch between arms signals risk Patients with hypertension who have more than 10 mmHg digit differences in blood pressure between arms may be at risk for cardiovascular events and premature death New Delhi, April 10, 2017: A recent study at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital measured blood pressure—in both arms—of 3,400 participants age 40 or older with no signs of CVD. The results showed average arm-to-arm difference of approximately 5 points in systolic blood pressure (the first number in a BP reading). About 10% of the subjects had differences of 10 or more points in the same. The subjects were followed for the next 13 years; people with arm-to-arm mismatch of 10 points or more were 38% more likely to have had a heart attack, stroke, or a related cardiovascular problem. Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K.K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said that, “Minor difeferences in blood pressure measurements between the two arms is fairly common and normal. However, large mismatches are indicative of artery-clogging plaque in the vessel that supplies blood to the arm that is showing higher blood pressure. Presence of such a plaque is a sign of peripheral artery disease, which is basically the presence of cholesterol-clogged arteries in the body other than the heart. Presence of peripheral artery disease increases the likelihood of a similar plague being formed in the heart and brain, increasing the chances of a heart attack or a stroke.” “Peripheral artery disease is estimated to affect about 10 million people in India with a prevalence rate of 3.2%. While most cardiologists in routine medical practice measure blood pressure in both arms as part of evaluation, most primary care physicians don’t. Bilateral blood pressure measurements should become a routine part of cardiovascular assessment in primary care”, added Dr. Aggarwal. Following tips should be kept in mind while monitoring your blood pressure at home: • Avoid fluids like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine during the 30 minutes prior to taking your reading. • Relax and sit down straight for a few minutes with your feet straight and lowered. • While measuring, rest your arm on your elbow so that the arm is at level with the heart. • Wrap the cuff over the skin of your upper arm. Measure your blood pressure according to the machine’s instructions. • Leave the deflated cuff in place, wait a minute, then take a second reading. If the readings are close, average them. If not, take a third reading and average the three. • Repeat the procedure in the other arm. • If a mismatch of 10 points or more is found in the arms in consecutive measurements, consult a physician.