A combination of these two factors when out-of-balance often causes sleep disturbances, nervousness, distraction, anxiety, and frustration. The excessive use of computers also has had a great impact on our lives & our sensory functions.

For example, the speed at which the information on a computer screen changes, the flickering of the screen (often subliminal), the repetitive sensory and motor stimulation, the sedentary nature and repetitive routine of computer work, causes a variety of disturbances.

These disturbances will eventually impact the natural rhythms of the mind and body, often creating imbalances. Our modern lifestyles also require us to be multi-task oriented. It is not unusual to find a person

~Working and eating at their desk
~Washing dishes while on the phone.
~Driving while listening to the radio and/or talking on the cell phone.
~Watching TV while eating. All of these activities as well as many other daily simultaneous actions cause our bodies to become off-balance, impairing memory power and affecting our cognitive functions as we age.

A still mind is a clear mind

Ayurvedic Suggestions for obtaining balance
~ Avoid fragmented work habits.
~ Maintain a daily routine -
~ Follow a food plan based on your body type- Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.
~ Make sure that your bowels are moving regularly -if not use Triphala at bedtime.
~ Use Brahmi -an sattwic herb.
~Meditate on a regular basis.
~Do head and body massages with warm sesame oil or medicated sesame oil. ~What is Brahmi and how does it work?

Brahmi - Centella asiatica has been used in Ayurveda for centuries as the main revitalizing herb for nerves and brain cells. Its active ingredients, Bacoside A & B, are glycosides. The neurobiological effects of these isolated molecules were found to increase protein kinase activity and new protein synthesis, specifically in cells in region of the brain associated with long-term memory.

Thus by stimulating neural activity, Brahmi has the amazing ability to facilitate learning, memory and concentration. Other published literature suggest that Brahmi fortifies the immune system; decrease senility and aging and strengthening the adrenals. It is also a blood cleanser, helps in variety of skin conditions and stimulates growth of hair, nail and skin.


Recent Studies of Brahmi
In 2002, a grant was given by the National Institute of Health (NIH) to the neurology team at the Texas A&M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine and other researchers to evaluate the herbal remedy of Centella asiatica (brahmi) as a treatment that may alter the degenerative effects of Alzheimer disease, a major cause of loss of memory or reasoning due to gradual loss of nerve cells in the brain.

Spiritual Herb
According to Vedic literature, Brahmi represents the creative energy of this universe. The plant brahmi stands for the personified energy of Brahma, which includes all creativity, especially those of sensory organs in the body. It is a sattwic herb like Tulsi (Holy Basil).

How is Brahmi Taken?
As Brahmi Ghee - prepared in a ghee-clarified butter In brain tonic pills In brain tonic nose drop formulas.

References
The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, & Longevity. Swami Sadashiva Tirtha D.Sc. 1988
Ayurvedic Healing, A Comprehensive Guide. Dr. David Frawley, 2000
The Yoga of Herbs, An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Dr. Frawley & Dr. Lad, 1986
The Book of Ayurveda, A Holistic Approach to Health & Longevity. Judith Morrison, 1995

No place is comfortable enough for a restless mind

? Copyright 2002. Bharat Shukla. Reprinted with permission.

Bharat Shukla, CAy is a the co-founder of the Lotus Natural Healing Center in NJ. http://www.ayurvedawisdom.com