What is Mantra Therapy & How it Transforms the Mind & Body

ABSTRACT

Meditation has grown in popularity as a non-pharmacological approach to improving overall mental health. Everyone wants to heal without any problems and sacrifices. So, our ancestors gave us the brilliant way of healing from basic diseases that keep our life and body fit. The mantra-chanting process only takes our time and good mind; anyone can heal by these without any loss. God has gifted us the wonderful nature in which we can breathe, smell, and eat well. What else do humans need? only the unwanted luxurious things, the expensive goods and the rich life. It is important to live healthy among all these. Our body has made us capable of this; if we take care of ourselves, we will definitely not get ill, and adding good things to your daily routine will enhance the age of life and nourish everyone's mind.

INTRODUCTION

What is Mantra Therapy?

Mantras are used for a variety of purposes, including healing, meditation, personal development, and prayer. This can be done by linking your breath to the vibration of sound; the repetition of the sacred word helps you to enter a deep meditative state. That helps to clear all your negative thoughts and connect you to your higher self and the divine. Mantra therapy is the practice of doing all of these things for the purpose of healing; therapy is the treatment of a mental or physical illness without the use of drugs or surgery.

TYPES OF MANTRA USED FOR HEALING

1. OM Mantra

"OM" is believed to be the universe's original, primordial tone and vibration. This is the most powerful of all mantras and sacred formulas. Om's chakra is the pineal gland, also known as the third eye. And the role of a healthy chakra is to enhance perceptive ability. The om symbol has the three syllables, A-U-M, that represent the number of important trinities, including:

The three Vedas scriptures:

• Rigveda
• Yajurveda
• Samaveda

The three gunas / Energies of nature:

• Sattva denotes balance and harmony.
• Rajas symbolizes action and enthusiasm.
• Tamas denotes inertia and darkness.

The major three gods:

• Brahma: the creator
• Vishnu: the preserver
• Shiva: the destroyer

How Does An Om Mantra Heal Our Body?

Chanting the OM mantra in the morning in an open, clean area can improve our breathing and also clear the lungs so that the circulation will be made easy. The pressure exerted through our lungs thus helps with the heart rate. Patients suffering from breathing or heart problems can recite the Om mantra to improve their cardiac health.

Yoga or exercise can be done for at least 5-10 minutes at the start or end. This will increase the effectiveness of yoga while also calming the mind and body. Chanting OM before bedtime helped to clear the mental clutter that had accumulated throughout the day. Chanting this mantra intensifies the sacred energy and vibrations.

2. The Gayatri Mantra

ॐ भुर्भुवः स्व: तत्सवितुर्वरेन्यम भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदायत |

This is the most significant gayatri mantra The Gayatri mantra translates to, ”We concentrate on the Supreme Lord, the Creator, whose divine light illuminates all realms.”

How Does A Gayatri Mantra Heal Our Body?

Consistently chanting the Gayatri mantra brings about peace, joy, grace and prosperity. And it generally enhances focus , aids in physical healing, and protects us from negativity. If a person chants this mantra 10 times a day , this will alleviate current life burdens. These words are all related to God and represent God, so these will help in healing your health issues and help to cure them along with the medications.

Even doctors believe that when there is no hope of survival, praying will be effective. As a result, it is best to pray and chant mantras before entering this situation.

4. Maha Mrituanjay Mantra—Lifesaver Mantra

ॐ हौं जूं सः ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः, ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्, उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्, ॐ स्वः भुवः भूः ॐ सः जूं हौं ॐ |

In Hindu culture, this mantra has been proven to be healing and life-saving, and this mantra should be chanted with yoga or hawan, which purifies your inner self and air of all the unwanted germs and energies. This mantra overall changes the aura of the person and helps them in treating chronic diseases.

Health Benefits

1. This mantra is said to boost health, strengthen the immune system, and speed up recovery from illness and injury.
2. This mantra alleviates stress, eliminates negative energies such as anger and jealousy, and prevents inner peace.
3. Everyone experiences psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. So, this mantra will help with all of these issues.
4. As this reduces stress, it also controls blood pressure, heart rate, and myocardial oxygen consumption.
5. Chanting this mantra heals, protects, and frees you from anxiety, disease, and premature death.

Dhanvantari Mantra

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वंतराय अमृतकलश हस्ताय सर्वमय विनाशाय त्रैलोक्यनाथाय श्री महाविष्णवे नमः ||

Dhanvantre is the God of Ayurveda, yoga's sister science, which is often referred to as the medical science of yoga, and he is regarded as a divine healer. The above mantra depicts Lord Dhanvantri, the supreme being who holds a pot of immortal nectar in his hands.

नामनि धनवंतरी आदि देवम, सुरसुरा वंदितम पाद पद्मम, लोके जरा रुग्भय मृत्यु नास दातारं ईषाम् विविधौषधिनम् ||

This is another Dhanvantri mantra that denotes:

The divine powers bless the people of the world and deliver them from suffering, diseases, ailments, old age, and the fear of death. Oh Lord, give me your medicines and blessings in abundance to heal humanity's illness.

Benefits of Dhanvantari Mantra

1. Enchanting this mantra before or during sunrise will boost human vitality and energy levels.
2. This mantra eliminates mental fears and all types of afflictions while promoting clear vision. When you chant this mantra, divine energies touch you and heal your body, mind, and soul. The more it is chanted, the greater its positive and healing effects.
3. Chanting the Lord Dhanvantri’s mantra cures incurable diseases; if the diseases have been present for a long time, it will remove all negativity from the environment and fill the person with positive energy.
4. This meditation will help you overcome your depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

As previously discussed, there are numerous mantra meditation techniques that can help you maintain good health. A Dhanvantari mantra is a method of invoking the energy of Dhanvantari, the Ayurvedic god. This mantra is significant in Ayurveda because it was passed down from the ancestors. Several theories have been proposed; scientists have also conducted research on all of these and observed the patient's wellness and health following mantra sessions. It is the sole source of maintenance for our entire body, and the body system functions accordingly. As a result, in addition to mantra meditations, it is critical to maintain a healthy diet and use herbal remedies.

How Food Preservatives Impacting Your Immune System? Food Additives are Making You Sick

ABSTRACT

Unfortunately, the word "preservative" is associated with negative connotations. There are several food additives, including artificial preservatives, that have similar negative effects. Everyone wants to eat clean and healthy food, so health comes first. There is a wide variety of processed and canned food products on the market. This affects many children, adults, and senior citizens, causing serious and life-threatening problems. The artificial preservatives harm the heart, liver, immune cells, kidneys, and other parts of the body. To avoid all of these serious health concerns, Planet Ayurveda created the "immunity care kit," which contains a variety of essential herbs that aid in the natural regeneration of immune cells and the fight against infectious diseases.

Keywords: natural and artificial preservatives, salt and sugar, TBHQ, food additives, immune boosters, standardized herbs, vikramprash, cancer-causing additives.

WHAT ARE PRESERVATIVES?

Preservatives are food additives that help food last longer and taste better. Preservatives were added to prevent food spoilage, making the food appear fresh even if it was prepared several days before. Food's odor, texture, color, and taste all appear to be the same, making it difficult to distinguish between fresh and unfresh foods.

HOW DO PRESERVATIVES WORK?

Preservatives help to control and prevent food deterioration, providing protection against spoilage caused by microbes such as bacteria, yeast, molds, and fungi. Preservatives are substances that play a crucial role in preventing foodborne illnesses and maintaining the quality of various products. They work by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds, which can cause food spoilage and illness. Additionally, preservatives can slow down or stop oxidation, a chemical reaction that can lead to the degradation of food and other perishable items. By doing so, preservatives help extend the shelf life of products and ensure their safety and quality for consumers.

TYPES OF PRESERVATIVES

There are natural and artificial types of preservatives that have been added to the food products. Broadly, preservatives are categorized as antioxidants. To prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, fungi and certain microbes. It is sometimes mandatory to use food additives, such as in pickles, where we add excess oil for its increased shelf life.

Table No. 1 - Below the table show the natural and artificial preservatives

Natural Preservatives	Artificial Preservatives
The natural ones are derived from natural sources such as plants and animals.	These are only made and synthesized in laboratories with the help of chemicals.
Oil, sugar, salt, vinegar, organic acids, and spices are among the listed ingredients. All of these act together to form a layer on the food surface.	Nitrites, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sulfites, and propionic acid are a few examples. These have a high shelf life.

Table No. 2 - Below the table shows the antioxidant and antimicrobial preservatives

Antioxidant Preservatives	Antimicrobial Preservatives
Antioxidants are the compounds that delay or prevent the spoilage of food.	Prevent the growth of microbes, bacteria, fungi and many others in cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals as well.
Ascorbic acid (vit. C and ascorbates): in bakery wares, fruit juices, drinks and unprocessed fruits and vegetables.	Sorbic acid and sorbate are commonly used in processed cheese, fruit and vegetables, bread rolls, and in fine bakery products.
Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA & BHT (hydroxytoulene): Oils, fat-containing products (lipids and glycerides).	Benzoic acid and benzoate: used in flavoring fermented milk products; also in processed fish and fishery products.
Citric acids: Non - alcoholic beverages, Jams, Jellies, sauces, cheese, and canned vegetables.	Natamycin: used over the surface of cheese and sausage.
Sulfur dioxide and sulfite compounds: dry fruits, fruit preservatives, potato products , mild beverages like wine.	Propionic acids and propionates: vinegar, cheese and milk products, and coffee.
	Nitrate and nitrite compounds: meat products, pizza, wraps/rolls sandwiches, and poultry products.

WHICH FOOD ADITIVES SHOULD BE AVOIDED?

A number of reasons are present there to avoid the food additives and preservatives that are present in the packages and processed food. These are all added to help keep food fresh longer and also reduce the risk of contamination. Not all the food additives are harmful; there are a few that can be strictly avoided, as discussed below:

Preservative	Description	Disease
TRANS FAT	Trans fats, as seen on grocery store labels, are mentioned on the back of the packet. Companies add hydrogen to oil during the manufacturing process to change the texture and increase the shelf life of packaged food.	Increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.
SODIUM NITRITE	This inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in canned tuna, meats, and sausages.	Pancreatic cancer, liver failure.
MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG)	It is comparable to salt or sugar. It is commonly used to enhance the flavor of savory dishes, particularly in Chinese and fast food.	Chest pain, heart palpitations, nausea, weakness, numbness, tingling or burning in the face.
ARTIFICIAL FOOD COLOURING	Edible food colors are used to color drinks and other foods. Harmful colorings are: yellow 5 and yellow 6, blue 1 and blue 2, and red dye 3.	Hyperactivity, allergies, asthma attack.
HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP	It is less expensive than cane sugar, which is why manufacturers use this syrup. Found in sweet beverages, frozen pizza, cocktail peanuts, and even bread contains HFCS.	Higher risk of NAFLD, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes.
ASPARTAME	Artificial sweeteners are commonly used in diet or sugar-free sodas, chewing gum, jellies, Kool-Aid, and even chewable vitamins.	Increase blood sugar levels, and even cause anxiety.

HOW ARE FOOD ADDITIVES HARMING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?

Tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), the worldwide used preservative in all the industries that can harm the immune system. For decades, this has been used to extend the shelf life of many processed foods and it is consumed by people of all ages. Many food additives perform multiple functions, including silently inhibiting the oxidation process and enzyme activity reactions. A study found that the chemicals used in food additives can cause immunotoxicity, which can cause a variety of health problems such as hypersensitivity, chronic inflammation, and immunosuppression. They can also harm the digestive system and cause a variety of autoimmune conditions. Refined grains and sugars can directly attack and increase inflammation and oxidative stress, which can completely destroy immune cells. Every health problem is related to the food we eat and where it comes from. In such cases, one should avoid eating junk food, processed foods, and canned goods. Prepare fresh food at home and consume clean food in sanitary conditions.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

Ayurveda has designed everything perfectly to treat diseases with natural herbs. Nothing beats Ayurvedic formulations for healthy eating and maintaining physical and emotional health. People are increasingly turning to the ancient remedies described in Ayurvedic literature. In Ayurveda, immunity is known as Vyadishamathva', which combines the terms "Vyadhi" (disease) and "Kshamathva" (resistance). Rasayana is used exclusively in Ayurveda to promote health and improve immunity by resisting diseases. The basic rule for any health problem is to eat well.

HERBAL REMEDIES TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM PROVIDED BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides the best and most effective treatment for improving immunity. Planet Ayurveda is an Ayurvedic brand that offers a variety of herbal formulations to treat autoimmune disorders. Medicines are created using pure standardized extracts and supervised by MD Ayurvedic experts. By following all of the ayurvedic principles, one can maintain natural resistance to disease and symptoms. Low immunity and health have symptoms like allergies, fatigue, weakness, respiratory issues, depression, stress and lack of sleep. Planet Ayurveda's simple tips can help you solve all of these problems. The immune care formulations given by Planet Ayurveda identify and destroy antigens that attack foreign cells, thereby rejuvenating the immune cells.

1. Immune Booster
2. Shwas Ambu Chai
3. Vikramprash
4. Immuno Plan Syrup

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Immune Booster

Planet Ayurveda offers an immune booster in capsule form. It is made with standardized extracts of various herbs, like Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Go - Piyush (std. extracts of Bovine colostrums), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). These herbs improve the immune cells and improve immunity against several disorders.

Dosage: Take one or two capsules twice a day with plain water, after meals.

2. Shwas Ambu Chai

The shwas ambu chai of Planet Ayurveda is a blend of herbs like Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum), Adrak (Zingiber officinale), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zelyanicum), Marchia (Piper nigrum) and Vasa (Adhatoda vasica). This helps eliminate the toxins from the respiratory tract and strengthens the immune system.

Dosage: Recommended use 1-2 cups of shwas ambu chai daily.

3. Vikramprash

Planet Ayurveda Vikramprash is in jelly form and is prepared by using the nourishing herbs such as Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna mucronata), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Bhumiamalki (Phyllanthus niruri), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Tejapata (Cinnmomum tamala), Elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum), Madhu (honey) , Mishri (sugar), Naagkeshar (Mesua ferrea), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), etc. Vikramprash is made with all the essential and significant herbs that work synergistically to maintain and balance all the dosha. This is the most effective immunomodulator; it shows anti-inflammatory effects and increases the disease-fighting capacity of the body.

Dosage: Take one or two teaspoonfuls, twice or three times daily, preferably with milk.

4. Immuno Plan Syrup

The immunoplan syrup of planet Ayurveda is a sugar - free syrup composed of herbs like Mahua (Madhuca indica), Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), and Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). This syrup is basically made to increase immunity with no side effects and balance all the doshas.

Dosage: Take one or two teaspoons twice daily or as prescribed by the ayurvedic practitioner.

Conclusion

This article concluded that Ayurveda has a wide range of applications for the treatment of various immune disorders. Food affects people primarily because they have a lower immunity. Preservatives were essential in extending the shelf life of foods. Natural preservatives are beneficial to health and do not have any negative side effects. As a result, preparing food in the home in a decent and hygienic manner can resolve all health issues and ensure the immune system's long and healthy life. Chemically synthesized artificial preservatives are used in large quantities; in the case of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, we cannot directly avoid them, but we can mitigate their use. Hence, Ayurveda has given us the ability to manage our immunity and maintain a healthy lifestyle.