NAMA, NAMASMARAN AND TOTAL STRESS MANAGEMENT (PART 12) DR SHRINIWAS J. KASHALIKAR

Student: I understood these mechanisms to some extent, not completely. But from what I gathered; these mechanisms are wide ranging. For triggering such wide ranging mechanisms to come in operation; the causes or the dimensions of stress must also be wide ranging; are they?

Teacher: Yes! They are! Let us consider these stressors starting from non living beings to human beings!

Student: Why do we consider the nonliving?

Teacher: The holistic perspective comprehends living (CHARA) and non living (ACHARA) to be in continuity! From a very basic understanding point of view we can say that the stressors and stress; are present in nonliving things! Thus stress of mechanical nature (not biological) is present in nonliving things! When force is applied to an object, there is definite internal change and displacement in the object. This force is akin to stressor in the case of living beings, the internal change is akin to homeostatic change; i.e. change in the internal environment in case of the living beings and the displacement of an object is akin to stress response in case of living beings.
It is obvious that if an object is subjected to a force, which it cannot sustain, then it may be damaged. This damage is akin to an abnormal change in the internal environment. The excessive displacement is analogous to disease in a living being.
Next to the nonliving things we can see stressors and stress; in unicellular animals! The stressors here are in the form of exaggerated physical, chemical and biological changes in the environment inside and outside. These are relatively, more complex as compared to those in nonliving things; and are less stereotypical, though still, fairly predictable.
Followed by unicellular; we come to multicellular (many cells coming together to form an organism or an animal!) animals, which are higher in evolutionary scale. In these animals there is development of central nervous system, autonomic nervous system and endocrine system. This leads to a perceptible increase in the level of consciousness. Thus they become conscious of the sensations (Visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, pain, temperature, itching, gravity, acceleration etc.). Moreover they possess instincts. Hence these animals suffer, if deprived of their instincts! I call such deprivation an instinctual stressor.

Student: Can you explain this?

Teacher: The foremost instinct is that of survival! Fear of predator produces stress and is evident when a cat faces a dog! The next is locomotion. If an animal is confined to a cage preventing the locomotion altogether; or is exposed to abnormally rapid movement, then stress is produced which damages the body systems. Next is a particular environment to which it is accustomed. It is called habitat. Changing this environment causes stress. Hunger and thirst are also instincts. If an animal is deprived of food; or there is change in the type or timing of food; cause stress. If there is change in the source and timing of water (as in case of animals in zoo) or altogether unavailability of water; it produces stress. Reproduction, parental care, herd formation; are also instincts. Abstinence from sex, herd and separation from the newborn offspring; also cause stress.

NAMA, NAMASMARAN AND TOTAL STRESS MANAGEMENT (PART 10) DR SHRINIWAS J. KASHALIKAR

Student: I never imagined earlier; that stress could be so
vast! No wonder, I am getting drowned in this ocean of
stress! Can you briefly explain stress as well as Total Stress
Management; in nutshell; if that may help me; with some
analogies; to make it simpler?

Teacher: Yes! That will surely help you to conquer your
stress!
Stress is like a horse! But it would never leave us at any
cost! So there is no lasting escape from it. There are only few
options.
A) Getting dragged after it,
B) Getting bitten or beaten by it,
C) Carrying it on our head,
D) Beating or killing the horse,
E) Learning to “ride” the horse with delight
The last option is the same as Total Stress Management
(TSM).

Student: Can we give the analogy of river? Because MAYA
is compared to river!

Teacher: Yes! MAYA is called BHAVANADI a river! Stress
also is like a river, in which we are born! There are only two
options; either to get drowned, or to learn to swim to the bank.
Learning to swim to the bank is Total Stress Management.
Analogy of traffic jam also helps! It is not an exact analogy but
helps in understanding stress and Total Stress Management
and even this understanding also is useful in reducing stress!
1. The Causes of stress; called stressors are like excess
number of vehicles coming from all directions.
2. The individual under stress is like a square where the
signals or the traffic police are not working.
3. The signs and symptoms of stress are like the excess
crowding, anxiety due to inability to reach destinations,
quarrels amongst the drivers, excessive blowing of horns,
chemical pollution etc.
4. The pathology is inability of the vehicles to move and
reach their destinations.
5. The Relaxation Techniques prevalent today; are like
arbitrary and isolated efforts to calm down the drivers and
prohibit the blowing of horns.
6. The relaxation techniques therefore can bring about
temporary peace (temporary symptomatic relief) but cannot
help the vehicles to reach their destinations (cannot effectively
remove the pathological changes and handle the stressors
effectively).
7. Total Stress Management is re-establishing the functioningof the signals and re-instituting the traffic police (perception)
so that the crowding, jam (homeostatic disturbances or
affect), blowing of horns, quarrels (symptoms and signs) and
the reaching of the destinations (handling the stressors and
rectification of the pathological changes), are made possible.

Student: Now I seem to have got some idea about stress
and Total Stress Management.
How would you define stress physiologically?

Teacher: Stress is an interaction between “self” and the
environment inside and outside body! The effects of stress;
means variable acute or chronic changes; in the internal (also
external) environment of the body. The normal stress such
as moderate exercise is useful. But when we talk of “stress”
we actually mean harmful stress or distress, which causes
adverse effects on almost every cell of the body; making life
miserable in several ways.

Student: What is this internal environment of the body?

Teacher: The body cells contain fluid within them and they
themselves are present in a fluid medium. Generally the fluid,
by which they are surrounded, is called internal environment.
But recently some authorities consider the fluid which they
contain; also forms the internal environment

NAMA, NAMASMARAN AND TOTAL STRESS MANAGEMENT (PART 8) DR SHRINIWAS J. KASHALIKAR

Student: I really appreciate the intentions and the reasons
underlying the development of these concepts. But I am still
not quite convinced as to how the NAMASMARAN can be
useful to me!
Teacher: Fine! Actually I also had not developed the
conviction about NAMASMARAN at that time, which I
have today. In fact; as I said; I had no idea even about the
holistic concept of stress. It was merely an identification of
the panacea. I had just begun to understand; the suffering in
life; more holistically and the need of making the solutions
also more holistic! There was still; a lot of ambiguity with
respect to the details; as to how NAMASMARAN would
enable us to understand the problems more holistically and
evolve holistic solutions!
It is only then, when I began to study the physiological and
pathophysiological aspects of the meaning, mechanism,
* NAMA NAMASMARAN AND TOTAL STRESS MANAGEMENT * 33
causes and effects of stress; that it became clear; that the
stress in an individual influences adversely; the social life
and the support systems; and vice versa! Moreover it also
became clear that the spiritual, religious, philosophical,
ideological, political, social, economic, psychological,
physiological, pathophysiological and clinical/medical
approaches to understanding and management of stress were
complementary. I realized that the stress management at
merely at individual level or merely at social level could not
be optimally effective. It had to be a simultaneous process of
individual and universal blossoming.
This was the germ of Total Stress Management!
This led to further study of NAMASMARAN as a panacea!
I had studied NAMASMARAN and practiced it earlier; but
by now I started appreciating its power to transform an
individual; in terms of empowering him or her to develop
a holistic perspective, thinking, planning, programming
and implementation and thus influence the universal
support systems and the universal life.
Student: I think I shall be able to appreciate the importance
of NAMASMARAN as I learn more about stress! But it
seems that this revelation was satisfying!
Teacher: In a way; yes; because even though the essence of
this realization was clearly stated in the literature, which I
had come across; it was not explicit. The focus was on God
* NAMA NAMASMARAN AND TOTAL STRESS MANAGEMENT * 34
realization, salvation, liberation, emancipation etc, without
a clear reference to the concrete material counterpart of the
global welfare.
Most of the well meaning atheists as well as theists; in
spite of harboring an enlightened and a conscientious
heart; and generous mind; did not realize the importance of
NAMASMARAN as a means of growing more objective.
They did not understand the pivotal role of NAMASMARAN
in breaking the shackles of ego and subjectivity. They did
not appreciate the fact; that the policies, plans, programs
and their implementation; needed to be; increasingly holistic
and could surely be made; increasingly holistic, through
NAMASMARAN.
I realized that true atheism is; nullifying the stupefying
influence of apparent environment; and true theism is
ability to realize the otherwise imperceptible true self!
Even the materialistic and spiritual pursuits in my nature;
were fully satisfied, when I realized that every material
pursuit; including the sustenance and nurturing of our
physical existence; becomes meaningful, worthwhile and
fulfilling, when aimed at culminating into the realization
of true self! With this understanding the atheist and theist
facets of my mine; were simultaneously satisfied!
In absence of this understanding it appeared to me that there
was a strong possibility of atheists as well as theists going
astray, skip their duties (SWADHARMA); remain selfish
* NAMA NAMASMARAN AND TOTAL STRESS MANAGEMENT * 35
and indolent; and yet infatuate; either “social revolution”
or “individual liberation” respectively.
I thought, this error of omission of the universal
benevolence of NAMASMARAN, was as real and as big;
as that of being oblivious to the omnipotent benevolence
of true self or God!

The ultimate success or victory of life: Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar

The ultimate success or victory of life is embodied in consumption and culmination of our experiences Self realization.

But; just as the blood sugar in diabetics does not reach the interior of cells; our experiences also do not reach our true self! They are wastefully drained!

Diabetics need insulin or a drug that can facilitate the entry of blood sugar into the cells. We need NAMASMARAN that facilitates the entry and consumption of all our experiences into our true self; resulting in Self realization.

The trend towards later maternity is strongest among women with better educational qualifications, as they increasingly postpone child rearing to pursue their careers.
On the whole, babies are more likely to be planned and wanted by women in their thirties. There is evidence that older women express greater satisfaction and feel they are ready to have a child because they have been fulfilled in their lives before that time. The notion of sacrifice is more often talked about in younger mothers. Older mothers may want to spend more time with their children."

Most of the degenerative changes, pre menopausal problems and metabolic diseases, thyroid dysfunction, cancers of breast and genital organs and deteriorating vision start from mid thirties, let us say around 35 years only. For preventive and optimal healthcare, we have to start early from the mid thirties, while later comes curative and palliative stage. The most common problem faced by the females over age 35 is menopause. Lets learn what to expect and ways to stay strong and healthy in the years around menopause.

Menopause

Menopause is a natural process that occurs as a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs and the production of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) declines. Menopause can also occur if a woman’s ovaries are damaged by certain diseases or cancer treatments, or if they are surgically removed. Menopause usually happens gradually between the ages of 45 - 55. The average age that women reach menopause is 51 years although it can occur as early as age 40 to as late as the early 60s. Women now have a life expectancy of more than 80 years. Currently, women can expect to live some 30 or 40 years of their life in the postmenopausal state.

Menopause does not occur suddenly. A period called perimenopause usually begins a few years before the last menstrual cycle. There are two stages in the transition:

1) Early Stage. Pre menopause can begin in some women in their 30s, but most often it starts in women ages 40 - 44. It is marked by changes in menstrual flow and in the length of the cycle. There may be sudden surges in estrogen.

2) Late Stage. The late stages of pre menopause usually occur when a woman is in her late 40s or early 50s. In the late stages of the menopausal transition, women begin missing the periods until they finally stop. About 6 months before menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly. The fall in estrogen triggers the typical symptoms of vaginal dryness and hot flashes (which can last from half a year to more than 5 years after onset of menopause).

Menopause is considered to have occurred after a woman has gone a full 12 months without a period. Menopause marks the end of menstruation and a women’s fertility.
Menopause is not a disease. However, many conditions are associated with estrogen depletion, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and other complications. Fortunately, effective treatments are available for these conditions.

Many women experience some physical and emotional symptoms during menopause, caused by hormonal imbalance. Typically, a woman will begin to experience menopause symptoms around her mid-40's as her body's reproductive capability comes to the end. This prolonged stage of gradually falling and fluctuating hormone levels is called per menopause, which can last upwards of two years before a woman's final period. For most women, symptoms end at menopause; however, some women will experience symptoms into postmenopausal life. The first symptom is usually a change in the pattern of your monthly periods. The start of the menopause is known as the pre menopausal stage. During this time, you may have light or heavy periods.The frequency of your periods may also be affected. You may have a period every two-three weeks, or you may not have one for months at a time. Other prominent symptoms of the transition to menopause include:

1) Hot flashes and night sweats . Women often feel hot flashes as an intense build-up in body heat, followed by sweating and chills. Some women report accompanying anxiety as the sensation builds. In most cases, hot flashes last for 3 - 5 years, although they may linger in some women for years after menopause. Women who have surgical removal of both ovaries, and who do not receive hormone replacement therapy, may have more severe hot flashes than women who enter menopause naturally.

2) Heart pounding or racing can occur, with or without hot flashes.

3) Difficulty sleeping . Insomnia is common during perimenopause. It may be caused by the hot flashes, or it may be an independent symptom of hormonal changes.

4) Mood changes . Mood changes are most likely to be a combination of sleeplessness, hormonal swings, and psychological factors as a woman undergoes this intense passage in her life. Once a woman has reached a menopausal state, however, depression is no more common than before, and women with a history of premenstrual depression often have significant mood improvement.

5) Sexuality . Sexual responsiveness tends to decline in most women after menopause, although other aspects of sexual function, including interest, frequency, and vaginal dryness vary. It is useful to remember that most symptoms of menopause eventually go away.

6) Forgetfulness . This appears to be one of the few symptoms that are common across most cultural and ethnic groups.

7) Urinary symptoms. During the menopause, you are more likely to experience recurrent lower urinary tract infections, such as cystitis. You may also feel an urgent and frequent need to pass urine.

8) vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex.

9) Joint stiffness .

10) Skin, Hair and Other Tissue Changes. With the increase in the age, you will experience changes in your skin and hair. Loss of fatty tissue and collagen will make your skin drier and thinner and will affect the elasticity and lubrication of the skin near your vagina and urinary tract. Reduced estrogen production may contribute to hair loss or cause your hair to feel brittle and dry.

Women from different countries and states have different menopausal symptoms. Menopause is not a disease. However, many conditions are associated with estrogen depletion, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and other complications. Fortunately, effective treatments are available for these conditions. After the menopause it is common for the following complications to appear.

Cardiovascular disease - a drop in estrogen levels often goes hand-in-hand with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Women who experience early menopause are almost twice as likely as the general population to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease later in life. In order to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease a woman should quit smoking, try to keep her cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure within normal, healthy levels, do plenty of regular exercise, sleep at least 7 hours each night, and eat a well-balanced healthy diet.

Osteoporosis - Bone density may be lost at a fast rate for the first few years after menopause because estrogen plays a role in building new bone. The risk of fractures to the hip, wrist, and spine are especially pronounced in postmenopausal women.

Urinary incontinence - the menopause causes the tissues of the vagina and urethra to lose their elasticity, which can result in frequent, sudden, strong urges to urinate, followed by urge incontinence (involuntary loss of urine). Stress incontinence may also become a problem - urinating involuntarily after coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting something, or suddenly jerking the body.

Urinary Tract Infections - Because of vaginal drying, women are at increased risk for recurrent urinary tract infections after menopause.

Low libido - this is probably linked to disturbed sleep, depression symptoms, and night sweats.

Overweight/obesity - during the menopausal transition women are much more susceptible to weight gain because metabolism slows. Experts say women may need to consume about 200 to 400 fewer calories each day just to prevent weight gain - or burn of that number of calories each day with extra exercise. The chances of becoming obese rises significantly after the menopause.

Breast cancer - women are at a higher risk of breast cancer after the menopause. Regular exercise and check ups after menopause significantly reduces breast cancer risk.

Skin and Hair Changes - Estrogen loss can contribute to slackness and dryness in the skin and wrinkles. Many women experience thinning of their hair and some have temporary hair loss.

Lifestyle Changes Changing and improving lifestyle is the basic factor in preventing 50% of ageing and metabolic diseases. Making lifestyle changes may help ease the discomfort of menopause symptoms. Simple changes in lifestyle and diet can help control menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Avoid hot flash triggers like spicy foods, hot beverages, caffeine, and alcohol. Dress in layers so that clothes can be removed when a hot flash occurs. For vaginal dryness, moisturizers, and non-estrogen lubricants are available. Quit smoking, get enough sleep, and make a conscious effort to eat healthily and exercise more to keep symptoms of menopause under wrap and keep yourself fit and healthy. One of the keys to enjoying menopause is to try to keep up a happy and healthy lifestyle. The right diet, open communication with your partner, and stress relief are examples of ways to make life the most easy in menopause.

How long will the phases of menopause lasts in women is completely individual. Most women experience the majority of their symptoms over a 2-year period of time’, but that will just annoy those women who find themselves still up to the eyeballs in hot flushes after 5 years. The average age when menopause is on is around 52 years old, but many women start in their 40s and some not until their late 50s, so really you just have to see what happens for you.

The ultimate aim is to give healthy lives in later age, to compressor illness in to short period of time, to reduce morbidity and disability of ageing women passing more than one third of their life in the menopausal age.

Rupal Hospital for Women is a premiere leader in women's healthcare since 45 long years. The doctors are committed to providing women with the highest quality and most advanced healthcare throughout all stages of their lives, from adolescence through menopause. Rupal clinic for women is providing special care to women around 35 years, Premenopausal, Menopausal and post menopausal ageing women. Dr. Malti Shah senior Gynecologist and obstetrician, qualified for Menopause Practice gives her services to the clinic. Rupal Hospital Menopause Clinic offers care for women with concerns about the menopause, including women with early menopause or menopause caused by surgery or illness. Rupal Hospital understands and meets all the health needs of a woman and fosters the understanding of how advanced health care can improve the lives of women and their families.

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