Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Tuesday, June 9, 2009--Day 27

Since I have only recently discovered how to read the comments on my own--David helped me with a couple before he left, I feel the need to respond to some of them now.

Dave, Sr.: Do you know what you are doing to your heart eating a McDonald's? Quarter pounder and cheese (or something just as deadly) a shake, and I can't remember what else. Not to mention what may have happened to me if I had read that on May 16. I probably would have come back with David and missed all those massages and sitting her typing with Jasmine in my hair. Seriously, glad you are enjoying the blog. I enjoy writing it as well. This way I write down things as they happen, and I will have a travelogue (The King's English) to refer to in the future.

Bob: By all means, put my condo up for sale.

Questions asked:
How is my health? Actually I didn't think there was anything wrong with it in the first place. Granted I could take better care of myself than I do, and I do plan to do that in the future. Everyone my age has aches and pains even if we don't talk about it. Has my health improved since being here? Probably, since I have dropped at least 7 kilos. And what better way than to eat, sleep, walk, have two massages/day, read--a lot, have stimulating conversations with Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu, and learn about a foreign culture.
My mental health? I remarked before the end of the first week that I hadn't felt so peaceful since I went to prison. (THAT ought to get some people talking.) I have really enjoyed my walks and meeting people and my road trips. The environment is very different from everything I've heard from other people and from everything I previously knew about India which wasn't very much. I have only done email with my family electing not to answer any college or association emails. Much less stress that way. And I feel good!!!!!!

What is the science behind Ayurveda? Between 5,000 and 10,000 years of practice. There is no way to measure preventive medicine. Also, I think I addressed how there can't be a standard for medications like in the States because each doctor tailor's his medications to his individual patients.

Toxin elimination? Definitely toxin elimination because for a long time there was considerably more output than input. When I perspire, for example, I don't taste salt although I have applied more salt to my food than ever in my life. Normally I don't add salt except on hard boiled eggs.
Toxin elimination has been easily managed.

Benefits to massage? This is not muscle massage. I'm sure there is imjprovement in circulation. Ayurveda is centered about heat so much of the treatment such as application of hot oil is about making you sweat. It's not uncomfortable, but I know I am doing well when I sweat.
Dr. Baji said that we should massage our skin when we return home to help with circulation.

Skin Texture? By the end of Day 3 my skin was softer than baby Sam's. Dr. Baji says that our lotions, etc. don't really do the trick. He suggested coconut oil and massage. Hope I can find some at a reasonable price.

And so...Amelia is leaving on Sunday. She will take a few days in N. Kerala and then a few days beachside in Cochin before returning to Austria. She is full of life and a joy to be around. She told me that she couldn't understand me at first. And she thought, "Oh, these Americans." But now I don't think there is any language barrier for us.

Faritta's friend came today. I haven't met her yet, but I understand her son is India's heartthrob in the cinema.

Just in case the internet is not working tomorrow--my last day--, I will blog after I return to the States to tell you about the trip and my time in Dubai.
(I cannot believe that the internet has worked for 2 straight hours for me. Amazing!)

Take care.

Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny