By Dr Pooja Maddela

Turmeric is a valuable medicine as well as a tasty food

The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.

(Aristotle)

Although it is difficult to pinpoint the physical base or location of awareness, it is perhaps the most precious thing concealed within our brains. And it is something that the individual alone can feel and experience. Each of us cherishes it highly, yet it is private.

(His Holiness the Dalai Lama)

The cultivation of inner awareness leads to the enhancement of general health including improved digestive function.

Inner awareness can increase the benefits of health giving foods we eat, as well as the curative effects of medicinal herbs and spices we consume. Awareness also boosts immunity and promotes healing.

So, how do we improve ‘awareness’?

The best way is through a relaxed state of mind. In fact, for gaining the maximum benefits of spices/herbs that you ingest, via awareness and optimal absorption, digestion and elimination, performing deep abdominal breathing and mental relaxation is necessary. Following is a simple yet profoundly powerful technique that will bring numerous benefits into your life including increased awareness and enhanced digestive function.

Five Steps to Achieve Awareness

Practice every day for best results

1. Lie down on your back, feet wider than hip width apart, hands slightly away from the body. Close your eyes if you are comfortable.
2. Shift your awareness to your abdomen and perform deep abdominal breathing
3. With inhalation your abdomen rises, with exhalation your abdomen sinks
4. Keep focusing on your breathing
5. Perform 6-10 breaths

On this path effort never goes to waste, and there
is no failure. Even a little effort toward spiritual
awareness will protect you from the greatest fear.
(Bhagavad Gita)

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TURMERIC IMAGE: By Simon A. Eugster (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

Other content is an excerpt adapted from ‘Avena’ Journal of the New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists with permission from the editor.