Rama Jyoti Vernon

Japan, Radiation, and Spiritual Emergence
by Rama Jyoti Vernon

Is it true that when a butterfly flutters its’ wings, the ripple effect will be felt throughout the world?

It was night in America and the next afternoon in Japan. That night, I fell asleep unusually early.  A couple of hours later, I awoke with a start and a strong impulse to turn on CNN. Breaking news flashed across the screen of an 8.4 earthquake in Japan that was later upgraded to 9.0. I watched in disbelief as a helicopter view of the tsunami captured the giant wave as it rose and swelled to gigantic proportions burying the vast Japanese coastline. As it moved inland it gathered momentum spreading across farmlands inhaling whatever was in its path.

Where are the people, did they evacuate? I wondered as buildings were ripped from their foundations and boats and cars were swept inland. The book of the Yoga Sutras was lying next to me and I thought of the waves of the mind and their parallel to the waves of the tsunami. Sometimes the waves are like the small ripple and others are like the tsunami engulfing our mind and emotions. We can either ride the tide or go under the waves of present or past grief, unresolved anger, hurts and resentments.

As I watched, unable to turn away I held all the peoples in the region in my heart and meditation. I saw a great mantel of light come from the heavens encircling the region and all its inhabitants. I prayed for the people of Japan to be eased of their shock, confusion and terror and rise above the waves of disaster to merge with the Universal light of which we are all a part.

Many years ago, the tides of change struck California when the Oakland Hills fire burned everything in its path to the ground, leaving only a few straggling brick fireplaces. People were in shock and grieving their losses. My dear friend lost her hand-hewn cottage and all her beautiful belongings. Just the week before, she told me of her outrage at the floor company for sanding her floor too low in one small spot. When the fire burned her cottage to the ground, I could not help but think that now, she did not have to worry about her floor. The floor was gone.  From this I learned that what we think is important in one phase of our life can become so insignificant in another.

There may be momentary earthquakes in our own lives such as loss of job, home, loved ones and our own health. It may seem like the end of the world but it is only the end of our world as we know it. As we seek the stability of a “ground of Being” that is unchanging we cling to what was because we are afraid of what is yet to be. The earthquakes, ensuing tsunamis and hurricanes in our life loosen our grip and force us to let go and ride the wave of evolutionary change.

When I enter the gate of my home, 2 white ducks glide upon the pond. The ducks are always there, every day, every season without fail. No matter what’s happening in the world or in my life, these two little white beings floating gracefully upon the water fills my heart with the realization that “all is right with the world.” To me, they are the Purusha, the substratum of being, changeless and eternal where the events of the tsunami represent Prakriti, time and evolutionary change. Yoga helps us to embrace change for it creates flexibility of body and mind. We can be like the willow bending in the wind while deep within we hold the awareness of Purusha.

We are now facing more tides of change. The danger of radiation spewing into the environment hovers like an invisible shadow over the survivors in Japan as well as other parts of the world. We do not yet know how the cascading effects will take shape. A few days ago, the news broadcasted that traces of radiation were found in California but it has not since been mentioned. There is usually a tendency to downplay its presence and impact for fear of panic. I have received calls from Yoga teachers throughout this country who know of my exposure to radiation and depleted uranium in Chernobyl, Kosovo and Afghanistan. They want to know what I have learned about living with radiation after enduring damage to my health and surviving two near death experiences as a result of this exposure. The greatest piece of knowledge I can share with you I learned from the Soviets during my eight years working in the former Soviet Union.

Some of my Soviet colleagues were working with the children whose lives were shortened since the fallout of Chernobyl. They built salt rooms that looked like crystal caves for the children to remain in for a specified length of time. They used medicinal herbs indigenous to their region.  Yoga was a mainstay for strengthening bones, balancing the endocrine system and raising the blood count on those little beings dying of leukemia. Before Chernobyl, the Russian children had strong bones, strong bodies and thick lustrous hair. After Chernobyl, I was shocked to see the children with their wispy hair, weak limbs and alarmingly thin weak bodies.  Some children would be fortunate to reach the age of 15, diagnosed with illnesses of many names but all traced to the aftermath of Chernobyl.

A group of doctors and healers were having success with their groups of children. I inquired into what they were doing. They described the environmental conferences they held with their affected neighbors of the Scandinavian countries. They were concerned about contamination to the fish in their seas, to the grass-fed milk cows, to the lands, rivers and lakes. They were concerned about the air they breathed and the earth itself. They shared all of this, and then said they would tell me their secrets of offsetting the effects of radiation. I moved forward in my chair totally attentive to hear of a miraculous substance.

They told me that radiation is light and has a high vibratory frequency. Through their spiritual practices of meditation, prayer, Yoga, eating less dense foods and faith and love of God, they could raise their own cellular vibration to that of radiation to offset the harmful effects. They were smiling and even joyful.

“You see,” one Russian doctor bubbled with excitement, “We are using radiation as our spiritual guide. It forces us to be more fully conscious each moment of every day. If we have a negative thought it reduces the vibratory frequency of our cells and we become more susceptible. If we are angry or critical, our cells vibrate at a slower pace and we can become ill. If we become lighter, we become light and become one with the light of radiation. You see,” they beamed, “radiation is our spiritual practice.”

I was reminded of this profound statement last September in a laser light seminar. I shared the stories of my exposures to radiation with the seminar leader and he responded, “You’ve received the light. Now it is time for you to give it out.” It was a profound moment for me and reminded me of the wisdom of the Russians I had forgotten; it was time to raise the cellular vibration to the speed of light. Renewed health and energy began changing my life from that moment on. After using the laser, I felt energy streaming into my cells creating greater balance and strength. Now I feel better than I have in 30 years…have greater strength, energy and enthusiasm than ever before. Perhaps the greatest gift radiation can give us is a trim tab shift in perception. Instead of seeing radiation as destructive to health we can use it as an opportunity for spiritual evolution.

While we work with radiation effects from a spiritual perspective, it is also important to work with it in the physical. (See other articles in this newsletter for information on offsetting the effects of radiation)

Perhaps this incident with the plants in Japan will shed light upon our dependence on nuclear energy and allow the alternative energy technologies to surface with greater rapidity. However, I just met a man who was traveling the country to spearhead the building of 300 nuclear power plants and he assured me they are safe and self-contained. I can tell you from my own sensitivity, they are not. It is difficult to trace growing health challenges related to the radium tipped bombs and nuclear waste in armaments used in other countries.

Now the news of Japan is being eclipsed by the escalating changes (called “crises”) in the Middle East. As one “crisis” is highlighted by our media the other becomes old news and is no longer mentioned. We then assume that it is over. But for the people in the regions, it is only the  beginning of their rehabilitation.

These “crises” are heart-wrenching but also heart opening. Each rescue attempt is a testimony to love and caring. Strangers reach out to one another in their grief and shock. Rescuers risk their own lives to help others and to prevent greater nuclear meltdowns. I will never forget the image of two surviving dogs in Japan. The wounded dog lay unable to get up. The other stood over him and would not leave his side. As the wounded dog tried to raise its head the one guarding put his wet and bedraggled paw gently on its head as if to say, it’s all right just rest, help will come soon.

As I write this, my heart is filled with compassion and love for all peoples of Japan, the Middle East, and all those who have ever been impacted by the earth, fire, tornados, hurricanes and physical and spiritual starvation throughout the world that remains unfed. If we cannot be there, or send aid, we can give the radiance of our own growing light into the atmosphere of our world, loving and embracing those near and far.

This is an emerging spiritual “crisis” for all. We are all moving through intense life and earth changes together.  Perhaps we can individually and collectively speed up the cellular vibration to match that of light so we can live a long and healthy life and thrive spiritually as our hearts expand to hold all peoples everywhere in its petals like a parent embracing a lost child. If we truly believe in our unity with our brothers and sisters of the one humanity, we know that we affect each other just as the butterfly affects the whole world with the flutter of its wings.

Rama’s suggestions for increasing the frequency of cellular vibration to that of radiation:

• Practice Yoga, applying its philosophy into everyday life
• Meditating and chanting help speed up molecular vibrations
• Refining our diet lightens our cells
• Releasing habit-forming substances that slow down cellular vibrations and cloud the mind
• Transcending critical thoughts of self and others
• Speaking words that heal rather than wound the hearts of others
• Transcending all political, religious, ethnic and racial boundaries that separate nations, states and people
• Walking lightly upon the earth
• Meeting everyone as if they have a broken heart
• Blessing all who cross our path
• Remembering our Oneness with all Beings
• Forgive, Forgive, Forgive so we can lighten our heart and every cell of our Being

Rama’s experience with overcoming ill effects from past radiation exposure indicates the following to be helpful:

• Create a beautiful atmosphere in the home with green energy of plants and salt lamps in as many rooms as possible to help produce negative ionic energy.
• Turn off computers, printers, cell and smart phones at night. Even though they are considered non-ionizing radiation, they do emit radiation and affect our energy field.  While it is hard to live without wireless, it can create imbalances in the endocrine glands, nervous and immune systems. Some who had wireless removed from their homes found their headaches either lessened or disappeared.
• For those disciplined and dedicated, Agni Hotra, a small fire ceremony in a copper triangular pot, can be done at sunrise and sunset. The effects reach far into the spheres and transform any ill effects of radiation. The impact of this ceremony has far reaching benefits for self, community and world.
• Luxuriate in baths of Epsom salts, salt and bicarbonate of soda. You can add bentonite clay (Red Desert Clay) to the bathwater or drink l/2 teaspoon in 5 oz. of water once or twice a day.
•  Enjoy sumptuous meals of leafy green vegetable salads with sea vegetables (dulse or kelp).

Studies have shown that various species of brown seaweed (such as kombu, limu moui, bladderwrack, wakame, mozuku, and hijiki) are rich in fucoidan which is known to combat radiation exposure. This can be used in place of potassium iodide which is a more aggressive method and can have harmful side effects.

• Cucumbers, celery and kelp help cool the body and reduce inflammation.
• Reduce sugar intake, including high sugar vegetables and fruits.
• Blending a handful of fresh parsley with good water can reduce inflammation and give energy.
• Drinking non-caffeinated drinks such as herb teas throughout the day is essential to prevent dryness of the body’s tissues and even dehydration. Hot water absorbs into the cells faster than cold or room temperature. Caffeine and alcohol increase inflammation and compromise the adrenalin glands which can affect the kidneys, the body’s filtration system, and create stress upon the heart.
• Ground golden Flax Seeds sprinkled on salads or made into tea are excellent for lubricating the system to increase elimination and insulate nerve sheaths. Also, concentrated flax hull lignans can reduce growth of cancer cells, and help those with type II Diabetes, which can occur or be exacerbated from exposure to radiation. Flax hull lignans are a rich source of phytoestrogens, and suppress the development of atherosclerosis which is chronic inflammation of the arteries due to accumulation of plaque.
• A highly respected radiation biologist shared with me that several laboratories have determined that melatonin is a radio protector, a successful antidote for radiation exposure. He also said that it is estimated that one would need high levels for it to work.
• The famous Ayurvedic physician Dr. Vasant Lad says, “Holy Basil performs the indispensable spiritual function of balancing and toning the energetic chakra system. It opens the heart and mind, bestowing the energy of love and devotion.  It strengthens faith, compassion and clarity.”

Note: Vitamin C is being recommended for combating effects of radiation. However, I found it was not beneficial. My experience with Vitamin C is that it affects the sympathetic nervous system which stimulates the adrenals which can cause constriction of the blood vessels, excessive heat and inflammation. Calcium affects the parasympathetic nervous system, dilating blood vessels that cause a cooling and calming effect.  This can reduce the inflammatory effects of radiation. In my experience calcium is more affective in low level radiation exposures than Vitamin C. Vitamin C can cause hyperactivity and hyperacidity. One of the best calcium brands I recommend is Premier Lab Coral Legend.  If one takes more than l/4 to l/2 tsp. a day it gets deposited within the joints so don’t overdo it.

Following are Yoga Poses that will help diffuse effects of low level radiation, keep the thyroid in balance and strengthen the immune system:

• Breathing in every pose is extremely important in preserving and strengthening the myelin sheaths of the nervous system.
• Shoulder Stand (A must – daily or twice daily): This is a neutralizing balance for thyroid and parathyroid which are responsible for the body’s metabolic processes and metabolism of calcium; the best posture for either hyper or hypothyroidism; balances blood pressure and prevents plaque buildup in carotids, which helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• Fish: Excellent pose to balance hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) and is also excellent for the liver and pancreas in cases of hypoglycemia; a great stimulant for a sluggish Thymus and Pituitary gland.
• Plow: This pose balances the Thyroid and Para thyroids and keeps the lymphatic system in balance through its effects on the Thymus gland (which shrivels at puberty); the Thymus is the central axis of the lymphatic system; even low levels of radiation weaken the immune system allowing dis-ease or non-ease to enter the tissues in the weakest point of our body where we usually hold our physical and emotional stress.
• Forward Bends: Good for hyperthyroidism (over stimulation of thyroid); just as Melatonin affects the pineal gland in the back of the brain which is responsible for the ability to sleep, forward bends give the same affect through their benefit to the parasympathetic nervous system which interacts with the Pineal; forward bends help balance over stimulation of adrenal glands giving calmness of mind and relation of body.

Recommendations from Auyurvedic Practitioner Ann Wagoner:

1) Increase your iodine consumption. If your thyroid is full of non-radioactive iodine, then you are less apt to absorb radioactive iodine — whether it comes floating in the air across the Pacific or is leaked from a local nuclear power plant in the U.S. If you want to get a general sense of what your iodine level is, you can do a patch test. Take some liquid iodine tincture and apply it to your inner elbow or arm (or some other area that you don’t mind staining.) It should take 24 hours for the iodine patch to disappear. If it takes less than 24 hours, then your iodine levels are low. If you’re under age 30, there are a few reasons why your levels may be low. One is due to age, and another is that iodine used to be added to salt and used to be present in most breads and baked goods. This is no longer the case. And a lot of people have switched to sea salt that doesn’t contain iodine.

Adding sea vegetables to your diet is a great way to raise your iodine levels. Dulse is sold whole or flaked and can be added to soups or vegetables. One third of a cup of Dulse has 780 percent of your recommended daily iodine and 16 percent of your recommended potassium intake. Kelp, Hiziki and Wakame flakes are also very high in iodine. Hiziki can be rinsed, soaked and sauteed with vegetables or tofu. Wakame is used in miso soup with scallions, carrot or mushrooms. These natural sources of iodine, that are very common in the Japanese diet, may be a contributing factor to the lower incidence of breast cancer and other cancers there. If you really can’t stand the taste of seaweed, you can get Kelp tablets in most health food stores. Other foods high in iodine are beetroot, radish, parsley, potatoes, oatmeal and bananas.

2) Eliminate your milk and dairy consumption. Cows near the Chernobyl accident that were exposed to radiation when they ate grass with radioactive dust produced radioactive dairy products. “If fallout were to reach here, 98 percent of a person’s dose comes from drinking contaminated milk, and most people could protect themselves by not drinking milk or eating dairy products,” says Denise Grady of the New York Times. The Vernal Equinox is on Sunday, and there is no better time, from an Ayurvedic perspective, to decrease or eliminate your dairy consumption. This is the time of year when heavy and wet, Kapha, conditions make dairy consumption a cause for increased mucus production and colds. I know it’s easier to take a Kelp pill than to cut out ice cream at night, but this may be far better for your health. Plus, with Monsanto introducing genetically modified alfalfa into the organic milk equation, there may be no better time to pause on your milk and cheese consumption. Just take a break and see what the reports are in July. We may be able to resume eating an occasional ice cream this summer.

3) Stay indoors. That’s what the Japanese officials are telling the people of Japan. I know it sounds silly when it comes to radiation, but it could slightly reduce your exposure to dust with radioactive iodine. The half life of iodine 131 is 8 days, so stay inside until we get more clear news. It’s a great opportunity to practice yoga, meditate, or start the spring cleaning that you may need to do.

4) Shower daily with soap and water. “Helicopter crews involved in post- tsunami rescue work over the past several days have shown low-level exposure to radiation. Decontamination under these circumstances mainly involved a lot of soap and water to remove radioactive particles,” says Keith Bradsher of the New York Times. Protect your skin by rubbing in sesame oil after a shower. Read more about abhyanga and relaxing self massage.

5) Take half a teaspoon of Triphala powder with a cup of hot water at night before bed. I’m doing research on Ayurvedic herbs that can be used for cancer prevention and treatment. Some herbs are used during or before radiation to help prevent its side effects. In Phytomedicine, Vol. 9, pp. 99-108 (2002) there is an article on “The evaluation of the radioprotective effect of Triphala (an Ayurvedi rejuvenating drug) in the mice exposed to y-radiation,” by G.C. Jagetia et al. “Triphala may scavenge free radicals produced by radiation and thus inhibit radiation-induced damage to the cellular DNA.” Triphala is an Ayurvedic mixture of three fruits: Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki. Another Ayurvedic mixture, Kanchnara Guggulu, is also know to cleanse the lymph system, destroy tumors and balance thyroxine (useful for both hypo and hyper thyroids). Manjishta is another great blood and plasma cleanser. But Triphala is a good, basic herb for all three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

6) Don’t conceive a child for the next six months. If you really think you’ve been exposed to Iodine 131, wait before conceiving. Women who receive radiation treatment with this isotope are told not to get pregnant for six months. 7) Take more time to relax. Sit down with a good book, get out your art project or cook yourself a healthy meal. You’ll be less stressed the less media you consume. Relaxation is important for building immunity and staying healthy.

Ann Wagoner is an Ayurvedic Practitioner working in Portland, Oregon.

Email: ann.wagoner@gmail.com or Phone: 503.890.2105

Recommendations from Rabbi Gabriel Cousens

If the body is taking in natural wholesome elements from certain foods, it will not have space to take in the radioactive elements. The various elements compete at the receptor cites, and healthy food wins every time.

To protect yourself from l-131 poisoning, take 5 kelp tablets daily. The body will absorb the kelp instead of the l-131. Taking 50-l00 mg of Idoral (a special Iodine) daily. It is more expensive yet also more effective.

To protect yourself from cesium poisoning, consume plenty of high potassium foods, as potassium competitively inhibits cesium uptake. Foods high in potassium include avocados, sea vegetables, and leafy green vegetables. I don’t necessarily recommend taking a potassium supplement. These foods should provide all you need to block cesium 187 uptake.

To protect yourself from plutonium poisoning, eat lots of dulse and consume iron from plant sources such as sea algaes such as spirulina and chlorella, which provide more iron than red meat. Miso soup has also been shown to have a protective effect, NCD, at l0 drops 4 times daily is excellent for taking almost all radioactive materials out of the body.

Additionally, foods and supplements high in antioxidants, will also help the body cope with these higher toxic levels as radioactive materials cause anti-oxidant depletion and ill health. I recommend taking the products Mega Hydrate and Anti-Oxidant Extreme for maximum antioxidant support.  Eating alkalizing food is also good as well as eating low on the food chain.

Rabbi Gabriel Cousens, M.D. (H), D.D. Diplomate American Board of Holistic Medicine and Diplomate in Ayurveda.

Recommended websites for offsetting effects of radiation

Concentrated flax hull lignans: www.aidshivawareness.org/flaxhull.htm

Radiation Protocol:  www.imva.com

Depleted uranium information:  www.ariesrisingpress.com

Depleted Uranium article: www.treeoflife.nu

Radiation Therapy: www.doctorapsley.com/RadiationTherapy.aspx