As a holistic physician and author, Dr. Deepak Chopra is pleasantly surprised that his earlier books have become best sellers. “A book such as `Ageless Body, Timeless Mind’ [and `Quantum Healing’ before that] is very theoretical and philosophical,” said Chopra during a recent telephone interview. For example, Chopra said that “your body is simultaneously material and non-material. You can choose to experience your body as physical or as a network of energy, transformation and intelligence.”
Chopra’s approach builds on the Uncertainty Principle of quantum physics, which states that every event is a particle (matter) and a wave (energy) simultaneously. On the other hand, Chopra also draws extensively from the Ayurveda system of healing that holds your body is field of energy “at one with the energy of the cosmos, inexhaustible and constantly in motion.”
“By cultivating the habit of thinking of your body as a field of energy,” said Chopra, “you will begin to experience it as a flexible, dynamic bundle of consciousness, rather than as a fixed, material thing.”
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One of the most effective–and simplest–ways to achieve “quantum healing” is daily rituals, said Chopra. He recommends many in his new book “Grow Younger, Live Longer: 10 Steps to Reverse Aging” (Harmony, $24), which he co-authored with Dr. David Simon.
Chopra and Simon turned up lots of research (from the U.S., Europe and Asia) that strengthens the argument that caring for our health is about tending to the body, mind and spirit. For instance, Chopra said folic acid (now required by law in fortified breads and cereals to help protect against birth defects) affects how the amino acid homocysteine is metabolized in the body and keeps the heart healthy. Other good sources of folic acid include lentils, spinach, black beans, orange juice and chickpeas.
Chopra and Simon identified “water deprivation” as a major obstacle to staying healthy in later years.
Chopra recommends dividing your body weight by 2. That’s the number of ounces you should be drinking each day. Soda and caffeinated drinks don’t count. Drinking a glass of warm water in the mornings can help elimination.
Too many older individuals don’t think of water as an anti-aging strategy. Plus, if they take medications, those drugs are likely robbing the body of additional water.
“The level of water deprivation in nursing homes is astounding,” said Chopra. “Our bodies are 60 percent water, our brains are 74 percent water. Every cell reaction in the body is water-dependent.”
Chopra’s 10 steps cover some of the expected strategies, including healthy food, nutritional supplements, exercise, mind-body relaxation technique and proper rest. Other chapters discuss changing your perceptions, eliminating toxins, cultivating flexibility and creativity in your life and reversing age through love.
In a final chapter, Chopra suggests that a youthful mind is spontaneous and not overly conditioned to established norms. Chopra contends it will enhance our minds to act upon some of spontaneous impulses. A few examples: Kiss your spouse, start dancing, call your mother, sing, read a poem.
Chopra encourages us to nourish the body, mind and spirit through the five senses. It seems almost too simple, but adding new sound, touch, smell, sights and tastes to your day keeps you young. Studies from such institutions as Duke, Stanford, Harvard and the University of Miami back up the advice.
The list is endless: Listen to different music from around the world. Notice a new sound of nature every day. Dig your hands in the earth. Caress a loved one. Notice the details in clouds or shades of green in a stand of trees. Bite into foods as if tasting them for the first time. Try a new dish. Bake bread from scratch, then eat it with your family.
“Our brains and memories are anchored through the senses,” said Chopra. “The brain is not a static organ. Using all five of your senses regenerates neurons and connects the neurons at every age.”
Chopra has observed the power of sensory therapy firsthand in nursing homes, where he always recommends more water consumption.
“We play music and movies that were popular when the residents were young,” said Chopra. “All of sudden people start coming to life. They move more and even start singing. It is like watching plants revive with water.”
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Dr. Deepak Chopra will be speaking and signing books from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Stephens Conference Center in Rosemont. Tickets are $75 for the general public, which includes the cost of a signed book. Call 312-951-7323 for more details.