The principles of Health are easily learned, and if followed, afford a life of abundant vitality. Health is much more than the absence of disease. Health is Freedom. Health is a state of balance, wherein energy flows uninterrupted through body, mind and soul. Health is the expression of a higher power, a higher frequency, a higher purpose. The Principles of Health are best expressed by the following key factors:
- Proper Nutrition
- Pure Water
- Fresh Air
- Exercise
- Rhythm
- Sunlight
- Rest
- Self-Control
- Trust in Divine Providence
These factors enable us to understand life’s balance, the balance between the physical, mental and spiritual. They are necessary for development, care and maintenance of our entire being. As multi-dimensional beings, living in a multi-dimensional environment, when we violate one aspect of these principles we violate all the others, affecting not only the physical man, but the emotional, psychological and spiritual man as well. As we incorporate these principles into our lives we restore balance, allowing energy to flow freely through our body, mind and spirit.
While these principles certainly receive validation by modern medical science, we are intrigued to find these same principles recorded in some of our civilizations earliest manuscripts. (i.e. The Old Testament of the Holy Scriptures – The Torah). Within the first three chapters of the book of Genesis we find these principles of life in the story of creation.
Proper Nutrition
There are many “authorities” in the field of nutrition, yet only One Truth, therefore – Make Truth Your Authority – Not Authority Your Truth!
Genesis 1:29 God also said, “See I have given you for food every fruit and grain-bearing plant upon the surface of the whole Earth, as well as fruit and seed-bearing trees and all vegetation, so that it may be food for you…” Immediately after giving these dietary laws, God saw everything that he had made and said “behold, it was very good”. (Gen. 1:31) Nothing superfluous, nothing lacking, complete harmony.
Although I am not here to make an argument for or against vegetarianism, the point should be noted that the physiological and biological make up of man is not that of a carnivore. A comparative study clearly indicates the irrefutable differences in body structure, enzyme function and digestive structure of the carnivore as compared to the human being.
The diet given to us in the Holy Scriptures was that of raw living foods, fruits, nuts, and grains. These foods contain all the elements needed to build the human body and maintain health. However, eating all the best nutrition in the world is not enough. You must consider the remaining key factors.
Pure Water
Genesis 2:10 “ And a body of water sprang up in Eden to supply the Garden with water, and from there it divided and became four sources.”
Water is essential to both plants and humans, without it we will die within a very short time. Water is needed first by the liver; it is best that it be a high energy water. In fact, the body operates under a water vapor or steam pressure. Without the proper water, enzyme structure and energy reactions will be interfered with. Research indicates DNA changes its configurations depending on the environment it is in…“changes in the environment of DNA such as temperature, acidity, salt level and water content can drive transformations between DNA structures…When the mode softens, the amplitude of vibrations grows so large that the original structure is destabilized and the molecule is driven into a new geometry.”
A water molecule, expressed in the chemical symbol H20, consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Standing alone, the hydrogen atom contains one positive proton at its core, with one negative electron revolving around it in a three dimensional shell. Hydrogen atoms are the smallest atoms in the universe, having only a single proton and a single electron. Hydrogen is estimated to form 90% of the matter in the universe. Oxygen, on the other hand, contains eight protons in its core with eight electrons revolving around it. The single hydrogen electron and the eight electrons of oxygen are the key to the chemistry of life.
The importance of water is paramount, but as crucial is providing the proper type of water in proper proportions within the proper time frame. Seventy percent of a human body’s weight is water, and water content for an infant is more than 80%. A human body gets old from a lack of water (literally dries up). More than half of the water content of a human body remains in the cells, but does not remain there unmoved. That’s why the water quality is a decisive factor for a good health.
Every day a grown-up needs approximately 2.5 liters of water, on average this equates to half the body weight in fluid ounces. Water can be obtained from food if one is consuming a healthy diet. Metabolism in the body generates 0.5 liter of water. An adult excretes about 2.5 liters of water every day, among which urea is 1.5 liters. Defecating contains 0.1 liter of water, sweat is 0.5 liter, in each exhaling breath 0.4 liter of water is eliminated. The water intake and water excreted out should basically be in balance.
Fresh Air
Genesis 1:6 “ and God said let there be an expanse between the waters, and let it be a division between the waters.”
No one will dispute that we cannot live without air. In fact we derive 80% of the body’s energy from the air we breathe and only 20% from our diet. A human can survive several weeks without food, several days without water, but only a few minutes without air. Every cell in the body requires a continual exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to function, and breathing is the process by which that exchange occurs. Breathing is a constant cycle of intake and exhaust, feeding the body and cleansing it.
Breathing is energizing. When the air is clean, the lungs strong, and the body relaxed, the body can develop to its peak potential, acquiring a greater sense of power and balance, awareness and mental sharpness. Under these conditions, proper breathing bestows many benefits: stamina and energy, confidence and a zest for life, a centering of body, mind and spirit, reduced stress and heightened focus; improved skin tone, quicker healing and relief from many aches and pains.
Oxygen, taken in by the lungs has been called the life force (prana) by the Hindu, the qi or chi by the Chinese and the ki by the Japanese. In fact, the words spirit and breath are the same, having common roots in many languages. When we breathe in, we take in spirit (inspire). Breath is the essence of being, the movement of spirit in the body. How we breathe both reflects the state of our emotions and mind and influences the state of our emotions and mind.
Breathing is the function of the respiratory system (air passages, lungs and diaphragm), which acts as a bellows to take fresh air in and push waste air out. Air is drawn in when the diaphragm pulls open the bottom of the chest cavity increasing its volume. This reduces the air pressure within the lungs relative to the outside air and, as a result, air rushes into the lungs. This is inhalation. When the diaphragm and other chest and abdominal muscles relax, the elastic properties of the lungs cause them to contract, pushing the waste air out. This is exhalation.
We breathe about 11 to 16 times per minute at rest, or about 16,000 to 23,000 times per day, although during heavy exercise this rate can double for short periods of time. The process of breathing is generally performed unconsciously; however, we can easily control our breathing by conscious effort.
Breathing function can be impeded by restrictions in the air passages to and within the lungs due to illness, injury, chronic weaknesses or blockage by foreign objects such as dust or mucus. Often our breathing is restricted by tense muscles, poor posture, tight clothing or emotions. In fact, the body image of a puffed-out chest and a flat belly is the antithesis to proper breathing for both men and women.
Breathing is often classified as either chest breathing or abdominal breathing. Of course all breath is taken in by the lungs in the chest. These designations indicate the predominant muscles used for breathing. When we breathe using mostly the upper chest muscles to open the rib cage (chest breathing), our breathing is shallow. Too little air drawn into the lungs results in oxygen-poor blood. This puts a strain on the heart, which must pump more blood to feed the cells. Upper chest breathing fills only about one quarter of the lung’s capacity. In an average-sized adult this is about 500 cubic centimeters or about half a pint of air. Emotional status also influences how we breathe. When we are distraught, we tend to breath by rapid, shallow chest breathing.
Abdominal breathing does not mean filling the abdomen with air, but rather using the muscles in the abdomen, sides and back of the lower torso to permit the maximum lowering of the diaphragm. With maximum chest expansion, air can enter the full lungs, filling a volume as much as eight times that filled during shallow chest breathing. This is very important because the increased volume allows air to enter the lower lungs where most of the blood circulates.
Proper posture, a relaxed body, loose-fitting clothing and a slow constant rhythm are important for efficient abdominal breathing. With proper posture, we allow the muscles to expand the chest with a minimum of effort. If we slouch and force the weight of the upper chest onto the abdomen, it takes much more energy for abdominal breathing than when the back is straight and relaxed. Similarly, when we overeat, the volume of food in our stomach hinders the proper action of the diaphragm, thus restricting our breathing. This reduces the oxygen supply, which is needed to work the digestive process. With the increased volume of food and a reduced capacity to digest it, we may feel tired and experience indigestion.
The oxygen taken into the lungs is vitally important for both physical health and emotional health. Well oxygenated blood stimulates healing within the body and improves skin tone. It may also relieve aches and pains. Indeed, breathing can be used to relieve pain, especially where muscle tension is involved, by relaxing muscles. Often during bouts of pain, we involuntarily contract our muscles in response. This leads to more pain, either by squeezing the affected area or by overworking muscles. In such instances, we can use our conscious control over breathing to help relax those muscles, which will result in an immediate reduction of pain.
The use of breathing to relax the muscles of the body is a major component of many techniques for stress reduction and relaxation. All of the major exercise/relaxation techniques — such as yoga, tai chi, qigong — and many forms of meditation utilize breathing as part of the regime. Breathing can also be used to improve mental function and emotional health.
Even if our breathing process is working at high efficiency, we need a good supply of fresh air to reap the full benefits of breathing. Breathing polluted air brings harmful chemicals into the lungs and blood stream. These may directly affect lung function by blocking air passages (dust), damaging lung tissue (acid aerosols or ozone) or by displacing oxygen in the blood (carbon monoxide). Carbon monoxide combines more rapidly and forms a much stronger bond with blood hemoglobin than does oxygen, thus robbing the body of its needed oxygen supply.
We may also experience breathing difficulties when the oxygen content in the air is low. This is common at higher altitudes where the air pressure is diminished. Those living at altitude generally adapt to these conditions after a time. Indoors, overcrowding of a room can lower the oxygen content, especially if the ventilation is poor.
All life breathes; in fact, the whole planet breathes in a continual exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. When the rhythm is right, all is in harmony. Deep and rhythmic breathing will assist our bodies to heal, promote relaxation and improve mental and emotional functioning.
Exercise
Genesis 2:15 “The Ever-Living God then took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden for the purpose of cultivating and taking care of it.”
Adams was Earth’s first gardener, an occupation that afforded him plenty of physical exercise. Our bodies are living machinery designed to be in daily activity; it is this activity that provides our preserving power. Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of the blood while increasing the efficiency of the heart and lungs. In addition to the physical benefits, regular exercise improves mood and relieves depression. Endorphins are released in the brain during exercise and these promote a sense of wellbeing and happiness long after the exercise is over.
Some of the many benefits of exercise include increased opportunities to make new friends and to share an activity with friends or family members. Physiologically exercise has numerous benefits including these listed below:
Reduced cholesterol levels
Increased muscle strength
Reduced blood pressure
Increased capacity to handle stress
Reduced risk of major illnesses
Improved quality of sleep
Reduced risk of diabetes
Increased mental acuity
Reduced risk of heart disease
Increased physical capabilities
Weight loss
Increased energy
Improved Appearance
Toned muscles
Improved posture
Enhanced Social Life
Improved self-image
Increased Stamina
Increased productivity
Less frequent injuries
Improved immunity to minor illnesses
Mind Over Immobility