Being happy sounds simple enough, but as most of us know life can get pretty complex at times making it difficult to concentrate or achieve some of the simplest pleasures in life. ‘SunShines’ brings the focus back in on what is actually important to achieve happiness using a fairly simple, but powerful astrological technique.

Some modern homoeopaths no longer pay any serious attention to the miasms and do not study the nine ways to use nosodes. Some are Neo-Kentian prescribers but they do not seem to understand that Kent studied the miasms and used nosodes in various ways depending on the circumstances. It seems at this time, however, the miasms are making a necessary come back as they are an integral part of homoeopathic pathology. Dare to Know!

The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine seems like a great idea, and states are rushing through legislation to require it for preadolescent girls. Prevent cervical cancer from this sexually transmitted disease by providing a vaccine before girls become sexually active. Unfortunately, real life is much more complicated than that ideal.

Zinc oxide is the only completely safe sunblocking agent. In addition zinc oxide also has anti-inflammatory effects that can help to mitigate damage caused by UV radiation. Zinc oxide blocks both UVA and UVB radiation...Enjoy the sunny weather. Avoid getting sunburned and be prudent about sun exposure at midday. Wear a hat. Protect your eyes with UV sunglasses. Use a zinc oxide sunscreen.

Mild seasonal depression is a commonly experienced condition that is easily treated homeopathically. For severe depression, self treatment is inadvisable; however, for slight to moderate slumps from the cold, rainy, snowy and dark winter months, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere (Antipods: save this email for your next winter season), homeopathy offers great relief to the "winter blues".

That rhythm renews us is no secret. Drumming is the oldest form of music on the planet. Virtually every culture that exists or has existed on earth has practiced some form of drumming. In Africa, the beating of a drum continues to be an important part of significant ceremonies and holiday celebrations. Native American cultures use drumming as a means to reconnect an individual's mental and physical selves. Throughout history, drumming has been a part of performing rituals, marking significant transitions, and celebrating life's cycles. Our lives are infused with rhythm beginning at the very moment we first sense our mother's heartbeat in her womb.

So many people are helplessly dependent on painkillers to relieve their symptoms because they have not sought out safer and less suppressive treatment. Although many forms of treatment can replace these dangerous painkillers, most people still pursue the palliative approach of drugs. Treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, and herbs have all proven to be effective alternative (or primary) therapeutic interventions both in clinical studies and in their own venerable traditions.

Dr Isaac Mathai is a homeopath by profession. He has also trained in other alternate systems of medicine like Chinese pulse diagnosis, acupuncture and mind-body medicine. He founded Soukya, a holistic health care centre, at Whitefield in January 2003. He speaks to Metrolife on Soukya and the importance of alternate health systems today.

In 1928 Richard Simmons, M.D. hypothesized that colds and flu virus enter through the ear canal. His findings were dismissed by the medical community. According to Dr. Simmons, contrary to what you may think or have been taught about how you catch the flu or the cold there is only one way that you can catch the two, and that's via the ear canal not through the eyes or nose or mouth as most have believed.

Even before the discovery of bacteria and viruses, physicians have long sought methods to prevent the scourge of epidemic diseases. Amulets have been used throughout history to help ward off illness. Coral was worn by infants to prevent colic, a red thread worn about the neck was thought to prevent nosebleeds, and a dried toad could be worn to ward off the plague. Bezoar stones from the stomachs of animals were so highly praised for their prophylactic powers that the Shah of Persia sent some to Napoleon as a gift. Bonaparte, failing to see their merit, promptly threw them into the fire as useless rocks. So have gone many of the prophylactics of old.(1)