Semen-conservation doctrine from ancient Ayurvedic to modern sexological theory
Article Abstract:
Ayurvedism, or ayurvedic medicine, is an ancient form of medicine that endorses a holistic approach to health maintenance and treatment, integrating the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of being. Ayurvedism, still widely practiced in India and other places, may date back to as early as 1500 BC. One teaching of ayurvedism is semen conservation, or the importance of an adequate level of semen and its components in the body for the maintenance of health. It is taught that a lack of semen, as a result of masturbation for instance, will invariably result in disease and imbalance. Teachings provide for the rejuvenation of semen production through the use of about 50 various methods classified as nutritional (by increasing protein in the diet), herbal (such as using hashish and opium), or mental (by relaxation and stress control). While ayurvedic principles are intended to promote healthy functioning of the integrated mind, body, and spirit, their influence on Western societies has been negative and has been used to promote sexual inhibition. One manifestation was the antimasturbation movement in the 19th and 20th centuries. In India today the effects of the ayurvedic teaching of conservation of semen can be seen in two schools of thought: the traditional school promoting conservation and the enhancement of health and sexuality, and the school that promotes conservation as part of the sexual repression, similar to the general antisexualism movement of the Victorian era and current American thinking. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Psychotherapy
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0002-9564
Year: 1991
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Angel in the outback
Article Abstract:
Art historian Robert Hughes' latest book will be complemented by an eight-part television version that will be aired over PBS in May 1997. The book, mainly an appreciation of American art, warns of a decline that may result from current happenings in the art market.
Publication Name: Vanity Fair
Subject: General interest
ISSN: 0733-8899
Year: 1997
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I can do it myself
Article Abstract:
Several recipes of breakfast and dinner meals, bread sandwiches and desserts that children prepared on their own are presented. These include the recipes for pizza rollups, choco-peanut delights, chicken sandwiches and maca-pizza.
Publication Name: Southern Living
Subject: Home and garden
ISSN: 0038-4305
Year: 1999
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