Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Can i go to mountains?

In summer most people like to travel to mountains either for holidays or for a spiritual retreat.  In both situations it works like a detoxifier for the mind providing an atmosphere devoid of routine stresses of life. 
Most spiritual destinations are situated at high altitude and require a 7-10 days to complete the retreat.  This 7-10 days visit with frequent halts provides inner happiness through sequential mental detoxification (let go of desires); intellectual and ego detoxification (let go of expectations and of ego) and physical detoxification (let go of attachments).
Many precautions needs to be taken so that this spiritual journey does not end into a sickness as at high altitudes one can end up with high altitude related sicknesses.
 Amarnath Yatra is one such spiritual destination. The snow- build Amarnath Shiva Lingam is situated at an altitude of 13700 ft (5486 m) and is regarded as one of the most sacred places in India. An altitude over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) is usually defined as high altitude.
 The Yatra tour demands good health and physical fitness. People with problems of hypertension, diabetes, heart ailments, epilepsy and asthma should consult their doctor before planning for the Yatra. One should start the physical fitness program several weeks before starting the journey. Walking regularly is the best way to prepare. One should take appropriate quantities of the right medicines for a wide variety of ailments.
Preventing mountain sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness depends on the elevation, the rate of ascent and individual susceptibility. Most visitors suffer from some symptoms that will generally disappear through acclimatization in several hours to several days.
Symptoms are worse at night and include headache, dizziness, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and irritability. Difficulty sleeping is another common symptom, and many travelers have trouble sleeping for the first few days.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can be very serious, with the most serious symptoms being High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and High altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which can be fatal. Symptoms of HAPE include weakness, shortness of breath, even at rest, impending suffocation at night, and a persistent productive cough with white, watery, or frothy fluid. Symptoms of HPCE may include headache, ataxia, weakness, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, coma and loss of memory. Both approach and strike at night and can be fatal! Immediate descent is the surest treatment.
A gradual ascent allows the body to acclimatize to higher altitudes and the decreased oxygen supply. The formula is to give a night halt between 7000 to 10,000 feet, night halt for every 1500 feet climb and full day halt for every 3000 feet climb thereafter.
One should avoid exercise in the first few days. One should attempt to do half of the activities on the first day while the body is working to acclimate to higher altitude oxygen conditions.
No alcohol should be consumed especially in the first few days and no smoking should be done on the journey.  This is tru for those going for holidays. For those going for spiritual retreats bot in anyway are prohibited.

One should drink enough water each day so that the urine runs clear.
One should eat enough calories. Low cal diets at high altitudes can sabotage health. A well-nourished body can adjust to changes better than an under nourished one can. One should take high carbohydrate diet.
One should avoid taking tranquilizers and sleeping pills. These will depress the respiratory drive and limit oxygen intake. Some medication also helps to prevent AMS, like acetazolamide and nifedipine.  Pregnant ladies should avoid high altitude visits. Patients with chronic diseases should take a medical clearance.

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