The Pericarp of Mangosteen

Append below more information from internet search on the nutritional values of mangosteen:

The mangosteen pericarp, about a half-centimeter thick, is green when unripe, then dark purple when ripe. That’s why it is also called “The Purple Mangosteen”.

When we eat mangosteen, we hold the fruit in both hands. The mangosteen pericarp looks tough and hardy, but is quite easy to open. What we do is using our thumbs to press on it gently and twist a little bit with our left hand turning anti-clockwise and our right hand turning clockwise until the pericarp cracks into two halves exposing the edible white flashy pulp which is sweet, juicy and delicious in taste. After eating, we will spit out the seeds and throw away the inedible pericarp without knowing that it is of highly nutritional values and benefits.

Accordingly, Asian Health Practitioners have long made use of mangosteen pericarp for a myriad of nutritional uses. The Southeast Asian people have been using the mangosteen fruit, especially the pericarp, to treat infections, reduce pain or control fever, and also treat various other illness and sickness.

Not surprisingly, dried mangosteen fruits have been shipped from Singapore to Calcutta and to China for medicinal use. The sliced and dried mangosteen pericarp, available in most Chinese drug stores, is powdered and administered to overcome dysentery. Made into an ointment, it is applied on eczema and other skin disorders.

It seems that mangosteen pericarp can absorb fats. Yesterday after a morning walk on part of golf course in Segamat Country Club, we sat down at the club house to chat while reading the newspaper. A Mr. Seow told us that his mum used to cook meat soup for her children and normally it turned out to be quite oily on the top layer of the boiled soup. When she added a few slices of mangosteen pericarp, somehow the meat soup was less oily as if the top layer of fat had been absorbed. He also said that boiling the mangosteen pericarp in water and then drink it would help to relief diarrheas and lower cholesterol.

As reported, the medicinal properties of the mangosteen fruit are derived mainly from its pericarp where powerful antioxidants (xanthones) are highly concentrated. The pericarp also contains a large number of biologically active substances, such as that of vitamins, catechins, polysaccharides, and stilbenes.

We have read that the presence of free radicals in our bodies has become the greatest threat to our overall health. They are able to attack each cell in the human body thousands of times per day, weakening it and making it susceptible to sickness and disease. Nevertheless, the rich antioxidants (xanthones) in the mangosteen pericarp, when consumed in the form of whole fruit mangosteen juice, are able to scavenge and neutralize the free radicals throughout our bodies. Apparently, it is highly effective in boosting weak immune systems.

[For information on original whole fruit mangosteen juice, click and visit http://www.myxango.com.my/jamesloh]

Goodness of Mangosteen

I wish to share more information on the goodness of mangosteen.

Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana), a tropical fruit grown in Southeast Asia countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, consists of a thick dark purple smooth rind known as pericarp and 4 – 8 triangular segment of snow-white, sofe flesh knows as pulp. It has been proclaimed by many as the best among all tropical fruit, popularly known as “Queen of Fruit”.

The mangosteen fruit is rich in vitamins such as B1, B2 & C and contains minerals like calcium, potassium, sodium and iron. However, the standout feature of this fruit is the presence of a high concentration of xanthones, a class of plant derived nutrients or "phytonutrients".

According to numerous scientific studies, xanthones are found to exhibit strong antioxidant activity to enhance and support the immune system in our bodies. Of the more than 200 known xanthones that are found in the plant kingdom, more than 40 are found in mangosteen. Amazingly, the most concentrated source of xanthones are found in the pericarp (rind) of the mangosteen fruit.

We can read about many benefits of xanthones by internet search. Interestingly, I come to know that xanthones serve an important purpose by fighting free radicals. It seem s that free radicals seek to attain atomic stability by acquiring an electron from the cells in the human body; thereby, causing irreversible oxidation of the cells. Nevertheless, xanthones have an antioxidant effect and they counter the deleterious effects of free radicals thus protecting the biological cells in our bodies.

I have also read about the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test showing that mangosteen juice is 20-30 times more effective than other fruits and vegetables in absorbing free radicals.

Just like many of my friends in Malaysia and Indonesia, I really enjoy the delicious taste of mangosteen fruit but we can only eat the fruit pulp. We have been throwing away the pericarp and the seeds which are the main source of xanothones. Moreover, mangosteen is not available throughout the year except during the fruiting season.

In today’s health concerns especially for senior citizens (the ageing parents, uncles and aunties), wellness is true happiness to them. I strongly believe that precaution of sickness is much better than daily medication.

I am now a senior citizen too, just retired from working in Indonesia. When I am asked of my age, I used to tell people, “I am 26”.

Yesterday, we had a fellowship breakfast after the church service at Chrisma Assembly, Segamat, on Christmas day. I was introduced to a church member and he told me that he was 46 years old. Jokingly, I told him that, “I am also 46”, as I was born in 1946. To be a young old man is better than an old young man. Don't you agree? Hahaha....

Praise the Lord that as we grow older, age is no more our main concern. Most important is that we must always feel young in our hearts and we are still fit to go for brisk walking, jogging, running, swimming, cycling, playing games and doing other forms of light exercises.

After knowing the goodness that mangosteen fruit can offer, it will be good that we can drink mangosteen juice daily as nutritional supplement to keep us staying healthy.

(For information on original whole fruit mangosteen juice, click and visit http://www.myxango.com.my/jamesloh)

Enlarged Postrate Treatment & Prostate Surgery Using Green Laser Light

If you are a male touching 60, here is something to watch out for. It is estimated that 85 per cent of all persons over the age of 60 years have enlargement of the prostate, a part of the normal process of ageing.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that lies at the base of the bladder, where urine is stored, surrounding the urethra, the tube that passes urine from the bladder out of the body. It is a part of the male reproductive system and has a tendency to enlarge with the passage of years. When it does enlarge, the condition is called ‘Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,’ (BPH)

BPH is very common and often exists with few or no symptoms. However as the prostate surrounds the urethra, enlargement can squeeze the urethra making it difficult to pass urine. The other symptoms include: Weak flow of urine, need to strain to pass urine, not being able to empty the bladder completely, so needing to use the toilet more often both day and night.

My prostate enlargement was detected on Dec 4, 2007 when I went for a complete medical checkup at Health Scan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The results showed that my prostate gland was enlarged, measruring 6.18 x 5.07 x 5.22 cm. The Primary Care Physician suggested to me to see a Urologist for prostatism. My doctor in Segamat prescribed me Hythrin 2mg to be taken before retiring in bed. However, I got to wake up 3 - 4 times during the night to urine.

Then I was advised to take Saw Palmotte & pumpkin seeds regularly to stop the enlargement.

Accordingly, pumpkin seeds contain a lot of phytosterols. Phytosterols is an ideal natural prostate treatment because it happens to be a compound which has properties that actually help shrink the prostate and is good for general prostate health.

Patients with BPH may need removal of the enlarged part of the prostate by surgical methods. It is normally the best long-term solution for some patients with BPH. This surgery only removes the portion of the prostate gland that is pressing against the urethra tube. The rest of the gland is left intact as well as the outside capsule.

My delay to see the Urologist was partly due to work commitment in Indonesia. Nevertheless, the Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test was done to monitor my prostate's condition. The total PSA was 0.9 NG/ML within 0.0 - 4.0 range. My doctor told me that I was safe, there was no prostate cancer. This is the one I was really worried about.

It seems that adequate, even abundant, nutrients strengthen the body's immune system and prevent cancer. As mentioned by reaseach papers, optimum prostate health requires vitamin C and zinc in particular. Recently, a prostate cancer patient in Johor Baru testified that he had taken the whole fruit mangosteen juice for a period of 6 months and the usual check up every 3 months showed great improvement. He felt that the mangosteen juice helped him fight and win over cancer. He said,"My prostate & urinary tract is healthier and better than ever before!" (For information on mangosteen juice, click & visit http://www.myxango.com.my/jamesloh/)

When I finally retired and returned to Segamat, Johor, Malaysia at month-end of November 2008, I made an appointment to consult the Urologist in Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur on 11 December. The Urologist told me after examination that my prostate enlargement was 3 times the original size and he told me that the choice was mine. I can opt for medication but I will still have to bear the urination problems that I am facing, such as incomplete urination, frequent urination during daytime when working in air-cond room or travelling in an air-cond car while outside temperature is cold especially on raining days.

So I had decided to go ahead for the prostate surgery using green laser light, so called Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) instead of conventional Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP).

Accordingly, PVP technique is particularly suited to those large prostates rich in blood vessels which are prone to brisk bleeding during conventional TURP. With PVP using laser green light, it can remove the obstructing prostate tissue instananoeusly with minimal bleeding and discomfort. The GreenLight PV surgical laser system delivers laser light pulses through a specially designed fiber optic delivery device that is inserted through a standard cystoscope. The light pulses are directed towards the prostate tissue. The laser quickly vaporizes and removes the prostatic obstruction without significant bleeding. The surgery was very low risk.

It was carried on 0n 15 December afternoon and it was over slightly more than half an hour. I was discharged the following day.

I was told that post-operative side effects, if any, would be minimal and transient. I feel quite a relief after the surgery as I only wake up 1 - 2 times during the night for urination.

Patients usually feel well within several days of the surgery, but full recovery can take several weeks. Some blood in the urine is common during the recovery process. This is harmless, and rarely requires treatment.

An appointment has been fixed on 23 December for the follow up check by the Urologist. I am hoping for a speedy recovery.

Prostate Check & 7 Prostate Symptoms Which You Should Watch For

The vast majority of men will develop prostate problems of some description as they get older, with the first signs of trouble appearing for a few men at about the age of 50, or possibly slightly earlier. By the age of 60 about half of all men will be experiencing prostate symptoms and this figure will have increased to about ninety percent by the age of 80.

For most men prostate symptoms will be fairly mild and, because most of us begin to develop a range of medical problems at this point in our lives, it is not uncommon for men to simply ignore prostate symptoms as nothing more than a normal part ageing. As many prostate problems are not serious, and the symptoms can often be very mild, this is not necessarily a problem and you can live with many prostate problems quite happily and without them doing you any real harm.

However, not all prostate problems are harmless and if your particular prostate problem happens to be prostate cancer and you ignore it then it could quite easily start to spread and eventually kill you. Indeed, ignoring prostate symptoms is the main reason why prostate cancer represents the second highest cause of cancer death in the United States.

There are many different symptoms which might point to a developing prostate problem and one difficulty we have in recognizing the cause of these symptoms is that they are often symptoms which could arise for many different reasons. However, if symptoms are not being caused by prostate problems then they will often to be short lived (stemming from a bacterial infection for example) and will disappear in a matter of days without the need for treatment. However, where symptoms stay with you, or appear on a regular basis, then there it is likely that they are being caused by a problem with the prostate gland.

Common symptoms include:

1. Difficulty beginning urination and the need to strain in order to start urination.

2. A loss of strength in the flow of urine.

3. A flow of urine which tends to stop and start.

4. A feeling that you need to urinate even after you’ve just been to the bathroom.

5. A need to visit the bathroom urgently and problems in 'waiting'.

6. The need to visit the bathroom more frequently and, in particular, to get up to visit the bathroom during the night.

7. A tendency to dribble urine for a while after you have finished in the bathroom.

These symptoms indicate that prostate problems may be developing and although, in most cases, such problems will not be serious but this is not always the case.

Accordingly, as soon as these symptoms appear, you should consult your doctor (an Urologist)who will be able to tell you exactly what the problem is and how to treat it. More importantly, if the problem does turn out to be prostate cancer, he can recommend treatment while the problem is in its early stages and can be relatively easily treated and, hopefully, eliminated altogether.

Mangosteen Is Good For You

One early morning as I was doing the regular brisk walking at Segamat Country Club, my friend LPY joined in. While walking, he noticed that I could not catch up his pace due to my pain in my left knee and also pain on my right leg. Then he started talking about the mangosteen juice and he told me that one of his friends who had the same problems as mine somehow recovered after drinking the mangosteen juice. This prompted me to search for more information on mangosteen from the internet. I am more interested on the bnefits of mangosteen, whether it can enhance our immune system and slow down our aging process.

I remember that my late parents used to tell me to eat the mangosteen fruits after eating durian. Durian has been referred to “King of the fruits” while mangosteen has been know as “Queen of the fruits". There were few mangosteen trees planted in the compound of the manager’s bungalow in Regent Estate, Gemencheh, Negeri Sembilan, when I managed the estate from January 1994 to June 1995. My family and my staff used to enjoy eating the mangosteen fruits during the fruiting season. We had the fun to choose and pick the fruits we liked from the trees to taste the juicy flesh of the fruits. It was so delicious!

Accordingly, mangosteen fruits can strengthen the immune system of our bodies because of the presence of more than 40 different Xanthones, the phytonutrients. This may help to fight infections and also protect against certain diseases (such as arthritis, moderate asthma, diabetes, prostate cancer and heart disease). Mangosteen fruit is also a rich source of antioxidants; well-known to delay aging process. Other research reports also showed that the mangosteen fruit contains many natural supplements and vitamins.

No wonder we always feel more energetic and rejuvenated after eating mangosteen fruits regularly. All in all, mangosteen is good for you!

(For information on mangosteen juice, click and visit http://www.myxango.com.my/jamesloh )

THE 80/20 RULE IN RELATIONSHIPS

A very valuable lesson to learn ...
Interesting quote from the movie 'Why did I get married?'

In most cases, especially in relationships, you will only get 80% of what you NEED and you will hardly get the other 20% that you WANT in your relationship. There is always another person (man or women) that you will meet and that will offer you the other 20% which is lacking in your relationship that you WANT And believe me, 20% looks really good when you are not getting it at all in your current relationship.

But the problem is that you will always be tempted to leave that good 80% that you know you have, thinking that you will get something better with the other 20% that you WANT. But as reality has proven, in most cases, you will always end up with having the 20% that you WANT and loosing the 80% that you really NEED and that you already had.

Be careful in deciding between what you WANT and NEED in your life.

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have. 'Wow, this girl in my office is a real looker. But it's not her Wynona Rider features that got me. I'm crazy about her because she's also understanding, intelligent, tender - so many things that my spouse is not'

Somewhere along the way, you'll find a woman or a man who will be more charming or sensitive. More alluring. More thoughtful. Richer. Have greater sex appeal. And you will find a woman or man who will need you and pursue you and go loco over you more than your spouse ever did.

Because no wife or husband is perfect. Because a spouse will only have 80% of what you're looking for. So adultery takes place when a husband or wife looks for the missing 20%. Let's say your wife is melancholic by nature. You may find yourself drawn to the pretty clerk who has a cherry laugh no matter what she says: 'I broke my arm yesterday, Hahahaha . . ..'

Or because your wife is a homebody in slippers and pajamas, smelling of garlic and fish oil, you may fall for a fresh-smelling young sales representative that visits your office in a sharp black blazer, high heels, and a red pencil-cut skirt. Or because your husband is the quiet type, your heart may skip a beat when you meet an old college flame who has the makings of a talk show host.

But wait! That's only 20% of what you don't have.
Don't throw away the 80% that you already have!

That's not all. Add to your spouse's 80% the 100% that represents all the years that you have been with each other. The storms you have weathered together. The unforgettable moments of sadness and joy as a couple. The many adjustments you have made to love the other. The wealth of memories that you've accumulated as lovers.

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have.

But faithfulness happens when you start thanking God for what you already have.

But I'm not just talking about marriage.
I'm talking about life!

About your jobs.
About your friends.
About your children.
About your lifestyles.

Are you like the economy airline passenger that perennially peeks through the door of the first class cabin, obsessed with what he's missing? 'They have got more leg room! Oh my, their food is served in porcelain! Wow, their seats recline at an 80% angle and they've got personal videos!'

I guarantee you'll be miserable for the entire trip! Don't live your life like that. Forget about what the world says is first class. Do you know that there are many first class passengers who are miserable in first class -- because they are not riding in a private Lear Jet?

The main message?

If you start appreciating what you have right now, wherever you are, you are first class!

Something2Share:

I wish to share this write up forwarded from a friend.
It’s an important message for us:

Be thankful of what you have. Don’t try to look for the little that you don’t have and ended up losing of what you already have. Learn to be satisfied and be contented. Always be happy of what you can afford to possess and then you won’t feel uncomfortable and upset of what you can’t afford to pay.

How true it is that “If you start appreciating what you have right now, wherever you are, you are first class!”

OKRA - GOOD FOR DIABETIC (TREATMENT SUGAR LEVEL)

Got this write up forwarded to me by a friend. Please read and pass on to your friends and relatives who are diabetic. I believe it’s worth trying. Make it your favourite drink.
Last month in one of TV program I learned of a treatment of Sugar Level (Diabetes). Since I am diabetic, I tried it and it was very useful and my Sugar Level is in control now. In fact I have already reduced my medicine.

Take two pieces of Lady’s Finger (Okra) or known as Bhindi in South Asia and remove/cut both ends of each piece. Also put a small cut in the middle and put these two pieces in glass of water. Cover the glass and keep it at room temperature during night. Early morning, before breakfast simply remove two pieces of Lady’s Finger (Okra) from the glass and drink that water.

Keep doing it on daily basis. Within two weeks, you will see remarkable results in reduction of your SUGAR.

My sister has got rid of her diabetes. She was on Insulin for a few years, but after taking the Lady’s Finger (Okra) every morning for a few months, she has stopped Insulin but continues to take the Lady’s Finger (Okra) every day. But she chops the Lady’s Finger (Okra) into fine pieces in the night, adds the water and drinks it all up the next morning.

Please try it as it will not do you any harm even if it does not do much good to you, but you have to keep taking it for a few months before you can see results, as most cases might be chronic.

Something2share:

After reading it, I searched the internet to check on more information relating to the claim of Lady’s Finger (Okra) for treatment of sugar level. It is called bendi in Bahasa Malaysia. I wish to share the relevant information that I have found in various websites:

Okra is good for preventing diabetes. Okra is good in normalizing the blood sugar and cholesterol level. A person started eating 6 pieces Lady’s Finger (Okra) and within 2 months, his blood sugar has dropped from 135 to 98.

The mucilage and superior fiber found in Okra helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract. In India, okra has been used successfully in experimental blood plasma replacements. - Sylvia W. Zook, PhD. (Nutritionist)

Many natural foods also help with blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes. These include sage, buckwheat, Okra, peas, brewer's yeast, fenugreek seeds, and broccoli and other greens. These foods help because they are high in fiber. Certain herbs also reportedly help, including hawthorn, nettle, ginger, ginseng, and garlic. – Milos pesic

BENEFITS OF EATING LADY'S FINGER (OKRA)

A person, suffering from constipation for the past 20 years and recently from acid reflux, started eating 6 pieces of “Lady’s Finger” or Okra within the last 2 months. Since then, he has not taken any other medication. Now, his blood sugar has dropped from 135 to 98 and his cholesterol and acid reflux are also under control.

According to Ms. Sylvia Zook PhD (Nutritionist) of University of Illinois, Okra has several benefits:

1) The superior fiber found in Okra helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.

2) Okra's mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver.

3) Okra helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities. The Okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools. This helps prevent and improve constipation. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, Okra's mucilage soothes, and Okra facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic. Okra binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids). These, if not evacuated, will cause numerous health problems. Okra also assures easy passage out of waste from the body. Okra is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most unlike the OTC drugs.

4) Okra fiber is excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This contributes to the health of the intestinal tract. These are similar to the ones proliferate by the yoghurt in the small intestine and helps biosynthesis of Vitamin B complex.

5) Okra is good for summer heat treatment. Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression.

6) Okra is used for healing ulcers and to keep joints limber. It helps to neutralize acids, being very alkaline, and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract.

7) Okra treats lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel.

8) In India, Okra has been used successfully in experimental blood plasma replacements. To retain most of Okra's nutrients and self-digesting enzymes, it should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or lightly steamed. Some eat it raw.

Other benefits reported:

Okra is an ideal vegetable for weight loss and is storehouse of health benefits provided it is cooked over low flame to retain its properties. This also to ensure that the invaluable mucilage contained in it is not lost to high heat.

For adding bounce your hair, boil horizontally sliced Okra till the brew become maximally slimy. Cool it and add a few droops of lemon and use this as the last rinse and see your hair spring back to youthfulness and jump.

Okra is an excellent laxative treats irritable bowels, heals ulcers and sooths the gastrointestinal track.

Protein and oil contained in the seeds of Okra serves as the source of first-rate vegetable protein. It is enriched with amino acids on the likes of tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This anti-inflammatory activity may curtail the development of asthma symptoms. A large preliminary study has shown that young children with asthma experience significantly less wheezing if they eat a diet high in fruits rich in vitamin C. 1/2 cup of cooked Okra contains over 13 mg of vitamin C.

Diets high in insoluble fiber, such as those containing Okra, are associated with protection against heart disease in both men and women.

The insoluble fiber found in Okra helps to keep the intestinal tract healthy, decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially colon-rectal cancer.

Eating plenty of flavonoid and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables such as Okra helps to support the structure of capillaries.

1/2 cup of cooked Okra contains 460 IU of vitamin A. Some studies have reported that eating more foods rich in beta-carotene or vitamin A was associated with a lower risk of cataracts.

A study (JAMA July 23, 2003) showed that consuming a "dietary portfolio" of vegetarian foods lowered cholesterol nearly as well as the prescription drug lovastatin (Mevacor). The diet was rich in soluble fiber from oats, barley, psyllium, eggplant and Okra. It used soy substitutes instead of meat and milk and included almonds and cholesterol-lowering margarine every day.

A controlled trial showed that eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables containing folic acid, beta-carotene, and vitamin C effectively lowered homocysteine levels. Healthy people were assigned to either a diet containing a pound of fruits and vegetables per day, or to a diet containing 3 1/2 ounces (99g) of fruits and vegetables per day. After four weeks, those eating the higher amount of fruits and vegetables had an 11 percent lower homocysteine level compared to those eating the lower amount of fruits and vegetables. Okra is a storehouse of vitamins (A, B6 & C) and folic acid.

Something2share:

If you like to eat Lady’s Finger (Okra), and if you have constipation problem, then give it a try. Eating 6 pieces of Lady’s Finger (Okra) everyday for 2 months is certainly good for you.

I prefer to steam the fresh young pods of Lady’s Finger (Okra). I also like to put them in boiling water for few minutes and then take them out and cool them on a plate before eating. Taste good (being soft and tender) by adding a little olive oil and soy sauce.

There are many ways of cooking Lady’s Finger (Okra), such as fried with dried shrimp or ikan bilis with belacan (Malaysian shrimp paste) and added some red chilies. My wife likes to prepare yong tau foo (酿豆腐) with Lady’s Finger (Okra) as well, besides using bean curd (tau foo), bitter gourd, brinjal (eggplant) and chilies. When she cooks curry fish head or tom yam fish head, she always adds more Lady’s Finger (Okra) because her children including me, her hubby, like eating Lady’s Finger (Okra).

If you are like my old friend, Tan Jing Ming, loves woking (i.e. cooking)in the kitchen besides walking and talking, then go search the net for many Okra Recipes. Enjoy your delicious dishes and stay healthy.

BREATHING THERAPY (HEADACHE & TIREDNESS) 呼吸治療法（頭痛及疲倦）TERAPI DENGAN PERNAFASAN (KEPALA SAKIT & KELELAHAN)

Our noses have left and right nostrils. Are these nostrils having the same function for inhaling (breathe in) and exhaling (breathe out)?
我們有左邊、右邊鼻孔，吸氣、吐氣時有沒有一樣？
Kita meiliki hidung berlubang disebelah kiri dan disebelah kanan, apakah fungsinya sama untuk menghirup dan membuang nafas?

Actually it’s not the same and we can feel the difference. Accordingly, the right side represents the sun and the left side represents the moon.
其實不一樣，可以感覺不一樣；右邊等於是太陽的意思，左邊等於是月亮.
Sebenarnya fungsinya tidak sama dan dapat kita rasakan bedanya; sebelah kanan mewakili matahari (mengeluarkan panas) dan sebelah kiri mewakili bulan ( mengeluarkan dingin).

When having headache, try to close your right nostril and use your left nostril to do breathing for about 5 min. The headache will be gone.
平常頭痛時可以用手把右邊鼻孔關起來，只用左邊鼻孔吸氣、吐氣，約五分鐘，頭痛就好了。
Jika sakit kepala, cobalah menutup lubang hidung sebelah kanan dan bernafaslah melalui hidung sebelah kiri dan lakukan kira-kira 5 menit, sakit kepala akan sembuh.

If you feel too tired, do it the opposite way. Close your left nostril and breathe through your right nostril. After a while, you will feel refresh again.
如果疲倦、累了，相反的關起左邊的鼻孔，只用右邊吸氣、吐氣，不用多久，馬上精神好起了。
Jika Anda merasa lelah, lakukan bolak-balik. Tutup lubang hidung sebelah kiri dan bernafaslah melalui hidung sebelah kanan. Tak lama kemudian, Anda akan merasakan segar kembali.

Because the right side belongs to heat, so it gets hot easily. The left side gets cold easily.
因為右邊屬於火氣，比較會熱，左邊比較會涼。
Sebab lubang hidung sebelah kanan mengeluarkan panas, sehingga gampang sekali panas, Lubang hidung sebelah kiri mengeluarkan dingin..

Women breathe mainly with their left nostril, so they get calm down easily.
女生大部分吸氣、吐氣在左邊，所以心比較會涼快。
Perempuan bernafas lebih dengan hidung sebelah kiri, sehingga hatinya gampang sekali dingin.

Men breathe mostly with their right nostril, so they get angry easily.
男生大部分吸氣、吐氣在右邊，所以他們比較會生氣。
Laki-laki bernafas lebih dengan hidung sebelah kanan, sehingga gampang sekali marah.

When we wake up, do we notice which nostril breathes faster? Is it the left side or the right side?
我們起床時，可以注意哪邊吸氣、吐氣比較快？左邊或右邊？
Apakah Anda ada memperhatikan pada saat bangun, lubang hidung sebelah mana yang bernafas lebih cepat ? Sebelah kiri atau kanan ?

If the left nostril breathes faster, you will feel very tired. Close your left nostril and use your right nostril for breathing and you will get refresh quickly.
如果左邊比較快，覺得提不起精神，可以關起左邊鼻孔，用右邊呼吸，很快的精神會好起來。
Jika lubang hidung sebelah kiri bernafas lebih cepat, Anda akan merasa sangat lelah. Tutuplah lubang hidung sebelah kiri dan gunakan lubang hidung sebelah kanan untuk bernafas, Anda akan merasa segar kembali dengan cepat.

You can teach your kids about it. The effect of breathing therapy is much better for adults.
這也可以教給小孩，大人用更好。如果你有警覺心的話，速度更快。
Cara tersebut boleh diajarkan kepada anak-anak, tetapi efeknya akan lebih baik diterapkan kepada orang dewasa.

I used to have painful headache. When consulted a doctor, he told me jokingly," You will be all right if you get married!" The doctor did not bullshit me as he had his theory and supported with testimony.
以前我曾經頭痛，痛得非常厲害，去看醫生，醫生說 "你去結婚就好了!" 醫生說得沒錯，他有理論根據。
Saya biasanya merasakan sakit kepala, dan rasanya nyeri. Kemudian saya berobat ke dokter dan beliau mengatakan ,”Anda akan sembuh jika berumah tangga!” Dokter itu tidak bicara omong kosong. Apa yang dia sampaikan didukung dengan teori dan kesaksian.

During that time, I used to have headache every night and I was not able to study. I took medicine but I was not cured.
當時每天晚上都頭痛，沒有辦法看書，有吃藥，也不是辦法。
Pada saat itu, setiap malam saya merasakan sakit kepala dan tidak dapat belajar. Saya makan obat, tetapi tidak dapat sembuh..

One night as I sat down to medidate, I closed my right nostril and breathed with my left nostril. In less than a week, it seemed that my headache problem had left me! I continued doing it for about a month and since then there was no recurrence of headache in me.
有一天晚上靜坐，關起右鼻孔呼吸，這樣子做，不到一個禮拜，頭痛好了！持續做了一個月，從那天晚上到現在，一次也沒有頭痛過。
Pada suatu malam. saya duduk bersemedi dan menutup lubang hidung sebelah kanan dan bernafas dengan lubang hidung sebelah kiri. Dalam kurang dari satu minggu, sakit kepala saya sembuh. Saya teruskan melakukannya selama 1 bulan, sejak malam itu sampai sekarang , sakit kepala saya tidak kambuh lagi.

This is my own experience. I used to tell others who also suffer headache to try this method as it was effective for me. It also works for those who have tried as well. This is a natural therapy, unlike taking medicines for a long time may have side effect. So, why don't you try it out?
這是我自己親身經驗過，每一次我告訴別人，你們頭痛的話，試試看，因為我的身體有效果，很多人試過也有效果。這是一種自然的處理，不像吃藥會有副作用，為什麼不用呢？
Ini adalah yang saya alami sendiri. Saya beritahukan kepada orang lain, jika sakit kepala, boleh mencoba cara tersebut, sebab sangat efektif buat saya. Banyak orang pun telah mencoba dan berhasil. Ini adalah terapi alami, tidak seperti memakan obat dalam jangka panjang akan ada efek sampingnya. Jadi kenapa Anda tidak mencobanya ?

Practice the correct ways of breathing (breathe in and breathe out) and your body will be in a very relaxing condition.
經常清楚的吸氣、吐氣，身體會覺非常輕鬆。
Selalulah mecoba terapi perrnafasan ini, tubuh Anda akan merasa sangat tenang sekali (rileks).

Something2share:

The Indonesian version was translated by Efendi Doloksaribu, my ex-colleague in Sawit Mas Group. We feel that we should also share this important information of Breathing Therapy to some of our Indonesian friends who do not read English and Chinese.

The English version has been edited for better understanding.

When I joined the local Gym Club in Segamat about a week ago after my return from Indonesia for retirement, I was taught by instructors, Sam and Peter Tan, to do the Qigong breathing, i.e. to breathe in air into the stomach (abdomen) through the nose until it expands out like a balloon. Then hold the breath in for a moment, and then breathe out the air slowly through the nose and not through the mouth. I was told to repeat this breathing exercise for 10 times or practice it for about 5 minutes. While doing it, I was reminded to relax my face and my mind but concentrate on my breathing. I find that with more air breathe in (i.e. more oxygen supply), it helps to increase my energy and reduce tension.