Health Article

Preserving bone health for a healthy life!

“This skeletal cage or body is inert - it is a bundle of bones. It is made up of the five elements and is impermanent. Only the indwelling spirit is eternal and unchanging. As the temple of the Lord, body has to be regarded as sacred and pure abode of the Divine.  You dare not use the body according to your whims just because you have got it. Keep it in a good and strong condition, know how to guard and enjoy it. It is damaged by food and drink of the rajasic (anger, hatred, greed) and tamasic (sloth, sleep, lethargy, inactivity) types. You must take only satvic food. Our thoughts are determined by the kind of food we consume.”…Sathya Sai Baba ^1,2

Introduction: We have already covered arthritis and other joint disorders as well as spine in vol 13 #4 & vol 16 #1. This article will dwell into all aspects of bones under the skeletal system which will be followed by its sequel on muscles and related problems in subsequent issues.

1. Know your body’s suit of armour

1.1 Protective skeleton: Our skeleton is the most important support structure of the body like a built-in suit of armour. Comprised mainly of bones and cushioned by muscles and connective tissues, it holds all the organs in place, gives us form, shape, and posture, and enables us to move.³

1.2 Bones are living tissues, alive, growing and changing all the time in a rhythmic process, though they may appear solid and unchanging. An average adult has 206 to 213 bones; it is 270 to 300 at birth, many of them fuse as we grow. They are made up of collagen (a protein) and calcium phosphate (a mineral) which makes them hard and strong enough to support the body weight. Skull protects the brain, backbone protects the spinal cord, our 12 pairs of ribs shelter the heart and lungs, and pelvis helps protect the bladder, part of the intestines and, in women, the reproductive organs.^4-7

Nature has given five types of bones in our body, flat, long, short, irregular, and sesamoid, in fascinating shapes (see pics), to suitably protect the internal organs and facilitate movement and stability.^5,8 Their internal structure is like a honeycomb of tissues with three main layers – periosteum, a thin but tough covering membrane that gives blood supply to bones and a sense of feeling, and helps their growth and repair; the hard and strong compact bone beneath it; and the soft sponge like cancellous bone inside.^4-7

1.3 Bone marrow: The soft spongy tissue in the centre of most bones is the life-giving bone marrow that produces and stores stem cells which in turn produce all the red and white blood cells and the platelets. The metabolic functions include storage of fat and minerals, endocrine function, calcium and pH balance, and detoxification; also, it stores the self-renewing stem cells that continuously replenish blood cells.^4,9

1.4 Joints are where two or more bones meet and make the skeleton flexible. The connective tissues include the smooth elastic cartilage covering the ends of bones to act as a shock absorber and reduce friction, ligaments that connect the bones, and the tendons that connect muscles to the bones (see vol 13 #4 health article).¹⁰

1.5 Supporting role of nerves: Each system is supported by other systems of the body. Skeletal system is one of the largest organ systems in the body, richly innervated by a network of peripheral nerves including sensory and sympathetic nerves to send signals from the brain. The critical role of nerves in bone repair and remodelling and as an endocrine organ is a topic of growing research to help prevent bone diseases.^11,12

2. Bone disorders

2.1 Osteo problems: Till the age of 30 to 35, our body can naturally build more bone than it loses. As bone density gradually becomes lower than normal with reduced mineral content, osteopenia sets in making one susceptible to fracture. With age, hormonal changes, or calcium and vitamin D deficiency, this can progress to osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become weak, porous, and fragile increasing the risk of fracture even with a minor fall or bump. It is a silent disease without symptoms, often known only after a bone breaks. Good indicators are bone losing its usual strength or density, height getting reduced, changes in posture like stooping or bending forward more, shortness of breath, or lower back pain. In osteomalacia, the bones become soft in adults, with muscle weakness, stiffness, and bone pain. When a child’s bones are soft, causing them to warp, bend, and break more easily, with classic symptom of bowed or bent bones primarily in the legs, it is rickets.^13-16

2.2 Bone marrow disorders can happen when its stem cells are not active leading to different types of anaemia, or they multiply abnormally leading to cancerous conditions. Some indicators are fatigue, frequent infections, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, bleeding easily, and unexplained bruising (blood vessel breaks under the skin with a visible blue or red/purple mark). The best way to keep the bone marrow healthy is through a diet rich in proteins and vitamins.^5,17,18

2.3 Rare bone disorders: Paget’s disease is a chronic bone disorder, characterised by excessive breakdown and regrowth in the affected bones. Apart from pain, tingling and weakness in extremities, and bone deformities, one may have unexplained single-sided deafness. Fibrous dysplasia is a benign bone disease in which abnormal fibrous tissue develops in place of normal bone making the bone weaker leading to fracture or deformity; in marble bone disease (also called osteopetrosis) bones become extremely dense, hard, and brittle; osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic brittle bone disease, where one can break bones easily with little or no force, have curved spine, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing; hypophosphatasia can soften bones and make one loose teeth early in life.^19-26

2.4 Bone infections: Osteomyelitis is a painful bone infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or other germs, affecting mostly the feet, spine, and hips. Symptoms are pain in a specific bone with redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness, along with fever, chills and sweating, weakness or tiredness. If not treated in time, it can cause permanent bone loss and death of tissue (necrosis). Pay close attention to the feet and attend to any wound or cuts immediately, especially if one has diabetes.^27-29

3. Bone injuries

3.1 Bone dislocation happens when a bone in a joint gets pushed out of its usual place due to an accident, fall, sports injury, or trauma. When a bone gets broken, it is a fracture. One may hear a snap or a grinding noise during an injury. Symptoms of dislocation are tenderness, intense pain, swelling, bruising, feeling of joint being weaker than usual, instability or inability to move or use the affected joint, or broken skin. It can also cause a tear in a muscle, nerve, tendon, or a blood vessel. Additional symptoms of a fracture are a visible bump or a deformity due to injury. These are emergency situations where the patient will be in a state of shock and pain requiring immediate medical attention. First aid should be given properly to manage blood loss and prevent injury from getting worse.^30,31

3.2 Bones have an ability to heal on their own, more so in children. In the first week, being the inflammatory stage, the injured part should not be used. From two to six weeks, the reparative stage, healing takes place and the body part should be used. During this period casts and splints hold the bone in place to support healing. After this, the remodelling stage starts to return the bone to its original health over the next few months.³²

4. First aid in fracture – Do’s and Don’ts ^33-35 

4.1 Do’s: Control the bleeding, if any, without disturbing the protruding bone fragments, cover the injured area with a sterile gauge or clean cotton cloth, with mild constant pressure only around the wound, not on the bone.

Immobilize temporarily the fractured area with splints*, slings, or not-too-tight bandage, supporting the area above and below the fracture using a cushion or a pillow.

Apply ice using ice packs wrapped in a cloth for a minimum of 10 minutes to reduce swelling, pain, and bleeding.

Try to raise the injured area above the heart level to minimise swelling. Don’t do it if the fracture area is in discomfort. Monitor pulse and breathing.

*(to make a splint, one may use a small board, cardboard, or a folded newspaper and wrap it with an elastic bandage or tape).

4.2 Don’ts: Never try to push or force a dislocated joint back into place on your own.

Do not attempt to straighten the bone; only a medical professional can realign.

Do not move the injured person unless there are chances of a further fall or damage.

Avoid touching or washing the open wound, it increases the risk of infection.

Refrain from giving food or drink as surgery may be required.

5. Tips to prevent disorders, falls, and injuries^36,37    

• Maintain a bone-friendly diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
• Engage in weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones.
• Never be in a panic mode to rush into anything eg, on hearing a doorbell or phone.
• Declutter living and work spaces to prevent tripping hazards.
• Use proper tools instead of climbing on unstable furniture eg, chair, table or bed.

Elderly Care Tips

• Improve lighting - use night lights and keep a torch near your bed.
• Use supportive footwear, and consider assistive devices like a cane or a walker.
• Stay physically active and try balance training exercises.
• Stand up slowly while getting up from bed or chair.
• Keep your hands free to hold on to railings on slopes or while climbing.
• Check your eyesight and hearing as they are linked to an increased risk of falls.

What to do after a fall (Self-Help tips)

• Stay calm and breathe deeply.
• If uninjured, roll onto your side and rest.
• If able to move, crawl to a sturdy support, such as a chair and slowly get up.
• If unable to move, call for help and remain still to prevent further injury.

6. Conclusion

Strong bones are the key to an active and healthy life. By adopting mindful habits -  proper nutrition, adequate sun exposure, exercise, and injury prevention - we can preserve our skeletal strength for years to come. Prioritizing bone health today ensures mobility, stability, and independence in the future.

References and Links

1. Sathya Sai Speaks, “Sanctify the body: https://sssbpt.info/ssspeaks/volume23/sss23-10.pdf
2. Sathya Sai Speaks, “The Wise farmer”: https://sssbpt.info/ssspeaks/volume01/sss01-14.pdf
3. Skeletal system: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21048-skeletal-system
4. Bone structure & functions: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320444
5. All about bones: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25176-bones
6. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/educational-resources/health-lesson-learning-about-bones
7. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bones-muscles-joints.html
8. Types of bones: https://www.visiblebody.com/learn/skeleton/types-of-bones#
9. Bone marrow: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22818-bone-marrow
10. Health article on Arthritis: https://news.vibrionics.org/en/articles/377
11. Critical role of nerves: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25789373/
12. Interaction between nervous and skeletal systems:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9468661/
13. Osteopenia: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21855-osteopenia
14. Osteoporosis: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4443-osteoporosis
15. Osteomalacia: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13017-osteomalacia
16. Rickets: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22459-rickets
17. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24918-bone-marrow-failure
18. Bruise: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15235-bruises
19. Paget’s disease: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21929-pagets-disease-of-the-bone
20. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pagets-disease-of-bone/symptoms-causes/syc-20350811
21. Fibrous dysplasia: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/fibrous-dysplasia/
22. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17902-fibrous-dysplasia
23. Marble bone disease: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4636194/
24. Brittle bone disease: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/osteogenesis-imperfecta-brittle-bone-disease
25. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25179-metabolic-bone-disease
26. Hypophosphatasia: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/hypophosphatasia
27. Osteomyelitis: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/osteomyelitis-bone-infection
28. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/osteomyeltis-treatment-diagnosis-symptoms
29. Bone pain: https://innovativetherapypc.com/bone-pain-vs-muscle-pain-vs-nerve-pain/#
30. Bone dislocation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17873-dislocation
31. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dislocations-sheet.html
32. Bone healing: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fractures-heal.html
33. First aid in fracture: https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/first-aid-for-fracture-a-comprehensive-guide
34. First aid with video: https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid/broken-bone
35. First aid video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v8vlXgGXwE
36. Prevent falls and fractures: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention
37. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/preventing-another-broken-bone

3. Anecdotes

3.1 From the Diary of Dr Jit K Aggarwal -- The Importance of Identifying the Root Cause

In the mid-1990s, a 30-year-old American consulted me for severe lower back pain that had persisted for four years. I prescribed a suitable pain remedy using SRHVP, as the 108CC box did not exist then, but when he returned a week later, he reported no improvement whatsoever.

Following my established procedure, I sought to identify the root cause of his condition and systematically reviewed possible triggers with him. However, none seemed to resonate. A second review yielded the same result, leaving the case particularly puzzling.

Turning to Swami in prayer, I asked the same set of questions again, this time urging my patient to reflect more deeply before responding. When I asked, "Are you sure you didn’t lose a close family member or loved one four years ago?" he hesitated before replying, "Actually, my mother expired four years ago." He then explained why he hadn’t mentioned it earlier: "I had been estranged from my mother since childhood and never thought of her. I felt no sadness when she passed."

Despite his lack of emotional attachment, I recognized the biological connection - his body had suffered an unconscious shock, which had manifested as persistent back pain. I immediately prescribed NM25 Shock*. Within a week, he experienced complete relief. Curious about the treatment, he asked what I had prescribed. When I told him I had treated him solely for shock, he was completely taken aback.

This case reaffirmed the profound impact of unresolved subconscious trauma on physical health and underscored the importance of addressing the true underlying cause for effective healing.

* If using the 108CC box give:  CC10.1 Emergencies

3.2 From Itching to Inspiration: A Child’s Journey to Healing! ^00006…UK

In the summer of 1995, a nine-year-old girl visited my UK clinic, which also served as our Sai Centre and home. She clutched a half-eaten bag of crisps in her left hand, her arm bent at the elbow. Her mother explained that she had suffered from severe eczema since early childhood, particularly inside her left elbow. The intense itching led to relentless scratching, causing small spots to ooze a clear liquid, making it painful to stretch her arm. Though steroid ointments provided temporary relief, applying them required coaxing.

Suspecting an allergy, the following  vibrionics remedy was prepared: NM27 Skin-D + NM62 Allergy-B + NM102 Skin Itch*…6TD. Before they left, the practitioner casually advised the girl to avoid packaged foods, as additives might be triggering her condition. Instead, she was encouraged to eat homemade food, even if not always the healthiest.

A week later, the mother and daughter returned. The girl initially stood with her head lowered, elbow folded as before. My heart sank—until she suddenly swung her arm open with a giggle. Not a single spot, not even a trace of scratching! Her tearful mother embraced me, overwhelmed with gratitude.

Years later, at a community event, a young woman approached me with a radiant smile. She thanked me—not just for the remedy, but for the simple advice about avoiding artificial additives. That moment reinforced an invaluable lesson: guiding patients toward better eating habits, even casually, can lead to lifelong transformations.

Vibrionics is not just about dispensing remedies—it’s about holistic healing and empowering healthier choices.

* If using the 108CC box give:  CC21.3 Skin allergies

3.3 Tiny drop, big impact – a remarkable aquarium recovery ^03622…UK

On 12 December 2024, a notable event unfolded in the practitioner’s aquarium. Among 29 tropical fish, one orange fish lay nearly motionless, its colour faded. To aid its recovery, the practitioner added a single drop of CC1.1 Animal tonic to the tank.

Remarkably, within a day, the fish regained vitality, swimming energetically and restored its vibrant hue within days. The tonic also helped a bloated white fish return to normal size within a week, while all fish displayed enhanced health. On 6 January 2025, the fish began spawning for the first time in two years. By 10 January, the population had grown to 45, marking a significant milestone.

This story underscores the potential of vibrionics remedies like CC1.1 Animal tonic and the impact of attentive care in supporting aquatic life.

4. In Memoriam 

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sri Ashok Mohan Gokarn, a dedicated Practitioner¹⁰⁶⁷³ from Karnataka, on 19 Dec 2024, at the age of 75. He became an AVP in 2011 and remained actively committed to vibrionics seva until his hospitalization. He passed away due to multiple organ failure.

A devoted follower of Sai Baba, he built a Sai temple on his land beside his home in Mundgod, which later became the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi. He played a pivotal role in leading and nurturing various seva activities within the samithi, touching countless lives with his service and devotion. His selfless contributions and unwavering dedication will always be remembered. Our heartfelt prayers are with his family and loved ones.