Mass media is broadly used to raise awareness and appreciation of Myanmar’s Thanaka cultural practice and concerted efforts are being exerted to submit nomination proposal of Myanmar’s Thanaka cultural practice by March 2025 to be inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
I was so ecstatic when I heard about those cultural awareness campaigns of Myanmar’s Thanaka that is the legacy of intangible attributes of Myanmar people to safeguard it for future generations and to be submitted for UNESCO’s cultural heritage inscription. I have been a big fan of Thanka who traditionally applies Thanaka to the face since I was young. Therefore, I was overwhelmed by delight. I will be carried away with euphoria when UNESCO adds it to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Myanmar’s Thanaka culture has been passed down from past generations. It can be profoundly traced in the murals of temples in Gyubyaukgyi Temple founded in AD 1113 in Bagan ancient cultural heritage site and Sulamani Temple founded in AD 1183 and murals of other temples.
Additionally, Thanaka applying tradition passing down through generations can be remarkably found in earliest works of literature, stories, poems and folk songs, including mawgun, eigyin, pyo, kagyin, maunghtaung, Lamai peasant girls’ poem and songs, representing deeper symbolic meaning related to the cultural value and tradition rooted for thousand years.
Myanmar people annually celebrate the Thanaka Festival from the full moon of Thadingyut to the full moon of Tazaungdine (31 October to 29 November) beyond the 12-month festival traditions.
Village girls and ladies from Khetthin village in the north of Singu town, Mandalay Region apply Thanaka and Thanaka powder put in bronze cup to pilgrims who flock to Shwe Taung Oo mountain pagoda during the full moon of Thadingyut, signifying unique and beautiful Myanmar’s Thanaka culture.
The word Thanaka, previously called Thana-ka, is derived from Thana (dirt) and Ka (clearing or removing), meaning removing the dirt. Thanaka is a paste made from ground bark which commonly applies to Myanmar people for sun protection, perfume and beauty purposes. It is believed to show a distinct feature of Myanmar people. This natural cosmetic has cooling and soothing effects with good properties for skin. Thanaka is highly admired by Myanmar’s royal courts to peasant ladies nowadays. Other parts of Thanaka tree also have medicinal effects.
Thanaka is credited with medicinal benefits with a warm effect in winter and cooling sensation during hot winter to reduce body heat. This traditional product is highly appreciated and cherished by the whole nation regardless of ages and genders.
Myanmar elder people usually talks about the three basic values (Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), paying respect to parents and teachers and fostering patriotism towards one’s nation and other inspirational and motivational messages while applying Thanaka to younger people, passing down traditions to younger generations and representing signs of the devotion, respect and love.
Moreover, Thanaka incense is offered to Buddha during ritual face washing ceremonies at Mandalay MahaMyatmuni Temple and Aungtawmu Pagoda in the early morning, unifying symbols of cultural pride and drawing a daily crowd of devotees.
Thanaka can be found in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Myanmar and Pakistan. Myanmar’s Thanaka is of premium quality with pleasant and unique fragrance. Shinmataung and Shwebo Thanaka varieties are the most popular among them. Applying Shwebo Thanaka gives one smooth skin and yellowish beauty unlike Shinmataung Thanaka having a sweet and pleasant smell.
Beyond beauty purposes, the whole Thanaka trees (fruits, root, stem, leaves) have good properties and medicinal benefits. Shwepyinan Company established Thanaka museum in NyaungU city in order to disseminate information of Thanaka culture among young communities and conserve cultural heritage. Myanmar Thanaka Planters and Producers Association was formed on 11 November 2017 in order to safeguard cultural heritage and penetrate Thanaka to international markets and raise public awareness in cooperation with non-governmental organization Helvetas Myanmar.
The association organizes Thanaka beauty pageants, Thanaka trade fair and Myanmar Thanaka Day events to pass Thanaka culture on to the next generation and increase admiration for Thanaka.
Thanaka Day was marked on the full moon day of Tabodwe, connecting Buddhist’s tradition of offering light and Thanaka incense to Buddha. Events related to Thanaka including talk shows, distributing pamphlets, donation and offering Thanaka paste to Buddha are held in the precinct of Pagoda on the Thanaka Day.
The association’s statistics indicated that there are 323,000 acres of Thanaka in Myanmar. The association comprises growers and traders from Ayartaw, Shwebo, Kantbalu, Monywa, Myinmu, Butalin, Kanni, Yinmabin, Pakokku, Myaing, Yesagyo, Pauk, Sittway and Langkho areas and companies from big cities like Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. Stakeholders involved in the Thanaka supply chain are exerting continuous efforts to produce value-added Thanaka products that were commercially valued in international markets and preserving this heritage and passing it on to future generations through documentation, education, community engagement and revitalization maintaining core values and cultural identity.
Myanmar Thanaka culture has existed for thousands of years. The earliest discovery of applying the Thanaka tradition is back in the Bagan Dynasty. The poems written by King Yazadariz’s sprouse (poet) in 14th century and Shin Ratthasara, monk and prominent poet in 15th century invoked Thanaka culture in literary work.
Furthermore, some communities have traditions of holding the Thanaka Grinding Festival on the first day of the Thingyan Festival and Buddha statues are washed by Thanaka paste, preserving universal value.
Literary works in Bagan, Pyu dynasties captured the essence of Myanmar Thanaka culture, providing a rich source of Thanaka value and traditions of Myanmar people wearing it throughout history.
Inscriptions on Kyaukpyin stone slab note the name of King Bayintnaung’s daughter Princess Dartukalaya, placed at Shwemadaw Pagoda, revealing the solid culture of Thanaka in Taungoo dynasty.
Thanaka supplied to court in King Alaungpaya Dynasty were sourced from Kaput village two miles away from the south of Thihataw Pagoda in KhinU Township, Shwebo District, indicating a notable history of Thanaka again.
Consequently, Myanmar Thanaka that people of all ages and gender cherish and apply to face and body portrayed the significance of the heritage throughout history. Myanmar people are committed to preserving and promoting its culture by holding festivals stimulating community engagement and keeping inventory of Thanaka heritage passing through generations. Literary works and social events describing Myanmar Thanaka tradition act as a window to Myanmar’s intangible cultural heritage. I would like to express my deep respect to those endeavouring to submit nomination of Thanaka as a cultural element by March 2025 to be inscribed on the UNESCO’s list.
If Myanmar’s Thanaka culture and tradition that has dominated for thousand years is recognized and listed by UNESCO, it will be national pride and identity. I hereby would like to appreciate their genuine and continuous efforts with Myanmar Thanaka promotion and cultural awareness campaigns. I am praying from my heart for Myanmar Thanaka to move forward to achieve UNESCO’s inscription.
Translated by KK

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

It's a story I've heard many times before. A woman in her mid-fifties, who we'll call Jess, has long struggled with her weight and last year decided to start taking a revolutionary weight-loss drug.

These appetite suppressing injections originally an off-label use of the diabetes treatment Ozempic and later including Wegovy and Mounjaro – help patients lose up to a fifth of their bodyweight in just over a year. It can also be a massive boost to their overall health, lowering their risk of long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's.

But Jess is not seeing the dramatic weight loss she hoped for. Understandably, she is distraught. She worries that she is destined to be overweight for ever.

There is also the financial cost to consider. The NHS can currently only prescribe these drugs to the most overweight and unwell patients. Going private means paying as much as £300 a month.

For that, you would expect to see results. But, as I tell Jess, there is always hope. As dieticians and nutritionists for the healthy lifestyle coaching company Liva Healthcare, it's our job to consider what other factors might be behind this lack of progress.

We are one of seven digitally led weight-management services recommended by health chiefs to help support patients prescribed weight-loss drugs on the NHS.

We also support those accessing these medicines privately through Boots' online service – called Boots Online Doctor. And, in these situations, there is always one question I ask first: what are you eating?

These drugs, also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), trick the body into feeling full. However, while GLP-1s may cause patients to eat less, they do not make patients eat more healthily.

Many on the drugs say that, most of the day, they will go without food, but when the urge to eat strikes they turn to comfort items such as biscuits or crisps.

There are many reasons for this – it might be habit, that cooking can be time-consuming, or because such foods are just so tasty.

However, the reason these foods are so pleasing to eat is because they are packed with sugar and fat. And this means that just a few biscuits can often have as many calories as a proper meal.

It's important to remember it's not just about weight loss. There is also a concern that patients on GLP-1s can become malnourished. Most of us do not get enough fibre, while millions have diets deficient in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, as well as vitamins A, B, and C.

To get these nutrients, we need to eat a varied diet, which includes a spread of vegetables, fruit, pulses and – in moderate amounts – protein sources such as meat and eggs.

Studies show that, over time, malnutrition can have serious consequences, including raising the risk of bone breaks, digestive problems and serious infections.

Malnutrition can be an issue among overweight people too, because many – but not all – have poor diets. If people with full appetites struggle to get adequate nutrition, just imagine how hard it is for someone on an appetite-suppressing drug? Many patients also tell us they plan to use the drug to aid initial weight loss and then, once they've lost enough, they will stop the injections.

However, unless a patient ensures their diet really is healthy, they run the risk of putting the weight back on. Research shows that more than half who come off the drugs regain at least two thirds of the weight they lost.

Nearly one in five put all the weight – or more – back on.

We find that patients who focus on eating in a balanced way on the jabs put less weight back on once they stop. This is because, usually, they continue to eat like this. Of course, diet is not the only thing to consider when trying to lose weight on GLP-1s. At Liva Healthcare we also guide patients on how to create an exercise routine – another crucial factor.

So too is exploring why people eat. Do patients eat out of boredom or sadness? What can be done to change these habits?

We are able to guide people through these challenges. But diet is almost always the most important factor in weight loss.

The good news is GLP-1 drugs give patients the chance to reset their diet: some describe them as taking away the constant 'noise' of food. Our advice tends to follow a few simple rules. Half the plate should be made up of vegetables – and the more colourful the better. A quarter should be carbohydrates, such as potatoes or pasta; if it's wholegrain even better.

And the final quarter should be protein, such as meat or plant-based products like tofu. Meat should be lean, such as chicken or white fish, rather than fatty red meat, pork, or processed meat.

The goal is to make each meal packed with nutrients so, even when eating small portions, patients are getting all they need. Meals should also be easy to cook and packed with flavour. If someone has a reduced appetite, they want meals to look forward to.

With all this in mind, I have created four recipes exclusively for Mail readers who are taking a weight-loss drug. For breakfast, I recommend a berry and vanilla protein parfait. This yogurt-based meal has multiple sources of protein – crucial for building muscle in place of fat.

The berries and seeds provide plenty of fibre, which is needed for a healthy gut. It is also packed with calcium, a bone-health nutrient which many GLP-1 patients are deficient in.

Our lunch option is a green shakshuka, a twist on the classic Middle Eastern egg dish, which contains plenty of iron-rich spinach. Iron is vital for the transport of oxygen around the body, as well as maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. The eggs and feta provide high-quality protein.

I've also created a snack, to graze on throughout the day. This is a roasted chickpeas, seeds and cashew mix, which contains protein, zinc and iron.

Finally, for dinner, I've suggested a chipotle-lime chicken bowl. The smoky chipotle flavour enhances the taste, the pickled onions help digestion and the avocado provides healthy fats for energy. The chicken is the protein that should keep patients satiated until the morning.

I'm not saying you should consume only these, but it gives a flavour of the tasty and healthy meals it's possible to eat while losing weight.

SOME people may think that a student tends to become an outstanding one simply due to his or her born ability. It cannot be said this is correct at all. I agree that man students turn out to be natural geniuses, but it will happen together with other external factors. As for me, an outstanding student may or may not have an excellent memory, but surely, he or she is given to own never-undiminished perseverance and greater intrinsic motivation than a normal student. Not only that, outstanding students are usually inclined to bring benefits for both themselves and others. Now, I want to describe the reasons behind being an outstanding student, depending on my over ten years of teaching experience.
Some students themselves are hungry for education. They always do loud and still whatever brings education. Often they are eager to learn something  new and also physically, mentally or emotionally ready to do so. As always, they can manage to avert physical fatigue due to their sports or games, mental fatigue due to their relationship with family members, friends or teachers and emotional fatigue due to their close neighbourhood or atmosphere, even though they get involved in these situations.
They like to go to school regularly and even without a day’s leave throughout the whole academic year. They are seldom browned off with revising or reviewing their well-taken school lessons.
Students by instinct or with very intrinsic motivation could do well in their studies without any external motivation. In spite of this, teachers should play a huge role in students’ learning success. Some students have a terrible memory and like learning by rote as usual, but when they have a chance to be taught by seasoned teachers, their learning achievement is more likely to be considerable than they expect. If students with poor memory can do great in their studies together with experienced teachers, how much improvement of learning effect will highly intelligent students get in studying school subjects?
Thanks to skilled teachers, good students will become better and then better students can be top of the best scholars’ list. This is because skilful teachers can take control of their students’ positive or negative emotions, make use of effective pedagogy in accordance with students’ likes or needs, practise or guide students as much as necessary and have affection or interest in school children.
Some parents want their children to be educated so much, especially those who had very little schooling in their childhood or those well-educated.
But here, students’ academic success will evidently differ from each other on account of their guardians’ parenting style. In actual fact, parents are the very first teachers of a child, also as the Myanmar saying goes. Some parents wish their children to get educated as much as they can, yet they often neglect to financially provide for their children even if they can afford it.
On the other hand, honest to say, that some parents are unable to give financial support to their children’s education. All parents, great and small, should provide physical help for students on the way to school at least, driving them to school for example, if they desire their students’ educational accomplishment. It is certain that under no circumstance will only parents’ financial assistance be adequate for outstanding students in the future. Astute parents of their children’s education are non-indulgent people as well as they will be able to use the carrot and the stick for the children as much as needed.
A safe, well-developed, enjoyable learning environment looks like a great external motivator for an outstanding student’s education. Sometimes an educational environment stimulates an average student to develop into a better scholar.
The educated who can make an adequate living as per their qualification are role models to young students in the educational environment. Of course, such an environment can be viewed as an atmosphere of educational competition among students, that is, the atmosphere arouses students’ endeavour to get into the top ten, not that of beauty, clothing and jewellery competitions, as well as will contribute essential material and energy to efficient learning of students.
In the main, only an educationally improved environment is an environment of education. A traditional economics- or agriculture-oriented society is not an educational community.
On the other side, there are several reasons for not being an outstanding student to a learner. Some students themselves appear indifferent to their education. Hence, even though their parents would like them to pursue education only, it stands to reason that the children will never excel in their studies. Unfortunately for them, some students do not find an opportunity to learn from good teachers who have mastery of both subject matter and instructional methods. Unless these students have powerful self-directed learning or independent study, they will also infrequently do extremely well in their school subjects.
Some students compete against others for classroom learning activities, but they do not study at home for love or money, knowing that other students do not do their homework, either.
The worst of it is that students are learning in an environment where their educational efforts hardly ever bear fruit. The main reason behind an outstanding student is the student himself. A student will have been an outstanding scholar only if he wants to actually.
Apparently enough, outstanding students attend school and other classes that are worthwhile going without fail. They have everything in readiness for a lesson start. Rarely do they bring such personal feelings as hunger, thirst, sorrow, depression, despair, hopelessness, and anger due to someone or something into the classroom.
They learn quite tactfully from their respective teachers. Even intelligent students will have memorized some subject matter by heart just after class.
Whether having short-term memory or long-term memory, some students earnestly revise and review their lessons again and again. Finally, conducting study regularly, setting a suitably flexible timetable, having a self-learning style, and taking out an imaginative production in arts or science subjects are other reasons behind an outstanding student.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

I read a very interesting topic in the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper and this topic is preparation for the submission of the Myanma Thanaka cultural tradition to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity before March 2025, educational programmes on Thanaka culture are being conducted throughout February at museums and libraries under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.
Thanaka is an iconic symbol of Myanmar’s cultural heritage, deeply interlaced into the country’s history, identity, and daily life. For centuries, it has been used as a beauty treatment, sunscreen, and even as a cultural expression of status. The value of Thanaka extends beyond its physical benefits; it holds significant cultural, social, and historical importance to the people of Myanmar. In this essay, we will explore the various dimensions of Thanaka’s value, from its uses in daily life to its role in traditional practices and its symbolic importance.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Thanaka has been a part of Myanmar’s culture for over two thousand years. The tradition of using Thanaka is thought to date back to the Bagan period (around the 11th century AD). It is believed that the earliest use of Thanaka was in the royal courts, where it was applied as a sign of beauty and purity. Over time, this practice spread to all levels of society, and Thanaka became a main feature of Myanmar’s cultural landscape.
The name “Thanaka” refers to the paste made from the powdered bark of the Thanaka tree, which is native to Myanmar and parts of neighbouring Thailand and Laos. The bark is ground into a fine powder, mixed with water, and applied to the face and sometimes the body. The geometric patterns created by the paste are both artistic and practical, reflecting the balance between beauty and function in Myanmar society.
Practical Uses of Thanaka: One of the most important values of Thanaka lies in its practical benefits. It has been used for centuries as a natural skincare product. The paste has cooling properties and helps to protect the skin from the harsh tropical sun, preventing sunburns and skin damage. In a country like Myanmar, where the climate can be extremely hot and sunny, Thanaka serves as an important protective agent against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
In addition to its sun protection benefits, Thanaka has been credited with having anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-ageing properties. It is often used to treat skin conditions like acne, rashes, and blemishes. Many people apply it regularly, not only for its protective effects but also for its potential to improve the skin’s appearance, making it smooth and healthy.
Thanaka’s cooling sensation makes it especially desirable during the summer months. It is common for people, especially women and children, to wear Thanaka as a facial mask to reduce the discomfort of the heat. In rural areas, the tradition of applying Thanaka is especially prevalent, where the natural product is easily accessible and commonly used in everyday life.
Health Benefits of Thanaka: Applied over the cheeks, nose, and neck, Thanaka doubles as both a cosmetic beauty product and a skincare regimen. Marmesin, one of its active ingredients, acts as a natural sunblock against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays while also providing a refreshing, cooling effect in hot weather.
Symbolic and Social Importance: Thanaka also carries deep symbolic significance. It has become a defining feature of Myanmar’s national identity. When one thinks of the traditional appearance of the Myanmar people, the image of individuals with their faces painted with Thanaka paste is almost universally recognized. This simple yet characteristic practice speaks to a cultural unity that transcends class, gender, and age. In fact, it is a universal symbol of Myanmar’s indigenous heritage, connecting people across generations.
Economic and Environmental Value: Beyond its cultural and social importance, Thanaka also holds economic and environmental value. The production of Thanaka offers economic opportunities for people in rural areas, where Thanaka trees are grown and harvested. Environmentally, the Thanaka tree is also an essential part of the landscape in Myanmar. Thanaka cultivation promotes the growth of trees that provide shade, help preserve biodiversity, and prevent soil erosion. The tree itself is considered a renewable resource, as it can be harvested sustainably, providing both economic and ecological benefits to the local communities.
Moreover, the value of Thanaka in Myanmar is multi-faceted, encompassing its practical benefits for skin care, its role as a cultural and social marker, and its historical and economic importance. This simple paste of powdered bark carries with its centuries of tradition, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage and its deep connection to the natural world. Moreover, Thanaka serves as a protective skincare product, a symbol of beauty, or a reflection of national identity. And it also holds a valuable place in the hearts and minds of the Myanmar people.

References
– Global New Light of Myanmar Newspaper (14 February 2025)
– https://heritage-line.com/magazine/thanaka-the-secret-to-burmese-beauty
– https://myanmartravel.com/thanaka-in-myanmar

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

In the instruction of school subjects in our country, an educator may be a success as a Myanmar, Maths, Chemistry or History teacher in particular to the extent to which he focuses his efforts on this subject. Out of these subject teachers, I believe it is most fortunate that a teacher experiences success in teaching Myanmar. This is simply because a Myanmar teacher will be up the creek without a paddle if he cannot draw attention and teach Myanmar students the Myanmar language to the degree that they show interest in the language. Excellent Myanmar teachers will be able to teach the Myanmar language so well that their students can be firm believer in learning the language. Thus, the common characteristics of a good Myanmar teacher (SAT) will be described in this article, based on my teaching experience.
First of all, I would like to start talking about the introductory chapters of poetry and prose. All high school teachers and students must skim through these introductory chapters before the very poetry and prose teaching-learning activity. The introductory chapters usually make students interested in the following lessons, i.e. poems and prose. Here, introductory chapters are just interesting matters to students and it is only poems or prose that teachers have to teach their students. Hence, a teacher should never spend the whole class time (40 minutes nowadays) telling only one introductory chapter. Unexpectedly, if he does so, his teaching will lessen students’ attention momentum towards the very lesson. For instance, in a Grade 11 Myanmar poem `ရွှေနှင့်ယိုးမှား ပန်းစံကား´ (Shwe-nint-yoemar Pansagar), a teacher has to tell Panbe Maung Thintel and his sister’s love story as much as needed, not Ko Byutta and Mewunna’s. Great Myanmar teachers make good use of introductory parts to obtain students’ long attention spans in poetry or prose instruction.
It is most Myanmar teachers who read and teach poems in a periodic tone. Seldom do many teachers read and sing Myanmar poems of their kind. It may be possible to say that such teaching has been out of date these days. In general, as poems contain systematic patterns of rhymes and rhythms, they are well-readable or even singable. If a teacher sings and teaches a Myanmar poem that is worth singing, his students will enjoy the poem more than normal. For instance, `မဲဇာတောင်ခြေ´ (Mezataungchay) from Grade 11 Myanmar is full of heartbreak and compassion for Lord Letwethondara. But there is one point that should be noticed in poetry reading. Unless a teacher has such a good singing voice, it would be best if he does not sing and teach a Myanmar poem. Good Myanmar teachers read a poem before students, and then they make the entire class read out the poem neatly and rythmnically. As I am aware, most students can see the rhyming patterns of a Myanmar poem pretty easily whether they are read or sung.
In learning Myanmar poems, both teachers and students will have to study the word choice and lexical composition of the poems. This is often called `Dissecting the Anatomy of Poetry´, which means seeing the vocabulary and sentence structures of a poem one after another. But on the other side, some Myanmar teachers say that this method destroys the beauty of a poem into pieces. Myself, I am strongly of the opinion that it is merely learner’s freedom of poetry study. Good Myanmar teachers, metaphorically speaking, tend to undergo an operation on a poem in the theatre called classroom, not deforming the poem at all.
Of course, a poem looks like a well-built little girl. Since poems are generally composed of short words and to the point, many poetry learners are always keen as mustard to study the poems. And it is also quite easy to memorize a poem by heart. However, prose is not like this. The prose is figuratively a strong and healthy man. Because a language in which thousands of prose can be seen is still living in the world of language, learners are given to pay more attention to prose rather than poetry. Compared with a poem, prose is simple to understand but sometimes totally difficult to write. Although there is no restriction in prose composition regarding the number of words or stanzas, rhyming schemes, and intonation patterns, practically writing the prose cannot arrive at its main theme or aim. But strangely enough, almost all students get bored with learning prose as well as can be under the illusion that they will be able to write similar prose with their eyes closed. In that connection, good Myanmar teachers show a detailed organization of prose arranged from words to sentences, paragraphs and the whole passage instead of overexplaining what the prose means.
After teaching poetry and prose, teachers ought to ask students some questions related to them, especially the learning objective, curiously. At that time, the instructional objectives established by the students may be different from those prescribed in the curriculum. For language, study is absolute of diverse thoughts and perceptions. If and when the objective of the students has no clear correlation with that of the lesson in the curriculum, the teacher will need to express the very objective of the poem or prose, whether general or specific, where he can agree with other poetry- or prose-related acceptable feelings and opinions from his students without a second thought, mainly if he is meant to be a good Myanmar teacher.
Finally, good teachers who fully appreciate the Myanmar language like to teach it to their students so that they are getting to adore the language. Also, their Myanmar teaching pedagogy enables the students to be mad keen on continuing the language study. They make their students practise essay writing or do spelling and dictation exercises so often. In the main, their handwriting is pretty, neat and tidy, especially without writing system errors or spelling and dictation mistakes. And they like extensive reading besides studying the curriculum. Some even state that an enjoyable learning environment of the school largely depends on Myanmar teachers over there. Therefore, being a Myanmar teacher that does great credit to an educator is a foregone conclusion.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Common drugs taken by up to 10million Americans for anxiety and high blood pressure may lower the risk of stroke in some at-risk people, a study suggests. 

Propranolol, a type of drug known as a 'beta blocker' which dampens the effects of adrenaline, reduced the risk of stroke by up to 50 percent in women with chronic migraines.

Researchers from Vanderbilt University combed through more than 3million medical records and found while the drug made a notable difference for women, there was no effect in men with migraines. 

Scientists believe migraines lead to spasms in the brain's arteries and, over time, these block blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of blood clots and strokes.

It's thought propranolol prevents blood vessels from dilating and causing spasms.

The findings, therefore, suggest using propranolol, which costs less than a dollar per pill, to treat migraine in women may lower their risk of stroke.

Stroke is one of America's leading causes of death, striking 800,000 Americans each year, or one every 40 seconds. About 160,000 people die from a stroke every year. 

Dr Mulubrhan Mogos, lead study author and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, said: 'Migraine is an often-ignored risk factor for cardiovascular issues. Until recently, preventive treatments for people who have migraines were not available.' 

Dr Mogos continued: 'Many women suffer from migraines, and it’s important to note that propranolol may be beneficial for these women... This is an important discovery for those dealing with migraines.' 

About 28million adult women in the US - one in six  - are thought to deal with regular migraines. 

Propranolol is a beta blocker, a type of drug typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. 

It has also been shown to stop the effects of anxiety, such as shaky hands and a wobbly voice, which is why doctors also prescribe it for performance anxiety.  

It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. 

This allows blood to flow to the brain more easily, preventing clots and strokes.  

In the new study, which will be presented at the upcoming International Stroke Conference next week, researchers reviewed 3million electronic health records spanning 15 years from two large databases.

The study included men and women with migraine who were divided into two groups: those who had suffered a stroke after their first migraine and those who did not have a stroke.

The team then looked at if the patients were treated with propranolol for migraine. 

The team found propranolol lowered the risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraine by 52 percent in one analysis and 39 percent in the other.

However, the medication made no difference for men. 

There are multiple types of stroke, but the most common is ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, cutting off blood supply and depriving brain cells of oxygen, causing them to die. 

The team said it's possible no effect was seen in men because migraine has been more closely associated with stroke in women than men, though the exact mechanism for the difference is unclear. 

Women are between two to four times more likely than men to have migraine. One 2023 study found 43 percent of women and 18 percent of men have had at least one. 

The researchers said propranolol's low cost - around $10 to $20 for a month's supply - could provide a more accessible solution for treating migraines and, in the long term, stroke.

Dr Mogos said: 'Our findings indicate that women and health care professionals should discuss the advantages of preventive migraine interventions. 

'For under-resourced individuals who bear a greater burden from this condition and may lack access to new treatments, we must ensure these treatments are available to them. This approach can help reduce health disparities.'

The study findings could be significant given the number of people, especially young people, having strokes has surged in the last several years.

There has been about an eight percent increase overall in strokes, with a 15 percent increase in people 18 to 44 years old.  

While propranolol may prevent strokes, additional research suggests other common medications like blood thinners, anti-psychotics, and opioids could increase the risk of stroke. 

Anti-psychotic medications like clozapine and haloperidol, taken by 3.8million adults in the US, have been shown to cause weight gain, which in turn can raise blood pressure and lead to the narrowing of arteries, increasing stroke risk. 

Additionally, blood thinners like warfarin - taken by 8million Americans - reduce the blood's ability to clot. However, blood being too thin can lead to hemorrhages in the brain, another form of stroke. 

Source: Myawady Web Portal

In contemporary times, with an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle and a modern approach to healing tactics, we unknowingly keep accumulating micro assaults on our immune system without allowing our body to address them. Here’s how the ancient albeit simple practices of yoga can be utilised to boost our immunity and lead a healthier life.
The human body to a great extent is a self-regulating, preserving, repairing and maintaining entity. Nature has designed this wonderful machinery with an inherent capability to heal; provided the natural laws of healing are allowed to operate, our health is in its entirety, a natural outcome of all the encounters we have in life. This healing capacity that we are endowed with is called vitality or immunity. Our body has a self-reliant system of protecting its tissues against assaults by bacteria, viruses, harmful proteins and oxidative stress through an interplay of nervous, endocrine and immune systems.
In today’s world, these systems are constantly challenged due to our fast-paced lifestyle, stress, unhealthy eating habits and a lot of exposure to pathogens. Yoga asanas and pranayama can reduce stress and improve the body’s immune response to fight infections and allergies. Yogic practices have been known to improve human body’s immunity.

Yoga and immunity
Yoga can help to modulate this immune response in an appropriate way. Yoga as a mind-body intervention has been used globally to combat these lifestyle-related diseases where stress is believed to play a role. Yoga helps calm down the mind, bring stability and balance the vital energies. Studies have shown yoga to improve immunity in the population during influenza epidemics. Yoga is a system of holistic living, having its roots in Indian traditions and culture. It is a discipline to develop one’s inherent power in a balanced manner. Now it is being practiced as a part of healthy lifestyle. Yoga is popular globally because of its spiritual values, therapeutic credentials, its role in the prevention of diseases, promotion of health and management of lifestyle-related disorders.
One of the most useful and popular mode of yogic exercises which provides the benefits of Asanas, Pranayama and Mudras altogether is the Surya Namaskar. It consists of a series of twelve postures which are performed early in the morning facing the rising Sun. Each step of Surya Namaskar is accompanied by regulation of breath. Its regular practice energises all systems of the body and ensures perfect harmony between them. It makes the body flexible and improves immunity. Our body has its own set of immuno-responses, amongst them, inflammation is the most common. A natural counter which is often helpful when it comes to healing injuries and infections, inflammation often becomes chronic under constant psychological and physical stress, thereby weakening our immune system. Most asanas involve systematic stretching that alleviates inflammation and increases flexibility. The immunity-boosting capabilities of even basic yogic practices also find mention in a new research published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine. Today, even Western researchers vouch for yoga’s benefits. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga: 8 Weeks to Strength, Awareness, and Flexibility, says that regular practice of yoga can lead to greater muscle and bone strength, improved sleep, better stress management and resilience, strengthened immune system and enriched brain health.
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing):
The main characteristic feature of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is alternate breathing through the left and right nostrils without or with retention of breath (kumbhaka). Sit in a comfortable posture. Keep the spine and head straight with eyes closed. Relax the body with a few deep breaths. Keep the left palm on the left knee in Jnana mudra and the right palm should be in Nasagra mudra. Place the ring and small fingers on the left nostril and fold the middle and index finger. Place the right thumb on the right nostril. Open the left nostril, breathe in from the left nostril, close the left nostril with the small and ring fingers and release the thumb from the right nostril; exhale through the right nostril. Next, inhale through the right nostril. At the end of inhalation, close the right nostril, open the left nostril and exhale through it. This completes one round of the Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing). Repeat for another 4 rounds. The duration of inhalation and exhalation should be equal for beginners. Breathing should be slow, steady and controlled and not be forced or restricted.

Benefits of Pranayama
The main goal of Pranayama is to nourish the body as a whole by cleansing the main channels that distribute energy throughout it. In addition to boosting vitality and lowering stress and anxiety levels, this technique promotes calmness and improves focus. Pranayama can also help with coughing, mental calmness, and concentration. Its advantages go beyond boosting immunity, making it a comprehensive strategy for general health.

Cleansing with kriyas
Cleansing techniques called kriyas also help in removing excess mucous and restore mucosal immunity. Shatkriyas are yogic cleansing techniques used to purge the internal organs and systems of the body. These are a part of the process of detoxification. These techniques are classified into six divisions as under: Neti (nasal washing); Dhauti (stomach washing); Basti (colon washing); Kapalbhati (purificatory yogic breathing); Nauli (isolation of abdominal recti muscles) and Trataka (yogic visual gaze).
These kriyas cleanse, activate and revitalise organs and develop deep internal awareness. The practice of Surya Namaskara, deep breathing exercises, pranayama, meditation and deep relaxation is also highly beneficial. Pranayama is the fourth constituent of Ashtanga yoga, which deals with the regulation of Prana and energy, grossly translated as breath. It is a practice which helps to regulate vital energies through the regulation of breathing. The main purpose of Pranayama is to gain control over the autonomous nervous system and through it to influence the mental functions. Regular practice of Pranayama makes the mind calm.

Understanding immunity
Though exposure to pathogens help build adaptive immunity, surviving such an exposure may sometimes become fatal. Research has shown that there is a heterogeneity in susceptibility to infections during a flu epidemic. Psychologic stress, fitness and physical activity, nutrition, sleep, comorbid conditions and lifestyle play a vital role in shaping this immune response. A growing body of evidence identifies stress as a co-factor in infectious disease susceptibility and outcomes. It has been suggested that the effects of stress on the immune system may mediate the relationship between stress and infectious disease. Stress increases stress hormones that dampen immune response and also reduce the ability of the cells to repair the damage caused due to infections.

Meditate on wellness
The process of keeping one’s attention focussed with sustained concentration on an object is commonly known as meditation. It is an integral part of all yogic practices and is beneficial for psychological and spiritual growth. Over the years, the stress relieving benefits of regular meditation have been known to achieve a sense of calm which has a positive impact on an individual’s health and promotes a healthy lifestyle. It has been known to be beneficial when it comes to overcoming addictions of tranquilizers, reducing hypertension, insomnia, migraines, depression, anxiety, and other psychosomatic illnesses. It stabilises the mind, increases awareness, concentration and will power while simultaneously improving memory and alertness. It is an effective tool for rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul, and even helps in coping with the stressful situations of everyday life.

Dr Raghavendra Rao M, BNYS, PhD is the Director, Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), under the Ministry of AYUSH, Delhi. He has completed several research projects on the use of both yoga and naturopathy interventions.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Photo: Pinterest

MILLIONS of people from the world including the Chinese dwell in the caves. They lived in the caves for several reasons. No need to pay taxes for the poor people, so they live in the caves. Others dwell on fashion. Over 5,000 years ago in China, Chinese culture started to develop. They dug the sand and created caves in the Yellow River region and lived. Nowadays the people from that region are living in the caves for the cost of cheap. Besides the weather is warm in the winter and cold in the summer.
Millions of people from the provinces of Shaanxi and Shanxi lived in caves. As the Chinese become rich, they plan to live comfortably in the caves. They decorated the caves with modern precious things. They curved the caves where they lived and sculpted the Buddha stupas in the caves. The amazing sculptures are in Dunhuang, situated in Gansu province. The trains which carried camels, rested in Dunhuang before they went to the Taklamakan Desert. To pay homage that carved the walls of caves, the merchants must pay tax. Colourful wood carvings are beautified in the walls of the cave.
At that time the experts’ sculptures and the art of wood carving had appeared. Plenty of years ago wood carvings were in the caves
and the entrances of caves are covered with sand. In 1920, Aurel Stein from Britain dug this sand. He kept Buddha images and Bibles from the deserts. The visitors from abroad arrived and watched the colourful paintings and wood carvings and bought. So, they acquired a lot of money. The ancient cave is located in Jiaohe, east of China. That cave is near Turpan and it was dug from earth. It has temples, government offices and a jail. Jail is not damaged till nowadays. At this moment the people who live in the caves of China repair the caves to be beautiful and modernized.
The new buildings that are located in the Granada region are worth nearly 100,000 American dollars. On the Sierra Nevada hills that are situated in Guadix, people made caves and about 5,000 people live in these caves. People constructed houses, stores, and hotels in the caves that are located in the North of Spain.
Lately, in the 21st century, more people lived in caves. To prevent heat, people lived in caves at Coober Pedy in Australia. Agates are found in Coober Pedy. People lived in the caves and searched agates. They found agates, so they made a bathroom, and sofa in the living room. About 3000 people lived in Coober. Tourists visited Coober Pedy and excursed under Coober Pedy. They bought agate rings and lockets. The merchants of that city became rich by selling agates. Chinese merchants from Hong Kong made agate rings and lockets and sold them to jewel shops.
There are many famous caves in Myanmar. The most famous cave is the Kaba Aye Cave in Yangon. It is a Sasananika building. The monks teach Bibles to young monks, nuns and people. It is a place of performing good merit. Many donations had done in that cave. In the compound of the cave, there are many buildings of monks to teach the bible.
I and my brother also learned Abhidhamma and other Buddhist languages from Sayadaws. There are many astonished caves in Taunggyi. When I was young, I went with my elder sister and other relatives to Taunggyi.
We visited one of the astonished and fearful caves. Its name is Kyat Cave. It is a big and long cave. Villagers took firesticks and went into the cave. They said that anyone could not go to the end of the cave. The person who tried to go to the end of the cave is not alive. They also told me the exit of the cave was in another country. My elder sister shouted and told me not to see the walls of the cave.
But I looked at the walls of the cave. Oh! How horrible things are curved in the walls of the caves. There are many skulls, witches and devils carved into the walls of the cave. Besides there are many coffins in the cave. Coffins are six feet long. There are many tales about the cave. Alibaba and 500 thieves. The princess and the harpist loving tale. When the king knew his daughter was loved by a harpist and lived in the cave, the angry king closed the entrance of the cave with a rock.
The cave had on existing. They gave their lives for their love. The famous singer Daw Tin Tin Mya sang about that. The title of this song is “Tawagu”. The song is very popular nowadays. Long ago there was a famous cave where 500 bats lived in this cave. When they heard Buddha’s sermons and after they died, they reached the deva. So, we should listen to the sermon. Another famous is Akauk Taung. Akauk Taung is a mountain extending from Pyay District to Hinthada District, renowned for its numerous ancient Buddha images carved into the rock wall along the Ayeyawady River bank. Historically, the mountain served as a tollgate for passing boats and ships. Artisans carved the mountain walls, resulting in 370 Buddha images depicted in various positions standing, sitting and lying.
Most of these Buddha images date back to the Konbaung era, with some originating from the Inwa era. Therefore astonishing, beautiful and fearful caves are around the world. Good people live in the caves to do good things. They pay good benefits for the people and creatures, but bad and wicked people live in the caves to do evil things. They stay in the caves and hide money, and jewels when they get from theft. I pay homage to the Buddha to disappear the worst people from the world, so the people can live safely and peacefully.
Reference: Gimme Shelter, HPH World, 21 June 2007.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

PYATHO, the 12th month of the Myanmar calendar, brings cool, dew-drenched days. Clematis smilacifolia blooms during this time, infusing the northern air breezes with its fragrant scent.
Farmers harvest the paddy and heap up them in Pyatho. The month also sees bountiful winter crops. The weather is fine and the donation ceremonies are usually held this month. Myanmar people donate the whole year round.
Another flower that blooms in Pyatho alongside Clematis smilacifolia is the Bulbophyllum auricomum. This flower is considered the most valuable flora, adorned with various poetic names in U Toe’s poem “Ramayakan”.
Myanmar’s ancient kings held the equestrian festivals in Pyatho. It was not just a festival, but it also was a competition to select the heroes. According to the ancient Myanmar poem (Trachin) bearing the words “wearing gold embroidery on the waist”, the equestrian festival was held in the reign of Tasishin Thiha Thu during the Pinya era. Moreover, the poem “Myin Saing Shwe Pyi” by Ngasishin Kyaw Swa in the Pinya era featured practice sessions with elephants and horses by the king and his entourage.
Therefore, it can be said that the equestrian festival emerged since then. Heroes were selected based on their elephant and horse-riding skills, and other martial arts.
The equestrian festival requires a space one mile long and two furlongs wide. Additionally, the area includes space for 37 types of horse-riding skills demonstrations and showcases of Myanmar’s martial arts, including Bando and Banshay. A royal tent is erected for the King to enjoy the festivities. To the right of the ring are spear targets at heights of 25, 40, and 60 cubits.
Horse riders must first don their armour and ride skilfully around the ring. Then, they proceed to throw spears at the targets, aiming at the 25-, 40-, and 60-cubit marks step by step.
During the equestrian festival, the royal princes, king’s entourage and subjects can participate in the competitions. The contestants must have special awareness not to lose their hats and Longyis (sarongs for males) during the competitions. If not, he will feel ashamed and it is a sign of their poor skills. The queen and princesses throw their shawls and flowers to the outstanding ones. The outstanding horse rider enters the palace wearing the shawl on his chest and flowers on his ears.
The outstanding horse rider demonstrated his 37 types of horse-riding skills during the spear-throwing event. The leader of the Myanma Hsaing Waing, a traditional Myanmar orchestra under the King’s command, led the Hsaing Waing during the competitions. Heroes were grandly selected, and unique horse-riding champions emerged in Myanmar’s history. During the reign of King Min Khaung of the Inwa era, Thamein Bayan, who triumphed over the Chinese hero Garmani, became a renowned horse-riding hero.
The month of Pyatho is marked by unique festivals and a historic event: the country regained its independence on 4 January 1948 (9th Waning of Pyatho 1309 ME). Consequently, Pyatho is a month that embodies the warlike spirit of independence, along with celebrations of flowers and donation events. — Translated by KTZH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

AS USUAL, all students who have passed the matriculation examination tend to choose and go to a university per their scores, especially the entrance scores set by relevant universities.
Since the university is a paradise for most students and teachers as far as I can see, they almost always enjoy a university life in their bones. Basic education is quite different from higher education in which students mainly study all by themselves rather than with the help of their teachers. In other words, university students lead an independent life in many cases and use self-directed learning in their studies. From time immemorial, the university has been deemed a place where a child is taught to have grown into an adult to the core. Hence, choosing and going to a university becomes as important as having passed the matriculation examination.
Of course, university students are betwixt and between, that is, they are neither children nor adults. In the main, university attendees come from different backgrounds and situations such as regions, nationalities, religions, beliefs, and cultures. Thus, university students can meet a culture shock or culture bump either consciously or unconsciously, particularly in their university and hostel lives. Also, university teachers are not the same as school teachers at all. University teachers are given to treat their students like adults or even friends instead of like a child.
Most of them use the lecture method or sometimes the lecture-discussion method in their instruction as a teacher-centred approach or an authoritative style of teaching.
However, university students usually feel free to do their major studies, assignments, and tutorial exams all to themselves as described above. Because the students have to dedicate their priceless time in decades to attending university as in school, they should choose and go to university pretty carefully.
So, the choice of a university to join is of great importance to every student. Some students can attend the university that they want to. They are also happy with their educational success in university to the full extent that they can achieve. The more success these students wish to get in education, the better they will be trying throughout their academic terms. But for some students who cannot go to their selected universities, even any educational achievement in university will possibly be nothing strange to them.
Sometimes, they like to fall out of their education; they have no desire to try it on. Here, the exception proves the rule. Sad to say, some students have no chance of attending their dream university simply due to their home socio-economic conditions, especially educational fees. Other students choose to go to their desired universities by mistake. Only after a few years of their educational terms do they get to know that their university choice was wrong. What I want to say herein is that their wrongly selected universities, major subjects in particular, do not match up with their very likes and satisfaction in education. Accordingly, university students should have set their distinct educational aims and goals even while they are studying in basic education schools. 

Some students attend a university following their parents’ wishes only, but they would like to go to another university. A university student has to be given a chance to freely choose the university, relying upon his or her natural hobby. Some seniors are under the illusion that they are getting to feel an enjoyable university life bit by bit as long as their academic years last. Despite this, juniors can be different from them in one way or another. In truth, a university student should not spend too much of his or her time attending the university that they do not want to.
Certain students go to university just for a bachelor’s degree; they do not have any apparent reason for it. They may or may not live a married life after their targeted education. Whatever is said, university attendance must not be merely a waste of time. It would be best if university degrees go together with a student’s future jobs. And he or she will have to be a success in education in the future, following his or her great resolution.
I think that there is no university where students are not happy in the world at all. University students like celebrating freshers’ welcome and farewell parties as well as paying homage ceremonies and other events as always. Senior students behave well towards their seniors like their biological siblings. The students share their regional knowledge, religious beliefs, cultural norms, language skills, digital literacy and many others inside or outside the university. What is more, they imitate their close classmates’ or flatmates’ habits to the letter. Strangely enough, some students unexpectedly find their life partners-to-be at university. As for me, going to a university may be the U-turn of a student’s life.
Also, university life is the happiest moment together with friends and teachers for all students, I believe. As any student needs to spend nearly one-third of his or her life in education, he or she ought to choose and attend the university for a living.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar