Raw Silk Production: Insects That Create Wealth for the Fashion Industry

Although there have been many technological developments in silk production, in China the same production processes have been followed for centuries.

 The total annual world production of Bombyx mori cocoons, generally regarded as producing the finest quality raw silk, is about 496,000 tons, amounting to about 62,000 tons of raw silk. Silk accounts for much less than one percent by volume of world fibre production. Its high value demand is a result both of labour intensive production methods and its intrinsic luxurious quality.


Main Producers of Silk

China produces and exports about two thirds of all silk produced in the world, followed by Japan. Other main producers are India, Korea, Thailand, and Brazil. China supplies about 40 percent of the US’s silk consumption. China has a long tradition of silk production (sericulture) that goes back about five thousand years.

Raw Silk Production Methods

The production of raw silk by means of raising caterpillars (larvae), especially those of the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori), is traditionally divided into three parts:

• Moths are selected for breeding, closely supervised during the egg laying process, and then sold on to farmers

• Eggs are hatched and the silkworms fed on mulberry leaves

• Farmers then sell the cocoons to reeling mills

Egg Production and Incubation

Following mating, female moths are placed in metal cylinders that are positioned within marked squares on an egg sheet, confining the moths' egg-laying to a small area. Each moth produces from 300 to 500 pinhead-size eggs, which adhere to the egg sheet, and then dies within two to three days of laying.

Balance Mind and Body With Ayurveda: A Mind Body Health Quiz

The ancient Ayurvedic system of maintaining mind body balance is based on the integration of three basic Dosha types.

According to the 5,000 year old Ayurvedic system of maintaining a healthy mental and physical condition, understanding one’s Doshas and how they interact is essential for wellness. There are three basic Doshas, or types, of mind body personality: Vata, kapha and Pitta. A short quiz at the end of this article will help identify one’s Dosha type, and which mixture of Dosha characteristics best describes one’s personality.


Three Mind Body Types

Within the Ayurvedic system personalities are made up of two dominant Doshas, and one less significant Dosha. This determines not only one’s mental and physical state, but also acts as a prescriptive basis for the diagnosis and treatment of states of mental and physical imbalance.

1) The first type is the Vata mind body personality. Vata’s tend to be thin, find it difficult to gain weight and tire easily. They are sensitive, creative and inspirational, prone to conditions of low energy, and require frequent periods of rest. Vatas benefit from a regular routine, low stress lifestyle and don’t like cold temperatures.

The Vata Dosha is responsible for involuntary physical systems like breathing, digestion, circulation and nerve impulses from the brain. When in a state of imbalance, conditions like anxiety, indigestion, lower back problems, indigestion, cramps, and premenstrual tension may be an early indicator of treatment needs. Vata is the lead Dosha, and Vata imbalances have an impact on the state of both Kapha and Pitta Doshas.

2) Kapha, the second Dosha, is at the opposite end of the energy spectrum. Kaphas tend to be sturdy, heavy boned individuals with a strong capacity for energy and stamina. They seem to resist disease and have a positive outlook. In the main Kaphas are calm and affectionate; when out of balance, they can be lazy and stubborn. They learn slowly, but are methodical and have strong memory retention.