The Ayurvedic Way of Life

MALABSORPTION SYNDROME

2010-07-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

Definition – A state in which absorption of one or more substance by the small intestine is reduced. It commonly effects fat, vitamins, electrolytes, iron and amino acids.

Small intestine – consists of three part

i) Duodenum, ii) Jejunum, iii) ileum

Duodenum receives pancreatic enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver and gall bladder which are important in aiding digestion and absorption. Peristalsis also aids digestion and absorption by churning up food and mixing it with intestinal secretions. Small projections (villi) and smaller projection (microvillus) increase the surface area of the duodenal lining, allowing for greater absorption of nutrients. Jejunum and ileum are largely responsible for absorption of fats and other nutrients.

Causes -

A) Disorders of Intraluminal digestion-

i) deficiency of pancreatic lipase

ii) deficiency of bile acids

iii) If a large number of bacteria present, some of them may deconjugate bile acid.

B) Disturbance of gastric function- after gastric surgery.

C) Disorders of transport in the mucosal cell.

i) celiac disease

ii) tropical sprue

iii) giardiasis

iv) crohn’s disease

D) Disorders of transport from the mucosal cells rarely it happens – due to blockage of lymphatic system

Symptoms - Symptoms of malabsorption are diverse in nature and variable in severity. A few patients have apparently normal bowel habit but diarrhea is usual and may be watery and voluminous. Bulky, pale, offensive stools which float in the toilet. Abdominal distension broborygmi, cramps, weight loss and undigested food the stool may be present. Some patients complain only of malaise and lethargy.

Diagnosis and investigations-

1) Investigate small intestine

2) Investigate Pancreas

3) Investigate bile salt malabsorption

Modern treatment - According to the cause.

Anaemia

2010-05-01T04:49:00.001-07:00

A reduction in the quantity of the oxygen carrying pigment “hemoglobin in the blood or may be defined as a reduction in the oxygen transport capacity of the blood”.
Anaemia is the reduction of red cell mass and Hb concentration below normal levels resulting in impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Classification
1) Due to diminished production of normal red cells
i) Deficiency of Iron
• Nutritional
• Post-hemorrhagic
• Malabsorption
• A failure of iron utilization rather than deficiency
ii) Deficiency of B12 or Folate
• Pernicious anaemia
• Nutritional
• Due to disease of gastrointestinal tract
• Anaemia in pregnancy
• Anaemia in infancy
• Due to various drugs
iii) Due to vitamin C
iv) Deficiency of Thyroxine
v) Aplastic Anaemia

2) Due to excessive blood destruction (Haemolytic Anaemia)
i) Hereditary spherocytosis
• G6PD deficiency
• Sickle cell anaemia
• Thalassaemia
ii) Due to infective or toxic factors
iii) Due to Erythrocyte Antibodies
• Hemolytic disease of newborn
• Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia
• Symptomatic Hemolytic anaemia

3) Anaemia of uncertain origin
• Anaemia associated with chronic infection
• Uraemia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Liver disease
• Malignant disease

General Clinical Features of Anaemia
1) Fatigue and lassitude
2) Breathlessness on exertion
3) Dizziness,
4) Dimness of vision
5) Headache
6) Pallor of skin and mucous membrane
7) Anorexia and dyspepsia
8) Tingling and pins and needle sensation in the fingers and toes
9) Oedema
10) Palpitation, tachycardia, cardiac dilatation, systolic murmurs.

Deficiency of Iron - Occurs mainly in women of child bearing age because of enhanced demand for iron resulting from blood loss from menstruation and increased nutritional requirements of pregnancy and lactation.

Clinical features – General clinical features, glossitis, angular stomatitis, koilonychia, atrophy of mucosa of the pharynx and stomach, sometimes giving rise to dysphagia. In severe and long standing cases spleen may be palpable.

Deficiency of Vit B12 and folic acid – causes are
Dietary deficiency
Gastric factors- hypochlorhydria (deficiency of Hydrochloric acid).
In elderly patient or following gastric surgery can impair the release of vit B12 deficiency.
Pernicious anaemia – This is an autoimmune disorder in which gastic mucosa is atrophic with loss of parietal cells causing intrinsic factor deficiency. In absence of intrinsic factor less than 1% of dietary vitamin B12 is absorbed.
-Small bowel factors –
Pancreatic insufficiency / Crohn’s disease- cause vit B12 deficiency.

Causes of folate deficiency-
Poor intake of vegetables
Caeliac disease
Increased demand in pregnancy
Drugs eg-anti-convulsant, contraceptive pills interfere the absorption of folate.

Anaemia due to excessive blood destruction-
In acholuric jaundice (Hereditary Spherocytosis)
Symptoms usually appear in childhood but they are often insufficient to cause the patient discomfort.

Symptoms are –
Severe anaemia,
Jaundice,
Increased splenic enlargement,
Weakness
Breathlessness,
In severe cases, may be very marked and associated with rigors, fever and vomiting.

Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency
Persons with G6PD deficiency normally enjoy good health but are liable to haemolysis if any of the incriminated drugs or foods is ingested. However, it must be emphasized that the haemolytic effect is related to the dose and will not be clinically detectable, if the amount does not exceed a critical level.
Thalassaemia (Cooley’s Anaemia)
A hereditary blood disease, there is an abnormality in the protein part of the haemoglobin molecule. The affected red cells cannot function normally, leading to Anaemia. Other symptoms include enlargement of spleen and abnormalities of the bone marrow.
Individuals inheriting the disease from both parents are severely affected (Thalassaemia major) but those inheriting it from only one parent are usually symptoms free (Thalassaemia minor)

In Ayurveda it is known as Pandu roga.
Definition - All the diseases in which the colour of the patient becomes pale or pandur varna is known as Pandu Roga. It is pitta pradhan Tridoshaja vyadhi.
Etiological Factors - Causes of Pandu roga are related to Ahara (dietietic habits), vihar (daily regimen) and nidanarthkar vyadhi means some diseases which leads to pandu.
Ahara---Food which contains more sour, bitter, salt taste, less sleep during night, more sleep during day time, excessive exerises, suppression of natural urges, excessive thinking, sadness and angerness.
Nidanarthkar rogas for e.g.
Krimi Roga (Worm infestation)
Amlapitta (Gastric ulcer)
Menorrhegia /Metrorrhogia (Mensotrual disorders) lead to Pandu roga directly.

Due to these causative factors, the agnis (enzymes responsible for digestion and metabolism) stop functioning properly and as a result ama (semidigested material) is produced. This ama being sticky in nature and gets lodged in the circulating channels (srotas) and prevents the nourishment of Dhatus which leasds to pandu roga.
Deficiency of iron and vitamins contents in food also leads to pandu roga directly.

Treatment –
1) Samtarpaniya chikitsa or Snehan chikitsa –
A) Internal - medicated ghee i.e. Panchgavya ghritam, Draksha ghritam, Dadimadya ghritam, pathya ghritam- dose 10 gram ( two times a day). All ghritam nourish the body with Pitta shamanam.
B) External - Abhayanga helps to reduce the stiffness and fatigue of the body.
2) Shodhana mild virechana is the best treatment for elimination of pitta from the body.
3) Medicines( Shamana chikitsa) some of them are-
Dhatryarishtam,
Dhatryavaleha,
Drakshadi kashayam,
Drakshadi avaleha,
Punarnava mandoor,
Mandoor vataka,
Lohasava.

Diet – Depends upon the appetite. Patient has to give little quantity of food, but frequently.
Vegetable- fenugreek, lettuce, spinach, soyabean, sesame seeds, radish, tomato, onion, carrot
Dry fruits – raisin, almond
Fruits- Banana, block grapes, plums, strowberries, pomegranate, apple, sugarcane juice.
Milk- twice a day.

Jaundice

2010-04-19T04:29:00.000-07:00

It is a clinical term referring to the yellowish discolouration of the skin, mucous membrane and whites of the eyes resulting from an increased bilirubin concentration in the body fluid. It is detectable when the serum bilirubin concentration exceeds 3mg/100ml less marked hyperbilirubinaemia is called latent jaundice. Jaundice is a sign rather than diseases that occurs in many diseases. According to the pathological variation Jaundice fall into 3 groups-

1) Haemolytic jaundice or Pre-hepatic - When there is excessive destruction of red blood cells in the blood causes the production of more bilirubin. Haemolysis may be due to intrinsic defects of the red blood cells or to various extra corpuscular factors. It is a mild one. Many patients have splenomegaly due to excessive activity of the reticulo endothelial system or congestion of the red pulp and also reticulocytosis and anaemia. The degree of anaemia depends on the severity of haemolysis.

2) Hepatocellular or Hepatic Jaundice – Results from inability of the liver to transport bilirubin into the bile as a result of liver cell damage, Acute paranchymal liver disease usually due to hepatitis A or B virus or to toxins, usually drugs or alcohol are common causes. Immature bilirubin transport mechanisms in the new born, especially n prematurity and congenital defects in bilirubin transport are very specific metabolic defects in the liver cell causing jaundice. The clinical features vary depending on the underlying diseases. Jaundice ranges from mild to very severe.

3) Obstructive or post hepatic jaundice - Obstruction to the excretion of bilirubin anywhere between the biliary canaliculus and Ampulla of vater may cause jaundice. Most common bile duct and carcinoma of head of the Pancreas. Other causes are i) Carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater or bile duct ii) strictures of the bile duct usually the result of previous surgery. iii) Metastatic tumours impinging on the bile duct and iv) very rarely involvement of common bile duct by a duodenal ulcer. Symptoms are jaundice itself, if prolonged or severe may give the skin a greenish appearance, pale or clay colored stool due to deficiency of bilirubin and to steatorrhoea (increased amount of fat in faeces) and dark urine. In some patients there is generalized pruritus loss of appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, upper abdominal pain.

Jaundice in New Born
i) Physiological Jaundice
ii) Pathological jaundice

1) Physiological Jaundice — It usually appears after 30 hours, peak level of bilirbin is reached on the 4th or 5th day and icterus disappears by 7 days. It is due to immaturity of the liver during the first few days of life. Management is essentially symptomatic.
Causes are:-
No specific therapy of physiological jaundice is required. The infant should be watched for any complicating illness or sudden rise of bilirubin level.

2) Phototherapy is used as an alternate metabolic pathway for degradation of bilirubin.

Pathological jaundice causes are:-
i) Excessive red cell destruction
• Rh incompatibility
• ABO incompatibility
• G-6 PD deficiency
• Pyruvate kinase deficiency
• Cephalhaematoma
ii) Metabolic factors
• Anoxia
• Respiratory distress
• Starvation
• Maternal diabetes
• Pyloric stenosis
• Drugs
iii) Mixed haemolytic and hepatotoxic disease
• Septicaemia
• Intrauterine infections such as cytomegalovirus toxoplasmosis,
• Rubella,
• Drugs
iv) Hepatocellular
• Neonatal hepatitis,
• Biliary atresia

Treatment- Consult the pediatrician and give the treatment according to the cause.

Jaundice is a key symptom of all forms of Hepatitis.

Hepatitis A virus - It is spread by ingestion of contaminated water and seafood’s (especially seafood) and is shed in the stool for 2 to 3 weeks before and 1 week after the onset of jaundice. Thus, close personal contact with an infected individual or faeco-oral contamination during this period accounts for most cases and explains the occurrence of outbreaks in institutional settings such as schools and nurseries.

Hepatitis B virus- It is the cause of ‘serum hepatitis’, is the most versatile of the hepatotropic viruses. Although blood and body fluids are the primary vehicles of transmission, virus may also be spread by contact with body secretions, such as semen, saliva, sweat, tears, breast milk, and pathogenic effusions. Transfusion, blood products, dialysis, needle stick accidents among health care workers, intravenous drug abuse constitute the primary risk categories for hepatitis B virus infection.

Hepatitis C virus- Parent rally transmitted, non A non B (NAN B) hepatitis has been known to cause 90 to 95% of cases of transfusion associated hepatitis the long search for the causative agent was rewarded in 1989 with the cloning of hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis D virus - Also called the “delta agent” and “hepatitis delta virus” hepatitis D virus is a unique RNA virus that is replication defective, causing infection only when it is encapsulated by HBsAg.

Hepatitis E virus- is an enterically transmitted, water born infection occurring primarily in young to middle aged adults, sporadic infection and overt illness in children are rare.

In Ayurveda jaundice is known as kaamala. It is a sudha paitika roga. If a person has food which increases (aggravates) pitta, like excessive intake of sour, salty, spicy and oily food, excessive intake of alcohol, pitta becomes aggravated. It causes vitiation of Rakta and mamsa dhatu and leads to kamala Roga. Anaemic patient are more prone to kaamala.

Kaamala is classified into 2 types
• Shakha ashrita
• Kashtaashakhashrita

Laboratory tests-
Liver function test
Urine
Stool
Ultrasomography of abdomen

Modern treatment- Depends upon the symptoms of the patient.

According to Ayurveda --- Kaamala is a pitta dominant (Pradhan) disease, so virechana is the best treatment to eliminate vitiated pitta from the body.
According to doshas aggravation, varieties of oral medicines are given to the patient.

Oral medication should be given for 3-4 months like:--
Drakshadi Kashayam
Vyoshadi Kashayam
Punarnavadi Kashayam
Vasa Guluchyadi Kashayam
Drakshadi leham
Rohitakarishtam
Amalaki Choornam

Other medicines which are good for liver rejuvenation.

Treatment should be done under doctor’s supervision.

Diet- Steamed leafy vegetables, rice, buttermilk, coconut water, juice (Apple, oranges), lot of water with lemon juice, barley water.

Avoid- Fried, fatty spicy and heavy food, non-veg.

Other recommendations are---
Take sufficient rest
Avoid excessive heat
Avoid stressful situations and anger
Cut down physical exertions
Keep diet rich in carbohydrates
No alcohol.

AMOEBIC DYSENTERY

2010-04-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

Greek word Amoeba means change, as amoebae constantly changes its shape, and dys means abnormal or painful and enteran means intestine so loose motions along with abdominal cramps is known as amoebic dysentery.

Cause - Entaemaeba histolitica is a causative organism, it is a parasite which can live in human body without making any pathology or it can make a person very sick by going into the heart or liver.

Cysts of E.histolytica survive well outside the body are ingested in water or uncooked food which has been contaminated by human feces. In the colon the vegetative forms “Trophozoites” emerge from the cysts. While they remain free in the colon, the condition is symptomless but under certain circumstances invasion and ulceration of the mucous membrane the large bowel takes place causing the symptoms of amoebic dysentery. The lesions are usually maximal in the caecum. Tiny elevations are produced in the mucosa. These soon breakdown, producing flask shaped ulcers varying greatly in size and surrounded by healthy mucosa. Amoebae may find their way into a vein and be carried to the liver where they multiply and cause hepatocellular necrosis (Amoebic abscess).

According to Ayurveda – Dysentery is known as Pravahika. Continuous consumption of indigestable food i.e. Oily, heavy, dry and cold, food, including the Aguntaja cause (according to modern science Amoebae) cause vitiation of vata and kapha.
Colon is the seat of vata so vitiated vata causes disturbance in colon with cramps (grumbling pain) and vitiated kapha causes sroto avarodha (blockage of channels) therefore colon becomes weak and cannot digest and absorb the food properly and produces more mucus leads to Pravahika.

Clinical Features - It runs a chronic course with grumbling pains in the abdomen and two or more rather loose stools a day. Periods of diarrhea alternating with constipation are a frequent feature. Mucus is usually passed, sometimes with streaks of blood and the motions often have a very offensive odour.

Treatment-Symptomatic cases can be treated with antimicrobial drugs but the most severe cases treatment has to be given
• Antimicrobial drugs
• Antispasmodic
• Antibiotic

Ayurvedic Treatment-Langhana i.e. light food has to be taken patient should take only liquid cooked diet.

1) Medicines which improves the digestion. (Deepana and Pachana)
2) Other medicines which are highly effective against disease for example
• Kutajarishtam
• Mustharishtam
• Vilwadi leham
• Dadimashtak choornam
• Talisapatradi Vataka

Prevention-
• Unboiled water
• Uncooked food
• Heavy, dry, oily food.

OBESITY

2010-04-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in infants, children and adults, where it is responsible for more health disorders than all the vitamin deficiencies combined. Obesity requires constant care because of the numerous complications and the predisposition it creates to common and potentially serious conditions such as Diabetes mellitus, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and some forms of cancer. It is frequently associated with emotional and other psychological disturbances, all of which may interfere in a major way with the welfare of an individual, a family or a community. Obesity can be defined as an abnormal accumulation of fat in the stores of adipose tissue through out the body.

In Ayurveda it is called as Medo Roga. Ayurveda means- Ayur for life, Veda for knowledge. Ayurveda is a knowledge of life which helps in promotion of health, prevention of diseases & achieve a long life. All matter in the universe is comprised of five elements- Prithvi(Earth), Apa(Water), Teja(Fire), Vayu(Air), Akash(Ether/Sky).

They combine to form biological humors called Doshas- Vata, Pitta, Kapha. All process in our body to be governed by a balance of three doshas. Every person has a specific prakriti(Nature or the balance of Doshas unique to every individual) according to the dominancy of doshas. Well being of an individual is judged on the basis of the tridoshas. Any imbalance in the doshas, may lead to different ailments and disorders. These doshas act on the tissues of the body known as dhatus.

There are 7 dhatus in our body are – Rasa(Lymph), Rakta(Blood), Mamsa(Muscle), Meda(Fat), Asthi(Bones), Majja(Bone-Marrow), Sukra(Semen).

Meda roga or sthoulya (Obesity) is caused by excess accumulation of Meda (fat) and Vasa(Adipose tissue).

Causes

i) Genetic and environmental factors- A genetic component can be identified in many cases. Environmental considerations such as the dietetic habits of the family and economic factors are also important. Excessive intake of fried and heavy food, over eating, rich fatty and junk food, cold drinks, excessive sleep, also are responsible for increasing weight.

Many people develop the habit, taking one large meal a day, rather than three or more smaller meals. There are grounds for suggesting that such a habit is more likely to be associated with obesity than a more evenly spaced intake of the some amount of food at intervals throughout day.

ii) Physical activity- lack of proper exercise and sedentary life is more in the obese than in the lean, though the amount of energy expended by an obese person on most tasks is likely to be more because of extra weight involved. That does not, however, discount the fact that the sedentary lifestyle causes obesity and may also be caused by it since obesity also causes lethargy, shortness of breath, etc.

iii) Psychological Factors- Obese patients are often psychologically disturbed, though it may be difficult to distinguish between cause and effect. Depressed or anxious patients or the emotionally derived may seek relief in food. Many patients, especially younger adult females, are often greatly ashamed of their appearance and may be easier to treat than the older patient who has lost any ambition to recover a more youthful appearance.

iv) Endocrine factors- Adrenocortical hyper function is often associated with a gain in weight and an increase in body fat. In pregnancy, endocrine factors contribute to the increase in weight. Hypothyroidism , diminished energy expenditure may be associated with gain in weight.

The Ayurvedic point of view

Immune system mechanism of the body depends upon the agni(enzymes) and dhastus. When first dhatu rasa is defective it affects the successive dhatu, because each dahtu is nourished by the previous dhatu.

If we want to keep tridoshas in a state of health and equilibrium, Ayurveda prescribes a specific food, dincharya (daily routine), ritu charya (seasonal routine) for any specific prakriti. If a person with kapha prakriti consumes food which is sweet and heavy in nature, and indulges in a sedentary life style, sleeps during the day and performs little or no exercise whatsoever.

There is more nourishment of Meda dhatu.
Increased meda dhatu creates Shrotoavarodha(Blockage of channels)
No nourishment of further dhatus.
So there is more accumulation of Meda in the body.

Health risks of Obesity:

1) Stroke

2) Breathing problem

3) Cardiovascular diseases

4) Fatty liver

5) Gall bladder disease

6) Osteoporosis

7) Hormonal abnormalities

8) Osteoarthritis

9) Cancer

Treatment- The single most important requirement in the management of obesity is education of the patient.

“KARSHYAMEVA VARAM STHOULYAT”- lean is always better than obese, so to avoid – Longer the waist line and shorter the life line

Follow these points

1) Diet- Any successful diet means consuming fewer calories, eating less food but healthy food. Eat a healthy breakfast, a substantial lunch and a light dinner.

• Never skip breakfast

• Eat slowly and thoroughly chew your food.

• Avoid fried food.

• Eat less, but more often

• Avoid juices, cold drinks, ice creams, and food that have high quantities of sugar

• Drink plenty of water

• Eat fibre rich food, salads (lots of cucumber)

• Avoid alcohol

• Eat Fruits- watermelon, papaya, orange.

2) Exercise -

• Morning walk, jogging

• Swimming

• Yoga

3) Panchkarma and kerala therapy - Concentrates on melting the fat and removing it from the body, tighten the muscles, detoxification this can be done by Ayurvedic massage therapy, vasthi and virechana.

a) Abhayangam and udhvanthanam with special oil suitable for the body along with udhvarthnan helps to reduce weight.

b) Elakizhi

c) Podikizhi

d) Vamana

e) Virechana

f) Vasthi

Duration of treatment – It depends upon the obesity.

Medicines- Some of them are

Varnadi kashayam

Varadi kashayam

Ardhavilwam kashayam

Punarnavadi kashayam

Punarnavadi guggulu

Meda mix etc.

Osteoarthritis

2010-02-23T03:42:00.000-08:00

Osteoarthritis also called as Osteoarthrosis and Degenerative, Joint disease.
It is most common form of arthritis. It is characterized by degeneration of the articualar cartilage and the formation of bony outgrowths at the edges of the affected joints. Usually only one or two of the larger joints are involved.
Pathologically we can defined-as a condition of synovial joint characterized by
focal loss of articlular hyaline cartilage simultaneous proliferation of new bone with remodeling of joint contour, inflammation is not a prominent feature.

Knees and hip are the principal large joints affected. Knee OA is more prevalent than hip OA , but taken together they effect 10-25% of those aged over 65 yrs. OA is more prevalent and more commonly associates with symptoms in women, except at the hip where both genders are equally affected.
Classification primary OA- appears insidiously, without apparent initiating cause as on aging phenomenon
Secondary OA- appears after repeated micro traumatic injuries or previous macro traumatic injuries to a joint or some underlying systemic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, poor metabolism of calcium in the body it happens mostly to women after menopause and vitamin d deficiency due to lack of exposure to sunlight.

Some occupational risks for OA include:-
Farming-hip OA
Mining –knee OA
Professional football-knee OA

Clinical features of osteoarthritis:-
Restricted movement (Capsular thickening, blocking by osteophytes).
Palpable, sometimes audible coarse crepitus (due to rough articular surface)
Bony swelling (osteophytes)
Penarticular tenderness
Muscle weakness and wasting
No or mild synovitis deformity
Knee OA- targets the patello femoral and medial tibio femoral comportment of the knee.
Trauma more important risk factor in male may result in unilateral OA.
In female most knees OA is bilateral and symmetrical
Most knee OA pain is well localized to the anterior or medial aspect of knee and upper tibia.
Patello femoral pain is usually woarse when going up and down stairs.
Difficulties in prolonged walking rising from a chair getting in and out of a car or bending to put on shoe or socks.

Local examination findings are:-
A jerky, asymmetric antalgic gait
Periarticicular tenderness (Upper medial tibia)
Weakness and wasting of the quadriceps muscles
Restricted flexion/extension with coarse creptius
Bony swelling around the joint line.
A varus deformity (displacement of foot towards midline)

According to Ayurveda-known as Sandhivata. Sandhi means-joint
Vata-means disease caused by vitiation of vata dosha
Exposed to dry and cold climate, suppression of natural urges, excessive exercise, stress, always aggravate vata dosh. There is already vata aggravation in old age. So this vitiated vata dosha causes degenerative changes in joints.

Investigation to confirm the diagnosis:-
Do-Plain X-Ray of knee joint
Synovial fluid aspiration
Radioisotope bone scan

Prevention in early stage:-
If undue stresses and strains can be removed from the affected joints by a change of occupation or transfer to lighter work.
To give up unduly strenuous hobbies
Fitting of rubber heals to the footwear may help by reducing jarring and minimizing the risk of slipping.
In obese patients-reduction in weight
If pain is prominent rest in bed, do abhyanga (Local application) with special medicated oil. It will help to reduce stiffness and then do exercises.

Treatment:-
Analgesics
Intra articular injection of hydrocortisone may be helpful
If above fails-surgery

Ayurvedic Treatment:- If the symptoms have recently started then oral medication, calcium supplementation and local massage with medicated oils will help.
Valiya rasnadi kahayam
Cheriya rasnadi kashayam
Dhanwantharam Kashayam
Sahacharbaladi kashayam
Dhanwantharishtam
Balarishtam
Yograj guggulu
Gokshuradi guggulu
Punarnavadi guggulu,etc.

Panchkarma and kerala therapy:-
Snehan and swedan
Most authentic panchkarma treatment is very effective for all types of arthritis. The kerala’s ancient treatment is pizhichil i.e. oil bath because patient is literally bathed with lost of warm medicated oil with massage followed by vaspa swedan.
Januvasthi-The medicated oil is allowed to stay over affected area (knee joint), it will help to remove the stiffness and makes the movement more comfortable.
Vasthi-sneha and kashaya vasthi alternately. It is the best treatment for vitiation of vata dosha and detoxification.

If there is any family history of osteoarthritis have pizhichil therapy in advance for 7-14-21 days (depending upon the symptoms of patient). It will prevent degenerative changes.

Migraine

2010-02-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

In todays world we all encounter a situation where we struggle to maintain a balance between work and life. Many a times it so happens that concentrating on one affects the other leading to serious health implication. Frequently carrying work home, unable to leave office on time, skipping meals, less intake of water, less sleep has become normal routine of many people, especially women who have to shoulder various responsibilities after complaints of headaches and migraine.

Headache is a term which literally describes pain felt anywhere in the head. It poses certainly the commonest, probably the most ambiguous and sometimes the most difficult clinical problem.

Headache is caused by a disturbance of the pain sensitive structures in the head. The extracrainal coverings and arteries are sensitive to pain. Within the cranial cavity there are few pain sensitive structures. Pain can be evoked from the venous sinuses, the arteries and dura at the base of the brain. Displacement and distortion of these structures, particularly if rapid, cause headache.

Among the 12 cranial nerves, V, IX, X cranial nerves contain pain fibers and direct compression of these nerves produces pain.

Classification of headache:-

I) Referred headache-Diseases of structures in the head may cause pain. For Example-Eye diseases, nasal and sinus diseases, dental diseases, ear diseases, cervical spondylosis

II) Cranial neuralgia- Trigeminal neuralgia, temporomandibular neuralgia

III) Meningeal irritation-Meningitis, Encephalitis

IV) Vascular headache- is almost always described as throbbing in character and is aggravated by head movements. Commonest form of vascular headache is. Migraine, cluster headache

V) Headache due to expanding intracranial lesions such as cerebral tumors, sub dural hematoma

VI) Psychogenic-These headaches are associated with anxiety and depression.

Migraine is a recurrent throbbing headache that characteristically affects one side of the head. It is possibly caused by constriction and then dilation of the arteries of the brain. An initial phase of vasoconstriction causes symptoms of less blood supply to the brain and this is followed by vasodilatation. This change affects both intra and extra cranial arteries and it is the dilation of extra cranial vessels which cause pain by stretching the pain nerve ending in the arterial wall.

There is a genetic predisposition; approximately three quarters of patients who suffer from migraine have close relatives similarly affected.

Migraines attacks may be precipitated by variety of factors such as menstruation, flashing light, disturbance in sleep, stress and anxiety. Cheese, Chocolate, Paneer, sour fruits, red wine, allergies to certain types of substance like strong perfumes, skipping meals, are common precipitants.

Symptoms-Headache usually begins in one spot and subsequently involves the whole of one side of the head. The pain is usually severe and throbbing is associated with vomiting, photophobia, pallor, sweeting and prostration which may necessitate the patient taking to bed in a darkened room.

According to Ayurveda-Precipitating factors cause vitiation of vata and kapha. Vitiated vata covers the kapha in the arterial wall. This vata avrita kapha affects the dhamanis of brain and decreases the circulation, leads to headache, and sensation of vomiting. Avrita kapha clears after vomiting and patient has relief from headache.

Prevention and treatment:-

A carefully recorded history and a meticulous examination followed by full explanation of the nature and phenomena of migraine are necessary to exclude the other diseases which are associated with migraine.

“Prevention is better than cure”.-It is the mantra that has to be kept in mind in case of migraine.

Thus focusing more on cause or precipitating factors that aggravate the migraine-

Avoid bright light
Get a good night sleep, try not to sleep late
Don’t skip meal; make habit to take frequent meal.
Keep in mind what you eat

It migraine happens mostly 2 wks before the menstruation, low level of progesterone hormone responsible for this problem, please consult your doctor accordingly,

If one gets migraine attack-lie down in dark room, put an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the head.

As soon as you feel headache- take analgesics/painkillers or other medicines to reduce stress and pain and go to sleep.

In Ayurveda-Panch karma and Kerala therapies are effective.

Sirodhara- A continuous stream of medicated oil is dripped on the forehead along with gentle massage all over the body which relaxes, soothens and maintains the circulation in the brain by reducing the spasm of the blood vessel. Nasyam is also adviced to remove the Kapha Avritam.

Siroabhyanga-Special medicated oil is poured on top o the head and is left for sometime. A gentle massage is given for the head for relaxation.

After the 7-14-21 days Sirodhara, Siroabhayanga is adviced which will take care to get have a permanent cure along with oral medicines.

Oral Medications:-

Drakshadi Kashayam
Varnadi Kashyam
Guduchyadi Kashyam
Drakshadi Leham
Balahathadi thailam for head application

If it is related to menstruation then have uterine tonics which maintains the hormonal imbalance eg.-Musalikhadiradi Kashayam, Asokarishtam, Kumaryasavam.

FROZEN SHOULDER

2010-02-12T02:58:00.000-08:00

Also known as Adhesive causalities and Periarthritis.
A stiff, painful shoulder with progressive limitation of movement. Sign and symptoms begin gradually, worsen over time.
Usually occurs on one side. Sometimes it can spread to the other shoulder. Some idiopathic facts for frozen shoulder-It happens mostly to people aged in 40’s,50’s and 60’s.
Women get their frozen shoulder much more commonly than men.
Causes-We can classify in two groups
1) Primary-No significant reason for pain and stiffness.
2) Secondary- may be due to synovitis, rupture of the capsule, subacromial bursitis or a lesion in the muscle complex round the joint particularly in the supraspinatus. There may be history of trauma, your arm in a sling for long time immobilized in a specific position for a prolonged period.
Other ailments are-Heart or lung problems can be linked to cause shoulder pain. Cardiac surgery has sometimes lead to
frozen shoulder. Lung problems like tuberculosis or tumor. Diabetes is a common associated condition with frozen shoulder
Symptoms-Symptoms are variable depending on the cause. Pain is the usual presenting feature and may be accompanied by muscle spasm and limitation of movement. The onset can be acute. When the condition is sub acute or chronic, pain and stiffness are most marked after a period of inactivity and may be eased by moderate exercise. Tender areas may be present. Pain often worst at night and when lying on the affected side. Patient has difficulty with normal daily tasks such as dressing, preparing food, carrying bags and working. Muscle wastage may be evident due to lack of use. According to ayuveda- frozen shoulder is known as Ababahuka. Ayurvedda described-80 Types of Vata nanatamaja roja (caused by vitiation of vata dosha). Ababahuka is also a vata nanatmaja roga. Vitiated vata dosha absorbs the fluid (kapha) of the joint cause to Ababahuka.
Treatment-It is essential to carry out a careful clinical examination as many diseases of diverse origin frequently present with musculoskeletal symptoms.
1) Physiotherapy is quite effective in acute condition.
2) Anti-inflammatory drugs.
3) Injection of steroid into the joint to reduce inflammation
4) Nerve block a short term pain relief option
5) Surgery if the above fails

Ayurveda treatment- If frozen shoulder caused by secondary group than the other ailments- the Panchkarma and Kerala therapy is very effective. The aim of the Ayurveda treatment is to bring vitiated vata in equilibrium.
Most popular kerala therapy is pizhichil means squeezing of medicated oil with the help of cotton cloth all over the body with full concentration on shoulder along with different stroke of massage. It is a process of fomentation, highly effective for treating diseases caused by vitiation of vata dosha. Duration of treatment varies according to the severity of symptoms of the patient.
Elakizhi- Special herbal pack massage with Pizhichil gives strength to the muscle and improves the mobility of shoulder joint.
Nasyam –popular panch karma therapy for all urdhvajatrugata roga, It is a powerful rejuvenating therapy.

Requirement of Therapy -7,14,21 days therapy course depending on the severity of symptoms along with oral medicines for 3-4months.

Oral medication –some of them are

Sahacharbaladi kshayam
Valiya rasnadi kashyam
Dhanwantharam kashayam
Saptasaram kashyam
Balarishtae
Dhanwantharishtam
Cheriya Rasnadi kashayam
Gograj gugulu
Punarnavadi guggulu.
Medicated Ghritam- for internal snehana.

Acne (Yauvan Pidhika)

2010-02-08T23:35:00.000-08:00

What is Yauvan Pidhika (Acne)?
Yauvan Pidhika or Acne is one of the most common problems faced by the teenagers or adolescents. Most of the teens spend a lot of money to solve the problem by using cream, lotions, face wash etc but these only manage to solve the surface problem whereas acne persists under the skin. That is why these remedies do not work for a very long time and pimple or zits (acne) keep coming back. Ayurveda cures it from within and not the surface that is where Ayurveda plays an important role.

Causes of Yauvan Pidhika?
Ayurveda says that acne is an imbalance of all three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha, with the main cause being the aggravation of the pita dosha, pitta is made up of fire and water, hence the heat, or redness of the skin. Rakta dhatu or blood also plays an important role in formation of acne.
Vata when gets vitiated due to unhealthy diet and lifestyles affects other two doshas (kapha and pitta) to aggravate them. Aggravated pitta affects rakta dhatu or blood.

The vitiated blood affects the skin and causes excess secretion of oil from sebaceous glands. Kapha has sticky property. The aggravated kapha imparts the stickiness to the oil produced by sebaceous glands of skin. Thus the thick sebaceous plugs are formed in skin pores and hair follicles leading to eruption of acne. Since a pitta imbalance is deep in the physiology, cream and topical treatments just mask the symptoms and do not cure them within, Ayurveda recommends a pitta diet and life style to tackle the disease at the root cause. Add yoga and meditation as they help in stress release and relaxation.

A simple diet plan beneficial for acne:-
•Eat food that are suitably warm avoid cold food.
•Do not eat food that are not compatible with each other,
•Eat at regular time intervals, a full meal can take at least 3-4 hrs to digest.
•Oily food should be avoided.
•You diet should be a perfect balance food. Do not gorge on spicy or sugary food.
•For proper movement for bowels a lot of green leafy vegetables should be included.
•To build up proper water content a proper amount of fresh fruits should be took; it also makes the blood purer.

Acne worsens when:-
•Grease, dirt or other harsh chemicals accumulate on skin.
•You have increased stress levels.
•You indulge in Squeezing or pinching of acne.
•When there are hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycle, menopause and puberty.
•You are under medications like steroids or hormonal therapy.

Precautions to be taken to avoid exaggeration of acne eruptions:-
•Avoid foods which are spicy, dry and oily. These may cause indigestion and lead to vitiation of vata.
•Keep a habit of emptying bowels regularly this always normalizes vata.
•Avoid fast foods and soft drinks.
•Wash your face twice daily with mild cleanser.
•Put a hair band to avoid falling of hair on face. The sweat and dirt accumulated on hair may fall on facial skin through hair strands
•Avoid application of scrubs.
•Wash your hair regularly with mild shampoo to keep it clean and avoid dandruff.
•Squeezing and pricking of pimples cause scaring. Hence avoid this
•Avoid exposure of skin to severe climatic conditions.
•Avoid oil based moisturizers. Water based moisturizers are always beneficial.
•Drink plenty of water.
•Practice a regular exercise regimen

Natural Herbal acne Home remedies :
•Wash your face with lukewarm water and mild soap twice a day.
•Wash fresh methi leaves (fenu greek leaves) and grind it to make a paste. Apply it on face and wash it off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes.
•Grind juicy tender neem leaves with turmeric to a consistency of paste. Apply this paste on acne and pimples. Wash this off after it dries.
•Apply a face pack of ripe tomato pulp and wash it off as soon as it dries naturally (preferably after 45 minutes).
•Do not keep the make up while sleeping. Cleanse it with a mild herbal cleanser.
•Mix besan flour (gram flour) with rose water and apply a face pack.
•Consuming fresh vegetable salads and fresh fruits keeps the skin healthy and resistant to blemishes.
•Drink plenty of water (15 glasses a day).

SINUSITIS

2010-02-07T23:23:00.000-08:00

Inflammatory diseases, mostly in the form of common cold are the most common disorders of the nose and accessory air sinuses. Most of these inflammatory conditions are viral in origin, but often they are complicated by superimposed bacterial infections having considerably greater significance.

INFLAMMATIONS
RHINITIS- The more elegant way of saying “common cold”. Most commonly caused by viral infection. They evoke a profuse thick phlegm or mucus discharge, thickened nasal mucosa, edematous, nasal cavities are narrowed and the turbinate are enlarge. These infections soon clear up, usually in a week if appropriately treated but only after 7 days if ignored.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS- It is initiated by sensitivity reactions to one of a large group of allergens perhaps most commonly the plant pollens. The allergic reaction is characterized by marked mucosal oedema, redness and mucous secretion. Recurrent attacks of non specific or allergic rhinitis eventually lead to focal protrusions of the mucosa producing so –called nasal polyps which may reach 3 to 4cm in length.

CHRONIC RHINITIS- is a sequel of repeated attacks of acute rhinitis. Most cases of common cold, inflame sinuses associated (bacterial infection) with systemic upset caused sinusitis.
Sinuses are hollow air spaces in the human body. They usually are referring to symptoms in one or more of 4 pairs of cavities or sinuses known as Para nasal sinuses.

These cavities located within the skull or bones of head surrounding the nose including-
• FRONTAL SINUS
• MAXILLARY SINUS
• ETHMOID SINUS
• SPHENOID SINUS

Each sinus has an opening into the nose for the free exchange of air and mucus and each is joined with nasal passages by continues mucous membrane lining.
Symptoms- location of sinus pain depends on which sinus is affected.
Maxillary sinusitis – can cause pain or pressure in the cheek and upper jaw area e.g. tooth ache, headache.
Frontal sinusitis- can cause pain or pressure in forehead, headache,
Ethmoid sinusitis- can cause pain or pressure between or behind eyes, headache.
Sphenoid sinusitis- can cause pain or pressure at the top of the head, earaches, neck pain Other symptoms are- fever, weakness, tiredness, cough that may be more severe at night, runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, bad breath, decrease sense of smell.

TYPES OF SINUSITIS
• ACUTE
• CHRONIC

Acute condition starts with common cold, which is caused by a virus – cold can inflame the sinuses, in chronic condition- the membranes of Para nasal sinuses and nose are thickened because they are constantly inflamed.
If a child having common cold with a clear runny nose does not mean this is sinusitis. If other symptoms can include a fever, cough, headache bad breath, sore throat, irritability, loss of appetite and less active, although facial pain and facial swelling is not always present. If these symptoms persist from a few days upto a month it is called acute sinusitis. If the problem lasting 3 months or more it is termed chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is relatively rare in children. If it is untreated then it can cause Asthma.
According to Ayurveda- Respiratory tract infection like pratishyaya, Peenasa (sinusitis), Kasa, swasa is produced as a result of vitiation of kapha dosha. The root of RT problems is digestive system especially related to stomach and small intestine. When ingested food is not properly digested due to mandagani (disturbance metabolic process), so undigested substances (AMA) contributes to an increase in phlegm, not only to mucus but also thickened fluids generally, because of vitiated kapha dosha, immunity of the body will get effect, so Ayurvedic treatment(Oral and Therapy) will help to increased the resistance power of the body.

TREATMENT- According to modern medicine
• antibiotics
• analgesics,
• corticosteroids
• antimicrobial nasal spray s
• surgical

ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA-Panch karma and Kerala therapy with oral medication is quite effective in sinusitis.
• Head massage with medicated oil is effective to prevent kapha from accumulating in head.
• Apply karproradi thailam on face, add 4-5 drops of this thailam into boiled water and take good steam.
• Nasyam-with Anu thailam is very effective to clear the sinuses.
• Sirodhara- continuous stream of medicated butter milk on forehead is very effective treatment.

ORAL MEDICINES-some of them are:-
• Dasamulakatutriyadi kashayam
• Indukantam kashayam
• Pathyaksha dhatriayadi kashayam
• Vasakadhyarishtam
• Allerkhand
• Agastya rasayan
• Dasamula rasayan

PREVENTION-
Avoid exposure to irritants e.g. Cigarette, and strong ordure from chemicals
Avoid exposure to anything from which you are allergic.
Avoid dry indoor environment and use a humidifier.
Keep your nose as moist as possible with use of saline sprays.

Do’s
• Vit A and Vit C rich food and fruits are very effective to treat sinusitis. Mango, pumpkin, tomatoes, carrot, papaya, leafy vegetables, milk contain Vitamin A. Amla, orange, lemon contain Vit C.

Don’t
• Fried, freezed, heavy food should be avoided.

Neem (Azadirachta Indica)

2010-01-26T23:15:00.000-08:00

Neem is also known as Divine tree, heal all miracle tree. The Sanskrit name of Neem is Arishtha means reliever of the sickness. Normally it thrives in areas with sub-arid to sub humid condition. It can grow in many different types of soil but it thrives best on well drained deep and sandy soils.
Distribution throughout India
Language wise name
Sanskrit- Nimbah Arishtha
English-Neem tree, Margosa tree
Mal- Veppu,
Tam-Vempu.
Tel-Kondavepa
Part used-Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Seed, oil each part of Neem has medicinal properties being antibacterial, antifungal, ant diabetic antiviral, ant fertility, ant allergic, analgesic. Many countries have been consistently growing the Neem tree against the global warming. It is a source of environment friendly biopesticide.
Traditionally, teeth cleansing is conducted by chewing of neem twigs. Due to its astringent property it is effective in bleeding gums, decay tooth and foul smell of the mouth.
Neem oil is very effective as mosquito repellent. It is used in cosmetic preparations also (Soap, Balms, Creams, Shampoo, Toothpaste).
Neem Bark contains tannins which are used in tanning and dyeing.
Decoction of Neem leaves removes toxins from the body purifies blood and effective in skin diseases for example-Dermatitis, Eczema, Ache, Allergic, Rashes, Proriam and maintains the Skin elasticity.
Neem leaves paste is applied on the skin to treat Wounds, Ulcers, Aches. Proriasn, Urticuie, Eczema. Neem Bark has bitter, cool, astringent effects. It is helpful in healing wounds.
Neem Bark acts as an analgesic. Its decoctions are effective in high fever as of malaria. It is a good nourisher of hair.
Neem is a major component of Ayurvedic medicines. There are lots of preparations with Neem.
Nimnbadi kashaym
Tikkam kashym
Guggulutiktam kashyam
Nimbamrathsavam
Nimbachi Choornam
Nimelia

Cerebro Vascular Disease

2010-01-16T02:45:00.000-08:00

It is a group of brain dysfunctions related to the diseases of blood vessels, supplying the brain.Hypertension is the most important cause; it damages the blood vessels lining. Sustained hypertension permanently changes the architecture of blood vessels, making them stiff, narrow, deformed, uneven and more vulnerable to fluctuation in blood pressure. A sudden rise in blood pressure due to excitation can cause tearing of blood vessels resulting in intracranial hemorrhage.

Cerebrovascular disease primarily effects people who are elderly or have a history of Diabetes, smoking or ischemic heart disease. The results of CVD can include a stroke or occasionally a hemorrhagic stroke.

Cerebro-vascular accident (Stroke)

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disturbed in some way. As a result, brain cells are starved of oxygen. This causes some cells to die and leaves other cells damaged.

Types of Stroke-

i) Transient ischemic attack

ii) Cerebral Thrombosis

iii) Cerebral embolism

iv) Cerebral Hemorrhage

An artery to the brain may be blocked by a clot thrombosis which typically occurs in a blood vessel that has previously been narrowed due to atherosclerosis (Hardening of the artery) when a blood clot or a piece of an atherosclerotic plaque (a cholesterol & calcium deposit on the wall of the artery) breaks loose, it can travel through the circulation and lodge in an artery of the brain, plugging it up and stop the flow of blood, this is an embolic stroke. A blood clot can form in a chamber of the heart when the heart beats irregularly, as in arterial fibrillation, such clots usually stay attached to the inner lining of the heart but they may break off, travel through the blood stream, form a plug (embolus) in a brain artery and cause a stroke. A cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) as from an aneurysm (a widening and weakening) of a blood vessel in the brain also causes stroke.

In some Demyelinating diseases-(Loss of myelin sheath)

i) Multiple sclerosis

ii) Acute demyelinating Encephalomyelitis.

In Multiple sclerosis- may cause hemiplegic (Paralysis of one side of the body) facial palsy. The signs depend on the site of the demyelinating lesion. Paralysis may be unilateral but usually become bilateral as the disease progresses.

In acute demyelinating Encephalomyelitis-

Headache, Vomiting, Pyrexia and Delirium are common presenting features and signs of meningeal irritation may also be found. Fits or coma may occur, flaccid paralysis and extensor planter responses are common but sensory loss is unusual.

There are many other nervous system disorders that can mimic a stroke including a i) brain tumour ii) subdural hematoma iii) Viral infection of the brain (Viral encephalitis) iv) brain abscess v) dehydration or an imbalance of sodium, calcium or glucose can cause neurologic abnormalities similar to a stroke.

In sever hypertension, Vessels so affected and rupture to cause bleeding into the brain. Majority of intracerebral hemorrhage occur in the region of internal capsule-There may be premonitory severe headache and in over a half of patients there is loss of consciousness, sometimes accompanied by an epileptic fit, since the internal capsules is so frequently involved, a hemiplegic (Paralysis) commonly supervenes and initially may be of the flaccid type.

Common symptoms of stroke-

It depends on which area of the brain is damaged because different parts control different abilities such as speaking, memory, swallowing and moving. Most common signs of a stroke are-

Weakness of one side of the body ranging from numbers to paralysis that can affect the arm and leg.

Weakness one side of the face, drooping of mouth

Loss of muscle coordination or balance

Severe headache

Confusion

Swallowing may be affected

Speech may be difficult or become difficult to understand.

In severe condition-Patient may lose consciousness

Risk Factors-

i) high blood pressure-does not cause any symptom so everyone has to check her/his blood pressure over the age of 40yr.

ii) Smoking-have double risk of stroke in comparative to non smokers.

iii) Diabetes-have to attention on diet, regular blood test and urine test.

Irregular heart beat – (atrial fibrillation) is common in old age. It increases the risk of stroke by causing blood clots to form in the heart.

Too much alcohol-increase the risk of stroke.

Obesity-increase the risk of stroke.

According to Ayurveda-80 Vata vyadhis,40 Pitta vyadihis,20 Kapha vyadihis

explained in Ayurveda.Vata vyadhi mainly caused by high involvement of Vata dosha. Vata vyadhi can be understand for neurological and musculoskeletal disease.

Neurological diseases associated with Avrita dosha condition especially stroke is caused by acute (Avrita Vata) can be classify depending upon the lakshanas.

Treatment-In Modern view

1) Treatment of high blood pressure

2) Blood glucose level in diabetes is often quite high after a stroke, control of glucose is necessary.

3) Drugs that dissolves the blood clot

4) Anticoagulants

5) O2 given as needed.

According to Ayurveda-first the person has to control risk factors i.e. high blood pressure, blood sugar, alcohol, smoking by diet and life style.

Panch karma and kerala therapies are quite effective along with oral medication and physiotherapy.aim of these therapies-to toning up tissues and to reduce the destructive and degenerative process, rejuvenate the body, enhance a total positive health.

In some condition patients get depression so counseling gives a positive response.

Pizhichil-warm medicated oil pour all over the body along with full body massage. Concentrate on effected area. It improves the tone of the muscles.

Sirodhara- It helps to dissolve the blood clot, improve the circulation, reduces stress factor.

Vasthi-Ayurveda considered Vasthi chikitsa as ardha chikitsa of all diseases. It is very effective treatment for vataja Roga and also in all vataja vyadhi

Pichu-apply in affected areas.

Nasyam- It is very important and useful treatment in all types of Shiro rogas. It is prime treatment in facial paralysis.

Navrakizhi-Nourishes the muscles. It prevents muscle wasting, enriches the tonicity. e.

Tulsi

2010-01-05T03:59:00.000-08:00

This is a genus of aromatic herbs or under shrub distributed throughout India as well as cultivated. The Plant has been classified as a pious and sacred plant. A number of religions all over the world included the use of this plant i.e. various rituals and worships as evident by its common name.
Tulsi-in English as holy basil, sacred basil

Latin name-Ocimum sanctum
In India its Language wise other common names are-
Sanskrit-Surasah, Mal-Tulasi, Krsiatulasi
Tam-Tulaci, Karuttalaci

Since older days the plant has been regarded as multidimensional effect. On one side it prevents/cures disease while on other hard it also purifies mental status, helps in meditation, yoga, worship etc.
Commonly it is classified into two types-
i) White (Light green Tulsi)
ii) Black (Purplish Black)
Property wise both are similar but due to its rich contents the black Tulsi carries more medicinal value.
Part used-Whole plant
It leaves contain a volatile oil which is yellowish green in color and has high antibacterial properties with specific fregrance.This fragrance helps in cleansing the polluted air and makes to refreshing.
Preparation of Tea-Effective in winter to avoid cough and cold.
Medicinal Properties-To keep away material attack or infection during the months of September and October Tulsi leaves should be chewed daily in the morning hours after mouth wash.
3/4 part of water left then mix milk+sugar or jaggery+cardeman-have it.
Bad breath-Tulsi leaves if chewed after meals, keeps away from bad breath.
Fever due to cold-1 teaspon of leave juice+1/2 teaspon honey gives three times a day. Tulsi juice also can apply on chest and forehead. Inhole the vapours emanated from the juice.Immuinty.
Cold and cough-
A) 1 part of Tulsi leaves+1 part of pepper grind together and rolled into small pills. Take 3-4 times daily cure cough.
B) Roast 4-5 cloves+Tulsi leaves-Chew slowly it relieves from cold and cough.
Asthma-Decoction of Tulsi leaf+ rock salt 2-3 gms. is effective
Vomiting-Tulsi swaras (extract) in pudina and sauf stops vomiting.
Teething of boby-Massage the gums with Tulsi leaf juice mixed with honey.
Falling and Graying of hair-Powder of Tulsi leaves+Amla-give massage to your hair and wash them with water.
Arthritis-decoction of whole plant 10-15 ml twice daily gives good relief.
Digestive- Tulsi leaves juice+ginger juice has digestive property.
Tulsi is main ingredients of
Vilwadi leham
Tulsyadi thailam
Tulsi cough syrup.
Tulsyadi thailam apply on chest in case of cough cold and Asthama.

Pratishyaya (Common Cold) Ayurvedic Remedies from the Kitchen

2009-12-24T22:53:00.000-08:00

Pratishyaya or common cold is related to nasopharyngeal ones but it effects all of the body`s systems. The common cold is the most prevalent during the beginning of the winters. To avoid common cold, a few simple dos & don't s can be followed :

Don't s :
1. Consume liquids in large quantities.
2. Sleep in the daytime.
3. Keep awake at night.

Dos :
1.Cover the head & neck with clothes.
2. Gargle with warm saline water.
3. Eat light & fresh food.
4. Stay in a warm place. Avoid causative factors i.e. Dust, smoke, dew etc.

Symptoms : Excessive sneezing, headache/body ache If, it is chronic, the symptoms are : dryness of mouth, sneezing, obstruction in nose, pain in temporal region, discharges from nose and fever.

Common cold can be treated by using the following Ayurvedic home remedies :

1. Boil a glass of milk +10 gm. turmeric (a small rhizome) take it lukewarm form.
2. Holy basil + ginger+ Black pepper+ Mulethi make decoction & have it in lukewarm from.
3. Take 5 leaves of Holy basil, 2-3 leaves of Jwarankusha, little ginger & add tea leaves in your regular tea.
If there is uncontrolled sneezing, excessive thirst, foul smell in nose, insomnia, fever 102(F) or more then don’t take it lightly, consult the doctor.

PANCHA KARMA

2009-12-24T22:32:00.000-08:00

Health is defined in Ayurveda as the one who has equilibrium of Tridoshas, Sapta dhatu, Tri malas and 13
agnis.
Elimination is a natural body instinct but in case of dosha imbalance due to natural forces viz, ageing process, seasonal changes etc or by unnatural and unwholesome food, drink, regimen etc. Because of these natural and unnatural factors, the agnis (enzymes responsible for digestion and metabolism) stop functioning and as a result. Ama (indigested material) is produced.
This ama tends to stick into the minute channels of the body known as strotas and start producing diseases.
Panch Karma therapy a long recognized therapeutic procedure has great importance in the field of Ayurveda as a therapeutic measure. Ayurvedic classics mention that this particular therapy eradicate the Dushita doshas (Vitiated doshas) and disease permanently and leaves no chance for relapse. So it is used as preventive as well as curative method to treat the disease.
Panchkarma or samshodhan chiskitsa- divided into
Three steps-
1) Poorva karma
2) Pradhana karma
3) pashchata karma
Poorva karma includes-1) Snehana 2) swedana
If the doshas are removed from their places by snehana and swedana karmas, they come to the kashtha, from which it is easy to expel them out by panchkarma.
There is two type of snehana-Internal, External

Internal-Medicated oils and ghee are used
External-This includes different kinds of massage.
2) Swedana-is done shortly after the massage.
Panchkarma-It includes-i) Vamana, ii) Virechana, iii) Vasthi, iv) Nasyam, v) Raktamokshana
Vamana-is a process which eliminates vitiated doshas through the mouth. This is the best treatment for kapha dosha. Vamana is not done only in patients, but may also be done in normal persons for keeping them healthy.
Virechana-The process of elimation of vitiated dosha through anal region is known as Virechana. It is a specific process for elimination of Pitta dosha. Vasthi –It has got important place in panchkarma therapies and it is indicated for the treatment of Vata dosha diseases.Vasthi chikitsa itself takes care of half of the treatment.
Types of Vasthi
i) Anuvasana ii) Niruha
Anuvasana is done with herbal oil and Niruha with herbal decoction. Both vasthis are administered alternatively for specific periods depending on patient’s constitution and severity of the diseases i.e.
i) Karma Vasthi -30 Vasthies
ii) Kala Vasthi-16 Vasthies
iii) Yoga Vasthi-8 Vasthies
Nasyam-The nasal administration of medication in the form of oil, ghee or choornam is called nasyam.
When vitiated doshas are accumulated in the sinus, throat, nose or head areas is removed through nasyam.
Nose is the nearest possible way to drain vitiated doshas. This treatment is highly effective for different types of headaches including Migraine, Paralysis, loss of smell and taste, pre mature graying of hair, frozen shoulder etc.
Types of Nasyam
i) Snehana
A) Marsha B) Pratimarsha
Marsha Nasyam is used in diseased condition while Pratimarsha nasyam can be used on any one in small measures.
ii) Shodhana

RaktaMokshana-The process of taking out impure blood from the body.
Paschat karma-After panch karma therapies there is lot of strain on the body and digestive fire (Agni) becomes weak. So to regain or restore digestive power and strength of the body. Special diet and life style is prescribed, but all therapies are very specific and technical. So done under the supervision of experienced Ayurvedic practitioner.

Haridra (Turmeric)

2009-12-24T22:21:00.000-08:00

The Haridra is well known to mankind due to its dual action of prevention and cure of a number of ailments.It is commonly known as Haldi. Haridra being a major spice crop in India. In India its language wise other

common name as follows-
Eng-Turmeric,
Tam-Mancal, Jel-Pasupu,
Mal-Mannal

The Plants- A perennial herb, 60-90 cm in height, with a short stem, cylindric rhizome, simple leaves, Part Used- Rhizomes (dried as well as raw).
Preventive uses- It is a health protector. It improves the body immunity. By regular use of Haridra, It can avoid cold & cough during season change, sore throat, skin diseases, and pain & swelling in points, after delivery, it can apply with sesame oil.
Curative uses- Anaemia-
1.It removes toxins from blood and increases hemoglobin percentage.
2. A decoction prepared from its rhizome relieves pain.
3. Cold/Cough/Asthma-Haridra with honey is the best remedy.
4. Sprain/Inflammatory ailments of joints-poultice of its paste with sesame oil, if applied hot, then will be effective treatment from sprains.
Main Preparations are- Haridra Khand, Allerkhand, Chandraprabha vatika, Sudarshana Churna.

Sharada Ritu (Winter)

2009-12-24T22:09:00.000-08:00

During winter appetite will be more as the outside temperature is cold-whatever you eat it will get digested.
This is the best time for vata prakriti people. They can eat fried items and sweet but their blood pressureand blood sugar must be in normal limit. Kapha prakriti people have to take care their weight, so reduce fried items and sweets. Pitta prakriti person can take mixture of everything but must be careful for blood pressure and blood sugar. In winter weather is dry, our skin gets dry. Because of winter even though we are feeling thirsty, we have to consume water other wise it can cause dryness and urinary tract infections.

DAY RAGIMEN
i) At 6’o clock make tea with 5 leaves of Tulsi + dry ginger tea powder
ii) At 7’o clock fresh juice of Amla mix with carrot. It will increase immunity power.
iii) A) At 8:00 am Methi (fenugreek) or Bathua (Fat-hen / White Goosefoot / Goosefoot) or mixed vegetable or aloo parathas, sprouted dal parathas are good.
B) Milk shake with apple, add some dried fruits i.e. Almond, dates, Achrot (Walnuts), Kishmish (Raisins) etc.

LUNCH
Soup-vegetable soup, chicken soup, mutton soup.
Vegetable-Leafy vegetables like,-Palak (Spinach), Bathua (Fat-hen / White Goosefoot / Goosefoot), methi (Fenugreek leaves), sarsoan (Mustard Greens), broccoli, cauliflower. cabbage, mushroom, green peas, etc.
you take as much you can Chicken, mutton, fish all are available during winter. All type of people can have it. Try to add black pepper, garlic and ginger because it will keep you warm and increase digestion.
Rice-Don’t have rice in large quantity because it is heavy and cold in nature.
Roti-Have more roti during winter, can have missi rotis, wheat mix with black gram ,soabean, Bazra and have roti of it.

EVENING
i) Tea or coffee
ii) Can have pakodas of spinach, baby corn, green chilly, paneer (cottage cheese) and broccali.
Chicken tikka, cabab, fish tikka, fish finger and chips, these are tasty and good in winter.
Lots of fresh salad likes cabbage, spinach, carrot, raddish, beet root, broccoli etc. When you see it, itself you will get the temptation to eat. Fruit Salad and non-veg salads are also good.

DINNER
Soup, Vegetable, chicken, fish, roti and salad.
It is better to have heavy food during break fast and lunch. Don’t make habit to sleep immediately after food. Make habit to take fibrous fruits like – orange, papaya, moushmi and banana, apple, pomegranate in between breakfast and lunch. Because all Fibrous food, fruits and salad help you to digest the food and give good motion.
During winter you are front to cold and chest-infection. So try to avoid cold water. If you are prone to cold then avoid ice creams and cold drinks. Have ginger water and geera water to drink.
Be careful during, sudden change from hot to cold. Keep you warm by wearing cloths. Protect your head and ears. Wear woolen soaks. To improve resistance power of body you can have Dasamularishtam-30 ml after lunch and dinner.
Chywanprasham-1 teaspoon (5gm) after breakfast or dinner. It contains lot of vitamins and keeps you warm.
Alcohol-30ml is advisable. It clears channels of the body.

The Six Tastes

2009-11-24T23:36:00.000-08:00

The six tastes in Ayurveda come from the five elements. They are:

Earth + Water = Sweet

Earth + Fire = Sour

Water + Fire = Salt

Air + Space = Bitter

Air + Fire = Pungent

Air + Earth = Astringent

Because Vata is composed of Air and Space, Vatas stay in balance better when they favor foods that are sweet, sour and salty.

Pitta is composed of Fire and Water, so Pittas stay in balance when they favor foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent.

Kapha is made up of Water and Earth. Kaphas are better balanced when they favor foods that have bitter, pungent and astringent tastes

AMLA

2009-10-08T00:38:00.000-07:00

Amla or Indian Gooseberry is found throughout India, in deciduous Forests and on hill slopes upto 200 meter, also cultivated in plains.

Language Wise Name
Sanskrit Amalaki
Hindi Amvala
English Indian Gooseberry
Malayalam Nellikka

Parts Used- ROOT, BARK, ROOT BARK, LEAVES, FRUITS.

Every part of the tree possesses therapeutic potential. It contains five Rasa-sourness as the foremost, it is sweet, bitter, pungent and astringent except salt, It rejuvenates the body, provide strength and wellness by boosting our immune system therefore help to fight diseases. Amla is rich in natural vitamin c. The fruit is fibrous in nature and has antioxidant properties. The root bark is astringent and useful in ulcerative steatites. The bark is useful in diarrhea & myalgia. The leaves are useful in conjunctivitis and inflammation. Fruits are useful in vitiated conditions of Tridosha.

Benefits-
1) It improves liver function. It is helpful in lowering cholesterol& blood sugar level.
2) Effective in acidity, indigestion, constipation, flatulence etc.
3) Very effective in upper and lower respiratory tract infection i.e. cough & cold, tuberculosis, Bronchitis & Asthma.
4) It has antigen properties so delays wrinkles or loosening of skin and maintains the glow of skin.
5) It prevents premature graying of hair. It stimulates hair follicles thus promoting hair growth & also improves tocture of the hair.
6) Very effective in skin diseases and eye diseases.

Preparations-
Amla is the main ingredient of chyawan Prasash,Agaima vaye , Amla Rasayan. Triphala (containing amla) has laxative property. It is useful in all types of constipation & piles.
Amla Juice equal quantity of water empty stomach in the morning gives antigen effect and increase the resistance power of the body.

General Health during ‘Ritu Chariya’

2009-09-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

The outer environment affects our inner state of mind & body. The seasonal changes affect every individual in a beneficial or harmful way. In Ayurveda for this, there is a term ‘Ritu Sandhi’. Sandhi means ‘junction’ & Ritu means ‘Season’. SO Ritu Sandhi is the period that joins two season i.e for 2 weeks. 8 days from outgoing season & 8 days for incoming season.

By following the principle of ‘Ritu charya’ (seasonal dietary recommendations & routine) every one can achieve maximum benefits from the good qualities of season & remove harmful effects of seasonal change.

During this weather change dimmed fires inside to burn body toxin or ‘ama’ fully. The ‘ama’ accumulates blocking the micro channels of the body and generating phlegm or ‘kapha’. This ‘Kapha’ and ‘ama’ makes mucus result in disease.

Our Acharyas have well planned the concept of ‘Ritu charya’, by considering the properties of ‘Tridosha’ Panchamahabhuta Rasapanchaka etc. in various seasons & its adverse effect on human body.

If do’s and don’ts of ‘Ritu Sandhi’ are not followed properly, It leads to Tridosha prakopa or dhatu pradosh vikar. Tridosha Prakopa is conservative factor of almost all disease vitiation of Dhatus giving rise to ‘Dhatu Prodoshaj Vikaar’.

If we are in the tune with our own bodies needs and in tune with nature intelligence , then we will naturally crave the foods and daily routine that will keep us in balance when the season change.

Proper diet is the best medicine. During hot weather it is good to eat foods with high moisture content. During autumn high protein foods are good. Summer fruits are Orange, Water Melon, Pine apple, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Peach. When winter avoid Ice cream, Yogurt, cold drinks.

The time of days also matters in Ayurveda diet. Cereals should be taken in the morning. Fruits and juices are appropriate to the afternoon while boiled veggies, soup should be taken in evening. For dinner avoid nuts, fried food and rice.
Almost 80% of diseases suffer are due to improper diet and dietary habits.
Virudahras ahaar may give rise to many comical reaction in our body which can not be visualized certain virudahras ahaar may be affecting our digestion directly or indirectly either influencing digestive enzymes or hormones.

Diet of present weather is as follows.
• Stay away from cold foods like ice cream and yogurt.
• One should avoid tomatoes and banana’s as they are cold fruits that slows down the Agni.
• Keep insides warm with warm spices like cumin which burns Ama.
• Trust in turmeric that kills Ama.

Life style is as follows.

• Start days with 2 glasses warm water.
• Don’t skip meals.
• Don’t fast during winter.
• Sleep- it builds essential energy and Ojas, boosting immunity.

Ayurvedic Herbs- Aswagandha

2009-09-23T04:24:00.000-07:00

Ashwagandha is an erect branching under shrub reaching about 150 cm in height. Its fleshy roots when dry are cylindrical, gradually tapering down with a brownish white surface and pure white inside when broken.

Names of the herb :
SANSKRIT – ASWAGANDHA
ENGLISH – WINTER CHERRY
HINDI – ASGANDH
MALAYALAM – AMUKKURAM

In Ayurveda Aswagandha is considered as Rasayan herb (Health Promoter). Many of the elements of Aswagandha are antioxidants. The main constituents of Aswagandha are alkaloids & steroidal lactones. Among the various alkaloid withanine is the main constituent. The leaves contain steroidal lactones which are commonly called withanolides.

Used part of Aswagandha are – Root & leaves. Tuberous roots are astringent, bitter, stimulant, diuretic, leaves are bitter.
It is chiefly meant to cure vitiated condition of Vata but it is also effective in Tridoshas i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Its healing benefits are-
1. It boosts immune system.
2. Improves memory and to promote overall wellness.
3. Lowers Cholesterol.
4. Reduces brain cell degeneration.
5. Contains antipyretic & Anti inflammatory properties.
6. Very good rejuvenator & revitalizer.

Main Preparation of Aswagandha are-
1. Aswagandha Choornam
2. Aswagandha Capsule
3. Aswagandharishtam
4. Aswagandhadi leham

Except for these it is an ingredient in most of the medicines of Ayurveda.

SLIP DISC

2009-09-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

What are the common causes of low back pain?
Lower backpain is a distressing disease which can cause you immobility if not attended properly. Lower back pain can be caused by many reasons. Lumbar spondylosis, slip disc, sciatica are very common. It happen because of compression in nerve. This can be either in the thecal sac or spinal nerve. Rarely, tuberculosis or tumor in the vertebrate can cause compression in the nerve and can cause pain.

What are the symptoms of low back pain? Why do they happen?
Apart from pain in the lumbar region there can be radiating pain to both or one leg, shooting pain in the legs, numbness, loss of sensation. The pain is aggravated when climbing stairs or coughing. Some times, there may be pain in the calf muscles or the knees without any pain in the low back.The low back is made of five bones (vertebrae) and intervening inter-vertebral discs. There are spinal nerves exiting from each level of the spines. The spinal cord and the spinal nerves are covered with meninges. There are many muscles and ligaments that give support to these structures.If there is a prolapse of a disc it compresses the exiting spinal nerve or the thecal sac. This causes the pain in the lower back and the legs.

What are the diagnostic methods used and why are they needed?
X-Ray, MRI, CT scan, bone scanning, hematologic investigations are usually used as diagnostic methods in low back pain. An experienced practitioner can diagnose low back pain from the signs and symptoms. But diagnostic methods are used to rule out rarer causes of lower back pain.

What are the treatments for lower back pain in Ayurveda?
Pain and other symptoms can be relieved and prevented its recurrence with a combination of oral medicines, kerala ayurvedic oil therapies and exercises. Medicines and therapies are aimed at strengthening the muscles and ligaments, reducing inflammation, relieving compression, and rejuvenation of the degenerated discs, bones muscles and ligaments. The prolapsed disc goes to its normal position in and the compression is relieved gradually with the Oil Bath treatment. The degenerated disc is rejuvenated to prevent recurrences. If attended at the initial stage there will be cent per success in curing the problem. Old cases will take time. But surely it could be controlled .The therapies are ideally done admitting the patient in the hospital to ensure rest and avoid jerks . The treatment is decided according to the condition of the patient, and the duration is usually 2 to 3weeks.

Is massage advisable in slip disc?
Slip disc is better cured with Ayurveda than any other lower back diseases. As Ayurveda Kendra has developed its own method to cure this type of diseases.We have more than 95% success in curing Slip disc. We have developed special techniques to treat the slip disc with oil bath(pizhichil). Allopathy doctors always tell patients that massage will cause more damage. But it is not true. We have got very good results even for patients having complete compression of thecal sac and neural canal.

Can ayurvedic treatment help to avoid surgery?
Most of the patients come to our center to avoid surgery. They are getting very good response also. Even after surgery we get lot of patients aspiring for their smooth movement and they are getting satisfied.

Rheumatic Diseases and its treatment in Dr. Sudha Asokan’s Ayurveda Kendra

2009-09-11T00:41:00.001-07:00

Rheumatic diseases are connected with joints, bones, nerves and muscles. Common among them are Arthritis, Spondilitis, Slip Disc, Frozen showlder, Sciatica, Paralysis etc.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the joint capsule is getting inflamed and later the articular cartilage is destroyed leading to deformity of the joints. In osteoarthritis there are degenerative changes in the joints and the bone endings get flattened. .

Causes- Salty, sour, pungent, oily, hot and heavy food stuffs, excessive intake of meat and fish, curd, vinegar, alcoholic beverages, anger, stress, not getting enough sleep in the night time and sleeping in the day time, obesity, lack of exercises, sedentary life style, excessive traveling.

Ayurveda is the best system of medicine to cure Arthritis; cures in a scientific way with natural approach. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, if the patient comes to us before the deformities set in, it can be cured. Even if patient attends it after the deformity further damage could be stopped and the pain could be reduced.

We have special herbal packs and massage therapies for arthritic conditions. Diet restrictions and life style modifications also are suggested.

We, in Ayurveda Kendra, are using only safe herbal medicines. In modern medicines these diseases are treated with different combinations of steroids, chemotherapy, gold injections, and strong pain killers. After some time these can cause grave complications like damage to internal organs, osteoporosis, and digestive problems.

Surgery can be avoided in most of the osteoarthritis cases. We have treated with great success, a lot off patients who had come with earlier symptoms.

Slip Disc
Spine become weaken because of stress, strain, tensions and a lot off other causes. With a light jerk or heavy lifting can lead to slipping of the disc from its original position and severe pain. If not treated on time it can lead to paralysis. In Ayurveda Kendra, we have treated lot off patients who were advised surgery and made them cured completely. According to Dr. Sudha Asokan slip disc is easily curable than any other rheumatic complaints. Same way migraine, depression, sinusitis, asthma etc. have very good cure in our Kendra.

Spondilitis is caused by the degenerative change in the vertebrae. It occurs mainly in the white collar group who do their job keeping their head down like working on the computer etc. spondilitis causes compression in the nerve and leads to severe pain, numbness, giddiness, vertigo, etc. If ignored it can lead to depression, paralysis etc.
Ayurveda has very good cure for spondilitis. Dr. Asokan recommend relaxation massages once in a week to throw out stress, strain and tensions.

Dr. Asokan has modified Kerala Ayurvedic treatments to the nature of the disease and it is proved to be more beneficial. Ayurveda Kendra treatments detoxify, rejuvenate and cure the patients completely without any side affects.

Ayurveda Kendra has centers in Safdarjung Enclave, Chanakyapuri, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Gurgaon and Noida.

Arthritis

2009-09-11T00:39:00.000-07:00

Arthritis is a very common destructive disease. It is an autoimmune disease. Mainly arthritis is dividing into 2 main types Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects many big joints and it is a gradual change. It is caused because of the degenerative change in the joints. The Sino vial fluid get degenerated and easy movement of the joints are affected. Then it causes inflammation and swelling. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation comes first. It can be associated with fever. It has a sudden onset. It affects almost all the joints. In this blood is also affected. It is very difficult disease to get cured. If not treated properly it can lead to deformity of the joints and the patient becomes crippled. Sinuvitis, Gout, Calcaneal spur etc are other types. Rheumatic fever is different one; it weakens the joint and affects the heart. It is affected by bacterial infection (Streptococcus).

Causes:

Excessive intake of salty, sour, pungent, oily, hot, cold and heavy food stuffs, meat and fish, curd, vinegar, alcoholic beverages, anger, stress, less sleep in the night time and sleeping in the day time, obesity, lack of exercises, sedentary life style, excessive traveling. These causes vitiation of doshas which in turn vitiates the raktha and block the vital channels. The doshas goes to the dependent parts of the body and joints to cause symptoms there.

Treatment

Rejuvenation and anti inflammatory is the method of treatment. Mainly gulgulu preparations are effective for this. Ayurvedic herbal preparation is there in different forms as Kwaths, Arishtas, Asavas, choornas and tablets. These Ayurvedic herbal preparations show the benefit slowly with out any side effects. There are so many metallic preparations especially with gold because of the side effects we won’t prescribe it.

Losing Weight, The Ayurvedic Way

2009-09-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

According to Ayurveda :
‘Karshyameva varam sthaulyat na hi sthoolasya bheshajam’ i.e., being lean is better than being obese because it is very difficult to treat diseases affecting the obese people. In this condition all the tridoshas (vata, pitta& kapha) and dhathus (rasa, raktha, mamsa, medas, asthi, majja, and sukra) get vitiated. All the channels (blood vessels lymphatic ducts, sweat glands, urinary tract, intestines etc) get blocked by ama, and excessive doshas. It gradually reduces the body metabolic rate and in this way causes obesity.

The main causes of obesity are the food& life style that vitiate the dosha kapha and dhatu medas. Food prepared from butter, ghee, coconut oil, whole milk, cream, cheese, refined flour, red meat etc increase the body mass index. That means all junk foods including pizzas, burgers, soft drinks, ice creams etc, sweets, fried items will cause obesity. Main habits that cause obesity are day time sleeping, eating in between meals, snacking on high calorie foods like dry fruits& chips, sedentary life style, lack of exercise and stress and strain which lead to over eating.
Diseases causing hormonal and metabolic errors also cause obesity (hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome and nephrological disorders). Female hormone disorders like Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease, menstrual disorders etc cause obesity. Hormonal therapy and steroid therapy also cause obesity.

We have our Panchakarma therapies and special Ayurvedic massages to treat obesity. Through Panchakarma all the excessive vitiated doshas or impurities comes out from the body. In this way all the channels of the body become clear. With this the metabolic rate becomes normal and the BMI ratio comes down.

Practicing yoga under a qualified person will help to relive stress and strain and regulate the endocrine functions. Life style changes and diet modifications are necessary to control obesity.
Increase the intake of dietary fibers, whole wheat flour, cereals, brown rice, oat meals, fresh fruits and vegetables. Reduce your calorie intake with a balanced diet. Take up aerobic exercises like walking and swimming.

Researches have shown that strict dieting strict dieting slows down the metabolic rate, leads to tissue damage and severe malnutrition. After a short while weight regain is also noted. So it very important that dieting should be done only under medical supervision. Dieting alone can’t help to reduce weight effectively, so it should be combined with therapies and exercises.

The Triguna

2009-08-05T04:07:00.001-07:00

Just as the Doshas are the essential energies of the body, the three Gunas, namely Satwa, Rajas and Tamas, are the three
essential energies of the mind. Genetically determined, an individuals psychological characteristics are dependent on the relative dominance of the three Gunas. In equilibrium, the three Gunas maintain a healthy mind (and indirectly a healthy body). Any disturbance in this equilibrium results in various types of mental disorders. Satwa has the characteristics of lightness, consciousness, pleasure and clarity. It is pure, free from disease and cannot be disturbed in any way. It activates the senses and is responsible for the perception of knowledge. Rajas, the most active of the Gunas, has motion and stimulation as its characteristics. All desires, wishes, ambitions and fickle-mindedness are a result of Rajas. Tamas is characterised by heaviness and resistance. It causes disturbances in perception and other activities of the mind.
Delusion, false knowledge, laziness, apathy, sleep and drowsiness are a result of Tamas. The Gunas, as with the Doshas, can be unbalanced by stress, negative desires, etc. and generally the demands of everyday life.

Ayurveda describes people on the basis of their Manasa (psychology, controlled by the Gunas) and their Prakriti (constitution, controlled by the Doshas). The Panchamahabhootas, Tridosha and Triguna form the basis of all diagnosis and treatment procedures in Ayurveda. Balancing these is the best way to maintain health and to cure diseases caused by physical, mental or spiritual factors.

Ayurveda classifies the human body into seven constituents, or Sapthadhathus:
* Rasa: (Plasma/lymph fluid)
* Rakta : (Blood)
* Mansa : (Muscles)
* Meda : (Fat)
* Asthi : (Bone)
* Majja : (Bone marrow)
* Shukra : (Reproductive fluid or Semen)
Ayurveda believes that these seven constituents [dhathus] get weakened due to our body’s prolonged structural changes, as we age.

The Tridosha

2009-08-04T00:46:00.000-07:00

The Guiding Principles of Ayurveda

The Tridosha

The five basic eternal elements (the ‘Panchamahabhootas’) which comprise the Universe are:

Element (English)

Element (Sanskrit )

Earth

Water

Fire

Air

Space (or Ether)

Prithvi

Jala

Agni

Vayu

Akash

These eternal elements manifest in the human body as three subtle life energies – Vatha, Pitha and Kapha (collectively known as ‘Tridosha’ in Sanskrit). The word Dosha literally means that which maintains and controls the body. The air and space elements combine to form Vatha. The fire element constitutes Pitha. Earth and water elements combine to form Kapha.

Dosha

Element

Vatha

Pitha

Kapha

Air and Space

Fire

Earth and Water

These subtle energies govern all biological, physiological and physio-pathological functions of the body, mind and spirit.

Every individual has a unique combination of these three Doshas. Ayurveda understands the uniqueness of every individual but generally there to be seven body types, as summarised below:

Body Type

Dosha mix

Mono

Dual

Equal

Either vata, pitta or kapha are predominant

Either Vata-pitta, pitta-kapha or kapha-vata

Vata, pitta and kapha are in equal proportions

Vatha Principle

Properties

Functions

Important Sites

Dry

Bright

Cold

Rough

Subtle and minute

Movement

Controls movement

Control breathing

Control natural urges

Tissue transformation

Sensory Functions

Motor Functions

Controls secretions and excretions

Fear

Impulses

Anxiety

Large Intestine

Pelvic Regions

Thighs

Ears

Bones

Skin

Pitha Principle

Properties

Functions

Important sites

Slightly Oily

Penetration

Hot

Light

Unpleasant Odour

Spreading Nature

Liquid Form

Facilitate metabolism and Hormonal Functioning

Regulates body heat and temperature

Helps digestion

Understanding

Intelligent

Hunger and Thirst

Perception

Colour and Complexion

Negative emotions (such as anger, hate, jealousy, etc.)

Navel

Stomach and upper part of the small intestine

Perspiration

Lymph

Blood

Eye

Skin

Kapha Principle

Properties

Functions

Important sites

Oily

Cold

Heavy

Slow Acting

Soft

Stable

Gives stability and energy to the body

Development of the body

Lubrication

Enthusiasm

Sexual urges

Forgiveness

Immune resistance

Attachment

Holding

Possessiveness

Greed

Accumulation

Knowledge

Chest

Throat

Head

Trachea

Joints

Stomach

Lymph

Fat Tissue

Nose and Tongue

Ayurveda - A premier, an introduction to the science of life

2009-07-17T00:31:00.000-07:00

“He who has health… has everything”

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic health science originating in India some 5000, or more years ago. It advocates a way of life in perfect harmony with Mother Nature and has evolved down the ages to be an extremely comprehensive and effective way of diagnosing and curing disease – even challenging modern medicine (Allopathy) in many areas. Naturally, Ayurveda has become hugely popular all around the world and modern research has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt the therapeutic effects of its treatments and herbal medicines.

Origins

"The body, and that which is called the mind, are both considered to be abodes of disease, likewise of well-being. The cause of well-being is the harmonious or concordant interaction of body and mind”

‘Charaka Samhita’, one of the oldest Ayurveda texts.

Ayurveda (a compound Sanskrit word implying both ‘the science of life’ and ‘the art of living’) began in India during the Vedic period. It is a branch of Adharvaveda, one of the four Vedas (Sanskrit for knowledge) or treatises which form the basis of Indian Philosophy. Ayurveda was quickly adopted by almost all groups across India and began spreading to places such as Persia (now Iran), China and Afghanistan.

According to ancient beliefs Ayurveda was gifted to mankind by the gods to help us lead a healthy and productive life free of disease.

Health and Beauty through timeless knowledge

The central goal of Ayurveda is simple… to establish perfect, radiant health physically, mentally and spiritually in every living being. If body, mind and spirit are out of balance, either partially or totally, we are likely to feel unwell and experience diseases. However, if they are in harmony we experience the sensation of deep tranquillity, referred to as ‘Swastha’.

Our body is trying to be perfectly healthy all the time through its innate self-healing and self-regulating abilities but, consciously or sub-consciously, we repeatedly interfere with these natural abilities. Ayurveda can help us to create the right internal and external conditions to restore balance to our whole being.

Ayurveda recognises unique constitutional differences of all individuals – even if two people have the same symptoms different treatment approaches are likely to help. Ayurveda emphasises disease prevention, rejuvenation of the body systems and longevity of life. It provides an integrated approach to preventing and treating illness through lifestyle modification and natural therapies aimed at restoring balance to body, mind and spirit.

According to Ayurveda, every living and non-living being in Nature is a combination of five basic eternal elements, called Panchamahabhootas. As the human body is an integral part of Nature it is also created from these elements in various compositions and, in essence, every cell of the body has all the properties of life. The only difference between the human body and the external world is the expression of Chaithanya, also known as consciousness, life spark, spirit or the soul.