Ayurvedamagazine

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  • Cure Diabetes with Ayurveda

    Diabetes is a chronic disease that is difficult to heal and handle. If proper care is not taken, it can gradually eat into all parts of the body. Here, Ms. Jalaja, former Secretary, AYUSH, Government of India, tells us how Ayurveda can help treat this disease effectively.

    Years ago, as kids, Diabetes was strange to us. It was then considered as the disease of the rich. Today, it is no longer restricted to people of a certain caste, creed or sex. It is widely prevalent among people of all strata of society.

    The International Diabetes Foundation states that diabetes currently affects more than 62 million Indians, which is more than 7.2% of the country’s adult population. Till recently, India used to have the most number of diabetics in the world, but, today, China has reportedly surpassed India in the incidence of diabetes.

    Diabetes and modern medicine – We all know that diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the pancreas no longer produces insulin (Type-1diabetes) or, when the body is unable to use the insulin it produces (Type-2 diabetes).  Blood glucose levels in our body are chiefly regulated by several hormones, including insulin.

    Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune disease that develops when the body destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Occurrence of both types results in a medical condition in which the body is unable to regulate the sugar levels, specifically glucose, in the blood. The glucose that accumulates in the blood stream lead to other complications.

    Clinical features of diabetes include1. Increased frequency of urine(Polyuria) 2. Increased appetite (Polyphagia) 3. Excessive thirst (polydyspia) 4. Turbidity in urine

    Risk factors: The National Health Portal has listed the various risk factors as 1. Family history 2. Obesity (BMI > 27kg/ m2) 3. Age > 45 years4. Hypertension (B.P. > 140/ 90 mm of Hg) 5. HDL < 35mg/ dl and/ or triglycerides levels > 250mg/ dl 6. Habitual physical inactivity

    Treatment in Ayurveda: In Ayurveda, diabetes is identified as Madhumeha, a condition in which a person passes honey like (sweet) urine or Prameha, a urological disorder in which a person experiences frequent urination. 20 types of Prameha are described in various Ayurvedic classics like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Sangraha. These texts state that excess use of guru (heavy to digest), snigdha (unctous), amla(sour) and lavana (salt) rasa, navanna (food prepared from newly harvested grains), new wine, Asya Sukha (sedentary life style), atinidra (excess sleep), avyayama (lack of exercise), achinta (lack of mental exercise), abstaining from samshodhana (purification) therapy are the causes of Madhumeha.

    Explanation: A person is considered to have good health when the doshas of the body are in perfect balance. All ailments described in Ayurveda are due to some imbalance in the body’s doshas. According to Ayurveda, diabetes can be traced to an imbalance of Kapha energy. The dhatu concerned is Medas and the Mala, Urine. Type 1 Diabetes is described as an imbalance of the Vata(air and wind) dosha.

    Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 denotes an excess of the Kapha (water and earth)dosha. Development of diabetes is attributed to diminished digestive fire, or “agni,” and which affects the ability of the body to carry on metabolic activities, to produce energy and eliminate toxins.

    Treatment: As rightly observed by one expert “–The healing system of Ayurveda offers valuable wisdom and guidance that can help us listen to the signals of our body, notice the first signs that we’re getting out of balance, and make the necessary changes to reverse these imbalances.”There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be regulated.  The idea is to reduce Kapha and balance the three Doshas.

    It can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Eating regimented meals that contain less sugar, starch and fat which reduce Kapha thrice a day is very important. Physicians also advise that one should avoid dairy products and opt for skimmed milk and low-fat yogurt. Vegetables and whole grain intake also are considered beneficial.

    The anti-diabetic effect of bitter gourd (Karela) is well researched.  It is said to help increase insulin secretion by inducing beta cells of the pancreas to produce insulin. Research studies have shown that the chemical called  Curcumin, which is found in the  turmeric, helps in blood sugar control. Ginseng, Guduchi, Fenugreek, Psyllium, Cinnamon, Aloe Vera are also used in sugar control. It remains a sad fact that very few authentic research studies have been carried out in support of these claims.

    Caution: Many patients who seek Ayurveda treatment are under the wrong impression that the disease can be controlled by simply taking a specific Ayurveda preparation in right doses, as in modern medical system. Sages advised that ‘Pathya‘(diet and exercise) was the essence of Ayurveda treatment.

    As part of Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes, herbal preparations are recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners. one needs to be cautious about the blood sugar lowering side-effect of some of the herbs, for, if they are taken in combination with blood sugar lowering regular medications, the result could be harmful, if not dangerous.

    Ayurveda preparations need to be taken, only after consulting a qualified physician. Only standardized drugs produced by authorized manufactures as per Global Manufacturing Standards (GMP) and duly certified by quality control authorities ought to be used for treatment. Patients should also be wary of unqualified quacks posing as doctors, dispensing uncertified drugs, which can cause permanent damage to the body.

    Yoga, meditation and physical exercise – In addition to healthy food habits and herbal medication, regular physical activity, yoga, and meditation are recommended.

    Spirituality – In Ayurveda, the mind and body are equally important and practicing Yoga and meditation is an integral part of diabetic treatment since the mental health can affect the physical well-being too. Raga (attraction) and Dvesha (repulsion) are two aspects of the mind that needs to be mastered to establish harmony between the mind and the body. Otherwise, this can lead to stress that can affect the body functions. Ayurveda also stresses on spiritual aspects of life, including ethical living, that enables a person to lead a stress free life. This is unique to Ayurveda.

    Why Ayurveda? Now that we have a clear understanding of the system, we should ask ourselves -is there a place for Ayurveda in today’s technology driven world? Today, modern medical treatment is breaking new frontiers by harnessing cutting-edge technologies.  Precision medicine, DNA analysis, gene therapy, robotic surgery, computerized detection and diagnosis, brain-imaging, wireless brain sensors, 3-D printers, health wearables,  Cyborgs, (short for “cybernetic organism”, which is a being with both organic and bio-mechatronic body parts) are revolutionizing  modern medical world on a daily basis.

    Despite the fast changes noted above, it is not a surprise to us that even today a sizable majority of people in the world, especially in India, are unable to access affordable healthcare. The simple but profound world view of Ayurveda provides a unique framework to know our own body; it helps to understand where the problem lies and enables us to correct the imbalance, in time. This frame work can explain any disease known or unknown. Ayurveda promotes preventive health, through simple techniques and self-awareness.

    Looking at the fast pace with which modern medicine is conquering new heights, it is impossible to say what the future holds for us. As pointed out by Ayurveda gurus,the principles of this science are derived from universal laws of nature that have changed little through time. Since Ayurveda is essentially a way of life, and is thus an intimate part of human existence, it should continue to guide us as long as we live.

    S Jalaja

    Former Secretary

    Ministry of AYUSH

    Govt. of India

  • What to eat at night to stay fit?

    o keep your body fit and improve your overall health it is necessary to make smart food choices. According to Ayurveda, the last part of the day is controlled by kapha (the earth and water elements), so, whatever we eat at night must be able to balance your kapha. Let’s check out what to eat and what not to eat at night to keep ourselves fit and healthy.

    Eat low-carb foods

    Low-carb foods are easy to digest and hence they are best recommended during the night. These foods will help you sleep better and feel lighter the next day morning. A heavy meal at night is sure to cause a lot of uneasiness.

    Drink lean milk

    Low-fat milk is the best recommended for the night before hitting the bed. This should be had warm and boiled and never cold. Low-fat milk with a small amount of ginger and garlic is easily digestible and so highly recommended for the night.

    Eat light and in moderation

    It is always recommended that one should never have a heavy dinner as it can lead to a lot of gastric problems. Therefore, dinner has to be light and moderate. This will help you lose weight and thus maintain your health. Since the digestive system is weak at night, eating heavy will cause indigestion problems in the next day morning. So, eat light and moderate at night.

    Dinner can be spicy

    Spices are known to increase the heat of the body and it also suppresses the appetite so that you don’t eat too much. Hence, adding spices to your dinner can help you maintain a good body weight. Therefore, it is always good to add spices like cinnamon, fenugreek and cardamom to your evening meal.

    Reduce salt intake after 7pm

    High salt intake at night increases the chances of high blood pressure at night. Salt increases the water retention of the body and so its intake should be reduced at night.

    Dinner should always be protein-rich

    Protein-rich foods like dal and green leafy vegetables at night will keep the digestive system healthy.

    Avoid having curd

    It is not a good idea to have curd at night as this will increase the kapha dosha in the body. Instead of curd it is advisable to have buttermilk. Having curd at night can increase mucus formation in the nasal passages.

  • Sleep well to wake up refreshed

    According to the Ayurveda Samhitas, Ahar (Diet), Nidra (Sleep) and Brahmacharya (Appropriate sensory indulgence) are necessary to maintain a healthy life. Nidhi Pandya focuses on why sleep should be given the importance it deserves and how good sleep is an opportunity for the body to heal at the cellular level.

    Today we have a generation that is at one level harried by the fast pace of life and, at another, obsessed with their diet and exercise. However, sleep is often not given the importance it deserves. Essentially, sleep happens when the body is at rest and it is an opportunity that the body gets to heal itself.

    Insomnia or sleeplessness can, therefore, be destructive if left unaddressed. It not only has the power to damage your health, but will also seriously compromise the quality of your day. When the mana(mind), indriya(senses) and sharira (body) are not rested well, they all perform at below optimum level.

    Therefore, we need to understand the mechanism of sleep and reset it so that we get a good night’s sleep.

     Sleep mechanism

    As diurnal mammals, our sleep is dictated by the circadian rhythms of the universe, i.e., the cycle of the sun. When the sun goes down and our eyes sense darkness, the brain releases certain hormones like melatonin and it goes into a subtle frequency, slowing down our body and finally putting it to sleep.

    The second determinant to sleep is our body’s own rhythm or internal clock. This trains the body to sleep at a specific time. So, even if we travel to a different time zone and if the sun is up and bright, the brain will prepare to sleep because it has created its own rhythm. Gradually, the circadian rhythm will take over your body’s rhythm and automatically adjust to the jet lag.

    Insomnia (Nidranash)

    When our brain does not release the required amount of melatonin due to any reason, insomnia occurs. This can be due to anything ranging from lack of physical work, overworking or even too much time spent on the screen. Let’s understand this better.

    Types of Insomnia

    1. You can’t go to sleep – If falling asleep is a problem, it is usually the Rajoguna (the quality in the mind that keeps you engaged with the world) that is at play. At this stage, the brain is confused about whether it wants to release melatonin to put you to bed or serotonin to keep you going. This happens when we find it difficult to disconnect ourselves and are overly wired.

    Intense thoughts, loud sounds, cell-phone light, bright lights, lack of physical strain can all fool our system that it’s still daytime and we need to keep going. Additionally, according to Ayurveda, the ideal time to go to bed is the evening     Kaphatime of night (from 6PM – 10PM). If we still are awake after 10 PM, we naturally enter the Pitta time of the day and our nervous system gets wired again.

    1. You can’t stay asleep – In this type of insomnia, falling asleep is not a problem, but staying asleep is. This happens when a person has a heavy belly or is physically exhausted but the mind is still very active. After one or two sleep cycles, the body receives the bare minimum rest it needs and the mind goes into wakefulness again. This type of insomnia becomes harder to treat as time progresses.

    A person may also wake up after a few sleep cycles if there is sickness or pain involved. It is important to know that when a person wakes up between 2AM and 6AM, it is the Vata time of night. Vata is responsible for keeping the mind active and so falling back asleep may automatically become more challenging.

     What can be done?

    To treat insomnia means to regulate Vata successfully. Vata can be tackled through lifestyle changes, changing food habits and external therapies.

    Let’s have a look at each.

     Lifestyle

    • Hitting the bed before the Pitta time of the day, i.e., before 10pm, can help with a good quality sleep. This is also the time when there is a surge in melatonin and the mind becomes calmer leading one to sleep fast.
    • It is good to have a definite time to sleep and wake up everyday. This can help to set the internal clock and allow your brain to release melatonin more easily, providing you better sleep cycles.
    • Keep the room dark and devoid of any sunlight or electronic light. This can help the brain to receive good sleep signals.
    • Avoiding all activities for at least 2-3 hours before bedtime is essential. This can calm the brain leading you to sleep easily.
    • Wearing socks before going to bed can help to regulate the body temperature as well as the nervous system. This is especially good for those who wake up with sudden anxiety.
    • Keep the temperature of the room cool, but use a heavy blanket to cover yourself before sleeping. A heavy blanket can keep the Vata regulated and the nervous system and brain quiet, thus providing better sleep.
    • Pray or meditate right before bedtime as this activates the body’s parasympathetic mode, thus putting the body in rest and digest mode. This makes it easy to fall asleep and stay asleep for a long time.
    • A warm shower early in the evenings, especially during summer days, can relax the mind and make sleeping easier.
    • Sleeping on the right side is good as it promotes better sleep. Sleeping on the right side activates the ida nadi or the more cooler, calmer energies of the body.
    • Overall stress management is an important factor in determining the quality of sleep. Meditation, cultivating faith, vow of silence for a few hours a day, limiting social commitments etc., are all useful in managing stress and promoting good sleep.

    Food

    • Consume only warm food after 4pm as this keeps the Vata Avoid fruits, yoghurt and anything raw.
    • A warm glass of milk right before bedtime can also serve as a good tranquilizer.
    • Extremely spicy foods and fried foods can lead to discomfort in the body and can thus keep the mind and body active and hot.

     External Therapies

    • Shiro Abhyanga or a good warm oil massage on the head can help to significantly quieten the mind and help the body to unwind and fall asleep fast.
    • Shiro Pichu or a treatment where a cotton swab dipped in oil is placed on top of the head also helps to regulate Vata in the head region, thereby providing a significant positive impact on sleep.
    • Karana Purana or putting a few drops of warm sesame oil in the ears before bedtime is very soothing and effective in shutting down the indriyas or the senses.
    • Putting lavender essential oil on the pillow with the help of a diffuser is extremely powerful in inducing sleep, yet it is seldom used.
    • Using white colour or water sounds in your room is especially helpful for those who wake up due to stress.

    Still awake?

    The most important thing to do is to remember not to worry if you find yourself awake in the middle of the night. Keep your phone away, your eyes closed and focus on your natural breath. Focusing on your breath will once again quieten the mind and induce sleep.

    Once awake, turn on the lights or even keep your eyelids open. This will confuse the brain about the time of day and subsequently the melatonin production will be affected. You may also use lavender essential oil at this point.

    But if you do wake up after 4.30 am, you can use this time to meditate or study. This time is Brahma Muhurta or that Vatatime when your brain is dominant in the element of ether. This means that your mind will be open and ready to receive. It is also a time when the spiritual energies in the universe are at their highest. So take advantage of it!

    Nidhi Pandya

    Ayurvedic Health and Lifestyle Consultant

    Ayurveda Writer and Educator

    T – 917-671-6875

    Instagram – my_ayurvedic_life

    www.nidhipandya.com

  • Breath well with Shvasan Kriya

    The body has different channels (srotas) which conduct materials and nutrients throughout the body as well as carries waste materials out of the body. There are a total of 13 srotas in the human body. Of these 3 are Prana Vaha Srota, Udaka Srota, Annavaha Srota, 7 srotas are responsible for the 7 dhatus in the body, 3 dedicated srotas to carry waste materials out of the body. Pranvahasrota, which is responsible for carrying life bearing air inside the body, has a major role among the strotas.

    Ayurvedic definition of respiration

    Shvasan Kriya (respiration) is an activity which is defined as the combination of Nishvas (inhalation) and Ucchvas(exhalation) which carries prana vayu through the Pranvaha srota and is the key to maintain vital body functions. Problems in the pranvaha srota leads to respiratory disorders.

    Functions of the PranavahaSrota

    All 13 srotas in the body are named on the basis of their functions and the pranvaha srota is no exception. Ayurveda considers prana vayu (air we breathe) and ahara (food) as prana (life), hence the channels that are responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen are known as the pranavaha srota.

    The pranavahasrtota is the western equivalent of the respiratory system. This helps in the Shvasan (respiration), a process in which shuddavayu is inhaled into the body and ashuddhavayu is exhaled. Disorders of this srota can lead to different problems such as shortness of breath, experiencing pain when breathing, wheezing sounds, irregular breathing patterns or interrupted breathing.

    Common Disorders of the Pranvaha Srota

    Respiratory disorders occur when the Pranvaha srotas are blocked. These disorders cause discomfort in the sufferer. Some of the most common respiratory disorders that afflict us are:

    • Asthma: Asthma is a chronic disorder in which the bronchial tubes become swollen and filled with mucus. It makes breathing difficult. Other symptoms include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, trouble sleeping, weakness & fatigue, nasal congestion and pain in chest. Children below 5 years may develop asthma but with proper treatment the conditions can significantly improve. Asthma is not curable but proper treatment can control and manage the symptoms.
    • COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a collection of different respiratory disorders that causes breathlessness. Here, patients are unable to exhale or inhale normally and they wheeze when they breathe. Lack of energy and tightness in the chest are some other symptoms of COPD. Under certain circumstances, especially due to infections or environmental factors, symptoms may worsen suddenly and last for several days. This is called an exacerbation of COPD. Prevention is the best defence against COPD since it is also not completely curable.
    • Bronchitis: Bronchial tubes in people who have bronchitis make more mucus as a natural defence against germs, which leaves less space in the tube to carry air. This results in breathlessness, shortness of breath, fatigue and cough up discoloured (yellowish-grey, grey) sputum. Causes of bronchitis are weak immunity, smoking, gastric reflux and exposure to irritants.
    • Pneumonia: Pneumonia is also an infection of the lungs in which the aveoli (air sacs within the lungs) are filled with puss, which makes breathing difficult. Since this is a contagious disease, children as well as adults can become infected when they are in contact with the infected person.

    How to keep the Pranvaha Srota Healthy?

    All organs in the human respiratory system are important. Throughout the span of our life, we use these organs every day to breathe. Our respiratory system is under constant attack from disease causing pathogens, environmental pollutants, allergens, smoke and dust. Hence, it is vital to prioritize the respiratory health. Here are some useful tips:

    1. Avoid smoking and the company of smokers: Nicotine smoke is the biggest cause of respiratory problems today. Smoking causes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic lung diseases and even lung cancer. Cigarettes and bidis cause extensive damage to the lung structure and reduces the lung’s capacity to extract oxygen from the air and supply it to the blood stream. Second-hand smoke is equally dangerous as smoking. For this, the company of smokers should be avoided especially when they are smoking.
    2. Yoga and Pranayama: Special breathing techniques such as Kapalbhaati and Bhastrika have significant benefits for patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis and lung congestion. Practising these will help to strengthen the lungs, improve immunity and provide relief from mental and physical stress. Daily practice of these yoga asanas can help you to keep the lungs strong and disease-free.
    3. Morning Walks: If you are unable to practise yoga, try to incorporate 20-30 minutes of morning walk in your daily schedule. Morning time is considered best for mild physical exercises such as walks and stretches. Choose a good location without pollution where you can walk and do simple stretching exercises.
    4. Keep your hands clean: Most contagious diseases are spread by touch. Touching infected surfaces or infected objects is the most common reason for contacting disease causing germs. Use a hand sanitizer to wash your hands before consuming food or after being outdoors or in a public place.
    5. Anti-oxidant rich foods: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are highly beneficial in enhancing the immunity and supplying the body with the essential nutrients. This can strengthen the body’s internal defence mechanism and prevent disease causing germs from entering the body.

    How Panchakarma Helps?

    Panchkarma procedures like Vaman, Virechan, Nasya, Basti are especially effective in treating respiratory disorders. Not just that, pre-emptive Panchakarma therapies can help prevent respiratory diseases in the first place. Ayurveda recommends Vasantic Vaman (Vaman in Vasant Ritu) to prepare the body against natural Kapha aggravation in spring.

    Panchakarma therapies become very effective when combined with a personalized diet plan prepared according to the person’s Prakriti and specific lifestyle regimen that compliments the therapies. This is where unique wellness centres such as Jivagram come into the picture.

  • Stress, the silent killer

    Is stress good or bad?

    Stress is good (eustress) if one properly copes with the demand (stressors). It helps to improve performance and efficiency be it at work or in life. It also makes one more alert about the activities indulged in, bringing out satisfaction, excitement and fun while at work.

    Stress is bad (distress), if one is not able to cope with the demands(stressors) one faces due to the limited physical, mental and emotional resources.

    How distress affects the body?

    Chronic unmanaged stress results in chronic illnesses at various levels leading to physical, mental and emotional disorders.

    As per Marma Ayurveda, the chronic stress vitiates all the doshas (basic functional units). Vitiated doshas slowly affect the normal functions of the tissues and the organs. It also slows down the metabolic activities resulting in the formation of aama (metabolic toxins) in the tissues and organs. Later, this leads to lack of immunity, various disorders in the organs and infectious diseases.

    Types of stress disorders

    Stress can manifest in the various organ systems of our body.

    Cardiovascular system

    The accumulation of aama (plaque) in the coronary artery can produce ischemic heart disease. It also increases heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

    Immune system

    Reduced metabolism and accumulation of toxins reduce the immunity of the body. This leads to various infections and organic disorders.

    Digestive system

    Agni (digestive fire) reduces due to chronic stress. It creates acid reflux, heart burn, stomach ache, loose bowels or constipation.

    Respiratory system

    Heavy breathing increases the oxygen supply to meet the demands of the body.

    Muscular system

    Chronic stress tightens the muscles to protect them. This leads to chronic headache, cramps, stiff neck and body ache.

    Sex and reproduction

    Men develop impotency due to loss of sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, oligospermia. This increases the risk of infection in the prostrateglands and in the testicles. In women, it affects the menstural cycle which becomes irregular, painful and they also experience heavy periods.

    Nervous system and endocrine system

    Chronic stress ends up in anxiety or depression. It increases the production of emergency hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This increases the blood pressure and the heart rate.

    Ayurveda management

    Avoid causative factors(stressors).

    Vatashamana therapies (relaxation therapy) like shirodhara, abhyangam, shirovastican be practiced etc.

    Detoxification or panchakarma therapies should be practiced.

    Perform marma yoga therapy.

    Practice satsanga and counselling

    Indulge in satvavajaya treatments

    Regimens

    Avoid tea, coffee and aerated drinks.

    Avoid sour, salty and spicy food

    Drink plenty of water

    Protect yourself from the direct rays of the sun

    Do water exercises like swimming.

    Walk under the moonlight.

    These if practiced diligently, it can reduce stress to a great extent making life joyful and help to live life like a free bird.

  • When the skin erupts – Ayurveda for Psoriasis

     This condition is due to severe vitiation of Vāta and Kapha. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder that causes redness in thickened areas with silvery scales, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. Sometimes, it affects the whole body. It is not contagious, but it is sometimes transmitted genetically. Some people develop psoriatic arthritis that causes inflammation of the joints.
    Causes and symptoms
    It could begin with small elevated spots on the skin similar to that of mosquito bite, with a little bit of scaling. This may disappear with the application of ointments, but may come back after a short gap. By then, it would have spread to the whole body and the eruptions might have aggravated. Some patients also develop edema on the face and the limbs.
    In severe cases, the hair, moustache and eyebrows would fall off. Red patches with silvery scales appear, usually on the knees, elbows and scalp. Minute bleeding spots may be seen on forcible removal of scales.
    V.K. Sasi, a 55-year-old government employee from Njarakkal, Ernakulam, came to me complaining of patchy skin lesions with itching, scaling and redness all over the body and discolouration in certain areas. This gradually increased and spread all over the body, including on the face, scalp and sole. He had been suffering for 16 months. He had the same problem 18 years ago and had got temporary relief with allopathic treatment. But the condition relapsed in the past few years, and the patient was suffering physically as well as mentally. He had insomnia and depression too.
    The symptoms were poor sweating, itching, discolouration on the face and body and scaly lesions. His lipid profile and random blood sugar levels were normal. The liver function tests showed elevated SGOT and SGPT levels. The patient was of Vata-Pitha constitution. The vitiated dosha was Vata-Kapha. Dooshyas associated with the condition were blood (raktha), marrow (majja) and bone (astḥi). His digestive fire was weak (manda), and there were toxins (ama dosha) in the body. I could diagnose it as psoriasis (Kitibha Kushṭha). I started treatment with shaddhāraṇa choorṇaṁ for detoxification (ama-pachana). For correcting liver function, patolakaturohiṇyādi kwātha was given, along with ārogyavardḥini vati and mānasamithraṁ vatakaṁ. Liver function readings were within normal limits in 10 days.
    He was then given vilwādi gulika for detoxification, along with mahāthikthaka and āragwdhādi kwātham. Haridrākhanḍaṁ gave symptomatic relief. Purification (śodhana) therapy was the important phase of treatment. It started with ingestion of medicated oil (snehapānaṁ) with kalyāṇaka ghṛthaṁ for physical and mental well-being, followed by mild sweating (swedanaṁ). Enema (virechanaṁ) with avipathy choorṇaṁ (medicated powder) was done followed by balancing or pacifying therapy (śamana chikithsa). In samana therapy, a special
    diet that contradicts qualities of th increased dosha is prescribed. This helps in suppressing or balancing the aggravated doshas. Pouring of medicated buttermilk over the body (thakra dhāra) and pouring of herb herbal
    decoctions (kashāya dhāra) were the next procedures. With these treatments, the scaling reduced, but the discolouration persisted. The patient’s sleeping habits became normal.
    In the last phase of the treatment, continuous pouring of medicated liquids (sekaṁ with muriveṇṇa) and a herbal pack over the head (thala pothichil) were done to make the patient more confident and get normal skin appearance. With these treatments, he became normal and left the hospital with a smiling face. As follow-up, I advised him to continue kwāthaṁ and āragwadha mahāthikthakaṁ ghṛtham with rasamānikyaṁ 20 mg for one month. His condition is almost normal now. For more than one year, there has been no further relapse of the skin condition.

  • Ujjayi Pranayama – calms the mind, warms the body

    Ujjayi Pranayama is a type of Pranayama that entails deep inhalation through both nostrils with a partially closed glottis. This Pranayama can be done at anytime (without retention) and hence called Ujjayi Pranayama. All stages of this Pranayama, except those with retentions (Kumbhaka), maybe done at any time.

    The prefix ‘ud’ means upwards or expanding. It also conveys the sense of pre-eminence and power. ‘Jaya’ means conquest or success and also means restraint from another point of view.

    Ujjayi Pranayama is a breath control practice in which the lungs are fully expanded and the chest puffed out.

    How to do it?

    • Sit in any comfortable position like Padmasana, Siddhasana or Virasana.
    • Make sure to keep the back erect and rigid.
    • Now, lower the head to the trunk, rest the chin in the notch between the collar-bones just above the breast-bone (Jalandhara bandha)
    • Stretch out the arms and rest the back of the wrists on the knees.
    • Join the tips of the index fingers to the tips of the thumbs, keeping the other fingers extended. (jnana Mudra)
    • Close the eyes and look inwards
    • Exhale completely
    • For Ujjayi breath take a slow, deep breath through both nostrils. The passage of the incoming air should be felt on the roof of the palate while making a sibilant sound (sa). This sound should be heard.
    • Fill the lungs with air up to the brim. Care should be taken not to bloat the abdomen during this process of inhalation.
    • Hold the breath for a second or two. This internal retention is called ‘Antara Kumbhaka’.
    • Exhale slowly, deeply and steadily until the lungs are completely empty. As you begin to exhale, keep your grip on the abdomen, after two or three seconds of exhalation, relax the diaphragm gradually and slowly
    • While exhaling, the passage of the outgoing air should be felt on the roof of the palate. The brushing of the air on the palate should make an aspirate sound (ha). This exhalation is called rechaka.
    • Wait for a second before drawing a fresh breath. This waiting period is called Bahya Kumbhaka.
    • Repeat the cycle for five to ten minutes keeping the eyes closed throughout.
    • Lie on the floor in Savasana

    Ujjayi Pranayam maybe done without JalandharaBandha.It can be done even while walking or lying down. This is the only Pranayama that can be done at all times of the day and night.

    Benefits

    This Pranayama aerates the lungs, removes phlegm, gives endurance, soothes the nerves and tones the entire body system. Ujjayi without Kumbhaka, done in a reclining position, is ideal for persons suffering from high blood pressures or coronary troubles.

    The practice of this Pranayam brings amazing relief to patients with enlarged ventricles and congenital heart defects. Moreover, it stills the fears that beset heart patients who are afraid to make the least movement lest they aggravate their condition.

    Important details

    • All stages of all Pranayama begin with exhalation and end in inhalation.
    • All inhalations are made with a sibilant sound ‘ssss’ and all exhalations with aspirate ‘hhhh’
    • While sitting for Pranayama in the initial stages, use a support.
    • Savasana is suggested at the end of each Pranayama.

  • Few tips for wellness

    – Spend 20 minutes in the sun every morning. This helps in staying energetic through
    the day, and nurture stronger bones.
    – Dip your feet in hot water before going to bed in order to relax your muscles, and release the day’s tension.
    – Keep your mobile phone away from the bed to block radiations and help your mind unwind.
    – Resort to sleep-based guided meditation that is easily available on YouTube, and sleep quickly and deeply at night.
    – Spritz two to three drops of lavender or jasmine essential oil on your pillowcase. These soothing scents relax the mind and enhance the quality of sleep.
    – Fast once a week to help your body detox, and experience renewed energy and enthusiasm.
    – If you are doing a desk job, get up and stretch every couple of hours to improve your work efficiency and keep backaches at bay.
    – Give yourself a quick head massage just before you hit the hay. Simply use your finger tips and move them in a slight circular motion across your head. This will promote blood circulation and help your mind unwind.
    – When you put your alarm on snooze in the morning, sit up and utilise those 5-10 minutes to meditate. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your thoughts in order to wake up to a calm mind and body, and see noticeable improvement in your concentration throughout the day.
    – A power nap during the day poses similar benefits and enhances performance.

  • Himalaya launches Ayurveda clear skin soap

    According to a release, Kanakataila is a traditionally used, time-tested beauty ritual/solution. It nourishes the skin and helps improve complexion, leaving it healthy and clear, naturally. The soap offers consumers a contemporary and convenient option.

    The product is priced at Rs 40 for 75gm and Rs 60 for 125gm.

  • Goodness of water and the importance of staying hydrated!!

    Water is pure and the body uses it to flush out excess bacteria and acids. Without it, urine can become concentrated and your bladder can get irritated. Therefore, it is important to think of water as the nutrient your body needs to replace the large amounts of fluids you lose each day. When your water intake doesn’t equal your output, you run the risk of dehydration. As fluid loss occurs continuously from breathing, sweat, urine and stool, it’s essential to replace these lost nutrients. Here are a few key reasons to drink water and stay hydrated:

    Keeps skin looking healthy:

    As your skin contains a high concentration of water, it’s important to keep hydrated to avoid it becoming dry and wrinkled. So rather than spending a pretty penny of anti-aging creams, simply drink plenty of fluids in combination with using your favorite moisturizer.

    Energizes Muscles:

    Ever notice how your muscles cramp up when you’re dehydrated? When muscles lose their balance of fluids and electrolytes, they shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. It’s recommended that you drink about 17 ounces of fluid about 2 hours before you exercise in order to ensure your muscles stay hydrated and function properly.

    Helps maintain the balance of body fluids:

    It can be hard to believe that your body is composed of roughly 60% water! These bodily fluids are responsible for facilitating digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, maintenance of body temperature and transportation of nutrients. With all the work that water is doing in your body, it’s clear how thirst can be such an uncontrollable urge.

    Controls calories:

    Although water isn’t directly responsible for weight loss, it is a non-caloric fluid that should replace high calorie drinks such as soda and sugary juices. As water is a healthier, more filling option, you cant rim your calorie intake and in turn assist in weight loss. So, next time you’re out for a meal, go for water instead of cola. Your body will thank you.