Ayurvedamagazine

Category: HEALTH

  • 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.

  • What to do to get flawless skin this monsoon?


    Avoid alcohol-based skin cleansers:
    You should avoid alcohol-based skin cleansers because it irritates and dries your skin. Instead use a herbal soap or cleanser regularly to get rid of excess oil, grime and dust, and of course to keep your skin free of bacterial infections.
    Take mild laxatives:
    A clean bowel movement is imperative for a healthy skin. Taking mild laxatives such as Triphala powder or other natural laxatives such as prunes, figs and raisins is beneficial if you don’t have clean bowel movements. A teaspoonful of triphala powder can be taken at bed time every night, with warm water or milk.
    Keep dry:
    Drink a lot of water: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Though you need to keep yourself dry from the outside during monsoon to prevent skin problems and maintain one’s health, it is important to consume adequate quantities of water to keep your skin hydrated.
    Use cooling herbs:
    It is beneficial to use herbs that have a cooling effect on the body such as fennel, coriander seeds and amla for a glowing skin in monsoon. Amla helps detoxify the liver and aids digestion, and is also a good source of Vitamin C and other minerals. One of the many benefits of taking it regularly is a flawless complexion.
    Wheatgrass:
    Wheatgrass is a tonic for your skin. It is helpful in boosting the immune system and also wards off or controls skin disorders during monsoon. A healthy immune system is reflected in a healthy and glowing skin. Wheatgrass is rich in antioxidants and is instrumental in detoxifying the blood.
    Use aloe vera gel:
    Aloe Vera gel is very beneficial for the skin because it purifies the blood. Fresh aloe vera gel can be taken in the dose of two or three tablespoons on an empty stomach every day. You can also use fresh aloe vera plant gel on your skin — it has anti-aging, anti-tanning, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Skin and hair: Care and cure in Ayurveda

    Healing with the help of natural products was known and practised centuries ago, and through Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of herbal healing continues to flourish. After centuries of practising this ancient art, it has been understood that herbal ingredients have many beneficial properties that can actually help to enhance the beauty of the skin and hair. However, the most important aspect of Ayurveda is that it has no harmful side-effects. These benefits have thus established Ayurveda all over the world as a successful and time-tested herbal beauty care system.

    Today, Ayurveda has been accepted as a possible and beneficial system in the natural care and cure arena. Ayurvedic texts are known to contain details of the medicinal properties of thousands of plant products, minerals and other natural substances. It also tell us about the specific combination of herbs that can give good results. Also, the various methods of collection, extraction and processing of different herbs are also detailed in these ancient texts. In fact, these texts also contain prescriptions for various ailments, including those for skin and hair.

    Plant-based products and natural substances have properties that can actually benefit the skin and hair. Some have antiseptic and germicidal effects, while others have anti-inflammatory and soothing actions. Some are powerful cleansers, while others moisturise the skin. Some improve blood circulation, while others promote hair growth. Ingredients in Ayurvedic products contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other valuable elements, which restore and maintain the health of skin and hair.

    Ayurveda, the oldest and most developed system of herbal healing in the world, makes use of plant ingredients and other natural substances. The ingredients that help in enhancing beauty have specific curative properties. They also offer an element of safety, as they have shown a lack of harmful after-effects. Hundreds of plant extracts and oils are used in Ayurvedic beauty care.

    For example, Neem (margosa), is one of the most versatile plant products used in beauty formulations. The infusions of this leaf have been used to cure skin diseases and are still used to relieve itching, soothe rashes and clear inflammatory conditions. Neem contains organic sulphur compounds, which have a powerful healing action.

    Sandalwood is perhaps one of the most common ancient ingredients that have been used in skin care, because of its versatility. It has powerful germicidal and antiseptic properties, soothing and beautifying the skin, while its exotic aroma has a relaxing effect on the nerves.

    Rose is one of the most common cosmetic ingredients in beauty care products. Its oil also has soothing effect and is known to have originated in India.

    The West has also woken up to the fact that the modern world needs a holistic system like Ayurveda. In fact, it can be most relevant to modern lifestyles, in terms of counteracting environmental pollution, toxic build up and mental stress. Ayurveda also has such a long history of safe human usage. This factor can never be ignored. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being adapted to Ayurveda to determine the customised treatment for individual constitutions. In fact, we can conclude that Ayurveda is the healing system of the future. It is India’s gift to the world.

  • Prince Charles to celebrate birthday with wife at Soukya Health Center, Bangalore

    The Prince of Wales will join his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwell, who has already arrived in Bangalore for a week-long rejuvenation therapy at Soukya.

    Ms. Camilla arrived here with five others, including  members of the royal family.

    Ms. Camilla is undergoing therapy under the care of holistic health practitioner, Issac Mathai, who has been a consultant to the royal family for several years now. While this is her sixth visit to the center, Prince Charles is visiting for the first time. The duchess has been put on a South Indian diet with vegetarian organic food. The couple is said to be fond of idly, dosa and organic soups.

    The prince also met president Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.

  • Ayurveda Remedies for Insomnia

    HERBS

    Ayurvedic herbs have been used for treating insomnia for centuries. In case you are suffering from sleep disorders, it is good to sip some tulsi and coriander tea, or some warm milk with cardamom. Herbs like bhringaraj, passion flower, skullcap, Guduchi and chamomile also helps one to sleep better.

    For insomnia occurring in the middle of the night, or after 2:00pm, the issue may be due to an imbalance of the vata, the humor historically associated with the elements ether and air. In the Ayurvedic tradition, vata-based insomnia involves restless sleeping as well as nights disrupted by emotions like anxiety and fear. This can be solved by rubbing the head and feet with warm sesame oil before bed, or drawing a bath infused with fennel, orange, and tulsi oil.

    STRATEGIES FOR GOOD SLEEP

    Taking herbs can help insomnia, but there are other simple things one should do around the house to prepare for bed and a good night’s sleep. Turning off the computer and the TV in the evening is very important for a good sleep because these electronic devises disturb one’s sleep/wake cycle, or in the Ayurvedic tradition, the Doshas. Evening should be a time for relaxing and not for any heavy work. Also, all work-related material should be kept out of the bedroom so the room maintains its sanctuary function. Instead of watching television before bed, or even worse, in bed, it is good to read a good book.

    MENTAL PRACTICES

    In the Ayurvedic worldview, herbs and other tactics are worthless if a person is not completely engaged in healthful mental practices. By cultivating a healthy mind and nurturing a positive demeanor, health comes back into balance. A few minutes of meditation can help overcome sleeplessness of all types. For insomnia of the pitta type, yoga postures such as Sarvangasana is helpful. If restless insomnia in the middle of the night is the problem, yoga nidra practices may sooth anxiety and help induce calm. In fact, yoga nidra is used by some medical care teams in U.S. veteran hospitals to help overcome insomnia and other symptoms associated with trauma, depression and anxiety.

    Source: livestrong.com

  • Skincare tips during monsoon

    Vaidya’s  say that since this is a time when the atmosphere is full of moisture, it is one of the biggest reasons for the cause of rashes, itchiness and other infections on the skin. The natural properties of Ayurvedic medicines are an instant relief to these skin problems and they protect the skin against harmful diseases. Below are some tips for a healthy skin.

    Use the natural Aloe Vera gel

    The environment during the monsoon season is heavy with moisture making the skin itchy, greasy, and prone to infections. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the skin and heal it naturally. The various properties of this herb helps to treat the itchiness and infections of the skin.

    Use Neem leaves to treat skin infections

    The goodness of neem has been known since ages. It is an antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory herb. It treats infections like acne, pigmentation, rashes, etc by controlling the moisture of the skin. Having neem water baths, applying neem oil on infected areas and even a few leaves in your food can keep your skin healthy by giving your body a natural anti-bacterial treatment.

    Detox using Ayurvedic tea

    Ayurvedic herbal teas brewed with herbs such as green tea, ginger, lemongrass, tulsi, chamomile, etc gives the body a good cleanse. Having a improper diet that includes fried foods, junk food, and spices leads to a lot of skin diseases during the rainy season. The ayurvedic herbal tea is known to cleanse the body from a lot of skin diseases . It is also considered a great remedy for cough and cold during monsoon.