Ayurvedamagazine

Category: AYURVEDA

  • NadiVigyan: A complete solution for spinal disorders

    NadiVigyan, an ancient science described in
    Hatha Yogic and Ayurvedic scriptures, has a wide range of benefits in curing various
    illnesses, especially spinal disorders. The human body has around 72,000 nadis. To maintain good health, one
    needs free flow of prana (air) inside
    the nadis. Through NadiVigyan techniques, we channelise the
    free flow of prana inside the body
    with the help of some specific asanas
    or with special equipment.

    The subject was discussed in detail during the webinar on ‘NadiVigyan: A complete solution for
    spinal disorders’ held by the Tourism Ministry under its Dekho Apna Desh webinar series. The session was moderated by Rupinder
    Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, and presented by Dr
    Laxminarayan Joshi, Dean, Student Welfare, Founder and Faculty Head of Dept. of
    Yogic Science, Uttarakhand Sanskrit University. Dr Arpita Negi, Assistant Professor,
    Dept. of Yoga Studies and Coordinator, ICDEOL, Himachal Pradesh University, was
    another prominent speaker.

    According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas or basic elements in human body namely Vata (air, ether), Pitta (Fire,
    water) and Kapha (Earth, water). While
    an imbalance of Vata elements can
    cause up to 80 disorders in the human body, the imbalance of Pitta can cause up to 40 disorders and Kapha up to 20 disorders in the human
    body. Ayurveda states that the diet plan of an individual should be made in
    consideration to the body type in sync with these elements. For example, hyper-acidity
    in a person may be due to imbalance or excess of Pitta in the body. Therefore, he/she should take alkaline food in
    his diet which neutralizes the acidity and balances the Pitta element.

    Nadi Parikshan (pulse diagnosis) helps in
    determining the problems or disorders caused due to the imbalance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The origin point of Nadi
    is called Kandasthana, the navel area
    which is the central power of the human body. A baby in the mother’s womb gets
    nourishment from the umbilical cord which is also connected to navel of the
    baby.

    “Our body consists of 72,000 nadis (channels) which spring from three basic nadis – the left, the right and the central. (Ida, Pingala, Sushumna),” said Dr Joshi.

    The word “nadi”
    does not mean nerve. Nadis are
    pathways or channels of prana in the
    system. There are 72,000 different ways in which the energy or prana moves. If the pranic energy is moving through left nasal passage i.e. through Ida Nadithen, the body will be more
    suitable for performing subtle exercises like Yoga. Similarly, if the pranic energy is moving through right
    nasal passage i.e. through Pingala Nadi,
    then the body will be suitable for performing energetic exercises and if the pranic energy is flowing through middle
    passage i.e. through Sushumna Nadi,
    then it is suitable for spiritual exercises. All these three nadis are connected to the spinal cord
    of the body.

    Spinal disorders are caused due to the irregular body
    alignment and it may cause hindrance to the functioning of other organs as most
    of them are connected to the spinal cord. Dr Joshi explained techniques to instantly
    cure patients from lower back pain and various other back problems.

    The practice of Yoga allows free flow of energy inside the nadi and helps in detoxifying them.
    According to Hatha Yoga, we can maintain the blood flow through specific nadis by performing few asanas. Dr Arpita Negi explained how
    performing various asanas like Makarasana (crocodile pose) which is
    also called as natural alignment pose, bhujangasana
    (snake pose), shavasana and bhujang shavasana help in curing the
    various spinal disorders and problems.

    Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is an effort by the
    Tourism Ministry to showcase India’s rich diversity and culture to the world through
    virtual platform.

  • Live in harmony with nature: VP

    Indian Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has urged people to
    introspect on their lives during the last few months under Coronavirus induced
    confinement and assess if they have learned the right lessons and equipped
    themselves to deal with such uncertainties.

    Naidu stressed the pandemic needs to be looked at not only as
    a disaster but also as a ‘corrector’ for making necessary changes in the
    perspectives and practices of living so as to live in harmony with the nature.

    Seeking to engage with people on the causes and consequences
    of Covid-19 pandemic, Naidu took to social media where he posted the “Musings
    of Life in Corona Times”. The thrust was to properly define the purpose of life
    besides revisiting the course, nature and pace of modern life with suitable
    alterations for a harmonious and measured living.

    The suggestions include; thinking and acting right like
    looking at food as a medicine that sustains healthy life; acquiring a spiritual
    dimension to life going beyond material pursuits; adhering to the principles
    and practices of right and wrong; sharing with and caring for others; nurturing
    social bonds and  repurposing the life
    for a meaningful living.

    Dwelling on the causes of frequent disasters, he said; “The
    planet does not needs us while we need the planet. Claiming sole propriety over
    the planet as if it is meant only for humans has upset the natural balance
    triggering adversities of different kind”.

    The 10-point matrix suggested by him for self-assessment include,
    if one ; is aware of the causes of the pandemic; willing to make amendments to
    the ways of living before the corona outbreak; has redefined the meaning of
    life; has identified the gaps in playing out different roles like taking care
    of parents and other elders; has equipped to face the next adversity;
    understood the dharma of life; understood the need for spiritual awakening;
    identified what has been missed out the most during confinement; is aware of
    the causes and consequences of differential vulnerabilities to the impact of
    the pandemic and if one sees the pandemic only as a disaster or as a corrector
    as well.

  • ‘Ayurveda clinical trial shows positive results in Covid-19 patients’

    A clinical trial of Ayurvedic
    intervention to cure Covid-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms held at
    the Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru, has showed “positive results”.

    The trial, approved by the Ethics
    Committee of Bengaluru Medical College with the nod from the Clinical Trials
    Registry of India, was carried out on 10 Covid-positive patients from June
    seven to 25.

    “All the patients were cured and
    tested negative for the virus after nine days of treatment. Two ayurvedic
    tablets were administered to them thrice a day during the period… I’ve sought
    permission from the government to treat larger number of people. The more
    samples tested, the more will be its approval ratings,” Dr Giridhara Kaje, MD
    and Chief Physician, Prashanthi Ayurvedic Centre, Rajajinagar, who initiated
    the trial told the AIR.

    Dr Smitha S Segu, Nodal Officer of
    the Covid Core Committee, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute said
    the Ayurvedic treatment was provided in addition to regular treatment and that
    all the patients recovered well.

    The development comes even as the
    AYUSH Ministry has stated that the results of its clinical trials and
    evaluations involving ayurvedic formulations will be out only by September end
    due to the strict standards involved and the fool-proof approach adopted.

    “We’ve already initiated trial
    of AYUSH 64, a poly-herbal antimalarial formulation. The clinical
    research of ‘Ashwagandha’ will start this week while that regarding
    Ayurveda medicines like Giloy will commence soon. The last one
    is happening at multiple places like Jamnagar and Jodhpur… By September end,
    we’ll have some clarity about the results. Then we will share with the public,”
    said Dr J L N Sastry, Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plant Board.

    He was speaking as a panelist in
    the first of the international webinar series being organized by the Ayush
    Valley Foundation in association with the Ayurveda & Health Tourism
    Magazine on the topic ‘Can we live with Corona’ last week.

  • Turmeric, neem effective against Coronavirus: study

    Ayurvedic herbal products such as turmeric and neem may be
    useful as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent against Covid-19 as they restrict
    the viral attachment to the host cells via inhibition of spike glycoprotein or its
    cellular receptor, a new study has found.

    The findings of the research by a team of scientists led
    by Pro Shailendra Saxena, Head of the Centre for Advanced Research at the King
    George’s Medical University, Lucknow, has been published in the Springer Nature Journal of viral diseases.

    The study, conducted through the 3D structure-based drug
    designing approach, primarily focussed on developing therapeutics targeting the
    spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and its host receptor ACE2 to find potential
    attachment inhibitors for the treatment of Covid-19.

    “..We studied the direct interaction between the herbal
    products and the virus. The results proved that some of the known immunity
    boosting products of Ayurveda like curcumin,
    nimbin (neem), ashwagandha and black pepper can restrict the virus’ attachment to
    the host cell receptor ACE2. This they do it by inhibition of spike
    glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 or its cellular receptor, thus blocking entry of
    virus into our body,” Saxena was quoted as saying.

    As per the study results, curcumin
    (    the active ingredient of Curcuma longa plant) and nimbin are the best ranked drugs among the natural products showing
    the inhibitory effect.

    “..we’ve found curcumin,
    nimbin, withaferin A, piperine, mangiferin, thebaine, berberine     and andrographolide may effectively inhibit
    the interaction of  spike glycoprotein
    with its receptor compared to other selected natural drugs. Also the
    pharmacokinetics data illustrated that all selected natural products have
    better pharmacological properties,” the authors said in the research paper.

  • Travelling in times of Covid-19 and the safety precautions

    The
    lockdown restrictions have been eased by governments as part of their roadmap
    to economic recovery as people started moving around. However, with the virus
    threat still looming large, it’s not yet safe to venture out of houses,
    especially for children and elderly citizens.     Dr. Jobby George,  Senior
    Ayurveda Consultant, Ishka Healthcare, Banglore, explains the safety measures to
    be followed if at all one has to traverse:-

    Never
    step out of your house without a face mask, as directed by authorities. Besides
    cutting down the chances of infection, the habit helps to minimise virus spread
    to another person. Likewise, carry sanitiser and wet napkins to clean hands often,
    though it’s advisable to use soap and water if possible. Here are some
    ayurvedic tips to resist viral attacks during travel:-

    Take
    a decoction of curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) ,1 fistful
    in 1 lt water or carom seeds-ajwain
    (Trachyspermum ammi     ), 4 tsp
    in 1 lt water), in a flask and swish around the mouth regularly. You can frequently
    wipe nostrils with it. An occasional sip too is helpful as the formation has good
    anti-microbial properties.

    If
    you don’t get curry leaves or carom seeds (ajwain), you can take common salt (NaCl)
    and dilute in water. Use it to wash hands, swish mouth and apply on nostrils. Salt
    contains excellent anti-microbial properties. Then wash with normal water or
    wet wipes after some time. You can follow the same in the case of kids as well.

    Avoid
    eating and drinking outside as you will have to remove your mask. Always carry home-made
    food and water with you.

     

    If
    the journey is a long one, then:-

    Always
    sip hot water throughout the journey.

    Take
    ginger tea, if you are taking any drink at all. Ginger is known to have
    anti-microbial properties.

    Avoid
    cold foods or drinks as it weakens immunity of the throat lining, tonsils and nasal
    epithelium. Always consume hot food.

    Avoid
    using public toilets and wash basins. Wash room is the place where people wash
    mouth, spit and blow nose. There is more chance of the virus entry. But if your
    journey is long and washroom is unavoidable, then spray or use sanitiser on the
    tap before before removing your mask. Wait for a few minutes and only then touch
    the tap. Swish your mouth with saline water or the curry-leaf or carom seed
    decoction mentioned above. Apply the same in nostrils too after the washroom
    use.

    Do
    not drink water at least one hour before you start journey and till you reach destination
    so that you don’t need to attend the nature’s call enroute. You can sip electrolytes/ORS
    liquids to avoid dehydration and maintain body balance. But remember to
    rehydrate yourself once you reach your destination so as to avoid Urinary Tract
    Infection and other complications.

    Avoid
    too thin cloth materials or tying masks tightly if you frequent near-by places
    with home-made cloth masks.

    Those
    suffering from health issues like heart ailments, hypertension and diabetes, those
    above 65 years of age , pregnant women and children should consult their doctors
    before and after travel.

     

    And
    most of all-

    Follow
    the rules set by the governments, as it is for our good.

    Keep
    a safe distance from your co-passengers. Never be in a hurry to get in or get
    off public transports.

    Avoid
    using jewelleries and watches.

    Tie
    up long hair.

    Avoid
    touching things as far as possible.

    Avoid
    touching your face. Use wipes instead .

    Masks
    should be slightly porous so that you don’t breathe own carbon di-oxide.

    Do
    not exert or hurry much, as breathing in through mask is difficult.

  • Excessive screen time taking a toll on your eyes? Follow these tips

    The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about
    drastic changes in our lifestyle.      The Work
    from Home and the Online Learning modes are all becoming the ‘new normal’
    forcing people to spend considerable time before electronic gadgets. But little
    do they realize that the excessive screen time is taking a toll on their
    health, especially their eyes.     Dr Nita
    Sharma Das    , Naturopathy  expert,
    shares a few eye-care tips that come in handy in these changed scenario:-

    The increase in screen time, mainly affects
    our eyes, which calls for inculcating a few new habits. For instance, one
    should take a break of at least 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen use.  Another one is maintaining a safe distance (18
    to 24 inches) between the face and the screen. Also, while reading or typing
    online, increase the font size to avoid strain on the eyes.

    One can use dim overhead light to minimize
    screen glare. Maintaining a good posture while using the digital screen also
    goes a long way in protecting your eyes. Adjust screen contrast and brightness
    to avoid unnecessary stress. More importantly, keep your eyes moist to avoid
    dryness and irritation.

    Common
    eye problems and natural remedies

    Now we can discuss some common eye issues due
    to the increased screen time and the natural remedies to cure them.

    Eye fatigue           

    Intense focus on screen causes eye fatigue.Continued
    usage and brightness of screen are often the causative factors behind this
    condition. People with tired eyes might experience slight pain and feel dizzy,
    nauseated and fatigued.

    Remedy  

    n  Take
    intermediate breaks. 

    n  Soak
    a cotton ball in a mixture of fresh Aloe Vera gel (one part) and cold water
    (two parts). Place the cotton ball on your closed eyelids and take rest for 10
    minutes. Do this twice a day. The anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe Vera helps
    to heal the eyes from daily wear and tear. 

    Dryness and eye irritation

    Prolonged screen time results in eye
    irritation. The condition is caused due to lack of sufficient lubrication and
    moisture on the surface of the eye.  Researchers
    have found that eye-blinking reduces with the increased screen time, resulting
    in eye dryness. A stable and lucid tear film on the eye surface is essential
    for having a clear vision. Constant exposure causes instability in the
    distribution of tears on the ocular surface of the eyes, which leads to burning
    sensations, blurry vision and visual disturbance.

     

    Remedy

    n  Well
    established artificial teardrops are available in the market to treat the
    condition. But people often do not want to use these formulations because of
    unnecessary exposure to chemicals and preservatives in them.

    n  Herbal
    tear drops too are another option. A combination of herbal ingredients like the
    Ferulic acid obtained from a Angelica root extract (having antioxidant property)
    and Kaempferol obtained from Ginkgo biloba herb (with anti-inflammatory
    property) is effective in treating dry eye syndrome.  Ginkgo biloba also helps to maintain the
    ocular pressure and prevents serious eye diseases like glaucoma.

    n  Certain
    vitamin supplements like A, D, C, and E inclusion in daily diet also
    protect from eye diseases along with overall health benefits. 

    n  Good
    fat, a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids can be used.

    n  Some
    eye care habits like frequent blinking, massage around the eyes, short nap
    between prolonging work hours are helpful to minimize blurred vision due to eye
    dryness.

    Loss of focus
    flexibility

    Difficulty in adjusting distant vision due
    to prolonged close-up is a short-term problem of the eye. Usually the eyes are able
    to readjust their normal flexibility after a few hours of rest. But frequent occurring
    of the condition may indicate photo-chemical damage.

    Remedy

    n  Intake
    of certain natural ingredients can help prevent such damage and its health consequences
    like retinal injury. A combination of carotenoids like Lutein and Zeaxanthin
    found in tomatoes, carrots and Chinese wolfberry fruit prevents photooxidation
    by acting as photon filter. These phytochemicals also help to protect the eyes from
    light-induced retinal damage. Therefore, increase the intake of easily
    available tomatoes and carrots for maintaining your eye health.

    n  Catechins,
    the nontoxic compounds present in green tea, also has potent antioxidant
    property along with anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
    Therefore, green tea is an excellent beverage to fight against oxidative ocular
    diseases associated with oxidative stress. 

    n  Bilberry
    is a rich source of anthocyanosides, which uphold the integrity of ocular blood
    vessels and promotes blood circulation in the eyes. Thus, every internal
    structure within the eyes gets proper nutrient and oxygen supply.  

    Sleep disturbance

    Research evidences find that increased
    screen time affects the sleep cycle. Involuntary nocturnal awakenings are a
    common symptom. Prolong exposure to artificial light from computers, phones,
    i Pads etc disturbs the circadian rhythm of our internal clocks by affecting certain
    cells present in the eye.

    Remedy

    n  Experts
    recommend the reduced use of light-emitting gadgets during the evening and at
    bedtime to prevent sleep disturbance.

    n  Warm
    milk at bedtime simulates tryptophan activity in the brain and induces deep
    sleep.

    n  Those
    who have lactobacillus allergy or unable to drink milk can try Chamomile tea. Flavonoids
    present in this herbal preparation interact with benzodiazepine receptors in
    the brain and improve sleep quality.

    n  Do
    regular indoor exercise to maintain overall health along with eye health by
    retaining your sleep cycle.

  • Uramarunnu – the traditional baby care

    Infanthood is a critical period as rapid gains in physical,
    cognitive, and socio-emotional domains constitute the ‘building blocks’ of a child’s
    later growth. It explains why     Balachikitsa
    is given the foremost position among Ashtangas (8 branches) of Ayurveda.     Dr Amrita M Nandakumar, Medical Officer,
    Triveni Nursing Home, Trivandrum,     writes:-

    The ancient medical science encompasses many effective
    treatment modalities not mentioned in classical textbooks, thanks to the regional
    growth of indigenous medicines. Authentic works in Balachikitsa like Arogyakalpadruma
    and Vaidya Tarakam are major
    contributions of Kerala, the south Indian state known as the Cradle of
    Ayurveda. They are more practically-oriented and can be considered as a
    physician’s quick reference handbook.

    Uramarunnuprayoga (a combination of certain herbal
    drugs introduced to children in a very minimal quantity) is one among the
    traditional after bath baby care practices in south India. It is administered
    to children in the form of paste as a mode of immunization, which helps in the
    maintenance of health and prevention of disease.

    Ura refers to rub and Marunnu – medicine. Thus, it represents
    a wide range of drugs which are administered to infants by rubbing. They
    include drugs possessing digestive stimulation (Deepana and Pachana),
    promoting proper movement of tissues inside the body (Vatanulomana), producing strength (Balya) and that which promotes the intellect (Medha).

    Uramarunnu is a traditional therapeutic modification of Lehana and Praasana (variety of licking) explained by Acharya in various
    Samhithas. Common examples that are practiced by traditional pediatric
    practitioners are; in case of constipation Hareethaki
    (Terminalia chebula); for abdominal pain and flatulence Lasuna (Allium sativum) are given in more proportion or given more
    number of rubs.

    Dose- There is no proper standardization on its dosage, it is
    based on the number of rubs. . This can be prepared by rubbing certain drugs on
    a chaanakallu with honey, butter or breast milk. It can be given to the child
    daily after bath from 28 days of birth up to 2 years of age. It is found to be
    preventive and curative aid for digestive disorders like colic pain,
    Krimiroga(worm infestation) Swasakasa (respiratory disorders) Graha in infants,
    and also helps in proper development of milestones .

     Mode of administration
    – The drugs in Uramarunnu are rubbed one by one with honey/breast milk/butter
    generally as the medium on a flat stone called Chaanakallu. The resultant fine
    paste is applied to the tongue of the infant or to the nipple of the mother
    (Sthanalepanam) and the child is allowed to feed. The time gap between two
    doses is usually a week, but in case of any ailments the frequency of
    administration and the number of rubs of each ingredient can be modified. The
    following drugs are commonly used:

     

               

     

     

               
    Sanskrit  Name                 Botanical Name                  Family                  Malayalam Name

     

    1             
    Vacha                           
    Acorus calamus L    Araceae                 Vayambu

     

    2             
    Yashtimadhu            
    Glycerrhiza glabra L.              
    Fabaceae            Irattimadhuram

     

    3             
    Hareetaki                 
    Terminalia chebula Retz         
    Combrataceae Kadukka

     

    4             
    Hingu                         
    Ferula asafoetida L. Apiaceae            
    Kayam

     

    5             
    Rasna                           
    Alpinia galangal L. Zingeberaceae Chittaratha

     

    6             
    Jathiphala                      
    Myristica Fragrans Houtt                
    Myristicaceae    Jathikkaya

     

    7             
    Pippali                              Piper longum L.    Piperaceae          Thippali

     

    8             
    Rudraksha                
    Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. Elaeocarpaceae                Rudraksha

     

    9             
    Avartaphala                       
    Helicteres isora L.          
    Malvaceae          Idampiri
    Valampiri

     

    10           Sunti                            Zingiber officinale
    Roscoe       Zingiberacea      Chukku

     

    11          
    Vidanga                          
    Embelia ribes Burm.f         
    Myrsinaceae      Vizhalari

     

    12           Lasuna                                              
    Allium sativum L.               
    Alliaceae              Velluthulli

     

    13          
    Chandana                           
    Santalum album L.        
    Santalaceae       Chandanam

     

    14          
    Mayaphala                    Quercus infectoria Oliv.     Fagaceae            Majkani

     

    15          
    Haridra                                         
    Curucuma longa Linn           
    Zingeberacea     Manjal

  • Digital addiction, a real threat to children

    Coronavirus pandemic has forced educational institutions to
    temporarily shut down as governments across the world are attempting to
    mitigate the immediate impact of school closures by promoting remote learning. This
    means the little ones are suddenly exposed to digital technology and a host of
    gadgets. While e-learning has become a bare necessity, parents should teach their
    children to think of screens as something to handle in moderation.

    Dr Sharad Kulkarni, Consultant
    Surgeon (Ayurveda), Best Selling Author and Chanakya Awardee  2020, writes on the topic.

    It was pretty common even 10 years ago to have forgotten
    one’s phone at home. It wasn’t a big deal then. One could easily spend a day or
    two without their gadget by their side. The scenario, though, has changed a
    decade later. From work-related issues to information gathering for personal
    needs, keeping up with the world or even for a financial transaction, we’ve to
    turn to our smartphones. Now, forgetting phone at home means a lot of
    inconveniences. Such close association with the digital device arouses questions
    of health consequences. It compels one to analyse the repercussions of being so
    dependent on the virtual world. For instance, most kids refuse to have food
    without switching on the TV or the smartphone.

    Digital addiction or social media addiction is a common
    phenomenon faced by millions of people across the world today. Too much
    dependency on social media is the primary symptom of this condition. As they
    say, too much of anything is bad. The same applies for social media as well.
    Virtual socialising has grown to become an essential part of our lives. While
    it is mostly a blessing as it allows one to remain connected with their loved
    ones, too much dependency on social networking can have negative effects as
    well. Like any addiction, too much social media or digital presence begins to
    take a toll on a person’s regular lifestyle and work.

    Studies show a tendency among young people to invest their
    time in virtual interaction rather than real-world communication. This grows on
    to develop poor communication skills among adults who are more comfortable in
    virtual interaction rather than physical one.

    Psychological consequences of digital addiction are worse
    than the social ones. An increased dependency on the virtual world renders
    people unable to differentiate between the two. Young adults are more prone to
    this condition. The digital world is designed to appear more lucrative and
    attractive to people than the real world. It is created to be so. The
    fashionable digital world seems more attractive than the dull real world. Less
    interest in reality throttles down the motivation to work and gives way to
    depression.

    Today social networking is seen as a decisive element behind
    juvenile depression. To kids, the real world no longer seems appealing or
    useful enough. They tend to lose the track between the real and the virtual world
    and fail to invest time productively.

    To retain psychological sanity, it is important to take a
    break from social media once in a while. Experts suggest a digital
    detoxification occasionally. During this period, the individual is urged not to
    interact with any social networking platforms whatsoever. This activity allows
    one to have a better view of their surroundings as well as themselves to remain
    motivated in the practical world. It is to be reckoned that social media is
    nothing but an attractive piece of dessert which is good in small amount but
    overeating may lead to serious consequences.

     

    Harmful effects of gadgets on Kids

    1. Deteriorates grasping power and concentration

    2. Cyber bullying, crime, sexting, falling prey to online
    predators

    3. Unexplained tumour growth

    4. Refractive errors

    5. Easy fatigue

    6. Mood swings

    7. Obesity

    8. Reduced cognitive functions

    9. Binge eating

    10. Depression

     

    8 ways for digital detoxification

    Parents are advised to follow this in order to make their
    kids follow it!

    1. Turn off Push notifications

    2. Delete apps which are not necessary

    3. Postpone scheduled checking of the screen

    4. Turn off the internet especially when the mobile is with
    kids

    5. Keep gadgets out of the sleep room

    6. Teach them reading habits to tackle screen usage

    7. Periodically fast from smart gadgets

    8. Schedule a time for mobile usage

    (Dr
    Sharad Kulkarni

    BAMS,
    M.S., (PhD)

    Consultant
    Surgeon(Ayurveda) | Best Selling Author | Chanakya Awardee  2020 |Vlogger | Influencer

    Director
    – Jeevottama  Health, Bengaluru

    www.drsharad.com)


  • Helping children accustom to ‘new normal’

    The coronavirus pandemic has turned our life upside down what
    with social distancing, face masks, online schooling and Work from Home, all
    becoming the “new normal”. While the disease largely affects the elderly and
    people with co-morbidities, children are not spared either, often suffering
    from multiple side-effects on their physical and psycho-social well-being.

    Many among the younger lot may be susceptible to generalized
    anxiety disorder, panic disorder, acute stress disorder and the worsening of
    the OCD symptoms for a select few.

    Parents and guardians have a crucial role in reassuring children
    that everything is going to fall in order and that they could tide over the crisis
    together. Also vital is to keep the little ones healthy, both physically and psychologically.

    What to do:

    — It’s vital to address their concerns about the disease and
    make them understand why the changed life style is needed.  Speak to your child or teen about Covid-19 in
    a way they can understand. Share facts from a reliable source (ie. CDC, WHO)

    –Reassurance is the key. Allow them to have a comfortable
    space to communicate. Let them know it is okay to be not okay. This is done by
    sharing how you have overcome a stressful situation in the past (i.e. by
    talking to a loved one).

    –Maintain a routine (one for online school days and the
    weekends).

    –Limit your entire families’ exposure to media and social
    media for news to 1-2 times per day. Children can get anxious or worried due to
    misunderstanding something they hear.

    –Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep,
    exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

    Also, try simple things to help boost their immunity
    naturally.

    Turmeric: adding a pinch of turmeric to milk makes it
    anti-oxidant rich

    Vitamin C fruits: jamun , peaches , guava ,oranges and lemon
    .A juice or even a chaat from these can help beat the summer heat and fight
    infections.

    Dry fruits, nuts and seeds: these are nutrient dense &
    provide a good source of protein , vitamins & antioxidants You can also
    serve trail mix or a laddoo.

    Mushrooms: these are loaded with vitamin D and antioxidants
    which help build immunity. You can serve them in sandwiches/ pizzas/ pasta or
    sauté with colorful veggies or simply make a hot creamy soup.

    Meat & fish: these are good source of protein , vitamin B,
    zinc ,iron and Omega 3 fatty acids (found in sea fish) These foods help in
    building up the body’s natural defence mechanism. Turn them into interesting
    curries/ cutlets / grills or soup.

    Dairy products: Milk shakes , fruit yoghurt ,smoothies can
    break the monotony of the regular tall glass of milk This provide a lot of
    protein ,vitamin D and calcium which help build immunity.

    To avoid childhood obesity, make sure your children engage in
    some easy exercise ,dance, yoga or any indoor physical activity, while regulating
    their screen time.

  • Ashwagandha may hold cure for novel coronavirus: study

    New Delhi: A collaborative research study initiated by the Delhi-based
    Indian Institute of Technology and the National Institute of Advanced
    Industrial Science and Technology, Japan, has discovered that     Ashwagandha,
    referred as the king of Ayurvedic herbs, may hold an efficient anti-Covid-19 drug.

    The natural compounds from Ashwagandha and Propolis
    have the potential to be effective anti-Covid-19 drug candidates, according to
    the research paper, just accepted for publication in the Journal of Biomolecular
    Structure and Dynamics    .

    The researchers targeted the main enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 (novel
    coronavirus) for splitting proteins, known as the ‘Main protease’ (Mpro) that
    plays a key role in mediating viral replication.

    “This is an attractive drug target for this virus, and as
    humans don’t naturally have this enzyme, compounds that target Mpro are likely
    to have low toxicity,” the study said.

    The scientists found that Withanone (Wi-N), a natural
    compound derived from Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Caffeic
    Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE)    , an active ingredient of New Zealand Propolis,
    have the potential to interact with and block the activity of Mpro.

    The researchers also experimented the capability of these
    bioactives to modulate the encoded protein ‘transmembrane protease serine 2
    (TMPRSS2)’, present on the surface of human cells to which the SARS-CoV-2 binds
    and allows its entry into the cell and selected Withanone.

    The team said their findings may not only connect to save
    time and cost required for screening for anti-Covid-19 drugs, but may also
    offer some preventive and therapeutic value for the management of fatal Covid-19
    pandemic, and hence warrant prioritized validation in the laboratory and
    clinical tests. They added the drug development may take a while and in the
    current scenario, these natural resources (Ashwagandha and Propolis)
    may offer some preventive or even therapeutic value.

    However, although they are easily available and affordable,
    one has to be cautious about the content of bioactive ingredients. CAPE,
    while being a major component of Propolis, its amount and stability are
    critical factors that could be managed by generating its complex with
    cyclodextrins. Withanone, on the other hand, varies with geography/parts/size
    of the Ashwagandha plant. So, in order to acquire or appreciate
    particular effects, we must use the right and quality-controlled
    resource/extracts.

    “The traditional medicine system ‘Ayurveda’ has been
    practiced for thousands of years in India. Unlike modern medicine, the
    mechanism of action of natural drugs has not been resolved so far. IIT Delhi
    and AIST researchers have been working together for more than a decade and
    trying to contribute to strengthen this avenue by merging the traditional
    knowledge with the modern technologies,” said Prof. D. Sundar, Head of the
    Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology at IIT Delhi.

    “While well-trusted reputation of Ashwagandha as an immunity
    enhancer forms a basis of the recent initiative of the Indian Government in
    forming an Interdisciplinary Task Force to launch its clinical research studies
    related to SARS-CoV-2 and the Covid-19 disease, the current research report of
    this team provide hints on its direct anti-viral activities,” he added.