Ayurvedamagazine

Category: AYURVEDA

  • Finding balance in the digital age through Ayurveda

    While technology in the digital age has brought numerous conveniences and benefits, it also poses a challenge to the overall well-being and balance of a person. Ayurveda offers many valuable insights and practices to help navigate this impact of technology and find a healthy balance in life.

    Setting boundaries to prevent excessive screen time and overstimulation is important. Designating tech-free time zones such as meal-time or the first hour after waking up allows for dedicated time for self-care, relaxation, and connection with oneself.

    One has to be conscious of how technology impacts the mental and emotional well-being. Consider periodically taking breaks from technology, such as a digital detox weekend. This allows for rejuvenation of creativity and helps restore balance. 

    Also, be discerning about the content being consumed through technology. Choose media inputs that provide knowledge, upliftment, and inspiration, rather than those that feed negative emotion or drain the energy.

    Spend time in nature regularly to counterbalance the indoor and sedentary nature of technology use. Take walks, engage in outdoor activities, or simply sit in a natural setting. Nature has a grounding and calming effect on the mind and body. 

    Engage in mind-body practices like yoga to counterbalance the overstimulation and restlessness that technology can induce. Prioritise real-life connections over virtual ones. 

    While technology itself is not inherently negative, it is the way we engage with it that determines its impact on us. By incorporating Ayurvedic practices, one can ensure harmony between the benefits of technology and overall happiness. 

  • India is the least promiscuous country in the world; Ayurveda tips for nurturing unity in relationships

    As per the Global Promiscuity Index prepared by Naplab and shared by World of Statistics (@stats_feed), India is the least promiscuous country in the world, averaging three partners per person. Fewer sexual partners meant the second-highest mean age for virginity loss and low prevalence of STDs among the population. 

    It is the country’s strict adherence to traditional values and customs that has resulted in a stronger sense of virtue among the people when it comes to matters of sex. Ayurveda too has a significant role in this. 

    Ayurveda teaches that a person is part of a larger web of life, where one’s actions and choices have an impact on the well-being of others. It encourages the person to prioritise their well-being which enables them to show up fully and authentically in their relationships. 

    Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to enhance connection in relationships. Expressing gratitude through words or gestures strengthens the bond of compassion and fosters a sense of unity and connection. 

    Ayurveda also encourages selfless service to boost a relationship. Engaging in acts of kindness and service without expecting anything in return cultivates a sense of compassion, empathy, and unity with others. This deepens one’s sense of connection. 

    Thus, Ayurveda offers powerful tools to stay satisfied and loyal in a relationship. By following the principles of this age-old system of medicine, a sense of unity and well-being can be promoted in relationships, that do good to the individual and the society as a whole.  

  • Ayurvedic practices for maintaining harmony in relationships

    In Ayurveda, maintaining harmony in partnerships is considered crucial for creating a loving and fulfilling relationship. For this, nurturing healthy communication and emotional intimacy is essential. One key aspect is the recognition of the unique doshic nature of individuals. 

    Each person has a specific dosha, or mind-body constitution, which influences their communication style and emotional tendencies. Understanding one’s Dosha can help in effective communication and fostering of emotional intimacy. 

    Self-awareness and self-reflection are important in healthy communication. Through this one can understand their emotional triggers and reactions, allowing them to take responsibility for their words, thus fostering an environment of trust and openness. 

    Mindful listening is a powerful tool. It involves being fully present, paying attention, and empathetically understanding the perspectives and emotions of others. It creates space for authentic expression and deepens the connection between individuals. 

    Creating a nurturing environment for healthy communication is important. This can be achieved by practicing self-care and managing stress levels. Doing meditation and Yoga allows us to cultivate inner balance and clarity which is vital for meaningful communication. 

    Ayurveda recognizes the impact of emotions on harmony in relationships. Emotions should be acknowledged and expressed in a healthy manner. Suppressed and unexpressed emotions can hinder the development of emotional intimacy. 

    Maintaining emotional and energetic balance is significant. This involves recognizing and respecting the boundaries, needs, and emotions of both oneself and the other person. Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for emotional expression bodes well for a harmonious relationship. 

  • National Institute of Ayurveda plans to conduct ENT surgeries

    Officials at the National Institute of Ayurveda said that the facilities for ENT surgeries would begin shortly at the institute. The surgery department of NIA already has a well-equipped operation theatre with a C-arm facility, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy facilities. 

    The branch of Ayurveda dealing with ENT diseases is called the Shalakya Tantra, while general surgical procedures come under the field of Shalya Tantra. Surgeries such as appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernial repairs, mastectomy, and thyroidectomy are conducted at the NIA under Shalya Tantra.

    In its general shalya unit, NIA deals with general surgical and para-surgical procedures and offers treatment to patients. In the anorectal unit, it provides treatment through special Kshara Karma, Ksharasutra, and Agnikarma procedures to patients suffering from diseases like piles, fistula-in-ano, and fissure-in-ano.

    In the orthopedic unit, patients are provided with treatment for fractures, dislocations of bones, and diseases of the joints. In the agnikarma unit, patients get treatment for tennis elbow and other such diseases. With the coming of the ENT unit, more patients will receive the benefit of Ayurveda applications in their lives. 

    It was on November 19, 2020, that the government amended the Indian Medicine Central Council (Post Graduate Ayurveda Education) Regulations, 2016, to introduce formal training in these procedures for postgraduate students of shalya and shalakya specializations.  

    The National Institute of Ayurveda is an apex autonomous Institute under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH. Unlike other Ayurveda centers, the NIA hospital is not confined to only herbal treatments as it also conducts several surgeries. 

  • The six tastes and their effects on the Doshas

    According to Ayurveda, food is not just a source of nourishment, it is also a powerful tool for maintaining balance and promoting optimal health. In Ayurveda, there are six tastes, each with its unique qualities and effects on Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. By understanding the characteristics of these tastes and their impacts on Doshas, we can make conscious food choices that support our constitution and promote harmony within the body and mind. 

    Sweet (Madhura) – The sweet taste is nourishing, grounding and soothing. It helps pacify Vata and Pitta Doshas, providing stability and comfort.

    Sour (Amla) – The sour taste is refreshing, stimulating, and heating. It can aggravate Pitta and increase the production of digestive acids. 

    Salty (Lavana) – The salty taste is grounding, hydrating, and stimulating. It can aggravate Pitta and Kapha Doshas. 

    Pungent (Katu) – The pungent taste is heating, stimulating and drying. It can aggravate Pitta and Vata Doshas and therefore should be consumed in moderation. 

    Bitter (Tikta) – The bitter taste is cooling, cleansing and drying. It can help balance Pitta and Kapha Doshas but may aggravate Vata when consumed excessively. 

    Astringent (Kashaya) – The astringent taste is cooling, drying, and contracting. It can help balance Pitta and Kapha Doshas but may increase Vata when consumed excessively. 

    In Ayurvedic nutrition, a well-balanced meal should ideally contain all six tastes in appropriate proportions. This ensures that we receive a wide array of nutrients, maintain doshic balance, optimize digestion, and promote overall balance and vitality. 

  • Aging gracefully through Ayurveda

    Aging is a natural and inevitable process that we all experience. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to aging gracefully, emphasizing the importance of nurturing our body, mind, and spirit as we journey through the different stages of life. 

    According to Ayurveda, the aging process is influenced by the balance or imbalance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) within our body. As we age, the Vata dosha tends to increase, leading to changes in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

    Balancing Vata Dosha is the key aspect of aging gracefully. Vata is associated with the qualities of movement, dryness, and lightness. To balance Vata, it is important to maintain a regular daily routine, prioritize self-care practices, and create a nurturing environment. 

    Following a Vata-pacifying diet that includes warm, nourishing foods, healthy fats, and grounding spices helps stabilize Vata and supports healthy aging. Incorporating herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Guduchi, and Amalaki into our daily routine can be beneficial in supporting graceful aging.  

    Regular oil massages and practicing stress-reduction methods such as meditation can nourish the body and cultivate a calm and balanced state of mind. Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life is vital. A purposeful life adds richness and joy to the aging process. 

    Embracing the wisdom that comes with age is also important. By cultivating self-compassion, self-acceptance, and gratitude for the lessons learned, we can navigate the transitions of aging with grace and wisdom, and cultivate a life of well-being fulfillment, and joy. 

  • Traditional medicines coming back is essential to make the world a better place.

    With the limitations of modern medicine becoming more and more apparent, a consensus has emerged on the need to delve back into the vast labyrinth of traditional medicine to ensure sustainable universal health for future generations. 

    “Traditional medicine is going to be the future of medicine,” says Dr Pratap Chauhan, Founder Director of Jiva Ayurveda. Dr. Pratap was speaking on the sidelines of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine. “Traditional medicine, including Ayurveda, is going to play an important role in the well-being of the world.”

    To make this happen, traditional medicine and its efficacy need to be brought to the mainstream. For this, there is a need to tabulate their unique approach to treatment in modern, scientific terms. 

    “Lot of evidence-based scientific work is going on. WHO choosing India for its first-ever traditional medicine center is important. More and more research work will take place in the coming days,” says Dr. Pratap. 

    On its part, Ayurveda focuses on the holistic well-being of a person. The objective of the treatment is to ensure the survival of an individual with a quality life and to bring wellness to the world.

    “Traditional medicine and ingenious knowledge coming back will indeed make the world a better, more healthy and peaceful place,” asserts Dr. Pratap. 

    Time moves in a circle, and it is only a matter of time before ancient knowledge finds its way back into modern medicine. This is a necessity for the future world to retain its holistic health and its bond with nature. 

  • The future of medicine hinges on Ayurveda’s ability to tackle heterogeneity in diseases

    “There is a prevalence of several diseases and there is a lot of heterogeneity in the diseases which we see in our life,” says Madhu Dixit, researcher, while speaking on the sidelines of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine last Friday. 

    The heterogeneous nature of non-communicable diseases is a major stumbling block in modern medicine as the nature and treatment of the disease varies from person to person. 

    “We know there is a gap, and we position our trials in a way that we work towards those gaps,” says Madhu Dixit, adding, “Traditional medicine systems usually have the most acceptance by the public and are very popular.”

    Unlike modern medicine, Ayurveda recognizes the different constitutions of each individual and the necessity to make choices that support them. It focuses on balancing the individual’s doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – for overall well-being and harmony. 

    “How Ayurveda diagnosis can help us in identifying the heterogenous groups, and propose personalized disease monitoring as well as treatment in these groups, will make a huge difference in the treatment globally,” says Madhu Dixit. 

    There is also the need to generate enough data on the quality of the products being made available for human consumption as part of the treatment process.

    “We need to generate data on the quality and stability of the products which we want to be used for human consumption, and also establish safety. These are the things which we want to do in all the drugs consumed by humankind,” says Madhu Dixit. 

  • Did you know? Journaling is an Ayurveda-recommended practice to combat mental illness

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental illnesses have surpassed cancer and heart disease as the leading cause of disability in developed nations. Anxiety and mood disorders are now more deadly than the deadliest diseases. 

    One-fourth of adults in the United States grapple with mental illness, with nearly half experiencing its effects at least once in their lifetime. These ailments also cast their shadow on relationships and social engagements, even jeopardizing lives prematurely.

    The financial toll of mental illnesses in the United States alone is estimated to be $300 billion annually. The impact trickles down to chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, epilepsy, and even cancer.

    In light of this mounting crisis, Ayurveda recommends the age-old practice of journaling as a tool for combating mental illness. By penning down thoughts, feelings, and experiences, individuals can unlock insights, discern patterns, and embark on a journey of personal growth.

    Journaling provides a sanctuary for authentic exploration and expression. By replacing self-criticism with supportive inner dialogue, individuals can cultivate self-compassion and empowerment. It offers emotional release techniques that facilitate the dissipation of emotional blockages, thereby fostering profound healing.

    As the world grapples with the rising tide of mental illnesses, this age-old practice presents itself as a potent ally. In a society yearning for solace and healing, the simple act of putting pen to paper offers a beacon of hope in the battle against these debilitating conditions.

  • Self-massage or Abhyanga: A powerful practice for stress reduction and rejuvenation

    Self-message or Abhyanga was once an important daily ritual among people of all ages before urbanization kicked in and life became too busy for self-healing techniques. However, as a result of the increase in lifestyle diseases and the consequent awareness about holistic health, this ancient technique is making a comeback. 

    Abhyanga involves massaging the body with warm oil, such as sesame or coconut oil, before taking a shower. This age-old practice offers numerous benefits for both the body and mind. It enhances circulation, nourishes the skin, and helps release stored tension, promoting an overall sense of relaxation and well-being.

    Apart from its physical benefits, Abhyanga is also renowned for its positive effects on the nervous system. The soothing application of warm oil calms the mind, reduces stress, and can contribute to better mental health. By incorporating Abhyanga into a regular routine, individuals may find relief from the pressures of daily life and experience heightened mental clarity.

    Practicing Abhyanga doesn’t require any special equipment or expertise, making it accessible to everyone. Individuals consistently engaging in this self-massage ritual may discover an increased sense of self-awareness and a deeper connection with their bodies. 

    By incorporating this practice into daily or weekly routines, one can significantly improve their quality of life at little or no extra cost. As the world embraces the importance of holistic well-being, Abhyanga stands as an easy, yet powerful way to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.