Health and Ayurveda

STRESS MANAGEMNET: An Ayurvedic Perspective

2008-01-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

Stress is a demanding situation where an individual is struggling to cope-up to the expectation. It can be psychological, financial emotional, social, biological or constitutional. A highly efficient or capable individual may also be stressed if the situation demands more than his limits. Stress essentially originates at the level of mind and emotions and percolates down bringing imbalances at physical body level.

Continuous long time stress leads to a breakdown of the system resulting in various mental and physical health problems. Unless the imbalances are corrected at all levels there is no escape from the stress and its hazards. Ayurvedic sages like Charaka and Susruta were royal physicians and there are references in the classics written by them of special therapies and herbal preparations called Rasayanas given to enhance the physical and mental efficiency.

Modern age fast life is exciting as well as overtaxing. So the level of stress is also high lots high and lots of people are suffering from its hazards. Stress can cause various mental and physical health problems that manifest in different ways. It may appear as excessive hunger leading to overeating where in some people it cause lack of appetite or anorexia. Stiffness of neck and shoulders, headache, lower back pain, vision problems, irregular bowels, hyperacidity, extreme tiredness are some of the physical manifestations of stress.

Mental manifestations include high irritability; sleep disorders, nervousness, lethargy, giddiness, vertigo, laziness, abnormal dreams, etc. It is observed that a group of people having same nature of work in the same atmosphere probably with same stress level develops different symptoms. The above study reveals the need of considering each individual as a particular entity and the management should also be personalized. Every being has resources to make him capable to cope with these conditions. The holistic approach of Ayurveda and Yoga tackles these hazards through multidimensional solution in its own natural way. It focuses on the impact of the mind on body are not two independent units and any problem affecting the mind affects the body. Since life is a combination of Sareera, (physical body), Indriya (Sense organs), Sathwam (mind) and Athma (soul), all the aspects of life should be considered during assessment of any health condition and its treatment. An individual assessment and management would be ideal for stress that manifest as mentioned above.

MANAGEMENT

Ayurveda believes that there are only two controllable factors for health and disease – Ahara (food) and Vihara (life style). Life style means the routines including sleeping pattern, exercises, nature of work, habits, bath, etc. Food and routines planned according to the individual constitution (prakruthi) and health status help to prevent possible health problems and to improve the sense of well-being.

Carefully planned programme with traditional Ayurvedic therapies, Rasayanas, Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation in combination with planned food and routines will definitely help to overcome the stress, rejuvenate oneself and to build up self confidence to face any situation. Therapies such as Abhyanga (Soothing massages with special herbal oils), Sirodhara, Kadevasthy, Greevavasthy, etc, initially work at the physical level to soothe the aching muscles and tensed nerves and then making an impact upon mind. Administration of Rasayana strengthens the body, mind and provides high energy levels. At the same time, individually selected yoga, meditation and Pranayama (breathing techniques) programmes calm down the mind and bring back the natural rhythm of the mind and body to start a new life afresh. A planned food and lifestyle as per the basic body type (Prakruthi) and doctors recommendations will help to prevent the impact of stress.

TIPS TO REMEMBER

Your body is not a machine. Give sufficient rest to body and mind after a stretch of work for self- repairing and recharging.
Whenever you are in a crisis never be panicky as excess mental tension or nervousness deteriorate your efficiency. Assess the situation, find a proper solution and go for it.
Proper food and daily routine is the foundation of your health. Eat balanced food in moderate quantity in correct timing. You can fix the time according to your schedules but stick on to it. Our body has a tendency to get tuned to the regular routines. If you are having breakfast at 8 am for a week your stomach will be ready to receive the food in the same time on the 8th day. If you are not taking food at that time it may cause hyperacidity or even ulcers.
Drink sufficient quantity of water, as it is the best medicine to cleanse your system. A proper intake of water improves the urine out put, motions and sweat- the three routes of elimination. Water reduces Pitta which is the manifestation of fire in our body and responsible for high irritability, hyper acidity and problems with increased urine and sweat take more sodium out.
Better to continue regular, moderate and suitable exercises as it helps to tone up the system, relieves the tension and improves the sense of well- being. Note that excessive exertion can cause deterioration of health. Sudden stoppage of regular exercise is worse than not doing it at all.
Proper sleep is very important as it gives relaxation to your body and mind. It is like pouring water in the radiator of your car after driving up a steep mountain road. Sleep at least six hours a day.
Continue regular yoga, Pranayama and meditation as it will help you to impart both physical and mental balance, improve concentration and work efficiency.
Note that smoking and alcohol intake is not the remedy to relieve stress. Regular indulgence in these deteriorates the condition.

Dr. K. Jayarajan
Chief Medical Officer,
AyurvedaGram Heritage Wellness Centre, Banglore

Eat Healthy Live Healthy

2008-01-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

Good health is not an upshot of fortune, but fairly something, one can accomplish through hale and hearty lifestyles. The role of nutrition in maintaining health and to thwart disease is a hot topic of tete-a tete, nowadays. The contemporary nutritional regimes vary from erstwhile ones, globally. Socio-economic development along with advancement in food supply has transformed our food choices as well as our eating behaviours. Current scenario divulges two sort of eating etiquette – one of strict “dieting” and other of passion for “fast- food”. Methods of food production, processing and preservation have also advanced rapidly over the past few decades. These renovations, however, bestows favourable as well as detrimental effects on public health.

BALANCED DIET
A balanced diet is one that comprises the exact blend of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and ample quantity of vitamins and minerals. It also contributes the precise quantity of calories to meet with ones energy requirements. Furthermore, it supplies adequate fiber and water to enable efficient functioning of the digestive system. The key to health eating is a sundry nutritional regime with accent on ample fluids, high – fiber carbohydrates, a moderate consumption of fats, sufficient protein and adequate sum of vitamins and minerals. However, no single food can provide all the nutrients that one requires. Even, the intake of two or three varieties may not satisfy all the energy requirements. The optimal strategy is to eat as many different kinds of naturally occurring foods. There is not much requisite for complicated computations using nutritional value tables of foodstuffs. Intake of a well-assorted and wide-ranging diet that comprises cuisine from all foremost food groups would indeed impart favourable domino effect.

RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE:
Nutritional requirements vary in individuals, on the basis of energy expenditure and physical functions. As a rule, carbohydrates should provide approximately 55% of one’s energy needs, protein nearly 15% and fat about 30%. However, as cited earlier, the energy expenditures vary, as mentioned in the table.

DIETARY PROBLEMS:
The prime dietary problem is the excessive food consumption, both quantitatively as well as qualitatively. Over- eating can heap on any hereditary tendency, ranging from obesity to diabetes. Many people eat surplus food that they attain superfluous protein, carbohydrate and fats, than required.
Any calorie intake that surpasses the energy requirement, turn out to be fat in the body, which may either invigorate the production of new fat cells or enlarge the existing fat cells, the resultant of which is obesity. Population studies illustrates that, obesity is awfully allied with diabetes, coronary heart disease, gout, hypertension and disorders of reproductive system.
All fats contain almost the same calorie per serving, no matter what be the magnitude of high density or low-density lipoproteins. Henceforth, a high intake of fat definitely leads to obesity. Therefore, decreasing the consumption of fat is the foremost action in precluding obesity. Similarly, consuming too much refined carbohydrates such as white flour (Maida), white sugar, polished white rice etc. tend to contribute to obesity. Furthermore, these refined stuffs are very much devoid of fiber content, which turns out to be a causative factor for bowel disorders, especially constipation. Intake of dietary fiber promptly mitigates constipation by enhancing the bulk of stools and curbing the relocation period through the bowel. In addition to this, high-fiber carbs are capable of modulating the absorption of glucose during digestion, thereby playing a pivotal role in the management of diabetes.
Another significant dietary problem is the varying eating behaviours, the foremost among them being affinity to fast food. Eating at fast food bistros is trendier, these days. Although they impart speedy service and are extremely convenient for the busy society, the health tribulations they pose are execrable. Majority of the fast foods are of high calories, high fat, increases level of sodium and low fiber content. These render all ranges of health problems ranging from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) to cancer. The villainous ingredient of fast foods is monosodium glutamate, fondly called as ajinomoto, which is commonly used for enhancing the flavour. The reactions of ajinomoto ranges from headache to even partial paralysis. It acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, stimulating the brain cell activity. Researches demonstrated a glutamate link with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinsonism. So, however convenient may it be, it is better to avoid fast foods or telling more pragmatically, never make it a daily routine, atleast that could curtail the detrimental effects.
Many statistical studies prove that dietary factors possess a salient role in instigating cancer. The finest statistical correlation, derived from population surveys, is between dietary fat and several cancers. It becomes evident that the incidence of cancer is relatively high in countries where fat and low-fiber intake is high, compared to others. Certain food additive like nitrites, used to preserve meat is a proven factor for the causation of caner. Likewise, benzopyrene, a substance found on charred surfaces is also a known cancer causing dietary factor. So resorting to dietary fiber (unrefined foods), Vit. C rich foods (orange, gooseberry, guava etc.) Vit. A rich foods (green leafy vegetables, carrot etc.) and avoidance of high fats (red meat, egg yolk etc) would definitely reduce the risk of cancer.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY DIET

Avoid too much fat.
Change to low-fat milk
Cut-out butter, egg yolk, ghee etc.
Switch on to vegetable oils (sunflower oil, safflower oil etc.)
Avoid red meat (beef, mutton, pork etc.)
Remove skin of poultry when cooking, as it contains much fat.
Grill or bake food rather than frying.
Avoid refined foods.
Opt for fiber-rich complex carbs (whole grain products, brown rice etc.)
Drink plenty of water (8-10 glasses daily)
Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in daily diet.
Eat when hungry; tackle your appetite cues.

Dr. K. M Reshmitha MD (Ay)
Lecturer (Swasthvritta),
Parassinikkadavu Ayurveda Medical College, Kannur.

SINGLE HERBS

2007-11-28T17:45:00.000-08:00

1. AMALAKI (EMBELICA OFFECINALIS)

Latin name: Emblica officinalis
Local Name: Indian Gooseberry, Amla, Amlaki
Parts Used: Fruits

Distribution: Amla is extensively cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical India.

Introduction:
Amla is one of the oldest Indian fruits. It is a rich source of vitamin C and its content of ascorbic acid is next to only that of Barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra L.). It is one of the three constituents of the famous ayurvedic preparation, triphala, which is prescribed in many digestive disorders (Chopra et al. 1959). The medicinal properties of amla have been mentioned in old ayurvedic texts, such as Charaksamhita and Sushrutsamhita (Kirtikar and Basu, 1935). It is used in making pickles and preserves. The amla preserve is one of the specialties of the Indian fruit-preservation industry.
It is a powerful rejuvenating herb. The Amla fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitaminC than any other naturally occurring substanceinnature. Research shows that 8.75mg of natural vitamin C complex from Amla is equivalent to 100mg of the most commonly used synthetic vitamin C. Amla possesses the highest level of heat and storage-stable vitamin C known to man.
Amla juice has twenty times more vitamin C than orange juice
The edible fruit tissue of Amla contains protein concentration 3-fold and ascorbic acid concentration 160-fold than those of apples. This fruit also contains considerably higher concentration of most minerals and amino acids than apples

Chemical composition of the fruit
The fruit pulp, which constitutes 90.97 per cent of the whole fruit, contains 70.5 per cent moisture. The total soluble solids constitute 23.8 per cent of the juice. The acidity of aonla is 3.28 per cent on pulp basis. The pulp contains 5.09 percent total sugars and 5.08 per cent reducing sugars. The ascorbic acid content is 1,094.53 mg per 100 ml of juice. The tannins and pectin content of the pulp is 2.73 per cent and 0.59 per cent respectively.
The fruit pulp contains 0.75 per cent protein. The mineral content of the edible portion, as represented by its ash, is 2.922 per cent. The percentage content of the mineral elements, viz. phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron is 0.027, 0.368, 0.059, 0.248 and 0.004 respectively

Benefits of Amla:
A potent antioxidant, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, antiviral, antacid and digestive aid

Enhances production of Red Blood Cells. Strengthens teeth, hair and nails.
Regulates Blood Sugar and prevents lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.
Very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Useful in hemorrhoids, gastritis and colitis.
Useful in eye problems especially in inflammations. Having been shown to improve nearsightedness significantly in recent studies, amla is the most frequently used cataract medicine. Amla is a potent inhibitor of free radicals, which are one cause of cataracts.
Prevents premature greying of hair and makes them strong and free from dandruff.
Increases all-round immunity in the body against heart and nervous disorders.

Research on Amla ....

Hepatoprotective:50% alcoholic extract of Emblica officinalis and quercetin isolated from it produced significant hepatoprotection against country made liquor (CML) and paracetamol challenge in albino rats and mice respectively.
Another study revealed that both the aqueous fruit extract and ascorbic acid could prevent the toxic effects induced by both metals Pb(NO3)2 or Al2(SO4)3.18H2O, but the extract was more effective than ascorbic acid alone.
Hypolipidemic: Emblica officinalis juice is an effective hypolipidemic agent and can be used as a pharmaceutical tool in hyperlipidemic subjects.
Feeding of Amla to the hypercholesterolemic rabbits for 12 weeks showed a two pronged effects, its feeding increased the lipid mobilization and catabolism and retarded the deposition of lipids in the extra hepatic tissues. The degree of atherosclerosis at the end of 12 weeks of Amla feeding was much lower when compared to the control group.
The tissue lipid levels including Serum cholesterol, TG, phospholipid and LDL showed a significant reduction following Emblica officinalis juice administration. Emblica officinalis juice treated rabbits excreted more cholesterol and phospholipids, suggesting that the mode of absorption was affected.
Anticlastogenic: A crude aqueous extract from the Emblica officinalis fruit following orallyadministration, exhibited significant protective action against damage induced by CsCl.
Antacid: Clinical studies were conducted to investigate the effect of Emblica officinalis in amlapitta (gastritis syndrome). The drug was found to be effective in 85 per cent of cases.
Cases of hyperchlorhydria with burning sensation in abdominal and cardiac regions and epigastric pain were also benefited with Emblica officinalis.
Dyspepsia: The therapeutic efficacy of Amalaki in cases of dyspepsia was evaluated and the results clearly indicate the efficacy of Emblica officinalis, in relieving the dyspeptic symptoms as well as in promoting ulcer healing.
Revitalize the sexual health: Indian herbal masters believed that the decrease in sexual desire that a man begins to experience in middle age was due to increased stress. Stress, in turn, was believed to cause a decrease in the essential nutrients in the body that promote a healthy sex life. Therefore, Indian herbal masters turned to amla, a pulverized fruit extract rich in dozens of essential nutrients, to revitalize sexual health.
At the University of Delhi and the University of Rajasthan in India, two separate studies revealed that amla also seems to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels (Jacob 1988; Mathur 1996). Cholesterol can be a significant enemy of sexual health, because it can impede the all-important flow of blood to the genitals. Researchers therefore suggest that by maintaining healthy cholesterol, amla can support blood flow.
A study conducted at the Department of Foods & Nutrition, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India has demonstrated that the Indian Gooseberry (amla-Emblica officinalis, Gaertn.) can reduce high serum cholesterol levels. The effect on total serum cholesterol and its lipo-protein fractions of supplementation of the diet with the Indian gooseberry was studied in normal and hypercholesterolaemic men aged 35-55 years. The fresh gooseberry was eaten(un-cooked) for a period of 28 days. Both normal and hypercholesterolaemic participants showed a decrease in cholesterol levels. However, two weeks after withdrawing the supplement, the total serum cholesterol levels of the hypercholesterolaemic subjects rose significantly almost to initial levels.
Antiviral Medicines: Research in India shows that Amla Extract has the capacity to kill the virus causing Hepatitis and provide a complete cure. This rebuilds new tissues and increases the red blood cell count

2. ASHWAGANDHA(WITHANIA SOMNIFERA)

Latin name: Withenia somnifera

Local Name: Aswagandha, winter cherry

Parts Used : Root (Dried)

Distribution: Ashwagandha is found throughout the drier parts of India.

Introduction:

Ashwagandha is a sweet root with secondary bitter qualities. It is found in India and Africa. and is also called "Indian ginseng". There are no known side effects of this herb. Ayurvedic practitioners have been using Ashwagandha root for thousands of years as a powerful rasayana (a tonic for rejuvination). The herb has traditionally been used for calming the mind, relieving weakness, nervous exhaustion and arthritis, and for building sexual energy. Ashwagandha root is beneficial to people who do physical exercise a lot to help the body adapt to physical stress. Having both energetic and synergetic actions, Ashwagandha is one of the most important drug in herbal preparations as described in classical Texts.

Chemical composition of Ashwagandha:

The roots contain withaferin A and several other steroidal lactones including pharmacologically active withanolides and saponins1,2,3.

Benefits of Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha acts against insomnia, stress and stress oriented hypertension.
Ashwagandha enhance sexual power, prevent impotency, infertility, low sperm count or seminal debility
Ashwagandha acts against Arthritis and Rheumatism
When applied externally it acts against scabies, minor ulceration of skin applied as a poultice to boils.
In case of cancer, Ashwagandha acts as an adjuvant
Ashwagandha is also very effective against intestinal ulcers
It is used in general debility, aging, stress induced disorders, anxiety neurosis, wounds and ulcers.

ASHWAGANDHA RESEARCH:

Ashwagandha is one of the oldest medicinal herbs; it was used for several discomforts throughout India.

The total alkaloids of roots have a variety of pharmacological actions. They exhibited prolonged hypertensive and respiratory stimulating actions in dogs. The hypotensive effect is mainly due to autonomic ganglion-blocking action and the depressant action on the higher cerebral centers. The total alkaloids produced a taming and a mild depressant effect on the central nervous system in several experiments on animals. The neuro-pharmacological activity was accredited to the acetone-soluble fraction of the total alkaloids.(Malhotra, Indian J. med. Res.,1961; Indian J. Physiol. Pharmacol.,1965; Prasad & Malhotra, 1968).
In an other experiment, the depressive effect of the alkaloids was attributed to the basic alkaloids in the roots, the neutral alkaloids (3-tropyltigloate and an unidentified alkaloid) showing no depressive effect on spontaneous locomotive activity.
The total alkaloids showed relaxant and antispasmodic effects against several spasmogens on intestinal, uterine, bronchial, tracheal and blood-vascular muscles. The pattern of smooth muscle activity of the alkaloids was similar to that of papaverine which suggested a direct musculotropic action, both as relaxant and spasmolytic. The alkaloids are, however, much weaker than papaverine. This pharmacological activity lends credence to the use of aswagandha in asthma and as a uterine sedative in the Ayurvedic system of medicine (Malhotra et al., Indian J, Physiol. Pharmacol., 1965).

3. ALLIUM SATIVUM(LASHUNA)

Latin name : Allium sativum
Local Name : Garlic, Lasan
Parts Used : Bulb
Distribution : Garlic is cultivated all over India in warm climate.

Introduction:

Since ancient time organic garlic enjoys a high reputation as a medicinal herb. According to Ayurveda, Garlic is one of the most effective antimicrobial herbs with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,digestive aid and anti-viral properties. Chemical composition of Ashwagandha: The roots contain withaferin A and several other steroidal lactones including pharmacologically active withanolides and saponins1,2,3.

Chemical composition & pharmacology:

The strong smelling juice of the bulbs contain a mixture of aliphatic mono and polysulphides. The chief constituent is allicin, diallyl disulphide oxide. The latter results from spontaneous enzymatic reduction of alliin1.Antibacterial and antifungal activity of garlic has been shown against many common pathogens2. Inhibition of platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo has also been demonstrated with garlic3. There have been several studies showing the hypoglycaemic

Benefits and Therapuetic Uses of Garlic:

Indicated in hypercholesterolaemia and atherosclerosis.
Relieves nausea, gas colic, flatulence, belching and heaviness.
Garlic contains many bioactive substances including Alliin, Allicin, Gamma-Glutamylcysteine and Thiosulfinates. They are very effective against Bacterial, Parasitic and Fungal Infections.
Garlic may prevent blood clots and destroy plaque preventing atherosclerosis. Hence, garlic does reduce the chances of stroke, heart attacks, and PVD.
Garlic is useful for increasing sexual energy and combating simple impotence and to kill parasites such as hookworms and pinworms.

4. GUDUCHI

Latin name: Tinospora cordifolia
Local Name: Guduchi (Sanskrit), Amrita, Giloya (Hindi), Tinospora (English), Gulancha (Bengali), Shindil Kodi (Tamil)
Parts Used: Whole Plant
Distribution: This plant is found throughout tropical part of India.

Introduction:

Guduchi is a famous plant of traditional use and also a powerful rasayana mentioned in Indian ayurvedic literature. It is considered as a bitter tonic and powerful immuno modulator. Guduchi is very much useful to enhance memory.

Chemical composition & pharmacology:

Different constituents reported include a glucoside, alkaloids, bitter principles, crystalline components etc1. The bitter principles have been identified as columbin, chasmanthin and palmarin2. The alkaloid tinosporin3 was also identified.Studies on induced oedema and arthritis and on human arthritis proved antiinflammatory potency of the water extract of plant4. It also has antipyretic action and is a morphine potentiator5. It induced reduction in blood sugar in alloxan induced hyperglycaemic rats and rabbits6. This drug relaxes the intestinal and uterine smooth muscles7. Blood urea levels in uraemic dogs and human subjects were also decreased8. It is proved effective in prevention of fibrosis and in stimulating regeneration in hepatic tissue9.

Uses of Guduchi:

Guduchi is anti-pyretic and act as a tonic after fever, also has action against alternative fever like Malaria. Used for the treatment of jaundice, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, gout, viral hepatitis, arthopathies and general weakness.
Guduchi acts as a diuretic and found to be effective against Renal obstruction like calculi and other urinary disorders.
Guduchi acts as a memory booster, develops inteligence, promotes mental clarity.
Guduchi is regarded as a liver protector.
The stem of guduchi is used in general debility, dyspepsia and urinary diseases.

5. NEEM

Latin name : Azadiracta indica
Local Name : Neem
Parts Used : Leaves.
Distribution : Neem is cultivated throughout India. It is found widely in deciduous forests of India.

Introduction:

The Neem tree has been known as the wonder tree for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. Neem has become important in the global context today for its variety of medicinal uses.

Chemical composition & pharmacology:

Contains bitters and also quercetin and ß sitosterol glucocide.Aqueous extract of leaves decreased blood sugar levels and prevented adrenaline as well as glucose hyperglycaemia2. Fractions of acetone extract showed CNS depressant, positive inotropic and blood pressure lowering activities3. A single dose of 3gm, in human subjects was found to be highly effective and majority of positive stool cases of ascariasis were worm and ovum free. It is found effective against intestinal worms in farm animals4. The extract showed antifungal activity against some soil-borne pathogens of Cicer arietinum

Uses of Neem:

Used as an antineoplastic and antiviral. Indicated in eczema, ringworm and scabies. Very effective anthelmintic in ascariasis. Also mosquito larvicidal
Neem Extract which have Nimbinin and Nimbandiol as active constituents possess a significant blood sugar lowering effect, which are very useful against diabetes.
Neem Extract have been shown to reduce clotting, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, slow rapid heartbeat and inhibit irregularities of the rhythms of the heart. Besides due to it's active constituents and owing to it's high bioavailability than any other products of Neem, it is used either in medicine or in capsulated form to combat a great number of diseases like Athritis, Skin diseases and a number of digestive disorders including Gastritis and Ulceration. Recent researches shows it's anti-carcinogenic effect also.
Neem checks cholesterol, treats athritis due to anti-inflamatory actions, acts as a mosquito repellant and in long term use it acts as a immuno modulator. Guduchi is anti-pyretic and act as a tonic after fever, also has action against alternative fever like Malaria. Used for the treatment of jaundice, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, gout, viral hepatitis, arthopathies and general weakness.

6. GARCINIA

Latin name: Garcinia combogia
Local name: Vrikshamla
Parts used: Fruits
Distribution: It is found widely in deciduous coastal forests of

Introduction:
Hydroxycitric Acid is a naturally occurring fruit acid found in the outer layer covering of the fruit of Garcinia Combogia, Garcinia Indica and Garcinia Mangostana. Hydroxycitric Acid is highly unstable and therefore extracted as a salt preferably as a Calcium or Potassium salt

Chemical composition & pharmacology:
The fruit contains ( - ) Hydroxy Citric Acid (HCA) chemically similar to the citric acid found in oranges.
One of the factors for fat accumulation in the body is increased quantity of the key enzyme known as ATP - citrate lyase which facilitates the process of conversion of carbohydrates and sugars into fats and cholesterol. The fruit extract of Garcinia cambogia (containing 50% of HCA as the chief ingredient) competitively blocks ATP - citrate lyase enzyme making it ineffective which inturn hinders the production and storage of body fats. By inhibiting this enzyme, the fruit extract shifts the conversion of calories from fat to glycogen. This increased production of glycogen stimulates the glucoreceptors in the liver and sends satiety signals to the brain. Thus appetite and food craving are suppressed. Besides promoting glycogen production it also signals the Kreb's cycle to initiate betaoxidation which burns the body's stored fat. Thus the fruit extract containing highest concentration of HCA, promotes weight loss and assists the body's natural cycles in proper metabolism of fats. This has been verified by more than 20 years of research by the Pharmaceutical giant - Goffmann-La-Roche and others.

Benefits of Garcinia:

Hydroxycitric Acid ensures an accelerated metabolic activity that leads to weight loss, fat and lipid lowering in the body thus providing a Natural Weight Management solution. It decreases the rate of dietary carbohydrate conversion to fat and cholesterol while increasing glycogen production. It suppresses appetite thus reducing food consumption. It also potentially increases caloric burning there by elevating the body's production of heat. It is nature's answer to weight loss.
Hydroxycitric Acid improve Glucose metabolism.
Hydroxycitric Acid acts as an appetite suppressant and regulator.

7. BRAHMI (BACOPA MONNERI)

Latin name: Bacopa Monnieri
Common Name: Brahmi, bacopa, Babies tear, Bacopa monnieri, Herpestis monniera, water hyssop
Parts Used: Whole Plant
Distribution: Brahmi is an annual creeping plant found throughout India including the North Eastern region.

Introduction: Bacopa monniera is bitter in taste; has been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. Brahmi which occurs naturally in India and has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition in the treatment of a number of disorders, particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory. Traditionally, it was used as a brain tonic to enhance memory development, learning, and concentration.

Chemical composition pharmacology:Plants contain saponins - Bacosides A and B1.
Treatment with plant extract for one month brought about reduction in level of anxiety, adjustment disability, leading to improved mental function. Levels of urinary V.M.A and corticoids were also reduced. Thus, drug appeared to have anti-anxiety agent property2.

Benefits of using Brahmi:

Brahmi extract has been found to be very beneficial in the treatment of anxiety neurosis and mental fatigue. It has been found to significant improve IQ levels, general ability, behavioral patterns and mental concentration in children. Brahmi is also used for the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, asthma . Traditional application suggests that it has a direct effect on improving brain functions, increasing concentration, and in promoting memory functions.Bacosides are believed to play a protective role in the synaptic functions of the nerves in the hippocampus, the seat of memory Nerve impulses are transmitted across the synapses and their degeneration is believed to contribute to impaired memory and cognition. Clinical studies performed in India confirm that the bacosides can revitalize intellectual functions in children and reduce anxiety in stressed individuals thereby contributing to improved brain functions.

Indian studies have also shown Brahmi to possess anticancer activity.
Brahmi is effective against diseases like bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, constipation, hair loss, fevers, digestive problems etc.
Brahmi is useful for improving mental clarity, confidence and memory recall. For these uses of Brahmi, it has been widely used by students.
As Brahmi is bitter in flavor, in India the plant is used in salads, soups, as a cooked lea vegetable, or pickled.
Indian research has shown that Brahmi has Antioxidant, Cardiotonic and Anticancer properties.

8. BOSWELLIA

Latin name : Boswellia serrata
Local Name : Salai Guggul, Boswellin, Indian frankincense, Shallaki
Parts Used : Gum Resin
Distribution : Boswellia Serrata tree found throughout India especially in the drier regions of western and Central India.
Introduction : A type of Frankincense, Boswellia serrata is a large branching tree found in the dry, hilly areas of India, Northern Africa and the Middle East. When the tree trunk is tapped, a gummy oleoresin is exuded. A purified extract of this resin is used in modern herbal preparations as a decoction, inhalant and capsule.

Chemical composition & pharmacology: The extract contains three triterpene acids  , , boswellic acids1, and two polysaccharides2.The antiinflammatory and anti-arthritic properties are attributed to the presence of boswellic acid3. When tested in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and S-180 tumours transplanted in mice, it increased the life span of mice by 24% with ascites and decreased S-180 tumours by 24%2. The essential oil was found to be antifungal4. Antiinflammatory activity and antibacterial activity of extracts have been demonstrated5. The non-phenolic fraction of gum resin exhibited sedative and analgesic effects when tested in rats6.

Uses of Boswellia serrata :

One of the principal constituents in the gum resin is boswellic acid which exhibits anti-inflammatory activity which can work against rheumatoid arthritis pain, low back pain and osteoarthritis.
Boswellia has been known to reduce joint swelling, maintain blood supply to inflamed joints and mobility as well as reduce pain due to stiffness in the joints. It is also used to improve appetite and in general weakness7. It has an antidiarrhoeal action.
The Gum Resin of Boswellia Serretta besides being antiarthritic, also has expectorant effect and improves immunity.

9. HARIDRA

Latin name: Curcuma longa
Local name: Haridra,Turmeric
Distribution: Cultivated through out India
Introduction : Curcumin is the main biologically active phytochemical compound of Turmeric. Molecular chemical formula of Curcumin: C21H20O6. The most important constituents in organic turmeric are Curcuminoids, which is approximately 6%, and the yellow coloring principles of which Curcumin constitutes 50-60%. Curcumin is extracted and researched for its renowned range of health-related and disease-preventing medicinal properties.

Uses of Curcumin :

Curcumin is very useful in joint related concerns.
Curcumin helps maintain a normal cholesterol and a healthy heart.
Curcumin is very helpful as a digestive support.
Curcumin is extremely helpful in liver protection.
Curcumin is also used in controling obesity.
Curcumin induces the flow of bile, which breaks down fats.
Curcumin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves the aches and pains associated with arthritis.

10. KALMEGH (Andrographics Paniculata)

Latin name : Andrographis paniculata
Local Name: Kalmegh, Creat, Green chireyta, Bhunimba, King of Bitter

Parts Used : Whole plant

Distribution : Andrographis paniculata is chiefly found in the plains throughout South India. It mostly grows in moist, shady places.

Introduction : Andrographis paniculata is an erect annual herb and extremely bitter in taste. . Andrographis paniculata is a promising new herb for the treatment of many diseases including HIV-AIDS and the myriad of symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders. It has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in India and China. In the west it is sometimes referred to as Indian Echinacea.

Active Ingredients in Andrographis paniculata: Andrographis paniculata contains bitter principles andrographolide, a bicyclic diterpenoid lactone and Kalmeghin.

Chemical composition & pharmacology: Three bitter principles, deoxyandrographolide, andrographolide and neoandrographolide have been isolated from the whole plant and leaves1.The hepatoprotective effect of the water extract of the plant and the active principle andrographolide has been studied 2. Both leaf extract and andrographolide in a single oral dose also inhibited the microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by carbon tetrachloride3. The effect of aqueous extract on the bile flow in albino rats was compared with phenobarbitone. Significant increase in liver weight was also observed4.

Benefits of Kalmegh :

Kalmegh is a blood purifier, so used to cure torbid liver, jaundice, dermatological diseases, dyspepsia, febrifuge and anthelmintic.
Kalmegh acts to dispel heat and remove toxins.
It is used in loss of appetite in infants and also used as a febrifuge, stomachic, tonic, alterative, anthelmintic,antispasmodic etc. It is chiefly used in viral hepatitis, diminished appetite and drug induced liver damage.
Kalmegh acts as antibacterial. It appears to have beneficial effect in reducing diarrhoea and symptoms arising from bacterial infections.

11. FENUGREEK

Latin name : Trigonela foenum graecum
Family : Leguminoseae
Local Name : Methi, Fenugreek, Alhova,Bird's Foot,Greek Clover,Greek Hay.
Parts Used : Seeds, Leaves.
Introduction : Fenugreek seeds is used as a spice and fenugreek leaves are eaten as vegetable in India, China and the Middle East for centuries. The practitioners of Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine have used and documented Methi seeds for its many medicinal uses.

Chemical composition & pharmacology: The plant contains a number of steroidal sapogenins. The alkaloid trigonelline, trigocoumarin, trimethyl coumarin and nicotinic acid are also present. Mucilage is a prominent constituent in the seeds 1.
This plant has been mentioned in early literature as a hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory agent. Its effects as an oral hypoglycaemic has been evaluated 2 .Antiulcer property has been studied in rats 3 .Hypocholesterolemic effects 4and antiinflammatory effects have been observed5.

Uses of Fenugreek:

Fenugreek seeds are rich in vitamin E .
It forms an important medicinal use of the plant in rheumatic disorders and spondylosis. It is used as an adjunct in Diabetes mellitus. It is indicated in hyperlipidaemia.

12. BASIL

Latin name : Ocimum Sanctum
Family : Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Local Name : St. Josephwort, Tulsi, Tulasi
Parts Used : Leaf, Whole Plant
Distribution : Organic basil Plant is found all over India especially in the garden of each Indian family.
Introduction : Basil is an erect, herbaceous, much-branched, softly hairy plant with annual purple or crimson flowers & it is a sacred herb in India.

Uses of Basil :

Basil is very much useful in Respiratory disordera,skin problems.
Basil is very much useful for increasing memory power
Basil is effective against vomiting, nausea, constipation, depression, whooping cough, headaches, fever and cold.
Basil is most useful with the stomach and its related organs.

13. ASPARAGUS

Latin name : Asparagus Racemosus
Local Name : Asparagus, Satavari, Satmuli
Parts Used : Tuber (Root)
Distribution : This is cultivated throughout India including tropical and subtropical parts Andamans and in Himalayas.

Introduction : Asparagus is a perennial vegetable arising from a root system of fleshy rhizomes known as the "crown". It is grown for the immature stalk and is harvested in the spring. Asparagus is good for heart. It is found throughout India including tropical and subtropical parts.
Medical Action :
Asparagus is used by physicians and herbal specialist to treat diseases in the following conditions such as, Moistens dry tissues of the reproductive organs, kidneys, stomach and lungs.

Asparagus is known as the Indian 'Female Rejuvenative', as it is helpful in cases of low milk production, low sex drive, menopause, PMS, and infertility.
Asparagus is indicated in case of inflammatory disease. It also acts as an antioxidant and antiallergic.
Asparagus strengthens and increases muscle tone and increases general body strength.
Asparagus is also used as an Aphrodisiac in India.
Asparagus promotes an easier and balanced life.

14. INDIAN SENNA

Latin name : Cassia angustifolia
Local Name : Indian Senna, Swarnapatri
Parts Used : Leaves
Distribution : Organic Senna is cultivated in most of the part in India.
Introduction : CSennosides are hydroxyanthracene glycosides derived from Senna leaves and Pods. Sennosides are natural, safe time-tested laxatives in traditional as well as modern systems of medicine. Sennosides are obtained from Cassia Angustifolia leaves.
Chemical composition & pharmacology:Contains glycosides, sennoside A, sennoside B, sennoside C and sennoside D1.
Maximum cathartic action was seen in rats due to direct stimulant activity and water and electrolyte secretion2. Sublaxative doses of standardised senna fruit showed spasmolytic activity3. Effective dose of piperazine for the treatment of thread worms and round worms was substantially reduced by the addition of extract of senna. Water extract was found effective against Trichophyton purpurceum4.

Actions :

Stimulating laxative.
Stronger cathartic.

Leaves and pods are traditionally used as purgatives5. Leaves are used topically for dermatosis. Laxative effect of standardised senna fruit granules was compared with liquid paraffin or a mixture of liquid paraffin and magnesium hydroxide in nursing mothers. Senna was more effective than the control treatment in overcoming puerperal constipation while the bowel habits of infants were not affected6.

Uses of Senna Extract :

Sennosides extensive researches indicate that they irritate the lining of large intestine resulting in bowel movement. Senna Extracts has shown effective results in constipation

15. SALACIA RETICULATA

Latin name : Salacia reticulata
Local Name : Saptha chakra
Parts Used : Roots
Distribution :Wild dense forest of coastal belts of India.

Treating obesity through behaviour modification and yogic methods

2007-06-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

Excess accumulation of fat tissues beyond the limitation of the skeletal and muscular requirement, is termed as obesity. Obesity is considered a problem because it detracts from one’s physical appearance according to the standards of our problems. The causes of obesity are complex and not well understood. According to yogic and psychological point of view our lifestyle and reinforcement for overeating is the most important factors behind obesity. The first cause is overeating and the second important cause is decreased physical activities, which means that there is an imbalance in the amount of energy we take in and the amount we expend. Regardless of the cause of obesity, it appears that in many cases it can be treated effectively with behaviour modification and adopting yoga in our daily life. In bahaviour modification methods self-monitoring of records of the food on caloric intake, stimulus control, i.e., controlled eating behaviour, changing eating behaviour and behavioral contract are important methods of controlling weight. In yoga therapy, yogasanas like the pawanamuktasana, shakti bandha, vajrasana, surya namskara, shatkarma, and pranayama are the important methods to remove extra weight from the body.

Arun Kumar, S. K. Srivastava
Haridwar (uttranchal)

Occupational health and yoga: an analysis

2007-06-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

The state of health influenced by the environment of any occupation or work is called occupational health. According to World Health Organization ‘Occupational Health’ is a method of Medical science for promoting and maintaining the state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being in all occupations, preventing the loss of health caused by working conditions. It aims at protecting worker’s/ employee’s health which is influenced by occupational environment.
So far as the occupation in industry is concerned inspite of its financial benefits it has been observed that growth of industry is responsible for creating immense environmental pollution, which leads to health hazards. For example: the process of producing finished products out of raw materials through machines makes the environment polluted by releasing various kinds of wastes like solid, liquid, gaseous and chemical etc. All these wastes cause harm to the health of the concerned employees by creating respiratory disorders, injury to skin and other organs of the body. Working with unguarded machines for long hours may cause accident which is a major health problem leading to fatigue, backache, diseases of joints and muscles. In this way we know how the working condition or environment of any occupation affects employee’s heath, happiness and peace. Since stress and strain are inter related, we can observe that prolonged physical diseases cause stress disorders which includes aggressiveness, anxiety and depression etc. Again, stress at home may affect the progress of his/her job. Severe prolonged stress may do not allow an employee to work efficiently. So, it should be the motto of every employee of any occupation to create and maintain a healthy and secured work environment where every employee can work peacefully with full freedom and without any fear of danger and tension due to loss of health. To create a healthy work environment we should know the method of managing stress regarding which we get a lot of ideas and information from ancient Sanskrit writings about yoga. Thus, with an aim of preventing and relieving stress disorders for taking care of occupational health, it is proposed here to throw some light on “OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND YOGA: ANALYSIS” with the help of some relevant quotations from Patanjali Yoga Darshan, Bagavadgeeta, Vedas and other ancient Sanskrit writings.

Dr. Khagendrea Patra
Rourkela (Orissa)

Cardio vascular system and its effect through yoga

2007-06-14T04:39:00.001-07:00

Cardio vascular system refers to the circulatory system related with the cardiac muscle. The cardiac muscular organ involved in the process is called heart.
This brief introduction o cardio-vascular system reveals its importance in organic life. Thus it is very much essential to look after it. Now-a-day many diseases concerned to it like diabetes, high B.P., high cholesterol, etc., one of the traditional and effective method to prevent these problems in yoga. This method only utilizes the meditation power of one’s own thus no risk of side effects from any external agent.
Cardiac (heart) disease and also arteriosclerosis (blood vessel degeneration) are the largest killers in the affluent segments of world society today every year. Many millions of people die from the complications of cardio-vascular degeneration including hypertension, chronic heart failure, stroke (cerebre-vascular accident). In addition, many more experience the anguish of chest pains known as angina pectoris, which indicate cardiac strain in the activities of their daily life.
According to yogic science, recognition of the patterns and effects of the emotional states upon the heart and mind absolutely essential for sufferers from cardiac strain or those recovering from a cardiac crisis. This is achieved through the practice of yogic relaxation, yoga nidra and meditations (dhyan). Mastery of a scientific technique of relaxation like yoga nidra is the most important first step in recovery from cardiac crisis through yoga. Meditation is fundamental to yoga life. It gradually instills peace, stability and increasing awareness into the life of the individually who is trapped in the throes of pain, fear, insecurity and emotional agony which accompany heart diseases.

Raj Kumar Gautam
Sagar (MP)

Nature of health and happiness in yoga and Ayurveda

2007-06-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

It is doubtful whether the wonders of science and modern civilization have made us happier than our less knowledgeable and slow moving ancestors. Science while bringing about vast changes in our immediate external world has been able to do practically nothing to improve our inner world of desires, emotions and conflicts. Our inner world has remained chaotic. The balance between our inner and outer being is lost. And it is this balance, which is the most crucial factor in deciding whether or not one can have happiness in life. All our thoughts and activities are, in the ultimate analysis, directed to this goal of happiness. Human happiness is not merely a product of what things are handles in daily life. Our relationship with the things we use, is of course, important, but more important is our interaction with people and with ideas, And it is in this field that science has had no influence so far. The instruments, which are useful in our dealing with things, have been wholly revolutionized by science but the instrument used in our relationship with the mind, remains unchanged. It needs training and improvement which science, unfortunately cannot provide. This is one of the greatest contradictions of the present scientific age.
The situation has been aggravated in recent years by technological advances which bestowed upon man a tremendous power not only of creation but also a destruction, together with an ever-increasing speed and an therefore unresourceful and powerful, one also needs greater wisdom, in addition to knowledge to be able to exercise control over himself and not be swayed by objects of enjoyment. Science has given us lately a multitude of objects of enjoyment. But it has failed to give us, at the same time, the much needed self-control. These two qualities namely, wisdom and self-control, which are the most essential factors in deciding whether or not there will be happiness, do not fall within the preview of science. The type of happiness, which lasts permanently, is known as transcendental and when we go on seeking after worldly things and the means, which give sensual pleasure is known as temporal one. Today man seeks happiness in money, property, riches, possession, wealth, bank account, a growing business and so on. Another seeks power, prestige, position of importance and leadership. Yet another takes to the path of knowledge, learning, study of religion, philosophy and the like. All this is temporal happiness. We may know the whole world, but unless we know ourselves first, our knowledge has no significance. Wisdom consists in knowing oneself i.e. one’s mind and the living spirit and also in understanding why we seek it. And it is wisdom that is essential for happiness.

Ravi Kant Khare
Sagar (MP)

Yoga and health

2007-06-13T02:59:00.000-07:00

Yoga is a science derived from the Sanskrit root ‘YUJ’ (Union). It is the world most ancient science and said to be a balanced life. It is a perfect practical system of self-culture. Yoga is a way to super life with peace and harmony. About ordinary exercise is adequate, but the knowledge and practice of yoga is highly required. So, the yoga is completely depends upon the science. Health means each and every cell should be moved and functioned properly. To maintain health, yoga practice is essential. By adopting scientific methods only we can attain the total development viz., physically-strong, mentally-balance, intellectually-sharp, spiritually-advance and morally-sound. Therefore, the way we practice, so we are. The complete health is the fittest and fundamental for integration of yoga. Yoga is the great concept which is interlinked over another to develop still deeper and wider level consciousness in the people at the present modern scenario. Yogis, who are at present powerful agents have to transform the people in society through yoga and spiritual approach and inject health awareness in all respects and get optimum results, which resides a powerful saying “Health is Wealth”. To get success in the life, one should go according to the knowledge of yoga science as a weapon. At present, the human being moods, behaviors etc., are being measured, calculated, analyzed with the scientific instruments. We are attaining success in every task with the power of positive thoughts, which is being possible only through the practice of yoga by implementing the ancient yoga science.

S. koteswar Rao
Hyderabad (AP)

Paramhansa yogananda’s concept of mental health: a kriya yoga approach

2007-06-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

Paramhansa yogananda was one of those very few yogis who propounded a detailed and pragmatic approach to lead a balanced life through kriya yoga. His writings are full of theoretical as well as practical explanations and methods for leading a perfect and balanced life. In order to lead a balanced and happy life, scientific technique of kriya yoga can be of immense help. His methods and techniques have been found to be very effective all over the world by the practioners of kriya yoga. Mention of kriya yoga is found twice in Patanjali’s yoga sutras (yoga sutra mentary on Bhagawad Gita, “God talks with Arjuna”; Sri Parmahansa Yogananda has explained kirya yoga in details. In Bhagawad Gita, Kriya yoga is mentioned specifically by Lord Krishna in Verse 29 of Chapter IV.
Other devotees offer as sacrifice the incoming breath of prana in the outgoing breath of apana, and the outgoing breath of apana in the incoming breath of prana, thus arresting the cause of inhalation and exhalation (rendering breath unnecessary) by intent practice of pranayama (the life-control technique of kriya yoga)
Yogananda explains this stanza in following words:
“By the concentrated practice of kriya yoga pranayama-offering the inhaling breath into the inhaling breath (apana into prana) – the yogi neutralized these two life currents and their resulting mutations of decay and growth, the causative agents of breath and heart action and concomitant body consciousness. By recharging the blood and cells with life energy that has been distilled from breath and reinforced with the pure spiritualized life force in the spine and brain, the yogi stops bodily decay, thereby quieting the breath and heart by rendering their purifying actions unnecessary. The yogi thus attains conscious life-force control.”

Prof. Keshav Sharma
Shimla (HP)

Emotions, Stress, and Health – Coping Strategies Through Yoga Proper Relation

2007-06-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

Various theorists argue that emotions result from our attempts to adapt to the environment. Evidence suggests that all humans experience a common set of emotions. Lazarus (1991) has suggested that these emotions can be described by their core relational themes.
By adopting this term, Lazarus emphasizes that our emotional responses grow out of our interactions with the environment (are relational); are highly cognitive; and are often complex, frequently involving two or more emotions operating simultaneously. Identifying the various core themes in an emotional response would obviously help us to reduce its complexity.
Yoga is a life of self discipline based on the tenets of “simple living and high thinking”. To the ancient yogis, the body was seen as a vehicle for the soul, and this is a useful metaphor in the modern context. Just as a car requires a lubricating system, a battery, a cooling system, the proper fuel, and a responsible driver behind the wheel, so the body has certain needs if it is to function smoothly.

Prof. (Dr.) P. K. Dutta
Kolkata (WB)

YOGIC PRACTICES FOR SPORTS PERSONS

2007-06-12T02:20:00.000-07:00

The purpose of the present study was to evolve a comprehensive yoga practices for sports persons and to find out the effect of the selected yoga techniques was done with help of the experts in the field of yoga as well as the researchers own experience. Based on the principles of yoga system a comprehensive yoga package had evolved. In the second phase, to find out the optimum utilization of the selected yoga-training package the study was conducted on 30 men players. They were divided into tow equal groups. Group – A underwent nine weeks of yoga training besides regular sports training, Group – B is control group did not undergo any type of training other than the regular sports training. The resting heart rate was measured before and after the treatment by using the scientific and reliable equipment. The data were analyzed by the statistical techniques ‘t’ ratio for interpretation. The selected yoga practices were fit enough to the sports persons. Further, the yoga training had significant (p<0.05) positive effect on the heart rate among the sports persons.

Key Terms: YOGA, ASANA, PRANAYAMA, MEDITATION, HEART RATE

Dr. K. Chandrasekaran
Tiruchirappalli (Tamilnadu)

RELAXATION: PRANIC ENERGISING TECHNIQUE (PET)

2007-06-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

Relaxation is most neglected subject among Yoga practicing people, sportsmen and top executives, business people and others. And that is why in the long run people suffer with number of ailments. Generally people do yoga in hurry and bury and without doing relaxation at the end. In that case they loose all the benefits of doing yoga practice. Relaxation means to give rest or quietness to the body and mind. In relaxation rejuvenates the body by creating panic energy and to recoup lost energy. In rest period only, the active glands come down to normalcy; during that period only one will redouble his energy to work actively and energetically. By continuous work, the body becomes over tired and tense, hence it needs rest. This is the point at which the body and mind demands compulsory rest otherwise if refuses to work efficiently and falters in doing the work. When you are over exerted or tired the body itself gives warning to go for rest. If you disobey the warning, yourself suffer from increased respiratory rate and palpitation of the heart. Without proper rest to the heart, the nervous system also becomes wear and tear and weak. Hence the relaxation should not be neglected under any cost.

Yogacharya Balaiah Kovuru
Secunderabad (A.P)

Yoga for current Psycho-Social problems

2007-06-11T04:34:00.000-07:00

Society is a reflection of the individuals of which it consists. Hence, individual problems are reflected in the society and attempts to resolve these problems create changes in social conditions form time to time. Mechanized society has different problems from non-mechanized society, that is, the problems of civilized or industrialized society are different from the societies, which are under developed. Today, rapid growth in communications prevents any society from remaining isolated and unaffected by the problems of other societies. Some of the problems of society, however, are rooted in its cultural background, the habits, traditions and religious beliefs that shape each society. All problems are rooted in emotional disturbance and every problem in turn creates emotional disturbance through its psychophysical practices. These techniques bring changes in the attitudes of a person, which are determinants of his behavior.

Recent research trends have shown that it can serve as an applied science in a number of fields such as education, physical education, and sports. Health and family welfare, psychology, medicine etc. Researches in the field of yoga have established that the yogic practices are the best and are highly useful as they help to strengthen each organ and develop every muscle of the body but also regulate the circulation of the blood, purify the lungs, inspire the mind and then achieve a harmonious development of human personality.

Harshvardhan goswami
Ghaziabad (UP)
Nitin korpal
Sagar (MP)

YOGA: THE SCEINCE OF BODY, MIND AND SOUL

2007-06-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

Science is what science does. A matter which is tested in a laboratory with the help of some scientific instruments and equipments and in which some conclusion or result is generated is universally accepted because it has been scientifically tested. For science, subject matter is required to be physically observed. Yoga is a system wherein the thrust is in man’s belief and trust. The essence of yoga is certainly based on one’s understanding of the matter (tattva). Science looks upon the matter in its physical sense whereas in yoga the senses are itself matter. Yoga can be easily called the science of Body, Mind and Soul. Yoga is a complete science, which deals with man’s origin, death and rebirth again.

Dr. Nitin Korpal
Sagar (MP)

NATURE OF YOGA

2007-06-09T03:54:00.000-07:00

The laws by which the self unfolds his powers in the universe, from the fire-mist up to the LOGOS, are the same laws of consciousness, which repeat themselves in the universe of man. This last process of evolution is called “Yoga”. We must connect our yoga with the evolution of consciousness everywhere, else we are exactly the same as the laws of yoga, and the principles whereby consciousness unfolds itself in the great evolution of humanity are the same principles that we take in yoga and deliberately apply to the more rapid unfolding of our own consciousness. The self in you is the same as the Self Universal. The Kurukshetra of the world is the field of yoga. As a matter of fact, you have practiced yoga unconsciously in the past, even before your self-consciousness had separated itself, was aware of itself. You may then be defined as the “rational application of the laws of the unfolding of consciousness in an individual case”. Next, yoga is a science. Systematized knowledge of the unfolding of consciousness applied to the individualized Self that is yoga. For yoga takes man for a special purpose and studies him for a special end and, therefore, only troubles itself about two great facts regarding man, mind and body. First, he is a unit, a unit of consciousness. For in yoga, “Self” includes consciousness plus such matter as it cannot distinguish from itself, and Not Self is only the matter it can put aside. Man is not pure Self, pure consciousness, Samvid. Four states of consciousness are spoken of amongst us. “Waking” consciousness or Jagrat; the “dream” consciousness, or Svapna; the “deep sleep” consciousness, or Sushupti; and the state beyond that, called Turiya. It is impossible to avoid the use of these technical terms, even in an introduction to yoga. When passing from one world to another, we should use these words to designate the consciousness working under the conditions of each world. All of you are familiar with the waking consciousness in the physical body. I read the words; my eyes are related to the outer physical consciousness. I have passed from the waking state of the physical plane into the Svapna state of waking consciousness, that sees through the outer form, seeking the inner life. I pass from this to the mind of the writer; here the mind touches the mind; it is the waking consciousness in its Sushupti state. If I pass from this contact and enter the very mind of the writer, and live in that man’s mind, then I have reached the Turiya state of the waking consciousness. It is said: “Yoga is Samadhi.” Samadhi is a state in which the consciousness is so dissociated from the body that the latter remains insensible. Samadhi for any one person is relative to his waking consciousness, but implies insensitiveness of the body. The man, who can so withdraw from the body as to leave it insensitive, while his mind is fully self-conscious, can practice Samadhi. The astral world then, for you, no longer belongs to the Svapna consciousness, but to the Jagrat; you have taken two worlds within the scope of your Jagrat consciousness – the physical and the astral worlds – and the mental world is in your Svapna consciousness. “Your body” is then the physical and the astral bodies taken together. The three bodies of the ordinary man have become one body for the yogi. “Yoga is Samadhi.” “Unfolding” always refers to consciousness, “evolution” to forms. It is necessary to understand something about that consciousness which is your Self, and about the matter, which is the envelope of consciousness, but which the Self so often identifies with himself. The consciousness of existence never changes, but beyond this all is change, and only by the changes does consciousness become self-consciousness. Consciousness is an ever-changing thing, circling round one idea that never changes – Self-existence.
The consciousness itself is not changed by any change of position or place. A change of consciousness is a change of a state; a change of matter is a change of place. Moreover, every change of state in consciousness is related to vibrations of matter in its vehicle. That makes it possible for the self to know the Not-Self. These correspondences are utilized in Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga, the Kingly Yoga and the Yoga or Resolve. The Raja Yoga seeks to control the changes in consciousness, and by this control to rule the material vehicles. The hatha yoga seeks to control the vibrations of matter, and by this control to evoke the desired changes in consciousness. What is mind? How shall we describe this individualized consciousness? It corresponds to activity on the physical plane. That state is said to be approaching yoga, for such a main is becoming concentrated, even if only possessed by one idea. This stage corresponds to activity on the lower mental plane. This stage corresponds to activity on the higher mental plane. This stage corresponds to activity on the buddhic plane. The outward-turned consciousness is always first. When the object disappears, that is, when consciousness draws itself away from the sheath by which those objects are seen, then comes the Asamprajnata Samadhi; called the “Samadhi without consciousness”.

Dr. Maganlal S. Molia and H.M.Akwalia
Rajkot (Gujarat)

Ayurveda, Yoga and Nature (Herbs Minerals) Heritage for survival of human beings

2007-06-08T23:13:00.000-07:00

Ayurved is a science of ages and also of life. This has its roots in B.C. it was the only system, which had wide spectrum of prophylactic and preventive medicines, knowledge of cure of sickness and its treatment and maintenance for over all health care.
Yoga is a science, which balances the body and nature and develops human personality. Yoga and Ayurved has worked with nature for survival since the ages. Deep knowledge of herbal remedies, agriculture, eco-balancing, identification of herbal, traditional knowledge specifically in tribes of mother and child care also for animal, human diseases and nature. Since origin of human race Ayurved, has detailed the knowledge in Ayurved and Yoga disappeared before the independence. But this knowledge has long life. None of the science is as old as this in our country. Urbanization, modernization, deforestation and destruction of nature is again switching human beings to adopt this valuable knowledge toe protect health and to prevent yourself. Now many plants people nature are extinct. We have to think over for survival of Yoga and Ayurved for the human life longevity.

Dr. Rajesh Shukla
Sagar (M.P)

YOGA IN SPORTS MEDICINE

2007-06-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

Conventional yoga practices are beneficial to avoid sports injuries and add general flexibility to the body. Stretching the injured muscles remains an important routine for sometime after you have recovered from the sports injury, to prevent any danger of the muscles becoming tight and then being re-injured. Yoga is useful to rehabilitate from sports injuries. Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium, with a tendency toward parasympathetic nervous system dominance.

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

Pulse rate, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure (of special significance for hypo reactors) decreases.
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) increases
EMG – alpha waves increase (theta, delta and beta waves also increases (respiratory amplitude and smoothness increase, tidal volume increases, vital capacity increases, breath-holding time increases)
Gastrointestinal function and endocrine function normalizes
Excretory functions, posture improves
Muscular skeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase
Strength and resiliency increase
Endurance, energy level and immunity increases
Weight normalizes
Sleep improves
Pain decreases

Psychological Benefits

Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
Mood improves and subjective well being increases
Social adjustment, self-acceptance and self-actualization increase
Hostility, anxiety and depression decreases
Psychomotor functions improve
Grip strength increases
Eye-hand coordination, choice reaction time, dexterity and fine skills improves
Steadiness, depth perception balance and integrated functioning of body parts improve.
Attention. Concentration, Memory, Learning efficiency. Symbol coding, Flicker fusion frequency improves

Biochemical effects
The biochemical profile improves, indicating an anti stress and antioxidant effect, important in the prevention of degenerative diseases.

Glucose, Sodium decreases.
HDL cholesterol, cholinesterase increases
LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, catecholamines decreases
ATPase, hematocrit, hemoglobin, lymphocyte increases
Total white blood cell count decreases
Thyroxin, vitamin C, total serum protein increases Research study on Yoga on Tennis (Ravi Kiran Tennis Foundation, Hyderabad) proved that Yoga has better physiological and psychological advantage over stretching exercises.

YOGA COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL EXERCISE

Yoga Exercise – Conventional exercise
Parasympathetic nervous system dominates - Sympathetic nervous system dominates
Sub cortical regions of brain dominate - Cortical regions of brain dominate
Slow dynamic and static movements - Rapid forceful movements
Normalization of muscle tone - Increased muscle tension
Low risk of injuring muscles and ligaments - Higher risk of injuring muscles and ligaments
Low caloric consumption - Moderate to high caloric consumption
Effort is minimized, relaxed - Effort is maximized
Energizing (breathing kept natural or controlled) - Fatiguing (breathing is taxed)
Balanced activity of opposing muscle groups - Imbalanced activity of opposing muscle groups
Noncompetitive, process-oriented - Competitive, goal-oriented

HOME REMEDIES

2007-06-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

URINARY TRACT INFECTION
The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This system may get infected by bacteria (usually E-coli) and produce following signs and symptoms

Sign and symptoms:

Increased urge to pass urine.
Pain during micturation in bladder region and urethra
Burning sensation during micturation
Fever with chills
On laboratory analysis one may find large amount of pus cells and a small quantity of blood may also occur.

Since the length of the female urethra is smaller as compared to the male, and also since urethra is wider in females than males, they are more prone to urinary tract infection.

Home remedies

Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water as it helps to wash out the infection
Drink ¼ cup of onion juice along with 1 tea spoon sugar twice a day. This helps relieve burning sensation
Mix ½ teaspoon of cumin seed powder and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Take the mixture twice a day.

Diet and lifestyle
Take enough water. One may also take coconut water, barley water, lemon sherbet, etc. if desired
Avid spicy, oily food, tea, coffee, chilli etc in diet
Bacteria that affect urinary system often pass through stools. Hence it is important to clean the anus from front to back after defaecating rather than cleaning it the other way round.
The other mode of transmission of bacteria is through intercourse. Hence pass urine before and after a sexual intercourse and keep the genitals clean.

Ayurvedic remedies
Take 2 tablets of gokshuradi guggulu, thrice a day with 15ml of punarnavasa mixed in equal quantity of warm water. Take the mixture after food as it may trigger acidity.
Tablet chandraprabhavati taken in dose of 1 tablet thrice a day is also effective.
To relieve the burning sensation one may take 20ml of usheerasava or chandanasava with equal amount of warm water after food.

URINARY INCONTINENCE
The inability to control the bladder is known as urinary incontinence. Dribbling of urine and bet wetting are also forms of urinary incontinence. The people who are affected by this disorder are two extremes of the age group i.e., small children and elderly people

Home remedies

Have a mixture of 1 teaspoon of dry powdered seeds of jamun mixed with water. Take this mixture twice a day
Give walnut and around 20 raisins each night after dinner for 15-20 days.
2 teaspoons of honey can be given before bedtime. If it is to be administered to a child below 6 years of age, a dosage of 1 teaspoon would be sufficient
Take a mixture of ½ teaspoon of sarshapa and milk at bedtime.

Diet and lifestyle
In case of elders who have lost control over urine, Kegel’s exercise to strengthen pelvic muscles are beneficial. Alternatively ask the patient to practice and stop urinating mid stream for a couple of moments and then resume urinating again. These exercises strengthen the sphincter muscles.
Use hot and cold bags and apply them alternatively on lower abdomen.
Avoid taking tea, coffee, or chocolates
Relax and do not brood over the fact that you can not control the bladder
Incase of children, do not punish, rebuke or ridicule them for bedwetting. Understand that it is not done deliberately. Encourage your child to pass urine just before going to bed. Children could be more anxious and stressed out than we can anticipate so help them to distress.
Massage the patient regularly with bala ashwagandha oil

Ayurvedic remedies
Deworming is important before starting the treatment as worm infestation can lead to bed wetting which would not respond to other remedies
For adults
Tablet chandraprabha vati – 1 tablet to be given daily with warm water
Incase of muscular debility administer 1 tablet of vishtinduk vati thrice daily with ghee and sugar.
For children
Tablet chandraprabhavati - ½ tablet to be given twice a day with warm water
Tablet neo (charka) – 1 tablet can be administered twice daily.

Dr. Purnima Vinod BAMS
Global ayurveda (April-May 2007)

CONCEPT OF DIGESTION IN AYURVEDA

2007-06-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Health, vigour, strength and life itself depends on the digestion. Normal activity of digestive power maintains health while abnormal activity leads to disease. A person with good digestive power will have good appetite; can digest even heavy food without having symptoms of indigestion.
Digestion can be defined as “the organic process by which food is converted into substances that can be absorbed and assimilated by the body for growth and maintenance of the body”. It is accomplished in the alimentary canal by the mechanical and enzymatic breakdown of foods into simpler chemical compounds. Digestive process in ayurvedic classicals is aided by the digestive power called “angi”. Agni is defined as the chemical factor, which transforms food into body substances, and the process is called as digestion. The living body is a product of nutrition. The tissues of the body are not similar to that of the food but food is converted into seven dhatus in the body. Tridoshas, seven dhatus (tissues), trimalas (waste products) form the composition of the body. Everything in the body depends upon the balance of these compositions of the body. The conversion of food substances at different levels in various ways till they become tissues of the body is brought about by the agni. There is no tissue building and hence no life or there is no life without agni. Therefore, the life, strength, growth, enthusiasm, development of body tissues, skin complexion are all depend on agni.
Classification of agni:
1. Jataragni – one
2. Butagnis – five
3. dhatwagnis – seven
4. Malaagnis – three

Jataragni:
Agni in our body is generally called as jataragni, which is considered to be the life of a living being. The metabolism of all the tissues of the body depends upon the jataragni. Jataragni is also called as kayagni (that which is present in the body). The functional variations of digestive power can only be inferred can only by the digestive capacity of the individual. Agni is classified into four according to dosha predominance.
1. Samagni: samagni is considered to be the normal angi, which denotes the equilibrium of tridoshas and a healthy digestive system.
2. Vishamagni: food gets digested normally on some occasions and poorly digested in other occasions though the foood is taken normally. This occurs in case of predominance of vata. Persons suffering from this type of agni are more prone to vata vyadhis.
3. Teekshanagni: the person suffers from excessive hunger and thirst and is more prone to pitta diseases as it occurs when there is predominance of pitta.
4. Mandagni: the digestive power is very poor, that the person cannot digest even a small quantity of food. This type of agni occurs when there is predominance of kapha. Persons with this type of agni are more prone to kapha vyadhis.

Location of jataragni: grahani is the location where jataragni is situated and hence called as agniaashaya (the one that holds agni). It is called grahani since it holds the food for digestion.

Digestion of food: pranavata, the property of which is to convey the food form the mouth downwards takes the food from mouth to the stomach. The food is subjected to chymification in the intestines. Jataragni situated in grahani digests the food, which is taken in proper time, proper quantity and proper manner observing all regimen of diet.

Role of bhutagnis in digestion: the body is made up of panchamaha bhutas. Hence the panchabhoutika body should be nourished by the foood, which again is of panchabhouika constitution. The food after being digested by different agnis will in turn enrich the panchabhutas of the body. There are about five more agnis with respect to panchamahabhutas (prithvi- earth, ap-water, tejas-fire, vayu-air, akasha-space)
1. Partheevagni – predominance of prithvi bhuta (earth)
2. Aapyagni – predominance of ap bhuta (water)
3. Taijasagni – predominance of tejo bhuta (fire)
4. Vayavagni – predominance of vayu bhuta (air)
5. Aakashaagni – predominance of akasha bhuta (space)

Jataragni transforms the whole of the food mass into a common digested substance; the bhutagnis will digest their respective substances useful for the formation of different tissues.

Role of dhatwagni: the process of digestion is again continued by the dhatwagnis, which are present in each dhatus (tissues). After completion of digestion by bhutagnis the digested material have to be recognized in different proportions for the formation of different tissues, which is achieved by the dhatwagni (seven dhatus/ tissues) present in different dhatu levels of the body. These dhatwagnis will act upon the concerned nutrients circulating as food helping in the formation of three end products such as
- Gross form – the static dhatus meant for replenishment, growth and action
- Sublte form – the nutrients required for the formation of the next dhatus
- Bi-products/ waste product – the end products that are excreted in due course

Role of malaagni: there are three malas in our body. They are sweat, urine and faeces. They are not merely waste products but are in one way called as secretions also. Malaagni contributes further digestion of food by absorbing excessive water content of faecal matter and imparts natural colour and odour. Similarly mutraagni and swedaagni also contributes to digestion by separating waste after digestion and excreting them. But none of the ayurvedic classics have explained about malaagnis except chakrapanidutta in his commentary of charaka samhita.

Role of agni in formation of dhatus: all the ayurvedic scholars have universally accepted that the dhaus (tissues) are nourished one after another from first dhatu (rasa) to the seventh dhatu (sukra) and food is the main source for the nourishment of all the dhatus. Digestion of food is important as transformation of dhatus depends on proper digestion of food. Dhatus plays an important role in maintaining the equilibrium (health) of the body. Hence digestion (agni) has a vital role in the proper transformation of dhatus. Agni is praised as God itself in ayurveda. Agni is subtle in nature and transforms the food substance sun unexplainably to suit the physiological and psychological requirements of the individual. Maintenance of health depends upon the power of digestion, as proper digestion of food only can form proper formation of seven dhatus and tridoshas, which are the composition of the body. The food that we take should be properly digested by the power formation of the composition of the body. The food that we take should be properly digested by the power of digestion – the agni that could help in proper formation of the composition of the body. Improper digestion will lead to improper formation of dhatus, which further lead to many diseases in the body. Moreover, if digestion is good, only then proper assimilation and absorption of food can happen. In case of any disease the power of digestion is taken into account for proper assimilation and absorption of medicine that is administered, to server the purpose. Hence agni is important in every individual for healthy long life.
Note: when the power of digestion – agni is not good or when you don’t feel hungry should not eat and wait until you get proper hunger. Proper digestion can happen only when we take food with proper hunger. If food is taken when there is no hunger or heavy food is taken when there is less hunger will lead to indigestion further to any disease to the body.

Dr. S. Brindha BAMS
Global ayurveda (Dec-Jan 2007)

HOME REMEDIES

2007-06-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

EPILEPSY
Sudden brief abnormal electric waves produced in the brain are known as seizures. The tendency to have seizures or fits is known as epilepsy. Seizures can occur in certain conditions involving the brain and its coverings like very high fever, meningitis, encephalitis, tumours of the brain, etc. Seizures may involve a part of the body with momentary loss of consciousness or it may involve the whole body and loss of consciousness could last for several minutes. The causes of epilepsy are head injury resulting from birth trauma or later during the life. This type of epilepsy is known as scar epilepsy. Certain drugs are also known to induce seizures.

Signs and symptoms

A typical epileptic seizure involves 4 phases the 1st being aura where an individual anticipates a seizure. The 2nd phase is the tonic phase where the muscles tighten followed by the sudden relaxation which is the chronic phase. This is followed by a state of unconsciousness that may last several minutes. Uprolling of eyes, tongue bite, drooling of saliva, involuntary discharge of urine and faeces may occur. This type of seizure is known as Grand Mal. The other forms are petit mal, tics, etc.

Home remedies:
If it’s a first convulsion that a person has experienced, it is advisable to seek medical help immediately. If a person is a known epileptic, following remedial measures can be adopted.

Take a mixture of ½ cup of ash gourd juice, chunk of sugar and 3-6 grams of liquorice root powder twice a day. Ash gourd juice taken singly is also beneficial.
Rasonksheepak can be made by crushing 3-4 cloves of garlic and boiling it in a mixture of ½ cup milk and ½ cup water. Heat it till half the solution evaporated. Strain the mixture and have it once during the day.
Keeping the bowels smooth and regular is beneficial. To aid bowel movements take ¾ teaspoon of triphala churna with warm water at bed time.
Leaves of brahmi can be chewed daily followed by a cup of milk

Diet and lifestyle considerations

Avoid oily and spicy food items and stress
Keep the house free from sharp objects so that the patient may not hurt themselves in case of seizure.
Patients of epilepsy should avoid working at heights.
Brihat vata kulantak rasa is very effective but is to be taken only after consulting a physician.
Mix 500gms each of vacha churna and akarkarabh churna. Take the mixture twice daily with 10 gms of brahmiprash
Take 20ml of sarasvatarishtam with equal quantity of warm water twice daily after food
Cow’s ghee is a very useful remedy which can be used for nasya as well as for internal consumption.
250mg of smruti sagar rasa can be taken thrice daily with warm water.

STROKE
The condition in which the blood supply to any part of the brain is suddenly cut off is called a stroke. The blood supply to the brain can be impaired due to following reasons:
Blockage in the vessel which supplies the blood to the brain – the obstruction could be within the vessel like a clot of blood (thrombosis) or globule or fat (embolism) or the cause can be outside the vessel e.g. tumour etc. which compresses the vessel from outside.
The blood vessel may rupture leaking the blood outside the vessel (haemorrhage). The brain tissue which does not receive blood gets damaged causing impairment of that organ which it controls. It could affect one limb, two limbs, all four limbs, speech, facial muscles, etc This is what is commonly known as paralysis. Some strokes may last only for a short while and could be occurring due to momentary stoppage of blood supply caused by spasm in the vessel. These types of attacks are known as transient ischaemic attacks.

Important risk factors:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Stress
Drinking and smoking

Signs and symptoms
Initially sudden severe headache occurs followed by slurring of speech and / or drunken gait, weakness in any of the limb or facial paralysis. In severe cases, person might lose consciousness and become comatose. Strokes that usually occur following a haemorrhage are often fatal.
Other symptoms a person might experience are loss of sensation or abnormal sensation, loss of control over bowel and bladder and unilateral dilation of pupil may be noticed.

Home remedies
Patients has to be hospitalized at the earliest. Once the person survives the initial phase, measures can be taken to improve the quality of life. Medications to help repair the damaged brain tissue should be administered. During convalescing period herbal remedies are highly useful. Mood swings are commonly observed in the patients and hence emotional support from family members is highly important. Gentle exercise and massage to prevent muscular atrophy are the only treatment that can be given at home. However, these are of vital importance.

Ayurvedic remedies
250mg of tab ekangveer rasa to be given thrice daily with warm water.
The contents of capsule palsineuron (phyto pharma) are to be taken out and mixed with honey. Take 2 capsules like this daily
60mg of brhitvatachntamani to be taken thrice a day.
Ayurvedic panchakarma procedures such as virechan, nasya and basti if employed with the right ingredients brings about faster recovery.

Dr. Purnima Vinod BAMS
Global ayurveda (Dec-Jan 2007)

NATURAL ENERGIZER HONEY

2007-05-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

Honey is a sweet and viscous fluid produced by bees and other insects from the nectar of flowers. Now, modern research into the use of honey as an anit-microbial agent has revealed potential treatments for a variety of ailments.

The natural sweet substance produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers or from secretions coming from living organisms feeding on plants, that bees together and combine with specific ingredients, store and leave to ripen in the combs of the hive.
Honey is a sweet and viscous fluid produced by bees and other insects from the nectar of flowers. The definition of honey stipulated a pure product that does not allow for the addition of any other substances.
Honey is one of nature’s wonders and has been treasured commodity for centuries. It is acknowledged that bees have been producing honey for 150 million years, but some of the earliest written references about honey have been found dating back to the 40th century BC in ancient Egypt. In ancient history, the ancient Egyptian and middle-eastern people used honey for embalming the dead. In jewish tradition, honey is also a symbol for the new year. At the traditional meal for that holiday, apple slices are dipped into honey and eaten to bring a sweet new year.
For around 2000 years honey has been used to treat a variety of ailments through it was not until modern times that the cause of infection was understood. Now, modern research into the use of honey as an anti-microbial agent has revealed potential treatments for a variety of ailments.
In ayurveda honey is called as ‘Madhu’. Its qualities are explained in the ayurvedic classics are: rasa (taste): Madhuram (sweet), anurasa (secondary taste): kashayam (astringent), guna (qualities): guru (heavy), ruksha (dry), virya (potency): hot (ushna), vipaka (property at the end of digestion): katu (pungent), action on doshas: aggravates vata, scrapes kapha, normalizes pitta and rakta
Ayurveda explains another special quality of honey. Honey is called as ‘Yogavahi’ which means that the substance has a quality of penetrating deep into the tissues when used with other herbs.

Action on body
Honey is very good for eyes and eyesight. It quenches thirst. Dissolves kapha. It is antipoisonous. Stops hiccoughs
It is very useful in urinary disorders, worm infestations, bronchial asthma, cough and diarrhea and nausea/ vomiting.
Cleanses and heals the wounds
Helps in quick healing of deep wounds and initiates the growth of healthy granulation of tissue

Classification of honey:
Extracted honey: It is liquid honey separated form the comb. It is most readily available and used.
Comb honey: a popular honey product. The honey is sold still in the wax comb. Comb honey was packaged by installing wooden framework in special supers, but this labor intensive method is drying, and being replaced by plastic rings or cartridges. After removal from the hive, a clear clover is usually fitted onto the cartridge.
Raw honey: honey as it exists in the beehive or as obtained by extraction, settling, straining without adding heat. Raw honey contains some pollen and may contain small particles of wax. Local raw honey is sought for allergy suffers as the pollen impurities lessen the sensitivity to hay fever.
Chunk honey: honey packed in wide mouth containers consisting of one or more pieces of comb honey surrounded by extracted liquid honey.
Strained honey or filtered honey: honey, which had been passed through a mesh material to remove particulate material (pieces of wax, propolis, and other defects) without removing pollen. Preferred by the health food trade – it has a cloudy appearance due to the induced pollen, but it also tends to crystallize more quickly than unfiltered honey.
Unfiltered honey: honey processed by very fine filtration under high pressure to remove all extraneous solids and pollen grains. Unfiltered honey is very clear and has a longer shelf life, because it crystallizes mores slowly.

Types of honey according to ayurveda:
Eight types of honey described in ayurveda depending on the type of bee, which collect it. They are pouttika, bhramara, kshoudra, makshika, chatra, arghy, aoudalaka, dala.

Pouttika: this type of honey is collected by very lare beeds from the nectar of poisonous flowers. It increases vata, causes gout and burning sensation in chest. It is also sedative, reduces fat.
Bhramara: this honey is collected by large bees and sticky in nature. It is useful for raktapitta, mutajatyam (heaviness in urination), abhisyandhi, pitta-karaka and cold in nature and sweet at the end if digestion.
Maakshika: honey collected by medium sized honey bees. It is very light and dry natured. Useful in vatakapha and kapha diseases, kasa (cough), swasam (dyspnoea), kamala (jaundice), helps in curing kshaya (tuberculosis).
Chatra: it is heavy and cold in nature useful in gout (arthritis), eucoderma (shiwtram)
Aadharya: good for eyes but causes arthritis.
Oudalaka: useful in skin diseases, and helps in modulation of voice.
Dala: dry and reduces vomiting
Amongst all the above ‘makshika’ is considered as the best type with immense medicinal properties.

Navina madhu (fresh honey) and purana madhu (old honey):
Navina madhu: honey that is fresh or recently collected is navina madhu. It gives nourishment. Liquefies kapha. Honey which is newly collected from bee bive increases body weight and is a mild laxative.
Purana madhu: honey when becomes old is called as purana madhu. Its qualities are graahi (adsorbent), ruksha (dry), medhanasaka (reduces fat). Honey which is stored and old helps in metabolism of fats and scrapes kapha.

Composition of honey:
Honey is a mixture of sugars, waters and other compounds. The specific compositiono f honey will depend largely on the mix of flowers consumed by bees that produced the honey. Honey has a density of about 1500 kg/m3 (50% denser than water) that means 12-13 pounds per gallon.

Typical honey analysis:
Fructose: 38%, glucose: 31%, sucrose: 1%, water: 17%, other sugars: 9% (maltose, melezitose), ash: 0.17%

It contains proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. It is volatile aromatic substance.
Honey also gives us energy about 300 to 320 calories per 100 ml of honey. One teaspoon of honey would give us about 15 to 16 calories. Various ingredients of honey have helped it become not only a sweet liquid but also a natural product with high nutritional and medicinal value.
The medicinal quality, taste, color, aroma of honey differs according to the geographical area and the species of plants from which it has been collected.

Uses of honey
The main uses of honey are in baking, spreading on bread or toast, and as an addition to various beverages such as tea. Beacuase honey is hygroscopic (drawing moisture from the air), a small quantity of honey added to a pastry recipe will retard staling. Raw honey also contains enzymes that help in its digestion, several vitamins and antioxidants.
Honey is the main ingredient in the alcoholic beverage mead, which is also known as honey wine and methelgin.
Honey is used in traditional fold medicine and apitherapy and is an excellent natural preservative.
In all preparations it enhances the medicinal qualities of herbal preparations and also helps them to reach the deeper tissues

Therapeutic uses of honey:
It contains sugars that are quickly absorbed by our digestive system and converted into energy; this can be used as instant energizer.
It is hygroscopic it speeds up healing, debrides wounds, removes malodor, growth of healing tissue and dries up.
Honey’s anti-inflammatory activity reduces edema and minimizes scarring and it stimulates growth of granulation and epithelial tissues to speed healing, not only rapidly clear existing infection but also it protects wounds from additional infection.
It acts as a sedative and is very useful in bedwetting disorders
It is a very good antioxidant, it plays a major role in the prevention of cancer as well as heart disease
It restores the damaged skin and gives soft and young looks. It has the ability to attract water. It is also safe for sensitive skin
Honey has antibacterial properties due to its acidic nature and enzymically produced hydrogen peroxide.
Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases
Honey may be beneficial to athletes by reducing fatigue. Honey is a good source of glucose and fructose (according to national honey institute)
Honey may be useful in sore throat also. It may not heal your sore throat but it will make it feel better as it heals. The taste may also take your mind off the pain.
Honey that is local to where one lives can also help with seasonal pollen allergies because it contains the same pollen that is producing the allergy – consumed in this way it can act as an immune booster.
Honey diluted in water helpful for stomach aches and dehydration.

Precautions to be taken before using honey:
Honey should not be heated
Honey should not be consumed when you are working in hot environment where you are exposed to more heat.
Honey should never be mixed with rain water, hot, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages, ghee and mustard oil. When honey is mixed with these the poisonous properties get enhanced and cause imbalance of doshas.

Checking purity of honey:
A cotton wick dipped in pure honey when lighted with a matchstick burns and shows the purity of honey. If adulterated, the presence of water will not allow the honey to burn; if it does it will produce a cracking sound
Pure honey does not dissolve in water quickly but impure honey dissolves quickly when compared to pure honey. Mix a spoon of honey in a cup of water and find out whether it dissolves to check its purity

Few home remedies with honey:
1. Mix 2 teaspoon of honey with carrot juice and consume regularly. This helps to improve eyesight and is very helpful those who sit before computer for long time.
2. Mix 2 tsp of honey with equal quantity of ginger juice and should be consumed frequently. It helps for cold, cough and congested chest.
3. One glass of luke warm water taken with two teaspoon of honey and 1 tsp of lemon juice in early morning reduces fat and purifies blood
4. Consuming one spoon of honey daily helps us to lead a healthy life.

Dr. S. Brindha BAMS
Global ayurveda (Dec-Jan 2007)

APPLICATION AND IMPORTANCE OF LEECH THERAPY

2007-05-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

This procedure is included under the five bio-purificatory procedures. Removal of impure blood from the body treats the root cause of the sufferings.

Ayurveda the great medical science of India is now practiced meagerly; but when the challenges of resistant cases are alarming day by day ayurveda is the only hope. No doubt each country has its own traditional medical system, which they practiced since centuries back but due to lack of a well written script it gradually disappears. In India traditional medical system is enriched with a well defined doshik (morbid) theory of disease etiology, types, clinical features, treatment modalities etc. in a very well organized and systematic way, and known as ayurveda. Charka samhita, susruta samhita, ashtanga smrgraha and ashanga hridaya are the base books while madhav nidana, sharangdhara samhita, bhava prakasha etc. are the supplementary books; because of these written textual books ayurveda is still practicing in India with great success. The main drawback of ayurveda is lack of proper literary and medicinal research as well as documentation of prior knowledge. Rakta mokshana or blood letting is practiced in India since thousands of years. Our saints included this procedure under the five bio-purificatory procedures; they said that removal of impure blood from the body treats the root cause of the sufferings.

Rakta mokshana by jalauka (Blood letting by leech)
Blood letting can be done by jalauka (leech) in those who are rich, weak, fearful sophisticated, old and in case of ladies.
Leech is sheet (cold) in nature so commonly used in pittaja and raktaj disorders.
Leeches first sucks the impure blood than the pure so when patient feels pricking pain and itching over the bite place leech should be removed.
Leech should undergo emesis, to expel the dirty blood

Jalauka bheda (types of leeches)
Savisha (poisonous)

Krishna – blackish, long head
Karbura – like Rohit fish, spiral lining over the body
Alagarda – hairy, lobulated
Indrayudha – rainbow like multicoloured
Samudrika – black-yellow, dotted
Gochandana – like scrotom of ox

Nirvisha (non poisonous)

Kapila – orpiment color, highly motile
Pingala – reddish, circular
Shankhamukhi – color like of liver, rapid sucking (commonly used)
Mushika – color and odor like rat
Pundarikamukhi – face like lotus
Savarika – 18 angula long, shape like lotus leaves

General review
There are two species of therapeutic medicinal leeches hirudo – medicinalis and hirudo-mychaelseni
This is a segmented worm of phylum-annelida
Leech has two suckers, one at each end, caudal (back end) and rostral (front end)
Front end with three sharp jaws that leave a ‘Y” shaped bite.
A leech can remain 30 minutes to 6 hours as it fills with blood
During feeding it can suck 5-15ml of blood
Following the suction process the leech can perform active movements after a week
The leech stores the sucked blood over months in its stomach and digests it within a period of one and a half years.
Leech saliva contains several bio-active substances including prostaglandins, vasodilators, anesthetics and anticoagulants.
Hirudin a potent anti coagulant found in leech saliva inhibits conversion of firbrinogen to fibrin, thus preventing blood clotting.
Other existing substances – calin, apyrase hyaluronidase, egline, destabliase, piyavit and kollaginase.

Maintenance of medicinal leeches
The leech will survive quite happily in a cool place provided the temperature does not exceed 15-25 degree Celsius.
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight to the leeches
The water where the leech resides should be declorinated and sterilized. When changing the water the replacement water is of same temperature as the previous.
For best results we should keep 2 leeches per 250ml of water
Naturally the leeches engulf algae, fish blood, flesh, etc

Ayurveda classical indications

Vidradhi (abscess)
Gulma (lump)
Arsha (Piles)
Kushtha (skin diseases)
Vatarakta (sclerosis)
Kantharoga (throat diseases)
Netraroag (eye diseases)
Granthi (cyst)
Arbuda (tumor)
Shlipada (filariasis)
Vidarika (rhagades)
Vishadamshtra (poisoning)
Visharpa (pemphigus)
Siroroga (headache)
Dantaveshta (dental disorders) etc

Other indications

Boils and abscess
Herpes zoster
Thrombosis
Thrombophlibitis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Gouty arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Sciatica
Wounds – diabetic, leprotic, pyogenic etc
Atopic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Alopecia

Classical method of application
Purvakarma (before procedure)
Proper snehana (oleation) and swedana (sudation) of the patient
Purification of leech by pouring the leech in haridra (turmeric powder) and water
Part preparation – cleaning of place by turmeric water

Pradhana karma (main procedure)
Application of honey or blood or butter or by prachchan (making scar) at the desired site
Application of leech through its front end
Cover the leech by wet cotton
Removal of leech by dusting haridra churna (turmeric powder) after completion of blood letting

Paschata karma (after procedure)
Induction of emesis to the leech by dusting of haridra churna (turmeric powder) on its mouth
Sometimes pressing the leech from caudal to front end is required for proper emesis
Leech should be freed in fresh water, where it swims swiftly and then settles down.
Replace the leech in a clean jar or aquarium
Dusting of yashtimadhu (liquorice powder) churna and bandaging over the bite site

Frequency of leech application
It will vary according to the disease and severity
The leech should be applied once in a week up to six sittings
One leech should be reserved for a particular patient to avid cross infection
A few biochemical examination liked Hb%, TLC, DLC, blood urea, serum creatinine of patient blood and leech sucked blood does not show any change.

Complications of hirudotherapy
The infection caused by bacteria aeromonas-hydrophilia present in gut of leech, which can cause pneumonia, septicemia or gastroenteritis.
Excess blood loss, so contra indicated in patients of hemophilia or in other bleeding diathesis.
Allergic reactions such as itching followed by burning and blister formation
Ulcerative necrosis due to toxins present in leech saliva

The results on using leeches for blood letting are the severity of eczematous patch disappears, there is no new blister in pemphigus, joint pain and lesion are vanished in psoriasis and new hair roots appears in case of alopecia.
As said by sushruta it sucks the impure blood of the body; the impurity can be in terms of auto immune reactions, enzymatic and hormonal imblanance, or chemical imbalance etc.
Leech therapy is very effective in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia, vitilito, filariasis, non healing ulcers, pemphigus

Dr. Vijay Kumar Srivastava
Dr. O. P. Singh
Prof. N. P. Rai
Global Ayurveda (Dec-Jan 2007)

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY DISEASES

2007-05-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

The weakness of muscles (myopathies) is the diseases interfere with chemical reactions involved in drawing bio-energy (Prana shakti) from food. Normal, fuel molecules derived from food must be broken down further inside each cell before they can be used by the cells; mitochondria to make the energy molecule ATP. The mitochondria inside each cell could be called the cells; “energies.” The metabolic muscle diseases are caused by problems in the way certain fuel molecules are processed before they enter the mitochondria, or by the inability to get fuel molecules in to mitochondria. Muscle required a lot of energy in the form of ATP to work properly. When energy levels become too low, muscle weakness and exercise intolerance with muscle pain or cramps may occur.
In a few metabolic muscle disorders, symptoms aren’t caused so much by a lack of energy, but rather by unused fuel molecules that build up inside muscle cells. This buildup may damage the cells, leading to chronic weakness. Metabolic muscle diseases that have their onset in infancy tend to be the most severe, and some forms are fatal. Those that begin in childhood or adulthood tend to be less severe, and changes in diet and lifestyle can help most people with the milder forms adjust.

What causes muscle weakness?
Most muscle weakness is caused by defects in the enzymes (Agnis) that control chemical reactions used to breakdown food. Enzyme defects are caused by flaws in the genes that govern production of the enzymes. A gene is a “recipe” or set of instructions for making a protein, such as an enzyme. A defect in the gene may cause the protein to be made incorrectly or not al all, leading to deficiency in the amount of that enzyme. Genes are passed from parents to children. Therefore genetic defects can be inherited.
In normal metabolism, food provides fuel that’s processed inside the cells, producing energy (ATP) for muscles contraction and other cellular functions. In metabolic myopathies, missing enzymes prevent motochondria from properly processing fuel, and no energy is produced for muscle function.
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscles which control body movement. The muscles of the heart and some other involuntary muscles are also affected in some forms of muscular dystrophy, and a few forms involve other organs as well. The muscular dystrophies include many inherited disorders such as: Becker’s, Duchenne, Facioscapulo-humeral, Limb-girdle, Emery-Dreifuss, and Myotonic and myotonia congenita.

Most common neuro muscular disease among children
Most children are affected by muscular dystrophies, inflammation of muscles, cerebral palsy, motor problems related to injuries at the time of birth or thereafter, and also birth-related injuries to the arms and legs – mostly to the nerves in the arms.
The most common diagnosis would be spasticity in children, muscular dystrophy and different kinds of delays such as not walking, crawling and so on. Other less common problems are spinal muscular atrophy, neuropathies and so on.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form affecting children, and myotonic muscular dystrophy is the most common form affecting adults. Muscular dystrophy can affect people of all ages. Although some forms first become apparent in infancy or childhood, other may not appear until middle age or later.
These diseases are distinguished from each other by the type of inheritance (sex-linked, dominant gene, recessive gene), the age when symptoms appear, and the types of symptoms that develop. Because these are inherited disorders, risks include a family history of muscular disease.

Symptoms of muscular dystrophy
Weakness is primary symptom

Progressive frequent falls
Delayed development of muscle motor skills
Difficulty in walking (delayed walking)
Difficulty using one or more muscle groups (the specific muscles affected depends on the type of dystrophy)
Poor muscle tone and curved spine

Muscular dystrophy is diagnosed by serum CPK (an enzyme found in muscle) and EMG (electromyography). An ECG is also done to monitor changes in cardiac status.

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

Myoglobin in urine / serum
LDH (lactate dehydorgenase)
Creatinine
AST (aspartate aminotrasferase)

What are the complications?

Joint contractures, deformities and scoliosis
Permanent progressive disability
Decreased functional ability to care for self
Mental impairment and depressive manifestations
Cardiomyopathy, respiratory failure and death

What is the prevention?
Women may be asymptomatic but still be carrier of gene for the disorder. Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be detected with about 95% accuracy by genetic studies performed during pregnancy

New treatment options
There is a big push to find a cure or at least modify the problems in different ways. There are newer treatment options.
Panchkarma therapies, specially developed molecules (mamsagni rasayan) and yogic techniques may be effective in the long term management of muscular weakness. It may help people to maintain muscle strength and function. In addition, some people with metabolic disorders have benefited from strict ayurvedic dietary changes. There is evidence that those with carbohydrate-processing problems may be helped by a natural high protein diet, while those with difficulty processing fats may do well on a natural diet high in carbohydrates and low in fats.
Ayurvedic herbs which safe guard the function of liver can be very effective in reversing heart failure in the patient of myopathies. Orthopedic appliances such as braces and wheelchairs can improve mobility and self care abilities. In some cases, surgery on spine or lower extremities may help improve function and slow deterioration.
Ayurveda considers this condition as mamsa – vata – kshaya (MVK) related to beeja dosha and impairments of mamsagni (muscle enzyme). It involves deranged vata and subsequent degeneration of muscles and structures related to it. Ayurvedic treatment might slow or stop the progressive of muscle degeneration. A combined strategy of age old Til Mash Pinda sweda (TMP), pizhichil, anuvasana vasti, mamsagni rasayana and yogic support is effective in the long term management of muscular weakness.

Mamsagni rasayana
The mamsagni G is gurvel, guggul and gold (G3) based new ayurvedic formula developed by Ayurveda Acharya Mukesh Dev Jain in 1998 for his care through research project on neuromuscular diseases. The active ingredients are bio-enhanced and standardized marich, triphala, gurvel, guggul, kuchla, parad and gold bhasma. This new compound molecule regulates muscular metabolism and useful as a safe ayurvedic medicine for the management of muscular dystrophies.
The marich promoted mamsagni (muscle enzyme system) triphala guggulu is well known srotorodhahara (correct membrane defect) and regulated fat metabolism. Kuchla boost the neuromuscular tone while the gold bhasma retards the process of muscular degeneration. Gurvel also called amrita (nectar) is best immunity modulating (rasayana) drug. The combined effect is neuro-muscular vata-pitta-kapha balancing which is evident by promising clinical results such as weight loss, decrease in blood CPK level, decrease in walking difficulty, increase in neuro-muscular tone

The practical therapeutic benefits of weight reduction are not only obvious but potentially greater i.e. improved muscle power/ weight ratio.

Dose: the therapeutic oral dose is 20 mg/kg body weight administered in two divided doses. The medicine can be given preferably before meals with honey or with dasmula ghrita.

Dr. Mukesh D Jain MD
Global ayurveda (Dec-Jan 2007)

Aromatherapy in pregnancy

2007-05-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy brings about a lot of physical and hormonal changes in a woman’s body. These may manifest into moderate to severe discomforts like morning sickness, edema due to water retention, stretch marks, heaviness in the body, etc. pregnancy is a wonderful experience but this happiness can be marred by these discomforts. Also the excess weight and stretch marks, which remain behind after delivery, may spoil a woman’s beauty.
Aromatherapy offers simple yet effective remedies for all these problems. However pregnancy is also a very delicate stage hence these oils are best used under guidance of an aroma therapist. Following precautions need to be taken:

Certain oils like basil, cinnamon, dary sage, fennel, juniper, comfrey, myrrh, Melissa, thyme, hyssop, etc are contraindicated in pregnancy while others like marjoram and rosemary are to be avoided during the first three months or the 1st trimester.
Use essential oils in lower concentrations
If you suffer from skin or other allergies, use oils very carefully. A patch test is indicated before use
During a massage keep the strokes lighter than usual
The moments of the pregnant clients like lying down for massage, turning or getting up have to be very gentle
If you are on homeopathy medicine, consult your homeopath before using essential oils, as it is believed that the strong, of the oils negate the effect of the homeopathic medicines

Aromatherapy in first trimester
(First three months)

The commonly encountered symptom in first three months is nausea or morning sickness. Rest is very important during this period. This is also the most delicate phase since the foetus is not stable yet and improper lifestyles or wrong drugs may lead to miscarriage. Hence one has to be extra careful during this period.
Morning sickness: to combat nausea inhalation of mandarin oil or orange oil by means of port pourri or vapourizers is useful. One may also put a couple of drops on ones pillow to prevent morning sickness. Alternatively add a couple of drops of lavender, sandalwood and orange and massage gently on the abdomen. Reduce oily, spicy foodstuffs in diet. Have frequent smaller meals in a day rather than having large and meets at longer intervals. Go easy on fast food. Eat plenty of fresh fruits (barring papaya and mango) and take herbal teas made from chamomile or orange blossom.

The second trimester
(The date from four to six months of pregnancy)

Frequent urination, heartburn and varicose veins may appear during this period. The following remedies can be implemented:
Varicose veins: varicose veins and spider veins may develop during second trimester due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Use crepe bandages to support the calf muscles. Indulge in gentle and moderate exercise and avoid very hot water baths. Make a blend of two drops each of cypress, lemon grass and lavender in 30ml of apricot kernel base oil. Massage gently but firmly from ankle upwards towards thighs. Avoid working directly on the swollen veins. Alternatively you may use a blend of the three drops of geranium in 20ml of base oil. However more caution needs to be observed where then using geranium during pregnancy.
Constipation: increased the fiber intake in diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and salads. Avoided pulses like Bengal gram, kidney beans etc as these causes flatulence. However one can consume green gram. Keep your body well hydrated. A helpful aromatherapy blend is 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of rose in 15ml of base oil. Massage gently in clockwise circular motion on the belly. Alternatively one may use a blend of chamomile and orange.
Fluid retention/ edema: reduce the salt intake in diet. The edema or swelling is generally present on the ankles and legs. Hence while sleeping, raise the head slightly with the help of pillows. For ankle edema give a foot bath by adding 7-8 drops of lavender, 3 drops cypress, 3 drops of orange and 2 drops of patchouli to a bucket full of warm water. Ensure that you use plastic bucket and water is only lukewarm. Alternatively add 3 drops each of benzoin, rose and orange to ¼ bucket of warm water and use this for foot massage.

The third trimester
During this period abdominal girth increases substantially which exerts pressure on all the organs especially the lower back. Hence along with the problems encountered in the 2nd trimester one may also experience problems like lower back pain and difficult in lying down or sleeping.
Lower backache: massaging lower back is very relaxing. One may use a blend made from sandalwood and lavender by adding 4 drops of each to 15 ml of base oil. Mild fomentation can also be given.
Sleep problem: lying down in different positions becomes difficult due to increased size of abdomen. Try lying down on the left side keeping the left leg straight and bending the right leg at the knee.
Support the right knee by placing it on the cushion. Have a relaxing bath with neroli. Lavender and vetiver oils just before going to bed. You may also add a couple of drops of lavender oil to your pillow.
Stretch marks: these may not be seen during pregnancy as the skin is tensed. However they appear soon after delivery if measures are not taken during pregnancy itself. Although these marks do not cause any problem it is better to prevent them for cosmetic purpose. These stretch marks are likely to appear on lower abdomen, thighs, breast and buttocks. So in order to minimize the scarring and retaining the elasticity and suppleness of the skin, start aroma massage from the fifth month itself and continue even after the delivery till you lose the extra weight that you gained during pregnancy. For massaging make a blend of five drops of lavender and 5 drops of frankincense in 30ml of olive oil. You may add the contents of capsule vitamin E to the blend. Adding evening primrose oil to the blend also helps to smooth the skin.
Sore nipples/ breast: the breast size also increases during pregnancy due to increased levels of prolactin hormone. This causes them to be engorged and tensed. Nursing the baby also causes cracked nipples which are very painful. The following blend can be used during pregnancy and even when you are nursing the baby. However before breast feeding ensure that the nipples are washes thoroughly and wiped dry. Care must be taken to prevent the essential oils from entering the newborns stomach. use a gentle massage oil with 3 drops each of rose and orange in 15ml of sweet almond or olive oil. During labour, if possible use aroma candles or vapourizers in the labour room.

Post partum care:
Inadequate lactation, post partum depression may be encountered after delivery.
Inadequate lactation: this rarely occurs and is often psychological that physiological in nature. Hence it is important for the mother to relax and help her baby to suck more frequently on the nipple. Increase your intake of milk, sugar, rice and asparagus. Do not get anxious whether baby is getting enough feed or not. So long as the baby passes urine, for about 10-12 times in 24 hours, sleeps well, and sucks energetically you may also use cold compress on the breast using 2 drops each of lavender, geranium and peppermint oil. This helps facilitate lactation.
Post partum depression: this may occur within a week after delivery. Usually it is mild in nature but some woman may suffer from severe depression, which may last up to a year. A massage with 5 drops each of chamomile, geranium and orange in 30mlof almond oil is relaxing. You may also have a bath by adding 7-10 drops of jasmine and ylang ylang to warm water. Inhalation of 3 drops of neroli and 3 drops of bergamot also helps. To relieve the pain in the perineal region, which may occur due to tear and suffering, take a sitz bath of lavender and tea rose.

Massage during pregnancy
The precautions to be taken while giving massage to a pregnant lady have been mentioned. Let us look at the steps:
Back massage: after about 4th month of pregnancy it becomes difficult for a woman to lie down on her stomach. Hence work with your partner in sitting position.

After your partner is comfortable, place your left hand over the partner’s forehead and your right hand palm across the back on her neck. Hold for a few moments and then release.
Apply little oil on your fingers and gently massage each of your partner’s shoulder blades and upper back. Employ kneading movements using your thumb.
Spread the oil on the entire back evenly and begin an effleurage movement
Stroke gently down the spine from the base of the neck to the lower back. Repeat this movement 20 times
Stroke across the back starting from the lower back from the right hand side. Stroke out from the inside of the body towards the loins with alternate hands, moving upwards gently towards the shoulders.
Using thumbs work upwards on each side of the spinal column from the lower back to the neck to help relieve congestion along the spinal nerves.
Repeat this 4 times

Abdomen: For a pregnant woman lying on her back may exert extra pressure on the blood vessels due to the weight of the foetus. This may result in constriction of important blood vessels. Hence support the head, neck, and back with cushions, pillows mattress etc. ensure that she is comfortable. It is of utmost importance to keep the strokes gentle and light. Do not exert undue pressure under any circumstances.

Apply the blend as per your choice and needs, evenly over the abdomen.
Using the palms of your hands, carefully glide the hands from either side of the waist towards the navel. Lift your hands off as they reach the navel. Continue this and work over the whole abdomen.
Gently circle around the abdomen with the flat of your hand in clockwise direction. Do not apply any pressure. Repeat this for about 5-6 times.

Legs: legs also get easily tired during pregnancy due to extra weight that they carry.

Support your partners legs by placing a cushion or bolster beneath her knees.
Begin by dabbing the oil and gently stroking the leg with effleurage from the ankle to the knee.
The smoothen out the muscles by working from the shin bone towards calf.
Upward motion helps to relieve varicose veins and ankle edema

Finish the massage by massaging the scalp and neck with light circular movements.

Choice of blends: add ten drops each of any two of the following essential oil to 100 ml of base oil (sweet almond, extra virgin olive oil, apricot kernel oil are desirable as base oils). Choose any of the pairs given below depending on the person’s physical and mental set up.
Chamomile and lavender
Lavender and sandalwood
Neroli and frankincense
Ylang ylang and sandalwood
If you encounter complications in pregnancy like pregnancy induced hypertension or diabetes, please consult an aromatherapist before starting aromatherapy as certain oils like cypress which may be permissible in normal pregnancy may prove harmful in hypertension.

MONSOON TREATMENTS

2007-05-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda is a 'science of life', which has always laid more stress on preventive rather than curative treatment. The motto of Ayurveda is:

“Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam
Aturasya vikara prashamanam dha”

The meaning of the above shloka is to safeguard the health of a healthy individual and to cure the illness of an ailing person. For this purpose Ayurveda has prescribed a daily itinerary for all the individuals and some variation in the same depending up on the season. Since monsoon is fast approaching, it is apt to describe what are the dietary and lifestyle changes that person needs to make during this season in order to stay healthy. Charakacharya, the ancient seer and physician, compares our body to a vehicle, which requires routine cleaning and occasional servicing. The former is compared to dincharya or the daily routine that one needs to adopt and the latter comparesto the riutcharya or the seasonal variation that one needs to observe. In ayurvedic literature the year is divided into six ritus (seasons) – grishma (summer), varsha (monsoon), sharad (autumn), hemant (winter), shishir (late winter), vasant (spring)
Unlike the western countries, monsoon season is well demarcated in the tropical countries. Some scholars also regarded ‘pravrut’ as a season, which falls between summer and monsoon. However, these scholars have not recognized ‘shishir’ as a season keeping the number of seasons constant. The text do not only describe the changes one has to make it diet and lifestyle but is also describe the changes in nature and atmosphere one may notice at the onset of every season. Acharya vagbhat states that during monsoon the western winds flow over the land. The sky is covered by garyish blue clouds, which make it appear dull and gloomy. Rivers are overflowing and fields are lush green. There are thunders and lightening and land remains wet for a long time. From time to time one experiences showers.
During this period the water is slightly acidic in nature and tends to increase the pitta dosha. Due to the dryness of the preceding summer season the vata dosha accumulates in the body of those individuals who do not follow the summer regimen described in Ayurveda. However, since the vata has the characteristic of being cool and summer being a hot season the symptoms of accumulated vata do not surface in an individual. But with onset of monsoon the temperature drops and various symptoms of elevated vata might be seen in affected individuals.

Cleansing regimens: To combat any health hazards from elevated vata and pitta dosha one might resort to cleansing procedures like basti (medicated enemas) and virechan (purgation). Once the body is cleansed it is then important to keep it healthy through proper diet and lifestyle.

Diet during monsoon: It is important to bear in mind that the water available in the reservoirs during monsoon is comparatively heavy to digest and also the metabolism is sluggish during this period. An individual is likely to experience loss of appetite, cough and cold, aches and pains in different parts of the body, etc. To avoid this one needs to make following changes in their diet:

Keep your diet as light and fresh as possible. Always have the meal when it is warm. Do not reheat the food or eat stale food
Include cow’s ghee, lean meat, lentils, green gram, rice and wheat in daily diet.
Always consume small piece of ginger with rock salt before every meal.
Water should be boiled and filtered before consuming. Other electronic purification methods may also be used to purify water. Drink at least one glass of water with honey daily. However, avoid drinking excess of fluids at this further slows down the metabolism.
Onion, lean meat and vegetables may also be used in soups.
Avoid leafy vegetables during monsoon.
Those individual who are not accustomed taking liquor may take drakshasava. It is a kind of wine made from grapes by adding various herbs, jaggery, etc. It acts as a good appetizer.
Maintain a balanced diet comprising of foodstuffs of the six tastes but increase the intake of sweet, sour and salty food in the first half of the season and bitter, astringent and pungent food during the later half of the monsoon season.
Avoid curds, red meat and any foodstuff, which takes longer time to digest. One may have buttermilk instead of curds.

Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet is very important but may not provide desired benefits unless supported by a healthy lifestyle. The important changes that one may need to make in one’s lifestyle are:

Go for an oil massage regularly and have warm water bath daily. Oil massage is good for health during all the seasons for most of the individuals including women, children and aged people. Only persons unfit for an oil massage are the ones who may be suffering from acute illness like fever, dairrhoea, or any other infection
Avoid sleeping during day. Again this rule is applicable to most of the individuals for all season except summer. Especially during monsoon sleeping during the day hampers digestion and slows down the metabolism
Avoid swimming in natural water bodies like the lake, rivers, or ponds as these may be infested by snake, scorpions or other reptiles
Keep sexual activity and exercise to minimum or avoid it altogether.
Avoid moving out in afternoon sun.
Avoid getting wet in the rains
If you happen to get wet, change into dry clothes as soon as possible to avoid getting infections as immunity is low during this season. Also due to continuous dampness one is more susceptible to fungal infections.
Seasonal outbreaks of diseases caused by mosquitoes are common during this period. Maximum cases of malaria, filarial and dengue are reported just during or immediately after monsoon. So keep the surroundings clean and hygienic. Avoid stagnation of water as stagnant water is breeding ground for mosquitoes. Considering the day and age one may also use pesticides to disinfect the water.

Bhavaprakash states that consuming ‘haritaki (terminalia chebula) in every season is beneficial to health. ‘ haritaki’ may be consumed with following accompaniments during the following seasons:

Grishma (summer): consume with jaggery
Varsha (monsoon): consume with rock salt
Sharad (autumn): consume with sugar
Hemant (winter): consume with dry ginger
Shishir (later winter): consume with ‘pippali or long pepper
Vasant (spring): consume with honey

Consuming haritaki thus, helps increase the quality and quantity of life
Ayurvedic masters also state that when seasons are changing and an individual changes his/her lifestyle and diet to suit that particular season, the change must be gradual over a period of 15 days. Slowly try to give up the initial lifestyle and adopt new one. It the changes are brought about drastically the body may not be able to cope with them and this could lead to problems

DRY EYE

2007-05-21T00:26:00.000-07:00

Dry eye is the term given for a group of clinical conditions, characterized by burning sensation, gritty feeling, photophobia and intermittent blurring of vision, ocular discomfort and subsequent diminution of visual acuity.
The reason for selecting this subject is the increasing number of patients suffering with these complaints it the current era

Causes

Tear production decreases as the age advances. In decreases especially during menopause and old age.
Staring at computer or Tv for a long time
Air conditioning/ dry heating system etc
Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
Pollution/ allergic reactions/ exposure to smoke etc
Side effects of certain medicines such as antihistamines, anti depressant, anti hypertensives, anti Parkinson disease, oral contraceptive pills etc

Tear film is a fluid that covers the cornea and conjunctiva. The primary role of tear film is to establish refractive surface, to ensure the well being of corneal and conjunctive epithelium. These layered tear films has an intrinsic relationship with the superficial epithelial layers of cornea and conjunctiva. The innermost layer of tear film is composed of a mucus layer, over laying which there is an aqueous layer and outermost layer is lipid. The tear film has an estimated thickness of 4-6 mm

Lipid layer
The bulk of lipid content of tear is produced by mibomian gland that opens on to the lid margins. The tear lipids control the overflow of tear fluid and plays a crucial role in the control of evaporation.

Aqueous layer
This is produced by larchrymal glands main and accessory glands. This layer accounts for around 98% of the total thickness of tear film. The aqueous layer is a complex fluid composed of water and solutes including dissolved mucus, electrolytes and proteins. A high number of different proteins includes immunoglobulins, albumin, lysozyme, lactoferrin. These are involved in defending the ocular surface against invading pathogens. Another function attributed to this lubrication.

Mucous layer
It is the innermost layer. It is composed of mucus in gel form. This is secreted by the goblet cells of conjunctiva. By the act of blinking, the debris get down to mucous and collapses to form mucus strands.

Symptoms of dry eye
Foreign body sensation, burning sensation, general ocular discomfort (dry, sore, gritty feeling), photophobia, intermittent blurring, eye tire easily, inability to cry under emotional stress etc.
Incidences according to age
2% below 10 years
10% under 60 years
20% between 60-8-
25% over 80
Contact lens wearers have dry eye symptom incidence more than 60%

Classification

Tear deficient dry eye
This is due to the deficiency of aqueous phase in tear film
Tear sufficient dry eye
An alternation is lipid composition is seen, hence will not have control over the evaporation of tear
Mucus deficiency
Either decreases in quantity of quality of mucus may lead to impaired surface wetting, decreased lipid trapping. It is marked with decreased tear stability.
Lid surface abnormalities
When normal lid movement is compromised, the area of cornea and conjunctivas are not adequately served. This leads to non-wetting of cornea leading to dry eye. The stability of tear film is very much needed for the health of eyes.

Test for assesssing tear volume
Stripof thin filter paper, which is hooked over lower eye, lids – on contact with the ocular surface the paper absorbs tears. The length of paper wetted over a set of five minutes is an indication of tear volume.

Treatment
It is a fundamental theory of Ayurveda that treatment is to attain doshasatmyata. Nethrarogas make no exception in this regard. Here also the treatment aims to eliminate the nidanas, to achieve doshasatmyata, to repair dhathuvaikalya and to strengthen the arogya. This demands the correct assessment of dosha, the exact perception. In dry eyes, it is already stated that almost all the nidanas vitiate vathapitta. To be precise rooksha, seetha, khara, sookshma, chala properties of vatha are increased above normal.
But in case of pitta dosha there will be increase of ushna, teeksha gunas. Increased vatha naturally causes kaphakshaya which will lead to disruption of function. At the same time, there occurs qualitative decrease in sneha and dravabhavas.
Here the intension is primarily to normalize the doshas of both kaya, and shiras and then to focus on to the pathology of the nethra. Internal and external medications are necessary for the treatment. Jeevaneeya ghritham, vidaryadi ghritham, thriphala ghritham etc are the internal medication which can be chosen according to dosha predominance

External Thailam - Medicine

1. Swedam - Haridra
2. Nethradhara - Darvee + Vara kwatham
3. Aschothanam - Jeevanathyadi ghritham
4. Anjanam - Chandandi
5. Nasyam - Anuthailam
6. Tharpanam - Jeevanathyadi ghritham
7. Sirodhara - Triphaladi

This is the general outlook. But the medicines varies according to the condition of the patient. It depends upon the desa, kala, vaya etc

MILK AN ESSENTIAL DIET

2007-05-21T00:25:00.000-07:00

Milk is considered as an ideal and complete food and it contains proximate principles of a well balanced diet. Milk in Sanskrit called as ‘Ksheera’. Ayurveda – an authentic system of Science has described varieties of milk and its importance in diet. There are varieties of milk from different animals like cow, buffalo, goat, horse, camel, elephant etc. Among all cows milk seems to have greater medicinal properties. Human milk I also essential diet for infants for their growth and gain immunity through out their life.

Cow’s Milk: Cow’s milk is Sanskrit is ‘Goksheera’. It considered being the best among all.

Properties:
Cows milk, which is sweet in taste; cold in potency, promotes digestion, strength, and longevity, good for eyes and suitable for all age groups. It is indicated in most of the diseases like Sopha, Udara, Pandu, Daaha, Amlapitta, Unmade, Mada, Brama, Murcha, Garbhasrava, Yoni roga, Sukra vikara etc. In spite of its indications in various diseases it is also used for purification of some Dravyas to remove their visha properties and make the fit to be used for various external treatments in Ayurveda like Ksheera dhara, ksheera vasti etc.

Buffalo’s Milk: Buffalo’s milk is heavier than Cow’s milk. Hence it is advised to persons those who have strong digestive power.

Goat’s Milk: Goat’s Milk has the same properties like that of Cow’s milk, still lighter to digest than cow’s milk. Goat’s Milk is lighter to digest as goat eats lots of plant food that has different tastes, does lots of physical exercises like walking and drinks very little quantity of water. It can be used as a substitute in the place of cow’s milk.

Human milk: Human milk is essential for infants. Human milk is sweet and slightly astringent in taste, cold in potency and light to digest. It promotes strength, helps in promoting the growth of the tissues of the body, good for eyes. It is used for treatments like Tarpana, Aschyotana and Nasyam.

Dharoshna ksheeram: The milk that is obtained directly from the cows udder will be warm, is said to be dharoshna ksheeram. It is equal to nectar in qualities, promotes digestion and tridoshaharam in nature. When it becomes cold it becomes unfit for use.

How to boil milk?
To 1 part of the quantity of milk, ½ part of water should be added and then boiled till the water gets evaporated.

Un-boiled milk: The milk, which is un-boiled, is heavy to digest, reduces one’s digestive power. All types of milk should be taken only after boiling except human milk, as boiling of human milk is not good. If the milk is kept un-boiled for about 5 hours the original quality of milk changes, if it is kept for about 10 hours it becomes unfit to use.

Effects of intake of milk depending upon time
Morning: Intake of milk is usually not advised in the morning hours, as it is heavy to digest.
Afternoon: Intake of milk in the afternoon promotes strength in old people, improves agni in children, removes urinary calculi (krichra Asmari chedanam) and also alleviates kapha and pitta.
Evening: Drinking of milk in the evening hours is good for eyes and alleviates vata and pitta.
Night: Drinking of milk at night is ideal. In daytime people happen to exert much and vidahi annam hence drinking of milk after food is essential at night to reduce tiredness and also good for eyes.

Age factor
Baalyavastha (childhood)- promotes growth and development of tissues
Yuvavastha (youth)- promotes strength
Vruddhavastha (old age)- provides strength and prevents ageing.

Qualities depending upon storage
Qualities of milk differ depending upon the vessel in which it is stored.
Taamra (copper) – Vatahara
Suvarna (gold) – Pittahara
Roupya (silver) – Kaphahara
Kamsya (brass) – Rakta prasadhanam

In pregnancy:
Habitual intake of cow’s milk is indicated from the first month pregnancy in ayurvedic samhitas. Because of the valuable properties, milk is advised to take every day solely or mixed with other food.

Milk that should be avoided:
Milk other than Sweet taste like sour, salt should be avoided. Milk with bad smell, abnormal colour should also be avoided. Milk of cow that is pregnant aggravates all the tridosas, hence should be avoided. Milk of cow that is pregnant aggravates all the tridosas, hence should be avoided. After intake of taamboola (betel leaves) for about 2 hours milk should be avoided.Milk is considered almost complete food, as it contains vitamin A, thiamine, nicotinic acid, vitamin B₁₂, vitamin K, minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium according to modern concepts. In Ayurveda milk has so many properties like rasayan and considered to have the qualities of ojas – essence of all dhatus, hence equal to nectar. Now-a-days people go for pasteurized milk, slim milk, skimmed milk etc which is not going to give the actual benefits of milk rather it may lead to some other problem in the future. Cow’s milkis the best among all. What is the need for us to go in search of substitutes when we have nectar in our hands?

YOGA CLEAN THE BODY FIRST

2007-05-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

As we known asana means any position in which a person can sit comfortably, steadily and meditate for long hours. Adopting various postures not only helps to increase the flexibility of the body and protects it from various diseases but it also helps to make the mind steady. The yogi frees himself from physical ailments and mental distractions by performing asanas. Its popularity than other limbs is because of the quick benefits the practice of asanas provides an individual.
Every individual young and old can practice asana but certain factors are desired in order to achieve desired effects. First of all an individual’s body has to be detoxified by various yogic cleansing procedures. These are known as ‘shatkarma’. As the name suggests ‘shat’ means six and ‘karma’ means procedures meant to cleanse one’s body of the toxins, which may have accumulated due to wrong type of diet and lifestyle. The procedures are listed below.
1. Dhauti cleaning the stomach.
2. Basti cleaning the colon.
3. Neti cleaning the nasal passage.
4. Nauli cleaning the abdominal organs.
5. Kapalabati cleaning the respiratory organs.
6. Trataka clearing the mind through gazing.

These will be described in detail in next edition. After cleansing the body one has to observe certain rules before practicing yogasana these are as follows:
As mentioned earlier asana is the third limb of Ashtanga yoga, which comes after yama and niyama. A person, who intends to practice Ashtang yoga in order to increase one’s spiritual level, has to practice these before practicing asanas. Without which they will provide health benefits without having any impact on a person’s spiritual status.

TIME: Now after cleansing the body and observing yama and niyama we have to think about the finer aspects one needs to consider while practicing asanas like the time for asana, food that should be consumed during this period and when to have it, etc. As far as time is considered the best time to practice these postures in the morning. The level of pollution is less in the morning and body and mind are fresh after a good night’s sleep. Most of the ancient Hinduism texts advocate the habit of getting up early in the morning at ‘bramamuhurta’, which is approximately between 4:00a.m and 5:00a.m. Even Ayurveda suggests that a person who desires to have good health has to sleep early and wake up by ‘bramamuhurta’. It is believed that there is a lot of positive cosmic energy present in the surroundings during this period and hence it is the best period to exercise, study or to carry out rituals. However although it is advisable to practice asanas in the morning it is not a hard and fast rule. A person who does shift duties or people who sleep late and cannot get up early May adopt the practice in the evening but avoid doing it in afternoons as some asana generated a lot of body heat which May cause problems for people who reside in hot tropical countries like India. However certain forms of pranayam or breathing exercises can be undertaken in afternoon as well. On cooler days one May adopt the practice in afternoon also. The gist is that one must practice asanas in the morning but in case this is not possible, then consider any other time that suits an individual and practice it then. It is better to practice at some convenient time rather than not practicing it all just because a person is unable to do it in the morning.

FOOD: As mentioned earlier the food has to be light and ‘satvic’ meaning food that cleanses mind of all bad thoughts and body of all toxins. Hence the food has to be freshly prepared simple vegetarian food. Animal products, which are permissible, are milk and milk products like butter milk, ghee etc. Honey may also be used in daily diet. However Ayurveda suggest that never consume honey and ghee in equal proportions at a given time as these produce toxins in the body. Also consume food and fluids only up to 75% of your appetite and leave 25% stomach empty as this facilitates the digestion. Yogasanas have to be carried out on an empty stomach after cleansing your bowels. However many individual’s cannot pass motion unless they have warm cup of tea or coffee in the morning. Although it is advisable to slowly give up artificial stimulants initially such persons may have their morning cup of tea or coffee or preferably milk. In case one is practicing asana at some other time of the day instead of morning, then one should take care that asana should not be performed for at least 3 hours after a heavy meal or one hour after a light meal. Although it is a thumb rule it is important to bear in mind that every individual is different and the same rule May not be applicable for everyone. Being an Ayurvedic practitioner I would suggest that it is important to think of how rapid or slow one’s metabolism is.
In Ayurveda this is termed as ‘agni’ or digestive fire. One individual might feel hungry within two hours of a heavy meal while another may not have an appetite even after four to five hours. So the above- mentioned time restriction is for those individuals who are not attuned to their bodies. Also after practicing asanas do not consume food for at least 30-45 minutes.

BATH: It is usually asked whether asanas should be performed before or after the bath. Swatmarama, who was a great yogi, states that adhering to the rules stringently is also considered as an obstacle in the path of yogic practice. General masses, which look forward to perform yogic asanas to gain health benefits, would be dissuaded if the rules were too strict. However bath enables one to perform asana with more flexibility hence it is advisable to have a bath before the practice. After doing asanas the body feels sticky due to perspiration so one May need to take bath again. This can be done after the break of 15 minutes after performing asanas. The choice of water, whether hot or cold, depends on one’s habits and the kind of climate they stay in. However taking either hot or cold shower both before and after performing asana is refreshing for body and mind.

PLACE: It is also important to have the right kind of place and atmosphere to perform asanas. It can be practiced in solitude or in groups but person who wishes to achieve higher spiritual pursuits should perform in solitude away from the hustle bustle of the city life. For general masses the place where they would practice asanas has to be pleasant and airy. As far as possible try and reduce the sound levels to the minimum in this place. If one is practicing in the open air it is important to avoid it beneath the scorching sun. Also avoid practicing immediately after being in hot sun for a long time.

MEDICAL PROBLEM: The below mentioned factors are to be used only as guidelines. In case of specific problems one may seek advice of their physician or a qualified yoga instructor. It is mandatory for all the patients to see to it that they do not strain themselves too much at any given point. The movements are slow and gentle and the breathing is gentle and rhythmic. These rules stand true even for the special medical conditions like pregnancy and post delivery.
Hypertension or high blood pressure and other heart problems: In the initial stages avoid asanas, which include acute bending either forwards or backwards and all topsy-turvy positions. Begin with milder forms of asanas such as vajrasana, paschi-mottanasana, ardhakati chakrasana etc. These can be accompanied with breathing exercises. As and when the blood pressure normalizes, the patient may shift slowly too more complex asanas such as sarvangasana, halasana, hastpadasana etc.
Diabetes: Persons who suffer from the late onset diabetes or type2 diabetes are usually obese. Such persons should begin with pranayam and slow suryanamaskar and then shift slowly to more vigorous asanas. Diet and other forms of exercises like swimming and walking should also be continued.
Ophthalmic and E.N.T. problems: A person who has complains such as retinal detachment or otitis media (infection in middle ear along with pustular discharge) are advised to refrain from topsy-turvy positions like shirshasana.
Pregnancy: Barring asanas, which are done by lying on ones stomach, all other asanas can be performed in normal pregnancy during first three months (trimester). However in women who suffer from bleeding during pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension, pregnancy induced diabetes, etc. need to consult their doctors before practicing. During later stages of pregnancy as the weight and abdominal girth increases, it may be difficult to perform certain asanas. However if it is possible for the woman to practice slowly she may continue doing it. Regular practice of breathing exercises and pranayam are especially helpful for a mother during labour as it imparts elasticity to the spine and tones up the muscles.
Delivery: Uterus normally takes around a month to contract and get back to its original shape. So one may practice asanas one month after the delivery. Begin with mild forms of asana and then practice the more difficult ones when the body regains it strength.
Menstrual period: It is advisable not to perform any asanas during these 4-5 days. However if one wants to practice all the same it is advisable to do those asanas where the strain is only on abdomen and not on other parts of body e.g. paschi-mottanasan. These asanas also help a woman if she bleeds excessively during her periods.
Eyes: Another question that is often asked is whether to keep ones eyes open or closed during performing asanas. Keeping ones eyes closed helps a person to concentrate on ones breathing without being distracted by the surroundings. However for the beginners there may be a sense of loss of balance if they perform with their eyes closed. So it is advisable for the beginners to start their practice with open eyes and slowly as they achieve more confidence with the practice they can perform with their eyes closed. Also persons who suffer from vertigo of giddiness are advised to practice with their eyes open.
Miscellaneous: One has to keep ones mind relaxed and devoid of any other thoughts while doing asana, pranayam, meditation etc. This happens with practice. Initially till you get the hang of the method focus completely on the instructions. Once you are confident enough that you can do the asana without any guidance then try to defocus and let the movements be automatic and flowing. At no point should the breathing be laboured during asanas. This means no rapid or shallow breathing, no flaring of nostrils and no breathing through mouth. Do not try to achieve everything in the same day and do not stretch your limits to maximum, otherwise you stand to lose more than you stand to gain. It is a matter of practice and with perseverance anyone can gain flexibility and expertise in doing yogasanas.
Many postures described in yoga are basically derived by observing various animals, birds, insects, fishes etc. So the number of asanas would be equal to the number of species of various living beings that exists on earth.

YOGA

2007-05-10T00:28:00.000-07:00

Yoga is a device to attain the eternal blissful state of mind and soul. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘Yuji’ meaning union or to join. Here there is union of an individual’s soul (jivatma) with the supreme (parmatma). This can be achieved only through meditation. However meditation is easier said than done. Try emptying your mind of all thought for 10 seconds.

Mind is the most agile substance known to us. It can travel faster than light. It governs our sense organs and we choose wrong diet and lifestyle to gratify our senses.
Yoga like ayurveda is a way of life rather than a form of exercise.

Yoga is one of the sic-orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. It was systemized by Patanjali. As mentioned earlier it was formulated to gain control over oneself, one’s mind and senses. Once this is achieved, the soul travels from perishable worldly pleasures to the external happiness and unites with Parmatma. In Bhagwat Gita, Sri Krishna describes yoga as expertise in any work that an individual takes up. In order to achieve this, is of prime importance that an individual is in best of his health. This is accomplished by sollowing the stages of Ashtang Yoga. Ashta = Eight and Ang = Parts. Ashtang yoga implies eight techniques systemized by Maharshi Patnjali. These are as follows.

a. Ahimsa: Means non-violence, not only towards any being at physical, verbal or mental level but there is a deeper message of love towards every single being be it humans, animals, plants, insects, reptiles etc.
b. Satya: Means truth. It takes a lot of courage to be truthful even if it means incurring a loss or inflicting harm on oneself. However Sri Krishna says in Bhagwat Geeta Speak the truth, speak sweetly and with kindness. However, do not speak a truth that would harm others or hurt others.
c. Asteya: Asteya literally means not to steal. It means a desire to possess and enjoy what is not rightfully yours. To accept credit for the work that you have not.
d. Brahmacharya: Brahmacharya means life of celibacy and self rest rain.
e. Aparigraha: Prigraha means hoarding or collecting. Renunciation of this habit is aparigraha and this is an extension of asteya. Aparigraha also implies non-acquisition of things or refraining from accepting gifts. Receiving gifts as a favour or without working for it destroys one’s independence and self respect. Acquiring and collecting things which an individual does not need immediately for survival, reflects an individual’s lack of faith in God and in himself to provide for his future.

NIYAM:
Yama are described to establish a just society where as Niyama are disciplines for ones personal health and growth and these purify our body and mind.
a. Shaucha: means cleanliness i.e. physical cleanliness and mental purity of body is essential for ones health. Like ayurveda, yoga also believes that diseases are caused mainly due to improper diet and lifestyle rather than microorganism.
b. Santosh: Santosh means contentment or satisfaction. It means to be content and satisfied with what one gets through his or her hard work and not crave for more. Desire is believed to be the cause of all the sorrow in the world. One has to realize that all the material things are perishable and being materialistic would not make any one happy.
c. Tapas: it means penance or austerity. It is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘tap’ meaning to blaze or burn. It means a burning effort to achieve one’s goal. Tapas are to gain complete control over the self on all three levels viz. physical, mental and verbal level. Unselfish service towards other fellow beings is tapas.
d. Svadhyaya: Literally means self study. Learning the meaning of the life through scriptures.
e. Ishvarapranidhana: it means dedication to the Lord. Offering oneself and one’s action to God. By doing so one never feels sad about his failure and is not proud about his achievements. One learns to face everything in life with equality.

ASANA:
Asana is described as ‘Sthiram sukham asanam’meaning the posture where one can establish himself with stability and comfort. In order to meditate, one has to sit in one position for a long time, steadily without moving. Adopting various postures to increase the flexibility of one’s body asanas are adopted.

PRANAYAM:
Prana means the vital energy in the body or the breath and ayam means its control or dimensions. Hence pranayam means control over one’s breath.our breathing rate and rhythm changes with our mood. Breathing is faster when we are angry or sad. It is shallow when we are anxious and hence we are told to take a deep breath when we are tensed. Our breathing is slow and deep when we are relaxed. So we see that the breath depends on our mood. Our mood in turn depends on our mind. Hence we learn to control our mind by controlling our breath.

Inhalation is refered ‘purak’ where as exhalation that we lose our reasoning for the right and wrong. With regular practice of asana and pranayam one is able to withdraw the senses from their subject and turn them inwards do introspect.

DHARANA:

After purifying the body and mind and having gained complete control over ones senses, one has to focus his mind on an object. This object can be within him or outside his body.

DHYANA:
Dhyana means unbroken flow of thought towards object of concentration. As the mind is continuously focused on the object it is transformed into the shape of that object. If mind is focused on the divine it becomes like it. Dhyana is more serious form of concentration than dharana. It brings about steadiness, lightness of body, radiance, and freedom from craving.

SAMADHI:
Samadhi is the end stage of a yogi’s quest and the most difficult to accomplish. At this stage a yoge is beyond consciousness and yet his mind is alert although the body and senses might be detached from the surrounding as if he is sleeping. He has merged with the eternal. His blissful state is beyond description it can only be experienced.

HOME REMEDIES

2007-05-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

OEDEMA
Non-inflammatory swelling of the body is known as oedema. Oedema is a sign one may see in many diseases especially those, which involve heart, kidney and liver. Swelling or oedema could be generalized or localized. In case of localized oedema the areas, which are often affected, are face, legs and abdomen.

Causes of oedema: Congestive cardiac failure, chronic renal failure, nephritic syndrome and many other renal diseases, cirrhosis of liver, portal hypertension, anaemia, and medicine induced problems etc.

Signs and symptoms: It depends largely on the cause of oedema. The frequently encountered signs and symptoms of oedema of cardiac origin are: breathlessness on exertion, swelling on legs, enlargement of heart.

Home remedies

Take ½ teaspoon of dry ginger powder and mix it with ½ teaspoon jaggery and make a ball. Have 2 such balls in a day. The quantity of ginger powder and jaggery can be increased gradually up to 10 days depending upon the patient’s digestive capacity. Continue this maximum dose that the patient can tolerate for next 10 days. From 21st day onwards reduce the dose gradually, till on the 30th day when the patient consumes the same amount that as was consumed on day one. Give a gap of a week and repeat the procedure again for a month.
Take 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds and 1teaspoon of cumin seeds. Crush them slightly and soak them in 1 glass of hot water overnight. In the morning strain the mixture and have on an empty stomach.
Mix 2 teaspoons of castor oil with 2 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Take the mixture at bedtime.
Cow’s urine is an excellent remedy for any type of swelling. Either consume 100ml of urine daily or if you find it repulsive, consume urine containing formulations like gomutraharitaki.

Diet and lifestyle: Include in your diet on a regular basis: Drumstick and its leaves, radish with its leaves, snake gourd, old rice, green gram, ripe papaya etc. Avoid curds, alcohol, excess salt, non-vegetarian food, cheese, butter, spicy food and sleeping during the day.

Ayurvedic remedies: For cardiogenic oedema use a mixture of 250gms of mruga shringa bhasma, 250gm of karaskarkalpa and 60mg of lakshmivilas ras to be taken twice daily with warm water.
Mix 15ml of dasamoolarishta with 15ml of arjunarishta. Take it with 30ml of warm water twice a day after food.
Punarnavadi guggulu 2 tabs thrice a day with warm water after food is effective in reducing oedema of any type.
Other panchakarma procedures like virechan can be given under professional guidance can be of help.

VARICOSE VEINS
Veins are the blood vessels, which carry deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body to the heart. The veins have thinner walls. When they are carrying blood from lower parts of the body to the heart, they do so against the gravity. Due to dietary deficiency, wrong lifestyle and ageing veins lose their elasticity and become lax. Blood stagnates in them and they appear swollen. This condition is known as varicose veins. Factors which contribute to varicosity are heredity, obesity, prolonged standing over a period of time, constipation, increase in abdominal pressure due to pregnancy or portal vein obstruction etc. The veins most affected are those of feet.

Signs and symptoms: Veins appear dark blue coloured and are engorged. They ache on pressure. The veins become unnaturally curved at different angles. Difficulty and pain may be experienced during walking, in severe cases. Skin ulcers may be formed if veins rupture.

Home remedies
Massage is contraindicated on varicose veins. However massage with olive oil, sesame oil, or other medicated oils like chandan bala lakshadi oil on adjacent muscles help to strengthen them. Use hot and cold baths on legs or spray cool water up the legs after a hot bath.
A supplement of vitamin C helps to ease swelling and pain by improving elasticity. It may be necessary initially.

Diet and lifestyle: Reduce weight gradually if you are obese. Swimming is a very good form of exercise. Increased intake of vitamin C is essential in diet. So include lots of citrus fruits like orange, sweet lime, lemon or other fruits like amla, which are good source of vitamin C. have a diet rich in dietary fibres, which would ensure smooth bowel movements. Yogic asanas like sarvangasan, halasana, shirshasana, viparit karani etc. are quite helpful. While sleeping, lie down without a pillow beneath head. Instead place a pillow under feet to elevate them. Alternatively place wooden blocks under the limbs of the bed at the side of the feet. Quit smoking and drinking.

Ayurvedic remedies: Mahayogaraj guggulu 2 tablets can be given thrice a day with warm water after food.
Juice extracted from brahmi leaves 15ml can be administered twice a day.
T. Chandraprabha vati 2 tablets can be given thrice a day.

DENTAL DISORDERS
Dental problems have serious importance in the human body as it plays an important role in the digestive process. More over it maintains the shape of the face. Ayurveda included the dental disorders under Jathrurdwagada rogas. In olden days people were using the neem stick, mango tree leaves etc. as the tooth brush. In most cases we can find that plants tasting astringent are mostly uses in dental disorders.
We can apply the herbs in dentistry in the form of gargling of the decoction, applying the paste, smoking the fumes, rubbing, chewing etc. There are herbs below which can be used in dental disorders:

Bakula
B.N: Mimusops elengi
Being an astringent and styptic (arrests bleeding), it is a valuable aid in dental ailments like bleedings, pyorrhea, dental caries and loose teeth etc. In such conditions the tender stems are used as tooth brush. The powder of the bark skin is used for cleaning the teeth. A popular combination of powders of bakula’s bark skin, root of kantakari (solanum xanthocarpum), saireyaka (Barleria prionitis) leaves and skin of almond fruit is burnt into ash and is used to clean the teeth and strengthen them. The gargles of decoction with its bark and that of khadira (acacia catechu) are effective in bleeding and swollen gum. The unripe fruit is used as a masticatory and helps to fix loose teeth.

Jatiphala
B.N: Myristica fragrans
This is a common plant. Its oil is effectively used in dental ache and incase of infections. This is one of the drugs which can be used as a pain killer.

Kantakari
B.N: Solanum xanthocarpum
The dried fruits are smoked in the form of cigarette and the smoke is help up in the mouth cavity for some in the case of dental infection.

Lavanga
B.N: Syzygium aromaticum
It acts as mouth freshener. In tooth ache lavanga can be administered as first aid. The oil can effectively administer in toothache as a pain killer.

Maricha
B.N: Piper nigrum
In case of tooth decay and aches, the Maricha powder is used for brushing the teeth.
The gargle with its leaf decoction is good in case of oral infection.

Nimba
B.N: Azadiracha indica
Dental infections are well controlled with the gargles of decoction of its leaves. In north India people used to brush their teeth with the crushed end of neem stick.

Poothina
B.N: Mentha arvensis
The juice of leaves is an effective gargle in ailments of oral cavity like halitosis. It is also useful in dental caries.

Rajika
B.N: Brassica juncea
The seed oil of rajika acts effectively in dental disorders. The seed oil with salt is an effective gargle in dental infections and pyorrhea.

Sapthaparna
B.N: Altonia scholaris
The twigs are used to brush the teeth in case of decay and caries. The latex also can be used in dental caries.

Thavaksheera
B.N: Curcuma angustifolia
The powder of rhizomes with honey is applied on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity in stomatitis. It also promotes the healing of stomach ulcers.

Thwak
B.N: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
The small pieces of its bark are chewed for strengthening the gum. It is also used as mouth freshener. The swab dipped in its oil is placed in dental caries to alleviate the pains and to mitigate the dental infections.

Vidanga
B.N: Embelia ribes
The gargles with the decoction of vidanga are beneficial in dental ache. Application of the paste of Vidanga is useful in dental infections.

Thila
B.N: Sesamum indicum
Gargle the paste of sesame seed mixed with buttermilk or hot water can very effectively use in the case of painful sensation of the teeth. Simple chewing of sesame is also helpful in this case.

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (C.A.D.)
Coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood to the muscular walls of the heart. In order to carry out pumping action effectively, the cardiac muscles or the heart muscles have to get enough blood supply. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscles become narrow and hard. The main cause of CAD is presence of excessive cholesterol in the blood, which gets deposited on the inner wall of the arteries and over a period of time hard plaques are formed at the place. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. Due to atherosclerosis the lumen of the artery is narrowed and the elasticity is also lost which render the arteries incapable of expanding and contracting effectively. The important risk factors, which may cause the narrowing of the arteries, are –

Elevated levels of bad cholesterol (L.D.L./V.L.D.L.) and triglycerides
Obesity
Diabetes mellitus
Hypertension
Lack of exercise (exercise helps build up the good cholesterol or HDL which protects the heart)
Smoking and drinking
Stress
Heredity

Signs and symptoms

Constricting chest pain, which may radiate to hand, back, lower jaw and upper abdomen. It mimics a heart attack.
Pain may be precipitated or increased during exercise or exertion or after a meal.
Breathlessness on exertion may be present in some cases
Sweating
Arrhythmias or irregular beating of heart may be noted in some cases.
Heart attack or myocardial infarction may result as a complication in severe blockage.

Home remedies

Allopathic practitioners routinely prescribe aspirin in such cases to make the blood less viscous and facilitate its flow. Garlic has similar blood thinning action. Take 4-5 cloves of garlic, peel and crush them coarsely, add them to a mixture of half-cup milk and half-cup water. Boil it till only ½ cup mixture is left. This formulation is known as rason ksheerpak. Take this mixture every morning on an empty stomach.
Amla and sour fruits like lemon are beneficial for the heart.
Take try ginger powder 2-3 grams daily with jaggery. Consume at least 4 betel nut leaves with stalk after food daily.

Diet and lifestyle

Include carrot, cucumber, radish, lemon, old rice, whole wheat, buttermilk which is not too sour, fresh fruits, snake gourd, green grams, grapes, pomegranates and dry fruits like dried black grapes, fig, prunes, apricot in the diet. Avoid cheese, palm oil, coconut oil, butter, milk cream, all products made from refined flour (Maida), dried nuts (pistachio, walnut, almonds etc.), red meat, broiler chicken, prawns, egg yolk, hydrogenated vegetable oil, coffee and chocolates.
Exercise increases HDL and lowers LDL. However, strenuous exercises may trigger chest pain. One can do vigorous exercises only if cholesterol is elevated in absence of other symptoms. Otherwise just walking for 45 mins is beneficial. It need not be brisk walking either. Just maintain a medium continuous space.
Quit drinking and smoking at the earliest.
Meditation and yogasana helps to relieve stress, which is one of the leading causes of heart disease.
If possible switch to a vegetarian diet.
Recent studies show that changing the medium of cooking helps to control the cholesterol levels to certain extent. Hence barring coconut oil and palm oil use the remaining oils like olive oil, sesame oil, groundnut oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil etc. in rotation.

Ayurvedic remedies

Do not use medicines containing arjun in presence o cardiogenic chest pain (angina pectoris) as it worsens the condition.
Tablet laghu sootshekhar can be given thrice a day with warm water.
250gms of mruga shringa bhasma mixed with 1gm of pushkarmool choorna should be taken twice daily with warm water. Any compound containing guggulu is beneficial in lowering the cholesterol. Select any of the following yogaraj guggulu, ajwain guggulu, triphala guggulu and take 2 tabs thrice a day with warm after food.

HEART CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM (CIRCULATORY SYSTEM) HYPERTENSION

Hypertension means high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the flowing blood on the arterial walls. The cause of high blood pressure cannot be ascertained in most cases. Such high blood pressure where the cause is not known is known as primary hypertension or essential hypertension. In other cases hypertension may be a complication of other systemic diseases e.g. Pheochromocytoma (tumour of adrenal glands), chronic renal failure, pregnancy etc. In these cases where hypertension arises as complication to other primary diseases of conditions, it is known as secondary hypertension. Some factors that may contribute to hypertension are obesity, alcohol, stress, steroids, oral contraceptive pills, and diabetes mellitus.
Normal blood pressure of a healthy young adult is 120/80 mm of Hg or now days the range that is considered normal is 115/75. The upper reading is known as the systolic pressure, which is the pressure, exerted on the arterial walls when the heart is in the state of contraction. The second reading is the diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure, exerted on the arterial walls when the heart is in the state of relaxation. A persistent high systolic blood pressure of over 140 or the diastolic pressure above 90 would be considered as high blood pressure. However, in younger adults a persistent blood pressure of 130/90 should also be considered as high blood pressure.

Signs and symptoms:
Most cases could be as symptomatic, whereas in others following signs and symptoms could be present: Headache, irritability, palpitation, and giddiness.

Home remedies:

For secondary hypertension the underlying cause has to be dealt with first. For primary hypertension, following remedial measures can be adopted.
Garlic is the herb of choice not only to treat hypertension but many other cardiovascular diseases. Peel and crush 3-4 cloves of garlic and take them once a day with a glass of buttermilk.
Take handful leaves of drumstick and boil them in little water. Grind it and have it like a soup twice a day after food. Preferably do not add salt.
Mix 1 teaspoon of onion juice with ½ teaspoon of honey. Have this solution twice a day. Both onion and garlic have adenosine, which has relaxing effect on muscles. So these two products can be generously taken in diet as well as. However garlic is more potent than onion.

Diet and lifestyle consideration

Reduce weight by cutting down animal fat and hydrogenated vegetable oil. Brisk walking for 45 mins is an easy and effective form of exercise for many patients. Take whole wheat with bran to make breads. If you are obese use bajra or millets instead of wheat.
Although the number of cases sensitive to salt intake are less, excess salt is best avoided. Salt causes water retention in the body, which in turn causes increase in blood pressure. So although normal salt while cooking is permissible, avoid all food items, which have high quantities of salt, e.g. pickles, pappads, chips, dry fish and all dried and preserved food. Do not take salt separately in serving dish. If possible use rock salt instead of sea salt in food tasteless to you, try adding lemon, amchur (dry mango powder), herbs and unsalted seasoning to flavour the food instead.
Meditate or listen to some soothing music everyday for 30 mins.
Try to quit smoking and drinking. There is a belief that 30 ml of alcohol once in a while is beneficial to the heart, but excess quantity is unhealthy and damages not only the arterial walls but also the liver, pancreas and brain.
Include raw curry leaves, cucumber with skin, radish with leaves, lemon etc in salads.

Ayurvedic remedies

Mix ½ teaspoon each of jatamansi choorna and tagar churna with ¼ teaspoon of arjuna choorna. Take the above mixture twice a day.
Take ¾ teaspoon triphala choorna with warm water at bedtime.
A mixture of 250gms each of swarnamak shik bhasma and mrug shring bhasma to be taken twice daily with honey.
Shirodhara with milk and buttermilk treated with herbs is a useful treatment to relieve stress.
Sarpagandha choorna is also used to treat hypertension. However it should be used as a whole herb, rather than segregating its active ingredients and using them. Using the entire herb substantially reduces the side effects. However it is better to consult an ayurvedic physician before starting this medicine

SPORT MASSAGE

2007-05-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

Benefits and effects of sports massage

Sports massage should play an important part in the life of any sportsman or women whether they are injured or not. Massage has a number of benefits both physical, physiological and psychological.

Massage will:
1. Maintain the body generally in better condition.
2. Prevent injuries and loss of mobility.
3. Cure and restore mobility to injured muscle tissue.
4. Boost performance
5. Extend the overall life of your sporting career.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS ARE:
Pumping: The stroking movements in massage suck fluid through blood vessel and lymph vessels. By increasing the pressure in front of the stroke, a vacuum is created behind. This is especially important in tight or damaged muscle tissue as a tight muscle will squeeze blood out like a sponge, depriving the tissues of vital nutrients and energy to repair.
Increased tissue permeability: Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them recover quicker.
Stretching: Massage can stretch tissues that could not be stretched in the usual methods. Bundles of muscle fibers are stretched lengthwise as well as sideways. Massage can also stretch the sheath or fascia that surrounds the muscle, so releasing any tension or pressure build up.
Break down scar tissue: Scar tissue is the result of previous injuries or trauma and can affect muscle, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to inflexible tissues that are prone to injury and pain.
Improve tissue elasticity: Hard training can make tissues hard and inelastic. This is one reason why hard training may not result in improvements. Massage helps reverse this by stretching the tissues.
Open micro-circulation: Massage does increase blood flow to tissues, but so does exercise. What massage also does is open or dilate the blood vessels and by stretching them this enables nutrients to pass through more easily.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ARE:
Pain reduction: Tension and waste products in muscles can often cause pain. Massage helps reduce this in many ways including releasing the body’s endorphins.
Relaxation: Muscles relax through heat generated, circulation and stretching. Mechanoreceptors which sense touch, pressure, tissue length and warmth are stimulated causing a reflex relaxation.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS ARE:
Anxiety reduction: Through the effects mentioned above relaxation is induced and so reduces anxiety levels.

Invigorating- if massage is done with brisk movements such as what would be done before an event then this can produce an invigorating feeling.

SPORTS MASSAGE CONTAINDICATIONS:

A contraindication is something that should not be massaged. If you do, then further injury may be caused or even death! You should never have a sports massage if you have any of the following conditions:

Open wounds: Any cuts, lacerations or grazes. Obvious really, but it has to be said. You should wait until the scar has properly formed. This is usually between one and two weeks.
Muscle ruptures: in the acute stage these may still be bleeding. Massage will increase bleeding and tissue damage and prolong recovery. After the initial 48 to72 hours massage may be possible but it will depend on the extent of the injury.
Tendon ruptures: The above also applies to tendon injuries. Complete ruptures will need surgery, not massage.
Contusions: These are impact injuries causing bleeding within the muscle. Massage to a contusion may cause further damage and may lead to Myositis Ossificans (bone growth within the muscle).
Burns, chilblains and broken bones: Massaging all of these will hurt and cause damage. Don’t do it.
Periostitis: this is inflammation of the sheath that surrounds the bone. Massage directly to the bone may cause irritation. You may be able to massage the surrounding muscles but stay well clear of the bone.
Rheumatoid arthritis and gout: These are inflammatory conditions. The same rules apply here as to acute injuries. Massage may cause further inflammation.
Bursitis: Inflammation to a bursa. Bursa is a small sack of fluid that helps tendons passes over bones at joints. If there is pain, swelling and redness over the skin then massage should be avoided.
Myositis ossificans: A bad contusion or muscle rupture may begin to calcify (grow bone). Massage will make the damage worse.
Infection of the skin and soft tissue: Bacterial infections, viral infections and fungal infections can be spread to other areas of the body by the therapist. Pain may also result from the infection, not an injury so massage will not help.
Thrombosis: this is rare but potentially lethal blood clot in a vein. It is common in the calf muscle area. A deep, sore pain in the belly of the muscle may be a thrombosis. If this is massaged, it may dislodge, travel up the veins and damage the heart.
Artificial blood vessels: implanted through surgery.
Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia: Massage may cause damage to tissues and bleeding.
Tumors: If you are unsure of any lumps and bumps in the muscle or skin then leave well alone. Most often these lumps are muscle spasms or fatty tissue.

Ayurvedic herbal oils are recommended to do sports massage and panchakarma treatments. It includes Abhyanga, (gentle oil massage), Udwarthanam (poly herbal powder massage), Pizhichil (luke warm herbal oils dripped all over the body) Kizhi, Dhara.

Types of oils vary for each individual according to nature of person, fitness status and the event in which he/she participates. This can prevent muscle injury, soreness, tiredness and highly beneficial for muscle strength and power. Some studies are also proved that oil massage will fasten the muscle contraction and for generating explosive power, and improving flexibility.

STRESS MANAGEMENT AND PATANJALA YOGA DARSHAN: A Scientific Approach

2007-04-17T23:56:00.000-07:00

Stress is a state of prolonged imbalancement of human mind caused by any unfavorable situation. Stress and strain are two common words generally used as synonyms. But there is a great difference between them. Stress is always an external factor – may be due to any unfavorable circumstance or others’ manner and dealings provoking threat or anxiety to an individual. On the other hand strain is a subjective phenomena. It is caused due to excessive pressure on mind and muscles of any part of human body. In some cases strain is caused by stress. And it is therefore; psychosomatic disorders are inter-related with both mind and body also.

But on the other hand, it has been observed by the concerned scholars of Medical Science that if an individual realizes the state of strain due to stress as an unbearable force for comparatively longer period, then in the long run, it leads to the manifestation of various psychosomatic disorders one by one. However, Medical Technology seems to be insufficient to manage or control stress disorders. So after a deep study about alternative systems of health care, scholars of Medical Science have widely accepted Yoga as a curative and preventive system of healthy care that can heal pain in mind as well as body. Yoga is one of the systems of Indian Philosophy, the information of which is available in Patanjala Yoga Darshan. A scientific study of this text relating to health care is very helpful to know how Indian Philosophy can help for the management of stress.

So, for understanding the application value of Yoga Philosophy in reducing psychosomatic disorders like Hypertension and others, it is proposed here to throw some light on “Stress Management and Patanjala Yoga Darshan: A Scientific Approach” on the basis of some relevant quotations available in Patanjala Yoga Darshan and other relevant Sanskrit writings.

Khagendra Patra
Rourkela (Orissa)

PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS OF LIFE IN INDIAN PERSPECTIVES

2007-04-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Indian philosophy occupies a unique position. It has not only permeated the entire cultural life of India, but has even filtered to the lowest strata of its society. Its origin is not in the thinking consideration of things but in the attempt at reaching the summum bonum of life. It is to be admitted that philosophy rationalizes truths gained in the form of experience belonging either to the sense plane or to the higher domain of spiritual vision. The task of philosophy in the widest sense is undoubtedly the rationalization of experience. The Hindu term ‘darshna’ suggests this close connection between philosophy and experience. It indicated as Prof. Radha Kishnan rightly remarks, ‘a thought system is acquired by intuitive experience and sustained by need of the intellect alone, but to serve the more ultimate India, philosophy originates when the need for emancipation is felt, when not merely entire man with all his faculties seeks something other than the objects of ordinary interest for the realization of his true being. Hindu philosophy thus has its origin not merely in the love of wisdom or the desires to know (Jijnasa), but in the desire for emancipation (mumuksa). The highest end of philosophy, in the west, however, is generally to acquire wisdom for its own sake and not for any practical purpose. But in India the theoretical character of philosophy has been entirely subordinated to its practical aspect, and philosophy is of value not merely because it increases knowledge but only because it bestows salvation. The aim of the Nyaya andVaisesika, of he Samkhya and the yoga, of the Vedanta and the Mimamsa, of the Buddist and the Jaina is the same, viz. the attainment of the highest end and complete emancipation from all types of misery.

Dr. Narain Prakash
Hisar (Haryana)
Nitin Korpal
Sagar (M.P.)

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF POLARITY THERAPY

2007-04-17T00:03:00.001-07:00

Polarity therapy unblocks and recharges the flow of life energy and realigns unbalanced energy as a means of eliminating disease. Likewise, HIV-positive individuals may find comfort in polarity therapy. Additionally this is an appropriate therapy for relieving general stress, back pain, stomach cramps, and other recurring maladies and conditions. Polarity therapy is a holistic, energy-based system that includes bodywork, diet, exercise and lifestyle counseling for the purpose of restoring and maintaining proper energy flows throughout the body. The underlying concept of polarity therapy is that all energy within the human body is based in electromagnetic force and that disease results from improperly dissipated energy. Austrian-American chiropractor, osteopath and naturopath Randolph Stone (1888-1981) developed polarity therapy as an integration of Eastern and Western principles and techniques of healing. Stone became committed to the principle of Ayurveda medicine, which he interpreted in conjunction with his scientific and medical knowledge to define polarity therapy. Stone established further that the prana, centered in the brain, ultimately controlled the combined forces of the body. Polarity therapy is based in charted energy flows. This technique, which comprises the central regimen or focal point of polarity therapy is very gentle and is unique to polarity therapy. It typically involves subtle rocking movements and cranial holds to stimulate body energy. The precepts of polarity therapy take into consideration specific interactions between different foods and the human energy fields. This preliminary verbal examination often monopolizes the first therapy session. Depending upon circumstances, a therapist might have a need to assess the patient’s physical structural balance through observation and physical examination. A physical examination is the evaluation of a body to determine its state of health. A complete health assessment also includes gathering information about a person’s medical history and lifestyle, conducting laboratory tests, and screening for disease. The term annual physical examination has been replaced in most health care circles by periodic health examination. Comprehensive physical examinations provide opportunities for health care professionals to obtain baseline information about individuals that may be useful in the future. They also health care providers to establish relationships before problems occur. Physical examinations are appropriate times to answer questions and teach good health practices. An average examination takes about 30 minutes. Most health plans cover routine physical examinations, including some tests. Before examiners question the patient, they will observe a person’s overall body temperature and blood pressure are recorded. The external nose is examined, neck, breasts. The breasts are palpated and inspected for masses. The blood vessels in the neck are observed and palpated. The person being examined should lie flat for an examination of the abdomen, reproductive organs. The groin area is palpated for the presence of lymph nodes. The joints and muscles are observed. The individual being examined should be comfortable and treated with respect throughout the examination. Before the physical examination begins, the bladder should be emptied. There are virtually no risks associated with a physical examination. Complications with the process of a physical examination correspond to the healthy appearance and normal functioning of the body. When St. Paul Fire and Marine insurers offered a liability insurance package to therapy providers, the company recognized polarity therapy as an alternative medical treatment along with acupuncture, biofeedback, homeopathy, reflexology and others.

Dr. Maganlal S. Molia
Rajkot (Gujarat)

SCIENTIFIC AND KASHMIR SHAIVISM

2007-04-16T23:50:00.000-07:00

We are analyzing a unique subject: the synthetics of natural sciences with metaphysics. Our ancient seers and sages long back conceived the principles of physical or natural science. The World, as we see, is a play of energy, force or vibration, and not an illusion, was an important creed of our Sastras. This is in total conformity with modern science.

Discovery of modern physics that matter is only waves of various lengths, without their being any essentially solid, hard stuff is really a re-discovery of what the Trika Shastra conceived centuries ago as the “Spanda”. Through modern physics, we have grown accustomed to thinking of physical reality as waves of energy- as the matter-energy continuum. Tantric Shaivism presents the full matrix of energy pulsation of which physical reality is only a part. From t he relatively superficial unified spectrum of spanda leads inward until the most delicate and powerful tendrils of individuality merge with the infinitely rapid vibration of the ultimate consciousness.

Well, before we analyze further the physical and spiritual science, let us understand in brief the uniqueness of Kashmir Shaivism. This philosophy occupies a distinguished position among the various schools of religious creed and thought. It focuses on relation between God, Nature and Man, which overcomes all the barriers of diverse human-cultures. It leads to the highest level of self-realization, revealing the inner most secrets of the nature of self. All the aspects of life are integrated and taken in totality. Thus, rather than negation and denial, it celebrates life. Kashmir Shaivism is the school of Indian philosophy, which can inspire us for both material and spiritual progress. Rather, the approach is from theory to practice. Indeed, it leads us to the real “Art of Living”.

Kashmir Shaivism is presently evoking deep interest in West, with lot of pioneering research work at leading universities. In our present strife-torn world this philosophy can be a great guide and united factor. A thrill of self confidence, the spirit of bliss, surpassing all barriers of caste, creed and gender, no look back, no regret, the inner journey, see everything as creation of God, etc – how prominently and conceptually these are emphasized in Kashmir Shaivism. In fact, it should be our endeavor to present this ancient philosophy in common man’s language so that resurgence takes place with the goal of upliftment of world as a whole.

Virendra Qazi
New Delhi

VALUE BASED EDUCATION – HOLISTIC APPROACH

2007-04-16T00:57:00.000-07:00

For Personality Development

Harmonious growth of the physical, the mental, the intellectual (wisdom) and the spiritual dimension is essential for the all round personality development through value-based education. Struggle for perfection in all these aspects will ultimately lead us to the development of real personality. Once we succeed in doing that there will be a tremendous qualitative change in our lives. A great number of such teachers will certainly form a better educational society; and they will raise this nation once again to its past (but presently lost) glory.

“BE AND MAKE”’ said Swami Vivekananda. We have first to evolve ourselves, we have first to follow the rules of the game ourselves before we can think of the game ourselves before we can think of transferring them on to others.” No one can ever give what one does not have” and that’s what some of us indulge in, which is very inappropriate and unfortunate. Let’s resolve to do just that. Having done that, and having had touched our ‘source’, having been evolved culminating into our’ increased’ awareness or consciousness we cannot but will impart only VALUE BASED EDUCATION which has to have a HOLISTIC APPROACH and this will go a long way for developing (and is naturally conducive to) real personality development.

Mahendra gupta
New Delhi

YOGA AS SCIENCE

2007-04-16T00:50:00.001-07:00

One of them may be described as seeking the self by the Self by the Self; the other may be described as seeking the Self by the Not-Self; and if you will think of them in that fashion, I think you will find the idea illuminative. Those who seek the Self by the Self, seek him through the faculty of Buddhi; they turn even inwards, and turn through the active working Manas; they are outward-turned, and by study of the Not-Self, they turn to realize the Self. It is along that difficult and strenuous path that the Self must be found by way of the Self. Such a man must utterly disregard the attention, upon the Self. To the man who would find the Self by the Self, every sense is a hindrance and an obstacle, and there is no logic, no reason, in denouncing the subtler senses only, while forgetting the temptations of the physical senses, impediments as much as the other. In the search for the Self by the Self, all that is not Self is an obstacle. Obstacle, then, are all the senses, whether you call them Siddhis or not, in the search for the Self by turning away from the Not-Self. It is necessary for the man who seeks the Self by the Self to have the quality which is called “faith” in the sense in which I defined it before- the profound, intense conviction, that nothing can shake, of the reality of the Self within you. Turn from him to the seeker for the Self through the Not-Self. Just as you cannot study the physical world without the physical senses, so you cannot study the astral world without the astral senses, nor the mental without the mental senses. Along the lines of pure thinking-the metaphysical line-you may reach the Self. Those directions will cease to be self-contradictory, if you will only separate in your thought the two methods. For you must remember that there is Yoga of the left-hand path, as well as Yoga of the right-hand path. Both men may be called moral, if judged by the outer action alone. The scientific man understands that. If you had a perfect sense of hearing. The reason why there should be that classification is that the word pleasure and the word pain express two fundamental states of difference, not in the Self, but in the vehicles in which that Self dwells. Pleasure and pain belong to the Self as a whole, and not to any aspect of the Self separately taken. The answer is: “Pleasure belongs to the Self as a whole. The universe is full of pain”. Do not the Upanishads say: “The Self is bliss”? Pain is an excrescence. The Self, who is bliss, being the all permeating life of the universe, pain has no permanent place in it. Let us pause for a moment to ask: “why should there be pain at all if the Self is bliss?” Just because the nature of the Self is bliss. Pain is necessary that the Self may force his vehicles into making efforts which develop and organize them. Pain purifies. Pain teaches. Pain gives power. Power is pain transmuted. From pleasure comes illumination. Pleasure enables the Self to manifest. When it harmonizes the vehicles of the Self from outside, it enables the Self more readily to manifest himself through the lower selves within us. If pain comes, we take it and utilize.

Dr. Maganlal S. Molia
Rajkot (Gujrat)

SCOPE OF PANCHAKARMA IN CHRONIC DEBILITATIVE DISORDERS

2007-04-16T00:20:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda is the science of life it deals with the entire creation with special emphasis on the biology of life. The chief objectives laid down before this science are preservation of health and preservation of disease, as is evident from:
Swasthasya swasthya rakshanama
Aturasya vikar prashmanam ch. (Ca.Su. 30/26)

Ayurvedic approach for the treatment of a disease consists of two major procedures viz. Samshodhana Chikitsa and Samshamana Chikitsa. The Samshodhana Chikitsa is the radical treatment of a disease and is supposed to eradicate or eliminate the vitiated doshas, thus completely preventing or curing the disease.

Samshamana Chikitsa is the conservative treatment which consist of conservative measures of treatment like, Langhana and Pachana etc. by administration of appropriate drugs, designed for alleviating the vitiated doshas, thus preventing temporarily or subsiding the disease.

The Samshodhana therapy consists of a number of psycho physiological measures advocated in the treatment of diseases, of which panchakarma therapy is an integral part. As a matter of fact, the indispensable place of panchakarma measures in ayurvedic management of patients is the unique and fundamental character of Indian system of medicine.

The therapeutic measures comprehended by panchakarma therapy are the anchor in Ayurvedic approach to the treatment of a disease, which have proved the test of time and are equally applicable, rather more useful in today’s busy world with polluted environment consisting of lipophilic toxins that accumulated in the fatty tissues of body. The chemical abstracts service in Columbus, U.S.A., which consists of world’s largest facility for substance identification, has identified more than 13 million artificial substances, out of which 1 lakhs industrial substances combine into a chemical soup, which are constantly absorbed from food, air, water and even from our skin. These environmental toxins as well as endogenous metabolic toxins are the toxic levels of the body, which must be detoxified or eliminated out of the body for prevention of possible disease and curing of the existing disease. This signifies the role and relevance of panchakarma as detoxification procedure in the body, which also helps in free radical scavenging and enhancing the body immunity.

Emphasizing the importance of panchakarma therapy, the Ayurveda says that sodhana strikes at the root of the disease and thus the disease treated by it do not reoccur again, while treated with other methods might reappear.

Unfortunately such an important component of Ayurvedic therapeutics gradually declines in practices, which need to be popularized and increasingly practiced for the welfare of the mankind.

The panchakarma therapy has been a subject of discussion in almost all the texts of Indian medicine. The scope described for this therapy is very comprehensive like purificatory, preventive, curative, rejuvenative, preparation for surgery, virilising therapy etc. and similarly there are very comprehensive claims about its efficacy.

As the name suggests the panchakarma consists of five fold therapeutic procedures viz. Vamana, Virachana, Niruha Vasti, Anuvasana Vasti, and Sirovirachna. Which are preceded by the two preparatory procedures of Snehana and Swedana. Snehana stands for external and internal oleation therapy, which render the body oleos and thus makes the vitiated doshas/toxins easily eliminated out of body. Induction of sweating prior to main panchakarma procedure is known as Swedana or Fomentation therapy.

Vamana consist of inducing therapeutic vomiting and thereby eliminating the doshas out of the body through oral route it is specific thereby for Kaphaja disorders. Virechana is the process of eliminating the vitiated doshas out of the body through anal route it is specific procedure for Paittika disorders. Vasti is another purificatory measure, which consist of induction of suitable medicaments in the form of enema through rectal, vaginal and urethral routes. The object is to eliminate vitiated doshas with the retuning enema material and to produce the effects of the enematically introduced medicaments, which may be essentially an oleus or non-oleus based upon the type of Vasti viz. Anuvasana and Asthapana respectively. Vasti karma is supposed to be principal and specific therapy for vatic disorders.

Sirovirachana is the procedure by which required medications are introduced through nasal passage either in liquid or powder forms. Besides its role in panchakarma therapy, Sirovirachana has specific role in Shiro rogas i.e. Diseases of Head and Brain.

Sushruta also includes Rakta Mokshana under panchakarma, which indicates the special significance of Rakta Mokshana is surgical practice. Rakta Mokshana i.e. Blood letting or Venesection and is used for disorders such as urticaria, skin rashes, acne, leucoderma, itching and other dermatoses. Proper administration of Rakta Mokshana results in stimulation of antitoxin substance in blood stream, improving the immune mechanism of the body.

Observations have shown that therapeutic emesis (vaman) is useful in bronchial asthma, sinusitis, and chronic bronchitis while virachana is useful in condition where excess of bile is accumulated in gall bladder, liver and gastro intestinal system producing skin rashes, inflammatory changes, biliary vomiting, nausea, jaundice etc. vasti has been effective in treating variety of neurological and rheumatological conditions.

Scientific studies have demonstrated beyond doubt that Biopurificatory therapy like panchakarma potentially effective and can successfully eliminate environmental toxic materials like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB’s) and pesticide chemicals from the body with any untoward effect. More than 600 scientific research studies conducted across 200 universities and institutions belonging to 30 different countries validate the potential benefits of panchakarma procedures for promotive preventive and curative health care.

A study conducted at institute of science technology and public policy at Maharishis University of management in Fairfield, U.S.A. has demonstrated that panchakarma procedures can eliminate up to 50% of detectable toxins from blood. Another study conducted at Fairburg University has shown that the level of cholesterol has a whole dropped to the extent of 203.5mg% to 179.5mg% within two weeks course of purificatory therapy. The level of LDL cholesterol dropped by 8.7%, there by reducing the risk of heart attacks by 17.8%. The additional benefits like feeling of well being, reduced aggressiveness and excitability were also observed.

Another study conducted by scientists Dr. Herson and Dr. Fagan, which was published in alternative therapies in health and medicine (sep./oct.2002 issue) has shown that Ayurvedic panchakarma therapy has the potential to eliminate fat –soluble toxins including many carcinogenic chemicals from the body. Thus the scientific studies verify and validate the claims of our Rishis and ancient vaidyas; besides they are the proof of the efficacy of panchakarma procedures beyond the limits of time and space.

Thus, it can be summarized that panchakarma therapy is a unique approach to biopurification and detoxification described in ayurveda, which has got tremendous potential in curing a verity o pathological conditions. There is an urgent need to carry out the biochemical studies on standard scientific parameters to substantiate this fundamental therapeutic approach of ayurveda on scientific footings.

SLEEP – ONE AMONG THE TRI-STAMBHAS

2007-04-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

Sleep is considered as a circadian phenomenon, a daily rhythmical change in physiological process. Sleep is one of the daily regimens, which gives energy to the body to precede day-to-day activities. But most of the people do not consider sleep as a daily regimen and do not give the body and mind enough sleep. As a result, in the present world about 50% of the people suffer from one or the other sleeping disorder.

According to an Ayurvedacharya Charaka, “sleep is the state of body and mind wherein the sense organs are discovered of the sense objects from their respective senses”.

Sleep is a state of consciousness that differs from alert, wakefulness by a loss of critical reactivity to events in the environment with a profound alertation in the respiration. When the sense organs get exhausted due to exertion, the person goes to sleep.

When the mind including sensory or motor organs is exhausted and they dissociate themselves from their objects, then the individual sleeps.

More than half of the life I invariably spent in sleep, hence if it is not enjoyed properly may lead to several disturbances and at the same time if it is enjoyed properly it proves the most beneficial to life, keeps the body healthy and mind sharp and sound.

One’s happiness, strength, nourishment, knowledge, life and their opposite qualities are all depending upon his sleep. Any anomaly in the sleep whether it is insufficient, excessive or irregular is likely to lead to disease and death.

Most of the people especially on our country have the habit of sleeping during the day time which is usually not advisable as it makes them fat, causes heaviness of the body and reduces one’s digestive capacity which is considered to the root cause for all the diseases in our body. Ayurvedic science says that day sleep is good for all during summer season as it helps to keep Vata – one of the three humours (basic concept of Ayurveda) in balance that gets aggravated due to sleeplessness, by reducing dryness of the body.

Day sleep is indicated in persons who do not sleep at night due to some unaccustomed conditions. They should compensate by sleeping half time of their night sleep in daytime without taking any food.
Clearly there is relationship between the cycle of the sun and the cycle of the sleep. During the course of any day, half the planet faces interstellar blackness. The gravitational pull on that half exposed to the sun is less than on that on the dark side, for the Sun’s gravitational pull compensates in a very small way for the mass of the Earth when sun is overhead. Similarly when the Sun is on the other side of the planet from where one is living; both Sun and Earth are pulling in the same direction towards the mass of the planet. In sleep the spinal cord streches out parallel to the plane of the earth’s surface, giving maximum exposure to surface area to the direct pull of gravity.

Vital organs like heart and brain does not rest at night. Heart does not have the normal workload of the day during sleep, hence it can pump blood and supply through out the body with minimum effort. Brain or nervous system is relieved of countless commands dictated by a conscious system during sleep, circulation to the brain increases as the whole head is provided with more oxygen and vital force.

Studies have shown that sleep is essential for normal immune system function 7 to maintain the ability to fight against disease and sickness. Sleep is also essential for normal nervous system function both physically and mentally. In addition, sleep is essential for learning and for normal healthy cell growth.

When we cut down our sleep we learn less, we develop less, we are less bright, we make worse decisions, we accomplish less, we are less productive, we are more prone to errors and we undermine out true intellectual potential.

Measures to induce sleep:

Intake of milk, sugarcane juice, rice that is more than 60 days old, bath in cold water, application of oil in head and body, nourishing eyes, ears by filling them with oil, free and unattached mind. These are some of the measures to induce sleep in people those who suffer from loss of sleep.

Sleeping well appears to be one of the most important factors underlying success in learning. Sleep is a mechanism provided by nature to restore inertia of the body, as good and bad to the body depends upon sleep, a circadian (physiological) phenomenon. We are in a position to understand the importance of sleep and follow the right and habits that helps us to enjoy good sleep and get benefited so that we can get away from the sleeping disorders in future.

PANCHAKARMA

2007-04-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

India is fast becoming a hub for medical tourism. People fro west prefer Indian hospitals for surgery, as the cost here is less prohibitive than in the western countries. The waiting period to avail the medical facilities that their government provides is too long often ranging from 3 to 6 months for a minor operation. All this has further contributed to the inflow of tourists seeking medical aid in India. Indian doctors are abreast of the technology without losing touch with humanity. Also since time immemorial India is renowned for its hospitality.

Substantial number of tourists also comes here to get rid of their chronic health problems or to simply rejuvenate their body and mind through Ayurveda and spirituality, both of which go hand in hand. Many allied therapies like yoga, crystals, chanting of mantras also form part of Ayurveda. However the most significant part of Ayurveda is the preventive medicines. To maintain the health of a healthy individual, Ayurveda has in great detail explained the daily regime one needs to follow and also the variations to be made in the same depending on the season, place where a person resides and his or her constitution. In case a person is unable to follow this regime either through ignorance or due to lack of control on his or her mind and falls ill, then a variety of therapies are prescribed for an individual depending on their constitution.

The greatest gift to mankind is Ayurvedic panchkarma or the five procedures described in Ayurveda to establish equilibrium between the various doshas. Ayurveda believes that imbalance of dosha is the root cause of all the disease. Panchkarma help to set this equilibrium again.

However it may prove to be a boon or a bane depending on whether it is done scientifically or not. Since we are discussing the benefits of Ayurvedic therapy for the sick and healthy individuals it would be apt to describe the panchkarma procedures briefly before we proceed to the rejuvenation therapy. Also it is a norm to detoxify the body before rejuvenating it as this helps to augment the benefits of rejuvenation therapy. The best method to detoxify the body is through panchkarma.

Panchkarma as the name suggests is a group of five therapies. The therapies described by different school of thoughts vary slightly but for our convenience we would consider the following widely accepted ones.
Vaman: Detoxification of the body by inducing emesis (vomiting) is known as vaman. It is important to differentiate vaman and vomiting. Vomiting could be a result of some pathology in body e.g. indigestion, hyperacidity, raised intracranial pressure, or diseases of internal ear etc. However any kind of vomiting could be labeled as vaman. Vaman is therapeutic vomiting induced in patient to treat various diseases or as a preventive medicine to prohibit occurrence of diseases. All the panchakarma are preceded by certain procedure known as ‘purvakarma’. These are to be carried out properly in order to avoid complications that panchkarma may cause. Vaman is particularly helpful in treating disorders caused by vitiated kapha and up to certain extent those caused by vitiated pitta. Thorax, upper part of stomach and head are considered to be predominant areas of kapha. Healthy kapha bring about the function of lubrication in body and prevents wear and tear of its tissues. However if there is imbalance of cough it may lead to various problems such as cold, cough, asthma, etc. To eliminate problems like these and various other problems like obesity, hysteria, skin diseases, anemia, indigestion, some diseases affecting ear, nose, throat and eyes etc., vaman is induced. Patients unfit for vaman are patients suffering form haemoptysis, heart diseases, gout, anuria, piles, diseases affecting the vision like retinal detachment, tumors, pregnant women, very weak individuals, etc. are advised not to undergo this therapy. Most of the procedure involved in panchkarma have to be followed by certain other treatments like ‘gandush’, ‘dhoompan’ etc. Also a stringent diet regime has to be followed for 3-7 days after the procedure. However, describing all the procedure n elaborate details along with the preceding and succeeding procedures is beyond the scope of this article.

Virechan: Induction of purgation to treat various ailments caused by vitiated pitta. The predominant area of pitta in the body is the duodenum and liver. The procedure of virechan can cleanse the whole alimentary canal and is comparatively safe. For very delicate and weak persons mild form of virechan may be given using raisins, milk, etc. An ailing person who is capable of and in need of stronger purgative may be given seeds of cotton tiglium, pichrorrhiza kurroa etc. Formulations containing these herbs are available in market and generally used to induce purgation. The diseases in which purgation is helpful are various skin diseases, splenic disorders, ascites, hepatitis, haemorrhoids, fissures etc. Again it is important to carry out purvakarma like oleation and fomentation before the virechan is given. Dietary restrictions have also to be observed for a few days before and after panchkarma. These precautions have to be followed before all the procedures and hence it is implied that they will be carried out in all the panchkarmas.

Basti: It is the most potent of the five procedures. It gains importance from the fact that it is used to treat vitiated vata. Vata is responsible for most of the diseases. Although vitiated kapha and pitta are also responsible for diseased states, these doshas need help from vata to carry out functions (physiological as well as pathological) in our body.

Secondly, basti can carry out seemingly opposite functions such as slimming down or putting on weight or it may be used to treat consumption and also to treat loose motions depending on the medications used. Basti can be safely given to infants as well as geriatric patients. Hence some ancient masters regarded basti as a complete treatment in itself. Basti literally means bladder. In olden days animal bladders were cleaned, processed and used for giving medicated enemas to the patients. This procedure of giving medicated enemas is known as basti. The predominant site of vata dosha is the colon and hence giving medicines via rectum is the closest and the fastest route to treat different ailments. Commonly used substances are decoctions, herbal oils and medicated milk. These are used to treat various acute or chronic ailments like constipation, diarrhea, lumbago, sciatica, paralysis, failure to gain weight, obesity, infertility, sexual problems, renal calculi etc.

Basti is classified into many categories depending on the substance used for the basti, route used for administration of drugs, or the function that the procedure carries out. However the three main categories of basti are:
1. Niruha basti also known as aasthapan basti: In this mainly decoctions are used to treat the patient and these are administered via the rectal route. This type is contraindicated in haemorroids (piles), intestinal perforation, ascies, and diarrhea especially where the patient has fever and other toxic symptoms, skin disease etc.
2. Anuvasan basti: Oil, either plain or medicated, is mainly used in this procedure. However animal fat, ghee and bone marrow of various animals may be used in some cases. This is comparatively easy to give and may be given to most in varying proportions. The only contraindications are indigestion, obesity, diabetes, and person who sleeps during the day.
3. Uttar basti: This is given not via rectal route but through the urethra or vagina and after administering niruha basti. Medicated oils, decoction etc. may be used for uttar basti.
Nasya: a relatively simpler yet beneficial procedure. Nasya means administration of drugs through the nasal route. These drugs could be either extract of juices of various plants, medicated oils, dried powders of different herbs etc. It is mainly used to treat the diseases affliction head. Done systematically it is helpful in treating premature graying of hair or hair fall, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, migraine, cluster headaches, fractures afflicted on upper limbs etc. Regular use helps improve vision and hearing capacity of an individual. Only contraindications for nasya are a person who has acute attack of cold, asthma, etc. pregnant ladies or women who have delivered recently, a person who has recently undergone vaman, virechan or basti (less than 15 days ago), or any individual who has just had a heavy meal, or head bath, alcohol, diet rich in fat etc.

Raktamokshan: This is a procedure in which impure blood is removed from the body of patient by various means. It may be done using venesection or leeches. Leech therapy gives instant results in reducing pain in patients of rheumatoid arthritis, infections, joint disease etc. It is also easier to be carried out as compared to venesection. After determining whether the patient is fit for the procedure, only precaution one might need to take while using the leeches is to determine whether they are poisonous or not. Ayurvedic texts have elaborately described the kind of leeches as regards to their colour, length etc. that can be used for the procedure. In many European countries this procedure is already in use. Although, they discard leeches after single use, it is possible to re-use the leeches after treating them with turmeric and salt immediately after use. This treatment induces vomiting in leeches and the impure blood they have sucked from a patient’s body is thus removed. After ensuring that the leeches are free from the toxic blood, they are rested in clean water for a period of 15 days and then re-used. Venesection is rather skillful procedure and needs expertise. The vein to be punctured is determined by the ailment that a person is suffering from. In olden days hollow horn or pumpkin was used to withdraw blood after venesection. However presently doctors use syringe for the same. This method is useful in treating skin problems like psoriasis, erysipelas, herpes, gout, benign tumours, abscesses etc. However this procedure should never be implemented in persons with bleeding disorders, pregnant women or in women who have just delivered a baby, a person having jaundice as one of the symptoms, persons suffering from paralysis, piles, anemia, dropsy, tetany etc.

Although panchkarma helps fat and complete detoxification of the body, it may prove to be cumbersome for a person who is either too delicate of ignorant of its benefits. Such persons who need to rejuvenate their bodies may detoxify them through fasting followed by detoxifying diet of fresh fruits and vegetables or their juices, milk, honey etc. and then proceed for rejuvenation. It is every person’s dream to stay youthful, healthy, and full of vigor and vitality. This basic need of mankind was observed by the ancient masters and hence two branches of Ayurveda developed to cater to this need. These are rasayan and vajikaran. The former deals with retaining the youth and health while the latter deals in improving the fertility and sexuality of mankind. Although with changing times it is not possible to follow everything described to Ayurveda completely as many ancient herbs are extinct now and so are the animals. Also population and population have risen exponentially. However even now with right kind of diet and lifestyle these benefits can be reaped up to a large extent. Long and healthy life, boost in memory, glowing complexion, erect posture, regaining control over one’s mind, improving sexual life, enhancing vision, hearing power, olfactory senses and voice quality are just some of the benefits a person may experience with regular rejuvenation therapy. However, good habits have to be formed consciously like observing right kind of diet and lifestyle.

After ensuring that the body is free from toxins, many procedures can be adopted depending on the person’s needs and physician judgment. These have been improvised over a period of time. Some of them have been listed below.

Abhyanga: In layman’s language it means massage. Now the common question, which pops up, is how often should one take massage? The answer to which is everyday. Application of oil and its slow absorption in the body through massage helps lubricate the skin and joints, tones muscles, improves the texture of hair, relaxes mind, helps fight insomnia. Although due to constraint in time it may not be possible for everyone to go to the spa or ayurvedic centre daily for a massage in that case just heat sufficient oil in a water bath and apply and massage it on the body till it is absorbed. If even doing this is not possible then just apply ail to head, soles of feet and ear daily. While ayurvedic massage does not provide a complete therapeutic cure, it does provide nutrients to various tissues of the body and helps excrete the toxins from the body by facilitating the circulation. Marma chiktista is a specialized form of massage, which deals with 107 vital points of the body. These points are known as ‘marma’. This treatment is useful in treating musculoskeletal ailments caused due to trauma or accidents. It is the treatment that works on the extremely sensitive vital points of the body (the 107 ‘marmas’). However this is practiced few centers only. In north Kerala massage is given by foot. This form of massage is inspired by the local martial art known as ‘kalarippayttu’.

Udvartanam: In obese patients instead of oil herbal powders are used for massage. This is known as ‘udvartanam’. It is also helpful in reducing swelling of joints in conditions like gout, rheumatoid arthritis etc. In udvartanam massage is done in direction opposite to the direction of growth of hair. However this massage may cause irritation and allergies in certain skin types. In such cases some modifications or change in herbs may be necessary.

Swedanam: Oil massage is generally followed by fomentation. This fomentation can be given using various methods. The commonest form of giving fomentation is by introducing a person to steam chamber. Entire body is inside the chamber except for the head. Inside the chamber steam from boiling herbal decoctions is emitted. This kind of fomentation however is contraindicated for diabetic patients, pregnant women, and hypertensive patients. Direct steam should never be given on eyes, groins and chest. If steam has to be concentrated on one area of problem like joints then decoction is made in a vessel with small mouth and the steam emitted is given on the affected area with the help of a tube. This is known as ‘nadisweda’. Sometimes the steam is given with the help of various leaves of plants that are treated with oil and lemon. This form is known as ‘patrapottali sweda’ (patra=leaves, pottali=poultice). In Kerala this procedure is known as ‘elakizhi’. Similarly a variety of rice known as ‘shashtik shali’ is cooked in herbal decoction and milk. A poultice is then made from this rice and dipped in the same warm decoction and used for massage and fomentation. This helps in all the disorders where muscle wasting or muscular atrophy is present e.g. paralysis, muscular dystrophy, etc. this is known as ‘shashtik shali pinda sweda’ and in Kerala it is known as njavarakizhi’.

Dhara: Dhara is dropping of fluid (either medicated oils or milk, or buttermilk or decoctions etc.) of certain temperature and from certain height for defined period of time. If this dhara is done on head then it is known as ‘shirodhara’. Shirodhara is helpful in treatment of psychological problems such as anxiety neurosis, depression, and insomnia and for slowing age related mental illnesses like dementia. If instead of head whole body is given dhara then it is known as ‘kayasekam’. It is known as ‘pizhichil’ in Kerala. It is used to treat paralysis, rheumatic disorders, spondylosis etc. Kayasekam is given simultaneously with massage.

Tarpan: This procedure is used to enhance the vision and treat some disorders affecting eyes. Small well-like structures are made using dough, made from black gram, along the orbit of eyes. Oil or decoction at certain temperature is dropped in to these wells and the person undergoing the treatment is asked to gently keep on blinking while the fluid is still there. This is followed by washing the eyes with decoction of ‘triphala’.

Lepam: To remove minor flaws in the skin and for glowing complexion, various packs are applied to the skin. These packs are known as lepam. Lepam usually is done after proper detoxification and lubrication of the body. The ingredients used in lepam are usually the blood purifying and natural bleaching agents like sariva, manjishtha, neem, haldi, arjun, lodhra etc. these may be changed as required depending on the skin type.

Yoga: Following the various principle of yoga helps gain control over ones’ mind and body. If yogic principles are followed regularly along with yogic postures (asana) and mudras then one gets enormous flexibility and will power. Yoga is also known to cure minor health ailments like lower backache, menstrual cramps, chronic headaches etc. It is also help in controlling asthma, diabetes, blood pressure etc. For further reference in yoga refer the previous and subsequent editions of these editions of this magazine.

Apart from the above- mentioned treatments, which are mainly followed in most of the ayurvedic centers, there are many others smaller ones that may be carried out by some centers. Modern equipments are also used nowadays for their convenience and hygiene e.g. sterilizers, massagers to concentrate more on one area etc. Some times other alternative therapies may also be used like acupressure, aromatherapy, etc. along with these treatments.

It is needless to mention how refreshed one might feel after these treatments. Anybody who has had a good massage will know what wonders it does to your body and mind.

For more details on panchakarma visit us on www.healthandayurveda.com or email to us on info@healthandayurveda.com

Achara-Rasayan.

2006-09-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Every man want to live long & healthy, for this there are prayers to promote rejuvenation and healing and regenration of living tissues ie, Dhatus in the body.For this there is rasayana therapy in Ayurveda.

Rasayana is one of the eight clinical specialities of classical Ayurveda. Rasayana is not a drug theraphy but is a specialized procedure practised in the from of reguvenative recipes, dietary regimen and special health promoting conduct and behaviour ie, Achara-Rasayan.

Labhopayo hi Sastanam rasadinam Rasayanam.(Cs.ci 1/8)

Rasayana means the way for attaining excellent rasa ie, one attains lonevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from disorder, youthful age, excellence of lusture, complexion & voice, optimum strength of physique and sense organs, successful words, respectability and brilliance.

Historical Aspects - Rasayana is described elaborately in the four padas of the 1st chapter in charaka's cikisthasthana of charak samitha. In Susruthasamitha it is found in 27-29 chapter of chikistasthana & Astangahrdya of Vagbhata of utteratantra.

The effect of Rasayana - Considering the Ayurvedic concepts of physiology Rasayana agent promotes nutrition trough one of the folling three modes :

By direct enrichment of the nutritional quality of rasa (nutritional plasma) - Satavarai, milk, ghee etc.
By promoting nutrition through impromving agni (digestion & metabolism) - Bhallataka, pippali etc.
By promoting the competence of srotas (microcirculatory channels in the body)-Guggulu.

Classification Of Rasayana - The rasayanas may be classified as below :
A - As per scope of use -
1. Kamaya Rasayana - Promotor of normal health.
a. Pranakamya - Promotor of vitality & longevity of life.
b. Medhakamya - Promotor of intellengence.
c.Srikamya - Promotor of complexion.
2. Naimittika Rasayana - Promotes the vitality in specific diseases.
B - As per method of use -
1.Vatatapika Rasayana - Outdoor theraphy.
2. Kutipravesika Rasayana - Indoor theraphy.
C - As per content of Rasayana -
1. Ausadha Rasayana - Drug Rasayana.
2. Ahara Rasayana - Dietary Rasayana.
3. Achara Rasayana - Conduct of Rasayana.

Method of use - Before the use of rasayana theraphy it is very essential that samsodhanna karma is done as a preparatory procedure. Similarly the the patient needs mental purification as well.

ARTHRITIS - AYURVEDIC CONCEPT

2006-09-07T21:44:00.000-07:00

The various forms of arthritis are each painful and debilitating. Although arthritis is often attributed to aging, certain types of it can occur at any age.......... The type of arthritis known as rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the immune system. It most often affects the hands of the patient. Rheumatoid arthritis causes severe inflammation of the joints, leading to great pain.........

ARTHRITIS - AYURVEDIC CONCEPT
Arthritis is one of the most common ailment for which Ayurvedic help is being sought these days. Ayurveda attributes cause of any disease to an imbalance in one or all of the doshas, and hence every disease has a supporting theory by the name of tridosha.

SAMPRAPTI (Pathogenesis) OF ARTHRITIS
Ayurveda suggests that arthritis is caused primarily by an excess of ama and lack of agni. Poor digestion and a weakened colon, resulting in the accumulation of undigested food and the buildup of waste matter can cause this. Poor digestion allows toxins to accumulate in the body, and problems with the colon allow the toxins to reach the joints.Healthy, flexible joints rely on strong digestion and metabolism. Poor eating habits and weak digestion allow impurities to accumulate, circulate and build up in the joints. This inhibits joint function, mobility and comfort.
AIM OF TREATMENT

So, the way to treat arthritis is to stimulate the digestive fire (agni) and to treat the ama.
Ayurvedic approach to Arthritis includes:

Strengthening the metabolic pathways that prevent blockage of circulatory channels to joints, by impurities
Strengthening of digestion to create nutritional plasma that is pure and easy to assimilate
Improving the lubrication of joints
Anything that aggravates, or overly activates Vata, will increase the sensitivity and experience of pain in the body.

Therefore an important component in treating arthritic pain is to balance and stabilize Vata. This in turn will balance the nervous system function and its sensitivity to pain.As with almost all diseases Ayurveda distinguishes three categories of arthritis, corresponding to more imbalance of vata, pitta, and kapha. To treat this condition properly, it is vital to carefully diagnose which dosha is more imbalanced.

Vata
Most common type. Severe, throbbing and cutting pain that is variable and migrating. This becomes worse in cold weather or when cold water comes in contact with the affected joints. if arthritis is due to vata, your joints will crack and pop. They become dry and are not swollen as they may be if excess vata is not the cause. Other symptoms include dry or scaly skin, stiff joints, bone deformities, gas, abdominal distension, low back pain, nervousness, fear, anxiety and insomnia. Body types will usually be thin.

Pitta
Second common. There will be a burning sensation with redness and inflammation that becomes worse in hot weather or from hot water. Diarrhea, loose stool, anger, sweating, fever, irritability are usually present. The arthritis is characterized by inflammation. The joint becomes swollen and is painful even without movement. It often looks red and feels hot to the touch.

Kapha
Least common. There will be itching, swelling or loss of movement and edema without inflammation around the joints. It becomes worse in cold, damp or wet weather. Other symptoms may be heaviness, aches, oily skin, congestion or mucus in the stool. Heat or hot-dry weather relieves pain. In kapha-type arthritis, the joint also becomes stiff and swollen, but it feels cold and clammy rather than hot. A little movement, rather than aggravating the pain, tends to relieve it.

Well, no matter which way you look at it, ARTHRITIS HURTS YOU! Emotionally, psychologically, and physically, it hurts on a daily basis.It can and will cause pain at any point in your day, and the more you worry over it, the worse it often becomes. It creates low energy levels and a frustration inside of you, hindering you from enjoying and sharing your talents and abilities with others.It is painful and can cause severe physical and emotional scars, that remain with you for the rest of your life.