Osteo Arthritis Treatment with Ayurveda

Osteo Arthritis Treatment with Ayurveda

Oteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints which usually occurs with old age. The joints have a cartilagenous part and a synovial membrane filled with synovial fluid. This synovial fluid is a thick substance which lubricates the joints and facilitates movement. It also prevents the cartilages from wearing off, hence maintaining the integrity of the joint. In osteoarthritis, there is a thinning and drying up of the synovial fluid and degeneration of the synovial membrane. This leads to friction between the cartilages and their degeneration. This degenerative process is progressive and results in permanent bone deformity and pain. Mostly the weight bearing joints are affected especially the knee, hip etc and sometimes the feet, hand and spine are also affected. Any previous injury to the joint and overweight are some of the predisposing factors of osteoarthritis.

Symptoms:

• Pain which worsens on exertion.
• Swelling of the joints
• Cracking sound in the joints on movement.
• Restricted  movement in the affected joint.
• Spasm of the surrounding muscles.
• Fluid accumulation in the joint.

Osteoarthritis- modern management

The main stay of treatment in case of osteoarthritis is pain management. It is achieved by painkillers and injecting steroids into the affected joint which gives short term relief from pain. In more severe and chronic cases, total joint replacement is resorted to.

Osteoarthritis In Ayurveda:

This condition is very clearly explained in Ayurveda as Sandhigata Vata. The vata (one of the thre bioregulating principles of the body) aggravated by various reasons like improper diet, over exertion, injury, exposure to cold, suppression of natural urges, staying awake at night, old age etc, affects the joints, dries up the lubricating synovial fluid, degenerates the joints and causes the disease.

So the main stay of treatment is pacification of Vata and nourishment of the joints. Panchakarma treatment especially Vasti is very effective for Vata related disorders. Other external treatments like massage, Elakizhi, Januvasti, Sarvanga Dhara are very effective in retarding the degenerative process. These treatments when complimented with good food habits, internal medicines like guggulu preparations, kashayams etc, and small modifications in lifestyle, the outcome is excellent with remarkable improvement in pain and enhancement of the health of the joints, that too without any side effects.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

The digestive fire plays an important role in pathogenesis of any disease. Similarly, even in this condition, one has to rectify the digestion and bowel movement before expecting and change in the disease condition. The digestion should be regulated with light foods which are not too oily, easily digestible and should not aggravate Vata. Mostly dals, tubers like potato etc aggravates Vata and hence should be strictly avoided. The quantity of food should also be appropriate and one must eat only after feeling hunger. Day sleep has to be strictly avoided, so is bath in cold water and exposure to cold wind. One should ensure good sleep at night. Any disturbance in the bowel has to be rectified at the earliest. Constipation increases Vata in the body which in turn causes pain in the affected joint.

One can add moderate amount of ghee in the food which increases the digestion and facilitates pacification of Vata. One should not consume the food which is refrigerated and cold since it increases the heavy nature of the food and hampers the digestive fire. One must always consume food which is freshly prepared, not too hot, pleasing to the mind and body, consisting more of vegetables, fresh fruits, green leaves and pulses. Meat soup nourishes the tissues and joints, but it should be avoided by people who are obese.

Finally weight management is an important factor in management of this disease. More the weight, it causes stress on already stressed out joint and further degenerates it. But to much of strain in form of exercise also is harmful. A balanced treatment comprising of external therapies, internal medications, diet and lifestyle regulation gives excellent result in the management of this condition.

Obesity - Treating it Ayurveda Way

Obesity - Treating it Ayurveda Way

Obesity is a condition characterised by improper fat metabolism and storage in the body especially under the skin. This storage of fat causes a large number of problems to the body, affecting many organs. When the energy supply to the body exceeds the requirement, the excess energy is stored in the form of fat mainly under the skin for future use. This storage of fat by the body is a defensive mechanism as a contingency store during a period of shortage. But unfortunately, the period of shortage never occurs and its just more and more fat which gets stored in excess in the body everyday. There is an increase in the number of obese individuals in the present time. Many factors can be attributed to this drift like excess availability of resources and a wide choice of foods, machines assisted life, sedentary work pattern and lifestyle and increased stress levels.

Obesity may lead to many other complains such as diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, liver disorders, vascular diseases etc. It reduces the quality of life and work efficiency. It is a complication when present with other physical and mental ailments. It creats problem at multi organ level. Only on rare occasions, obesity occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance or genetic in nature. But most of the time it is due to improper dietery intake and a sedentary lifestyle.

Symptoms:

• Increased body weight.
• Flabbiness of the abdomen and waist.
• Lethargy
• Breathlessness on even mild exertion,
• Dislike for physical activity.
• Excessive sleep.
• Increased perspiration on exertion.
• Low sexual activity

Management of Obesity:

The first line of treatment for obesity is dietary management and more physical activity and regular exercise. No medication can help in this condition like a proper diet and an active lifestyle. In dietary management, crash dieting or complete fasting will not help, on the contrary it is very harmful. There should a change in the type of food rather than drastic reduction in food quantity. Some people resort to eating when they are stressed. Such individuals should identify this process and should find ways to manage stress in a harmless and healthy way like meditation, yoga etc. In extreme cases of obesity, modern medicine offers surgical solutions like partial or total gastrectomy, gastric bypass surgery etc. These surgical procedures are associated with their own complications like heart diseases, stroke etc.

In Ayurveda, there is a deep understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease rather than just considering it as excess fat under the skin. The body is made up of 7 tissues namely Rasa (nutrition part which seperates from the food), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscles) , Medas (fat), Asthi (bones), Majja (marrow) and Shukra (semen and the other hormonal complex for reproduction). The Rasa is formed from the food after it undergoes transformation with the digestive fire. Each of the tissue possess a digestive fire of it own which metabolises that tissue and transforms it into the successive tissue element.

In case of obesity, there is a fault at the level of Medas (fat). The fire in this dhatu is impaired hence the proper transformation of this tissue to the next level of Asthi does not happen and it leads to the accumulation of this tissue in the body which results in Obesity or Sthoulya. Kapha (one among the 3 bio regulating principles of the body) which has qualities similar to medas is also vitiated in this condition.There is also the impairement of the digestive fire and a block in all the channels of the body due to this vitiated Medo dhatu.

The main line of management is increasing the digestive fire of the body and also of the individual tissue, clearing the channels of the body and elimination of any undigested toxins from the body. Panchakarma therapies are best suited for this purpose. It helps in removing the block from the various channels of the body and clearing the body of the Aama (undigested toxins). The internal medications are also administered which helps to cut down the fat and also increase the tissue's Digestive fire, so that the fat which is cut down easily transforms to the successive tissues. But these medications work effectively only after the purificatory therapies. Udwarthana is the treatment of choice when it comes to external procedures. This involves rigorous massage of the body with fine herbal powder, which results in the liquifaction of the subcutaneous fat and it is eliminated through the pores of the skin.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

Diet plays the most important part in the treatment of this condition. Since the digestive fire is hampered even at the tissue level, the diet should be light and easy to digest comprising more of fresh leafy vegetables and fruits. Pulses and cereals should be supplemented instead of carbohydrate and fat containing foods like rice, meat etc. Over eating and intake of heavy and hard to digest foods are to be strictly avoided. Fried oily foods should also be avoided. Day sleep has to be strictly avoided. One should indulge in regular exercise and an active lifestyle. Physical exercise can involve simple walking for atleast 45 mins every day. Vigilant monitering of the weight can help prevent the complications of obesity like arthritis, hypertension etc.

Oil bath and bath in cold water has to be avoided. Simple boiled vegetables, fruit salads, high fibre containing foods like oats etc are beneficial. Groundnut oil should not be used for cooking, instead sesame oil can be used. The diet should always consist of small portion of digestive drugs like cumin, pepper etc which can be included easily as a part of cooking.

Migrane - Treating it Ayurveda way

Migrane - Treating it Ayurveda way

Migraine is a debilitating disease characterised by moderate to severe headache which is throbbing in nature, often associated with nausea and localised to one side of the head. The actual cause or pathogenesis of this disease is not yet known. Some believe it is due to some inflammatory reactions taking place in the brain which causes the blood vessels and regions of brain to swell creating pressure on the neighbouring nerves and giving rise to pain. This inflammatory reactions also stimulates the pain centers of the brain giving rise to the excruciating and debilitating pain characteristics of this condition. It is still not clear what triggers this inflammatory reaction. Some of the factors might be

• Irregularity in sleep
• Hunger ,  fasting
• Hot sun
• Hormonal stimulation especially in women.
• Adverse stimulation of the senses like bright light, loud noise, strong smell
• Excess cold
• Some foods like alcohol, coffee, spices etc.

Symptoms:

• Headache, mostly unilateral, moderate to severe, throbbing in nature.
• Nausea, loss of appetite
• Dizziness and visual disturbances
• Sensitivity to light, sound and smell

Treatment in modern medicine is basically administration of analgesics according to the requirment of the patient and the condition. It is supplemented with antiemetics and other symptoms are treated symptomatically. Although a variety of pain relievers are available to treat a migraine, it only suppresses the pain. The problem persists in the body and prolonged use of painkillers have been known to cause severe side effects.

Migraine – In Ayurveda

Like any other disease, migraine is also caused by any of the three bioregulating principles  of the body namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The causative principle can be identified  by the symptom exhibited.  Predominantly it is the Pitta which affects the channels of the mind and causes this disease along with the undigested  toxins  called aama.

Hence in Ayurveda, treatment is based on regulating the digestive system with pacification of the Pitta dosha. Medicines to improve the strength of the nervous system is also found to be effective. Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies are very effective in treating the disease. Special treatments like Shirodhara and Nasya are recommended in this condition. Shiro pichu can also be resorted to in this condition. These treatments complimented with internal medicines gives excellent relief from this condition.

Diet and Lifestyle:

Identifying the triggering factor is an important step towards an effective management of the disease. Right diet in this case is the one which pacifies Pitta dosha. One must avoid spicy, hot, and sour foods. A cooling diet is beneficial as a curative and preventive measure. Fresh fruits and vegetables and a diet with ghee and butter is indicated.

Avoiding exposure to hot sun, exposure to moon light, soothing head massage, meditation, regular practice of Yoga and pranayama etc are very effective in curing migraine.

Hair loss and Ayurveda

Hair loss

Hair loss is a cause of great concern and worry for people. Hair growth occurs in cycles. It occurs in 3 phases- growth phase, transitional phase and resting phase. At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls and new hair starts to grow in that follicle. Problem occurs when there is a disruption in this cycle. The hair may fall prematurely during it's growing phase or the hair which falls does'nt grow back. This leads to loss of density in the hair. Hair loss is common in males rather than females. In males one can usually find frontal baldness with the backward receding of the hair line, or baldness developing on the vertex of the head. These patterns are very rare in females. In females it is usually diffuse hairfall resulting in reduction of overall density of hair. Pattern baldness is usually confused with patchy hairfall of alopecia areata.

Causes:

• Stress
• Some medications
• Skin disorders especially psoriasis, dandruff etc
• Any illness or surgery.
• Harmonal imbalance
• Heridity
• Aging
• Anaemia
• Pregnancy and lactation.

Due to these causes, either the blood circulation to the root of the hair is hampered or the blood becomes deficient of the nutrients to nourish the hair.

MANAGEMENT:

In Ayurveda, hairfall and baldness is more common in people of Pitta constitution. They are also more prone for premature greying. But first the cause of hairfall has to be identified and treated accordingly. Usually increased Pitta (which is one among the 3 bioregulating principles of the body) causes hairloss. Pitta is increased in the body due to improper diet which consists of hot, spicy, salty and sour food items, excessive exposure to sun, anger, stress, improper sleep pattern, unhealthy food habits etc. Therapies like shirodhara, Ksheeradhara, shiropichu with oils capable of pacifying Pitta is very effective in hairfall. Use of Nasya (process of instilling medications into the nostrils) regularly, strengthens the hair roots and prevents hair loss. It also reduces the effect of Pitta in the head region. When dandruff is the causative factor of hairfall, it can be effectively treated with head massage with ayurvedic oils. Oil usage with usage of internal medications to  treat anemia has remarkable effect in controlling hairfall. Medical conditions like psoriasis, harmonal imbalance have to be treated with relevant medications and when this is supplemented with oils and therapies to reduce hairfall, it is very effective. Yoga and pranayama is recommended for people for whom stress is the main reason for hairloss.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• One must take healthy diet rich in all nutrients.
• Intake of very spicy, hot, sour and salty food items has to be avoided.
• One must wash the scalp and hair with a mild shampoo atleast twice a week
• One must use luke warm water for washing hair. Too much hot water has to be avoided.
• Rinsing hair with Triphala powder mixed water or with water in which dried fruits of Amla is soaked overnight , is very beneficial.
• One must wear cap or should cover the head while going out in sun and dust.
• One must take diet rich in Iron like dates, dry grapes etc
• Application of hair packs with herbs beneficial for the hair like Amla, henna, hibiscus, curry leaves etc is useful.
• Avoid using chemicals on the hair like conditioners, sprays etc.
• Regular use of oil with gentle massage to the scalp is good for improving the blood supply to hair roots.
• Regular practice of yoga and pranayama is important to free the body of stress

Insomnia - Treating it using Ayurveda

Insomnia - Treating it using Ayurveda

Insomnia is a disorder of sleep which is characterised by difficulty in falling asleep through out night. According to the duration of the complaint, it can be either episodic or transient, acute or short term lasting for less than 3 weeks and chronic or long term. It is sometimes a sign or symptom of some other physical or mental complaint. The main cause for the condition is improper sleeping habit, going to bed at different time each night, day sleep, too much light or noise in the place of sleep, spending too much time on the bed when not sleeping, sedentary lifestyle, watching television or working on computer while on bed etc. Some medications, chemicals, stress, anxiety, some painful disease condition, pregnancy etc can also lead to insomnia.

Sleep is important for many reasons. Most of all, it is an important regenerative process and the body gets repaired during sleep, and it is very much essential for proper functioning of the brain. When one does not get a restful, night's sleep, the person ends up being tired through out the day time, which affects the work efficiency and the concentration.

Symptoms:

• Trouble falling asleep.
• Sleep gets easily disturbed during night.
• Not feeling refreshed on waking up from sleep.
• Feeling tired and sleepy during day time.

MANAGEMENT:

The medical management of insomnia in modern is mainly use of Antihistamines, sedatives and anti depressants. They have many complications like creating dependence or when used long term, it may lead to tolerance too. Psychiatric intervention is also sort when the problem is chronic. Stress and anxiety management, cognitive behaviour therapy, etc are also tried in such cases.

In Ayurveda, sleep is considered as one of the three pillars of life. When one has a disturbance in it, either less or excess, it has a negative impact on the health, physical and mental. Sleeplessness causes emaciation, vitiation of Vata, one of the three bioregulating principles of the body, and creates toxicity in the body. Vata is very much aggravated in the body when one does not have a proper sleep and also, when the Vata is aggravated in the body, it leads to insomnia and disturbed sleep. Vata is aggravated due to:

• Intake of very dry, spicy and sour food substances.
• Intake of cold beverages and food items.
• Intake of foods of mutually contradictory characteristics, eg curd and fish, milk and any sour food item.
• Avoiding food intake when hungry
• Taking insufficient quantity of food.
• Exposure to dry and cold winds.
• Being awake at night.
• Excessive indulgence in sex.
• Doing strenuous exercise and work.
• Travelling long distance.
• Sitting in improper posture for long duration.
• Habitual suppression of urges of urine and feaces.
• Old age

So the main line of treatment for insomnia is prevention of cause and pacification of the aggravated Vata. Vata is effectively controlled by use of oil. Shirodhara is another treatment procedure which is very effective for insomnia. Lukewarm oil is made to drop in a thin stream on the forehead in this procedure. It has a very soothing effect on the mind and relaxes the body. This is the treatment of choice for chronic insomnia. Oil can be substituted with milk (ksheeradhara) or buttermilk (takradhara), according to the requirement. Abhyanga or massage has a very remarkable effect on this condition. A full body massage pacifies vata and is effective in insomia due to associated conditions like periodic limb movement disorder, restless leg syndrome etc. These treatment procedures complimented with internal medicines which have pacifying effect on the mind, is effective in treatment of this condition. Yoga and pranayama, ensures a peaceful state of mind and body which brings forth restful sleep at nights.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• One must take adequate amount of dinner which has proper amount of fat in it.
• Excessive dry and spicy foods should be avoided especially at night.
• One must keep the mind free and relaxed while going to sleep.
• Reading good books esp on spirituality at bedtime is helpful.
• Playing relaxing and pleasing music at bedtime has beneficial effect.
• One must regularize the sleeping time and should go to bed early at the same time.
• Day sleep should be avoided
• One must avoid doing official work or spending time on the bed during day time.
• Milk, sugarcane juice, soups, meat soups, curd of buffalo milk , black gram, food prepared with flour etc are some substance which induces sleep.
• Soaking the leg in warm water mixed with little salt, just before bedtime ensures good sleep.
• Massage to the head and foot with oil is very beneficial.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Treating it with Ayurveda

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Treating it with Ayurveda

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. The wall of the intestine usually exhibits rhythmic contractions called the peristaltic movements, which facilitates the passage of the contents from one part to the next. In this condition, the walls of the intestines are sensitized to even mild stimulus which causes excess spasmodic contraction of the wall of intestines. Specific foods like caffeine, spicy foods etc may initiate such response or at times just the presence of food in the intestines can trigger such response. Stress is an important causative factor. The symptoms may start after an episode of intestinal infection.

SYMPTOMS:

• Abdominal pain
• Frequent bowel movements
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Urgency in bowel evacuation
• Flatulence
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation of bowels
• Distension of abdomen
• Anxiety

MANAGEMENT:

Management of this condition in modern medicine is through administeration of anti spasmodics, anti diarrheals (in case of IBS with diarrhoea) , stool softeners (in case of IBS with constipation), fibre supplementation, anti depressants etc. These medications used long time can have their own complications and these involve only symptomatic relief rather than treatment of cause.

This condition can be correlated to disease called Grahani described in Ayurveda. A person who suffered with diarrhoea (because of any infection), if he indulges in improper food and lifestyle, his digestive fire which is already weak, gets further affected and leads to this condition. This disease is characterised by diarrhoea or constipation, fullness of abdomen, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, emaciation, etc.

The digestive fire is greatly affected in this condition. Hence , the first line of treatment is regulation of the digestive fire and elimination of the undigested toxins. The treatment for indigestion, namely fasting, administeration of digestives and carminatives are indicated. When the toxins are profound, it first has to be eliminated through detoxitification. In Ayurveda, detoxification is done through the Panchakarma therapies of Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation). These procedures complimented with internal medicines gives remarkable results in this condition. When IBS is stress induced, Shirodhara, has very good calming effect on the mind. With the right diet and lifestyle and with regular practice of Yoga and Pranayama, one cn effectively manage the disease.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

The diet should be light and easily digestible.

• Use of Ghee regularly has very good effect over the digestive system.
• Too much oily food has to be avoided.
• Too much heavy, spicy, hot and salty foods has bad impact over the digestive system.
• Digestive and carminative spices like cumin, pepper, ginger, asafoetida etc should always be used in our diet.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Curd should not be taken regularly.
• Food should be taken only after one feels hungry.
• Sipping hot water at intervals helps in increasing digestion.
• Avoid excessive cold beverages and food.
• Foods which are old or refrigerated should not be consumed.
• Avoid day sleep
• Regular and mild exercises helps to increase digestion.
• Practicing Yoga regularly help to regulate the digestion and bowel movements.

Eczema - Treatment through Ayurveda

Eczema - Treatment through Ayurveda

Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the outer most layer of the skin characterised by dryness and scaling of the skin surface. It can appear on any part of the body. It is allergic response of the body to some allergens like dust, pollens, any specific dye or agent on fabrics etc. It is a recurring chronic condition often present in association with conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis etc which also need an allergic stimulation. But once the condition of eczema appears, it is associated with severe itching in all cases, and when it appears in an already healed eczematous lesion, this leads to permanent scarring and discolouration of the site. There is also a belief that this condition is triggered by an auto immune response where the body's own immune system starts attacking its own tissues.

Symptoms:

• Severe itching
• Dryness and scaling of skin over the lesion.
• Blackish discolouration.
• Sometimes has watery exudation on the surface.
• Associated with burning sensation after itching.
• Thickened skin having appearance like leather once the lesion is healed.

Management:

There is no complete cure for eczema in modern medicine. There are episodes of flare ups and remissions and the cure is symptomatic only. Anti histamines and steroidal topical applications are the recommended relief for this condition. But these are associated with their own set of complication which can be short term like drowsiness, lethargy etc and long term like gastritis. Topical steroidal application used over a long period of time causes atrophy of the skin resulting in thinning of the skin and prone to scarring and discolouration.

In Ayurveda, the condition is termed as Vicharchika, a skin affliction caused by all 3 doshas. According to the predominance of dosha, the symptoms differ and on the contrary, predominance of the doshas can be analysed through the symptoms exhibited. In Vata predominance, there is more dryness of the lesion, with scaling, and blacking discolouration of the skin. In pitta predominance, there is severe burning sensation with reddness and has bleeding. In kapha predominant lesion, there is severe itching sensation, with blister formation and has thin watery exudate from the lesion. But basically, eczema is a constitutional problem which has to be corrected from the root rather than just localised external treatment.

The doshas which get disturbed due to factors such as intake of hot, spicy, unconducive, mutually contradictory food items, exposure to cold and hot environment alternatively, use of artifical dyes in fabric, stress, exposure to dust and cold winds etc, circulates all over the body through the channels and get localised in a place to cause this disease. So even if lesion is treated, the condition does not get resolved completely unless the vitiated doshas are eliminated from the body and the cause of the vitiation is avoided.

The vitiated doshas are eliminated from the body through the panchakarma therapies like Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), blood letting with leech etc. A proper regimen has to be followed preceeding the treatments known as the Poorva karma and even after the procedure. With these treatment procedures, the body gets purified of its toxins and with internal medicine for a short duration, one can get relieved of the disease. Internal medicines are mostly for pacifying any remnant doshas and purification of blood.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• Food substances (vegetables and green leaves) are very good for skin related problems and especially for eczema.
• Avoid sour food items and mainly curd.
• Alternate exposure to heat and cold, like staying in air conditioned environment for a while and suddenly walking out into the sun has to be avoided.
• Always take bath in warm water, especially water added with neem leaves and turmeric is very beneficial.
• Soaps and detergents used on the body and fabric should be very mild.
• Factors initiating or aggravating the condition has to be identified and avoided.
• Stress has to be avoided.
• Regular practice of Yoga and Pranayama is found beneficial in controlling the severity and frequency of the flare ups.
• Regular external application of medicated oil is very beneficial.
• Proper sleep at night is important.

Dyspepsia - Treatment through Ayurveda

Dyspepsia - Treatment through Ayurveda

Dyspepsia, otherwise called as indigestion in normal term, is an uncomfortable feeling in the upper part of the abdomen usually associated with pain, distension, burning sensation, sour belching etc. People of any age can get dyspepsia. Both men and women get it. It is a very common ailment, which can at times be very much debilitating, disturbing one's mind and affecting the general well being and work efficiency. Though it is a very common ailment, recurrent episodes can lead to much serious problems like gastric ulcer. Hence proper diagnosis and timely intervention is important to rectify the problem.

Symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Heaviness of abdomen
• Pricking pain in the upper part of abdomen.
• Distension of stomach
• Burning sensation
• Nausea
• Vomitting
• Sour belching
• Irregular bowels.
• Heart burn

Management:

The main stay of treatment in modern is administration of antacids. Though they provide temporary relief, it is mostly symptomatic. The understanding of the digestive system and digestion in Ayurveda is much more complete and hence the treatment of digestion related problems like dyspepsia is very effective. The treatment aims at treating the cause rather than the effect. The proper correlation of the causative factors with the effect it has on the body is substantiated perfectly in Ayurveda.

The concept of Agni is simple and yet so important in treatment of any disease of the body. The condition of dyspepsia is understood as Agnimandhya in Ayurveda. The Agni is vitiated by factors such as

• Too much intake of food
• Taking food too often before the food of previous meal has got digested.
• Intake of heavy, too much dry or too oily food, and too spicy foods
• Intake of very cold or very hot food substances.
• Day sleep
• Being awake at night
• Suppression of natural urges of the body.

Due to these reasons, the Agni is hampered and it becomes incapable of digesting the food, The food which is improperly digested takes the form of a sticky substance called Aama, which coats the inner lining of digestive sysytems and affects absorption of nutrients, gastric motility and also further digestion of the food. Various factors causes disturbance of one particular dosha, which affects the Agni and the exhibits the relevant symptom.

When Vata is predominantly affected, it causes pricking pain, flatulence, distension of abdomen, constipation, restlessness of the body etc.

When Pitta is predominantly affected, it causes sour belching, burning sensations, mouth ulcers, burning sensation during micturition, disturbed sleep, yellowish discolouration of the eyes, urine and stools.

When Kapha is predominantly affected, it causes heaviness of the abdomen, sweet taste in mouth, loss of appetite, laziness, drowsiness, lethargy, nausea, vomitting etc.

According to the symptoms exhibited, the relevant dosha has to be identified and rectifed. Increasing the digestive fire is the first line of treatment in this condition. It can be done by simple fasting if the onset of the problem is quiet recent and mild. In case it is slightly severe, then medicines having the digestive and carminative property has to be resorted to under a doctor's prescription. When the condition is profound and chronic, Panchakarma treatments helps to remove the excess accumulated Doshas and Aama from the body. Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation)  are the procedures which are adapted. Once the body is cleared of the toxins, the quality of the Agni is enhanced. It leads to proper digestion of foods and assimilation of the nutrients for the growth of the body.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• The diet should be light and easily digestible.
• Use of Ghee regularly has very good effect over the digestive system.
• Too much oily food has to be avoided.
• Too much heavy, spicy, hot and salty foods has bad impact over the digestive system.
• Digestive and carminative spices like cumin, pepper, ginger, asafoetida etc should always be used in our diet.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Curd should not be taken regularly.
• Food should be taken only after one feels hungry.
• Sipping hot water at intervals helps in increasing digestion.
• Avoid excessive cold beverages and food.
• Foods which are old or refrigerated should not be consumed.
• Avoid day sleep
• Regular and mild exercises helps to increase digestion.
• Practicing Yoga regularly help to regulate the digestion and bowel movements.

Treating Constipation through Ayurveda

Treating Constipation through Ayurveda

Constipation is the condition where the bowel movements are infrequent, incomplete or hard to pass. Usually it can be taken as 3 or less number of bowel evacuation in a week, difficulty during defecation due to hard stools or feeling of incomplete evacuation. It is a very common disorder and it many be chronic or acute according to variation in the food and lifestyle. At times constipation can present as an disorder individually or may be present as a symptom of any other problem. In any case, the cause of the condition has to be examined and treated accordingly. It may be present as a symptom in number of conditions like bowel obstruction due to tumors, polyps, paralytic ileus, hernia, appendicitis, proctitis etc. Insufficient dietary fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake, decreased physical activity, side effects of medications, hypothyroidism etc can also cause constipation.

According to Ayurveda, constipation is caused when the dryness in the body increases, which causes vitiation of Vata. The factors that cause vitiation of Vata are:

• Intake of very dry, spicy and sour food substances.
• Intake of cold beverages and food items.
• Intake of foods of mutually contradictory characteristics, eg curd and fish, milk and any sour food item.
• Intake of excess amount of food.
• Avoiding food intake when hungry
• Taking insufficient quantity of food.
• Exposure to dry and cold winds.
• Being awake at night.
• Excessive indulgence in sex.
• Doing strenuous exercise and work.
• Travelling long distance.
• Sitting in improper posture for long duration.
• Habitual suppression of urges of urine and feaces.
• Old age

All these causes increase of Vata in the body which in turn hampers the digestive fire dries up the moisture in the digestive system and the stool hence making it into a hard mass. The movement of Vata in the normal downward direction also is disturbed, due to which it does not effectively eliminate the wastes from the body resulting in constipation. That is the main reason why constipation is associated with flatulence, distension of abdomen, gurgling noise in the abdomen and pricking pain. The Vata which is entrapped in the abdomen causes all these disturbances.

Chronic constipation can result in conditions such as piles, fissure in ano, fistula, perianal abscess, loss of strenght, loss of appetite, easy fatiguability etc

MANAGEMENT:

The main line of treatment of this condition is regulating the digestive fire, pacification of Vata and regulating the movement of Vata in the downward direction.

This can be achieved by use of oil, in diet, as enema, and in the form of external application (massage). Abhyanga or massage is best for Vata related diseases. This lubricates the body, reduces the dryness and hence effectively controls Vata. Internal medicines are also very effective in treating the condition and should be taken in the initial stage when the problem is severe. Later it can be managed with food and lifestyle regulation. Prevention of the causative factors plays an important role in the management of any disease.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• The diet should be light and easily digestible.
• Use of Ghee regularly has very good effect over the digestive system.
• Too much dry food should be avoided.
• The food must have proper amount of oil in it.
• Too much heavy, spicy, hot and salty foods causes indigestuion which in turn leads to constipation.
• Digestive and carminative spices like cumin, pepper, ginger, asafoetida etc should always be used in our diet.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Curd should not be taken regularly.
• Food should be taken only after one feels hungry.
• Sipping hot water at intervals helps in increasing digestion and bowel movement.
• Avoid excessive cold beverages and food.
• Foods which are old or refrigerated should not be consumed.
• Avoid staying awake at night.
• Regular and mild exercises helps to increase digestion.
• Practicing Yoga regularly help to regulate the digestion and bowel movements.
• One must take diet rich in fibre.
• Fresh fruit juices and boiled vegetables has to be included in the diet.
• Milk is useful in this condition due to it's laxative effect.
• Taking a glass of warm water in empty stomach early in the morning facilitates good bowel movement.
• Sitz bath in warm water mixed with triphala churnam, relaxes the anal muscles and facilitates good bowel movement.

Curing Asthma with Ayurveda

Curing Asthma with Ayurveda

Asthma is an acute inflammatory condition of the upper respiratory passage. The upper part of the respiratory system comprises of the pharynx and trachea which is lined by a layer of mucous membrane on the inner aspect and circular muscular rings on the outer aspect. In the presence of a trigger, the muscular ring undergoes spasmodic contractions with oedematous swelling of the mucous membrane, which narrows the air passage. This leads to acute shortage of air. These are the typical occurance during an asthmatic attack.

The common causes of asthma attack are:

• Animal hair and fur.
• Pollens
• Dust
• Insects
• Common cold
• Weather changes
• Sudden exertion
• Food allergens
• Strong odours
• Emotional stress
• Tobacco smoke.

Asthma usually occurs in episodes and the person may have symptom free times in between attacks. Some people have chronic shortness of  breath alternating with increased shortness of breath for a while. Their breathing has that typical wheeze sound which can be heard by a person sitting nearby.  An attack is more likely when there is a sudden change in the climate, cold and cloudy days, at nights, after heavy meals, exposure to cold wind and dust. Asthma attacks can last for minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow is severely restricted.

Symptoms during attack:

• Grasping for breath
• Headache
• Cough with or without phlegm
• Appearance of blackness in front of eyes.
• Pulling and straining of the rib cage and the neck and back muscles.
• Gets progressively better with bronchodilators.

Management:

Management of this condition has two different requirements,

• Prevention of the attacks
• Management during the attacks.

Prevention of the attacks primarily involves identification and avoidance of the triggering factors as far as possible. Continuous intake of medication for prevention of the attack has other associated side effect. During an attack, steroidal bronchodilators only help but when used often, even they tend to loose effect due to continuous sensitization of the mucous membrane by these drugs. Under these conditions, there is need for change in the drug or a higher dose which may again have the same issue.

In Ayurveda, asthma may be correlated to Tamaka Swasa described in the ayurvedic texts. Vata which is one of the 3 bio regulating principles of the body undergoes increase when there is an obstruction in its path. In this case, the obstruction is caused by kapha. When kapha mixed with aama(undigested toxins) get lodged in the chest region,  it causes obstruction to the movement of vata, which moves in irregular directions and gets greatly increased, manifesting as an asthma attack. The features during an attack has been described as

• Running nose
• wheezing sound
• Shortness of breath
• Severe debilitating cough
• Feels a bit relaxed once a bout of phlegm come out
• Pain on the sides of the chest.
• Symptoms slightly palliated by hot fomentation.
• Dryness of mouth.

The treatment in this condition is basically clearing the aama and the Kapha and ensuring the movement of Vata in its normal path. The normal movement of vata is in the downward direction. To ensure this, Virechana (purgation) , which is one among the Panchakarma therapies, should be administered. This is an important line of treatment for Asthma. The role of Ayurvedic treatment is mostly in the time in between episodes. The frequency of episodes and severity of attacks can be greatly reduced with help of Ayurvedic management with out any side effects. When the treatments are complimented with internal medicines taken under a qualified doctor's instructions and proper diet management and understanding of the condition, one can free himself of the disease even for years.

One can have remarkable difference in the condition when one practices Yoga and Pranayama regularly. Though it takes time for the effect to completely manifest, the result is long term and very obvious.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• One must ensure that he takes light food, easy for digestion and to avoid flatulence and constipation.
• One should recognize and avoid the triggering factors.
• The food taken at night should be light since a full stomach may trigger the attack.
• One should avoid cold beverages  and foods and also foods which are refrigerated.
• Excessive straining so as to cause sudden attack of breathlessness should be avoided.
• One can have warm ginger tea and should use hot spices like pepper, cumin etc for cooking and for daily consumption.
• Hot soups and drinks greatly help in this condition.
• One should take bath always in warm water and avoid direct exposure to cold wind.
• Exposure to dust especially like dusting carpets and curtains should be avoided.
• The linen of the bed should be washed frequently.
• Use of tobaco and smoking must be strictly avoided.
• Regular use of tulasi juice with 1 tsp of honey in empty stomach is very much helpful in preventing the attacks.
• Just chewing tulasi leaves in the morning is beneficial.
• Obesity is one main cause of severe asthmatic attacks. Hence one should take measures to reduce weight in case one is overweight.

Sciatica - Treatment through Ayurveda

Sciatica - Treatment through Ayurveda

Sciatica occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve of the body which originates from the spinal cord at the level of the 4^th lumbar spine to the 3^rd sacral spine. It come out through the opening on the side of the vertebra and gives nerve supply to the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot. When there is a compressing or irritation to the nerve near the spine or through its course, it produces typical symptoms of Sciatica. Hence Sciatica is more an expression of the problem at the spinal level. The nerve irriation may be because compression due to disc prolapse, lumbar spondylosis, spinal tumors, dislocation of vertebra, muscular reasons etc. The surrounding muscles may also be inflammed, strained and swollen and causes further irriation of the nerve increases the pain symptoms. Disc prolapse is the most common cause of sciatica. Hence correction of the cause of nerve compression or irritation relieves the symptoms of sciatica.

Symptoms:

• Pulling or stabbing pain on the lower back extending through the buttock, back of the thigh, calf region and also till the foot,
• Numbness or tingling sensation over some parts of the buttock, the back of thighs and the calf region.
• Burning sensation in some regions.
• Numb or tickling sensation in some parts of thighs and legs.
• Pain aggravated on walking and gets worse at each step.

Management of Sciatica:

The correction of the main cause of nerve irritation is the main stay of treatment. Disc prolapse and disc compression are treated with pain relievers and local muscle relaxants. Elective surgery is the main option for unilateral sciatica and focuses on removal of the underlying cause by removing disk herniation and eventually a part of the disc.

Sciatica is similar to the condition called Gridhrasi, which is primarily a Vata disease, where there is an aggravation of Vata (one among the three bioregulating principles of the body) Vata gets aggravated due to intake of very dry, spicy, cold foods, exposure to cold wind, constipation, injury, fall, over exertion, bending or stretching at undue angle etc. The aggravated Vata affects the low back and causes this disease.

Gridhra basically means eagle, and this disease is named so, because of the gait typically seen in persons affected by this condition. The person walks like an eagle lifting the feet up with jerking movement everytime it is pressed down on the ground, due to the pulling type of pain radiating through the back of the thighs and feet.

The main line of treatments is pacification of Vata. Just as in every other condition, the digestion and bowel of the person has to be regulated. Relieving constipation has remarkable effect on pain. In severe cases treatment procedures like Vasti and Kati vasti has very good effect.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• Food which causes fllatulence has to be avoided, like potato, chick pea, soya etc
• One should not take very dry food devoid of oil.
• Curd should be avoided but buttermilk is beneficial.
• Ghee is very good for pacifying Vata and also increasing digestion.
• Conscious effort has to be made to maintain a proper posture while sitting.
• Avoid strenuous activities which increases stress on the spine.
• Mild and warm fomentation on the lower back relieves the strain on the muscles.
• One need not be on complete bed rest and mild excercise is much more beneficial.
• Belts to support the spine is good, but it should not be used for long duration continuously.
• Exposure to cold and driving on uneven roads has to be avoided.
• One should take bath in warm water.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Ayurveda Treatment

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Ayurveda Treatment

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto immune disease which affects the joints mostly, and other organs like the lungs, heart, skin, brain etc rarely. The body comprises of an immune system which acts as a defensive mechanism for the body protecting it from harmful agents and organisms. Problem arises when this system fails to identify the body's own tissues and starts attacking it. This gives rise to an auto immune disorder. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints and the synovial membrane lining the joints and gives rise to inflammation, reddness, swelling, pain, deformities and restriction of movements. In severe forms, this may even affect the organs and their protective layer giving rise to similar kind of reactions in those tissues. For eg, auto immune response may be stimulated on the outer layer of the heart causing a condition called pericarditis. When rheumatoid arthritis affects the blood vessels, it causes hardening of the walls causing a condition called vasculitis. Hence early detection and treatment is important to prevent any such complication.

The actual cause of this condition is still unknown. It usually affects the big joints of the body. Wrist, knee and hip joints are frequently affected. It occurs mostly in the middle age ranging between 20-50 years. Younger the age at which the disease occurs, more severe it is. Women are more susceptible to the disease than men. It occurs in episodes. There are times when the person is affected for days, months or even years and then becomes free from the symptoms for a duration of time, which can again be few days, months or even years.

Symptoms:

• Swelling, tenderness and inflammation of joints.
• Fatigue
• Systemic symptoms like fever, headache.
• Pain in the affected joint.
• Gradual lose of movement in the affected joint.
• Joint deformity
• Pain in the chest while drawing breath (when lungs are affected)
• Visual disturbances, with burning, itching and watering of eyes.
• Hard mass or nodules under the skin
• Altered sensation on the skin.

Management in Modern medicine:

Non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy, occupational therapy and nutritional therapy but do not stop progression of joint destruction. Analgesia (painkillers) and anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids, are used to suppress the symptoms, while disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are required to inhibit or halt the underlying immune process and prevent long-term damage. In recent times, the newer group of biologics has increased treatment options. But every treatment indicated has a series of side effects ranging from simple  stomach disturbances to increased incidence of infections and even lymphomas.

Rheumatoid Arthritis In Ayurveda:

This is one of the disease where Ayurveda can give wonderful results unlike modern medicine. The deep understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease gives Ayurveda its edge over modern medicine. Apart form the Tridoshas (the 3 bioregulating principles, namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha), considering the body in its totality and the concept of Agni (the digestive fire) are some of the important features of Ayurveda and especially in case of this disease, one cannot neglect the importance of these concepts.

In this condition, the Agni or the digestive fire is hampered which in turn gives rise to Aama (undigested toxins). Due to improper diet or activities Vata gets aggravated, mixes with Aama and transports it to the joints or parts of the body where Aama gets accumulated and causes the disease. So the main line of treatment is increasing the Agni, eliminating the undigested toxins from the body and pacification of Vata. With this proper line of treatment, the disease can be effectively managed.

Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies is important for detoxification of the body. Once the body is cleared of its toxins it can effectively accept the internal medicines which are given for increasing the digestive fire and pacification of Vata. The internal medicine can further be supplemented with treatments like dry fomentation(Valuka sweda) , Sankara sweda etc.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

This is a disease which is caused mainly due to improper eating habits like over eating, eating before the food of previous meal is digested, eating very heavy and oily foods and some activites like sedantary lifestyle, day sleep etc. Hence a small modification in diet and lifestyle can keep the body free of this disease.

• Take light and easily digestible food.
• Avoid over eating and one should eat only after the previous meal has got completely digested.
• Avoid curd and other sour items.
• Avoid day sleep and sedentary lifestyle.
• Exercise the joints regularly but one should not overdo it
• Eating fresh green leafy vegetables and fruits especially citrus fruits helps in combating the inflammatory reactions.
• Avoiding excess weight gain helps the joints to a great extent.
• One should avoid exposure to cold.

Spondylosis And Ayurveda

Spondylosis

It is a degenerative condition affecting the vertebral column. When it affects the neck region it is termed as cervical spondylosis and when it affects the lower back it is termed as lumbar spondylosis. The vertebral column is a delicate structure with the vertebrae arranged one over the other, cushioned by the inter vertebral discs which allows flexion of the vertebral column. The spinal cord passes through a hole in the vertebral column and extends from the lower part of the brain till the lower back. At each level of the column, nerves originates fron the spinal cord and passes through gaps in the vertebrae and supplies nerves to the various parts of the body.

In spondylosis, the vertebrae, the intervertebral disc and the joints get degenerated causing disc compression, or structural changes in the vertebrae which in turn exerts pressure on the nerves passing through them and also creats stress on the near by muscles causing the various symptoms of spondylosis. The disc sometimes gets dislocated, gets hardened and results in the formation of osteophytes. A previous injury and some lifestyle issues like bad posture, diet act as predisposing factor for the disease.

Symptoms:

• A stiff, painful neck
• Shoulder, arm or chest pain
• Tingling and pinprick sensations in the arms, hands, legs or feet
• Numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, legs or feet
• Lack of coordination
• Difficulty walking
• Abnormal reflexes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, or urinary or bowel retention

Treatment in Modern medicine:

Treatment is Allopathy is based just on pain management. No effective measures are present to retard the degenerative changes. When there is severe impact due to nerve compression and formation of osteophytes, surgical measures are resorted to. Osteophytes and sometimes portions of an intervertebral disc are commonly removed in an effort to relieve pressure on adjacent nerve roots and/or the spinal cord.

Spondylosis And Ayurveda:

Spondylosis can be understood as Sandhigata Vata. Vata is one among the three bioregulating principles which, in its normalcy helps in the funtioning of the locomotor system and the nervous regulation. In this condition, it is vitiated by various factors and also age (since it is normally aggravated in old age) and affects the vertebral column and causes the disease.

So the treatment is also based on palliating the aggravated vata. Regulation of the bowels is an important factor in disease management. Internal medicines complimented with external Ayurvedic massages offers excellent relief in pain and retards the degenerative process effectively. Ayurvedic treatments like Vasti, Elakizhi, Pizchil, Nasya, Lavana Sweda etc with oils according to the patient's condition gives very good results with out any side effects.

Diet And Lifestyle:

Diet regulation is an important aspect of disease management- whether it is Ayurvedic or modern treatment. In this case, constipation has to be avoided and care should be taken to avoid any bowel disturbance in this case. The food should be easily digestible with lot of fibre content to facilitate bowel movement. Sour things particularly curd, are strictly prohibited. Fried things, pulses and various preparations of pulses are also contra- indicated in this condition. It is preferable to take warm water rather than cold water. Wheat is preferable to rice.

While reading and writing, one should maintain a comfortable posture. Application of oil should not be done with lot of pressure. Exposure to cold, bath in cold water, or rigorous neck excercises have to be avoided. Taking a hot shower gives good relief from pain. Use of a proper pillow while sleeping should also be taken care of.

Acne cure with Ayurveda

Acne cure with Ayurveda

Acne is a condition of the skin characterised by swelling and inflammation of the minute glands present on the skin. Any part of the body is affected, but mostly the skin of face, shoulder and back are affected. The skin has pores on the body and each pore is an opening to a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. These oil glands help lubricate the skin and help remove old skin cells. When the opening of the pores gets clogged due to too much oil secretion, dirt, debris, bacteria, and inflammatory cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone. The outermost part exposed to the air, gets dried up and forms blachhead or whiteheads according to its colour. When the debris inside the follicle gets infected, it forms a red coloured swelling. When the infection is deep seated it gives rise to large red swelling which leaves behind a black mark on the skin on healing.

Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even in an infant. It usually gets cleared by the mid twenties. But occasionally people in their 30s and 40s also have acne. It can happen due to various reasons, the most important being hormonal influence. Hormones stimulate the oil glands in the skin to produce more oil which tends to occlude the pores. Exposure to dust, excessive sweating, high humidity and some medications especially applied on the skin, may also cause clogging of the pores and acne formation.

Forms of Acne:

• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Yellowish pus filled swelling
• Reddish skin eruption
• A round hard, discoloured painful mass.

Management:

In Ayurveda, the condition is said to be caused by vitiation of Kapha, Vata and Rakta. Kapha and Vata along with Pitta are the three bio regulating principles of the body. When they are vitiated due improper food and activities, it vitiates the blood and gives rise to this condition.

Eating food before the food of previous meal is digested, taking excess amount of food, taking heavy, spicy and oily food, not having food when hungry, excess sexual desire, stress and anger causes imbalance in the doshas which in turn causes vitiation of the blood causing Acne. Pacification of the doshas and purification of the blood are the two main line of management of this condition.

When the condition is severe due to excessive vitiation, elimination of the Doshas with Panchakarma therapies is indicated. Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation) are the procedures used for elimination of Doshas in this condition. Internal medicines are then administered for pacification of Doshas and purification of blood. Measures to rectify the digestion and regulate the bowels are also important. External application of herbs which improves complexion (called as the Tvachya and Varnya aushadhis) are also important for removing the acne and the marks on the skin.

With a proper internal and external treatments with a regulated diet and lifestyle, this condition can be cured effectively.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• The diet should be light and easily digestible.
• Use of Ghee regularly has very good effect over the digestive system.
• Too much oily food has to be avoided.
• Too much heavy, spicy, hot and salty foods has bad impact over the digestive system.
• Digestive and carminative spices like cumin, pepper, ginger, asafoetida etc should always be used in our diet.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Curd should not be taken regularly.
• Food should be taken only after one feels hungry.
• One should wash the face atleast twice a day with a mild soap or herbal powders.
• Use of turmeric, besan, curd, chandan, lodhra, etc are good for the skin as these have cleansing property and enhances complexion.
• One should use a soft towel to wipe the face, but it should never be rubbed hard.
• One should drink lot of water and fresh fruit juice which helps to nourish the skin.
• One should avoid fried foods, snacks and fast food items.
• Taking lot of fresh fruits and boiled vegetables helps to regulate the bowels and nourish the skin.
• Avoid foods which are refrigerated.
• Regular massage with oil will increase blood circulation and helps to remove dirt from the surface of the skin but should be avoided by people who already have a very oily skin.
• Anger and stress should be managed by meditation and effort should be taken to maintain a peaceful state of mind.
• Regular exercise, Yoga and Pranayama are highly beneficial.