‘Overweight, if left uncontrolled, can lead to Obesity’.

Known as Sthaulya or Medas (fat) in Ayurveda, obesity is not just a disease in itself but a “signal” for many other major illnesses. Adding extra pounds leads to overweight and obesity. Obesity can lead to diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, cardio disorders, liver disorders, infertility, varicose vein etc. Therefore, controlling body weight is very crucial because, with the passing time, metabolism gets weaker, resulting in a rapid weight gain.

Let’s see how Ancient Ayurveda can help manage overweight and obesity.

Managing Obesity, ayurvedic obesity treatment programs are planned based on the body condition and body type (Vata, pitta, Kapha) of the patient. The patients need a holistic approach to reduce weight. Ayurvedic weight loss treatments facilitate quick results. Along with the Ayurveda weight reduction programs and Panchakarma treatment (five detoxification processes), yoga and meditation also help in the improvement of the overall physical, mental and emotional health of obese patients. Obesity is treated not just for weight loss or loss of centimeters but also for adjusting metabolic processes, by reducing Ama and the excess fat to regulate the function of Kapha without vitiating Vata.

There are many ways to lose excess weight

*Triphala, Brahmi and Garcinia Cambogia are some of the many medicinal plants that help in weight reduction. 

*Deep massage with herbal powder and herbal paste (Udwarthanam), synchronized massage with specific oils (Abhyanga), and herbal steam bath help move the accumulated fat; and designed diet and yoga programs prevent its accumulation, further. 

*Appropriate Panchakarma therapies are administered based on the requirement of the individual.

* Dhanurasana, bhujangasana, shalabasana, ardhamatsyendrasana, trikonasana and vakrasana are a few of the asanas or yoga postures for losing extra fat which will be more effective when practiced with pranayama and proper diet. 

*Regular exercise helps in maintaining good health. Practicing brisk walk for about half an hour in the morning helps burn excess fat. 

*Drinking a glass of lukewarm water with lime juice and honey everyday first thing in the morning, are added benefits. 

*Eating smaller meals, every three hours is beneficial. Increase the number of fruits and vegetables and include low-calorie foods. 

*Raw vegetable salad such as carrot, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes and, fruits like papaya and pineapple are perfect since they are full of fiber and fill you up soon.  

*Avoid refined foods and fat-rich food including milk products such as paneer, cheese, butter. 

“A Natural way of weight loss is the best way to shed out the excess fat in the body”.

At ‘The Madras Institute of Ayurveda’ [MIA], the center for Ayurvedic medicine and treatment in Chennai, where age-old tradition meets modern techniques, procedures from Panchakarma to rejuvenation are all offered. This Institute provides facilities for a whole range of ‘quality ayurvedic treatments.’ It has a full-fledged out-patient department with facilities for consultation in different specialties.

So, let’s connect with MIA at www.miayurveda.org for any queries.

According to Ayurveda, indigestion is, considered to be the root cause of almost all diseases. So proper management of digestive disorders during initial stages prevents the onset of many other major illnesses in later stages of life. 

Digestive problems are no fun at all, especially- for those who suffer from them frequently. Digestive issues could be due to bacteria in food, infection, stress or chronic conditions such as colitis. 

Let us look at the Ayurvedic– herbs [Remedies] for improving any digestive disorders-

                                  HARTAKI (TERMINALIA CHEBULA

This herb is helpful to treat digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation and indigestion from ancient times. Eating terminalia chebula regularly, reduces constipation. You can take it in the form of powder or candy sugar.

                                 ISABGOLE [ PLANTAGO OVATE]

Isabgole is an excellent remedy for constipation. Besides, it is also useful in reducing cholesterol and regulating bowel movement. So, Let’s try this herb to get the digestive system back on track!!!

                                NISOTH (IPOMOEA TURPETHUM)

Leaves and roots of Nisoth plants are useful as a laxative.  Ipomoea turpethum is quite effective in treating digestive disorders, but it is better to take in moderation. 

                         YATIMADHU (GLYCYZRRHIZA – GLABRA)

Another effective remedy comes with the help of Yatimadhu. The antacid properties of Yatimadhu, help in reducing acidity. It is also useful in reducing ulcers and chest congestion.

                              LAVANGA (SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM – CLOVE)

Although spices can aggravate acidity, one should not stop eating clove. Clove can provide quick relief from acidity, therefore Chew on a clove to cure acidity.

                                GINGER (ZINGIBER -OFFICINALE)

Ginger offers fantastic health benefits that make it a common ingredient for tea in India. It can also be beneficial in keeping the digestive system function properly. Starting the day with ginger tea can give the digestive system a good start.  Ginger is also helpful, in curing flatulence and congestion.

                                ALSAREX, AYUCID, AVIPATRIKAR CHURNA

The combination of the above herbs – help in treating stomach ulcers. A combination of the herbal formula eg, Kutajghan Bati, Kutajarishta and Issabale can be used to treat diarrhea.

With so much said about the herbs to treat digestive disorders, let’s connect with our experts at The Madras Institute of Ayurveda [MIA] – the center of Ayurvedic medicine and treatment in Chennai, where age-old tradition meets modern techniques. MIA was established to bring the same genuine treatment with all facilities to a more accessible location. The Madras Institute of Ayurveda (MIA) has a full-fledged out-patient department with facilities for consultation in different specialties, regular check-ups, etc. Treatment programs for an entire array of diseases are available here.

So, log on to www.miayurveda.org to get more information on Digestive Disorders. 

The increasing air pollution has become a universal concern for Respiratory Diseases. Sadly, the air we breathe, is full of impurities, harmful gases & dust particles making our body more prone to diseases caused by such impurities. Diseases of the lung and airways are some of the most common cause of illness in developed countries.

Respiratory problems can be as minuscule as the common cold or as serious as pneumonia. They may affect the upper respiratory system (nose, mouth, throat, sinuses) or the lower bronchial tubes and lungs. Ayurvedic herbs, help to overcome these problems.

Treatment with Ayurveda–

Special herbs & Panchakarma therapies are very beneficial in rejuvenating the body.

Ayurvedic herbs for strengthening the lungs —-are available all around us. One just needs to be aware of what to use, and when.

Bala, which translates into “strength,” is the ayurvedic term for the western concept of immunity. There are two major factors that affect bala–they are Ama and Ojas.

Ama, is the sticky by-product of the food that is left undigested. Ama decreases the efficacy of the body’s immune system. It does this by clogging or blocking the channels that perform the important function of carrying food products to the cells and carrying waste products out of the cells.  Ama also obstructs the finer micro-channels that form an important part of the immune system. All these blocked channels can lead to a cesspool of infection and other particles that affect the body’s functioning. Ojas is a result of perfect digestion, and enhances the body’s immune system, purifies the mind and the consciousness that resides within. Ojas helps maintain good health, and most of the Ayurvedic treatments focus on enhancing Ojas in the body. Ojas is represented by health, happy feelings, elation, feeling of lightness, strong immunity and complete bodily strength. There is a theory in the ancient texts of Ayurveda called the Land and the Seed theory. The body is considered land where the seeds are spread. Now, if the seeds of Ama are spread, then the result of the fruits will always be ill health and misery. On the other hand, if the seeds of Ojas are spread, the body will always have strong immunity and strength from within.

The rejuvenating herbs in the treatment module, help to nourish the channels thereby protecting the lungs to promote easy breathing.

Example of the herbs used in treatment–

Bibhitaki is an exotic fruit. It is the size of a walnut and has an astringent taste to it. The Triphala composition includes this exact herb of Bibhitaki, as Bibhitaki is extremely useful to reduce any symptoms of Kapha disorder. Therefore, Bibhitaki can be used whenever there is any sort of Kapha disorder in any part of the body. Because of the astringent taste, it tends to absorb the micro-water particles present in the Kapha dosha.

Similarly, there are many such herbs that have multi-purpose benefits in healing the body, especially the lungs and other aspects of the respiratory tract. With so many different herbs that are prescribed by the Ayurvedic system of knowledge, an individual can easily harness their power to heal, and bring in loads of relief from respiratory problems, once and for all. After all, everyone has a right to a sigh of relief.

Our respiratory system is a complicated and dense network of channels and systems that carry prana, (the vital life-force), along with oxygen.

So, log on to wwwmiayurveda.org to learn more about Respiratory treatments with Ayurveda………….

In the Ayurvedic texts, rejuvenation has been termed as ‘Rasayana’. The definition of Rasayana in Ayurveda is described as: “That which destroys the old age and disease”. The Rasayana or rejuvenation therapy aims at keeping the enzymes in the tissue cells in their normal functioning condition. These cells are revitalized with this therapy. The tranquility of the mind is promoted and the nerves as well as bones are kept soft and soothing. This prevents the process of ageing and makes the individual free from any disease even during an advanced age.

Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa) in Ayurveda, aids in toning up the skin and strengthening body tissues, so- as- to, facilitate longevity. The overall resistance of the body increases as well, due to the optimization of the ‘Ojas’ (primary vitality) and the ‘Sattva’ (mental clarity). The therapy also includes body and face massages using special herbal oils and creams that are tailor made as per the needs of the patient. Other treatment methods include special medicines as per the constitution of the patient along with medicinal steam baths.

* Immunization and Longevity Treatment (Kayakalpa Chikitsa)
This method is used to stifle the ageing process and stop the degeneration of body cells. It is known to help the body’s immune system as well. It is said to be most effective before the age of 50 and includes the Rasayana (special Ayurvedic medicine and diet).

*Body Sudation (Sweda Karma)
Special steam baths help in improving the skin tone and aid in weight loss as well. This is highly recommended for rheumatic diseases and are known to give relief from pain. Herbs are steamed and passed over the human body for up to 20 minutes A special hand massage with herbal oils helps with muscle toning and blood circulation.

*Maintaining Body Weight
To maintain the correct body weight, herbal oils and powders are prescribed. The treatment also includes special herbal juices that help with improving the overall condition of the body.
*Skin Care
Herbal face packs, herbal oil massages and the intake of herbal tea,  help with improving the skin and rejuvenating it.
*Mental and Physical Wellbeing (Meditation and Yoga)
These treatments are designed to achieve mental tranquility and improve one’s concentration beyond the physical being. One aims at attaining peace through the 8 steps of training, which are:

1)Disciplined behavior (Yama)
2)Self-Purification (Niyama)
3) Bodily postures (Asana)
4)Control of breathing (Pranayama)
5)Control of the senses (Pratyahara)
6)Fixing of the mind on a chosen object (Dharana)
7)Meditation (Dhyana)
8) State of absolute tranquility and wellbeing (Samadhi)

At Madras Institute of Ayurveda, Chennai, this rejuvenation therapy is performed elaborately. The core of the rejuvenation treatment involves a lifelong change in your lifestyle to restore your body’s health.

So, log on to www.miayurveda.org for any questions you may have.