Gastric Problems according to Ayurveda. Why gas belly?

Gastric Problems—according to Ayurveda and Treating Gastric Issues with Ayurveda. Lets understand with some fundamentals in Gastric issues and why gas in stomach? Why there is pressure in stomach and releases gas often. Lets find out the Gastric Problems according to Ayurveda.

belly gas — gas formation in stomach and pressure

What is Bloating?

Bloating is nothing but an accumulation of gas in the abdomen, that feels like an inflated balloon. It is a very commonly reported symptom today.

Gastric Problem according to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, there are four clinical conditions that quite closely resemble each other–

Aadhmana– stomach distention
Pratiaadhmana– a collection of gas in the upper abdomen only, without pain
Aanaha – distention of the stomach due to obstruction of the passage of urine and stool
Atopa – gurgling in the gut, along with pain.

According to Ancient Ayurveda, bloating or gas is a Vata disorder (Vatvyadhi). It is accompanied by a weakened digestive fire (Agnimandhya).

Causes of Stomach Bloating/Gas

“According to Ayurveda, bloating is a Vata disorder (Vatvyadhi). It is accompanied by a weakened digestive or metabolic fire (Agnimandhya).”

Weak digestive fire and vitiation of Samana Vata—are the main reasons for bloating. The formation of biotoxins (Ama) is the second most common factor for severe colic pain.

Consumption of Vata-aggravating foods like beans, fried and frozen foods, dairy products and fermented foods can cause severe gas in the gut. Consuming incompatible food combinations such as milk and fish, having too much stress, and practising suppression of natural urges as–urination or defecation, can all create gas in the intestine causing colic pain in the abdomen.

Causes of Belly Gas

Ayurveda says–Vata-aggravating factors such as improper food and incorrect lifestyle (Vatprakopaka Ahara Vihara) can lead to abnormal conditions of the digestive fire (Agnidushti) and disturb the intestinal function. This can lead to improper digestion, causing gas– (Adhmana).

Adapting Proper Cooking Style Can Help Reduce Flatulence—

Vegetables that produce gas– must be cooked with digestive spices that can help in digestion and elimination of gas. A combination of cumin, coriander, and fennel–for better digestion. Turmeric, rock salt and asafoetida are excellent for eliminating gas and toxins.

Spices Used to Prevent Gas Formation

Black pepper [Marich]– stimulates the digestive fire, acts as a digestive stimulant and promotes intestinal motility. It helps in painful conditions, Vata-related disorders, and bloating due to gas.
Ginger[Sunth]– increases heat in the stomach and aids proper digestion.

Cumin[Jeeraka]– ignites the digestive fire (Deepana) and promotes digestion (Pachana). It is useful in patients with weak digestive fire (Agnimandhya).

Fennel [Mishreya]– is a carminative herb (Anulomana) which ignites digestive fire (Deepana) and removes toxins from the body (Amadoshahara).

Garlic [Lasuna]–ignites the digestive fire (Deepana) and alleviates Vata (Vatahara). It helps in painful conditions (Shool), Vata disorders (Vatavyadhi), as well as colic accompanied by flatulence (Vatashoola). Garlic relieves constipation and helps treat disorders related to Vata imbalance.

Asafoetida [Hing] stimulates the digestive fire (Deepana), promotes digestion (Pachana), acts as a carminative (Anulomana), alleviates Vata (Vataprashmana) and enhances the digestive enzyme action.

Some Ayurvedic Products Used to Treat Stomach Bloating:

Abhayarishtam
Jirakadyarishtam
Dadimashtaka Churnam
Panchakola Churnam
Brihatvaiswanara Churnam
Hinguvachadi Churnam
Dadimadi Ghritam
Balapunarnavadi Kashayam
Gandharvahastadi Kashayam
Rasnasaptakam Kashayam

Panchakarma Treatment—

Treating Gas with Ayurveda-

Observing fasting (Pachana) is advisable until Ama is detoxified. During this period, one can drink warm water, mung water, warm water with lemon and honey or have warm vegetable soups.

Vamana (Medicated emesis)-

In some cases, mild Vaman–followed by the proper Deepana, can be administered to eliminate all the biotoxins.

Snehana, Swedan and Paste-

Applying various warm Vatahara Oils, followed by hot steam—helps pass gas and soften the stomach. A similar effect can be achieved by applying the paste of Hing, Triphala, or Trikatu. Ajamoda with Takra or warm water can also be used. Applying warm Hingu water in the umbilicus also helps relieve gas.

Enema (Basti)—

For adults with severe pain, performing Aasthapana Basti (medicated decoction enema) gives immediate results. It aids in defecation and helps release gas.

In case of excessive dryness, the Ayurvedic expert may advise a course of an enema (Oil enema) for a week, depending on the severity.

Dietary Guidelines-

Ayurvedic nutritional advice (Ahara Vidhi Vidhan) proves to be very helpful in preventing most digestive issues, including bloating due to gas. Conscious and cautious eating results in the natural digestion and absorption of food. Thus, dietary practices promote both digestion and overall health.

Freshly cooked food helps digestion. Food should be freshly prepared and warm as it stimulates the digestive Agni. Whereas, reheating affects the taste of the food and also slows down the digestion.
The proper use of natural fats is critical as they lubricate the digestive canal and the visceral organs increasing their strength. Deep-fried food must be avoided unless prescribed.
Food should be consumed, only if the previous meal is properly digested. This allows the body to eliminate waste.
Proper hygiene of the self and a peaceful atmosphere is needed while having a meal.
If the food is eaten too quickly, it will not provide the necessary nutrition to the bodyand might also increase the possibility of toxin generation. Hence, it is recommended to chew a bite 32 times for better digestion.
Mindful eating helps digestion.

Madras Institute of Ayurveda [MIA], Chennai—is the centre of Ayurvedic medicine and treatment, where ancient tradition meets modern techniques. From Panchakarma treatment to Rejuvenation–all services are available. With facilities for a wide range of effective ayurvedic treatments such as Bloat belly, Gastric Problems and Belly gas on par with the highest standards and finest traditions dating back to the Vedic times, MIA has outpatient and in-patient services too. Connect with with to know more about Gastric Problems according to Ayurveda at www.miayurveda.org for any queries you may have.

Joint Pain Treatment with the Help of Ayurveda, MIA, Chennai

Joints are crucial parts of our body and in case injured or inflamed, they can cause immobility and pain. There could be main reasons for joint pain from natural aging to injury. Stiffness in the joints and pain–are common complaints for many people. Injury to the bones could be anywhere from mild to severe.

Causes of joint pain —

Joint Pain could occur from several conditions such as–

*Complications following treatment of other health conditions.

* Most common joint pain is Osteo Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. It could be worrisome and can make a person unable to perform their daily activities adequately.

*Injury /Accidents

*Inflammation of joints

*Leukemia

*Degeneration

*Sprains and strains.

Symptoms of Joint Pain could include–

*Weakness

*Swelling

*Stiffness

*Limited range of motion

*Tenderness

Ayurvedic Treatment—

Ayurveda offers ‘Safe and Effective treatment alternatives for joint pain.

The herbs used in Ayurveda have all shown to reduce inflammation by interfering with the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.

The Effectiveness of joint pain treatment through Ayurveda—

Ayurvedic specialists explain that joints are the vital parts of the body and in case of a disease, or injury, they cease to function as they ought to.

Treating joint pain with an ayurvedic approach is an individualized process. The patient is 1st diagnosed and evaluated as per the symptoms. Any treatment approach will aim at balancing the ‘Vata’ [ combination of air and ether], which causes inflammation and pain. The severity of the joint condition influences the treatment approach. Treatments also include massaging the joints with enriched oils and other herbs. Applying the medicated paste on the diseased bone is another treatment approach.

Treatment Process—

Ayurvedic medicines combined with some joint exercises and therapies help to give natural and gradual relief from stiffness, swelling and joint pain. You can get rid of taking pain killers provided you do comfortable and easy movements regularly. Ayurvedic medicines can help in maintaining the healthy joints, from thereon. Ayurvedic Approach works best to cure and root out the joint pain.

At Madras Institute of Ayurveda, [MIA] Chennai, the centre of Ayurvedic medicine and treatment–Ayurvedic tradition meets modern techniques, ranging from Panchakarma treatment to rejuvenation treatment. MI Ayurveda provides authentic treatement for joint pain , at Vadapalani, Chennai, Vijaya Hospital.

With facilities for quality ayurvedic treatments on par with the highest standards and finest traditions dating back to Vedic times, MIA has a full-fledged outpatient and in-patient department.

To know more, log onto www.miayurveda.org.

Author: Raj Mohan,

Rejuvenation Therapy — Rasayana Chikitsa with Ayurveda

Rejuvenation Therapy — Rasayana Chikitsa with Ayurveda Ayurvedic Treatment in India is an ancient practice —for the harmonious revitalisation of the mind, body, and soul. This brings about natural balance in the best manner possible.

Ayurveda has two primary purpose – to maintain health and to cure the disease.

Rejuvenation or Rasayana as it’s called in Ayurveda—is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy, that helps to restore the body’s vitality. It is described as a herb, food, or activity that cures disease and grants youthfulness. Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa) helps to tone the skin and strengthen body tissues to facilitate longevity.

Rasayana keeps you fit both physically and mentally. The total resistance of the body increases, due to the optimisation of the ‘Ojas’ [strength] and the ‘Sattva’ [clarity]. This therapy includes body and face massage using special herbal oils and creams that are tailor-made as per the needs of the patient.

Advantages of Rasayana—

Rasayana Chikitsa makes one feel young and energetic, improves the skin tone, improves sleep quality, concentration and improves the capacity of our sense organs. The body’s immunity is increased to resist any diseases and bring calmness to the mind.

*Kayakalpa Chikitsa–

This method is used to sterile the ageing process and stop the degeneration of body cells. It also helps the body’s immune system. Kayakalpa Chikitsa is known to be most effective before the age of 50 and includes the Rasayana (particular Ayurvedic medicine and diet).

*Body Transpiration–

Exclusive steam bath help improve the skin tone and aid in weight loss treatments. They help in pain relief. A unique hand massage with herbal oils, help to tone the muscles and improve blood circulation.

*Better Control of Body Weight–

To maintain the bodyweight– herbal oils and powders are used. The treatment includes special herbal juices that help improve the conditions of the body.

*Skin Care–

Herbal oil massages, herbal face packs and the intake of herbal tea can help in rejuvenating the skin.

*Meditation and Yoga–

The treatment is designed to achieve mental tranquillity and improve one’s concentration beyond the physical being.

One aims at attaining peace through the eight steps of training, which are–

Disciplined behaviour
Self-Purification
Asanas
Pranayama
Pratyahara and
Dhyana
Panchakarma–This five-fold treatment aims for tranquillity and overall wellbeing of the individual with—tuning the body, breath, mind, nerves and blood purification.

Madras Institute of Ayurveda, Chennai, ( Location: Inside Vijaya Hospital) has an out-patient department with facilities for consultation in different areas of treatment. We provide Rejuvenation Therapy and Detoxification treatment. It also possesses an in-patient department with Panchakarma Theatres. Successful treatment programs for an entire spectrum of diseases are provided here. Therefore, connect with us at www.miayurveda.org for more information on rejuvenation therapy.

Author: Raj Mohan

Treating Arthritis – With Ayurveda – Madras Institute of Ayurveda

Arthritis is a chronic condition of the joints in which the cartilage, cushioning the ends of the bones, gradually loses its elasticity and wears away. Without this cartilage, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing stiffness, inflammation and loss of movement. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis worldwide, with symptoms ranging from minor discomfort to debilitation. It can occur in any of the body’s joints but must often develops in hands and weight bearing joints including the knees, hips and spine.

How can ‘Natural Remedies’ help relieve pain in Arthritis?

Ayurveda is an ancient form of medicine that started in India. It uses nutrients, exercise and meditation together to encourage, good health. Combining certain nutrients and other supplements with modern medicine may be beneficial if you have arthritis. These natural treatments may help to ease some of the arthritis symptoms and help prevent progression. Natural herbs like turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha and a few others, have all been shown to reduce inflammation by interfering with the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.

An Ayurvedic Approach in the Treatment of Arthritis…

Both Patients and Health care Professionals are seeking out alternative therapies, including “The Ancient Healing System Known as Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment”. Studies show that Herbal Ayurvedic Therapy is very effective in treating knee osteoarthritis. An important principle in Arthritis is acknowledgment of the importance of emotional and spiritual aspects of health and healing. Health is achieved by balancing the body, mind and spirit as well.

How can we change our Wellbeing and Eventually relieve pain due to Arthritis—According to Ayurveda, the following are all beneficial to lead a pain free life—

*Meditation – provides a way to achieve balance. The practice of meditation also creates many physiological changes including reduction of inflammation in the body. Mind- Body practices have value as part of a treatment regimen for chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions. A mindful meditation can be useful in the treatment of pain syndromes. It’s a tool to diminish feelings of pain. During meditation our body enters a state of restful awareness. When we regularly practice it, the following benefits can be achieved—

-More efficient oxygen use by the body.

-Improved immune function and more restful sleep.

-Low cholesterol levels.

-Slower heart rate.

-Divert mind from pain.

*Yoga—is a time-honored science for balancing living. Since it focusses on balance, it helps alignment and improves biochemical imbalances that create stress on the joints. Misalignment of bones, dysfunctional movement patterns, lack of body awareness and poor posture, can all contribute to wear and tear of the cartilage. Yoga can retrain our body to move in ways that reduce stress on our joints. Yoga also keeps patients moving and reduces the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis overtime.

*Hot water fermentation is another way to relieve pain in arthritis, since it soothes the joints.

* Natural Relief from Arthritis— Keep an eye on your Weight, Exercise regularly, use hot and cold packs simultaneously on the painful areas, meditate, try acupuncture, include the right type of fatty foods in your diet and consider herbal supplement

Law of Nature—“Take care of every part of your body thoroughly, and the body will take care of you, in return” —–

At Madras nstitue of Ayurveda, we have a wide range of treatments such as treating Arthritis – With Ayurveda, other treatment sich as pradhana karma, poorva karma, and pashat karma. Connect with us to know more about our services.

Muscular Dystrophy—Treated with the Help of Ayurveda

Let’s see ‘What Muscular Dystrophy is?.’

“Muscular Dystrophy” is the degeneration of muscles. In Muscular Dystrophy, abnormal genes hinder the production of proteins that are needed in the formation of healthy tissues. It eventually leads to several physical problems such as frequent falls, inability to walk, difficulty in standing and so on. “Madras Institute of Ayurveda, Vadapalani, Chennai provides holistic service to patients suffering from progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Ayurveda has some very effective treatments that can decrease the symptoms and provide relief to the patients.

According to Ayurveda, to maintain a healthy body—the three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, are needed to be in perfect balance. Muscular Dystrophy is described as the ‘Mamsashosha’, meaning imbalance of ‘Vata dosha and Sapta Dhatus [the essential seven elements required to maintain body structure]. Vitiation in the digestive fire [Agni- needed for the digestion of food in the stomach] of any of these dhatus, leads to improper absorption of nutrients which results in weakness.

Herbal Remedies for Muscular Dystrophy, ‘degeneration of muscles’ , —Ayurveda takes a holistic approach in the treatment.

Many herbs can manage muscular Dystrophy and prevent the condition from getting worse. Here are few effective herbs that are recommended in Ayurveda, to manage his disorder—

Ashwagandha-The rejuvenating and regenerative properties of ashwagandha can help to preserve the muscle mass. It can promote regeneration of the muscle cells, eventually restoring muscle mass.
Giloy – acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces the damage to the muscle. It can also produce an antioxidant effect and protect the muscle tissues against–free radical damage.
Arjuna- This herb is particularly beneficial for preventing the cardiac complications of this disease. It can improve the functions of the heart, ease the breathing and improve the quality of life.
Brahmi- this herb helps to improve the muscle mass and enhance the functions of the nerves. It prevents oxidative damage to the muscle tissues and acts as an antioxidant.

The ayurvedic medicine for Muscular Dystrophy is aimed at providing holistic treatment that brings about a long-lasting relief. The ayurvedic approach also includes making appropriate changes in the diet such as – including healing foods for Muscular Dystrophy.

Ayurvedic way of eating food— Unless medicine is accompanied with proper diet, health issues cannot be treated correctly. Always eat food- warm, fresh and hygienic, light and easily digestible, according to one’s body type and at the right time.

Panchakarma -treatment may be recommended to prevent the worsening of the condition due to the damage caused by the toxins accumulated in the body. This therapy detoxifies the blood.

So, with all this said about the treatment therapies for Muscular Dystrophy or degeneration of muscles, it needs to be put in action—At Madras Institute of Ayurveda, it’s possible. “Madras Institute of Ayurveda” is located, in the heart of Chennai and is a place where authentic and established techniques are offered as a treatment for various health problems.
So, log on to www.miayurveda.org for any queries you may have.

Treating Arthritis chronic condition – With Ayurveda

How can ‘Natural Remedies’ help relieve pain in Arthritis?

An Ayurvedic Approach in the Treatment of Arthritis…

How can we change our Wellbeing and Eventually relieve pain due to Arthritis—According to Ayurveda, the following are all beneficial to lead a pain free life—

*Meditation – provides a way to achieve balance. The practice of meditation also creates many physiological changes including reduction of inflammation in the body. Mind- Body practices have value as part of a treatment regimen for chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions. A mindful meditation can be useful in the treatment of pain syndromes. It’s a tool to diminish feelings of pain. During meditation our body enters a state of restful awareness. When we regularly practice it, the following benefits can be achieved—

-More efficient oxygen use by the body.

-Improved immune function and more restful sleep.

-Low cholesterol levels.

-Slower heart rate.

-Divert mind from pain.

*Hot water fermentation is another way to relieve pain in arthritis, since it soothes the joints.

Law of Nature—“Take care of every part of your body thoroughly, and the body will take care of you, in return” —–

Panchakarma treatment in Chennai

Panchakarma treatment in Chennai. Madras Institute of Ayurveda. Did you know that our body has the unique ability to heal itself? But with today’s tendencies for adopting unhealthy lifestyles and food habits, our bodies often go through a toxin overload. Our bodies hence struggle to recuperate and your need external help to remove all the toxins. Ayurveda has the perfect solution to bring back your body’s balance and health with the Panchakarma treatment. Following are more details of panchakarma treatment in Chennai.

Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s unqiue, traditional, and time-tested detoxification and healing process that resets your body’s health state and cleanses your body and mind. As the name suggests, Panchakarma has five critical procedures that result in detoxification and focuses on the digestive system, skin, bladder, circulatory system, and lungs to achieve purification.

What are the specific benefits of Panchakarma treatment in Chennai. Madras Institute of Ayurveda.

Panchakarma delivers incredible benefits for healthy individuals and for curing patients with specific health conditions. The treatment helps you achieve the following benefits:

Removal of toxins from all your systems
Improved immune system’s response
An improved sense of well-being
Weight loss
Healthier skin and hair
Complete destressing
Enhanced focus and clarity

The list is much longer, but in essence, Panchakarma treatment essentially brings out a new you after removing all the negative effects that your body has had to endure.

Panchakarma treatment – preparation, duration, and process

Panchakarma ideally takes about 2 weeks for preparatory procedures, treatment processes, and recuperation.

Preparatory phase

Since Panchakarma involves a series of physically exhausting procedures, your body needs to be prepared to undergo this stringent process. Hence the preparatory process involves Deepana and Pachana, which involve balancing the digestive elements of the body. This is followed by oleation, or application of oil on the body using herbal formulations, and fomentation, which involves stimulation of the sweat glands to open up the skin pores. This is an essential step before each step of the Panchakarma treatment

The 5-step procedure, what we do at panchakarma treatment in Chennai

Step 1 – Vamana: In this step, the patient is given an Ayurvedic formulation that induces vomiting. This therapeutic vomiting will remove the digestive toxins from your upper digestive tract. This process is critical in the treatment of conditions such as asthma and in enabling weight loss.

Step 2 – Virechana: This cleansing process also targets the digestive system, but this step focuses on cleansing the bowels. This process is time consuming and exhausting. It hence requires the individual to recuperate for a couple of days, after which an Ayurvedic laxative ensures that the detoxification process at this step is complete. Virechana is not just effective in curing colitis and other liver diseases. It also helps cure skin disorders.

Step 3 – Basti or Kashaya Vasti: This step involves administering herbal formulations through the rectum for complete cleansing of the body. This step is critical to clear the body from the toxins that cause serious conditions such as arthritis and paralysis. It is also useful for piles, constipation, and lower back pain.

Step 4 – Nasya: This steps involves administering Auyrvedic medicines through the nose. This step helps improve the skin quality, removes wrinkles, and relieves headaches

Step 5 – Raktamokshana: This step helps in the creation of fresh blood, thus completing the detoxification process. This is a great solution for skin conditions. However, it is applied only when there is a need to go in for this step.

Of course, the duration, dosage of medications, and the intensity of the procedure depends on the person’s health condition, age, and many other factors. Hence ensure that you choose your Ayurveda doctor carefully. If you are in Chennai, consider options from Kotakkal Ayurveda treatment.

Panchakarma treatment can be a life-changing experience, giving you the well-deserved detoxified and cleansed body, mind, and soul that you deserve. Call us to know more or visit for panchakarma treatment in Chennai at Madras Institute of Ayurveda.

Muscle Weakness Effectively with Ayurveda

Muscle weakness is often not a condition by itself, but it is an indication of another underlying disorder. Most of us are however not clear about or aware of what muscle weakness is all about and how it can be identified. The first clue to an underlying muscle weakness is that you will not be able to derive the desired muscular movement although you apply the required force – say, while lifting your arms or even standing up. When regular muscle movements become painfully slow and laboured, then it’s time to check with your expert Ayurveda doctor to be sure that nothing is wrong. Very often I see in my Ayurveda hospital that patients do not notice muscle weakness as a symptom as an initial indicator of an underlying problem and seek help only at later stages. So here is a quick detail about what muscle weakness is all about and how it can be managed. I am not discussing specific conditions that cause muscle weakness here. I will address each individual condition in my other posts.

Muscle weakness – associated with other conditions

Sometimes muscle weakness can just be the result of a prolonged bed-ridden condition where the entire body is immobile. Alternatively, it can also be a symptom of conditions such as myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, hypotonia, stroke, neuralgia, adrenal insufficiency, sciatica, etc.

Symptoms

Of course, the common indicator is severe muscle pain when you attempt to move. Difficulty in moving around and performing routine tasks, muscular cramps and spasms, tendency to fall, stiffness and burning sensation in specific regions, muscle twitching, and related symptoms. These symptoms will also be associated with other pointers such as fatigue, diarrhea, vision issues, headaches, numbness in the limbs, etc.

Treatment options

One of the most critical steps before proceeding with just managing your muscle weakness s to go to a trusted Ayurveda doctor to understand what the weakness is due to. An expert Ayurveda doctor will do a thorough assessment and then determine why you have this condition. Hence, in addition to helping you overcoming your weakness, your Ayurveda doctor will also help you resolve the underlying condition.

All approaches to managing muscle weakness aims at improving the quality of your daily routines and in enabling the growth and health of muscles. Your Ayurveda doctor will often provide you a healthy mix of some of the following treatments so you recover well.

Panchakarma – if your body is strong enough to withstand the procedural requirements of panchakarma treatment, this detoxification therapy is indeed ideal for removing toxins from the muscle tissues and enabling circulation. This increases nutrition to the muscles and helps in strengthening the muscles.
Abhyangam also helps in strengthening the muscles by improving circulation to the massaged region. In addition, the massage movements also stimulate the target muscles.
Kizhis such as navarakizhi deliver focused treatment options where you are aware of the specific muscle group that is weak. The herbal formulation will also deliver its specific action in addition to the effect of the fomentation.

Other treatments such as swedana and vastis also are effective in enabling muscle tissues and overcoming weakness. The common goal of most of these procedure is to eliminate toxins that accumulate in the body, regain the balance of the three rogas, and nourish the muscle tissues to grow and overcome the source of the weakness. They also reduce pain by minimizing muscular stress

Other approaches

A common treatment approach includes supplementing these procedures with recommendations of lifestyle changes. This includes adding yoga and exercise to your daily routines and following a sensible diet plan that retains the balance of the three rogas.

Managing and overcoming muscle weakness first involves determining the root cause of this symptom. This needs the support of an Ayurveda doctor. Then always follow what the Ayurveda doctor recommends as a customized treatment plan to treat and manage the symptom of muscle weakness.

Contact me for any questions you have about muscle weakness. You can connect with me at http://www.miayurveda.org/ or call me at +91-9444615161.

Credits to http://ayush.gov.in/

How Effective Is Ayurveda for Paralysis Management?

Paralysis is a condition that completely derails the normal functioning of specific muscles or almost the entire muscular system. The complete loss of mobility of the affected area is the result of interference in the nerve impulse transmission from the brain across all the muscles of the body. Ayurveda terms paralysis as pakshaghat. There are different types of pakshaghat depending on the affected regions of the body. Today’s stressful life has indeed contributed to increasing incidence of paralysis. What causes paralysis? How can we use Ayurveda for paralysis management effectively? Let’s find out

What are the types of paralysis?

Paralysis can affect the entire body, sarvang pakshaghat, or specific portions of the body, such as the face, one side of the body, the face, the limbs, or the trunk and limbs. Each type of paralysis has a specific term – from monoplegia to hemiplegia.

What are the symptoms?

A critical characteristic of paralysis is loss of all voluntary movements in the affected part, along with muscle stiffness and painful spasms. In certain conditions it affects speech and other activities of daily living, leading to depression.

What causes paralysis?

Ayuveda considers paralysis to be an imbalance of the vata roga. Since vata roga is responsible for coordinating movements of the body, any imbalance caused by vata roga will affect the muscular movement. The core issue in paralysis is the lack of communication between the nervous system and the muscular system. The condition can affect the entire body or can be localized. It can also be a lifelong condition or a temporary setback. Paralysis often results from worsening of other pre-existing conditions, such as stroke or high blood pressure, head injury, autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, transient ischaemic attack, cerebral palsy, exposure to toxins such as botulin, or even sudden mention stress. Today’s stress-prone lifestyle is also a critical cause of increasing incidents of paralysis.

In most of these conditions, the smooth flow of blood to the brain is affected, so the brain does not receive the oxygen and other critical nutrients that it needs. Hence the nerve cells weaken and die. This leads to a complete lack of communication with the muscles in the region that are connected to these nerve cells. Often the nature of the symptoms provides a clear indication of the specific nerves that are affected and the cause of the paralysis.

What are the options in Ayurveda for paralysis management?

Ayurveda approach focuses on regaining the vata roga balance and correcting the patient’s lifestyle. My treatment plan depends on the specific patient’s condition, the type of paralysis, the cause, the person’s physical and mental strength and other details. Hence at my Ayurveda hospital in Chennai, my first step is a detailed assessment of the patient and planning a condition-specific protocol. Each patient requires a unique treatment approach, which includes panchakarma treatment, pizhichil, shirovasti, food, medications, and long-lasting lifestyle changes. This is certainly a slow process and the time to rehabilitation will vary from person to person, and definitely on the extent of disruption that paralysis has caused to the body. Here is a quick summary of the specific advantages each treatment protocol can achieve.

Panchakarma is critical for complete detoxification, improvement of circulation, and enhancement of muscular strength. However, it is physically taxing. Hence, we Ayurveda doctors first assess the patient’s fitment before proceeding to this treatment modality.

Other physical treatments include abhyangam, pizhichil, shirodhara, sarvangadhara, and other approaches that use the power of three techniques, medicated oils and fluids, steam, and massage. Expert therapists can use strict techniques to stimulate muscles, nerve endings, circulation, mind, and body over a period of time, reducing stress and increasing wellness.

Internal medications focus on restoring the body’s agni and strengthening the nerves and muscles, along with rasayanas that stimulate body nourishment and pacify the vata.

Food intake is monitored and controlled strictly, allowing warm food and fluids and completely banning junk food and cold food intake. Strict adherence to meal times and eating healthy and fresh food makes a world of difference.

Lifestyle changes are specific to the person’s health, body constitution and living conditions, controlling the sleep cycle, extent of activity, relaxed environment, and stress-free living options.

When you choose Ayurveda for paralysis management, you must understand that there is no one treatment option that will bring any magic cure. It is a long process and the result depends on the patient’s current condition and individual situation. Hence always go in for a detailed assessment with an experienced Ayurveda doctor instead of blindly jumping into treatment options as intense as panchakarma treatment. This condition requires a lot of patience and dedicated effort by the right expert.

Contact me for any questions you have about approaches in Ayurveda for paralysis. You can connect with me at http://www.miayurveda.org/ or call me at +91-9444615161.

Gaining Relief from the Painful Frozen Shoulder the Ayurveda Way

Many of us have experienced instances of stiff shoulders and pain in our day-to-day lives. However, extended period pain and stiffness, which worsens over time, can be a frozen shoulder or apabahuka. Frozen shoulder can occur while recovering from an injury, for example, recovering from a fracture in a sling. Interestingly, frozen shoulders are also critical indicators of inherent conditions such as diabetes. Frozen shoulders progressively worsen and soon you are not able to control the pain with simple medications and it affects your daily routine. Hence, I always advise the patients at my Ayurveda clinic in Chennai to check such symptoms at the initial stage itself rather than mask their symptoms with medications. But what is a frozen shoulder and what are the solutions that Ayurveda can provide? Here are a few details.

What are the symptoms of frozen shoulders?

Frozen shoulders too are a chronic condition involving pain and stiffness of one or both the shoulders, especially at the joint. The condition develops over time, and in stages. Initially, there is just pain when you move the shoulders or upper arms. The patients experience significant pain in the neck too. This limits the extent to which you can move the shoulders. As days, pass your pain might subside but you feel the stiffness of your shoulders. The limited movement makes it difficult for you to carry out your routine work – such as rotating arms completely or raising your arms. At the later stages the pain resurfaces in the night, when the shoulders are resting.

Why does frozen shoulder occur?

This condition is more common in women and older than 40 years. In this condition, the tissues around the shoulder joint become thick as a result of continued immobilization after an injury, a surgery, or related conditions. It can also occur as a result of complete lack of physical activity. Frozen shoulders are also the result of critical underlying conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart conditions, etc. It is also seen in case of a cervical disc condition. It can also occur due to hormonal imbalances and a sedentary lifestyle. Ayurveda relates this condition to vata roga imbalance.

Solutions for frozen shoulders

A customized package of physical procedures, internal herbal medicines, exercise, and lifestyle changes help in overcoming this condition. However, it requires an experienced Ayurveda doctor’s guidance so you get a complete assessment and the perfect treatment protocol. Here are the different treatment approaches your Ayurveda doctor will choose from.

Fomentation: Fomentation relaxes the shoulder muscles, while the heat will help improve circulation to the tissues in the region. This will help improve the movement.
Massage: Ensure that you take your Ayurveda doctor’s guidance to take up shoulder massage sessions to relax the muscles and improve circulation to the shoulder region. Panchakarma also shows incredible benefits by detoxifying the body and restoring shoulder movements.
Lifestyle changes: Completely remove stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol along with carbonated drinks and packaged food items. Ensure that you eat food when it is warm and never skip meals. Ensure that you sleep at regular time and limit exposure to cold. Monitor your exercises and avoid heavy physical strain.
Medications: Ensure that you follow your Ayurveda doctor’s instructions regarding intake of medications such as amla based formulations, ashwagandha, fenugreek, etc.

Managing diabetes: If the condition is caused by diabetes managing blood sugar through medications and controlled diet. Similarly managing any other inherent medical condition is also essential.
Exercise: Stage-wise improvement in range of movements under the strict monitoring of therapists is possible through exercises that not just improve the scope of movement of shoulders but also increase circulation.

Each person’s frozen shoulder condition presents a unique challenge. Hence, never go in for any popular procedure without your Ayurveda doctor’s assessment and recommendation. Contact me for any further questions you may have about frozen shoulders. You can connect with me at http://www.miayurveda.org/ or call me at +91-9444615161.

Finally, remember, the onset of most diseases are due to faulty diet and lifestyles. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy mind and body by eating nutritious food, sleeping on time, avoiding sedentary lifestyle and exercising.