Constipation, as we all know, is one of the most common health issues. A day without a complete bowel movement can be unpleasant and painful.

What Is constipation, and what does it do to the human body?

Constipation is a Vata condition that expresses qualities like dryness and hardness. It occurs when Vata’s cold and dry qualities disturb the colon, interfering proper functioning. It is caused due to insufficient fibre in the diet, inadequate water intake, lack of exercise and numerous other factors. Constipation may increase chances of distension and discomfort, flatulence and pain, and headache and bad breath.

Reasons for Constipation–

Constipation is usually caused by not paying attention to nature’s call in time. A sedentary lifestyle, irregular eating habits, a disturbed and worried mind, and drinking too much tea or coffee adds up to already sluggish digestion, eventually causing constipation.

Ayurveda suggests the following to cure constipation—

*Vata Dosha Pacifying Diet—One of the best ways to prevent constipation is to follow ‘Vata Balancing Diet’. Do not consume cold foods and drinks, dried fruit, salads and beans. Consume only warm foods, warm beverages and well-cooked vegetables.

*Triphala Is The Remedy–-One of the most trusted and most effective remedies is Triphala, that helps cure constipation. Consume Triphala tea or take one-fourth of a teaspoon of it, half teaspoon of coriander seeds and one-fourth teaspoon of cardamom seeds. Grind them and have twice a day. Triphala has laxative properties, and cardamom and coriander seeds help relieve flatulence and indigestion.

*Milk and Ghee—Consuming one or two teaspoons of ghee in a cup of hot milk at bedtime is a very effective and gentle means of relieving constipation. 

*Liquorice Root—Take a teaspoonful of Liquorice root powder and add a teaspoon of jaggery. Drink this with a cup of warm water. Liquorice or Mulethi is known to promote bowel activity.

*Roasted Fennel—A teaspoon of roasted fennel taken at bedtime with a glass of warm water can act as a mild laxative. The volatile oils found in fennel can help kick start digestion by promoting the production of gastric enzymes.

*Figs [Anjeer]—Fresh and dry Figs are highly recommended due to the presence of its high fibre content. You can eat figs every day to keep your digestion going.

Bid goodbye to constipation by following this simple advice—

– Drink around four glasses of water in the morning. You can drink green tea or chamomile tea that can help boost your digestion.

– Consume a fibre-rich diet every day.

– Exercise at least 30 minutes daily to help kick-start your metabolism.

– Include lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables to add up to the bulk.

The Madras Institute of Ayurveda – Centre for treatment in Chennai, where age-old tradition meets modern techniques, ranges from ‘Panchakarma treatment to Rejuvenation treatment’. There are facilities for a whole range of quality ayurvedic treatments, with the highest standards dating back to Vedic times. This Institute was established to bring the same genuine treatment with all facilities to a more accessible location. 

So, feel free to log on to www.miayurveda.org to learn more about the procedures this centre offers.

• It is very much necessary to form a habit of evacuating early morning. Regular physical exercise is also important for having clear bowels. One should try to have relaxed mind, free from anxiety, stress etc.

Absolute No-nos! :

• –Pasteurized milk
• –Cooked eggs
• –Overcooked Meats
• –Refined starch.

Allergies are not fun to handle. They spell out discomfort for those of us who already suffer from allergies.
So, what are Allergies?
According to Ayurveda—an allergy is the result of an allergen- aggravating a specific Dosha: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.
Ayurveda describes allergies according to dosha, depending on which one gets triggered in any given case. The pitta-predominant individual is likely to develop a pitta type of allergy, whereas a Kapha-predominant individual is likely to suffer from a Kapha type.
Let’s understand the three types of allergies identified in the Ancient Ayurvedic—

*Vata-Type Allergies
Vata types of allergies are commonly experienced in the digestive tract and include symptoms such as burping, gastrointestinal discomfort, gurgling intestines, abdominal pain, wheezing, headache, sneezing, sciatica, muscle spasms and other Vata-type discomforts.
Vata imbalances can cause food sensitivities to –raw foods, many beans (black beans, pinto beans etc.), and some animal protein, like pork.
–Balancing Vata
When Vata is aggravated, it is essential to slow down, keep warm, stay hydrated, and eat a Vata pacifying diet. Vata type of allergies often gets better with the intake of ginger or liquorice teas with an added drop of ghee. As the place of Vata is in the colon, one very effective therapy for balancing Vata-type allergies is a Dashamula tea enema.

*Pitta-Type Allergies
Pitta type of allergies usually occurs when the allergen comes in contact with the skin, slowly entering the blood. Pitta-type of allergies is often skin-based reactions such as itching, allergic dermatitis, eczema, rashes and may also involve bloodshot eyes. Pitta allergies can also cause heartburn, acid indigestion, stomach issues, nausea, or even vomiting.
Pitta can cause food sensitivities to hot spicy dishes, citrus fruits, tomatoes and fermented foods.
–Balancing Pitta
For Pitta type of allergies, it is advisable to eat a Pitta pacifying diet. Natural formulas that specifically support the blood can also be beneficial– a mixture of Manjistha and Neem. Mix one-part Manjistha with one-part Neem; take ½ teaspoon of the mix in warm water three times per day, after meals.

*Kapha Type Allergies
Kapha type allergies are most likely to be a cause of pollen-based allergens. The symptoms include irritation of the mucous membranes, hay fever, colds, congestion, sinus infection, bronchial congestion, asthma, and even sleeping disorders. Kapha can cause food sensitivities to dairy products like milk, yoghurt or cheese.
–Balancing Kapha
It is good to keep warm and dry, stay active, and eat a Kapha friendly diet. Clarifying teas such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, etc., can help to eliminate excess Kapha. Using local honey as a sweetener helps to cleanse the system. Trikatu, in tablet form, can also be supportive. Besides, Punarnava very effectively clears excess Kapha from the chest and stomach, promoting proper fluid balance in the tissues.
Panchakarma is also a very effective means of clearing accumulated Kapha from the system.

Here are some useful ayurvedic approaches to help stop allergies—
* Use a Neti pot, with a weak saline solution and distilled water, to loosen up the heaviness of Kapha. This also helps remove allergens that may be sticking to the mucous membranes.
* Practice Nasya: Dab a little sesame oil with eucalyptus or camphor in each nostril about an hour after using the neti pot.
*Take Trikatu, a combination of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger, before meals to heat the Agni (digestive fire).
* Avoid cold foods and drinks, including dairy, wheat, meat and iced drinks, as they can slow down the digestion and dampen the Agni.
*Eat warm, light, natural, cooked foods that are easy to digest. Focus on fresh, organic vegetables and fruits. Cook vegetables with a little bit of ghee or olive oil to soothe the mucous membranes.
* Include ginger tea throughout the day, as it helps the digestive fire.
* Take Triphala tablets at night to help rid the body of excess toxins that can cause slow digestion. The Ayurvedic trio of Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibtaki, derived from fruits, works to cleanse and strengthen the system.
* Exercise daily to help stimulate Agni and eliminate Ama.

At ‘The Madras Institute of Ayurveda, Chennai, treatments for various ailments are offered. This ancient system of medicine heals in a very natural and holistic way. Benefits of Ayurveda go way beyond just relief. Treatment type is customized and integrates the age-old traditions into a daily routine (Dinacharya) and seasonal routine (Ritucharya) to help cure and prevent recurrence of any illnesses.
Log on to www.miayurveda.org to learn more about Ayurveda and its beneficial treatments.

The very name [Parkinson] makes you burst out in a cold sweat—something menacing and frightening about it, right?

So, what is Parkinson’s disease, and what makes it so terrifying? 

Parkinson’s Disease is a Motor System Disorder. It is a disease of the nervous system that mostly affects older people, which begins around the age of 50. It is a progressive disease which, in most cases, will gradually get worse.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s?

            *Restricted and slow movements 

             *Muscle stiffness all over the body and

            *Tremors 

Ayurvedic Insight of Parkinson’s Disease—

According to Ancient Ayurveda, Parkinson’s is caused by a Vata ailment that is chronic, with the symptoms becoming worse each day. The Ayurvedic texts describe Parkinson’s as Kampavata – where Kampa means tremor, and Vata means metabolic disorder. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs the body movement, and Parkinson’s is the cause of an imbalance of the Vata Dosha. 

Treatment for Parkinson’s?

Some effective treatments can relieve the symptoms. Ancient Ayurveda has a more holistic approach, where it’s believed to cure the condition naturally. Ayurvedic approach is based on the fact that most of the problems arise due to imbalances in the ‘Tridosha’ [ Kapha, Vata, and Pitta].

Ayurvedic therapies help in controlling the symptoms to a great extent. 

• Garlic, which is an excellent antioxidant, helps control oxidative damage to neurons. Garlic extracts are vital and beneficial in balancing the Vata components. Mix 5gm garlic paste, 5ml of gingelly oil, and a pinch of rock salt. Taken twice a day, this combination can effectively reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
• Make a decoction with 20ml each of Tinospora Cordifolia, Zingiber officinale and Boerrhvia diffusa that can be combined with 10ml castor oil and taken twice a day. The disturbances of Vayu [Air] in the Colo-rectal region can be treated with moist laxatives such as Triphala and Psyllium.
• Mucuna Pruriens, when taken along with Neuroprotective herbs such as Ashwagandha and Haridra, can be used for treatment. 10gm of the Ayurvedic formulation made with “Ashwagandha and Mucuna Pruriens” must be taken with milk twice a day for a few weeks. Herbs, such as Brahmi and Jatamansi, can also be added to the formulation or used separately. They help in controlling secondary symptoms of the disease such as depression.

 Controlling Diet in Parkinson’s

 Patients should remember that they have to control their diet, to manage the disease better. Being healthy can help them cope with the disease and reduce the symptoms. Therefore—

*Include more fibre in your daily diet. Some of the foods with high fibre include peas and beans, whole grain bread, vegetables, cereals, rice, and fresh fruits.

*Say no to foods–that are high in cholesterol or saturated fat.

*Reduce the quantity of milk, curds, sugar and salt.

*Drink lots of water – at least eight glasses every day.

*Avoid alcohol totally, as it might interfere with the medications.

With all this said, we now need an expert to guide us through the process of treatment and care. At Madras Institute of Ayurveda, the centre for ayurvedic treatment in Chennai, quality care range from Panchakarma treatment to rejuvenation treatment. The facility provides a whole range of holistic ayurvedic therapies with the highest standards and finest traditions dating back to Vedic times. So, come and take full advantage of our offers or log on to our website at www.miayurveda.org for further information.

Psoriasis is a non-infectious, inflammation of the skin. There is increased proliferation of the skin layers due to excessive division of the cell in the basal areas. There is frequently a Genetic Predisposition. 

Causes of Psoriasis- 

Psoriasis is the cause of the faulty balance of Vata and Kapha. [Two of the primary energies, that maintain our body’s equilibrium, according to ayurveda]. The build-up of mild poisons called Dooshi Vishas is the first change occurring in the body. Improper eating habits, consuming the wrong food combinations, excessive intake of yoghurt, seafood, sour foods, etc., can aggravate the pathogenesis. 

Ayurveda is an ancient, holistic and natural form of treatment. It is based on the fact that good health depends on a healthy body, Mind, and Spirit.

It relies on herbal remedies and living a healthy lifestyle, which include—

• Exercises such as Yoga 
• Ayurvedic therapies
• Detoxification and most importantly –
• A timely, healthy Diet

Ayurveda practitioners believe that every person has a well-defined energy pattern which includes three types of energies, called doshas. They are Vata [controls bodily functions], pitta [controls metabolic functions] and Kapha [controls growth in the body] energy. When these doshas go out of balance, you may feel over-stressed or fall sick. Therefore, Ayurvedic therapies aim to keep your doshas balanced for optimal health.

Treatments Include–

*Panchakarma therapy

The first medication used to correct psoriasis is Panchakarma therapy. This treatment involves plant-based medicines and dietary changes that are meant to detox and purify the body. A ‘Vegetarian Diet’ is often recommended.

The Panchakarma treatment includes—

• Consuming medicated ghee, considering the dosha type
• Covering the entire body in a paste of medicines and mud
• Detoxifying by introducing purging [Virechana] and vomiting [Vamana]
• Dripping medicated buttermilk on the forehead [Dhara] and 
• Introducing medicated enemas [Basthies] 

The success of the treatment depends on the severity of psoriasis, and how committed one is, to the treatment.

The following Ayurvedic Remedies may also be used to treat psoriasis:

• Onions and Garlic, to purify the blood
• The paste of jasmine flower, to relieve itching and reduce inflammation
• Guggul Vati or powder to reduce swelling and puffiness
• Neem leaves to boost the immune system and purify the blood
• Turmeric to reduce inflammation, redness and swelling

Psoriasis can be triggered by physical or emotional stress. Meditation and exercise can help reduce stress-related psoriasis flare-ups. Some herbal remedies can also help to reduce stress. For example, an Ayurvedic herb ‘Ashwagandha’ determined that the herb has anti-stress properties and is a very beneficial restorative tonic. Ashwagandha is also known as ‘The Indian Ginseng’. Ayurvedic treatments should always be taken under the direction of a trained practitioner.

Talking to your Ayurvedic Vaid [doctor]

If you suspect to have psoriasis, it’s essential to consult a medical doctor for a diagnosis first. The mind-body connection seems to play a role in overall wellness. Ayurvedic treatment that helps one person may not be of help to another. So, developing a plan that includes both mainstream and Ayurvedic medicine, can hopefully give the best of both worlds and satisfying results as well.

Visit our ayurvedic centre at ‘Madras Institute of Ayurveda’, Chennai for a wide range of treatment plans for various health issues. Madras Institute of Ayurveda offers dedicated services by trained therapists. Care begins with an accurate diagnosis, based on which the doctors create a customised treatment plan to correct the disease and not the symptoms alone.

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

Asthma is a chronic disorder of the lung, caused due to inflammation in the airways, which become narrower and fill with mucus. It ultimately blocks the airflow, which then results in short gasping breaths, causing wheezing, coughing and tightness of the chest. Asthma can be triggered by allergic reactions to irritants like dust, smoke, fumes or chemical allergens like pollen and grass. The underlying cause of all asthmatic conditions is-‘Increased Kapha dosha in Stomach’. From there it progresses into the lungs, trachea and bronchi. ‘Kapha’ is one of the three energies or doshas (Vata, pitta and Kapha) responsible for balancing the overall health. 

Bronchial Asthma is one of the most’ Fatal Respiratory Diseases’. It’s called ‘Tamaka Shvasa‘ [difficulty in breathing]. The primary dosha associated with bronchial Asthma is the watery Kapha which leads to mucus formation. This accumulation leads to narrowing and obstruction of the arteries. As a result, there is an obstruction in the airflow of the lungs, causing ‘shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing’.

Let us understand the different types of Asthma based on the dominant doshic influence——–‘The Causes.’

Vata dosha:  This type of Asthma is caused due to physical or emotional stress. It could also be triggered by a diet that is dry and cold (qualities of Vata). It usually exhibits dry cough following an asthma attack, that could lead to drastic weight loss along with other symptoms of Vata deterioration. Vata Dosha is the most common type of dosha.

Kapha dosha. Consuming excessive cold and heavy foods or even overeating, can trigger this type. A wet cough will usually follow with an asthmatic episode. Mucus is cloudy in consistency and white. Those suffering from this type, may be overweight or show other signs of Kapha vitiation.

Pitta dosha: Pitta vitiation can be a combination of Vata or Kapha type asthma. It is usually caused by exposure to allergens or microbes. The bronchial passages get inflamed, and the cough produced has a yellow or green mucus. 

Ayurvedic Treatment— 

Here are some Ayurvedic remedies that can help in reducing the symptoms of Asthma and controlling the frequency of the attacks. The treatment aims to move the excess Kapha back to stomach and then eliminate it. The following methods are adopted—

• Swedana [Sudation]
• Vamana [Therapeutic emesis]
• Virechana [Therapeutic purgation] 

The above therapies will be applied as per the need of individual patients. The practice of Pranayama, laxatives, light diet in the night and use of warm water add to the treatment of Asthma.

Ayurvedic treatments for asthma focus on eliminating the Kapha lodged in the lungs. Herbs like Vasa, Pushkarmula and Yastimadhu are all known to control the symptoms of asthma”.

 Pathya—Execute the following

• Goduma (wheat), od rice, Mudga (green gram), Kulattha (Horse gram), Yava (barley), Patola (snake gourd)
• Lukewarm water, goat milk, honey
• Respiratory exercises, Pranayama, yoga
• Use of Garlic, turmeric, ginger, black pepper

Apathya—Avoid the following

• Exposure to Smoke, Dust and fumes and pollen
• Exposure to cold & humid atmosphere
• Sweets, cold water, stored food items, curd
• Suppressing of natural urges
• Excessive physical exertion
• Cold foods, fried and heavy snacks, fish etc.

Come to our centre at ‘Madras Institute of Ayurveda’ [ MIA] Chennai, to learn more about the treatments offered for various health issues. With an ever-increasing awareness on Ayurveda, the quest is for proper treatment and facilities by qualified therapists. MIA aims at bringing natural ayurvedic medicine with all facilities to a more accessible location. Log onto www.miayurveda.org for any questions.