AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR ECZEMA

Ayurvedic treatment for Eczema

Eczema is a condition in which parts of the skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough. Blisters may sometimes occur.

Eczema has shown to be brought, well under control with the help of Ayurvedic Treatment. Diet (Ahara) and Lifestyle (Vihara) have proven to be the cornerstones of management.

“Eczema is a common, chronic, non-infectious skin condition. The main symptom of this inflammatory disease is a very itchy rash.”

Management for Kustha is beneficial in Vicharchika [Eczema]. In case of Vata predominant Kustha–internal administration of ghee is advised. For Pitta predominant Kustha–Virechana (therapeutic purgation) is helpful, followed by Rakta Mokshna (therapeutic bloodletting), and for Kapha predominant Kustha–Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) is beneficial.

According to Ayurveda, eczema is best treated with Panchakarma therapy. 

 

Treatments like-

  • consuming medicated ghee for about seven days
  • whole body oil massage
  • inducing sweating and
  • inducing purging and vomiting could be recommended.

The above treatments are meant to help control eczema by removing toxins and supporting the immune system.

 

Ayurvedic herbal remedies-

Ayurvedic treatment also involves consuming various herbs. They can be added to food, drink them as tea, or in the form of a supplement.

The following herbs are used to treat the symptoms of eczema-

  • Cardamom
  • Turmeric
  • Triphala
  • Neem

 

Dietary Changes Needed-

  • The diet should be able to pacify the dosha that is primarily vitiated.
  • Certain foods are commonly known to be aggravating to Vicharchika. Hence avoid the following–hot and spicy foods, excess fermented foods, excess salt, alcohol, sour fruits, deep-fried foods, ice cream, cold drinks, coffee, strong tea and overconsumption of nuts.
  • Consume Light food.
  • Consume more of Bitter vegetables like bitter and the ridge gourd, brinjal, lauki etc., Purana Dhanya (Older grains), Mudga (Green gram), Patola (snake gourd), Shali-Shastika (rice harvested in 60 days), Yava (barley), Goduma (wheat).
  • Introduce ghee into your diet.
  • Drink 6-10 glasses of water a day

 

It is best to eat a plant-based diet rich in whole, healthy and unprocessed foods. The right diet for eczema also must include foods rich in-

 

  • Essential fatty acids
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin A and vitamin C

The above nutrients help in reducing the symptoms of eczema.

Treatment also includes drinking lots of fluids. Liquorice tea and aloe vera juice are among the recommended ones.

 

Foods to avoid–

  • alcohol
  • dairy products
  • refined sugar
  • acidic fruits
  • tomatoes
  • fried food
  • salty or spicy food and
  • processed food

These foods could exacerbate your eczema symptoms.

 

Topical remedies include–

To soothe your skin, you can try topical natural treatments like:

*Oatmeal bath-

Oatmeal is a fine powder made out of ground oats. When used for bathing, it can calm your skin by reducing inflammation.

*Coconut oil-

Coconut oil is ideal for dryness caused due to patchy skin. It has antibacterial properties, that can prevent harmful and infection-causing bacteria from entering the cracked skin.

Spread the oil on damp skin–once or twice a day. Use cold-pressed coconut oil, as it is free from potentially irritating chemicals.

*Hemp seed oil-

Hemp seed oil can hydrate and strengthen the skin. It could help prevent bacterial infections and provide relief from itching.

*Sunflower oil-

Sunflower oil can be used as a natural moisturizer. It can reduce inflammation and increase hydration–making it ideal for relieving symptoms of eczema. Sunflower oil can be applied twice a day.

*Aloe Vera gel-

Aloe vera gel can relieve inflamed skin and itching, due to its cooling effect. Apply the gel on the skin once or twice a day.

Stress management techniques-

Ayurvedic treatment for eczema also focuses on relieving stress since it can trigger eczema flare-ups. This may be done via–

  • deep breathing techniques
  • massage
  • meditation
  • walking
  • yoga

Madras Institute of Ayurveda [MIA], Chennai is an Ayurvedic centre, where age-old treatment techniques are administered for all types of health conditions. There are outpatient and in-patient departments, with facilities for consultation in different specialities. Connect with us at www.miayurveda.org to learn more about the treatment plans.

Treating Constipation

Treating Constipation with the Help of Ayurveda

Constipation—is a prevalent health issue. Even one day without a complete bowel movement can be painful and disease forming. Treating Constipation with the Help of Ayurveda is one of the oldest practice under conceptual understanding of vata, pitta and kapha.

 

First, let’s see — What is constipation

Constipation is a Vata condition that defines qualities such as dryness and hardness. Constipation occurs when Vata’s cold and dry qualities—disturb the colon, interfering its function. The reason for this is–insufficient fibre in the diet, inadequate water intake, lack of exercise and many other factors. Constipation can increase chances of distension and discomfort, flatulence and pain, and headache and bad breath.

 

Causes–

Constipation is usually caused due to lack of attention—to nature’s call. Irregular eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, disturbed and worried mind, and drinking too much tea or coffee adds to the already sluggish digestion, leading to constipation.

 

Ayurveda recommends specific remedies to relieve constipation and help make the bowel movement smooth and uninterrupted—

 

*Follow a Vata Dosha Pacifying Diet—The best ways to prevent constipation is to follow–Vata Balancing Diet. Avoid cold foods and drinks, dried fruit, salads and beans. Only consume warm foods, warm beverages, and well-cooked vegetables.

 

*Triphala–-One very effective remedy is–Triphala, that helps cure constipation. Take one-fourth teaspoon of Triphala, half teaspoon of coriander seeds and one-fourth teaspoon of cardamom seeds. Grind them and have it two times a day. Triphala has laxative properties, and cardamom along with 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 beneficial and gentle way to relieve constipation.

 

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

 

*Anjeer [Figs]—Fresh and dry Figs soaked in warm water, are much recommended for constipation, due to its high fibre content. Eat figs daily to keep your digestion going.

 

Cure constipation by paying attention to the following simple advice—

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

– Consume a fibre-rich diet every day.

– Exercise at least half an hour daily to help keep your metabolism in good shape.

– Eat adequate seasonal fruits and vegetables to add to the bulk.

 

The Madras Institute of Ayurveda [MIA] – is the Centre for Ayurvedic Treatment in Chennai, where ancient tradition along with modern techniques are offered. It ranges from ‘Panchakarma treatment to Rejuvenation’.

 

There are facilities for a wide range of ayurvedic treatments, with the highest standards dating back to Vedic times. MIA brings the same genuine Ayurvedic effect with all facilities, to a more accessible location. For more guidelines and explanations about the Ayurvedic approach to Constipation and healing, connect with Madras Institute of Ayurveda, Inside Vijaya Hospital Premises, Vadapalani, Chennai . Therefore, log on to www.miayurveda.org to learn more about the procedures the centre offers.

Ayurveda good eating habits

Good eating habits in Ayurveda – Madras Institute for Ayurveda, Hospital

The Foundation of Good Eating Habits – With Ayurveda

‘The Act of eating’ is life giving and The Process of digestion, is the critical half of it!!! 

Benefits of right Eating Habits or Good eating habits in Ayurveda –

Eating for maximum benefit requires awareness and is important for the development of consciousness as well as our physical health—

  • Stimulating Digestion- When we sit down to eat with our stomach in a relaxed posture and our awareness on the taste, texture and smell of the food, then digestion is greatly improved. For optimal digestion, our bodies need a suitable environment, for it to start an uplifting and a settled environment allows the body to process and absorb the nutrients from our meals. Standing, walking, driving and other similar activities can inhibit digestion. 

  • Another way to improve digestion is stimulate the ‘Agni’ or Digestive fire in our stomach, before we begin eating. Weak digestive fire may result in fatigue after eating —

 

So, to handle this, “The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians” recommends Right Eating which include the following—

*Eat sitting down, in a settled environment, without the T.V on.

*Eat a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger with a few drops of lemon and a pinch of      salt, before a full meal. The blend of spices activates the salivary glands, producing the necessary enzymes to help digest the nutrients in the food and help support absorption by the body. 

* Follow nature’s prescription of suitable times to eat. Our digestive system is closely tied to the solar cycle. 

*Ayurveda suggests that lunch be the largest meal of the day, since that is the time when the digestive fire is at maximum potency. As the sun goes down, so does our digestive fire.

*Avoid ice-cold drinks and foods 

*Chew food thoroughly.

*Stay Hydrated.

*Eat mindfully and only when hungry.

*Add healthy fats to your diet. Good Digestion requires eating enough fat.

Good Nutrition goes beyond eating foods that are fresh and wholesome. If the process of digestion is sluggish, the body creates sticky food residue called ‘Ama’, that can clog the channels in our body and hinder the process of assimilation. Proper digestion and metabolism on the other hand results in the conversion of the foods you eat into healthy body tissues.

A few Ayurvedic Dietary Rules—

-Leave 4 hours between meals with no snacking [Eating in between meals weakens the digestive fire].

-The sign that the previous meal is digested is when the breath is fresh.

-Drink hot water to stimulate the digestive fire [Agni]

-Eating foods with cold, wet and heavy qualities, weakens the Agni.

-Avoid contradicting food combinations, such as raw and cooked foods together and very hot and cold foods at the same time.

Therefore, what you eat can nourish and strengthen the digestive fire, boosting your digestive system—or on the other hand it can smother it, leading to an impaired, weakened or imbalanced Agni. So, the health goal is to balance this ‘Digestive Fire.’    

                                “A diet of Simple Foods is the Best for your Gut”

degeneration of muscles

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.

Migraine Headaches treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Cure for Migraine Headaches

Ayurveda comprehensively promotes mind-body medicine and therefore influences physiological processes, that include autonomic modulation to control migraine. This article is about Migraine Headaches treatment in Ayurveda.

The ayurvedic regime in the treatment of migraine headaches involves- the elimination of vitiated Kapha Dosha, which helps in preventing the forthcoming Kapha and Pitta disorders.

Ayurveda describes headache as a symptom of various diseases and also as an independent disease entity.

Migraine Headaches treatment in Ayurveda
Migraine Headaches treatment in Ayurveda

Vata Pitta symptoms are evident in all the phases of migraine-

*Prodrome Phase: constipation, mood changes, food cravings, stiff neck, etc.

*The Aura Phase: bright spots or flashes of light, vision loss, pins and needles sensations, weakness or numbness, hearing noises.

*Attacking Phase: pain on one side or both sides of your head, throbbing or pulsing pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and lightheadedness.

*Postdrome Phase: confusion, mood swings, dizziness, weakness, sensitivity to light and sound.

 

It is essential to reduce the common causes of Vata and Pitta imbalance while handling migraine headaches. Reduce the intake of spicy, sour, bitter and astringent taste, exposure to extreme cold/hot conditions, exertion, keeping awake at nights, suppression of hunger and urges, stress, smoking and exposure to strong smells.

Ayurveda offers a traditional strategy in the management of migraine headaches, which includes medicines, ghee, milk boiled with herbs and tonics.

 

There are many ways in which Ayurveda can bring balance to life and treat the root cause of migraines. Some integrative therapies help manage migraine headaches, such as—

  •       Diet therapy

*Dosha specific Nutrition– Depending on the Dosha (s) involved in the problem–the patient must be advised to eat a diet that pacifies- the aggravated Dosha.

*Avoid or minimise migraine triggering foods– Migraine trigger foods can be different in every individual and finding these trigger foods can help to reduce migraine headaches

  •       Lifestyle modifications

Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka)–can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle, at all times. Getting enough sleep, maintaining proper food habits and avoiding migraine triggers can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Some of these healthy lifestyles include a proper diet and exercise routine, night’s sleep, a morning routine, & a low-stress lifestyle.

  •       Massage Therapy

Massage and Stretching Exercises can help minimise the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. Migraineurs must get proper sleep.

  •       Yoga

Since stress is an essential factor in forming migraine headaches, yoga without a doubt can help in preventing these types of problems. Yoga can also relieve tension in the muscles of the neck, back, and head, which contributes to headaches. Yoga can help to release tight muscles and improve blood circulation in that region. Yoga helps relax the mind as well.

  •       Meditation

Stress is a significant contributor to both tension and migraine headaches. Reciting mantras and doing meditation can reduce stress.

  •       Herbal therapy

A mix of herbal essential oils can help with the problem. Peppermint Essential Oil and balm can help with migraines.

  •       Pranayama:

Various breathing exercises have different effects on the body, mind, and spirit. Breathing practices purify the Nadis, the subtle channels that carry Prana through the field of the mind.

If the headache is because of Vata vitiation, one can benefit from alternate nostril breathing (Anuloma Viloma). If the problem is due to pitta vitiation, performing lunar and Shitali pranayama can help, and if it’s due to Kapha dosha vitiation, solar and kapalabhati pranayama can be beneficial.

  •       Soothing nose drops (Nasya):

Putting about five drops of Brahmi ghee in each nostril can ease the pain of migraine headaches. In Vata type headaches, placing 3-5 drops of warm ghee in each nostril can help to calm down the trouble.

Many of these integrative therapies help and are effective but should be taken with the advice of the expert or an Ayurveda Expert.

 

At Madras Institute of Ayurveda [MIA], Chennai, care begins with an accurate diagnosis, based on which the experts create a patient-specific treatment plan to treat the disease and not just the symptoms. MIA, Vadapalani, Chennai provides services for Migraine Headaches treatment in Ayurveda

MIA is centre of Ayurvedic medicine and treatment in Chennai, where age-old tradition meets modern techniques, ranging from Panchakarma treatment to rejuvenation treatment. With facilities for a whole range of ayurvedic treatments, with the highest standards and most beautiful traditions dating back to Vedic times, MIA has outpatient and in-patient services.
So, log onto www.miayurveda.org to learn more.

eczema_ayurveda

An Ayurvedic Approach for Treatment in Eczema – Eczema in Ayurveda

The skin has seven layers. It expands itself to the deeper levels of the body. For this reason, skin diseases have deep-rooted causes; therefore, its remedies also have to be penetrative. Skin diseases are mostly rooted deeply into various dhatus or tissues like fat, muscles, blood etc.  Madras Institute of Ayurveda, Chennai  provides treatment for eczema in ayurveda

 

Eczema and Ayurveda–

Eczema is a common skin disease globally. It is explained as a superficial inflammatory skin disease presented with redness, itching, and maybe with papules and vesicles. The common type is atopic eczema. Hereditary and environmental factors play an essential part in the genesis of the disease.

Pesticides and preservatives, incompatible food combinations and ecological pollution–causes failure of body mechanism to detoxify. Therefore, the toxins collected in the system expresses itself as eczema. Stress is not a cause, but undoubtedly an aggravating factor. Severe itching and scratching etc. can cause injury and may result in bacterial infection.

 

Causes–

  • Heredity
  • Cold and hot environments
  • Soaps and detergents
  • Upper respiratory tract infections

 

Signs and symptoms–

 

*In infants (below two years) –- Intense itching and rashes on scalp and cheeks

*In children (from 2 years to puberty) –- Rashes behind creases of elbow or knees, neck, wrist and ankles. Rashes may become lighten or darken in colour and may thicken.

*In adults – Rashes appear in the crease of elbows and knees. Skin becomes permanently scaly and dry.

 

Early symptoms–

  • Rough skin
  • Discoloration and itching
  • Fatigue
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Itching
  • Blackish discolouration
  • Oozing
  • Pain
  • Dryness

 

 

treatment for eczema in ayurveda
Women hand scratch the itch on arm, healthcare and medicine concept

Ayurvedic approach—

Unhealthy diet and lifestyle cause vitiation of digestive fire leading to the production of partially digested food gaining toxins or Ama. Ama causes the disease.

Vatha, Pitta and Kapha cause pathological changes of tissues (dhatu) such as Twak (skin), Mamsa (flesh), Rakta (Blood) and water principle of the body. Therefore, in Vicharchika, Kandu (itching) the symptom of Kapha vitiation, Pidaka (pustules, cysts and papules) the sign of Pitta vitiation and Shyavata (erythema with discolouration) the manifestation of Vatha vitiation—are present. If the disease is not treated in the early stages, it will affect the deeper tissues.

 

Treatment protocol–

Since eczema is a Chronic Disease, detoxification procedures are required to remove the root cause. Therefore, oral medicines for detoxification or purification are necessary for the initial stages. Later on, drugs are used for external application. In the last stage of the ayurvedic treatment for eczema—Rasayanas or Rejuvenation is done to nourish the skin.

 

Oral medications–

Snehana—Medicated ghee or sesame oil is administered orally. This is done for consecutive seven days.

Sweating—Mild sweating is done three days after Snehana procedure. Since it’s a chronic skin disease, Ayurvedic classics insists that only mild sweating should be applied in this condition.

  •       Vamana—If the patient presents Kapha predominant symptoms such as cold, swelling, oozing and itching, Vamana or medicated vomiting is useful.
  •       Mridu virechana—In general, Mridu virechana or medicated laxatives are given. This procedure is specifically helpful in Pitta predominant conditions, where burning sensation, fever, irritability, puss formation etc. are predominant.
  •       Rakta Shodhana (Bloodletting) and Blood purification—If signs and symptoms are not relieved by the above procedures, the bloodletting by parasites or other tools and techniques are used.
  •       Rasayana for the revitalization of skin—After attaining detoxification of the system skin which is damaged by this chronic disease deserve revitalization. Classically mentioned Rasayana or nourishing drugs are used.

 

External medications for eczema in ayurveda

Lepa (Herbal Paste)

-A paste made of herbal powders suitable for the patient is applied over the affected area–Here suitable herbal decoctions are poured continuously for a specified time.

 

-Udvarthana–In the case of rough and thick skin, rubbing with suitable herbal powder is useful.

 

-Avagaha– Sitting in a big vessel full of herbal decoction for a particular time is useful where significant areas of the body are affected.

 

-Dhupana–Fumigation with suitable herbs is useful in Vatha and Kapha predominant conditions.

 

Do’s

  • Warm bath
  • Moisturizer, mild soap
  • Cotton fabrics
  • Easily digestible food
  • Bitter vegetables
  • Green gram

 

Do No Consume–

  • Dairy products
  • Sour food
  • Jaggery
  • Black gram
  • Spicy and fried food
  • Excess salt
  • Pickles, Curd, Egg & Nuts

 

The Madras Institute of Ayurveda (MIA), Chennai, has a complete out-patient department with facilities for consultation in different specialities, regular check-ups and more. It also possesses an in-patient department with up-to-date and well-equipped Panchakarma theatres. Successful treatment programs such as eczema in ayurveda for an entire spectrum of diseases are offered here.

Eczema in ayurveda: Ayurvedic therapies are designed to deliver tangible health benefits in addition to the relaxation they provide to the mind and body. So, log onto www.miayurveda.org for further queries.

arthritis

Treating Arthritis chronic condition – With 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” —–

 

Digestion

The Foundation of Good Eating Habits – With Ayurveda

‘The Act of eating’ is life giving and The Process of digestion, is the critical half of it!!! Benefits of right Eating Habits-Eating for maximum benefit requires awareness and is important for the development of consciousness as well as our physical health—

 

  • Stimulating Digestion- When we sit down to eat with our stomach in a relaxed posture and our awareness on the taste, texture and smell of the food, then digestion is greatly improved. For optimal digestion, our bodies need a suitable environment, for it to start an uplifting and a settled environment allows the body to process and absorb the nutrients from our meals. Standing, walking, driving and other similar activities can inhibit digestion.
  • Another way to improve digestion is stimulate the ‘Agni’ or Digestive fire in our stomach, before we begin eating. Weak digestive fire may result in fatigue after eating —

 

So, to handle this, “The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians” recommends Right Eating which include the following—

*Eat sitting down, in a settled environment, without the T.V on.

*Eat a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger with a few drops of lemon and a pinch of      salt, before a full meal. The blend of spices activates the salivary glands, producing the necessary enzymes to help digest the nutrients in the food and help support absorption by the body.

* Follow nature’s prescription of suitable times to eat. Our digestive system is closely tied to the solar cycle.

*Ayurveda suggests that lunch be the largest meal of the day, since that is the time when the digestive fire is at maximum potency. As the sun goes down, so does our digestive fire.

*Avoid ice-cold drinks and foods

*Chew food thoroughly.

*Stay Hydrated.

*Eat mindfully and only when hungry.

*Add healthy fats to your diet. Good Digestion requires eating enough fat.

Good Nutrition goes beyond eating foods that are fresh and wholesome. If the process of digestion is sluggish, the body creates sticky food residue called ‘Ama’, that can clog the channels in our body and hinder the process of assimilation. Proper digestion and metabolism on the other hand results in the conversion of the foods you eat into healthy body tissues.

A few Ayurvedic Dietary Rules—

-Leave 4 hours between meals with no snacking [Eating in between meals weakens the digestive fire].

-The sign that the previous meal is digested is when the breath is fresh.

-Drink hot water to stimulate the digestive fire [Agni]

-Eating foods with cold, wet and heavy qualities, weakens the Agni.

-Avoid contradicting food combinations, such as raw and cooked foods together and very hot and cold foods at the same time.

Therefore, what you eat can nourish and strengthen the digestive fire, boosting your digestive system—or on the other hand it can smother it, leading to an impaired, weakened or imbalanced Agni. So, the health goal is to balance this ‘Digestive Fire.’

“A diet of Simple Foods is the Best for your Gut”

Joint Pain Treatment

Joint Pain Treatment in “Ayurveda”

Joint Pain Treatment – Joints are the vital parts of our body and in case injured or inflamed, they can cause immobility and pain. Joint pain and stiffness are common complaints about many.

Notable causes of joint pain can rise from, number of conditions that include–

*Medical complications arising from treatments for other problems.

* While there are many kinds of joint pain, the most common ones are Osteo Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can be very worrisome and can make a person unable to fully perform his/her daily activities. In severe cases, it disrupts sleep to a certain extent.

*Injury or Accidents

*Inflammation of joints

*Leukemia

*Degeneration

*Sprains and strains.

Common Symptoms of Joint Pain-

*Swelling

*Stiffness

*Limited range of motion

*Tenderness

*Fever

*Weakness

 

Holistic Treatment of Joint Pain— Through Ayurveda— 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 Efficiency of joint pain treatment through Ayurveda—

Ayurvedic specialists explain that joints are the vital parts of the body and in case of a disease, injury or fracture, they cease to function as they ought to. Treating joint pain with an ayurvedic approach is an individualized process. A patient is 1st diagnosed and evaluated as per the symptoms. Doctor may require an X-ray or an MRI, before treatment. Any treatment approach will aim at balancing the ‘Vata’[ combination of air and ether] which causes the inflammation and pain. Your treatment approach is influenced by the severity of the joint condition. Treatments also include massaging the joints with enriched oils and other herbs. Applying the medicated paste on the diseased joint is another treatment approach.

What happens in Ayurvedic Treatment—

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 there on.

Does Ayurvedic Treatment have a Permanent cure for Joint Pain???

Well, Ayurvedic medicines work best to cure and root out the joint pain but it is just a remedial approach, depending on the nature and extent of the problem.

Ayurveda is —Holistic Healing Through Herbs

ayurveda

7 ways to reduce back pain in Ayurveda

Ayurveda is all about natural healing and it has its origins in the Vedic culture of India. The word Ayurveda means (ayur =life, veda= knowledge). This age old tradition has been here for many years and still holds a cure for many ailments.

These days a lot of us face lifestyle related diseases and back pain is one of them. Also known as ‘Nitambha shoola’ or ‘Kaati shoola’ that causes pain and muscle weakness.

Here are the 7 ways to reduce back pain in India

  • Kati Bashi (Back oil dough therapy)

One of the most popular treatment in Ayurveda, diffused oil is used on the back. The process helps the oil to get submerged in the body which gives a healing impact. It’s a tried and tested method that gives a huge relief instantly to the patient suffering from back pain.

  • Camphor oil therapy

‘Camphor’ or ‘karpoor’ is widely used for Ayurvedic treatment. This is a very simple technique, but can work wonders for the back pain. Heat some coconut oil and add a few pieces of camphor. Once it gets cooled, store in air tight container. Massage it daily before bedtime.

  • Cut down intake of pungent spices

Daily intake of pungent spices can aggravate back pain. It dries the body and disbalances the ‘vata’ which results in back pain.

  • Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has many benefits and the healing properties are immense. It’s a very simple procedure to cure back pain. Just add a few drops in the water and use it before bath. You will get energized and will instantly see a relief from back pain as well.

  • Turmeric and Ginger

It has inflammatory properties that help in reducing pain in the body. Daily intake of these will prevent back pain from spreading.

  • Follow a Vata diet

The kind of food you consume creates a massive difference in the body. Have a warm, mildly spiced diet that will maintain a proper balance in the body. Overeating irritates the Vata.

  • Exercise

Exercise is something one must not avoid. Mild stretching and exercise can ease the pain. It helps to relax the muscles. Start with 15 minutes and gradually increase the timing .

Back pain can cause serious discomfort in the body. Because of our modern lifestyle, our movements have become restricted and we often consume junk food. Follow these simple principles and keep back pain at bay.