Ayurveda is India’s traditional medicine derived from nature and has been practiced since time immemorial. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that can be literally translated as “the natural science of life”. Ayurveda was the method of health care practised by the followers of the Vedic culture, especially the sages who meditate on mountains and don’t have any contact with the world. For many generations, this science was passed on orally through disciple succession, or from teacher to student. Nowadays, Ayurveda has gained popularity in the modern world, among rich and poor alike, in different corners of the planet.

Ayurveda teaches the prevention of disease, provides formulas for the rejuvenation of our bodily parts, and of course longevity. Ayurveda guarantees that through certain ways of living, not only can we prevent heart disease, but we can also better know ourselves and see the world around us in a proper perspective, live a long healthy life in balance and harmony, reach our maximum potential, and reveal our true inner nature.

Tridosha system

The main concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a harmony among the three fundamental bodily humours or doshas known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

- Vata has to do with the function of the nervous system.

- Pitta is the energy and it has to do with the digestive and venous system

- Kapha is the body fluid principle which relates to mucous, lubrication and the carrier of nutrients into the arterial system.

All Ayurvedic physicians believe that these ancient ideas, based on the vedic scriptures, exist in harmony with the physical reality. These Ayurvedic concepts allow practitioners to examine the homeostasis of the whole system. One dosha is predominant in everyone, but all doshas are contaminated by the remaining two.

Ayurvedic tastes

Ayurveda states that the tastes of foods or plants have specific physiological effects. Those tastes that transform during and after digestion are very powerful.

The following are the different ayurvedic tastes:

Madhura, or sweet: Sweet foods are in goodness. They nourish, cool, moisten, oil, and increase the body weight.

Amla, or sour: Sour foods are in passion. They warm, oil, and increase body weight too.

Lavan, or salty: Salty foods are in passion. They heat, dissolve, invigorate, soften, oil, and increase body weight.

Katu, or bitter: Bitter foods are in passion as well. They cool, dry, purify and reduce body weight.

Tikta, or pungent: Pungent foods are also in passion. They warm, dry, stimulate, and reduce body weight.

Kasaya, or astringent: Astringent foods are in passion. They cool, dry, reduce stickiness.

Panchakarma and Ayurvedic massage

Panchakarma is the five actions or modalities. It is a collection of purification processes that Ayurveda reccommends for some diseases and for periodic cleaning of the body. A treatment of Pancharkarma normally includes a short-term dietary prescription, massage, herbs, at times purgatives also, sweat baths, medicated enemas, and nasal cleansing.

Treatment such as Ayurvedic massage is for various age and use to cure other common disorders. Some of the advantages are pain relief, improved blood circulation, stress relief, better sleep, flexibility, sports performance and emotional wellbeing. Massage therapy can soothe pain, relax tense muscles, and decrease the swelling that accompanies arthritis. Studies claim that, with ayurvedic massage, deep-rooted toxins between the joints and tissues are slackened and released into the body for elimination through natural toxin-release processes. There are different types of ayurvedic treatments such as panchakarma and marma massage. Ayurvedic massage is especially developed in South India, in the state of Kerala and Sri Lanka.

By: Victor Epand

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Anemia is a condition in which the blood is deficient in the body. This deficiency of blood is caused due to the deficiency of iron which is an essential component of the protein complex, hemoglobin, present in the blood.

Anemia is caused as Pandu roga in Ayurveda. It is linked with the paachaka sub-dosha of the pitta. Paachaka is responsible for the proper assimilation of the digested food. If this does not happen, then the minerals in the foods – especially iron – do not pass out into the blood properly. As a result, the quality of the blood deteriorates. This leads to anemia.

There are many factors that can cause the condition of anemia in the body. Hemorrhoids or piles are an important factor. Due to this condition, there is continuous blood loss from the body. The same happens when the body has ulcers or cancers. During puberty, girls may suffer anemia. Anemia can also be caused after some major injury or a surgery in which there was major loss of blood. Hemolysis can also cause anemia. This is a condition in which there is a deterioration of red blood corpuscles.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Anemia

1. Ash Gourd (Benincasa hipsida)

Ash gourd can prevent the risk of anemia by checking the amount of blood lost from the lungs, nose and if there are piles. Ash gourd is also effective in controlling hematuria, which is a condition in which there are blood cells in the urine.

2. Celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery has a high quantity of iron and magnesium content. Iron is a component of heme, which is necessary for the production of hemoglobin in the blood. Thus a diet rich in celery helps to increase the amount of blood in the body.

3. Chicory (Chichorium intybus)

Chicory is an effective tonic for the blood. If taken with celery and parsley, it shows excellent results. These three can be had as a salad by people suffering from anemia.

4. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Known as methi, the bitter-tasting fenugreek is an important component of the Indian cuisine. Its leaves are helpful in building the volume of blood in the body. It is especially effective in girls who are suffering from anemic conditions due to the onset of puberty.

5. Onion (Allium cepa)

Onion has rich iron content. The advantage of the iron composition of onion is that it can be easily assimilated in the blood. Hence onion is the most effective remedy for anemia.

6. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum)

Wormwood is another herb that is rich in iron. Hence it is regularly used in the treatment of anemia.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Anemia

1. A healthy diet, rich in iron, must be consumed. Whole grain cereals, legumes and pulses are good sources of iron. Nuts and dry dates also contain iron. Among the meats, organs such as kidney and liver contain iron in them.

2. Anemia that is caused due to deficiency of vitamins can be avoided by a proper intake of vitamins in the diet. The food must be properly balanced and contain the proper amount of nutrients. Consult a diet chart for better guidance.

3. In order to prevent anemia conditions that are linked with pregnancy, women can take multivitamin pills and other nutritional supplements at the advice of the doctor.

4. Anemia caused by vitamin deficiency can be aggravated by smoking. Smoking interferes in the proper absorption of several vitamins in the body. Hence these vitamins – especially folate and vitamin C which are water soluble – are flushed out of the body without getting assimilated.

5. Apples are very good for anemia as they have high iron content. They should be eaten regularly; preferably after every meal.

6. Beetroot is also a very good source of iron. Apart from iron it contains various other minerals that are protective in function to the body.

7. Figs must be eaten regularly, at the rate of three to four per day.

8. Organ meats like kidney and liver must be included in the diet.

9. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, etc. must be eaten in excess. They should be eaten at regular intervals and not all at once.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Anemia

One of the best Ayurvedic therapies for the treatment of pitta is purgation therapy. Constipation needs to be corrected before the treatment of anemia can begin. Punarnava mandura may be prescribed. This not only increases the amount of blood, but it also acts as a laxative. Triphala is also commonly prescribed.

(4) Home Medications

1. Cold water bath is known to have beneficial effects in anemia. A person with anemia must have at least two cold water baths a day.

2. Flushing out the bodily toxins is necessary. This can be achieved by massages from professionals.

3. For about ten minutes every day, the anemic person must breathe deeply.

4. Anemic people must not lead a lazy lifestyle even though anemia tends to make people lethargic. They must indulge in light exercises to keep the circulation healthy.

5. Yoga has positive effects in anemia. The preferable asanas are paschimottasana and shavasana. These bring the body into a relaxed state of equilibrium and facilitate circulation of blood.



By: Tom alter

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All rheumatic disorders are classified as ‘Vata disorders’ in Ayurveda. Rheumatoid arthritis which is described as “Amavata” in Ayurveda is a joint disorder which affects multiple joints a various sites.’Ama’ means toxic which is produced in the body due to weakening of digestive fire- Jataragni.

This ‘Ama’ is then carried by ‘Vayu’ and travels throughout the body and accumulate in the joints, which is the seat of ‘Kapha’ As this process

continuous, all the joints are gradually affected, which results in severe pain and swelling in the joints. When ‘Pitta’ also gets aggravated, it causes burning sensation around the joints.

Treatment:

(a) Diet - Vegetarian food to be consumed. Dairy products, sweets, oily foods, junk and fast foods, salty and sour foods, jaggery, black gram, fish, cold drinks and ice creams are to be avoided.

(b) Life style- One should avoid cold breeze and excessive wind. Warm water bath is recommended. Take a gentle walk after consumption of food.

(c) Medicines- Guggulu is the most effective drug in treating ‘Amavata’. Also herbal preparations of Ashwagandha, Haritaki, Rasna, Sunthi, Pippai and Trivrut are helpful.

(d) Panchakarma Therapy - This is purification process by which toxins are eliminated from the body.

Snehana: Internal and external oleation to the body / affected parts is given as a preliminary process.

Swedana: This is done by application of steam on the affected parts. It helps in reducing inflammatory conditions in the body.

Virechana: By the process of Virechana, the ‘Ama’ is eliminated from the body. Also the bowel is cleansed, which results in absorption and assimilation of the medicinal preparations properly.

Vasti:This is done by administration of herbal enema. It is helpful in chronic cases.

Ayurvedic treatment, a holistic approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis has been designed identifying the fact that the power of mind can overcome any physical aberrations.Along with treatment,organized lifestyle, physiotherapy, vegetarianism, suitable physical exercises, yoga and meditation should be practiced.

Asanas (Postures) :

Natural unblocking effected by yoga postures are helpful to relieve stress out of the individuals who carry a great deal of physical tension in their bodies. It is a form of a slow exercise together with a controlled breathing exercise which promotes a relaxed feeling.

Prayanama (A breathing technique) :

In this technique an individual do slow and steady breathing - like inhaling through his one nostril and exhaling through other. Besides there are fast breathing movements like intake of air through nostrils and exhaling through mouth at fast pace, this way air is passed properly through blood capillaries and the person feels himself in light mode and he feels that there is no burden over their body.

Dhyana (Meditation):

A person sits in a posture usually in relaxing mode and concentrate his mind over one point with eyes closed. The mind is concentrated up to an extent when an individual feels that he has no interaction with the surroundings, in fact the mind reaches in a neutral stage thereby relieving mental exhaustion. Meditation restores the body to a calm state, helping the body to repair itself, and preventing damage due to the physical effects of stress.



By: Rajesh Nair

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Gastritis is a common name for all kinds of inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach, which is known as the mucosa. It is characterized by severe stomach ailments like cramps in the stomach, diarrhea and constipation and even blood with the stools.

In Ayurveda, gastritis is known as Urdhavaga Amalapitta. It is caused in people with pitta constitution. When the pitta dosha gets vitiated in such people, there are greater chances of getting gastritis.

There are many causes of gastritis. Food poisoning can lead to gastritis, and so can consuming alcohol and drugs like aspirin and steroids. Allergies to certain foods can cause gastritis. Oblique causes for gastritis are physical stresses caused due to flu, some major surgery, severe burns or injuries.

Nowadays the infection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is looked upon as an important cause of gastritis.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Gastritis

- Asparagus (Asparagus racemosa) Asparagus is known to be an antispasmodic. It reduces the fire in the stomach. The root of the asparagus is effective in reducing the hyperacidity of the digestive system.

- Bitter Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) The tea of the bitter chamomile is effective in allaying the gastritis that is caused due to tensions and worries.

- Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum) Cardamom has soothing effects on the stomach. It is especially beneficial if the gastritis causes heartburn.

- Fennel (Fenneliculum vulgare) Fennel is used as a digestive traditionally by Indians. After each meal, there is a tradition of chewing some seeds of fennel. Fennel soothes the stomach, facilitates digestion, reduces flatulence and relieves the stomach of excess acidity.

- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) The extract of ginger is effective in treating the acid dyspepsia that is associated with gastritis. It is especially useful for people who consume more of a non-vegetarian food.

- Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) The Indian gooseberry, or amla, is very beneficial in the treatment of several stomach ailments, gastritis included. The other digestive ailments it is used for dyspepsia, burning sensation, anorexia, vomiting and hemorrhage.

- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) The root of the licorice can soothe the inflammation and the injury to the stomach. It is also known to reduce the proliferation of Helicobacter pylori.

- Rhubarb (Rheum emodi) Rhubarb is a mild agent; so it is effectively used in treating gastritis problems in children. It can reduce the acidity in the stomach.

- Sandalwood (Santalum album) Sandalwood helps in gastritis because it has cooling properties. It can soothe the stomach muscles inflamed by gastritis.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Gastritis

A careful dietary regime is needed in case of gastritis. The following points must be noted.

- Only rice that has been aged for one year must be used. Wheat and barley are beneficial.

- Among vegetables white pumpkin, bitter gourd, cucumber, green banana and banana flower are effective.

- Cow’s milk is preferable to buffalo’s milk.

- People suffering from gastritis must not confuse their stomach glands with different kinds of foods at the same time. It is beneficial if the person is kept on a single diet. Ideally the person must be kept on a milk diet or on a diet of old rice.

- Vitamin C has the capacity to help in the absorption of iron and calcium salts in the body. This eases the digestive process. Therefore, the diet must be rich in vitamin C. Foods that contain vitamin C to a commendable quantity are amlas, oranges, etc.

- Pungent and sour tastes must be avoided. Even chocolates, tea and coffee must be avoided as these can increase the acidic contents in the stomach.

- The person must never eat till the stomach is fool. In gastritis it is better to eat little quantities each time, so that the stomach gets proper time to digest the food.

- Sesame seeds and curds must be avoided.

- There should be a total stop to alcoholism.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Gastritis

Amalaki choorna or Triphala choorna is given in a dose of three grams thrice a day for seven days.

If there is constipation along with gastritis, then Avipattikara choorna is taken as the medicine of choice. The dosage is two teaspoonfuls at bedtime.

There is a list of other Ayurvedic preparations that are useful in the treatment of gastritis. Some of these are Dhaatri loha, Sukumara ghrita, Sootashekhara rasa, Kaamadudha rasa, Leela Vilas rasa, Chandrakala rasa and Amalapittantaka rasa.

(4) Home Medications

- Take one teaspoonful of licorice root powder and mix it with pure ghee and honey. Take this twice each day on an empty stomach.

- Have a banana early in the morning. Drown them with milk. This reduces the acidity within the stomach in some days.

- After each meal have a glassful of milk with Isphagula in it.

- Squeeze the juice of an orange and add some roasted cumin seeds in it. Have this with some salt in it. It provides immense relief in gastritis.

Apart from these, keep the mind always stress-free. Do not go to bed immediately after a meal. There should be an ideal gap of an hour between taking a meal and going to bed.

By: Dr.Anna Hardy

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