An Integrated Approach to Treat Depression

Depression, anxiety, phobias and mental health feature almost daily in the media and it appears that depression is fast becoming one of the biggest problems experienced within society. These conditions increasingly affect people living in the modern world and research has led to estimates that at least 17% of the adult population have had, or will have, an episode of depression of sufficient clinical severity to warrant treatment. A special national Institute of Mental Health report on Depressive Disorders in 1973 stated that depression accounts for 75% of all psychiatric hospitalisations and that during any given year 15% of all adults between 18 and 74 may suffer significant depressive symptoms. Current studies indicate that the lifetime risk of depression in an adult population could be as high as 30%.

Along with the increased incidence of depression has been an explosion in the use of prescription drugs to treat the condition, but recent reports have questioned whether these are effective or indeed simply create more problems for the patient. Accordingly there is a growing interest in finding a fresh approach to the treatment of these conditions. Having trained in clinical psychology and psychotherapy I am able to incorporate a lot of the accepted practices. However, the more I worked with individuals and with groups I found that by integrating the eastern inspired approaches that I learnt in India, I was able to achieve far more effective and lasting results within a shorter period of time.

Understanding Depression

In Psychiatry depression is referred to as a mood disorder. Mood disorders have been known to man since antiquity; the old Testament describes King Saul as suffering from severe depressive episodes. However, the term encompasses a wide spectrum of emotions ranging from deep depression to unbounded elation and mania and so understanding the behaviour of individuals suffering from depression can be very challenging.

All people experience a range of emotions and in general they are a healthy part of life and feeling appropriate emotions contributes positively to our well being. However, emotions are of two main types; firstly affective emotions, in other words a short lived emotional response to an event, and secondly mood, which is a lasting and dominant emotional response which colours the whole psychic life.

More than 90% of depressed people experience prolonged moods of sadness, discouragement or a sense of not caring any more. However, to classify someone with a major depressive episode clinicians look for five or more of the following symptoms to have been present during the preceding two weeks. There should also be a noticeable change in previous functioning with at least one of the symptoms being either a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.

Symptoms:

1. Depressed mood most of the day.

2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day.

3. Significant weight loss when not dieting, or weight gain eg. A change of more than 5% of body weight in a month. Or a decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.

4. Insomnia (sleeplessness) or hypersomnia (excessive sleep) nearly everyday.

5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day.

6. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day

7. Feeling of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt

8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness

9. Recurrent thoughts of death

No single casual factor as to why people get depressed has been identified. Research points to many factors that seem to contribute to its development, including genetics, biochemical changes and personality theories. Several research papers have reported findings which suggest that relatives of patients with major depressive disorders have a higher prevalence of depression than people in the general population. Other research has focussed on biochemical correlates of depression and studied the role of chemicals that transmit nerve impulses from one neuron to another in the brain. Whilst several theories related to depression have been developed regarding personality types.

My experience as a Doctor has led me to view each client as an individual whose requirements need personalised attention. Human beings are a complex creation whose health and wellbeing depends on a balance in all dimensions of their lives, from physical health to behavioural, energy and even environmental aspects.

Treating Depression

Conventional western medicine generally treats depression using medication eg. Tricyclic, heterocyclic anti-depressants and the new SSRT drugs. The commonly used psychological therapies for the treatment of depression are individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy. Eastern Psychotherapy integrates eastern methods, such as meditation, yoga, pranic, or energy, healing, mantra and sound healing, with elements of the traditional psychotherapy developed in the West. When treating depression and other mental health conditions it is vital to look for the causative factors and explore the issues using ayurvedic principles as well as acknowledging the spiritual component. It may sometimes also be appropriate to study the astrological chart of the person being treated to seek a better understanding of the influences affecting the individual and gem therapy, which is a commonly accepted practice in many parts of Asia, may be recommended.

The treatment of conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety is undoubtedly enhanced by the use of complementary techniques. The value of seeking help from professionals who have worked with both approaches is they can select the right choice of treatment for each individual. Orthodox techniques often deal effectively with the symptoms, however eastern practices can be more helpful with the underlying causes. A therapist who understands the personal needs of each individual is more able to provide them with an empowering approach to their illness. For some the focus may be on the traditional Western methods, but for others accelerated and positive results can be achieved by blending the best of East and West in an integrated treatment programme.

With an integrated approach to depression most individuals are able to benefit within 3 or 4 sessions, sometimes even less, depending on the nature of their condition. It is important with any therapeutic approach to ensure clients do not develop a dependency on the treatment or only enjoy a temporary respite because the underlying causes have not been addressed.

CASE STUDY

Miss K, a 35 year old female failed to respond to conventional treatment. An holistic approach included energy and environmental assessments as well as her medical background. She had a five year history of depression which had been particularly severe in the preceding six months. She was using anti-depressants and had undergone several sessions of counseling which she did not like.

The assessment on the energetic level revealed some blockages in the heart and solar plexus chakras. The environment at home was dark and sombre with black and grey being her main choice of colours; there was no flow of energy.

She was recommended to try a combination of energy therapies including Reiki and music/mantra treatment along with some suggestions of changes to the home environment. She also used a herbal remedy (St John’s Wort), massage and acupuncture and embarked on six sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy. Her programme lasted six months, but she responded very well and has been free of depression for more than a year reporting that she feels generally well, is taking an active interest in her life and in her personal development.

TEXT ENDS

November 2008

Dr Diwakar Sukul, PhD, FRSM, TFTdx, MA(C Psyche), PGDBM, Dip in Addictive Behaviour (London), Dip.E .Hy.Psy.NLP (BHR), MD (Alt MED)

Founder/Director The Kamkus Clinic

Dr Diwakar Sukul is the founder and director of the KAMKUS Clinics, in Harley Street, London. He is also a co-creator of the concept of the Multi-Dimensional healthcare. The creation of KAMKUS reflects a lifelong vision inspired by his belief, that holistic and traditional medicine should work together addressing all aspects of the person in an integrated way.Dr Sukul has a Ph.D. in psychology. He has a background in clinical psychology and psychotherapy, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and NLP. Diwakar is an acknowledged expert on stress, anxiety, mental health and well being. He is also trained as a Field Traumatologist and Compassion Fatigue Educator and Thought Field Therapist. He has received international recognition for his work with alcohol and drug addiction, which he treated with a unique blend of Eastern and Western approaches.

He has conducted several national and international seminars and workshops on stress management, multidimensional healthcare, addiction and other health related problems. He has been a keynote speakers at a number of international conferences. He has delivered the training and workshops in U.K, USA, Switzerland, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India. His major field of interest has been addiction, stress management, therapeutic intervention, compassionate fatigue, hypnotherapy and neuro linguistic programming, complementary and integrated healthcare. He has appeared on BBC TV, ITV, ZEE TV and several cable television programmes talking about integrated medicine. His work is also featured in newspapers and magazines including Evening Standard, The Times, Daily Mail. Here’s Health etc.

Dr Diwakar Sukul
The Kamkus Clinic
117 A Harley Street
London
W1

dsukul@usa.net
http://www.kamkushealthcare.co.uk

Snoring Remedies

Snoring causes and snoring home remedies. Ayurvedic home remedies for snoring.

Though people approach snoring as a funny menace, it is a condition that requires treatment. Over sixty percent of men above age 50 snores, which can be indication of several other problems including high blood pressure and blockages in the respiratory tract.

Snoring is not a disease, but sometimes can be indication of serious conditions like sleep apnea. Though in itself is not a disease, snoring can cause serious health problems. The person sharing the room will not be able to sleep well and suffer from symptoms associated with sleep deprivation. This is applicable to the person who snores too.

Being overweight is a reason for snoring. If you are overweight and snore, you had better lose those extra pounds slowly but steadily. Eat nutritious, fiber rich food, while also taking up regular exercise programs, including yoga. It is beneficial to your general health condition too.

Try sleeping on your left side. This will help reduce snoring. Sleeping on your right side can create problems inside stomach because of the peculiar shape of stomach and the action of digestive juices.

Avoid alcohol and smoking. Alcohol and smoking are not helpful to human body in any way. Taking hard drinks immediately before going to bed can cause loud snoring. Nasal congestion can be reason for snoring. If it is the case you can put a few holy basil leaves in two-three glass of water, boil it and allow the steam to reach your nose.

Practicing yoga can also help, as several of the yoga asanas can help clear the disturbances in the respiratory tract.

Dev Sri provides insider information about Ayurvedic herbal medicine practices and Ayurveda in Kerala. Find more about Ayurvedic medicines at http://www.KeralaAyurvedics.com/.

Cure Toothaches – Have You Identified the Cause?

Who does not wish to cure toothache the moment it surfaces? Everyone knows a toothache can be very debilitating and can destroy all joy of life! You can cure toothache with natural, homeopathic or Ayurvedic medications. You can also visit your dentist to cure your toothache with western medical practices.

Before actually set out to treat toothache, it may be a good idea to review the causes for the toothache. A toothache is a symptomatic response to a disease. The disease could be confined to your gums and teeth or it could be due to an underlying physical or psychological cause. If the toothache is due to gum or tooth disease the cure for the toothache will lie with the dentist. If the dentist not able to treat your toothache, you must go to a general physician and get yourself physically and symptomatically examined for deeper underlying medical conditions. Your drive to cure toothache may save your life!

If a visit to the dentist cannot be arranged immediately, you could get some relief by trying out some simple home remedies. Cloves, onion, garlic, golden seal or an ice pack may help you numb the painful region and alleviate the toothache temporarily. Ayurvedic cures for toothache suggest oil pulling as an effective remedy. Homeopaths would prescribe Coffea C12 or Pyrogen C12 to treat toothache. All these remedies only relieve toothache temporarily or will take a long time to bring you the relief you seek. You need to get to the root cause of the problem before you dismiss it from your mind or learn to live with it.

Your dentist can treat toothache relating to gum disease permanently by getting your gums cleaned out and by prescribing antibiotics, mouthwashes and urging you to focus on improving oral hygiene. You can relive toothache that manifests due to pulpitis by having the affected tooth extracted or having a root canal treatment done. Exposed nerves, chipped teeth, eroded enamel will all demand root canal treatment for effective cure of toothache.

If your dentist is not able to solve the problem with any of the traditional dental techniques, you need to look further for treatment. Your general physician may refer you to a heart specialist. Strange as it may seem, an underlying heart problem can cause toothache. You heart specialist will do a physical exam and will suggest a number of laboratory tests to confirm your medical condition. Treating your heart condition will also get rid of the toothache.

Toothaches can also be caused by problems in the inner ear known as Tempromandibular Joint syndrome(TMJ). Your Doctor can cure toothache of this kind by examining your inner ear and prescribing cures for the TMJ.

To summarize the most common cause of toothache can be dental cavity or gum disease. However, toothache can also be caused by other medical conditions. Therefore, you need to be aware that to cure toothache permanently you may have to go both to a dentist and a general physician.

Nigel Butcher is a writer and researcher on all types of health issues including how to cure toothache. For free tips and product reviews visit my blog ToothacheRemediesOnline.com

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Relief with Ayurveda

Ayurvedic relief from addictions like drugs, alcohol, smoking and over eating helps people come back to enjoying their life without addictions to any harmful substances. Ayurveda is unique system of lifestyle that helps people lead healthy lives. Ayurvedic addiction recovery therapies work with the willpower of the person.

As a first step to recover from the addiction, the person must identify he is slave to an addiction and should have a desire to recover from alcohol addiction, drug addiction or addiction to smoking. Over eating is also a behavioral problem that has far reaching consequences on one’s health.

One detrimental factor to free one from addictions is the withdrawal symptoms. The addicts feel they are punished for abandoning the use of drugs, alcohol or cigarette.

Ayurveda approaches this problem systematically and Ayurvedic system of cure from addictions is based on treating the cause instead of symptoms. The alcohol consumption or smoking is only a symptom. Underlying reasons can be stress or mental tension. The person tries to dissolve his worries in alcohol, but he or she ends up more worried and disheartened.

Ayurveda aims at removing the root cause of the addiction. Ayurveda aims at replacing the addictive behavior with some constructive behavior. For instance, smokers will be given herbal cigarettes, which satisfy their urge to smoke, but removes the toxins added to their body.

This herbal approach is supplemented with counseling, guided meditation, massage therapy, aromatherapy, etc which help in complete recovery of the addiction without withdrawal symptoms. The inertia or the mental conditioning of the person to give up the habit is the first thing that needs attention.

Ayurveda also recommends personalized treatment programs based on the physical constitution of the person. Physical constitution, called DOSHA in Ayurvedic terms gives clues to effectiveness in recovery from any addictions.

Each type of persons have specific herbal formulations that help in removing toxic wastes accumulated to the body, strengthen internal tissues and easily recover the person from addiction.

The important factor is the mental preparedness of the person to accept he/she has some addictions and honest desire to recover. After getting the person in right mental condition, it is easy to recover from any life-threatening bad habits.

Dev Sri provides insider information about Ayurvedic herbal medicine practices and Ayurveda in Kerala. Find more about Ayurvedic medicines at http://www.KeralaAyurvedics.com.

Eliminate Confusion, Self Judgement, And Old Belief Patterns – Learn Ayurveda Health Care Choices

In the science of ayurvedic medicine, body type survey is used as one of the diagnostic methods of the science of Ayurveda.

This self-protocol test is an accurate description of the examination done by the Ayurveda Rishis’ Physicians. These ancient physicians performed the examinations and recorded the results in sanskrit originally.

It is important to understand that taking this test out of the lineup of all the other tools that the ayurvedic doctor uses is like taking a tone out of the eight tones of the music scale.

It is only part of the examination findings that lead the ayurvedic doctor to a course of treatment. This survey introduces you to yourself. There are many surveys to complete in a lifetime because they are a convenient way of objectively knowing yourself.

The eternal benefit is you are taught your ayurveda body type with this survey. This is the first step in the bell tones of ayurveda..

The great benefit to a twenty-first century person to learn the ancient science of ayurveda body type still is that the ayurveda health body science makes sense.

Ayurveda is a logical and complete body science with easy steps to follow. Exercise, Relaxation Techniques, food and herbs all uniquely chosen for your age, season, and even, time of the day. These daily observations are the very details of your disorder in the eyes of ayurveda. Ayurveda uses this body info, just as a few of the tools of ayurveda.

Easy to follow. One can follow the ayurvedic logic back to health.

You do not have to trust it, the results speak for itself.

Ayurveda Body Type Survey provides a modern person a blueprint to understand the nuts and bolts about their sacred vehicle.

The survey is an excellent tool to focus the person back to themselves without preconceived ideas of who they wish they were.

The survey works to deliver that message. It actually happens in the taking of the survey.

As you answer questions without thinking and just describing yourself naturally.

A special thing happens. You are focusing on yourself without judgment.

Self-knowledge is the reward. Seeing yourself with strengths and parts that need your love and nourishment to balance is life transforming. Body Type Survey is a gift from the ancient Sumerians to us. Talk about timelessness.

The same way a good doctor would exam a patient, you examine you

The survey that the ancient physician created was thorough and answered to the doctor,

in the case of the individual body type seeker, you are the doctor.For the next article I wll give you a tip for homework: Remember One Important Fact in Ayurved Science. Vata leads The doshas.

Thank-you for joining with me to popularize ayurveda in the twenty-first century.

Learn about you,nourish you, listen to you, heal you, make you happy, start by getting to know you the ayurveda way.

2007 © Copyright Dr. Helen Thomas D.C. B.A.

For MY Free 358 page book go to http://www.effortlessayurvedicliving.com/ Simple, powerful help.

Know the Best Way to Cure Bad Breath Problem

Bad breath – medically known as halitosis – is an extremely embarrassing problem that is actually present in most people over the world today. A person suffering from bad breath can often become a subject of ridicule. Hence it is very important to get rid of this problem. There are several products in the market ranging from toothpastes to mouth fresheners, but they can only provide temporary relief to the problem. Ayurveda has the potential to solve the problem from its roots.

The mouth is the place of the kapha dosha. Hence an imbalance in the kapha dosha of the person manifests itself in the form of bad breath. In order to treat the problem of bad odor forever, a person will need to keep his/her kapha in the proper balance. In most instances, oral hygiene is spoken along with dental hygiene. Hence most treatments that are beneficial for the teeth are also beneficial for keeping mouth odors at bay.

In an indirect way, even the pitta dosha is responsible. When the agni (digestive fire) of the pitta dosha is vitiated, then the person would have an improper digestion. This would lead to bad breath emanating from the mouth.

When a person has bad breath, what is actually happening is that bacteria are living in the mouth, which are decomposing the residues of the food and releasing sulfur. The bad breath is a result of this liberation of sulfur. The regions in which the bacteria live could be in the interspaces between the teeth, in the cavities of the teeth or on the tongue. In extreme cases, there could be pus formation in the gums (scurvy like conditions due to deficiency of vitamin C). This could cause severe offensive odor and the person could well become a social outcast.

Let us check out the various methods available in Ayurveda to treat the problem of bad odor.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Bad Breath

® Babul (Acacia arabica)

The babul is actually useful for the treatment of teeth cavities. Strong teeth means less cavities; and this will mean no bad breath. Simply chewing on the fresh bark of the babul tree will make the teeth stronger and arrest any bad breath that is emanating from them.

® Banyan (Ficus bengalensis)

If the aerial roots of the banyan are used to rub on the teeth (much as a toothbrush does), then the bacteria on the teeth would be killed. This would reduce the bad breath to a great extent.

® Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Again, clove is actually used for dental treatment. Clove is perhaps the most commonly used herb in dental treatments; it is one of the chief ingredients of many toothpastes. But due to its pungent taste, it can also cure the kapha vitiation which will eventually fight the bad breath.

® Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Chewing a few leaves of the holy basil will treat all kinds of mouth infections. Thus bad breath will become a thing of the past.

® Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Pepper is considered to be a very excellent agent in treating foul breath. A poultice of pepper is made with rock salt and rubbed on the teeth. When this is done on a daily basis, almost all kinds of oral and dental problems will be brought under control.

® Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Sandalwood is a very effective herb in the vitiation of the pitta dosha that can bring about improvement of the gum health.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Bad Breath

® The first important thing with halitosis is to check is whether the digestion is going on properly or not. Reduce the consumption of all foods that are difficult to digest. Include more fruits and green leafy vegetables in the diet as they can aid digestion.

® Flavor your food with spices such as cardamom and clove. These will help to combat the bacteria developed in the oral cavity.

® Drink lots of water and citrus fruit juices during the day.

® Gargle your mouth after everything you eat. Vigorous gargling is required to remove the food particles accumulated in the interspaces of the teeth or their cavities. If gargling is not enough, brush and floss.

® Do not leave residues of chocolates and sugary foods in the mouth. Wash the mouth immediately after eating such things.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Bad Breath

Tablets of Khadiradi, Eladi and Lavangadi can be chewed about three to four times a day. This refreshes the mouth repeatedly and also has an astringent effect on the bacteria in the mouth.

(4) Home Medications

® The teeth and gums must be massaged with a mixture of honey and fine charcoal powder once a day.

® Keep the peel of a single pomegranate in the shade and let it dry completely. Do not keep it in direct sunlight or it will dry out the vitamins. Grind the dried peel to a fine powder. Put three grams of the powder in a glass of water and boil it. Gargle with this water. Repeat this for about a month.

® Dried coriander when chewed reduces the foul odor from the mouth. This is a good method to reduce the bad breath due to garlic and onion.

Read More on Treatments by Ayurveda and Home Remedies at http://www.ayushveda.com

Read more about Ayurveda at World’s Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies. – The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Nocturnal Enuresis (Bed-Wetting) – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Nocturnal Enuresis is defined as bed-wetting which occurs in children aged 5 years or more, with at least 1-2 episodes per week over at least a three month period. Nocturnal enuresis may be primary or secondary. Most children with bed-wetting who are 7 years or younger, usually outgrow this condition and hence, do not require any treatment. Children more than 8 years of age who have nocturnal enuresis may require treatment, since it can prove to be embarrassing to the child and his/ her parents, and may affect the child’s academic performance and social relations with others.

Nocturnal enuresis is termed as “Shayya Mootra” in Ayurveda. Most Ayurvedic physicians

treat this condition according to the associated conditions or causes. Those with a tendency to constipation are given Arogyavardhini and Chandraprabha vati. Krumimudgar ras or Krumikuthar ras are given when there is a history of, or signs of worms. For generalized weakness, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) kalpa or Shatavari Ghruta is used orally and Mahanarayan oil is used for massaging the body. Children having a history of loss of appetite, indigestion and loose motions are given Sanjeevani vati (containing mainly Semicarpus anacardium) and Pippalyadi decoction (containing mainly Piper longum). Turmeric(Curcuma longa), Ajvayan (Hyoscyamus niger), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Garlic, Ginger, Jeera (Cuminum cyminum), Pudina (Mentha spicata) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) are used regularly in the daily diet. Urinary tract infection is treated with medicines like Gokshuradi Guggulu. Herbal medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Shankapushpi (Consecora decussata) are used to reduce stress.

Several herbal combinations are available which improve the neuro-muscular tone and strength and thus increase the retention capacity of the urinary bladder. Normally, with these medicines, most children get cured within 3 – 4 months of treatment. A selected few may require one or two additional courses of shorter duration.

It is advisable to have an early dinner, and to stop liquid intake from two hours before going to bed. The child should be encouraged to empty the bladder at frequent intervals before sleeping. The child should also be encouraged to be free from stress and anxiety. Timely treatment should be given for any underlying disease, if found present.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com His blog, titled “Herbal Medicines”, can be seen at http://www.ayurvedicherbalmedicines.blogspot.com Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 22 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has published his findings of herbal treatment of HIV / AIDS in 55 patients in the Bombay Hospital Journal, Mumbai, India, July 2005 issue. He has also successfully completed a clinical trial of herbal extract medicines in Schizophrenia compared to modern anti-psychotics, in 200 patients (See http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00483964). He has also conducted preliminary studies of Ayurvedic herbal extracts in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Mental Retardation, Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction, Age Related Macular Degeneration and different types of Cancer.

Allergies – Ayurvedic Management

According to Ayurveda, an ancient healing system, one develops allergies when ojas (life force) is depleted & when the immune system is weakened. High quality ojas is primarily built from proper digestion of wholesome foods, and is depleted through stress, lack of rest, toxic foods, irregular eating habits and routines & turbulent emotions. Ayurvedic management of allergies includes:

a) Diet, Nutrition and Digestion – Allergies can be aggravated through improper diet. Foods that can be easily digested, creating nutrients that are then assimilated into the tissues to rebuild their strength is recommended. Prepare foods in ways that create maximum nourishment for the body.

b) Stress Management and Improved Emotional Function – Allergies are worsened by heightened stress and mental fatigue. Sleep disturbance that is often created by symptoms of allergies increases fatigue, which in turn increases one’s susceptibility to stress, which in turn aggravates the allergy condition. Meditation relieves the stress component of allergies.

c) Lifestyle and Daily Routine – Regularity in our daily routine is highly effective as one of the most important factors for balancing Vata and keeping the natural cleansing processes strong is to have a lifestyle that does not disturb natural bodily rhythms

d) Ayurvedic Herbs – Appropriate herbal formulas is advised for aiding the healing process, strengthening digestion and helping the body purify itself.

e) Herbal Oil Massage – Daily oil massage creates heat and friction which enhance circulation and help cleanse the areas of chemical impurities that could be causing symptoms of allergies.

f) Cleansing therapies – Treatment program of massage, application of herbal preparations and mild internal cleansing therapies like panchakarma is the cornerstone of ayurvedic treatment.

g) Exercise – Ayurveda considers proper stretching and flexibility exercises to have a very positive effect on the body’s healing response and the treatment of allergies. Yoga breathing practices that create a state of restful alertness in mind and body.

Thus, Ayurveda is an integrated approach to allergy as it eliminates toxin buildup, stabilize the nervous system, enliven the healing ability of the body and manage stress and thereby strikes the allergy at its root.

http://www.ayurvedaforall.com/

Sciatica and Cervical Spondylosis – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Sciatica is the name given to the disease in which there is pain, tingling or numbness due to irritation of the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve, which originates in the lower back and extends down into both the legs till the feet. Cervical Spondylosis is the name given to the disease in which there is pain, tingling or numbness due to irritation of the nerve roots that form the brachial nerve, which originates in the neck and extends down into both the arms till the hands.

Both diseases are discussed here together, since the causative factors, symptoms and the treatment required for both are very much similar, only the location of the pain is different. The pain of sciatica is in the lower back, radiating down to the leg and foot, whereas the pain of cervical spondylosis is in the neck and shoulder, radiating down to the arm and fingers. Sciatica pain has typically more of a dramatic onset, usually due to a ruptured or herniated disc which presses on the nerve roots and causes the pain. The pain can be severe enough to cause acute limitation of movement. This can happen in cervical spondylosis too, however, here it is more common to have a gradual onset of pain due to degeneration of the neck vertebrae.

In Ayurveda, sciatica is called as “Grudhraci” and cervical spondylosis is called as “Vishwachi”. Ayurvedic treatment of sciatica consists of the following procedures: (i) “Snehan” ( use of local medicated lubricants) (ii) “Swedan” (local fomentation) (iii) “Basti” (Medicated enema) (iv) “Anuloman” ( mild laxative treatment for prolonged periods) (v) “Dahan” (local heat branding ) and (vi) “Shaman” ( symptomatic oral treatment).

Vishgarbha oil in acute condition, and Mahanarayan oil ( containing mainly Asparagus racemosus) for chronic pain is used for local snehan procedure. Local fomentation can be done mainly in two ways. The first is “Naadi swedan” in which, a jet of medicated steam is directed at the back and affected leg, usually after the snehan procedure. A decoction of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is usually used for this procedure. The second procedure is called as “Awagah swedan”, in which the patient is made to recline in a tub filled with warm decoction of Nirgundi, Dashmool (Ten Roots) or ErandMool (Root of Ricinus communis).

Medicated enemas are given using Vishgarbha oil, Mahasahachar oil and Mahanarayan oil.

Castor oil and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) treated with castor oil are used for mild, prolonged laxative treatment.

Local heat branding is used by some physicians to reduce severe pain in the leg. The branding is usually done at the site of maximum tenderness in the lower back or buttock .

Oral medications include Mahavat Vidhwans, Vata Gajankush, Maharasnadi decoction, Triphala Guggulu, and Yograj Guggulu. Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) compounds and other herbal combinations are given for prolonged periods depending upon the symptoms and severity of pain.

Most patients respond well to these medicines and are usually cured in a period of 1- 3 months. For degeneration of the cartilage or bones, prolonged treatment may be required. Though rare, it is important to rule out other cause of sciatica, like tumor. If there is gross structural damage to the back-bone, this may have to be first treated surgically. Ayurvedic herbal medicines, given later, may help in recovery of nerve damage.

The same treatment applies to cervical spondylosis, except that enema and laxative treatment may not be helpful here, and the heat branding is done on the shoulder blade. Fomentation is done using the “naadi swedan” procedure. A specialized form of enema, called “Tikta-ksheer basti” is used in severe cervical spondylosis, and the repeated use of this enema gives results where other treatments have failed.

It is advisable to avoid cold (refrigerated) food products, as also foods which may cause abdominal bloating. It is also better to refrain from very vigorous and heavy work or exercise.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com . His blog, titled “Herbal Medicines”, can be seen at http://www.ayurvedicherbalmedicines.blogspot.com Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 22 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has published his findings of herbal treatment of HIV / AIDS in 55 patients in the Bombay Hospital Journal, Mumbai, India, July 2005 issue . He has also successfully completed a clinical trial of herbal extract medicines in Schizophrenia compared to modern anti-psychotics, in 200 patients( See http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00483964 ). He has also conducted preliminary studies of Ayurvedic herbal extracts in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Mental Retardation, Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction, Age Related Macular Degeneration and different types of Cancer.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Arthritis: Old is New

Sometimes what modern man considered the “old ways” of healing have a way of coming round to be known as the “new way”.

Such is the case with Ayurvedic Medicine Treatments for Arthritis. Based on ancient Brahmin Indian treatments 3,000 to 4,000 years old, this holistic approach to helping sufferers cope with arthritis is enjoying a re-found popularity. The World Health Organization agrees Ayurvedic treatment is a useful traditional health science.

As with other holistic systems of healing, Ayurveda recognizes that all people are unique, and thus even though they may evince the same outward symptoms, the path to their healing differs.

This means the remedy for your arthritis pains and suffering is different than those of your neighbor or friend.

Several recent studies in the United States, India and elsewhere have confirmed Ayurvedic treatments as a means to natural arthritic pain relief.

The American College of Rheumatology conducted a double-blind test trial of 90 people with osteoarthritis. The study show 50 percent of the patients who took a combination of tumeric, frankincense (Boswellia) ginger and ashwagandha had significant improvements with pain relief as well as mobility. In contrast, only 20 percent of their placebo group reported any arthritis pain relief.

In another double-blind study of 182 people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, the use of the same anti-inflammatory herbs brought about “marked improvement” in pain relief, reduction of stiffness and the severity of swollen joints and brought improvement in their overall ability to function.

A study in India considered the results of the combining of frankincense, tumeric, zinc and ashwagandha as natural arthritic pain relief. (Though the herbs have some medicinal powers on their own for the treatment of arthritis and other joint pain, Ayurvedic medicine has found combining them for better results.)

In the 1991 study, 42 osteoarthritis sufferers who were treated with the Ayurveda herbs in concert, showed “a significant reduction in pain and disability”.

And although researchers say it can take up to a month for Ayurveda herb usage to produce positive results, the effects of the herb use for arthritis pain relief can last for several years without the need to increase dosage!

To help you heal without the addition of more medication, which may bring with them own complications, requires more than popping yet another pill. It requires attention to the mind and body. Both medically-trained physicians and Ayurvedic practitioners agree a holistic approach to the treatment of Arthritis is apt to bring about the best and longest-lasting results.

To help assist your natural arthritis pain relief, in addition to Ayurvedic treatments, it’s also imperative to work at improving your lifestyle habits and practices. Here are some examples:

*Add meditation and occasional fasting to your Ayurvedic routine

*Exercise often – but avoid those that cause you pain. Start and progress slowly, but do it daily.

*Reduce caffeine intake

*Don’t’ smoke. If you do, quit – if necessary, recall American humorist Mark Twain’s advice, “Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window…but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.”

*Reduce your stress and anxiety using simple breathing techniques and physical exercise.

Your arthritis can be managed through natural pain relief by using ayurvedic treatment. You won’t know until you try. Why suffer any longer?

Rayaz Siddiqi

[http://www.aremedy4u.com]

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