Joint pain can be due to relatively benign condition like muscle sprain or ligament injury which can subside by some simple treatment or on its own and it can be a symptom of serious disease like arthritis. Some other mild infections like flu and other viral infections can cause inflammation of bursae, which works as cushion pads for joints and known as bursitis, which can cause pain in the joints.
Joint pain which occurs after strenuous physical activity or repeated use of any particular joint or due to sudden jerk and shock is largely due to muscle pull and sprain. Such pains can be problematic too, massage with any over the counter pain relieving ointment or cream can be a sufficient treatment, if one feel pain in almost every joint of the body due to straining or sudden physical activity, taking a bath with warm water shall help. If there is some inflammation at any joint hot and cold packs can be applied. Hot water tubes and a pack of ice cubes shall be applied at the affected joint one after another, this will improve blood flow to the area and will control the pain and inflammation.
People who occasionally get involved in strenuous physical activity tend to develop the tendency of joint pain as their body is not used to of taking physical strain. Mix two parts of pure olive oil with one part of kerosene oil to form a paste. This paste can be used in the case of joint pain as and when required. It is safe and effective treatment for joint pain. Rumatone Gold oil is also an Ayurvedic non-prescription treatment for this condition.
If there is swelling and redness on the joints along with the pain and particularly if the pain surfaces in the morning or after a period of inactivity it can be a symptom of arthritis. In such condition medical advice shall be taken but some alternate treatments can go along with the regular treatment for quicker relief. Mixture of camphor, methyl salicylate, eucalyptus oil and menthol can be applied and rubbed at the aching joints to relieve the pain. Application of hot apple cider vinegar at the joints before going to bed also provide relief from joint pain and inflammation.
It can be relieved by some supportive diet. Equal parts of carrot juice and lemon juice mixed and a large tablespoon of this mixture consumed everyday helps the body in relieving the joint pain. One clove of garlic consumed with water is also an effective treatment of this condition. Consumption of carrot juice is also helpful in treating recurring joint pain.
Hot and cold water bath, TENS, therapies and exercises particularly of joints, helps in improving strength and endurance of the joints which eventually helps in relieving pain due to any reason. Mild exercises like aerobics, walking and jogging improve metabolism and blood circulation for better joint functioning. Yoga has few exercises and poses which can relieve the joint pain and also prevent its re-occurrence by strengthening the muscles and ligaments. Breathing exercises in yoga have been found helpful even in rheumatic arthritis conditions as they help the body in flushing the toxins out of the body.
Ayurveda is an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent. The word “Ayurveda” is the combination of words ?yus meaning “life” or “life principle”, and the word veda, which refers to a system of “knowledge”.
The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a balance between three fundamental bodily substances or doshas called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Now a days there are lots of ayurvedic resorts in Kerala that offers all kinds of treatments in ayurveda.
Ayurveda treatments
Ayurvedic treatments differ from the majority of conventional cures in its unique approach towards healing. The principle of treating the sick and not the sickness is central to all forms of ayurvedic treatments. Rather than trying to cure a disease in isolatation, ayurveda takes into account an individual in his entirety.
There are eight divisions of treatments in Ayurveda
Panchakarma is a collection of purification techniques that Ayurveda prescribes for some diseases and for periodic cleansing. A course of Pancharkarma typically includes a short-term dietary prescription, massage, herbs, and may include purgatives, sweat baths, medicated enemas, and nasal cleansing.
Vamana
Vamana is a medicated emesis therapy which removes Kapha toxins collected in the body and the respiratory tract. This is given to people with high Kapha imbalance. Daily treatment involves loosening and mobilizing the toxins in an effort to finally eliminate them.
Nasya (Nose Cleaning)
Nasya involves administration of medicated oil through the nose to cleanse accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region.
SIRODHARA
According to Ayurveda, Sirodhara is the best treatment for diseases of the nervous system and for emotional problems such as chronic depression and anxiety (panic) attacks. It is also recommended for chronic headaches, as well as ear, nose and throat problems, and is especially useful for pain management.
As a result of strong regulations in medical practice in Europe and America, the most commonly practiced Ayurvedic treatments in the west are massage and dietary and herbal advice.
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Diabetes mellitus, or madhumeha, is one of the twenty types of pramehas described in Ayurveda. It is the condition in which there is an excessive amount of sugar present in the bloodstream of the person, which is observed in the urine. It is a condition that cannot be treated, but by several methods it can be controlled. Though diabetes is one of the leading causes of metabolic deaths in the world today, by care and perseverance the disease can be controlled and people with diabetes can lead normally long lives.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Diabetes
1. Bael (Aegle marmelos)
The leaves of the bael have anti-diabetic properties. Their extract must be consumed, preferably with a pinch of black pepper in it.
2. Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)
This is perhaps the most well-known food in the treatment of diabetes. The seeds of the karela, as it is locally called, have charantin, which helps in reducing the sugars in the blood. As the name suggests, the bitter gourd is indeed bitter and difficult to eat. But it must be eaten in as much bitter form as possible (without sweetening) or its properties will be lost.
3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Fenugreek can suppress the excretion of sugar through the urine. Thus it can relieve the symptoms of diabetes.
4. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic has been shown in Ayurveda to contain the best vata pacifying properties. Since diabetes mellitus is a vata disorder, garlic is beneficial. Garlic contains allicin, which works at reducing the sugar level in the blood. It also brings about the disintegration of cholesterol in the body.
5. Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
The jamun is also known as the Indian plum. It has a specific action on the pancreas, which controls the conversion of starch to sugar. The seeds of the fruit have better effects than the pulp.
6. Neem (Azadirachtha indica)
The neem or the Indian margosa tree is known for its medicinally useful bitter leaves and other parts. A paste of its leaves taken daily has excellent properties in reducing the sugar content of the blood.
7. Onion (Allium cepa)
The onion has hypoglycemic (i.e. low sugar) properties. In Ayurveda, it has been investigated thoroughly for its rasayana property. Along with these properties, onion is also a mild aphrodisiac and it can promote the strength of the body. With all these properties, onion becomes a very valuable food in the treatment of diabetes.
8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is another useful remedy for diabetes. Its effects are felt better if it is t taken along with amalaki (Indian gooseberry).
(2) Dietary Treatments for Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder, which can be severely aggravated by the wrong kind of diet. Hence the following dietary guidelines must be followed:-
1. Reduce or even completely eliminate sugar in the diet. A hypoglycemic diet must be taken.
2. Obesity is one of the leading causes of diabetes. Hence the food must be devoid of fats and cholesterol producing substances.
3. Include at least one bitter dish in every meal.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes
If the person is obese, then diabetes becomes more of a problem. In such people, an elaborate Ayurvedic system of treatment is used. The preliminary methods are:-
a) Apatarpana (de-nourishment)
b) Shamshodhana (cleansing)
In these methods, the fats built up in the body are reduced by de-nourishment of the body. This is followed by a cleansing of the toxins that have accumulated in the body. The panchakarma method of cleansing the body may be used.
Once this is done, then the body has to be rebuilt. This is done by:-
c) Santarpana (replenishment)
d) Brumhana (promoting body bulk)
If the person is chronically ill with diabetes, then these methods work. This is effective in treating diabetes in people who are underweight. By these methods, the essential nutrients are allowed to flow into the body and the body is rebuilt in a healthy manner.
(4) Home Medications
1. Continue a diet of bitter gourd cooked in ghee for a period of three months. This will bring the diabetes down by a significant amount.
2. Soak a few seeds of fenugreek in water and keep them overnight. Have these softened seeds in the morning.
3. Have a breakfast of fruits such as oranges, tomatoes and jamuns.
4. Soak dry raisins in water overnight. Drink the water they were soaked in the morning.
5. Prepare a choorna (fine powder) of dry amalaki. Put this powder in water and let it stand for some time. Then filter the water and squeeze the juice of a lemon in it. This must be had early in the morning.
6. Prepare a choorna of amalaki, turmeric and fenugreek taken in equal amounts. Take this choorna with honey every morning, afternoon and evening. This system provides relief from diabetes within about two months.
7. Make a mixture of the juices of mango and jamun taken in equal amounts. This must be taken thrice a day.
Read More on diabetes cure by Ayurveda and diabetes Home Remedies at http://www.ayushveda.com Read more about Ayurveda at World’s Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com – The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia
Kidney stones or renal calculi are solid concretion or crystal aggregations formed in the kidneys from dissolved urinary minerals. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine and often severe pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin. Renal colic can be associated with nausea and vomiting. Kidney stones may contain various chemicals. There are several types of kidney stone based on the type of crystals of which they consists. The majority are calcium oxalate stones, followed by calcium phosphate stones. More rarely, struvite stones are produce by urea-splitting bacteria in people with urinary tract infections, and people with certain metabolic abnormalities may produce uric acid stones or cystine stones.
Urolithiasis is the medical term used to describe stones occurring in the urinary tract. Men are three times more likely than women to have kidney stones form within the urinary tract.
Causes and Risk factor:
There is no consensus as to why kidney stones form.
Heredity: Some people are more susceptible to forming kidney stones, and heredity may play a role. The majority of kidney stones are made of calcium and high levels of calcium in the urine is a risk factor. The predisposition to high levels of calcium in the urine may be passed on from generation to generation. Some rare hereditary diseases also predispose some people to form kidney stones.
Geographical location: Increasing global temperatures will lead to greater future prevalence of kidney stones. The hot climate and poor fluid intake may cause people to be relatively dehydrated, with their urine becoming more concentrated and allowing chemicals to come in closer contact to form the nidus, or becoming, of a stones.
Medications: People taking diuretics and those who consume excess calcium-containing antacids can increase the amount of calcium in their urine and potentially increase the risk of forming stones. Taking excess amounts of vitamins A and D are also associated with higher levels of calcium in the urine. Other commonly prescribed medications associated with stone formation include dilantin and antibiotics.
Several factors increase the risk for developing kidney stones, including inadequate fluid intake and dehydration, reduced urinary volume, certain chemical levels in the urine that are too high or too low, and several medical conditions such as reflux, medullary sponge kidney, renal tubular acidosis and urinary tract infections. Anything that blocks or reduces the flow of urine also increases the risk.
Chemical risk factors include high levels of the following in the urine: calcium, cystine, oxalate, uric acid and sodium. A low level of citrate is also a risk factor for stones.
The following medical conditions are also risk factors for kidney stone disease: Arthritis, Colitis, Gout, High blood pressure, Hyperparathyroidism, Medullary sponge kidney, Renal tubular acidosis, Urinary tract infections, Intestinal disorder that causes chronic diarrhea, dehydration, and low citrate, and urinary tract infections.
Symptoms:
Many kidney stones do not move and are too small to cause any symptoms. However, if a kidney stone causes a blockage, or moves into the ureter, one may have severe pain or ache on one or both sides of the back, get sudden spasms of excruciating pain – usually starts in the back below ribs, before radiating around abdomen, and sometimes to the groin or genital, have bloody or cloudy urine, feel sick or vomit, feel a frequent urge to urinate, or burning sensation during urination, and get fever and chills.
The pain of kidney stones – referred to as ‘renal colic’ – can be very severe. It begins as soon as the stones becomes stuck in the ureter and tends to come in waves. It is not usually associated with the size of the kidney stone – sometimes small stones can cause more pain than very large ones.
Sometimes, symptoms such as difficulty urinating, urinary urgency, penile pain, or testicular pain may occur due to kidney stones.
Home remedies:
Small stones can be dissolved and passed out through urine by administration of certain home remedies coupled with some Ayurvedic remedies. The followings are the home remedies for kidney stones,
Water: Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water a day.
Citric Acid: This natural acid has been known to dissolve hard materials, including kidney stones. A great citric acid fruit to choose is a lemon. Lemon juice can be mixed with water, honey, or sugar.
Citrates: Citrates will reduce the amount of uric acid and eliminate the build-up of calcium salts which cause the formation of kidney stones. A good tip for getting enough citrates is to drink fruit and vegetable juice such as carrot, grape and orange juice.
Boil 2 figs with water, and drink this every morning for a month.
Make one cup of juice made with radish leaves and drink twice a day.
Drink one glass of fresh tomato juice with a hint of salt and pepper for flavor every morning.
Basil (tulsi) leaves: Take 4-5 basil leaves, extract its juice and mix in a tablespoon of honey. Take this mixture every morning for 4-6 months.
Coconut water is a good home remedy for burning urination and scanty urine. Regular intake also flushes out small particles or dissolves stones through urination,
Barley water can also be used for this purpose,
Water melon is nutritive as well as a safe diuretic to be used in this condition.
Onion decoction: Make the decoction by adding water to some bulbs of onion. Sugar should be added to it and taken.
The decoction prepared with Kulathi Dal is very useful.
Soda water is also very useful if taken thrice daily after meals.
Other natural measures that may help prevent kidney stones include:Avoid foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup.
Reduce daily salt intake.
Avoid calcium-containing antacids.
Limit intake of beef, pork, and poultry to less than 4 to 6 ounces a day.
Eat moderate amount of dairy products.
Limit the amount of pasta you eat,
Avoid high-oxalate foods, such as dark green vegetables, nuts and chocolate.
Ayurvedic medicine:Rencare Capsule: This medicine helps urine flow, and cools the membranes of the urinary tract. It also helps stop bleeding within the urinary tract, and helps break up and remove stones. Also, it helps relax the bladder, relieve irritation, and improve urinary flow.
Herbs included in this capsule are Gokshuru, Pashaan Bheda, Dhania Leaves, Cornsilk and Usher.Patherina tablet is the specific ayurvedic remedy for stones. 1 tablet twice a day along with a glass of water ensures good relief.
Cystone tablet (Himalaya Drugs): 1 to 2 tablets twice daily for 6 to 8 weeks.
Calcury tablet (Charak): 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily for 6 to 8 weeks.
Ber Patthar Bhasma is the drug of choice.
Chander Prabha vati is also very useful in burning micturition. 1 tablet twice daily.
Diet:Hot water bath and hot fomentation over the back give relief.
Yoga: certain asanas, which stimulate kidneys can be practice. These are Pavana Mukta Asana, Uttana Padasana.
Hemorrhoids or piles, in layman terms, are small, bluish swellings that comprise of the large blood vessels located in the anus. Piles is a dangerous and dreadful condition which requires timely and proper care. Piles also have specific types. The two types of piles are- bleeding piles and dry piles. One who is suffering from piles need not worry because Ayurveda treatment has the cure for it. The best part is that these remedies do not have any side effects. In dry piles the inflammation is experienced outside piles. It is a horrible condition and the person suffering from piles experiences continuous pain. Bleeding piles is the worst because in this condition, internal piles instigate bleeding. If the bleeding is excessive and continuous it can turn into anemic condition.
What are the causes of piles?
There are several causes of piles. This condition could occur because of constipation and a person’s sedentary lifestyle. It could also be a result of lack of exercises or bad dietary habits. One more cause is sitting on a hard seat for long duration.
What can be done at home?
There are some Ayurveda treatments that can be tried at home. One such Ayurveda treatment is using Cypress or Juniper while taking a bath and adding some drops of it in the water. Some herbs are really good like Morse chestmt, Marigold and Pilecort which are easily found in creams. You can use one tablespoon of Triphala which is again an effective herb, in your bed time. Triphalachurna and Abhayarista are also useful herbs and help in the treatment of piles.
What are the precautions?
Patients who are undergoing the treatment for piles should follow some precautions to avoid any mishaps and inconvenience. Patients suffering from piles should avoid going for horse riding and sitting on a hard seat. They should also avoid having too much sex during the treatment. The treatments for bleeding piles are different from that of dry piles. So know your type of piles and take a treatment accordingly.
These were all the useful and necessary measures one could take for piles. If followed properly it can be very effective for this condition. Ayurveda treatment is a must and should be considered for such diseases. There are emergency cases too and in such a situation one must immediately rush to Ayurveda treatment center. There the doctors take proper care of you.
SDF Holistic is one of the leading centres engaged in ayurvedic treatment s. Through intensive research, they have churned out some useful ayurveda treatment using herbs.
A good way to get rid of stress and avoid anxiety is to apply Ayurveda for panic attack. In many ways, Ayurveda for panic attack is parallel to stress management techniques. Ayurveda has a good combination of meditation and yoga to relieve the mind and body from excessive stress. Modern life can prove too stressful for many people and it is only natural that something like Ayurvda for panic attack will work so well when it has already benefited other types of problems. Being overworked we tend to neglect our body and yoga focuses on improving the coordination of the various internal bodily activities.
A core concept of yoga is “pranayama” or breath-control. This is a key skill in managing and eventually avoiding panic attacks. Proper breathing allows you to stay in control of your body and your emotions. Maintaining proper control over mind and body is essential to effective meditation. This is crucial because meditation helps to clear the mind of all clutter and negative thought processes and hence it must be given the best environment to work in. This whole process will help you to be more creative while improving your memory and keeping you calm.
Whether you are a professional or a student, ayurveda for panic attack can help you. The challenges faced can be daunting in every aspect of life. Some people tend to get unstable and frustrated while others will have a tendency to fall into depression. These minor problems develop into anxiety disorders in the long term and a good way to prevent that is ayurveda for panic attack.
Since yoga and meditation are parts of ayurveda, it is only fitting that they both be included when ayurveda is applied to a panic attack problem. Though there are spiritual aspects to these disciplines, you do not have to accept them. Regular practice can improve the physical and mental aspects of any individual.
Besides yoga and meditation, ayurveda also recommends the implementation of “panchakarma”. This includes five different forms of therapy that are all aimed at the prevention of disease and restoring the balance in post-illness situations. Their ultimate goal is to rejuvenate the individual. As a cure, this is applied to chronic and serious ailments. For panic attacks, it is more of a preventative measure. It improves the immune system and helps the body in getting more efficient at fighting infection. However, panchkarma might not be within reach of everyone because some of its treatment procedures are too exotic and may not be available in your neighborhood. At the most basic level it includes a change in diet and massages with different types of oils.
Yoga focuses on body control and breathing techniques. This improves body posture, blood circulation, and thereby more energy. Meditation will help to clear the mind and find more peace. Panchkarma is a good way of detoxifying the body and leaving it healthier. All these aspects are combined in ayurveda for panic attack and a long-term practice will improve your overall functioning and help you to cope with greater confidence the situations you now find difficult.
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In a healthy body, the allergic response serves to protect against invasion by harmful agents. Secretions and inflammation help our immune cells get into the affected tissue, dilute the toxic agent and help wash it away. “Allergies” become a health problem when an excessive and unwanted allergic response occurs to particles that are part of our normal environment and are not actually dangerous to the body.
Some individuals are born with allergies, and have a genetic susceptibility to them. However, most allergies are acquired after birth. While inborn allergies can often be helped by the measures discussed in this article, acquired allergies are generally more responsive to such behavioral approaches, and are the main focus of this article.
The Main Cause of Allergies
Although pollen, dust, dander, trees and other allergens are the trigger for allergies in susceptible people, they are not the underlying cause. Many people are exposed to these substances every day without developing allergic reactions. Rather, it is the inner condition of the body that determines whether an allergic response results from exposure to an allergen.
According to Maharishi Ayurveda, allergies result when the body has accumulated excess wastes, toxins and impurities. How does this happen? According to Ayurvedic theory, improperly digested foods (called ama), and impurities, such as chemical additives, are absorbed into the body, travel through the circulation and lodge in the respiratory tissues, skin and other tissues prone to allergy. These accumulated wastes and toxins block the channels, trapping the toxins inside the tissues, and activating the immune system. When additional allergens such as pollen or dust arrive on the scene, the already irritated immune system goes into “high gear,” creating the symptoms of an allergy attack.
Symptoms will vary depending on the tissue that has accumulated the toxic waste (ama visha.). If the tissue involved is the digestive tract, diarrhea can result. If in the skin, a rash or hives may occur. And if the respiratory tract is involved, sneezing, inflammation and mucous drainage will occur.
Since the source of allergies lies with our diet and digestion, adopting a proper diet and improving digestion are “job one” in the fight against allergies. Next, it is valuable to use internal cleansing regimens to reduce the clogging and accumulated impurities.
Recommended Diet for Allergies
The main dietary and eating guidelines for allergies are as follows.
1. Eat the largest meal of the day at lunch, between 12:00 and 1:00 PM, when your digestion is strongest. The sun– the heat element in nature– enlivens agni, the fire of digestion and metabolism, making our digestion strongest at the height of the day. Ayurveda recommends eating the largest meal when you are most capable of digesting it.
2. Avoid eating heavy meals in the evening. The single biggest contribution to toxins and clogging in the body comes from eating heavy evening meals, particularly after 7 PM. Since digestion is much weaker in the evening, it is vital to eat lighter, more easily digested meals at that time. Eat a warm, freshly cooked vegetarian evening meal without fried foods, desserts, cheese, yogurt or other curdled products, since these are heavy for digestion and cause more blockage, congestion and mucous.
3. Eat warm food. Warm food is much easier to digest than cold food. Ayurveda recommends we eat fresh warm food, freshly prepared. Avoid micro-waving, which has been shown to destroy over 90% of the protective antioxidants in the food. Also, avoid cold drinks, ice cream, frozen yogurt and other cold foods.
4. Avoid leftovers. Once food has been heated and then gets put back in the refrigerator it becomes hard to digest and very clogging in nature.
5. Avoid excessively hot spices, sour and acidic foods. These foods are irritating to the body and promote inflammation, according to Ayurveda. Many people experience their allergies become worse when they eat foods with chilis, tomato sauces, hard or aged cheeses, refined sugar and sweets, and acidic foods. Bell pepper, eggplant and potato should also be avoided due to their channel-clogging effects.
6. Do include detoxifying spices in your daily diet. Turmeric in particular has anti-allergy, immune-balancing effects. Coriander helps to detoxify on a cellular level; fennel cools and balances; ginger helps the digestion and dissolves ama, and black pepper clears the channels and increases bioavailability of nutrients. Make a spice mixture of 6 parts fennel, cumin and coriander, 4 parts turmeric and 1 part each of ginger and black pepper. Freshly grind the spices, sauté them in a pan without oil until lightly browned, and put in a small airtight container. Carry them with you and sprinkle _ to 1 tsp. on your food at each meal, and cook with them when at home.
7. Do sip boiled warm or hot water about every half hour during the day around the change of seasons, to help your body purify and to support good digestion.
Behavioral Approaches to Reducing Allergies
Diet is not the only consideration in allergies. Ayurvedic theory also recommends the following behavioral changes to help tone down the allergic response.
1. Go to bed by 10:00 P.M. Between 10 PM and 2 AM, the body performs a natural cycle of internal cleansing. If we stay up after 10 PM, we interfere with this metabolic “house cleaning” and toxins and impurities begin to accumulate. Worse yet, the metabolic activity of cleansing tends to trigger hunger, and we may be tempted to indulge in the proverbial “midnight snack.” Unfortunately, eating after 10 PM further compromises the cleansing process and leads to even more waste accumulation, and more allergy tendency. On the other hand, going to bed by 10 PM improves the overall rejuvenative quality of sleep. You will find that your early bedtime habit helps not only your allergies, but your energy and complexion as well!
2. Cleanse the body before the allergy season. The traditional Ayurvedic answer to allergies includes purifying the body of ama and toxins before allergy season begins to prevent symptoms from arising at all. This internal cleansing may be done at home or, more thoroughly, through in-residence cleansing treatments called panchakarma or Maharishi Rejuvenation Therapy.
3. Have a regular routine of life. Eating, sleeping, working and exercising at about the same time each day is very balancing and stabilizing to the immune system and to the body as a whole. Allergies tend to be aggravated when routine of life is hectic and scattered.
4. Practice Yoga asanas and meditation. Yogas asanas and meditation are very balancing to all aspects of mind and body and have been used by many people to reduce allergy symptoms. For meditation, I suggest the TM technique because of its ease of practice and scientific verification.
Summary
The best approach to allergies is to focus on good eating habits, practice stress reduction and do natural cleansing before the allergy season.
Note: This article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat disease. Please consult your physician regarding any symptoms you have or before you make changes in lifestyle and diet.
Statements in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of disease.
Nancy Lonsdorf M.D. received her M.D. from Johns Hopkins and did her postgraduate training at Stanford. She has studied Ayurveda with some of the world’s most renowned Ayurvedic physicians in India, Europe and the U.S. Dr. Lonsdorf has 18 years of clinical experience with Ayurveda and is currently the Medical Director of The Raj Ayurveda Health Center in Vedic City Iowa.
Dr. Lonsdorf has authored two books on Ayurveda and women’s health:
1. A Woman’s Best Medicine (Penguin/Putnam 1995 ; ISBN 0-87477-785-2) describing the Ayurvedic approach to the major issues in women’s health
2. The Ageless Woman: Health and Beauty after Forty with Maharishi Ayurveda (MCD Century Publications 2004 ISBN#: 0-9721233-5-0) on anti-aging recommendations and longevity for women.
Doctor Lonsdorf’s contact information is:
Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.
1734 Jasmine Avenue
Vedic City, IA 52556
641-472-8246
web site url: [http://www.ayurveda-ayurvedic.com/]
In a healthy body, the allergic response serves to protect against invasion by harmful agents. Secretions and inflammation help our immune cells get into the affected tissue, dilute the toxic agent and help wash it away. "Allergies" become a health problem when an excessive and unwanted allergic response occurs to particles that are part of our normal environment and are not actually dangerous to the body.
Some individuals are born with allergies, and have a genetic susceptibility to them. However, most allergies are acquired after birth. While inborn allergies can often be helped by the measures discussed in this article, acquired allergies are generally more responsive to such behavioral approaches, and are the main focus of this article.
The Main Cause of Allergies
Although pollen, dust, dander, trees and other allergens are the trigger for allergies in susceptible people, they are not the underlying cause. Many people are exposed to these substances every day without developing allergic reactions. Rather, it is the inner condition of the body that determines whether an allergic response results from exposure to an allergen.
According to Maharishi Ayurveda, allergies result when the body has accumulated excess wastes, toxins and impurities. How does this happen? According to Ayurvedic theory, improperly digested foods (called ama), and impurities, such as chemical additives, are absorbed into the body, travel through the circulation and lodge in the respiratory tissues, skin and other tissues prone to allergy. These accumulated wastes and toxins block the channels, trapping the toxins inside the tissues, and activating the immune system. When additional allergens such as pollen or dust arrive on the scene, the already irritated immune system goes into "high gear," creating the symptoms of an allergy attack.
Symptoms will vary depending on the tissue that has accumulated the toxic waste (ama visha.). If the tissue involved is the digestive tract, diarrhea can result. If in the skin, a rash or hives may occur. And if the respiratory tract is involved, sneezing, inflammation and mucous drainage will occur.
Since the source of allergies lies with our diet and digestion, adopting a proper diet and improving digestion are "job one" in the fight against allergies. Next, it is valuable to use internal cleansing regimens to reduce the clogging and accumulated impurities.
Recommended Diet for Allergies
The main dietary and eating guidelines for allergies are as follows.
1. Eat the largest meal of the day at lunch, between 12:00 and 1:00 PM, when your digestion is strongest. The sun-- the heat element in nature-- enlivens agni, the fire of digestion and metabolism, making our digestion strongest at the height of the day. Ayurveda recommends eating the largest meal when you are most capable of digesting it.
2. Avoid eating heavy meals in the evening. The single biggest contribution to toxins and clogging in the body comes from eating heavy evening meals, particularly after 7 PM. Since digestion is much weaker in the evening, it is vital to eat lighter, more easily digested meals at that time. Eat a warm, freshly cooked vegetarian evening meal without fried foods, desserts, cheese, yogurt or other curdled products, since these are heavy for digestion and cause more blockage, congestion and mucous.
3. Eat warm food. Warm food is much easier to digest than cold food. Ayurveda recommends we eat fresh warm food, freshly prepared. Avoid micro-waving, which has been shown to destroy over 90% of the protective antioxidants in the food. Also, avoid cold drinks, ice cream, frozen yogurt and other cold foods.
4. Avoid leftovers. Once food has been heated and then gets put back in the refrigerator it becomes hard to digest and very clogging in nature.
5. Avoid excessively hot spices, sour and acidic foods. These foods are irritating to the body and promote inflammation, according to Ayurveda. Many people experience their allergies become worse when they eat foods with chilis, tomato sauces, hard or aged cheeses, refined sugar and sweets, and acidic foods. Bell pepper, eggplant and potato should also be avoided due to their channel-clogging effects.
6. Do include detoxifying spices in your daily diet. Turmeric in particular has anti-allergy, immune-balancing effects. Coriander helps to detoxify on a cellular level; fennel cools and balances; ginger helps the digestion and dissolves ama, and black pepper clears the channels and increases bioavailability of nutrients. Make a spice mixture of 6 parts fennel, cumin and coriander, 4 parts turmeric and 1 part each of ginger and black pepper. Freshly grind the spices, sauté them in a pan without oil until lightly browned, and put in a small airtight container. Carry them with you and sprinkle _ to 1 tsp. on your food at each meal, and cook with them when at home.
7. Do sip boiled warm or hot water about every half hour during the day around the change of seasons, to help your body purify and to support good digestion.
Behavioral Approaches to Reducing Allergies
Diet is not the only consideration in allergies. Ayurvedic theory also recommends the following behavioral changes to help tone down the allergic response.
1. Go to bed by 10:00 P.M. Between 10 PM and 2 AM, the body performs a natural cycle of internal cleansing. If we stay up after 10 PM, we interfere with this metabolic "house cleaning" and toxins and impurities begin to accumulate. Worse yet, the metabolic activity of cleansing tends to trigger hunger, and we may be tempted to indulge in the proverbial "midnight snack." Unfortunately, eating after 10 PM further compromises the cleansing process and leads to even more waste accumulation, and more allergy tendency. On the other hand, going to bed by 10 PM improves the overall rejuvenative quality of sleep. You will find that your early bedtime habit helps not only your allergies, but your energy and complexion as well!
2. Cleanse the body before the allergy season. The traditional Ayurvedic answer to allergies includes purifying the body of ama and toxins before allergy season begins to prevent symptoms from arising at all. This internal cleansing may be done at home or, more thoroughly, through in-residence cleansing treatments called panchakarma or Maharishi Rejuvenation Therapy.
3. Have a regular routine of life. Eating, sleeping, working and exercising at about the same time each day is very balancing and stabilizing to the immune system and to the body as a whole. Allergies tend to be aggravated when routine of life is hectic and scattered.
4. Practice Yoga asanas and meditation. Yogas asanas and meditation are very balancing to all aspects of mind and body and have been used by many people to reduce allergy symptoms. For meditation, I suggest the TM technique because of its ease of practice and scientific verification.
Summary
The best approach to allergies is to focus on good eating habits, practice stress reduction and do natural cleansing before the allergy season.
Note: This article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat disease. Please consult your physician regarding any symptoms you have or before you make changes in lifestyle and diet.
Statements in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of disease.
Nancy Lonsdorf M.D. received her M.D. from Johns Hopkins and did her postgraduate training at Stanford. She has studied Ayurveda with some of the world's most renowned Ayurvedic physicians in India, Europe and the U.S. Dr. Lonsdorf has 18 years of clinical experience with Ayurveda and is currently the Medical Director of The Raj Ayurveda Health Center in Vedic City Iowa.
Dr. Lonsdorf has authored two books on Ayurveda and women's health:
1. A Woman's Best Medicine (Penguin/Putnam 1995 ; ISBN 0-87477-785-2) describing the Ayurvedic approach to the major issues in women's health
2. The Ageless Woman: Health and Beauty after Forty with Maharishi Ayurveda (MCD Century Publications 2004 ISBN#: 0-9721233-5-0) on anti-aging recommendations and longevity for women.
Doctor Lonsdorf's contact information is:
Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.
1734 Jasmine Avenue
Vedic City, IA 52556
641-472-8246
web site url: [http://www.ayurveda-ayurvedic.com/]
Now-a-days alternative medicines are gaining momentum continuously, a number of factored has contributed to these results:
o Alternative medicines are not too much costly in comparison to allopathic medicines
o They have almost nil chances of side effects.
o These medicines though not fully experimentally verified yet they are practiced since ancient times.
o Modern scientists are too finding a way to procure benefits from these medicines.
o The medicine could be given to any individual irrespective of age factors.
There are several alternative medicines / therapies like acupressure, acupuncture, magnetic treatment, Yoga & Ayurveda etc.
In this article I will be emphasizing the aspects of Ayurveda in gaining as well as maintaining good health. Ayurveda has proved to be Panacea for several ailments from minor indigestion problems to severe cancer treatment.
Ayurveda is believed to get initiated at the time of Buddha (around 520 B.C.), usually sulphur was used in combination with several herbs and this was considered as ayurvedic medicine. Dhanvantri is considered as God of Ayurveda. As Ayurveda is being practiced since a long time so it is considered as fully safe and sound to intake it without hesitations. In Ayurveda there is cure for almost all ailments, but still Ayurveda is highly useful in curing the following diseases:
o Stress-Related Disorders
o Metabolic Disorders
o Acne
o Allergies
o Asthma
o Anxiety
o Arthritis
o Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
o Colds, Colitis
o Constipation
o Depression
o Diabetes
o Hypertension
o Insomnia
o Nervous Disorders
o Obesity
o Skin Problems
o And Ulcers
Ultimately Ayurveda is one of the best alternative medicines having the full potential to cure even the incurable diseases. But still what is required is a professional Ayurvedic advice from a skilled physician or else you could do the treatment yourself for minor diseases through several books based on Ayurveda.
The author is an aspirant writer on Health. To get the latest books on yoga log on to Â? www.aggarwaloverseas.com
Kalari Therapy or Kalarichikilsa (also called Kalarichikitsa, Kalarichikiltsa) is a system of medicine based on Ayurveda, specializing in treatment of orthopedic disorders, sports injuries and neuromuscular problems like back pain, spondylitis, arthritis, inborn imperfections of human body etc. It is a form of therapy which evolved from Ayurveda and developed further in a more specific direction as a result of the needs of a speedy recovery from sports injuries for the warriors of ancient Kerala.
As the name already suggests, Kalari massage is essentially associated with ‘kalaripayattu’ – the ancient martial arts form of Kerala. In the ancient times when combat situations were part of daily life, warriors needed not only a strong, but also agile body which would instantly react to the minds signal. They needed speedy recovery from injuries so as to face the next possible opponent. Kalari massage provided the needed results in this direction by stimulating the unique self-healing nature of the human body. Kalari massage is done with medicated oils and herbal medicines and the Gurukkal or masseur has a different approach to each depending on the age, body type and nature of ailment of the person. Kalari Chikilsa is an effective form of treatment for back pain, spondylitis, arthritis etc. The birth of the new millennium brought with itself the surprise gift in the form of a renewed interest to the time tested methods of Ayurveda. Westerners have understood the value and power of this ancient system.
There are quite a number of Institutions which offer Quality Ayurvedic Kalari Treatment in Kerala. Almost all of these Institutions offer modern facilities for stay.Treatment bookings can be done by contacting the Institution of your choice through their website. Gods own country welcomes everybody with open arms to share the secrets of Ayurveda and fill your life with vigor anew.
Sree(Sreedhara Kurup) is a professional masseur who works at Sreerangom CVN Kalari Chikilsalayam at Kottayam in Kerala. He has many years of experience with the Kalari method of treatment. He also provides Ayurvedic treatment for osteoporosis and rheumatism. http://www.sreerangomayur.com
Obesity is a condition where an individual is grossly overweight due to accumulation of excess fat on the stomach areas, buttocks, breasts, thighs etc. This excess fat build up is caused when a person consumes more calories every day than what the person is able to burn off. Obesity is partly hereditary.
Obesity is described as ‘Medoroga’ in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, people with a Kapha constitution are more likely to gain weight through excess fat than a Pitta or Vata person. The obese have a shortened life, difficulty in movement and sexual intercourse, tiredness, body odor, copious sweating, excessive hunger and severe thirst. This may also lead to diabetes, hypertension and arthritis.
Causes of Obesity
Overeating of heavy / cold food
Intake of excessive calories
Disturbance of thyroid or pituitary glands,
Excess sleep especially during day time
Lack of physical activity and a sedentary life
Hormone imbalance
Hereditary Factors
Ayurvedic Treatments for Obesity
Ayurvedic treatments for obesity consist of panchakarma treatments, rasayana treatments and other diet regulations. Panchakarma treatments are needed to remove the accumulated toxins from the body and to bring him back to normal self. Ayurveda cautions us that attempts to stay artificially thin may be unhealthy and may aggravate vata dosha. Efforts at reducing body weight must take into consideration a person’s constitution also. According to Ayurveda a mild, long-term reducing plan is more natural than crash diets. Management of Obesity includes reducing or lightening therapy with a light diet, fasting, and digestive (spicy) herbs.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Obesity
Avoid excess eating; intake of fat and carbohydrates should be restricted.
Avoid fried and heavy foods.
Avoid sleeping during the day; sleep in the night after one hour of your dinner
Do regular exercises like walking, running or swimming- avoid a sedentary and lethargic lifestyle
Minimize the use of oil and ghee; use nonstick pan for cooking.
Try to eat warm and freshly cooked meals; avoid aerated drinks and excess water after meal.
Avoid chocolates, ice creams, cheese etc
Avoid drinking alcohol
Consume wheat products instead of rice products.
Include fruits and green vegetables like bitter gourd, drumstick in your diet