Herbs and Yoga For Healing

Herbs and Their Healing Powers

Through the ages, herbs were a critical component of most of the traditional and holistic therapies. They were the most vital medicinal agents all over the world and across various cultures. The West had used herbs extensively to cure various ailments and in the East, India and China had made significant progress in herbal science. The practice of the herbal science was mostly restricted to men who were involved in spiritual and religious activities and many of the herbs actually remained unknown to the common man for thousands of years. But as the various religious institutions lifted their restrictions and opened their collection of medicinal literature to men from outside, the knowledge of herbal science slowly became available in the public domain.

Today, yoga borrows the best of the herbs from all over the world. The knowledge is already there, and practitioners of yoga are making full use of it. So when we talk about yoga and herbs, we do mean ayurveda to a large extent. But it goes beyond ayurveda too. Take for example the use of ginseng today. It is an oriental tonic herb that has been imported from China.

Ginseng is a particularly helpful herb for anyone who is practicing yoga as the herb helps to increase the chi or the vital energies that resides deep in our bodies. Ginseng thus helps to make our muscles stronger and our nerves more receptive. The overall strengthening properties of the tonic herb are particularly helpful for vegetarians who are in a way restricted in the way of sources of nutrients available to them.

Therefore the healing power of herb like Ginseng can actually make a world of difference to someone who is practicing yoga. Not only will he fill refreshed and revitalized which will help him to do the asanas better, but it will also mean a stronger and fitter body. Another import from China is the herb tang kuei. It is renowned for its ability to support a woman’s reproductive system.

The West has also contributed heavily to herbal science. Many of the commonly used western herbs that make up the list of yogic herbs include bayberry, barberry and calamus. The bark of the bayberry tree is particularly effective in treating coughs, colds, diarrhea, ulcers, sores and bleeding gums. Barberry has been thought to have particular properties that help in controlling the blood pressure, reducing inflammation and even fighting cancer. Calamus aids digestion and stimulates appetite.

Ayurveda has a long list of herbs and since yoga has been closely associated with ayurveda through centuries, many of the ayurvedic treatments have been incorporated into the yogic life. Some of the most effective ayurvedic herbs are aloe, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, mint, parsley, poppy seeds, etc. Aloe is particularly helpful in curing ailments of the liver, the spleen, blood and the female reproductive system. Basil is one of the most effective diaphoretic and helps in curing coughs, colds, flus and various other lung problems. Parsley is especially beneficial for the kidneys and the uterus.

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Yoga Chikitsa – The Ayurvedic Way Of Healing

Yoga is principally a method of preventing disease through personal efforts to build and maintain good health, many hundreds of simple therapeutic practices have been discovered over the centuries and used to great benefit by exponents of Hatha Yoga.

It is in the ashrams in India that these Ayurvedic methods are preserved and also applied in therapeutic practices much as natural methods are practised in western countries through the naturopathic profession. There are many shared techniques and principles.

The traditional manner of treating disease by the use of herbs and substances prepared according to Ayurvedic medicine in India has a very logical and scientific background and is readily accepted by all who recognise the healing powers of herbs and the benefits of the homeopathic medicine. However in addition to the many crude medicines, minerals and other substances used in infinitesimal amounts too subtle to be isolated in laboratory analysis in homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine additionally includes metals, pearls and precious stones.

The last is an integral and intriguing part of the Indian empirical system developed over thousands of years and now popularly known as Gem Therapy.

Under British rule the homeopathic system was introduced as a system of medicine compatible with Indian traditional methods. It was also a method which allowed remedies to be manufactured very economically, making them accessible to the millions in need. In later decades modern drug therapy overshadowed other systems but traditional Ayurvedic methods are now experiencing a popular revival.

One of the outstanding features in basic philosophy is the consideration of the natural elements – Fire, Earth, Air, Water and Ether. As in the Chinese system of traditional medicine, the natural elements are seen to affect every aspect of healing, from the balance of the elements within the patient, to the medicine and the current season of the year.

In the Indian system the three main elements and their interaction are considered under the system of Tridosha as Fire, Air, and Water (Earth being symbolized in the physical body and Ether equated with the spiritual agencies). Tridosha is the cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine and is used in diagnosing disease, in analysing the patient’s temperament and when prescribing the type of treatment or medicine.

The philosophy of Tridosha is based upon ancient texts such as the Taittiriya Upanishad where it is explained that each element is manifested for the purpose of expanding its life energy, experience and consciously evolving to its perfect expression as an element. This philosophy allows that even the tiniest expression of natural life has its design and purpose, even the smallest atom, or ion.

Dr. Bhattacharrya expresses it in this way…..

“The Universal Soul (Brahman) is present in the ion (anu) and the ion is present in the Brahman. The ion has all the powers of creation, maintenance and destruction as those of Brahman. The ion has, like Brahman, the three qualities of existence (sat), consciousness (chit) and bliss (ananda). The doctor’s business is to introduce the most powerful and attenuated ions into the diseased body and leave the rest to the conscious and intelligent ions. They will accomplish their mission and report completion of work through the eyes and expression of the patient and his internal joy. This is what is known as cure.”

In Ayurveda the element Air (Vat) represents the nerve force and vital energy of the body.

The second is Fire (Pit) which represents the circulatory system supplying heat for its preservation. The third is Water (Kaf) which rules all mucous surfaces of the body.

To experience Health these three elements must be in harmony – this is Tridosha.

A patient who has the Air element predominant tends to suffer wakefulness, averse to cold, cracks on hands and feet, brittle hair, impatience, prominent veins and would have few children. He would be alert, intellectually inclined, fond of quick speech and loves music, accenting the sphere of mind and intellect.

Fire element predominant produces symptoms such as inflammations, wrinkles, copious perspiration, irritability, averse to heat, and would be brave, energetic and live a very active life full of spirit.

Water predominant would tend to lethargy, catarrh, poor appetite, emotionalism with strong creativity, fondness of children and constant in friendship, loving and kind. Feelings are very strong.

Earth being representative of the physical body itself, is the playground of these elements in which the dramas of exchange and interaction of the elements takes place.

Orchestrating the harmonious function of all Elements requires some skill and insight. The main causes of imbalance of the elements in additions to wrong use of the individual intelligence by wrong action, speech, or thought is said to lie in the senses -

1) non-use of the senses – Ayoga

2) over-use of the senses – Atiyoga

3) abuse of the senses – Mithyayoga

TRIDOSHA uses the rule of threefold division in diagnosing the pulse also.

1) Fast pulse indicates a derangement of the Air element

2) Jumpy pulse – ” ” Fire ”

3) Slow pulse ” ” Water ”

TRIDOSHA rules three considerations regarding food -

1) Increase the production of food. Let that be your vow (production)

2) Don’t waste food. Let that be your vow (economy)

3) Don’t despise food. Let that be your vow (enjoyment)

In Indian ashrams there is no restriction in applying Ayurvedic medicine. However in western Yoga teaching, administering medicines does not apply as this comes into the province of professionals.

Methods related to self-help however, provide information that is commonly transmitted by yoga teachers and referred to as Yoga Chikitsa.

Sally Janssen is a writer, health educator and Yoga teacher well known both in Australia and abroad for her skill in demonstration of the Hatha Yoga practices and her wisdom in applying the principles of Raja Yoga -the study of the mind and consciousness.

Her book Mental Fitness: A Simple Self-help Guide explains the principles of mental fitness that can be applied by us all. The book may be found here: http://www.mentalhealthandfitness.com/blog

Meditation and Ayurvedic Healing

Ayurvedic healing employs many methods of treatment, concentrating on treating the person as a whole instead of the physical body alone. Among color and gem therapies, herbal medicines and yoga, meditation as therapy is the one that seems to conflict most with western medicine.

Why? One fundamental reason is the different perspectives on healing. A conventional medical doctor primarily will treat physical symptoms and attempt to target a physical malfunction as the origin of disease. Nearly always, this is done through pharmaceutical medications.

On the other hand, an Ayurvedic doctor will treat a patient based on a long list of individual criteria that includes lifestyle and emotional evaluations, as well as physical. Based on the belief that poor health is a result of some imbalance somewhere in life, the Ayurvedic professional will try to determine what area is out of balance, and then go about correcting it through traditional treatments of Ayurvedic healing. Meditation is a part of every therapeutic regimen because it is the means by which the mind can make its contribution to the healing process.

The role of meditation in the Ayurvedic healing is to enlist the patient’s mental and spiritual faculties to aid in restoring balance to the bodily system. Through meditation, the patient can be relieved of the stress and anxiety that often accompany illness. It also can improve the quality of sleep and enhance the patient’s self-esteem. It replenishes and restores energy level.

Using meditation as part of the overall treatment plan also has its physical benefits. The practice has proven to be effective in reducing stress levels and blood pressure. Additionally, it lowers the respiration and heart rates while increasing the flow of blood.

Ayurvedic healing is about restoring harmony and balance in a patient’s life.

Meditation works to provide the emotional and spiritual muscle needed to assist the physical body in reclaiming that balance.

Daniel Amme writes the Ayurveda Health Blog

For Ayurvedic Herbs to cleanse and heal your body.

Yoga and Ayurveda Treatments For Colds and the Flu

According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of healing, colds are a Kapha and Vata disorder and the best herbal remedy for overcoming them is ginger. There are many concoctions you can make using ginger, all of which would be useful, but the following is my choice as it is one that tastes good, so even your kids won’t mind taking it.

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder and 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric powder, with enough honey to make a paste in a tablespoon. Then take by licking slowly. The ginger will help soothe the cough and cold, the honey will help the throat and the turmeric will act as an antiseptic. It is the medicine of choice at my house in winter.

Another variation which is also excellent for cough and colds, is to take the same portions of ginger powder, turmeric powder and a teaspoon of honey, in about 2 ounces of hot water, as the last thing before sleeping. This is also a very effective remedy.

Yoga Remedy for Colds:

To help fight off colds and better still, to help prevent them in the first place, practice Kapalbhati Pranayama. This pranayama is one of the best ways to boost your health and immune system. It also generates heat in the body to offset the Kapha/Vata imbalance and helps clear of system of congestion.

For Kapalbhati pranayama sit up in a comfortable position and then breath putting force on the exhalation, while leaving the inhalation passive. So you will sharply exhale through the nose, allowing the navel to naturally contract inwards, then follow it up with a passive inhalation.

Another pranayama that is great for battling colds and the flu, boosting internal heat, detoxifying and building your immune system is the potent Kundalini Yoga Breath of Fire Breathing Exercise.

To practice Breath of Fire, sit up in a comfortable posture, keeping the back straight and then begin to breathe rapidly through the nose putting equal emphasis on the inhalation and exhalation. The stomach will pulse on it’s own. The key to breath of fire is to focus the breath at the tip of the nose and not force the breathing using the diaphragm. It is like very fast sniffing.

Summary:

Combining Ayurvedic treatments with Yoga therapy is a powerful way to heal and take care of your health. Both practices are all natural, holistic sciences and the treatments they use have no dangerous side affects or artificial components.

Anmol Mehta is a modern Yoga & Meditation master. His free website offers Kids Yoga Poses, excellent Meditation Techniques and the Mind Expanding Guided Meditation Download.

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Ayurvedic Treatment For Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Hemorrhoids or piles are swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. They are either inside the anus – internal – or under the skin around the anus – external.

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of internal Hemorrhoid radiation is bright red blood covering the feces, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and itching, which may produce a vicious of circle symptoms.

Causes:

Sitting for a long period of time can start the hemorrhoid process. Hemorrhoids also are most likely caused by diet and straining on the toilet. Other factors that contribute to hemorrhoids include aging, heredity, bouts of diarrhea, using laxatives. For women, pregnancy is often a factor as the fetus puts pressure on the hemorrhoid veins.

Treatment:

Treatments for hemorrhoids vary in their cost, risk, and effectiveness. Different cultures and individuals approach treatment differently. Some of the treatments used are

Ayurvedic treatment of Hemorrhoids:

Ayurvedic treatment of hemorrhoids has a twofold intention – one is to reduce the constipation that is associated. Once the constipation is brought under control then methods are employed to reduce the pains of the piles. Application of sandalwood or sesame oil on the piles can help in case of external. In order to reduce the constipation there are other dietary elements like ghee, buttermilk and green leafy vegetables which the patient is suppose to take. Ayurveda traditional medicine has effective treatments against Hemorrhoids.

Home remedies:

Dry figs: Three or four dry figs should be soaked overnight in water after being cleaned thoroughly in hot water. They should be taken first thing in the morning along with the water in which they are soaked. They should also be taken in the evening in a similar manner. This treatment should be continued for 3 to 4 weeks.

Mango seeds: The powdered of dry mango seeds should be given in doses of about 1 ½ to 2 grams with or without honey, twice daily.

Jambul fruit: The fruit should be taken with salt every morning for 2 or 3 months during its season.

Radish: 100gm of grated radish mixed with a teaspoon of honey may be taken twice daily in treating this condition.

Turnip: the juice of turnip leaves should be extracted and 150ml be given to the patient. It is however necessary to take a proper diet of raw fruits and vegetables while taking this juice.

Bitter Gourd: Three teaspoon of bitter gourd leaves juice mixed with glass of buttermilk should be taken every morning.

Ginger: Half a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice , mixed with one teaspoon of each fresh lime juice and fresh mint juice , and a teaspoon of honey , constitutes an effective medicines for piles.

Onion: About 30gm of onion should be finely rubbed in water and 60gmof sugar added to it. It should be taken twice daily by the patient.

Rice: A thick gruel of rice mix with a glass of buttermilk and a ripe banana should be given twice a day.

Wheat grass: Wheat grass juice use as an enema helps detoxify the walls of the piles.

Sesame seeds: They can be taken in the form of a decoction by boiling 20gm of seeds in 500ml of water till it is reduced by 1/3 or as sweetmeats. Ground the paste with water , they can be given with butter for bleeding piles.

Chebulic Myroblan: The fruit should be roasted to a brown colour in custard oil, and then powdered and stored. Half a teaspoon of this powder at bed time will bring about normal bowel movements in the morning and the astringent property of the fruit will heal the piles masses.

Prevention of Hemorrhoids:

Change the diet to include more bran or fiber and drinking more water, change the bowel habit and exercise and don’t sit around for too long.

This article is submitted by Dr. Vikram Chauhan MD – Ayurveda, Consultant Ayurveda Physician for http://www.planetayurveda.com. Dr. Chauhan provides free online consultations to his patients worldwide.

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