Ayurveda to be Fit and Fine

Hair Loss Treatment

2011-06-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

If Vata dosha is dominant, one should use almond or sesame oil, to massage the scalp.

IN Pitta dosha dominance, massage the scalp with coconut oil and rub it on the soles of the feet at bedtime. For Kapha dosha sesame or olive oil can be used.

Besides these oils, other specialized oils containing various herbs can be

used to treat hair loss:

Brahmi oil pacifies vata dosha and promotes the hair growth
Amalaki is cooling, nourishing, and purifying. It prevents dry scalp, premature thinning and graying of hair
Bhringaraj nourishes hair
Hibiscus is considered best as it cools the hair and enriches the color and vitality of hair
Neem purifies and cleanses hair and scalp

To massage the scalp warm a cup of the oil being used. Rub the oil into different parts of the scalp using the pads of the fingers. Leave the oil on for 30 to 60 minutes. Dip a towel in warm water, wring it out and tie it around the head, after massage, for conditioning.

Wash the head with a natural shampoo.

Eat a handful of white sesame seeds every morning. It contains sufficient magnesium and calcium that are essential for hair growth. Drink yoghurt or curds and consume more green leafy vegetables, fruits, salads, sprouts and milk.

HOW TO BOOST YOUR BRAIN

2010-08-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

1. Play games that challenge and stimulate your mind. These include:

* Picture Puzzles

* Strategy Games

* Crossword Puzzles

* Card Games

* Deduction Games (such as Clue)

* Visualization Puzzles

* Optical Illusions

2. Reading stimulates the brain as it activates your imagination. Reading also helps with memory retention and problem solving, especially if youre reading a mystery. Also, self-help books stimulate your brain by helping you to think for yourself, as well as find solutions in your mind..

3. Exercising helps circulate blood that carries oxygen to your brain. Over the long-term, exercise is proven to increase brainpower and even create new neurons.

4. Stimulate your brain with meditation. Meditation has been shown to increase your IQ, relieve stress, and promote a higher level of brain functioning. Meditation also stimulates the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the area of the brain responsible for advanced thinking, ability and performance.

5. Deep breathing helps deliver oxygen to your brain. Oxygen helps you be more alert and awake. As little as 10 to 15 minutes of deep breathing daily can increase brain functionality.

6. Taking fish oil supplements is literally like membrane material for the brain.. The two primary components in fish oil, DHA and EPA, strengthen the emotional center of the brain and boost focus.

7. Studies have proven that listening to music strengthens the right hemisphere of the brain and actually changes the structure of it. Also, people who listen to music are shown to be more emotionally intelligent than those who dont.

8. Writing improves memory and thought expression. Writing articles, blogs, or journal entries stimulates thought processes, which also enhances brain function.

9. Sleep clears out brain clutter and reduces brain fog. When you dont get enough sleep at night, your memory and normal brain function suffers.

10. Painting is shown to be an effective brain booster in that it sparks the creativity within you. Even if youve never tried painting before, give it a shot. Youll find that you feel more creative and may actually enjoy it.

11. Starting the day out with a good breakfast has been proven to supply energy to the brain and body for the whole day. When you skip breakfast, youre missing out on a powerful edge, both physically and mentally.

12. Walking allows you to clear your mind and thoughts. Not only is it good exercise for your body, walking gives your brain a chance to wander freely, clearing it of any troublesome thoughts.

13. Drink a serving of pure fruit juice. Fruit juice contains nutrients that revitalize and refresh the brain. Juices to drink are pomegranate, blueberry, and cranberry as they deliver more focus and energy.

14. Students who drink some caffeine before an exam typically have higher scores than those who dont. This is because caffeine stimulates activity in the brain, which produces better focus and thinking ability. Dont overdo it though!

15. Draw a picture. Like painting, drawing stimulates the creative side of your brain. So get out some colored pencils and start boosting your brainpower.

To get the most out of these brain boosting activities, mix them up and do a variety of them at different times. Just choosing one wont boost your brainpower, however, combining and alternating them will give your brain the added boost you need now and in the long run.

SOME TIPS TO BE HEALTHY BY IMPROVING ONE’S DIET

2010-04-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

1. Have a Cup of Tea
Don't drink coffee, drink tea. Scientists say that the extremely high content of flavonoids makes tea a really healthy choice, whether it’s green tea, black or some shade in between. The plant-derived compounds are very powerful antioxidants, which help in fighting cell damage and may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

2. Eat Your Breakfast

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. “When you go to bed, the body has to work to keep you alive and that burns calories,” says registered dietitian , “You need to replenish your body when you wake up.” Breakfast will help your body and mind function better during the day and help boost your metabolism to burn more calories. Some smart choices for people on the go: single-serving bowls of whole-grain cereal or oatmeal topped with fruit, or whole wheat crackers topped with cheese or peanut butter.

3. Downsize Your Dinnerware

Start using your salad plates as your dinner plates. Using a smaller plate helps you get used to eating smaller portions. you will start to really identify with good, healthy portion sizes and will feel very full after you finish a meal on a smaller plate.4.

4. Stop Obsessing Over Calories

Use the 25-25-50 rule, suggested by registered dietitian. That means 25 percent of your plate should be covered by lean protein like chicken or beans; 25 percent should be covered by whole grain pastas, brown rice, or potatoes (baked is preferable to fries), and 50 percent should be covered in vegetables. Vegetables are nutrient-dense, meaning they are packed full of vitamins and minerals, while being low in calories.

5. Indulge in Fancy Fruit

Instead of cake, try making fruits more tempting. Everyone wants something sweet after dinner, this is just a smarter way to do it, e.g. take a pear, cut it up, add some nuts, and throw it in the oven. “You can satisfy a sweet tooth without eating a lot of processed junk.

6. Increase your water intake

We all know that water is good for us. It helps with digestion, energy levels, weight loss, and can even help keep your skin in top shape. Just how much water to drink really depends on your age, activity level and other factors. A good rule of thumb: kids and adults who are healthy should try drinking water with each meal and between meals. To see if you are getting enough fluid: check your urine. Pale yellow means you are drinking enough. Darker urine or going to the bathroom less than four times a day means you need to up your water intake.

Utakatasana(Chair Pose)

2010-04-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

Utakatasana(Chair Pose)

The word “Utakat” means Powerful or fierce in Sanskrit which is name for the benefits that this poses gives for the doer. The English name is pretty much because of shape the body undergoes when doing the pose like a chair, thus the name Chair pose.

Procedure of Utakatasana:

1] Start this pose by standing in Tadasana.

2] Inhale in and slowly lift both your arms so they are perpendicular to the ground above your head. The palms of the hand are facing each other and connected as if forming the namsate symbol on the top of your head. Keep the arms as straight as possible.

3] Now inhale and exhale and slowly try to bend you knee joint as much as you can without lifting heals from the floor.

4] Your torso may lean forward a little bit, but keep your abdomen inside and the back straight.

5] Hold this pose for 3 to 4 breaths and then coming back repeat the steps again for some time.

Caution:

It can be done by every single person and with no restriction. But Some do suggest a word of caution for those who suffer with low blood pressure and insomnia.

Benefits:

1] This pose remains the best for working in Flat feet.

2] Stretches the Achilles tendon and strengthen the thigh muscles.

3] Tones and strengthen the muscles of the back

4] Good for those women who are pregnant.

5] Aids digestion and elimination.

6] Promotes body ailment and good posture.

Chakra:

This asana works on the Muladhara Chakara or the Base Chakara.

Shvasana

2010-04-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

SHAVASANA

“Shavasana” is also known as “Mritasana”. The “Shava” here means a dead person same is the meaning of the word “Mrita”. It is to copy the way and feel of a dead person thus restricting the movements of both physical body and mental mind.

Procedure of Shavasana:

1] Lie down on your back full length on the mat. Make sure you are comfortable as much as possible. Keep your arms aside from the body, both the legs apart from each other.

2] Arms should be apart from the body and palms of both the arms should be facing upward in a very relaxed pose.

3] Make yourself as comfortable as possible; if it’s cold have a blanket or something on top of you to cover. Loosen your pants if you do wear something very tight on the waist.

4] Before starting the pose close your eyes. One can even wear eye shades or piece of cloth to keep your eyes from bright light.

5] As you starts this pose inhale in and out and make sure you are with each and every breathe.

6] Understand that you start this pose with fast shallow breathe, but slowly you would proceed in to a state of slow deep breathing. Follow that.

7] Be with your breathe all the time. Follow the rhythm!!

8] One can restrain the physical body for this part of the pose, but the hard part is to restrain the minds from moving a lot. It is common in the early phase. Try to work out on that.

To follows one breathe would be the easiest way that your mind can stay still and not think of anything else.

9] Stay in this pose for around 15 to 30 minutes.

10] When coming out from this pose one can slowly turn towards the side and then sit in Padmasana full or half.

What not to do during Asana:

1] The relaxing nature of the pose makes many to fall asleep in this pose. Try not to do the same. Do not sleep!!

2] Make sure your mind does not wonder all around. Do not think too much of all the frugal topics of life.

Benefits:

1]It is the pose to remove fatigue caused by all the other asana done before.

2]It helps those who suffer with depression headache and other stress disorders.

3] A good pose to lower blood pressure and other related health condition.

4] Relaxes the body and the mind.

Related Chakra:

This pose works on Vishuddha or the Throat chakra.

BENEFITS OF EATING BEANS

2010-04-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

Beans are even better for you than you may realize:
1. Beans, peas and lentils contain soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower total cholesterol and decrease "bad" LDL cholesterol. In fact, beans contain twice as much fiber as most other vegetables, so they not only help fill us up, but also, yes, keep us regular!

2. Studies also suggest that beans may help reduce the risk of heart disease, colorectal cancer and diabetes.

3. In particular, look for kidney, red, black and pinto beans—these are the antioxidant superstars, especially high in disease-fighting compounds.

For the greatest health benefits, try to eat three cups of beans every week. Throw beans into your salads or soups, or cook them up. No matter how you eat them, beans do a body good!

Treatment of Sore Throat

2010-04-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

One of the commonest health conditions that one can face at least once in a lifetime is Sore Throat or also know in the medical community as Acute Pharyngitis which means inflammation of the throat or the pharynx. Discomfort in the throat, pain while swallowing some times, coughing, a need to itch the throat are some of the commonest issues faces by many during this health issue. Since ages humans have looked for easy home remedies for this condition which are even regarded by the medical profession as the number one step to fight sore throat.

1] Hot Water Gargle:

Hot water with salt gargle has been used since long time to gargle when one faces such itchy condition. It is advised by many Vaidya that use of such gargle more so when one faces sore throat with cough and mucus secretion rather than just itchy sore throat.

2] Turmeric:

Turmeric and honey combined together to make a past and then licked every half hour has proved to very effective in controlling sore throat infection. Commonly recommended by grandmother, this remedy remains very famous in India. Anti-Inflammatory property of turmeric is well know which is known to play an important role here.

3] Licorice:

Licorice acts as soother of the sore throat. It not just soothes the area but also work as an expectorant. Normally one may just chew on the licorice roots in India, but often in certain cases licorice powder with honey is administered to lick often when one suffers with sore throat.

4] Cardamom:

Open one or two pods of Cardamom, take those black brown seeds and roast it with small amount of black pepper. Mix this roasted combination with honey and keep on licking it all during the day when one suffers with sore throat. Black pepper fights the bacteria and viruses while cardamom soothes the throat to give magic results.

5] Garlic:

The well known anti inflammatory spice is well known to work against sore throat. Open the clove of garlic and keep in the oral cavity a clove of garlic for as much time as you can. It is said that garlic does contain “allicin” a chemical that kills bacteria. Yes I know the bad breathe issue....

6] Eucalyptus:

This aromatic herb is known to sooth the body muscles when applied or inhaled or in any form. The same principle works against sore throat. A nice steam of water and eucalyptus oil can work magic, same is the case with hot tea with some eucalyptus.

7] Ginger:

Ginger another potent anti inflammatory, anti septic can be used successfully against Sore throat. Ginger tea recipe has been spoken on this blog couple of times. Have for yourself. If suffering with sore throat make sure one have at least few cups of ginger tea in a day to give result.

8] Basil Tea:

Tea made of basil leaves has been choice of many ayurvedic vaidya in India to treat and heal Sore throat. Basil leaves normally work as expectorant which is why they are enjoyed when used in sore throat. But it is also the property of basil leaves to work as anti viral, anti bacterial that makes a big difference.

Asthma in Ayurveda

2010-04-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes severe inflammation in the airways. Asthma “attacks” are usually triggered by environmental factors, as is the case with inhaled allergens like pollen or pollution, and in some cases due to food allergies. During an asthma attack, the airways in the lungs become inflamed, constricting air flow and thus resulting in wheezing and coughing, combined with a feeling of constriction in the chest. Incidence of Asthma is considerably increasing, in today's stressful modern urbanized living. According to one survey, 15% of Indian population suffers from Asthma and in developed countries like USA every year there is 10% increase of Asthmatic patients.
Ayurveda, one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world, views asthma and other diseases as a result of a person being out of harmony with the universe. Disruptions can be physical, spiritual, and/or emotional. There is versatile approach of Ayurveda to get at root cause of the problem and it helps in preventing the disease rather than treating it. The Ayurvedic treatment during an acute asthmatic attack involves relieving the distress of breathing. Ayurvedic medicine offers therapies that reduce the symptoms of, or even help eliminate, asthma over time, helping to control the chronic condition. Integrating Ayurvedic medicine with modern Western medicine can lead to an effective treatment for asthma.
In Ayurveda, asthma can be correlated with “SHWASA ROGA”.

Nidana (Causes) [Su. Utt. 50/3-5, A. H. Ni. 4/1]:

A] Factors related to diet:

1. Excessive indulgence in black grams, raw milk, soar curd, excess salt, flesh of aquatic and wet land animals.
2. Excessive use of 'Ruksha' (dry) and 'Guru' (heavy) diet.
3. Excessive use of cold water and cold drinks.
4. Excessive use of 'Abhishyandi' (Kapha producing) diet such as curd etc.
5. Excessive use of not easily digestible and irritant food.

B] Factors related to work:

1. Excessive exposure to dust and smoke.
2. Excessive exposure to cold wind.
3. Excessive cold bath.
4. Excessive sun bath.
5. Exhaustive exercise & walking.
6. Excessive sexual activities.7. Suppression of natural urges.

C] Other Factors:

1.Trauma to vital organs viz. - chest, throat etc.2.Asthma may be as a sequaelae in other diseases like - Fever, Long standing common cold, Tuberculosis , Anaemia, Heart disease, Poisoning etc.
Samprapti (Pathogenesis) [Su.Utt.51/4, Ch. Chi. 17/45]:
The vitiated 'Pranvayu' combines with deranged 'Kapha dosha' in the lungs causing obstruction in the 'Pranavaha srotasa' (Respiratory passage). This results in gasping and laboured breathing. This condition is known as 'Shwasa Roga'

Types:

Five types of 'Shwasa Roga' are described in Ayurvedic texts [Su. Utt. 51/5, A. H. Ni. 4/2]:
1]Maha-Shwas
2]Urdhva-Shwasa
3]Chhinna-Shwasa
4]Tamaka-Shwasa
5]Kshudra-Shwasa

Among these five types first three are not curable.Tamaka-Shwasa is 'yapya' (Controllable) and is difficult to cure. The last one is curable. More than 75% of the cases belong to last two catagories.`

Clinical Features:

Symptoms:

1. Dyspnoea
2. Coughing,

Signs:

1. Feeling of constriction in the chest.
2. Wheezing.

Asthma, from an Ayurvedic perspective, is primarily a Kapha dosha syndrome [Ch. Chi. 17/8].

*Asthma with the predominance of Kapha dosha has symptoms of cough and wheezing with abundant clear or white phlegm. The lungs will be full of water, producing a crackling or rattling sound. Attacks occur during morning and evening.
*Asthma with the predominance of Pitta dosha involves coughing and wheezing with yellow phlegm. Other symptoms include fever, sweating, irritability, and a need for cool air. Attacks come around noon and midnight.
*Asthma with the predominance of Vata dosha has symptoms of dry cough and wheezing, dry mouth, dry skin, thirst, constipation, anxiety, and craving for warm drinks. Attacks occur mostly at dawn and dusk.

Treatment in Ayurveda:

Preventive Tips:

1. Avoid cold and damp places.
2. Go for morning or evening walk, do yoga mainly 'Pranayama'.
3. Avoid over-eating. Take light dinner one hour before going to bed.
4. Avoid Tobacco, wine and smoking.
5. Keep rooms well ventilated. Avoid air conditioners, coolers and direct air of fan.
6. Avoid perfumes, Agarbatti, Mosquito repellents etc.
7. Drink boiled water in plenty. Avoid over exercise and over indulgence in sex.
8. Avoid over exercise and over indulgence in sex.

Goals of Ayurveda for Treating Asthma:

Treatment using the Ayurvedic approach is determined by the particular dosha imbalance experienced by the asthmatic individual. Patients need to actively participate and be willing to alter diet, lifestyle, and habits for treatment to be effective. Treatment include reducing symptoms, eliminating impurities, reducing anxiety, increasing disease resistance, and increasing harmony in the patient's life.
A variety of methods are used, including:
· Reducing symptoms. Dietary changes, physical exercises, stretching, breathing exercises, meditation, massage, and/or lying in the sun are prescribed to reduce the symptoms. Herbs might be prescribed, along with tiny amounts of metal and mineral preparations, such as gold or iron.
· Eliminating impurities. A process called Panchakarma is used to cleanse the body by eliminating undigested food that interferes with healthy functioning of the body. Panchakarma focusses on both the digestive and respiratory systems. Enemas, massage, medical oils administered in a nasal spray, and other methods may be used.
· Increasing disease resistance. Combination of several herbs, vitamins, proteins, or minerals in tonics may be prescribed to improve digestion and increase appetite and immunity.
· Improving harmony and decreasing anxiety. Avoiding situations that cause worry and using techniques to release negative emotions are recommended.

General Measures:

During attacks - Apply warm 'Til tail' over chest and back [Ch. Chi.17/71, Su. Utt. 51/48, A. H. Chi. 4/1].
· Apply fomentation [Ch. Chi.17/71, Su. Utt. 51/48, A. H. Chi. 4/1].
· Take 'shunthi powder' 1/4 tea spoon + 'Kali mirch' 6 + 'Kala namak 1/4 teaspoon + 5 leaves of 'Tulsi', SBoil this mixture in 200 ml water reducing it to 50 ml. Filter and sip it.
· Mix a couple of leaves of the holy basil with honey and consume them every morning. This is a very effective remedy to keep asthmatic attacks away.
· When an attack is about to come, then chewing on some leaves of the holy basil mixed with rock salt.
· In order to clean the respiratory tract, roast gram and have them with milk just before going to bed.
· Grind some turmeric (use old turmeric for better results). Mix one teaspoonful of this powder with one tablespoonful of honey (again, the honey must be as old as possible). This is to be taken orally. This recipe is believed to work even when all other methods fail.
· For asthma in the early stages, it is beneficial to chew on some black pepper before going to bed.
· For temporary relief from asthmatic attacks, mix some leaves of the holy basil with black pepper and consume them.
· One more remedy is to mix some lemon juice with ginger and consume it once a day.
· Chewing a single fruit of the Chebulic Myroblan (harad) every night will give tremendous relief from asthmatic attacks.
· Boil six cloves in half a cup of water. Take a teaspoonful of this decoction with honey thrice a day.

Herbs Useful for the Management of Asthma:

· Piper Lungum builds up resistance against respiratory tract constriction and inflammation. Taken over a period of time, it builds a strong immunity against allergens.
-Adhatoda Vasica manages allergic disorders and bronchial asthma. Research indicates that the alkaloids in the leaves stimulate respiratory activity.
· Thylophora Asthmatica is an anti-inflammatory and acts as an expectorant. It also suppresses unnecessary immune responses and may boost other types of immunity.
-Termenalia chebula or Gall Nut· Terminalia has rejuvenative, laxative, and expectorant effects.
· Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
The bark of the arjuna plant has benefits in the treatment of asthma. It is taken in a powder form sprinkled on the preparation of rice and condensed milk known as kheer.
· Asafetida (Ferula fetida)
Along with whooping cough and bronchitis, asafetida is also useful in the treatment of asthma. For better results, its gum is taken in a mixture with honey.
· Myrica nagi (Bay Berry)
Bay berry bark is effective in the treatment of asthma. It can be taken in the form of either a decoction or a powder.
· Trachyspermum ammi ( Bishop’s Weed)
Bishop’s weed is an expectorant. It can relieve dried up phlegm within the respiratory tract. It can be taken with buttermilk for best results.
· Solanum nigrum (Black Nightshade)
Black nightshade can remove the catarrh and phlegm deposited in the bronchial tubes. Its fruits are taken for the remedy.
· Apium graveolens ( Celery)
Celery has antispasmodic properties; hence it is beneficial in the treatment of asthma. Either the herb itself or its seeds can be used for the purpose.
· Syzygium aromaticum (Clove)
Clove has expectorant properties; hence it is effective in the treatment of asthma.
· Allium sativum (Garlic)
Regular use of garlic can reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks.
· Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
Ginger is used in treatment of asthma due to its expectorant properties.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Asthma:

Two widely known Ayurvedic preparations for treating chronic asthma are Chyawanaprash and Agastya Rasayana.
The primary ingredient of Chyawanprash is a fruit called amla, which is the richest source of vitamin C in nature. This remedy is especially helpful for emaciated sufferers.
Agastya Rasayana is prepared with Chebulic Myroblan as its main ingredient. Along with Chyavanprasha, it is commonly prescribed to asthmatic patients.
Other useful preparations include Sitopaladi Churna, Shwasa-Kasa-Chintamani Rasa, Shwasa Kuthhar Rasa, Vasavaleha, Kantakaryavaleha, Vasarishta and Kanakasava etc.
Sitopaladi choorna is a very common medicine taken by asthmatic patients. It is to be taken thrice or four times a day, mixed with honey. One alternative to sitopaladi choorna is the Pippaladi choorna.

Pathya-Apathya for Asthma:

The following dietary guidelines must be followed in order to reduce asthma:-
· Sour foods such as curd and buttermilk must be avoided.
· Cold fruits such as bananas, guavas, watermelons and papayas are very risky as they can build up phlegm in the bronchial tubes.
· Fried and pungent foods must be avoided.
· Alcohol must be avoided.
· Excessive physical exercise must be avoided.
· Exposure to damp environment must be avoided.
· Exposure to cold should also be avoided.
· Dry grapes are beneficial in asthmatic patients.
· Light diet should be preferred.