Cura Ayurveda -Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counseling

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counseling in Bangalore

2012-07-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

Started actively consulting clients in Bangalore on Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counseling, diet & nutrition aspects, Ayurveda, yoga and various chronic health concerns esp.. Joint pains, Asthama, Diabetes, Stress related disorders, Menstrual complaints, Children’s health etc.

For appointments you can reach me via phone or email as mentioned below.

I can be reached on +91 09482689840

or via email samantchetali@gmail.com or bhat_chetali@yahoo.com

Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica) a.k.a Gotu Kola-A Divine Great Herb

2012-02-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Gotu Kola or Mandukaparni meaning Frog leaved has been revered as an imperative memory boosting, intelligence enhancing, anti-aging and a rejuvenating herb in Ayurveda. Ayurveda has placed it in the higher echelon of ‘divine great drugs’. Growing up in peaceful and magnificent coastal state of Goa- India; I remember Gotu kola as a common garden weed growing all over our coconut orchards. We called it ‘gunduri’ or ‘panputi’ in my native language Konkani. My grandmother used to often ask me to collect the fresh creepers of Gotu kola, to make savory ‘chutney’ served with rice or dosa (lentil and rice pancakes). Sometimes she would shade dry whole Gotu kola creepers and cook them with homemade coconut oil to make soothing hair oil. I now realize why she had razor sharp memory and little grey hair even at the age of 85!

Ayurveda has described Gotu kola as divine herb that strengthens memory, concentration and intelligence, promotes longevity, boosts complexion, improves voice and physical strength. It has been used for thousands of years by Ayurveda practitioners for preventive as well as curative therapy of anxiety and depression. Gotu Kola is also considered as a primary herb in Traditional Chinese medicine for promoting longevity.

My early encounters with Gotu kola inspired me to conduct detailed research on this herb during my post graduate studies in Ayurveda. The improvement in memory, concentration and attention span in children suffering from AD/HD after supplementing with Gotu Kola was promising. Several scientific research studies have also found it to be effective in preventing diseases of nervous system like Alzheimer’s and dementia.¹ Rich in B complex vitamins like B1, B2 and B6; Gotu kola is an ideal tonic for brain and nervous system.

Having stress as a master, every one of us needs extra help to keep our marbles safe! Gotu kola’s potential as a brain- building herb can be put to use as a powerful stress reliever. Taking Gotu kola supplements, using Gotu kola oil for head and foot massage, including Gotu kola infused ghee/clarified butter in diet are some effective ways of tapping the benefits of this Ayurvedic herb.

Gotu kola is an excellent supplement for people with Kapha and Pitta body type. Kapha people are more vulnerable to depression, dullness, apathy, pessimistic thoughts etc. which tend to peak during the months of winter. Regular supplements of Gotu Kola; single or along with Kapha alleviating and energizing herbs like Ashwagandha, Vacha, Shankhapushpi, Jyotishmati etc (depending on the status of doshas and specific symptoms) help to keep the winter blues away. Also, owing to its unique immunity boosting abilities, Gotu Kola helps in improving body’s resistance to common infections during winters. Honey is a good adjuvant for Gotu Kola in Kapha body type.

Like Kapha; Vata people are also susceptible to depression, anxiety, fearfulness, restlessness etc. during winters. Due to its bitter taste and cold potency, Gotu Kola increases Vata. Hence using single Gotu Kola herb may not be suited for people with a dominant Vata body type. However, the classical Ayurvedic preparations have been skillfully designed by combining Gotu Kola with Vata pacifying Oils and ghee. Using Gotu Kola infused oils for head, feet and ear massages, full body massage, shirodhara etc. ensures Vata balance both at the level of body and mind. Ghee itself being ‘medhya’ helps in synergizing the qualities of Gotu Kola, and makes it suitable for Vata people.

Although they love cool of the winters; people with Pitta body type usually dread summers. Soaring mercury makes them more irritable, frustrated, angry and tired. The cooling nature of Gotu Kola sets it apart from most ‘medhya’ (intellect promoting, neuro-nutritive) herbs that are hot in potency. Hence, it is the choicest herb for pitta people, which gives perfect pitta balancing and much needed mind-soothing effect during summers. Gotu Kola should be paired with Pitta balancing adjuvants like ghee (clarified butter) for better results.

Like most Rasayana herbs, Gotu Kola supplements should be taken early in the morning on empty stomach with a suitable adjuvant. If you are feeling run-down by stress, oppressed by winters or anxious to face heat of the summers, Gotu Kola is the herb for you!

References:

1. Gunter Peter Eckert, Traditional used Plants against Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer Disease, Front Pharmacol. 2010; 1: 138

How to Drink Water? Ayurveda’s Take on the Most Essential Nutrient!

2012-02-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

Building health is much like building a house. Unless the foundation is strong, the building will not be sturdy. If maintaining health is high up on your list of New Year resolutions, consider some of the basic and most fundamental things to start with- like how you drink your water!

The modest disposition of water often makes us take this most essential nutrient of our diet lightly. For those who are not aware; water is also the simplest and the most powerful remedy to most of our health issues. However, it all comes down to how we drink it!

Ayurveda has described the qualities of different types of water- like hot water, boiled water; water originating from different sources like springs, lakes, rivers and wells, as well as the changes in qualities of water in different seasons. Also, the correct methods of drinking water have been explained in great details. Here are some simple and effective Ayurvedic methods of getting extraordinary benefits from ordinary drinking water.

It is not the quantity that matters!
Most contemporary nutritionists, dieticians and fitness experts swear by drinking plenty of water for weight loss. Drinking water has mothered many weight loss mantras. The question is- do they work? NO!

Ayurveda has a simple principle- drink whenever you feel thirsty. Each person is different. Their needs are different too. To blindly assume that such blanket rules can apply to complex beings like humans is preposterous! Ayurveda encourages every person to understand their body’s subtle signals that we often ignore. We tend to override and suppress our natural urges more often than we realize. Thirst is perhaps the most suppressed natural urges. Constant suppression of thirst leads to a sort of ‘desensitization’ of our body to our normal needs. This is when the routine of designated cups of water a day appeals to us. Always remember that your body is not a car engine that has designated capacity for gas. Each individual has different needs even regarding water. The best indicator of that need is thirst. Take some time out and see how often you have the urge to drink water.

Depending on body types, Pitta body types need more water due to the dominance of fire element in their body. Also, they perspire more and require more water to keep their body hydrated. Vata body types also need more water due to the drying nature of dominant air element in them. Kapha body types demand less water due to the dominance of cooling water and earth elements in their constitution.

Warm Water no ice!
Cold water and water laden with ice suppresses normal hunger patterns and slows down the digestion. Having exact opposite qualities to that of our digestive fire- an entity that regulates digestion; cold water literally douses our digestive capabilities. It leads to dilution of digestive enzymes and leads to build-up of toxic waste or Ama in our body. Drinking cold water, beverages, soda and any cold, iced drinks is strictly discouraged in Ayurveda. Warm water helps in balancing all the three Dosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in our body. Drinking warm water helps in promoting healthy appetite, boosts digestion and metabolism. It also promotes healthy weight loss, relieves abdominal bloating, pain and constipation. Warm water is also one of the best remedies for people who suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis which is caused due to accumulation of undigested toxic metabolites in the body.

Water and food
Too much of water both before and after meals is bad for our digestion. Too much water at meal times causes sluggish digestion which is the root cause of many diseases. Indigestion, lethargy, obesity, metabolic diseases, fever, toxin build-up or Ama etc. are some of the diseases caused by sluggish digestion that entails after excessive water intake with food. Ayurveda recommends taking small sips of warm water while you are eating in order to soften the food and to prepare the food for digestion. Having water one hour after meal, is a safe way to go.

Pep up your water
People who have pitta dominance in their body should add cooling spices like mint, a tiny pinch of fragrant Cardamom or sandal wood to their water. Those with Kapha dominance, slow digestion should add a tiny piece of Fresh ginger, a tsp. of honey or a pinch of dried ginger powder to their water. Those with Vata dominance benefit from adding a dash of fresh lemon or a wedge of lemon to their drinking water. Lemon grass, crushed cumin and coriander seeds also make great water fortifiers.

According to different seasons here are some things you can add to your water to balance Doshas and maintain health –
• Spring- Fresh or dried ginger, Cumin seeds, Carom seeds, honey, fresh herbs like mint, lemon grass and tulsi
• Summer- Mint, lemon grass, lemon juice or lemon wedges, fennel greens, fennel seeds, cardamom, Ayurvedic herbs like sandal wood powder, Musta-coco-grass/purple nut sedge (Cyperus rotundus), Ushir - vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizhanoides).
• Autumn- Lemon juice, lemon grass, fresh or dried ginger, lemon wedges, cinnamon, cumin seeds, carom seeds.
• Winter- Fresh or dried ginger, lemon grass, basil, Tulsi, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise.
They augment the healing properties of water by many times. They can be just added to hot water or steeped in boiling water for 10 min for more strength. Once again, all these herbs should be added based on whether or not they suit YOU.

So in this brand new year, see your water differently and enjoy the difference it makes to your health!

Ayurvedic Self-Massage for Winter

2011-12-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

Massage or Abhyanga as it is called in Ayurveda, is an integral part of winter health care. Whole body massage with suitable oil can be done in any season of the year. However, due to cold and increased dryness in winters, a good self- massage is a must-do winter routine.Ayurveda encourages people to learn the technique of self- massage which can save them both time, as well as money.

Benefits of Self-Massage

The benefits of massage go deeper than just improving the health of our skin and hair. When done correctly, massage helps to improve circulation of both blood and lymph in our body. Massage helps in balancing body weight. Meaning, it helps in reducing weight in people who are overweight, and promotes healthy weight gain in those that are underweight. Massage helps in de-stressing and relaxing by stimulating the production of ‘happy-hormones’ a.k.a endorphins. Good massage relieves tiredness and improves energy levels. Also, massage is the best way of promoting healthy sleep.

Massage helps to prevent premature aging and age related skin changes like wrinkles and pigmentation. It is the best therapy for hair related conditions like hair-loss, greying and premature balding. Health issues like tension headaches, migraines, constipation, abdominal boating, menstrual cramps, joint pain, myalgia, muscle weakness etc. can be relieved by regular massage.

Also, apart from its great health benefits, the quite down-time that we get during self-massage is a great way of reconnecting with our own self.

Massage in Child health

Massage has also been an integral part of child health-care in Ayurveda. Parents and family members should make massage a regular health routine for children of all ages. It is especially helpful in children who suffer from failure to thrive and poor weight gain. Also, regular massage helps in promoting healthy digestion, immunity, healthy skin, joints and strong bones, healthy growth and development in children. Also, for children who suffer from disorders of growth and development, mental and physical retardation, learning disabilities, ADHD etc, the benefits of a good daily massage are unparalleled.

Choosing Massage oils

Choosing the right kind of oil for massage is the first step towards getting optimum benefits of your massage routine. The oils that can be used depending on your Dosha body type are-

Kapha body type-

Sesame seed oil
Almond oil
Mustard oil

Pitta body type-

Sesame seed oil
Coconut oil
Sunflower oil
Chandan bala lakshadi Taila (oil)

Vata body type-

Sesame seed oil
Olive oil
Almond oil
Dashamoola Taila (oil)
Ashwagandha- Bala Taila
Mahanarayan Taila

A drop or two of Aromatherapy essential oils can also be added to the warm massage oil, for a true spa-like experience, in the comfort of your own house and at a fraction of cost. Essential oils like Chamomile oil, Lavender oil, Sandalwood oil etc blend well in the massage oils.

The technique of correct self- massage

Self- massage can be done in the morning or in the evening. Doing a self- massage every day is ideal. However, for those who find it difficult to pack in a massage on busy days, can try to do it at least two to three times a week for optimum benefits. Massage should be done for at least 15 min. Wait for 15 to 20 min before you head for bath.

Massage oils need to warmed- up before using. Use copper or steel bowls, as they complement the qualities of oils. Massage oils need to be heated using indirect heat. Directly heating the oils can deplete their health benefits. For warming up the oils, leave the bowl containing the oil in a sauce pan or a pot that has hot (and not boiling water) for 10 to 15 minutes. When the oil is warm to touch, remove and use immediately for massage.

Check out the detail and easy to follow instructions for self-massage at-

http://www.livestrong.com/article/12454-do-selfmassage-/

Lead contamination in Vitamin D Supplements for Women and Children

2011-11-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

Winters are here - Hello rain, cold, endless nights...so long - warm, happy sunlight !!

Boosting Vitamin D rich foods in your diet, and taking supplements to make for deficits is crucial during winters. Especially, in places like- Beaverton-Oregon where we live, sunlight is a rare commodity during winters.

Contamination of lead in vitamin D is being evaluated as a major issue by US FDA. Choosing a safe supplement for yourself and your kid is a mind bending task, given the confusing and enticing nature of advertisements of vitamin supplements.

Click on the link given below to see the US FDA report on levels of lead contamination in leading vitamin brand for kids and women.

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/Lead/ucm115941.htm

Spice –up your immunity this winter!

2011-11-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

Winter or ‘shishir Ritu’ is the best season of the year to work on boosting your body’s immunity. Our digestion, energy and stamina are at their zenith in winter season. Also, for those who suffer from poor health due to imbalance of dosha (energies) and dhatu (tissues); winter season is the most ideal season to reinstate your internal balance, strengthen your digestion, natural detoxification processes of the body and immunity.

Lowered immunity and dysfunctions of immunity can give rise to a plethora of diseases. Various respiratory, nasal (hay fever) and skin allergies, food allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, thyroid disorders, certain fertility related disorders like anti-sperm antibodies and an endless list of dis-eases can hold roots in our body, due to weak immune system.

Ayurveda has put focus on many therapies, as well herbs that strengthen our immune system. Nature of therapies and herbs, depends on the body type of the individual, as well as on the nature of his/her disease.

Depending on diseases of the immune system, the Ayurvedic herbs that can be used especially during winters to strengthen immunity are:

Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with Respiratory allergies, allergic rhinitis i.e.Hay fever, asthma

Pippali (Piper longum)
Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum)
Amruta (Tinospora cordifolia)
Shirish (Albizzia lebbeck)
Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Yashtimadhu (Glycerriza glabra)
Pushkaramula (Innula racemosa)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Triphala
Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with Joint disorders, rheumatoid arthritis

Amalaki (Emblica officnalis)
Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
Amruta (Tinospora cordifolia)
Pippali (Piper longum)
Rasna (Vanda roxburghii)
Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Triphala
Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with Skin allergies, eczema, psoriasis

Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)
Nimba (Azadirachta indica)
Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with Food allergies

Amruta (Tinospora cordifolia)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)
Pippali (Piper longum)
Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with HIV and other immunodeficiency diseases

Mandookparni (centella asiatica)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Pippali (Piper longum)
Supari (Areca catechu)
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Jamun (Eugenia jambolana)
Ashoka (Saraka indica)
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
Yashtimadhu (Glycerriza glabra)

These herbs are not just mentioned in Ayurveda; their immune boosting properties have been established by means of thorough scientific research as well. They can be taken as a single herb or as a synergistic blend depending on the body type, age, digestive capability of the individual etc. Consulting a qualified Ayurvedic physician is very important before taking any of these herbs. It should be kept in mind that the efficacy of herbs depends on how accurately it compliments your system and how perfectly it customized to suite the needs of your body.

Spice –up your immunity this winter!

2011-11-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

Winter or ‘shishir Ritu’ is the best season of the year to work on boosting your body’s immunity. Our digestion, energy and stamina are at their zenith in winter season. Also, for those who suffer from poor health due to imbalance of dosha (energies) and dhatu (tissues); winter season is the most ideal season to reinstate your internal balance, strengthen your digestion, natural detoxification processes of the body and immunity.

Lowered immunity and dysfunctions of immunity can give rise to a plethora of diseases. Various respiratory, nasal (hay fever) and skin allergies, food allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, thyroid disorders, certain fertility related disorders like anti-sperm antibodies and an endless list of dis-eases can hold roots in our body, due to weak immune system.

Ayurveda has put focus on many therapies, as well herbs that strengthen our immune system. Nature of therapies and herbs, depends on the body type of the individual, as well as on the nature of his/her disease.

Depending on diseases of the immune system, the Ayurvedic herbs that can be used especially during winters to strengthen immunity are:

Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with Respiratory allergies, allergic rhinitis i.e.Hay fever, asthma

Pippali (Piper longum)
Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum)
Amruta (Tinospora cordifolia)
Shirish (Albizzia lebbeck)
Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Yashtimadhu (Glycerriza glabra)
Pushkaramula (Innula racemosa)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Triphala

Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with Joint disorders, rheumatoid arthritis

Amalaki (Emblica officnalis)
Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
Amruta (Tinospora cordifolia)
Pippali (Piper longum)
Rasna (Vanda roxburghii)
Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Triphala

Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with Skin allergies, eczema, psoriasis

Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)
Nimba (Azadirachta indica)
Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)

Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with Food allergies

Amruta (Tinospora cordifolia)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)
Pippali (Piper longum)

Ayurvedic Immunity boosting herbs for people with HIV and other immunodeficiency diseases

Mandookparni (centella asiatica)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Pippali (Piper longum)
Supari (Areca catechu)
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Jamun (Eugenia jambolana)
Ashoka (Saraka indica)
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
Yashtimadhu (Glycerriza glabra)

These herbs are not just mentioned in Ayurveda; their immune boosting properties have been established by means of thorough scientific research as well. They can be taken as a single herb or as a synergistic blend depending on the body type, age, digestive capability of the individual etc. Consulting a qualified Ayurvedic physician is very important before taking any of these herbs. It should be kept in mind that the efficacy of herbs depends on how accurately it compliments your system and how perfectly it customized to suite the needs of your body.

Ayurvedic Solutions to Winter Depression

2011-11-15T16:53:00.001-08:00

Dull, damp and dreary days are here and they are here to stay for quite a while.November gremlins are lurking everywhere and you never know when they will get to you.

Sun is the biggest source of positive energies and Sattva guna in our world. It drives away Tamas i.e. darkness, which is the root cause of depression. Shorter days and lack of sunlight during winters, change our circadian rhythm making us prone to being depressed.

Winter depression is a type of seasonal affective disorders (disorders which develop due to environmental changes of seasons). It is more common in women than in men. Whether it’s a full blown depression (as a disorder) or occasional bouts of depressed moods; proper care needs to be taken to ensure health and happiness even during these bleakest times of the year.

What are the signs of winter depression?

Decreased level of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Increase in appetite
Increased desire to be alone
Increased need for sleep
Weight gain
Which people are more prone to winter depression?

The cold and dryness of winters causes imbalance of Vata and Kapha Dosha in our body. The dryness increases Vata while, cold and damp conditions aggravate Kapha. Hence, people with Vata and Kapha body types are more prone to developing winter depression.

Although, the fire dominant Pitta people don’t mind winters; they should nevertheless be careful not to get affected by the merciless November gremlin. Since all the three doshas are present in our irrespective of our body type; we should always be watchful for the signs of imbalance.

What should you look out for?

Winter Blues in Vata body type-

Easily provoked anxiety, volatile moods, short attention span etc, are the natural traits of Vata body type. Due to favorable weather conditions, these qualities become more dominant and bothersome during winters, in people with Vata body type. They may also experience digestive disturbances, constipation, aches and pains, excessive skin dryness, disturbed sleep, restlessness and fearfulness during winters. Vata has major influence over our emotions and our train of thoughts. Aggravation and imbalance of Vata can thus lead to severe emotional disturbances.

Winter Blues in Kapha body type-

Sluggishness, low energy levels, love for sleep and tendency to pile on pounds, come naturally to people with Kapha body type. Hence, winters are not the happiest times of year for these people. Desire to be alone, lack of happy emotions, inability to cope with daily chores and work, stubbornness, lack of hunger yet excessive binging, slow digestion, water retention, excessive sleep etc may be experienced by Kapha people during winters.

Kapha people have the most stable emotions among all the other body types hence emotional disturbances in Kapha are seen at a very subtle level. Their introvert nature also prevents them from openly expressing their emotions and troubles. They are the ones who prefer to suffer alone in silence. Hence, people and loved ones’ around them should always be watchful for any signs of altered behavior and be supportive towards them in these difficult times.

Winter Blues in Pitta body type-

Pitta people are full of zest and energy; thanks to the dominant fire element in their body. However, they are also the ones’, which have the most intense emotions. Naturally, they are more prone to emotional tumults.

Sudden changes or dip in energy levels, erratic emotions, changes in sleep and appetite patterns should be seen as red flag of winter blues in Pitta people. Increased agitation, anger, lack of patience, excessive appetite, sleep disturbance restlessness, intolerance towards partner, other family members or colleagues are some of the signs of winter blues in Pitta people.

The inbuilt dislike for cold in Kapha and Vata type of people also makes them hate winters. Ayurveda has given great deal of attention to seasonal changes and their effects on our body, mind and spirit. A detailed description of food, lifestyle and supplements that suits every seasonal has been given in Classical texts of Ayurveda.

Based on some simple yet effective Ayurvedic principles, here are diet and lifestyle tips that will help you keep winter depression at bay-

Overeating Tamas dominant foods should be avoided by all body types during winters. Tamasic foods are heavy to digest. When eaten excessively ( in large quantities or on regular basis) they have immediate impact on our mind, making it dull and depressive.

Examples of Tamasic foods are:

Most stale foods (precooked foods, overcooked, re-cooked leftovers, canned, refrigerated, frozen foods, processed foods, GMO’s).
Fruits- Avacados, watermelon, canned fruits
Vegetables- mushrooms, garlic, onion, pumpkin
Dairy- Cheese
Beans-black beans, pinto beans
Meat-Beef, pork, lamb
Fish and eggs
Bread and bakery (eight hours after they are cooked)
Alcohol of all types
Most fast foods (as they are processed and precooked)
Winter do's and don'ts for People with Vata dominant body type-

Favor warm freshly cooked foods with sweet, sour and salty tastes.
Winters are perfect times for generous use of Vata pacifying ghee- clarified butter in your diet. Also, Vata pacifying oils like sesame seed oil are great for winters.
Drink plenty of warm water with added with a dash of fresh lemon juice.
Snacking on soaked nuts like almonds and dried fruits like prunes and raisins helps to streamline the flow of Vata in our body.
The diet that compliments Vata body type should be strictly followed during winters to avoid imbalance of this most dynamic Dosha.
The nature of Vata people can be compared to that of children. Just like kids, they tend to be more calm and happy, when they stick to a predictable daily routine. Maintaining a stable daily routine especially regarding meal time and bed times is very important.
Massage with warm sesame seed oil or classical Ayurvedic oils like Mahanarayana oil, Bala-ashwagandha oil are best for this season. More attention needs ot be given to lower abdomen, lower back, hips, thighs, sole of feet, head and ears during the massage. Massage helps to calm down Vata and leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Shirodhara which involves slow pouring of warm medicated oils on the forehead is yet another effective therapy for winter depression. For more severe cases of winter depression in Vata types medicated enema or Basti therapy is highly recommended.
Any activities that over stimulate our mind e.g. watching television, video games, loud music, excessive talking, strenuous exercise, over exposure to cold and wind can aggravate Vata further and should be avoided. Soothing music, reading, crosswords, puzzles, floor games that encourage the whole family to come together and play should be favored during winters.
Winter do's and don'ts for People with Kapha dominant body type-

Kapha is slow moving and most grounded of the three doshas. Activities and foods that are energizing and stimulating to the body and mind should be preferred in winters by Kapha people.

The diet and lifestyle that compliments Kapha should be followed during winter to ensure Kapha balance.
Drinking plenty of warm water with mint and ginger, ginger tea, herb tea etc helps in improving digestion and balances Kapha.
Trikatu- which means a classical Ayurvedic blend of three pungent herbs- Ginger (dried), Pippali (Piper longum) and black pepper is an ideal blend of spices for stimulating digestion and circulation in Kapha body type especially during winters.
Snacking on brain energizing dry fruits like walnuts , almonds etc. is most suitable for Kapha people as they can tolerate the heat generated by these foods.
Warm deep tissue massage with oils like mustard oil, sesame seed oil, almond oil, Dashamoola oil etc is great for Kapha people. Deep tissue massage not only improves circulation; it also balances Kapha and boosts positive emotions.
Instilling two drops of classical oil blend- Anutaila, in the nostrils helps in cleansing and balancing Kapha in the head and neck region. This cleansing therapy is called Nasya, and itshould be performed by a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner. You can also apply Anutaila on the inner surface of nostrils with your little fingers. This routine is a good alternative to Nasya, and can be done every day at home early in the morning.
Kapha people should engage in regular exercise and sports especially during winters to boost their energy levels. Also, they should constantly engage in both physical as well as mental activities to avoid dark moods taking over.
Winter do's and don'ts for People with Pitta dominant body type-

Pitta people cope with winters more effectively, due to the dominance of Fire element in their body. However, they should take care not to over-eat things that increase Vata, Kapha or Tamas during winters. Dosha balancing diet should be preferred during winters by Pitta People too.

Brighten up Winter with Yoga

Relaxing and grounding Yoga poses like the corpse pose (shavasana), diamond pose (vajrasana) etc are extremely helpful in calming down the movement of Vata. Any form of exercise should be kept to minimal by Vata people and more attention should be given to relaxation exercises.

Kapha people can enagage in flowing yoga poses or vinyasa, rapid sun salutations (surya namaskara) etc. Rigorous and body warming yoga poses can be well tolerated by Kapha body types.

Also, balancing poses like the eagle pose (garudasana), tree pose (vrkshasana), half moon pose (ardhachandrasana), king dancer pose (natarajasana) etc are good for bringing about balance of emotions and energies in our body during winters.

Pranayama or yogic breathing is also an excellent way of boosting positive emotions. Pranayama ensures smooth flow of living force or Prana throughout our body and mind and leaves us feeling calm, refreshed and relaxed.

Meditation is yet another very effective way of dealing with winter depression. It helps to re-energize our senses and boosts our positive energies. Moreover, meditation helps to settle an anxious mind and increases positive thoughts.

Try and soak in as much as a natural sunlight that you can manage during winters, whenever there are sun breaks. Also, keep your house bright and warm during the daytime. Bright light helps us adjust our body’s rhythms and helps drive away negative thoughts and energies.

References:

Jeanne Molin, The influence of climate on development of winter depression, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 37, Issues 2-3, 12 April 1996, Pages 151-155

Why No One Bans The Parabens?

2010-12-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

My sister has just delivered a baby girl and what a joy this little 2 point something has brought to our lives! She is three weeks old now, and has probably started developing evening colic. My sister called me to ask, if she could give her a very popular brand of gripe water (W*******s). This particular brand is doted on by Indian media for its ability to calm down even the fussiest of babies, since many generations. I had never used this product personally or in my practice, as I am little wary about the safety of these products. I requested her to read me the contents or composition of this gripe water. Starting with the extracts of few herbs that are indeed good for relieving colic, she completed the list with two preservatives- Methyl and Propyl Paraben. I was shocked to find these dangerous chemicals lurking in a product that is blindly trusted by so many parents. I told her to return the bottle or to dispose it and warned her not to even bring it near her daughter; leave alone feeding it to her.

Parabens are petroleum by products and one of the most widely used preservatives. Their extensive use in cosmetics, medicines and processed foods, has made them omnipresent in every aspect of our life. Parabens are cheap and they make cosmetic and pharma products more affordable. They increase the shelf life of the products by preventing the growth of bacteria.

Parabens are known Xenoestrogens. That is, these chemicals get absorbed in our body and start behaving like the hormone estrogen. Due to this, they cause imbalance of our natural hormones giving rise to various health issues. Due to their estrogen like effects, Parabens are ‘carcinogens’ i.e. they can increase the risk of cancers –breast cancer in particular. Also, Parabens and other commonly used chemicals that act like estrogens are the possible suspects behind the decrease in the reproductive health of both men and women in the recent years.

Food products and medicines that contain parabens get digested and processed by the liver. Liver and the digestive enzymes may process and excrete them, thereby giving us some protection. But, the Parabens contained in skin products are a matter of great concern. Anything we slather on our skin gets absorbed into the body and by-passes the digestion. They get easily absorbed into the bloodstream and can get lodged in any of our vital organs. Considering the number of synthetic skin products that we are using today, one can only picture the amount of chemicals that we are dunking into our system every day.

Despite of knowing the long term toxic effects of these chemicals on our health, nothing is being done to ban their use. Lame excuses are given when questions are raised about banning these chemicals. They call chemicals like Parabens safe, because according to them in small doses they will not kill us. Just because they don’t kill does not mean they are safe. Their long term hazards to our health are just not being taken into consideration. As a result of this pathetic shortsighted attitude, millions of people- men, women and children alike are a paying the price and suffering from poor health.

Government agencies are not doing enough to protect us from harmful chemicals. Despite of all this pharma, cosmetic and food industry continues to use these chemicals in scores of products. Till the time comes when some sense gets knocked into the head of the law makers to ban such chemicals, all of us need to be responsible for our own safety. Look out for methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl Paraben and sodium benzoate and benzoic acid in every product that is in your home and the ones that you buy. Not just these, every time you shop take time to read the fine print on the product label especially its ingredients- both active and inactive. Any tongue twisting names on the product label that you cannot pronounce and any product that has a whole paragraph full of ingredients should be crossed from your shopping list. Shifting to natural and organic products which do not use chemicals will do you and your family a whole lot of good.

As Dr Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the School of Public Health, University of Illinois Medical Center Chicago) says it, “ the only safe synthetic chemicals are the ones you are not exposed to!”

Food for thought!

2010-08-11T13:29:00.001-07:00

I often flinch when someone says my body or my so and so organ is ill or I need to get my so and so system checked. At a superficial level there is nothing wrong with this statement but it reflects our supposition about our own self. Our understanding of ourselves has been so altered and influenced by the current medical practices that we often fail to acknowledge most of the times that we are not just our body, or a walking specimen of various systems put together. Even those who do appreciate the existence of mind and soul within us are not aware about the tremendous force that binds these three elements together. To the extent that, one element cannot remain unaffected when the other element is suffering especially the body and the mind. All our bodily imbalances have similar impacts on our mind and vice versa. Hence No disease can be just physical or just psychological in nature.

One good example of this is the complex association seen between the co-existence of Celiac disease- an autoimmune disorder and various learning disabilities and abnormalities in the higher brain functions like memory, concentration and learning. Till now the researchers have not been able to explain why these two diseases co-exist. Some say that underlying celiac disease is the cause of such learning disabilities. The term they use for learning disabilities in this case is AD/HD. I carefully refrain myself from using this term as I do not believe that AD/HD is a scientifically appropriate term. (refer to my article on AD/HD shocking facts)

Celiac disease also known as celiac sprue is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system erroneously identifies body’s own cells as foreign cells and then attacks and destroys them. These individuals are allergic to gluten, a protein present in wheat, rye and barley, and tend to have an allergic reaction to this protein that can damage the lining of the small intestines. Celiac disease can produce a myriad of symptoms which includes spectrum of digestive problems, ranging from bloating to chronic diarrhea to various learning disabilities including poor memory and concentration. Recent studies have found that at least 3 million Americans are affected with celiac disease. And one out of every 133 Americans can have celiac disease. The symptoms of this disease may vary from person to person which often makes it difficult to diagnose. Research says that 20 out of every 100 people diagnosed with Celiac disease have learning disabilities and abnormal cognitive skills ( Zelnick et al Pediatrics , Vol 113, No- 6 June 2004 pp 1672-1676). These facts have made the conventional medical science reconsider their strategies in the treatment of celiac disease as well as the learning disabilities, which until recently were believed to be two different entities.

The co-existence of these two diseases is definitely because of the complex interaction that exists between our mind and our body. Ayurveda the ancient science of life believes that, the food that nourishes our body also provides nourishment to our mind. Micro elements present in our food (aakash, vayu, tej, aap and prithvi are absorbed in our body through the digestion by the digestive Agni or fire and are then conveyed to the mind for its nourishment. Certain foods can make us feel energetic, happy and satisfied while certain others can intoxicate us, some foods can promote anger while some can make us sad and lethargic. Eating comfort foods even when we are not hungry is one of the first resorts taken by individuals that experience mental stress of any kind. Various studies have appreciated the fact that certain foods can produce abnormal brain waves. Hence an individual’s diet should always be the first priority area in the therapy of any disease.

In case of celiac disease and learning disabilities it is seen that eliminating gluten containing foods, mainly the wheat products lead to improvement of symptoms of both the CD as well as the learning disabilities. When children and adults affected with this condition were put on a well planned diet that excluded gluten and included healthy grain alternatives to wheat, like spelt, kamut, oats, brown rice, and amaranth, their health dramatically improved. Also, this therapy had a permanent long lasting effect, an attribute the conventional chemical medicines never seem to possess.

Therapy of any diseases should always be planned by appreciating the relationship between the mind and the body. Very often different lines of treatment are adopted to treat such disease conditions like celiac disease and learning disabilities by having one set of drugs for the body and another set for the mind. This system has lead to these medicines exerting adverse effects on the body as well as the mind. They may eliminate one disease but they never restore health. On the contrary, they have the potential of causing more damage. It is only when we treat our body and mind as one unit that we can expect to restore health for our entire being. It is only when we appreciate the fact that treatment of disease does not equal health, that we will be able to make better therapeutic choices.

Cost Effective Alternative to Genetic Fingerprinting!

2010-08-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

Biochemical imbalances and genetic vulnerability can increase the risks of many diseases like obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and even cancer. The number of people affected by these diseases, which are mainly related to a faulty lifestyle, is increasing at an alarming rate. Also, the number of people who have a genetic pre-disposition to develop these diseases is still higher.

As mentioned earlier, these diseases and many more that we see today have their roots in faulty lifestyle which is, improper food habits, lack of exercise, stress and overload of environmental toxins. Hence medicines alone cannot cure these diseases and neither can they prevent them.

A recent study demonstrates that integrative interventions focusing on diet, exercise, Yoga and meditation can reverse the disease conditions permanently. Moreover, these lifestyle programs can correct the biochemical imbalances in an individual and can alter one’s susceptibility to diseases by altering the behavior of hundreds of genes that affect our health. When these lifestyle modifications are done according to an individual’s unique needs, they can turn off genes that can lead to diseases and turn on those, that can fight them.

But, how do we know our susceptibility to diseases? How do we know that we stand the risk of developing a certain disease in years to come?

Modern medicine’s answer to this is ‘Genetic Fingerprinting’. Decoding an individual’s DNA can precisely diagnose our genetic susceptibility to diseases. Lifestyle modification programs that are tailored to a person’s unique genetic type or genotype can help in overcoming these risks. But here is the cliché -the price tag!

Genetic fingerprinting can cost thousands of dollars in terms of the technology used and the fees of professionals involved in conducting it. This puts it out of reach of majority of the people. The importance of Genetic medicine is certainly undisputed, but it is also a fact, that most of us cannot afford it.

But, there is method which may not be as glamorous as “genetic fingerprinting” but is certainly more time tested, easy, reliable and also affordable. This has been part of Ayurveda, since thousands of years ago.

This method is ‘Prakriti assessment’ or body type/ body constitution assessment. It is an effective tool used by Ayurveda physicians in assessing an individual’s Prakriti – which is nothing but ‘Phenotype’. It is the physical expressions of a person’s genetic makeup or Genotype. Studying a person’s Phenotype can provide important and unmistakable clues to his or her genetic makeup. They are unique to every individual.

Ayurveda has given detailed and systematic classification of physical and psychological characters, based on which every person’s Prakriti can be determined. Types of Prakriti are based on the dominance of Doshas or energies in our body namely – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Assessment of Prakriti is always the first and the most important part of Ayurveda therapy. Various research studies have successfully linked Prakriti analysis to the genetic traits of a person. Just like genetic fingerprinting, Prakriti is responsible factor for a person’s susceptibility to diseases and internal imbalances. Ayurveda strongly advocates that depending on their Prakriti, each person should follow specific diet, exercise, and daily routine. They should also undergo unique cleansing therapies in specific seasons of the year, in order to maintain internal balance of Doshas and prevent diseases. Also, in the treatment of disease conditions, Ayurveda uses therapies that are uniquely tailored to a person’s Prakriti.

Assessment of Prakriti requires no technology and can be done easily by a well trained Ayurveda professional. It is easily accessible and very cost effective too. This certainly gives it an advantage over its pricey version of Genetic finger printing.

The benefits of knowing Prakriti can be life changing for every one of us. Hence, more and more people need to know about the benefits of knowing their Prakriti, which can helps them to take their first step towards better health. There are a large number of people who do not know about Ayurveda and its unique, time tested philosophies and therapies. But with persistent and relentless efforts that are being made by many Ayurveda professionals around the globe, very soon Ayurveda will reclaim its position as major healthcare system.

Can Health Drinks and Breakfast Cerals Make Yoour Child Stronger, Taller or Smarter?

2010-08-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

The market for health drinks like Boost, Bournvita, Complan and breakfast cereals like Kellogg’s are booming. Is it because their claims about making our kids stronger, smarter, taller are genuine or is it because we parents are blinded and fooled by their flashy advertisements and lured by their shiny packaging?

Parents of my young patients always asked me as to which health drinks they should prefer for their kids. And I always insisted that they should rather rely on good home-made, healthy food and not on packaged health drinks. Even though my patients trusted every bit of advice I gave them, I could see that they got totally confused when I told them this. How could they not give a health drink to their child, when everyone else does?

Giving health drinks to children has become a global phenomenon, thanks to the smart heads in the R&D of these companies, who come up with witty and catchy by lines and brainwashing advertisements. We cannot blame them entirely, as there are a large number of parents who give health drinks to their kids not becuase they are well informed, but just because they want to stay ahead in the status race with other parents. This artcle in Times of India should be good eye opener for every one of us

Read this- http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News-sick/entry/taller-smarter-fitter-kids-or

More articles to come on, how the so-called health drinks are taking their customers for a ride as they do not even have the RDA of nutrients that they claim to have on their labels? How the fine print and the smartly placed * fools most of the parents who spend a good amount of their fortune in vain believing that they are doing good to their child’s health?

New blogs are here too...http://chetali.wordpress.com/

2010-07-12T13:45:00.001-07:00

New blogs are here too...

My Blog site http://chetali.wordpress.com

Back in Action !!

2010-04-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

To all my blog readers - I have been out of action for sometime due to my hectic schedules of medical practice, yoga and social work, along with taking care of my naughty kid :)

However, going forward, i would be regularly posting new articles and my experience in ayurved with paitents.

Looking forward for our journey together !

Regards
Dr. Chetali Samant

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Ayurvedic Treatment

2009-12-05T21:34:00.001-08:00

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the single most, frequent and serious infection encountered by women. It's an infection of the reproductive organs of a woman, where-in,there is an ascending infection from the cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and the surrounding structures.

PID afflicts more than 1 million women each year in the US and generates annual health care costs of approximately 4.2 billion dollars.It is responsible for nearly 250,000 hospitalizations per year.
Unfortunately, i could not get hold of data in India on this subject.

A patient suffering from PID may have any of the following symptoms: -Lower abdominal pain -Back pain -Abnormal terine bleeding -Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge -Vaginal odor -Painful urination -Painful sexual intercourse. Certain symptoms that are not related to the reproductive system may also occur like fever, nausea and vomiting. It is often observed that the symptoms worsen at the end of the menstrual period and the first few days after the menstrual period.Over a period of time, PID can have serious effects on a woman's reproductive health. Several long-term sequelae have been clearly associated with this disease like:
• Ectopic pregnancy rates are 12-15% higher in women who have had an episode of pelvic inflammatory disease.
•Tubal occlusion with infertility occurs at a rate of 12-50% in these patients, increasing with each episode of pelvic inflammatory disease.
•Chronic pelvic pain has been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease at an incidence as high as 18% after a single episode of the disease.

Although PID can occur at any age, women under 25 years of age are at greatest risk.PID is difficult to diagnose because of its non specific symptoms and signs. Many episodes of PID may thus go unrecognized. But, since this disease, even in its mild and atypical forms, it has a potential to permanently damage the reproductive health of a woman. Family physicians should maintain a low threshold for the diagnosis of PID.

Ayurvedic Treatment for PID:
According Ayurveda PID is a disorder due to vitiation of pitta and vata doshas. Depending on the signs and symptoms shown by the patient the line of treatment should be decided.
Heavy uterine bleeding and unusual vaginal discharge:Patients with heavy uterine bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge and odor can be treated with single herb combinations like Ashoka (Saraca ashoka), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Udumbar (Ficus glomerata), Dhataki (Woodfordia floribunda), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Lajjalu (Mimosa pudica), Yashtimadhu (Glycerrizha glabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Nagakeshar (Messua ferrea), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Tanduliyaka (Amaranthus polygamus)etc. given internally in the form of churna (dry powder) or kwatha (decoctions). Praval bhasma, Suvarnamakshika bhasma, Vanga bhasma, Trivanga bhasma, Mandur bhasma, Sphatika churna etc.

When combined with the above given herbs are beneficial in treating heavy uterine bleeding.Medicines like Pushyanuga churna, Pravalapanchamrita rasa, Tapyadi loha, Kamadudha rasa, Shatavari ghrita taken internally are effecctive in treating the heavy uterine bleeding in patients of PID. These medications should be taken twenty to thirty minutes before food,as this timing (i.e before food) is beneficial especially in pelvic disorders.Painful urination:Patients experiencing painful urination should be treated with single herbs like Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Usheer (Vetiveria zizanoides), Chandan (Santalum album) given internally. Trinpanchamula kwatha, Gokshuradi guggulu, Chandraprabha vati, Chadrakala rasa are compound medicines that can relieve painful urination.Back pain:Back pain is one of the commonest and most troublesome symptom experienced by the patients of PID. Single herbs that relieve back pain are Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Bala (Cida cordifolia), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Shatavari ( Asparagus racemosus) etc. Medicines like Yogaraja guggulu, Chandraprabha vati, Kaishore guggulu, Amritadi guggulu, Dashamoola kwatha are effective in treating back pain associated with PID.

Improving the patient's immune status helps greately in controlling pelvic inflammation. Medicines like Mahayogaraja and Yogaraja guggulu, Amritadi guggulu, Chandraprabha vati, Arogyavardhini vati, Laghumalini vasant rasa, Tapyadi loha, Triphala guggulu etc. are extremely beneficial in improving immunity specifically in cases of PID. Also, they help in preventing the serious sequelae of PID and its recurrence.

Interesting stuff on 'Crying- it- out' method

2008-06-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

If you have judiciously believed the so called parenting experts who say that following crying-it -out method is the only way you can train your kid to sleep alone, well then read this article. It says crying -it-out can be injurious to your baby's health!http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/handout2.asp

Nitrates -What Every Parent Should Know!

2008-05-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

The concern over various toxins contaminating the vegetable produce and the water that we consume is growing day by day. Not only toxins but certain naturally occurring substances in plants when present in excess can also act like toxins and one of them is nitrates. Well water in certain areas can also contain high levels of nitrates. Nitrate containing plant foods (carrots, spinach, beets, green beans, courgette, collard greens etc) and food prepared with water containing high levels of nitrates are particularly be dangerous when given to infants below three months of age. It can lead to a condition called ‘the blue baby syndrome' or Methemoglobinemia in which babies develop a blue-grey skin color and become irritable or lethargic.1

Nitrates and nitrites are hemoglobin oxidizing agents. Infants below three months of age have lower levels of an enzyme called NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, which converts methemoglobin back to hemoglobin thus are at risk of developing methemoglobinemia.2
The high pH of infant stomachs also makes them more susceptible to methemoglobinemia. Higher pH provides a favorable environment to the growth of nitrate reducing intestinal bacteria which convert nitrate to nitrite.3

The risk of exposure to nitrates is more when infant food is prepared with well water containing nitrates. There is very little or no risk with the commercially prepared infant foods, as these companies voluntarily screen their products for levels of nitrates. Breastfed infants though have no risk of nitrate poisoning even if the mother consumes food with high levels of nitrates.4

Studies have shown that consumption of silver beets and storing homemade purees of mixed vegetables for over twelve hours in refrigerator could cause methemoglobinemia in infants over six months of age.5

Long term storage of vegetables can also lead to methemoglobinemia as natural degradation of food on storage increases the levels of nitrites.6

Protecting your child from methemoglobinemia:-

Do not introduce solids before three months of age. According to American academy of Pediatrics solids should not be given before 4-6 months of age.
If water from private wells is being used for preparation of baby food, it should be tested for nitrate levels. The levels of nitrate nitrogen should be less then 10 ppm.
When using commercially prepared baby food, refrigerate the containers after opening and discard them if stored over 24 hours.
Home prepared baby food should be prepared from fresh produce and should be used immediately. Storage over 12 hours should be avoided.
When making vegetable purees, discard the water used to boil the vegetables, as nitrates leach into the water.

References:-
1. Blue babies and nitrate-contaminated well water. Knobeloch L, Salna B, Hogan A, Postle J, Anderson H. Environ Health Perspect. 2000 Jul; 108(7):675-8. Comment in:
Environ Health Perspect. 2001 Jan;109(1):A12-4.

2. Methemoglobinemia caused by the ingestion of courgette soup given in order to resolve constipation in two formula-fed infants. Savino F, Maccario S, Guidi C, Castagno E, Farinasso D, Cresi F, Silvestro L, Mussa GC. Dipartimento di Scienze. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006; 50(4):368-71. Epub 2006 Jun 29.

3. Ion chromatographic determination of nitrate and nitrite in vegetable and fruit baby foods.McMullen SE, Casanova JA, Gross LK, Schenck FJ. J AOAC Int. 2005 Nov-Dec;88(6):1793-6.

4. Infant methemoglobinemia: the role of dietary nitrate in food and water.Greer FR, Shannon M; American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition; American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Environmental Health. Pediatrics. 2005 Sep; 116(3):784-6.

5. Methemoglobinemia and consumption of vegetables in infants.Sanchez-Echaniz J, Benito-Fernández J, Mintegui-Raso S. Pediatrics. 2001 May; 107(5):1024-8

6.Methemoglobinemia induced by refrigerated vegetable puree in conjunction with supraventricular tachycardia.Bryk T, Zalzstein E, Lifshitz M. Acta Paediatr. 2003 Oct;92(10):1214-5

Rationale behind the of use of Ghee-Clarified Butter in Ayurvedic Medicine.

2008-05-25T05:24:00.000-07:00

Introduction:
One of the most ancient systems of medicine- Ayurveda, developed thousands of years ago. But it still continues to stun the scientific faculties all over the world by its highly evolved concepts of health and medicine.
Depending on the nature of the diseased and that of the disease, variety of drug dosage forms, modes of administrations, diet and lifestyle modifications are available in Ayurveda. The drug dosages are in the form of decoctions, powders, pills, oils, clarified butter or ghrita etc. Amongst these, Ghrita or Ghee which is clarified butter is a dosage form which has been used widely in Ayurveda. This dosage form is particularly used in the treatment of Psychological disorders (Manas Vikara) and also in several disorders which affect nervous system.

Use of Ghee in Ayurveda:
As we take a review of the treatment of Manas Vikara in Ayurveda, we notice that most of the important Medhya aushadhi (Psychotropic and nootropic herbs) have been used in the form of ghrita or ghee .The best examples being Unmada (mania), Apasmara (epilepsy) and certain syndromes involving CNS in children like Balagraha (diseases of acute nature affecting CNS with possible involvement of supernatural influences) like Skanda, Skandapasmara etc. The main clinical features of these diseases being altered sensorium, behavioral changes, seizure manifestations and partial or total loss of higher functions of brain. The extensive use of ghee in such conditions in Ayurveda compels us to think why this dosage form in particular was selected.

Qualities of Cow’s Ghee:
Ayurveda has indicated the use of cow’s ghee that is go-ghrita, whenever the reference of ghee arises in the treatment. A brief glance at the qualities of go-ghrita shows that it has been described as Buddhivardhaka-augmenting intelligence, Smritivardhaka-enhancing memory, Deepana -improves appetite and is useful in the treatment of unmada, apasmara, murccha (unconsciousness) and mada (intoxication). Again it is worth noticing that almost all of these are the qualities and diseases are pertaining to nervous system.

Chemical composition of Ghee (Cow’s Ghee):
Ghrita is abundant in saturated fatty acids. It contains approximately 8% saturated fatty acids which make it easily digestible. The digestibility co-efficient or the rate of adsorption is 96% which is better than any other animal or vegetable fat. The fat breakdown of ghee is 65% saturated and 32% monounsaturated (the other 3% is polunsaturated, linoleic and alpha linoleic fat). It also contains Vitamin A and Vitamin E which are known anti-oxidants.

Use of Ghee in Ayurveda: The Rationale

The distribution of drug in blood is chiefly influenced by its lipid solubility, ionization, differences in the regional blood flow etc. A water soluble drug is usually distributed in the extra cellular spaces and it may not readily diffuse in to CSF and other body cavities, while the lipid soluble drugs are rapidly distributed throughout the intra and extra cellular spaces.
The drugs that are rapidly absorbed from the gut because of their lipid solubility are known to readily diffuse into the CSF and the brain. That is drugs given in the form of a Ghee which is a fat are rapidly absorbed and distributed in the target areas of the body like the nervous system in this case.
The main reason behind this is the molecular structure of the blood brain barrier. This membrane separating the CNS tissue and the circulating blood is lipophilic in nature. Thus it selectively allows the passage of lipids and lipid soluble drugs across it. Therefore any drug given in the form of ghee will not only be digested and absorbed fast, but will also be able to reach some of the most distant and difficult to reach areas of body like the CNS.
This explains the better efficacy of various Psychotropic drugs given in the form of ghee in CNS diseases. And also tallies with the qualities of ghee which were discussed earlier like Buddhi and Smritivardhaka.
Also its antioxidant properties prevent the oxidative damage of brain and other tissues of the nervous system, thus providing protection from various degenerative diseases. For this reason Ghee has been used widely in the preparation of various rejuvenation medicines called Rasayana.
Ghee is therefore one of the most effective drug dosage forms used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating CNS disorders.

Introducing Veggies and fruits to your Infant

2008-05-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

The vegetables and fruits which you can safely feed to your baby once you have started weaning are-
Green beans, peas, butternut squash, acorn squash, potato, sweet potato, parsnip, sweet peppers,asparagus tips,avocado.
Vegetables should be well cooked minced,mashed and pureed before giving your baby. Once the baby is happy eating these, you can introduce other veggies like cabbage and broccoli etc.

Which vegetables to avoid?
Beets, turnips, carrots, collard greens and spinach as these might conatin high levels of nitrates when grown in certain parts of the country. It is safe to use the commercially prepared forms of these foods.

Which fruits to give?
Banana, apple, pear, mango, peach, papaya,blueberries, plums.
Till your baby is eight months old, hard fruits like apple, pear should be pealed and cooked till soft using minimum liquid. Cooking these fruits makes them easier for digestion. Giving ripe fruits raw and pureed though does not cause any major health problem, but can cause gassiness and indiegstion and this will pass on as the babies digestive system matures.

Vajikarana: The science of healthy procreation.

2008-05-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Vajikarana: The science of healthy procreation.

The sole aim of procreation in every living being is survival of their race. And this holds true for humans as well .The unsaid rule is, that it responsibility of each individual to try and pass on the best of their qualities to their off-springs. It is a sperm in male and an ovum in female that transmit the genetic material of parents to the next generation. And the quality of these two gametes reflects directly on the health of the progeny.

Various research studies have brought to notice, a rise in adverse trends in male reproductive health like, increased incidence of testicular cancer, decline in semen qualities and an increase in abnormal sperms.1 Sperm damage results from a broad spectrum of causative factors like chronic disease conditions, exposure to chemicals, pesticides etc. Weak or defective sperm are giving evidence of having an increased risk for problems with pregnancy and the offspring. 2 It is the need of time that we find a preventive as well as a curative solution to this growing problem. Ayurveda- the science of life has an answer to this and it is called Vajikarana.

Ayurveda is divided in eight branches, which are carefully chiseled out to meet specific needs in the process of maintaining health and preventing diseases. Vajikarana is one of the eight branches which deals with improving male sexual potency, and there by ensure a supraja or better progeny. The main aim of Vajikarana always remained successful copulation for a healthy reproduction, the sexual pleasures just being an additional benefit .Through a healthy offspring it is supposed to impart the benefit of dharma (religious merit), artha (wealth), yasha(success) and preeti(delight) which are the fourfold achievements of life. But vajikarana in today’s world is being seldom used for healthy reproduction, sexual pleasures being the main focus. The main aim of this branch is thus being side lined.

The concept of supraja also indicates towards the category exactly opposite to this, that of kupraja or a defective progeny. These may include children with various genetic disorders, or congenital anomalies. Scattered references of defects in pumbeeja or shukra- which means semen or sperm, leading to defects in the progeny are found in Ayurveda texts. Charak Samhita, one of the famous texts of Ayurveda, gives reference of shukra dosha( defect in shukra) as ‘Shukram hi dushtam sapatyam sadaaram badhate naram’.3a The meaning being, a defect in shukra, affects both wife of the person with the defect, as well as his progeny .The defects in progeny have been elaborated by the commentator Chakrapanidatta as diseased or impotent progeny.

The importance of a healthy shukra for conception is also repeatedly emphasized. Shukra has been mentioned as the foremost requirement for a fetus which will grow normally within a gestational period of nine months, without any trouble and will grow to have a healthy body and mind 3b.

Beeja (a seed) i.e shukra as purusha beeja( in this context-the sperm) and artava as stree beeja(or ovum), a defect in any one or both are responsible for congenital defects in the feotus 3c.
While describing conception, it has been specifically mentioned by Acharya Atreya that the Purusha retas i.e. shukra should be ‘anupahata’( without any defects or damage) only then it will lead to a healthy fetus3d.

Shukra dushti has been cited as a prime reason for the failure of conception as well as for ajanma (failure to give successful birth) of the fetus 3e

While describing garbha upaghatakar bhav- factors which can cause either abnormalities or destruction of fetus, Acharya Chakrapani has elaborated Pitridosha (defect in the father) as apathya sevana (intake of unwholesome diet and regimen) by father and Shukradosh in the father 3f. All these references clearly indicate towards the importance of healthy purusha beeja. The science of Vajikaran was developed over ages to ensure a healthy shukra, which would ensure Subahupraja-a progeny which will have healthy body as well as mind.

Vajikaran chikitsa requires living in strict compliance to the directions mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. It also involves various methods of shodhan (body cleansing) through vaman (emesis) or virechan (purgation), to prepare the body for the therapy. After the Shodhan therapy, based on the prakriti (doshic body constitution) and the nature of problem of the person, certain herbal and herbo-mineral combinations are used. Some of the famous herbs used in vajikaran being Aswagandha (Withania somnifera), Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens), Shilajatu( black bitumen ) etc. Many other methods included under vajikaran therapy involve drugless therapy, aimed at improving mental health like, massaging with and herbal baths, wearing of fragrant garlands, anointing the body with fragrant herbal pastes, listening to music etc.

Vajikaran therapy revitalizes all the seven dhatus (body elements), therefore restores equilibrium and health. Keeping in mind the concept of vajikaran as described in the texts of Ayurveda, it definitely offers a solution to minimize the shukra defects and to ensure a healthy progeny.

References:
1. N.E Skekkback et al .Testicular dysgenesis syndrome: An increasingly common developmental disorder with environmental aspects.
Human reproduction, 2001; 5: 972- 978.
2. Barbara F. Hales, Bernard Robaine. Paternal exposure to drugs and environmental
chemicals: Effects on progeny outcome.
Journal of andrology, 2001; 22: 6: 927-928.

3. Agnivesha,Charaka Samhita,with Ayurveda-Dipika Commentary of Chakrapanidatta,
Edited by Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, 5th Ed, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Samsthan,
Varanasi. 2001
a. Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 29/18-19
b. Charaka Samhita Sharirasthana 2/6
c. Charaka Samhita Sharirasthana 2/29
d. Charaka Samhita Sharirasthana 3/3
e. Charaka Samhita Sharirasthana 4/28
f. Charaka Samhita Sharirasthana 8/21

DISCLAIMER
The sole purpose of this article is to provide accurate information about Ayurvedic/Medical theories. This information is not intended for use in the prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concerns, please consult your family physician or health care provider who can fully assess your individual needs and provide the care you require. The contents of this article may not be reproduced in part or whole without the permission of the author.

Age Appropriate Toys for Children from Birth to First Year

2008-04-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul”, said kindergarten inventor Friedrich Froebel. Research has shown that play helps in all areas of child development by providing the most required environmental stimulation to the child. Right from birth play helps a child to learn physical skills, language development, and social skills. Play shapes a child’s personality and is a part of the early material of moral character. Toys of different types form the epicenter of a child’s play. It is therefore quintessential for a parent to be well informed when it comes to choosing and buying the right toys for their little ones. With the fast growing toy market and the enticing and often overrated media advertisements, choosing the right and safe toys for children has indeed become a difficult task. This article is an attempt to provide the basics of choosing the right toys for infants-children aged 0-1year.

Birth to three months:-
The vision of a newborn is not fully developed. They are very nearsighted and can see only few colors like black white red and yellow. Their hearing though is matured and they can hear and recognize their mother’s voice. The toys that can be introduced at this age are-
-Mobile with highly contrasting colors and patterns.
-Music boxes, records, CD players with soft music.
-Soft, brightly colored and patterned toys that make gentle sounds.
Talking, singing and any form of active interaction with parents and near ones also provides the child with the most needed stimulation in this stage and throughout the first year of the child.

One to three months:-
This is a phase where the child starts following moving objects, and starts using hands and eyes in coordination. The child also learns to smile and babble and can turn his head toward direction of sound. The toys that are best suited for this age are-
-Images and books with high contrast patterns.
-Bright varied mobile.
-Rattles.
-Playing varied music with music box etc.

Four to seven months:-
By the end of this period the child will be able to roll from front to back and back to front. The child will be able to sit first with support and then without. He will able to reach for things and then transfer them form one hand to another. Full color vision also develops at this time and the child’s distance vision and ability to track moving objects improves. It is obvious from this that some major milestones are achieved during this period of life. Therefore the toys that can be given to the child at this age are-
-Soft balls, especially those which make soft pleasant sounds.
-Toys with different textures and which make sounds.
-Toys that are light weight and have finger holds.

-Musical toys like bells.
-Old magazines with bright pictures for you to show him.
-See through rattles that show the pieces making the noise.
-Baby books with board, cloth, or vinyl pages.
The child develops interest in mirror images so including a mirror (preferably unbreakable) is ideal during this phase. You can also stat reading to your child during this period.

Eight to twelve months:-
Your child will be able to crawl and creep during this age and will also be able to pull himself to standing position. You can introduce your baby to the following toys during this stage.
-Stacking toys of different sizes, shapes and colors.
-Cups, wooden spoons, light weight pots and pans.
-Large and colorful building blocks.
-Large dolls and puppets.
-Push and pull toys.
-Toy cars and trucks.
-Paper boxes, old magazines, egg cartons etc.

DISCLAIMER
The sole purpose of this article is to provide accurate information about Ayurvedic/Medical theories. This information is not intended for use in the prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concerns, please consult your family physician or health care provider who can fully assess your individual needs and provide the care you require. The contents of this article may not be reproduced in part or whole without the permission of the author.

Relieving Colic in Newborns

2008-04-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

Gassiness and colic in newborns is the most common problem faced by new parents.It can make a baby fussy and irritable to no ends.There are some simple ways by which you can relieve a baby of colic.

1. Apply warm sesame oil around the belly button area of the baby in a clockwise direction. Massage gently for five minutes.
2. Flex the baby's knees over his tummy a couple of times. Place the baby on your lap with feet towards you and gently do cycling movement with his feet.
3. Take a pinch of asofoetida (hing) and mix it with two to three drops of clarified butter (ghee). Apply this mixture around the navel of the baby.

Another tip for the mom's, avoid food that makes you feel gassy.