Acne free skin through Ayurveda

Author: Dr Savitha Suri

Acne is a very common skin problem which affects young people at their puberty and few adults till they reach 45. Acne are referred as Youvana pitikas (which means the eruptions of youth) in ayurveda. This shows the prevalence of acne from ages. Ayurveda has described the causes of acne and recommends the best natural herbal acne remedies too.

What causes acne?

A large number of oil producing glands called “sebaceous glands” are present under the skin ( see figure  (http://www.ayurhelp.com/Normal_skin.htm) – skin cross section) on face, back, chest and shoulders. During puberty or menopause due to the influence of the sex hormones, which are produced in male and female, these glands become more active and produce an oily secretion called “sebum”. The sebum makes the skin more oily .The excessive sebum clogs the skin pore or the pit of the hair follicle forming acne.

The blocked pore or acne acts as an excellent habitat for bacteria. The bacterial infection causes inflammation (red, painful swelling of the infected area) of the clogged pore or hair follicle leading to eruption of pimples.

Vata and Kapha are two main doshas, which are involved in eruption of acne and pimples. Rakta dhatu or blood also plays an important role in formation of acne.

Vata when gets vitiated due to unhealthy diet and lifestyles affects other two doshas (kapha and pitta) to aggravate them. Aggravated pitta affects rakta dhatu or blood. The vitiated blood affects the skin and causes excess secretion of oil from sebaceous glands. Kapha has sticky property. The aggravated kapha imparts the stickiness to the oil produced by sebaceous glands of skin. Thus the  thick sebaceous plugs are formed in skin pores and hair follicles leading to eruption of acne.

Acne worsens when:

Grease, dirt or other harsh chemicals accumulate on skin.

You have Increased stress levels.

You indulge in Squeezing or pinching of acne.

When there are hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycle, menopause and puberty.

You are under medications like steroids or hormonal therapy.

Precautions to be taken to avoid exaggeration of acne eruptions:

•   Avoid foods which are spicy, dry and oily which may cause indigestion and lead to vitiation of   vata.

•   Keep a habit of emptying bowels regularly this always normalizes vata.

•   Avoid fast foods and soft drinks.

•   Wash your face twice daily with mild cleanser.

•   Put a hair band to avoid falling of hair on face. The sweat and dirt accumulated on hair may fall on facial skin through hair strands

•   Avoid application of scrubs.

•   Wash your hair regularly with mild shampoo to keep it clean and avoid dandruff.

•   Squeezing and pricking of pimples cause scaring. Hence avoid this

•   Avoid exposure of skin to severe climatic conditions.

•   Avoid oil based moisturizers. Water based moisturizers are always beneficial.

•   Drink plenty of water.

•   Practice a regular exercise regimen

Natural Herbal acne Home Remedies:

•   Wash your face with lukewarm water and mild soap twice a day.

•   Wash fresh methi leaves (fenugreek leaves) and grind it to make a paste. Apply it on face and wash it off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes.

•   Grind juicy tender neem leaves with turmeric to a consistency of paste. Apply this paste on acne and pimples. Wash this off after it dries.

•   Apply a face pack of ripe tomato pulp and wash it off as soon as it dries naturally (preferably after 45 minutes) .

•   Do not keep the make up while sleeping. Cleanse it with a mild herbal cleanser.

•   Mix besan flour (gram flour) with rose water and apply a face pack.

•   Consuming fresh vegetable salads and fresh fruits keeps the skin healthy and resistant to blemishes.

•   Drink plenty of water (15 glasses a day)

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Osteo Arthritis- Ayurveda Treatment

Author: Rajesh Nair

Osteoarthritis which is known as sandhigatavata in ayurvedic medicine may occurs due to some particular food, poor blood circulation, dryness, over exertion or a low nutrient supply to the joint.

It is an important vata disease described in ayurvedic classicals like Charak samhita and Ashtanga hridaya. It is caused by the inflammation and loss of cartilage and affects the joints of knees, hips, lower spine, fingers and toes.

Vayana vata dosha, one of the five types of vata dosha (dosha of air and empty space) governs the entire body and mind movements, like blood flow, heart pulsation, breathing and the thoughts in mind. The vitation of this type of vata causes rheumatism. Osteo arthritis is essentially a vata disorder, with the involvment of pitha and kapha doshas.

Vata has a dry and light qualities and its vitiation leads to imbalance of kapha dosha, depleting the syniovial fluid that provides cushion and lubrication to the joints. This depletion leads to osteoarthritis in which the cartilage in the joints wears away causing friction, pain and limited joint mobility and affects the large weight-bearing joints, like the hips and knees, also hands,feet, and spine.

Symptoms of this disease are edema, pain, tenderness, stiffness, pain on work etc. It also starts with aging and the following factors contribute to the vitiation of vata dosha:

1. Consuming dry, cold or stale food, irregular sleeping habits, suppressing natural urges.

1. Getting exposed to asevere cold and dry weather.

1. Excessive travel, leading a vata aggravating life style and undergoing mental trauma.

1. Exerting oneself excessively on the joints or any accident which occurs in the joints.

When food taken is not digested properly it causes ama (toxins) which weakens the colon and it circulates through whole body and gets accumulated in the bones and joints. The toxins will block the body channels and inturn vitates vata dosha.

Ayurveda treats Sandhigata vata by modifying the diet, lifestyle, recommends light exercise, and advises one to undergo Panchkarma and Purvakarma detoxification techniques. It also uses appropriate non toxic ayurvedic herbs which help in lubricating the cartilages within the joints thereby strengthening it.

It can be managed by:

1. Eating lot of vegetables, freshly cooked foods, hot soups of lentils, pulse, moderate quantity of ghee and oils to lubircate the dried joints.
2. By avoiding oily and deep fried foods.

1. Doing a regular mild exercise programme to enable the joint to move and prevent further damages also by noti ndulging in any hard job which may damage the joints.

1. Daily massaging with the mahanaraya oil or specific oils prescribed by an ayurvedic doctor is used to calm down the vata dosha.

Ayurvedic drugs aim to reduce the vitiated vata and also to improve the kapha and pitha functions. The main drug that is recommended to treat this degenerative disease is Karaskara. Sahachara, bala, devdar, shallaki etc are also used. Main preparations used are qwath, arishta , choorna, tablets and ghrit.

In order to cleanse the toxins from the colon Triphala, which is a mild laxative is given. Triphala has specific action to pacify vitated vata.

Trikatu is given to enhance the digestive fire and will enhance the equilibrium of pitha dosha.

Guggul helps to strengthen the bone tissue. It reduces the inflammation and edema, pacify kapha dosha.

In order to control inflammation of the joints, Ayurveda suggests Boswellia gum or phellodendron bark and scute root and it is used in combination with myrrh gum, fang feng root, qin and jiao root.

Commonly used medicines are Sahacharadi qwath, Guggul thikta qwath, Maharasnadi qwath, Rasnerandadi qwath, Balarishta, Dhanwantharishta, Karasakar ghrit, Guggul thiktaka ghrit, Shadpala ghrit. Ashwagandha, Bala, Shallaki, Guggul and Rasna are used in pure herbs form.

Ayurveda Fenugreek Spice Is Scientifically Proven To Lower The Bad (LDL) And Increase The (HDL) Good Cholesterol

Author: Helen Thomas

Fenugreek is the common name for the Latin botanical name. Trigonella foenum-graecum. Plasma Insulin levels are found to increase when given fenugreek in vivo. This results in increased conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile salts which facilitates reducing the LDL and increasing the HDL. Researches in Indian Medicine Annals are rich in research on fenugreek. Fenugreek along with other household spices is one of the main ingredients for urinary, kidney tract, pancreas repairing, cleansing and nourishing.

The Ayurveda High Cholesterol Herbal Recommendations

One Cup Fenugreek Tea per day.

Haritaki Powder 1/2 tsp with one teaspoon of honey.

Kutaja Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder i/2 teaspoon of each in a copper cup, room temperature. If you do not have the copper cup it will still work wonders.

Triphala

Half teaspoon of Triphala before going to bed mixed with warm water strained and taken If it too sour for you put sweetener to taste in it.

I have heard more than one Ayurvedic physician say s/he or he took triphala routinely for long periods of time.

Tri Phala simply is three fruits that cleanse different tissue in all three sections of the body.

These are all very common easy to obtains herbs and spices.

We must take our understanding of cholesterol back into our own hearts and mind.

When we do that we will have the fortitude to make these teas and take them daily if you have a cholesterol problem or even if you don’t. So you don’t get one.

There are no studies done to date with any of the modern pharmaceutical used for cholesterol and ayurvedic herbs. the ayurvedic herbs are working in gross levels compared to the pharmaceuticals because the ayurveda herbs have to be digested like food. In many cases that is exactly what they are food called herbs.

Back to the earth with plant medicine that is not processed beyond simple ancient techniques that have been done for millenium is where ayurvedic herbs take us.

Body fat is meda in Sanskrit. There are several types of fat such as lipid, cholesterol, adipose tissue, white fat and brown fat. All these tissues play a role in your cholesterol health.

You must be educated to understand from an ayurvedic point of view to choose herbs and practices that specifically like a bullseye accuracy give you the desire results you are wanting within a very short period of time between 7 days, 21 days, or 45 days and beyond depending how severe the problem is.

Or how long you let it go before tending to it properly.

Finding and consulting an Ayurvedic Practiconer is possible worldwide.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise cannot be over emphasized. Mild.moderate or sports players level whichever you find yourself you must exercise at your level of comfort seven days a week. Ayurveda prescribes specific types of exercise based on your body type.

If you chant the word Meda because it is a Sanskrit mantra it will vibrate the specifics biochemical frequency and amplitude and strengthen that tissue. Chanting has been a science studied and perfected in the advanced siddha traditions. Now ther is irrefutable evidence to the health benefits of chanting the Sanskrit mantras. Yes this true of chanting any prayer that invokes grace.This is the specific science of mantra based health restoration without even herbs in many cases and especially so if you go to a master.

Eye Care in Ayurveda

Author: Dev Sri

Not many people know there is a specialized branch in Ayurveda that deals with eye care. Eye care or netra chikitsa comes in Shalakya Tantra (Urdhwanga chikitsa in Malayalam), one among the eight branches of Ayurveda.

Shalakya tantra is Ayurvedic equivalent of ENT. It deals with all diseases affecting parts above neck. Ancient Ayurvedic texts describe 76 types of eye diseases. Though there are not cure to all of the diseases, there are solid directions to effectively manage any eye condition and manage better eyesight.

Here are some eye care habits you can follow to better manage your eye health.

The first principle is not to stare at any object for long times or don’t try to figure out a distant object in such a way that you tire your eyes. Blinking of eye is a natural process and don’t suppress the feeling to blink your eyes.

Don’t attempt reading or watching TV in dim light or too bright light (bright sunlight).

Being part of your body, your eyes too require rest. Don’t cut in on the time to sleep.

Splash your eyes with fresh water early in the morning and several times in the day.

Staring computer screen for longer hours is a recipe for eye fatigue. Take a break from your job every 30 minutes.  Close your eyes for a few seconds or take a small walk.

Diet

Food items rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin A is necessary to maintain good eye health. Carrot and other colored vegetables are good sources of vitamin A. Apples, chick peas, radish, whole wheat bread, etc too are good for eyes.

Drink lot of water during the day time. Don’t allow dehydration to happen. It tires your eyes, just as it does to your body.

The Risks and Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes

If not controlled, diabetes can put you at risk for a host of complications that can affect nearly every organ in the body. They include:

• The heart and blood vessels
• The eyes
• The kidneys
• The nerves
• The gums and teeth

Heart Disease, Blood Vessel Disease, and Diabetes

Heart disease and blood vessel disease are the biggest complications that people with uncontrolled diabetes face. Approximately 65% of death from diabetes is due to heart disease and stroke. Diabetes can also cause poor blood flow in the legs and feet (peripheral artery disease).

Many studies show that controlling diabetes can prevent or stop the progression of heart and blood vessel disease.

Blood vessel damage or nerve damage (see below) may also lead to foot problems that can lead to amputations. More than 60% of leg and foot amputations not related to an injury are due to diabetes.

Diabetes and the Eyes

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It can cause a number of eye problems, some of which can lead to blindness if not addressed. The eye disorders include:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy

Studies show that regular eye exams and timely treatment of diabetes-related eye problems could prevent up to 90% of diabetes-related blindness.

Kidney Disease and Diabetes

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in adults in the U.S. Drugs that lower blood pressure (even if you don’t have high blood pressure) can lower risk of kidney failure by 33%.

Diabetes and Your Nerves

Over time, high blood sugar levels can harm the nerves. This can lead to loss of sensation or feeling (usually starting in the toes) or pain and burning of the feet.

Diabetes-related nerve damage can also cause pain in the legs, arms, and hands, and can cause problems with digestion, going to the bathroom, or having sex.

Diabetes and Your Teeth

People with diabetes are at high risk for gum disease. Keeping your diabetes under control, seeing your dentist regularly, and taking good daily care of your teeth can prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

What Causes These Complications of Diabetes?

Diabetes complications are caused by damage to the blood vessels, nerves, or both.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes Complications?

Symptoms vary depending on the diabetes complication that you have. You may have:

• No symptoms if you have heart disease or atherosclerosis of a large blood vessel, unless you have a heart attack or stoke. Disease of the large blood vessels in your legs may cause problems with blood circulation, leading to leg cramps, changes in skin color, and decreased sensation.
• Vision problems, vision loss, or pain in your eye if you have diabetic eye disease
• No symptoms if you have early diabetes-related kidney disease. Swelling of the legs and feet occur in more advanced stages of kidney failure.
• Tingling, numbness, burning, or shooting or stabbing pain in the feet, hands, or other parts of your body, if the nerves are affected by diabetes (peripheral diabetic neuropathy). If the nerves that control internal organs are damaged (autonomic neuropathy), you may have sexual problems, digestive problems (a condition called gastroparesis); difficulty sensing when your bladder is full; dizziness, fainting, or difficulty knowing when your blood sugar is low.

How Can I Prevent Diabetes Complications?

When diabetes complications are found early, you might only have to take medication to prevent progression of the disease. Only minor lifestyle changes may be necessary. For example, if you have early diabetic nephropathy, you can take medication to prevent further damage. Early treatment for a complication and keeping your blood sugar levels within a safe range can help slow the progression of your complication and may prevent other complications from developing.

How Are Diabetes Complications Treated?

Treatment of diabetes complications focuses on slowing the progression of the damage. That may include medication, surgery, or other treatment options.

But the most important treatment to slow the progression of diabetes complications is to keep your blood sugar levels tightly in control and to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Cervical Spondylosis- Herbal Cure from Ayurveda

Author: Rajesh Nair

Ayurveda is the Vedic system of health care that developed in India over 5000 years ago, which is a natural therapy, hence it has no side effect or any complications.

Computer professionals whose work demands lot of work sitting on a chair in a bent down posture causing undue strain on the vertebral column tend to be more affected by Cervical Spondylosis, which is a special type of arthritis which affects the vertebrae of the neck region.

Ayurveda offers conservative treatment as oral & external medication in which herbal medicine helps you reverse the disease-process giving decongestion of the spinal canal & nerve-root bony outlets which can relieve it.

The signs and symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:

1. Pain in the back of the neck spreading at times to the base of skull, shoulder, down your arms to hands and fingers, chest and forehead. The movement of the spine generally aggravates the pain of the neck.

2. Stiffness of the neck and even paraplegia may occur due to this condition.

3. An increased risk of other injuries to your neck.

4. Crunching sounds with movement of the neck or shoulder muscles.

5. Numbness and tingling in the arms, hands and fingers, some loss of feeling in the hands and impairment of reflexes.

6. In an aggravated state it may present with nausea, blurred vision, and may also be associated with induced tendency of vomiting.

7. Dizziness and Blackouts ( if there is pressure on the vertebral artery ) fatigue and irritability.

8. With advanced disease, loss of bladder control and leg weakness.

9. May feel irritable and fatigue, disturb sleep and impair the ability to work.

10. Headaches, which often start at the back of the head, just above the neck, before moving over the top to the forehead.

11. Difficulty in swallowing.

12. It is often associated with loss of memory.

13. A loss of balance, fear of falling.

14. Muscle weakness and deterioration, diminished reflexes.

15. General tiredness and anxiety – can be present.

In Ayurveda, a traditional holistic Indian health care system, Panchakarma treatments are the best option to reduce this neck pain and disc compression. Its treatment include :

Basti (Enema) is considered as the mother of all Panchakarma treatments since it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, through the colon. Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction is given as enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone.

Shiro dhara : Pouring continuous stream of medicated oil, buttermilk etc on the fore head and doing a gentle & soothing head massage which creates profound relaxation of the mind and body and revitalizes the central nervous system.

Abhyangam: A whole body massage with specific herbal oils, achieves deepest healing effects by naturally harmonizing body, mind, soul and the senses.

Shastika Sali Pinda Swedam/ Navarakizhi : A highly effective rejuvenation technique using a special type of rice that is cooked, tied into boluses and dipped into an herbal decoction and warm milk, then skillfully massaged all over the body.

Pizhichil (medicated oil bath): Fresh linen dipped in lukewarm medicated oil is squeezed over your body while masseurs slowly and gently rub the oil all over.

Greeva vasthi: A treatment done on the neck to decrease cervical spinal compression.

Shirodhara: an Ayurveda Offering

Author: PURVI

Ayurveda has a lot to offer. A lot of ayurvedic therapies and medicines are popular world wide. Shirodhara is one of such ayurvedic therapies. Shirodhara was developed by the ayurveda specialist many years back. But now this is a famous therapy all over the world. However, no experience can be as good as Shirodhara in Kerela, India.  Shirodhara comes from the Sanskrit words, shir which means head and dhara which means the flow. The ayurvedic liquids are used to flow over the forehead. This liquid can vary from milk to any other herbal liquid or oil. This therapy has proved to be very beneficial in many ailments. It is great for relaxation.  Many spas use this therapy for their clients to make them relaxed and at peace. As a continuous flow of liquid is there in Shirodhara, it leads to rejuvenation of energies that is blocked. It leads you to a state of trance. Your entire body gets the energetic experience.  Many problems like depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, hair loss etc. can be treated with Shirodhara therapy. The main aim of Shirodhara is to eradicate the main cause of the health trouble. Due to modern lifestyles we tend to get depressed and stressed easily. And with this therapy you can boost the blood circulation. It is also said to help in digestion. It also helps to increase concentration and confidence. Thus Ayurveda can help you a lot in betterment of life.

Eventhough, this ayurveda therapy is practised in India, more and more western countries are following this. This therapy has been practised since ages. But now, people have realized the value of this.

Paliative Management from Ayurveda

Author: Rajesh Nair

According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian Holistic medical system ‘Health is happiness and disease is Pain’ and it understands pain as a problem in vayu (air, one of the personality types according to ayurveda), which deals with the nervous system and any pain on the body is refered as Roga. Site of Pain (Vedana) are Mind (manas) and Body along with sense organs.

a) Causative factors of any pain are:

1. Asatmendriyarth samyoga -. It includes excessive utilization or wrong Utilization of objects of senses like vision, Sound, smell, taste and touch) Agni is responsible for proper appetite and digestion of food. Anything in excess (activity, diet, exercise etc) cause derangement in jatharagni (appetite). It is unable to digest the food. Hence undigested in the stomach and gets infected by doshas. This is Aama. This aama gets fermented producing toxins and thus acts as a poison for the body.

2. Prajnaaparadha – Misdeeds performed by an individual as a result of wrong decision taken by the mind.

3. Parinama (kala) – Any unfavourable changes in weather and time.

b) Classifications of Pain are:

1. Nija Agantuja – Caused solely due to derangement of physiological disturbances.

2. Sharirik Manasik – Physiological disturbance & Psychological imbalance.

c) Pain caused solely due to derangement of three humors:

1. Vataj Vikara – Caused due to derangement of Vata dosha.

2. Pittaj Vikara – caused due to derangement of Pitta dosha.

3. Kaphaj Vikara – Caused due to derangement of Kapha dosha.

Contrary to all indications, there is a positive side to pain. It is the body’s riot alarm. Without its warning signals, we would succumb to the mildest of maladies. Ayurveda imparts knowledge on individual constitution of our body and use of various herbs, minerals,proper diet, exercises, Panch Karma and Yoga therapy to treat pain and promote good health, treat pain and acquire longevity.

According to Ayurveda a holistic way of living, chronic pain is caused by doshic imbalances and is influenced by many factors like diet, digestion, toxin accumulation, stress, exercise levels and daily routine.

1) Removing the Buildup of Toxins and Impurities.

Ayurvedic herbalized oil massages helps in loosening impurities that are embedded in tissues and helps liquefy them for easy absorption into the circulation and eventual elimination of pain.

2) Proper Nutrition

Ayurveda advises a easy to digest and a satisfying and nourishing dietary approach that improves the digestion along with ayurvedic herbal formulas which helps in restoring balance to the specific functioning modes whose malfunctioning causes the chronic pain.

3) Creating Strong Digestion

Incompletely digested foods create toxins and impurities that are eventually absorbed, travel throughout the physiology, localize in tissues and disrupt their functioning leading to a chronic pain which is treated by a proper use of spices and cooking oils, by favouring digestion-enhancing foods, by reducing digestion depressing foods.

4) Balancing Nervous System Activity

Vata imbalance is an underlying cause of the painful condition and is reversed by specific diets, herbs, cleansing programs, meditation, yoga asanas and yoga breathing exercises.

5) Stress Management

Excessive mental, emotional and physical stress can worsen the symptoms of many chronic pain. Ayurveda treats it by massage and heat treatments by yoga asana postures.

6) Lifestyle and Daily Routine

One of the most important factors for maintaining healthy functioning is to have a lifestyle that does not disturb natural bodily rhythms. Ayurveda reviews and creates a daily schedule that will increase balance in your physiology and aid in healing your body.

7) Exercise and Flexibility Education

Ayurveda advises proper stretching and flexibility exercises as it has a very positive effect on circulation, nervous system function, the body’s healing response thereby treats many chronic pains.

Thus ayurveda manages the chronic pain by approaching it in the above integrated manner and its results speak for themselves.

Yoga and Ayurveda Explained

Author: Kevin Pederson

Yoga and Ayurveda are so closely interrelated, such sister sciences, throughout history they both developed together and continually impacted one another. Both Yoga and Ayurveda are integral parts of the great system of Vedic knowledge. It, essentially, states that the entire universe is One Self and the key to cosmic knowledge lies within our own hearts and minds. So much so, that the two have come to be combined in one, and are often referred to as Ayurveda Yoga. Or Yoga Ayurveda, depending upon which has precedence over which in the mind of the user / practitioner. As Vedic disciplines go  to enhance their great benefits on all levels Yoga and Ayurveda move hand-in-hand. Besides, for an even broader approach, they can even be used and practised together with other related Vedic or Yogic sciences of astrology, architecture, music and language.

Following in the footsteps of Yoga it already has a global presence Ayurveda is fast emerging as one of the most important of mind-body medicine systems worldwide. Ayurveda teaches us to recognize and follow the laws of nature and the language of life, so that we are able to co-exist in harmony with the universe. We dont evolve for only ourselves but, rather, give the benefit of our life and knowledge to all creatures in Gods creation. Ayurveda is a treasure trove of all secrets not just curative, but also to uplift society, all creatures and our planet itself.

Yogic techniques, on the other hand, deal with the whole gamut of our existence. This ranges from the physical, sensory, emotional, mental, and spiritual to the highest Self-realization. Yoga includes all methods of evolution physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), moral and ethical disciplines, sensory methods, affirmations and visualizations, prayer, meditation and mantras. Only Yoga fully comprehends the nature and alliance of the physical, subtle and formless universes into the unlimited infinite beyond time and space. Further, Yoga shows us how these also exist in every human being.

Prana is, or vital life-force the interrelating link between Yoga and Ayurveda. While Yoga comprises the intelligence of Prana seeking greater evolutionary transformations, Ayurveda is its healing power. It seeks to combine all life-systems it has already developed. Together, Yoga and Ayurveda are a whole discipline, with the help of which it is possible for us to transform our entire existence from the physical to the highest spiritual levels of our being with extraordinary vitality and creativity on all levels.

To that extent, Yoga and Ayurveda are both, first and foremost, sciences of Self-realization. They are both concerned with spiritual practice, chiefly through medication and meditation, with a view to take us beyond worldly sorrow and ignorance to the higher planes of existence. Both teach us how to progress from our physical bodies and ego-bound identities to our immortal Self. This is the Self that dwells in the human heart. Ayurveda Yoga is the key to all-round, overall development. This, in the Vedic sense is gaining knowledge of our real nature that transcends time, space, death and suffering.

Panchakarma – The Detoxification Therapy in Ayurveda

by Dr. Savitha Suri

According to Ayurvedic texts our body is crisscrossed by srotas or channels or tube like structures. This net work contains both microscopic and macroscopic channels. (Digestive system, nervous system, circulatory system etc are few examples of these channels). Innumerable physiological process like breathing, blood circulation, secretions of enzymes, hormones etc, flow of signals, supply of nutrients, filtration of toxins, excretion of waste etc are aided by these tubular structures.

Diseases occur when toxins get accumulated in body and clog these channels. Unhealthy diet, lifestyle, stress, changes in environment etc lead to accumulation of toxins in body. These accumulated toxins have to be expelled out in order to keep our body healthy. Through Panchakarma therapy these toxic clogs are removed to normalize the physiological process. Hence Panchakarma therapy is called as detoxification therapy. Panchakarma therapy can be administered to a normal person to prevent diseases and keep his body healthy. The ideal season to expel toxins through this therapy is rainy season.

Panchakarma therapy is also used as a purification therapy to cleanse the body before starting a treatment. A diseased body can be compared to a soiled cloth which can not be colored as we desire. Hence to attain the maximum benefits , the body has to be purified or cleaned before starting the treatment. The cleared channels help medicines to penetrate the deeper tissues.

The detoxification process contains three steps

• Purvakarma – Preparations which have to be done before the detoxification
• Pradhanakarma – The main detoxifying process
• Pashchat karma – Rehabilitating the diet and lifestyle after the detoxification process.

Purvakarma

These steps are adopted to soften the channels and toxins, so that the toxins can get detached and eliminated easily during main detoxifying process. The hard toxic clogs are made to get loosened by increasing body fire or Agni. Medicines are administered internally for this purpose. This process is called as “deepana and pachana” in Ayurveda. (the duration of this process is 3-5 days depending on the conditions and diseases)

Later whole body is oleated internally and externally with medicated oil or ghee. This process is called as “Snehana” .

Internal oleation is done by administering small quantities of medicated oil or ghee internally. The duration of internal oleation, quantity and type of medicated oil or ghee is determined by the physician after analyzing the body constitution of the patient. The patient has to eat liquid food or light food on the day prior to internal oleation. After consuming the medicated oil or ghee the patient is encouraged to sip warm water frequently. When medicated oil or ghee is completely digested, the patient is advised to consume light food.

External oleation is done after the completion of internal oleation.. The whole body or body part is massaged with medicated oil. Few types of external oleation are used as treatment methods. They are

• Abhyanga ; Massaging whole body
• Lepa – Smearing medicated oil and herbs
• Mardana – Kneading the body parts with fingers and fists.
• Padaghata – Tampling the body with foot.
• Gandusha – The mouth is filled with oil and is retained for a longer period of time.
• Parisheka (Pizhichil) – The warm medicated oil is poured continuously over the entire body for an extended period of time.

Soon after oil massage the body or body part is exposed to heat through steam bath or other heating methods according to the physician’s choice. This process of exposing body to heat is called as swedana or sweating. Both snehana and swedana help to soften the channels and toxin clogs. Elimination of toxins becomes easy when channels are soft and toxins are loose.

Pradhana Karma

This is the main detoxifying process. The softened and loosened toxins are expelled from body by five methods. Considering these five major detoxifying methods the whole process is named as “Panchakarma” (Pancha = 5, Karma = process ) .

• Vamana (through Emesis),
• Virechana (Purgation),
• Niruha basthi Basthi (enema with herbal concoctions),
• Anuvasana basthi (enema with medicated oil)
• Nasya (nasal drops) and
• Raktamokshana (Blood letting).

Physician can chose any of these detoxifying methods according to disease and prevalence of doshas.

Vamana

Vamana means expelling doshas through oral route. It is emesis therapy. Before inducing vamana the toxins and vitiated doshas are brought to amashaya or stomach with various preparatory methods like snehana and swedana. The emesis should never be induced in empty stomach. Vamana therapy is conducted in early hours of day, when kapha dosha is dominant. Vitiated doshas and accumulated toxins are expelled through methodically induced emesis. Patient is required to be relaxed calm and devoid of any mental stress through out the therapy. After emesis therapy, patient is gradually rehabilitated to regular diet and lifestyle.

Detoxification through vamana is suggested in diseases which mainly involve kapha dosha. The disorders like cough, asthama, indigestion, poisoning, repeated attacks of tonsillitis, nasal discharge, tuberculosis, etc are treated with vamana therapy. Children and elderly are not to be subjected to this therapy. The same holds good for obese and weak persons. After vamana the loud speech, overeating, continued sitting, too much walking, anger, anxiety, coitus, retention of natural urges have to be avoided.

Virechana

Virechana is expelling the vitiated doshas and toxins through purgation. This therapy can be conducted as an individual detoxification therapy or as a follow up therapy next to vamana to ensure complete detoxification. Virechana is a non painful and easiest procedure. Complications are usually very rare in this therapy. This detoxification method helps to expel toxins and vitiated doshas from blood, liver and intestines. Usual panchakarma preparatory methods like snehana and swedana are completed before inducing purgation. Virechana is induced by administering herbal purgatives in morning between 8 am to 9 am, when pitta dosha is dominant. Patient is made to drink warm water repeatedly as he passes stools. Patient is later rehabilitated to his regular diet and lifestyle.

This therapy is suggested for disorders in which pitta is prominent dosha. Skin diseases, jaundice, constipation, headache, fistula, hemorrhoids, intestinal parasites, herpes, anemia, edema are few of many diseases in which Virechana is the chosen as detoxifying therapy. Contraindications for virechana therapy are ulcerated rectum, pregnancy, obesity, diarrhea, cardiac ailments, tuberculosis, children and elderly

Basthi Karma

Basthi karma is expelling body toxins and vitiated doshas by introduce medicated liquids or oils through anus, urethra or vaginal canal. Basthi means urinary bladder. In ancient times the enema apparatus used to be made up of urinary bladder of animals. Hence this detoxification process is called Basthi karma.

Basthi karma is mainly used in vata dominant diseases.

Basthi karma is usually performed after the first two detoxification process namely vamana and virechana or only after virechana. After completing preparatory procedures (snehana, swedana), patient is allowed to lie on his left side and medicated oil or herbal decoction is administered under hygienic conditions. Patient has to lie on his back for 10-15 minutes after basthi is given.

There are two types of Basthi – Anuvasana basthi and Niruha basthi.

Anuvasana basthi

In anuvasana basthi medicated oil is introduced through anus, immediately after the consumption of food. There will be no harm even if medicated oil remains inside colon for a long time. This type of basthi nourishes and strengthens the body.

Niruha basthi

In this type of basthi (also known as asthapana basthi) an enema of herbal decoction is given. Niruha basthi is administered in empty stomach. The administered decoction has to come out from body within 45 minutes. The expelled herbal decoction brings out toxins and vitiated doshas along with it. Anuvasana basthi and Niruhabasthi are given alternatively. Patient is advised to take bath after herbal decoction is expelled. Unlike vamana and virechana, strict diet and lifestyle rehabilitation is not required after basthi karma, as basthi do not cause irritation in digestive system. But it is necessary to take light and nourishing food.

Introducing medicated liquids and oils through urethra in men or through vagina in women, is called uttara basthi.

Basthi karma is usually recommended in

1. Diseases involving joints like arthritis, gout etc,
2. Neuro muscular problems
3. Osteoporosis
4. Paralysis
5. Low back pain
6. Obesity
7. Disorders of intestines
8. Menstrual problems of women

Benefits of basthi

Basthi improves vision, decreases weight in obese people, increases weight and nourishes emaciated persons, slows down ageing process and boosts health.

Nasya karma

Nasya karma means administering drops of herbal liquid preparations or medicated oils through nose. This detoxification method is also known as Shirovirechana. Vitiated doshas and toxins which are accumulated in head and neck are expelled through nose and mouth along with nasal and oral secretions. As a preparatory procedure the head and face of patient is massaged with medicated oil (Administering medicated oil before nasya karma is not advised) and steam bath is given only to head and neck region. Patient is made to sleep on his back with foot end elevated and head reclined. The medicated liquid or oil is administered in drops to both nostrils consecutively. Patient is advised to inhale the medicine slowly. After nasya karma the patient must avoid talking loudly, getting angry and laughing.

According to the type of medicine used, the nasya karma is divided into four types. They are:

1. Navana Nasya : In this type drops of medicated oil is used.
2. Avapidana Nasya: Here squeezed juice of herbs is used.
3. Dhmapana or pradhamana nasya : Fine powder of herbs are made to inhale through an apparatus called “nadi yantra” ( a tube like apparatus)
4. Dhuma nasya : Fumes of medicinal herbs are inhaled in this type of nasya.

Nasya Karma is indicated in tonsillitis, stiff neck, stiff jaw, headache, sinusitis, stammering, hoarseness of voice etc. Nasya Karma should not be performed when patient has indigestion, consumed alcohol, taken head bath, and tiered, pregnancy.

All panchakarma or detoxification therapies have to be conducted strictly under the supervision of well experienced qualified Ayurvedic doctors.

Pashchat Karma

A strict diet and lifestyle procedure has to be followed through out Panchakarma treatment. The rehabilitative procedures to bring back the diet and lifestyle to normal are considered as “paschat Karma”. In this stage the digestion power is brought back to normalcy. Medicines are administered to rejuvenate the body or to treat the disease.

During Panchakarma treatment the following rules have to be strictly followed.

• One has to use only warm water to drink, bathe and for other activities.
• Person who is undergoing Panchakarma therapy cannot indulge in sex.
• Sleeping in daytime is contraindicated.
• Natural urges should not be controlled.
• Exposures to extreme temperatures or weather conditions have to be avoided.
• Keeping awake at night is not advisable.
• Foods which cause indigestion can not be consumed.
• Exercise and mental stress have to be avoided.

The Panchakarma therapy is not advisable for persons in whom the following conditions exist:

• Menses
• Lactation
• Cancer of the Lungs or Testicles
• Melanoma
• HIV or AIDS
• Extreme Obesity
• Lympho-Sarcoma
• Hypertension
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Emaciation
• Any Active Infectious Disease
• Pregnancy
• Angina Pectoris

The benefits of Panchakarma are as follows:

• Toxins are eliminated from body.
• Doshas get balanced.
• Stress is reduced and body gets relaxed.
• Slows ageing process and increases the lifespan.
• Increases glow and luster of skin.
• Boosts body immunity and body energy level.
• Enhances strength, energy, vitality and mental clarity.
• Reduces dependence on alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
• Help to implement healthy diet and lifestyle.