Holistic Medicine: Ayurveda

Author: Evelyn Lim

Ayurveda is the oldest and most holistic medicine in the world. Its teachings and practices were documented over 5,000 years ago in India, despite having a history that spans longer than what was documented.

Ayurveda has been referred to a holistic medicine that deals with both body and the spirit. In fact, ayurveda is more like a lifestyle and covers all aspects of health including nutrition and amazingly, surgery.

The main aim of Ayurveda is prevention.  Ancient text tells us that humans should be able to live to be about 100 years old and that one can live to a ripe old age in good health, both physically and mentally.  Ayurveda does not accept that getting old equals a failing health and a poor quality of life.  Although these texts have been written several thousand years ago, Ayurvedic principles remain very much applicable even in today’s environment.   It is possible for anyone to introduce Ayurvedic principles into their life.  There are plenty of benefits that can be derived from doing so.

Ayurvedic practitioners will often strive to find health issues which may just be in their early stages and try to deal with them before they get more serious.  In all, Ayurveda seeks to take a preventative stance when it comes to diseases, both physical and mental.

Because the the philosophy behind Ayurveda holistic medicine can be quite complex, it can take practitioners several years to understand and master this form of holistic healing.

However, I will attempt to give a brief explanation here on basic Ayurvedic principles, as provided by a practitioner friend of mind.

Through the years, Ayurvedic healing came up with three classifications or “doshas” which are said to govern all bodily processes.  The 3 main doshas are Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water).  A person’s constitution type is dependent on whichever dosha that appears to be dominant. Each constitution type has particular strengths and susceptibilities.

Pita (fire) determines how you digest food, your metabolization of sensory perceptions and your emotions.  Too much Pitta can lead to anger, criticism, acidity, ulcers, rashes and thinning hair. On the other hand, too much vata leads to worries, insomnia and constipation.  Vata controls blood flow, waste elimination and your breathing. Someone with too much Kapha gains weight easily.  Too much Kapah also leads to lethargy, congestion and allergies.

For an ayurvedic diagnosis, therefore, patients are classified by their body types which are determined by the proportions of the three doshas. When the doshas are not in balance, illness and disease results.  Ayurvedic treatments are aimed at restoring harmony or balance to the mind-body system.

In Ayurveda, natural remedies are often used as treatments.  For instance, herbal preparations may be prescribed.  Often, an Ayurvedic doctor will advise a diet change as well.  There is also a great focus on stress relaxation and Ayurveda can involve some deep relaxing massage techniques.

Today, there is rising interest in the area of Ayurveda holistic medicine by the western world.  For instance, the neem plant which has been used for ayurvedic medicine for so many thousands of years, have been encapsulated after research and testing.  Neem plant extracts are used for eczema, liver cleansing and other skin disease problems.

The rising interest by western doctors can only mean good news for us all.  With more widespread awareness of ayurvedic herbs, people seeking treatment will find out that there are plenty of alternatives to conventional medicine.  More choices and more analysis and information are privy to making informed health decisions for you and your family.

Ayurveda- Age Old Truth from India

Author: Rajesh Nair

Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian healing system is right in sync with our growing awareness of the mind-body connection and places equal emphasis on body, mind, and spirit and strives to restore the innate harmony of the individual.

CONCEPT:

The basic concept of Ayurvedic medicine is that the body is seen as a microcosmic universe in which the five primordial elements (panchamahabhutas) – ether (akasha), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (jala) and earth (prithvi) – combine to form three humours (doshas), known as wind (vata), choler (pitta) and phlegm (kapha). It’s believed each dosha has its own qualities and functions in relation to the body.

The balance between these doshas determines individual constitution (prakriti) and predisposition to disease. Constitution is also affected by the strength of a person’s ‘digestive fire’ (agni) and bowel function (kostha).Seven tissues (dhatus) and their waste products (malas) make up the physical body and a network of channels circulate fluids and essences around the body. Three interdependent universal constituents, the three gunas – purity (sattva), activity (rajas) and solidity (tamas) – also influence health and determine mental qualities.

Disease occurs if lifestyle, mental or external factors cause an imbalance in one or more of these components. Ayurvedic medicine treats the majority of its patients using herbal mixtures, other organic food and substances that have been clinically tested and are now being scientifically validated.

UNIQUENESS:

Its uniqueness lies in its treatment plan which is tailored to the body type and individual imbalances among the vata, pitta, and kapha within and includes dietary changes, exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, herbal tonics, herbal sweat baths, medicated enemas, and medicated inhalations.

Ayurvedic medicine gets rid the body of its indigestible toxins which attract viruses and compromise autoimmune processes and responses. Ayurvedic physicians pay close attention to pulse, tongue, eyes, and nails in diagnosing illness. Diagnosis is based on observation rather than laboratory testing. The doctor enquires the patient about his health and family histories. In addition, he may palpate the body, or listen to the heart, lungs, and intestines with a stethoscope. He use urine samples and the pulse to describe the balance (or imbalance) of the three doshas. Ayurvedic treatment then consists of cleansing and detoxification (Shodan or Pancha Karma), palliation (Shaman) to balance and relax the three doshas, rejuvenation (Rasayana), and mental hygiene and spiritual healing (Satvajaya)

PRESENT STATUS:

At present the Ayurveda medicine is well set to re-orient itself to modern scientific parameters. Simultaneously, it is well poised for much greater, effective utilization to benefit the whole humanity to reach its goals of Health. Ayurveda medicine which started as a magico-religious practice, matured into a fully developed medical science with eight branches which have parallels in the modern western system of medicine and it has developed into following sixteen specialities

1. Ayurveda Siddhanta (Fundamental Principals of Ayurveda).

2. Ayurveda Samhita. (Classicals)

3. Rachna Sharira (Anatomy).

4. Kriya Sharira (Physiology).

5. Dravya Guna Vigian (Materia Medica & Pharmacology).

6. Ras-shastra. (Metals)

7. Bhaishajya Kalpana (Pharmaceuticals).

8. Kaumar Bharitya (Peadiatrics).

9. Prasuti Tantra (Obstetrics & Gynaecology).

10. Swasth-Vritla (Social & Preventive Medicine).

11. Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine).

12. Rog Nidan (Pathology).

13. Shalya Tantra (Surgery

14. Shalkya Tantra (Eye & ENT).

15. Mano-Roga (Psychiatry)

16. Panchkarma. (Massage therapy)

PREPARATION:

The main part of Ayurveda Medicine is Herbal Tonics or Rasayanas which are prepared according to the Vedic traditional standards practiced in ancient times. They are made of only 100% natural ingredients, using only the best of the Ayurveda and Western herbs and spices, ghee (purified butter), raw honey, dried fruits, Sucanat (unprocessed sugar) and natural flavors. They are prepared by hand (the old custom), using utensils of copper, iron and clay. Being highly nutritious and antioxidant they provide many elements which are lacking in the modern diet. Formulated with the intention of bringing back into balance one or more of the five elements; which get put out of balance from improper diet etc.; in return this promotes balance on the physical, mental and subtle levels of our being which will add life to our years as well as years to your life.

Ayurveda medicine does not believe in trying to kill viruses in the body with powerful chemicals, but believes in assisting the bodies own healing energies with the proper harmonizing herbs and the ideal individual diet. This way the immune system will work the way nature intended it to.

The Popularity of Ayurveda

Today, Ayurveda is so deeply ensconced in the minds of the Indian population that they would use its remedies without actually knowing they are making use of some Ayurvedic technique. Almost every Indian household has one tulsi plant in their courtyard. Tulsi is nothing but the holy basil tree. This plant is worshipped by the Hindus, without knowing that the high respect for the tulsi actually originates from the various medicinal properties the herb has. Tulsi is one of the five essential plants every Indian garden is supposed to have. The other four plants are neem, amalaki, bilva and palash. Today, all these five herbs have become popular all around the world for their amazing curative properties.

Herbs like brahmi, ginkgo, gotu kola, ashwagandha, yohimbe, yashtimadhu, arjuna, etc. have now gained worldwide renown. The western scientists are spending a great deal of time and research in investigating the properties of these herbs. With every test they conduct, their belief in the powers of Ayurveda is only strengthening.

Garlic, onion and ginger are today used all over the world for several medicinal reasons. It is confirmed that garlic can prove extremely beneficial in reducing cholesterol and increasing longevity. However, it was Ayurveda that was the first to bring the curative properties of these herbs in the limelight. There are several other such herbs which were given their importance by Ayurveda first. Some of them are fenugreek, licorice, betel nut, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin seeds, dandelion, lemon grass, rauwolfia, zizzyphus, etc.

The initial reticence in using a quaint Indian method of medicine is now slowly dwindling away. Several Americans and Europeans are opting to use Ayurveda instead of other invasive therapeutic methods. Ayurvedic medicines are being very widely used in the west for memory enhancement tonics, treatment of male and female sterility, breast enhancement, penis enlargement and weight loss. People who are using them vouch for their benefits.

Ayurveda – Holistic Approach to Health Care

Author: Dr John Anne

Meaning of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the most popular holistic forms of medicine that has originated in India, and is now rapidly spreading around the world. Ayurveda is a combination of two Sanskrit words, ayus meaning ‘life’ and veda meaning ‘knowledge’. Hence, Ayurveda literally means ‘the knowledge of life’.

Indians believe that Ayurveda originated as a form of medicine for the gods. Even in the Ramayana (which is believed to be several millennia old), we have a reference of how Hanuman brings the Sanjivani herb to revive Lakshmana, who is mortally wounded in the battlefield at Lanka. Dhanwantari, the physician of the gods, is believed to be the one who discovered Ayurveda. Ayurveda was brought from the realms of the gods to the human race by Charaka, who wrote the Ayurvedic treatise, Charaka Samhita, which is regarded venerably even today. Sushruta later wrote a compendium of his own, Sushruta Samhita, which has several amendments over the methods detailed in the Charaka Samhita.

Principles of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a largely herbal science. It delves into the medicinal properties of herbs and studies their effects on the human system. There are more than four thousand herbs known to Ayurveda, out of which about one thousand are very commonly used in regular prescriptions. Throughout the ages, several combinations of the herbs have been made and perfected. The herbs are also matured in several ways like roasting them in ghee, fermenting them to make wines, preparing their concentrated powder extracts, etc. Preparations are known as bhasmas, lehyas, vatis, choornas, rasas, asavas, etc. depending on how they have been prepared.

Though Ayurveda mainly deals with herbs; that is not all there is to it. Ayurveda also deals in several minerals, which it calls as dhaatus. Some dhaatu preparations are very important to the human wellbeing, for example, the Shilajit.

However, the most important aspect of Ayurveda is neither the herbs nor the minerals that it uses. The secret of the success of Ayurveda over the centuries is the regimen that it coerces its patients to do. There are several therapies that Ayurveda has devised. The most famous of these is the Panchakarma therapy. This is an elaborate five-part process which can treat almost any ailment that afflicts humans. The Panchakarma therapy is a way of purification of the body. Then there are several other therapies like Shirodhara, Basti, etc. which helps keep the body in a state of normalcy.

Ayurveda often goes hand in hand with another popular Indian technique, the yoga. Ayurvedic physicians often prescribe asanas of yoga to supplement their herbal remedies. Ayurveda also believes in several massage therapies using different kinds of oils. Aromatherapy, though a different science in itself, can be considered to be a subset of the Ayurvedic techniques. Ayurveda believes that massage can canalize the toxins to their proper destinations in the body from where they can be eliminated. In this manner, the body remains free from residual toxic substances.

Ayurveda also believes in the importance of diet. When a treatment is going on, the Ayurvedic physician will stress on the importance of the diet the person consumes. Each component is selected with care, because with any disease, there are a large number of dietary indications and contra-indications.

Importance of Ayurveda

Author: Juliet Cohen

Ayurveda has been widely recognized as a system of natural health care congenial to the health needs of women. All over the world more and more women are turning to herbal medicine so that they have total control on their bodies throughout the year, throughout their lives. Vedas are the ancient books of knowledge, or science, from India. They contain practical and scientific information on various subjects beneficial to the humanity like health, philosophy, engineering, astrology etc. Ayurveda helps women find their own body rhythm, which is closely linked with nature and its changes resulting in lasting solutions to their health problems.

As women respond both mentally and physically better to Ayurveda, it is known as a women’s health care system. Ayurveda gives equal importance to mental health for which a regime of ethical life (sadurutta) is prescribed. Ayurveda is the science of life. Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with treatment of some diseases but is a complete way of life. Strict mental discipline and strict adherence to moral values is considered a pre-requisite for mental health. Finally herbs that are pungent, bitter and astringent ameliorate Kapha-water, which means they tend to increase digestive fire, expel and dry excessive fluid build up in the system, including clearing excessive fat from the body, and the accumulation of cholesterol and other fatty deposits in the veins and arteries of the body.

Ayurveda had recognized the importance of the environment in the total health. Remember, everything in your environment is composed of doshas that interact with your own doshas. Ayurvedic health care enhances the results of Yoga. Ayurvedic healthcare is the best bet for women to stop the aging process. Periodic rejuvenation therapy will keep health, beauty and zest for life intact throughout the years. Ayurveda gives equal importance to mental health for which a regime of ethical life is prescribed. Herbs that have pungent, sour and salty flavors stimulate fire; herbs that are astringent (drying) and bitter stimulate vata-air, or the nerve centered humor; herbs that are sweet, salty and sour stimulate or increase Kapha-water, or the mucous humor. Strict mental discipline and strict adherence to moral values is considered a pre-requisite for mental health. The aim of Ayurveda is to promote health, increase immunity and resistance-and to cure Disease.

Ayurveda understands that health is a reflection of when a person is living in harmony with nature and disease arises when a person is out of harmony with the cycles of nature. Ayurveda helps each individual realign their living patterns to bring about health and peace and to remember that their true nature is Spirit. Ayurveda gives equal importance to both preventive and curative aspects. Ayurveda offers methods of finding out early stages of diseases that are still undetectable by modern medical investigation. It is the knowledge of life in its entirety that is body, mind and soul.

The ayurveda treatments can be classified into (Six):

1. Massages

2. Dhara

3. Kizhi

4. Vasthi

5. Eye treatments

6. Panchakarma

Ayurveda – a boon for human community

Author: Dr John Anne

Ayurveda is science that developed as the human evolved. Ayurveda can be called as the science that deals with health of a person. The main stress of ayurveda is to eradicate sorrows and misery from the life a person. These sorrows and misery can be any, physical or emotional.

There are two principles of ayurveda

• First and the foremost is the maintenance of the diseased free condition of a healthy individual.

• Second is treating a person suffering from any diseases.

These are the two primary principles on which ayurveda works. It would be strange to know that no other medicinal system as any kind of provision to sustain the health of an individual. They only deal with treating a disease and providing relief. But it is not in the case of ayurveda. Ayurveda primarily believes in making a person happy and free from any disease and secondly if a person somehow gets affected by certain ailments then it is concerned with the treating the root cause besides providing a disease.

Only ayurveda is the science that tells us about how to lead a healthy and a quality life style that is extremely beneficial for remaining disease free. As mentioned in the ancient texts of ayurveda, there are two types of regimen that has to be followed. These are:-

• Day regimen – it deals with what all is to be done in a daily routine.  According to it a person should wake up early in morning about half an hour before the sun rise. He should get free from nature call and then should brush teeth and then take bath. After that he should worship the supreme power and only then he should have his meals. Evan the dietary pattern is also given i.e. what is to be taken and what not. Hence it covers all the aspect which includes daily routines and diet.

• Night regimen – next comes the night regimen that starts after sun set. It has been mentioned that a person should have his dinner before sunset. He should relax and should spend his time with his family. It has also been mentioned that what should be the ambience of the place where he should have his bed and which direction should one sleep. Recent researches have shown that these small-small factors have a very definitive effect not only on the psychic but also on the physical aspect of a person.

There is also one more topic that is called as saddvritta, this deal with the social behavior of a person. This aspect deals with person’s behavior and his responsibilities towards the society he lives in. It teaches us that how to live in a society that is helpful in upliftment of the mental status and activities of people around us.

Besides these general heath maintenance methods ayurveda also tells certain ways to achieve longitivity and live life like a youth. These methods are known as rasayana. This longitivity can be achieved by herbal medicines and also by following a certain procedures.

Ayurveda also mentions body’s detoxification and rejuvenating procedures known as panchakarma. It is a five step procedures that helps in elimination of toxins in the body thereby establishing the homeostasis in the three humors i.e. (vata, pitta and kapha).

Ayurveda also contains a list of number of herbs with there complete description and their therapeutic use. There is also mentioning of preparation of various herbal medicines that are extremely helpful eradicating various diseases that has been caused due to certain reasons.

Hence ayurveda can be called as a complete health science that as the capability to complete transform you and your body making it energetic, youthful and filled with enthusiasm.

Kerala Ayurveda explained

The fundamentals of Ayurveda as being practiced and taught in Kerala are not different from those of the rest of the country, in their essence and philosophy. But there is a notable difference in certain aspects of Kerala tradition of Ayurveda. This due to the importance given to Vagbhata’s Ashtangahridayam in preference to other classical texts by Kerala traditional physicians, the uninterrupted history of practicing the classical Panchakarma therapies in all their authentic modalities, the innovative development of the reputed Kerala preparatory therapies and the varieties of exclusive herbal formulations used by the Kerala physicians.

Another very important contribution by Kerala physicians is the continued practice and enrichment of the Panchakarma therapy. Even when they became defunct in the rest of the country due to socio-political reasons, Kerala retained this therapeutic wealth in all its pristine essence. Texts were written here on its practical aspects. More importantly, the famous Kerala special therapies were evolved by the practitioners here. They are essentially preparatory in nature. Dhara, Pizhichil, Navarakkizhi, etc are typical examples. As the practice of Ayurveda expanded in popular acceptance in the recent past, these treatment modalities have also become more prevalent.

There are several unique herbal formulations described in Kerala texts. Many of them have now received national level acclaim and they are included in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India. One important aspect of Kerala formulations is that they emphasize more on herbal components rather than on metals or minerals. There is also the history of Ayurvedic physicians developing some areas of specializations like pediatrics, ophthalmology, martial therapy, etc.

Kerala has modulated many Aayurveda therapies to suit the needs of patients and to cure diseases. They include synchronized massage therapies and fomentation. Abhyngam, Pizhichil, Navarakkizhi, Shirodhara, Shirovasti, Pichu are some of the special Kerala Ayurveda treatments that aim at providing rejuvenation, longevity and relaxation to the stressed and strained. Panchakarma treatments like Kashayavasthy, Snehavasthy, Nasyam, Virechanam and Raktamoksham all are widely practiced in the Kerala Ayurveda system.

Natural ways to tackle General Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive or uncontrollable or irrational worry about routine activities, which is disproportionate to actual source of worry. When this goes to the extent of interfering with daily functioning of an individual, he could be suffering from a condition called GAD.

GAD affects millions of people around the world, with twice as many women as men.

Cause: Just as is the case with several mental health conditions, the cause of GAD is not fully understood. But, among the most common causes are genetics, environment, stress and brain chemicals.

Symptoms: Typical symptoms of GAD include, being easily started, difficulty in focusing, insomnia, fatigue, headache, muscle tension, difficulty in swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, nausea or diarrhoea, breathlessness or rapid heartbeat.

Tackling GAD: In majority of cases, GAD improves with medications or psychotherapy. However, making necessary lifestyle modifications and learning some coping skills and relaxation techniques may also be of immense help in tackling mild anxiety disorders that does not require medical intervention.

Herbs: Certain supplements which could be used as alternative medication in improving conditions of GAD are:

Kava: The herb helps in relaxation, without actually feeling sedated. Few studies have however said that kava could lead to liver problems during prolonged use. Therefore, people with a liver condition may have to check with your physician before deciding on this.

Valerian: Is commonly used as a sleep aid, and has a sedative effect, and may relieve anxiety.

Ginseng: Although Ginseng is considered to be a multi-purpose herb, it is best used for anxiety, as it renders an overall relaxed feeling, reducing stress, and maintaining emotional balance. Therefore, it forms an excellent anti-anxiety herb.

Among the other herbs used in anxiety treatment are Ashwagandha, GLA, Lemon balm, Catnip, Zizyphi seed and illigustrum, GLA, Bugleweed and St. John’s Wort.

Lifestyle modifications: Exercise is a powerful and healthy method of reducing stress and improving mood. It is best to develop a regular exercise routine.

Follow a healthy diet and sleep pattern to keep stress and anxiety related problems at bay. Also avoid use of alcohol and sedatives, as they worsen anxiety.

Yoga, meditation and visualization techniques are simple relaxation methods to ease anxiety.

Certain yoga poses, particularly the childs pose (Balasana) described below can calm anxiety.

1. Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heels. Separate your knees as wide as your hips.
2. Exhale and lay your torso down between your thighs. Broaden your sacrum across the back of your pelvis and narrow your hip points towards the navel, in a manner so that they nestle down onto the inner thighs. Lengthen your tailbone away from the back of the pelvis while also lifting the base of your skull away from the back of your neck.
3. Lay your hands on the floor, palms facing up, and release fronts of your shoulders towards the floor. Feel the weight of the front shoulders pulling the shoulder blades wide across your back.
4. Balasana is basically a resting pose. Stay in this position for 30 seconds to few minutes.

Few other yoga poses recommended for GAD are Bow Pose (Dhanurasana), Camel Pose (Ustrasana), Cow Pose (Bitilasana), Fish Pose (Matsyasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Banda Sarvangasana), Cat pose (Marjaryasana) Easy Pose (Sukhasana), Half moon pose (Ardha Chandrasana) and more.

Ayurveda and Yoga explained

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.

Ayurveda and Infertility

Ayurvedic is a science of wellness. Ayurvedic not only aims about the absence of the diseases and sign and symptoms but also aims at the general health and wellness of one in all spheres. Infertility is not less than a psychological trauma to a couple.

Every lady wants to be mother and every man wants to be responsible as a father. When it doesn’t happen it is not less than a trauma for anyone. When expectations are not achieved by any reason, obviously it hurts!!

Causes of Infertility: –

* Sluggish digestion
* Nervous system imbalances
* Some acquire the impotency by birth- the well known genetic causes.
* Physical and mental stress
* Accumulated toxins
* Infertility can also arise when the reproductive tissue is damaged by infection or trauma.
* Poor nutrition
* Lowered natural resistance and immunity
* Disruption of natural biological rhythms

Treatment of infertility is usually a very costly affair, with poor success rates. In this scenario, Ayurvedic treatment may prove to be very economical, and yet sometimes offer surprising results. Let me discuss a case study to prove this point.

The Panchakarma Treatments are meant to flush out the toxins, they are classified as pre-purification, main purification and post purification phases and include various types of therapies like oil massages, fermented liquid massages, medicinal enemas, herbal purification methods.

The Rasayana Therapies are meant to nourish the body, to bring the doshas back to balance and to regenerate the body. These comprise diet regulations, daily regimens, intake of oral medicines and ayurveda tonics, yoga and a stress free life. After the treatment the ayurveda doctors will advise you how to lead a healthy life.

The goal of this Ayurvedic approach is to enliven the body’s natural healing and self-repair ability not only to help restore fertility, but also to prevent disorders and create the highest state of health and well-being. The following comprehensive approach is considered crucial to removing infertility problems. According to Ayurvedic, the body builds the essence of reproductive tissue function, sperm and ova, through a process that involves proper sequential functioning of all seven of its major tissues.

Herbs are considered nutritional supplements in Ayurvedic. Their purpose is to restore balance to the specific functioning modes whose malfunctioning is causing your condition. During your personal interview our Ayurvedic Health Consultants select the appropriate herbal formulas for aiding the healing process, strengthening digestion and helping the body purify itself of toxins and free radicals.

Pulse diagnosis in Ayurveda is not just counting the beats. It also reveals the health status of the entire body constitution, including the dosha imbalance and the health of the various body organs.

As per the principles of Ayurvedic path physiology in such case histories, all these symptoms point to the dysfunction of the Apana Vayu, for which Basti(medicated enema) is the best treatment. I therefore, started her on some simple herbal medicines for infertility, and an enema of 50 ml. oil of sesame on alternate days. After just 20 days, she had a completely normal, painless period, much to her surprise and joy.