Ayurveda

Ayurveda treatment is rightly regarded as ‘Sukha Chikitsa’ or the blissful health management and in precise logic it means that this is the pure form of healing, wherein an individual is made to find complete relief from his ailment and at the same time it is ensured that in the process no other ailment tends to crop up.

There are two key features that attribute to the entire science of Ayurveda:
• Swasthavritam or the Natural Lifestyle Modification
This is the prophylactic approach to Natural wellness in Ayurveda philosophy, which is manifested primarily with maintaining as well as sustaining holistic wellness. And precisely this is regarded as most imperative and desirable in Ayuveda discipline.
• Aaturvritam or the curative aspect of Ayurveda therapy
Ayurveda being a therapeutic discipline, has full potential to help a patient overcome the ailment from which he is suffering, exclusively using Natural means of healing. Curing of the disease in Ayurveda has always been considered as secondary to harboring of Natural wellness.

Our physical body that is believed to be a natural amalgam of the five basic elements viz. sky or ether, air, fire, water and earth; evidently authenticates with the theory of Ayurveda.

* Aakasha or Ether (sky)

This element is the empty space between organs and cells.

* Vayu or the air element

This corresponds to all body movements.

This is the implicit metabolic heat present in the body.

* Jala or the water

All the fluids flowing in the body like Saliva, plasma, mucous correspond to the water element.

* Prithvi or the earth element

This manifests as our body substance.

These three doshas or humors of the body are the prime attributes that are significant for not only the upholding of the human body, but also in every little aspect that causes balance or even imbalance within the body. Vata or the air, Pitta or the fire and kapha or the Phlegm are entirely imbibed within the body. This needs to be understood that as and when the three doshas are present in their relative balanced states, then these reason for the natural wellness of an individual. Nevertheless when the three humors get to become imbalanced, this means that either they are decreased or increased than their normal limits, this reasons formation of disease.

* Of the five basic elements, Ether and Air combine together and result into making of Vata or the Air. Movement or commotion is the fundamental quality of the air humor or the Vata dosha.

* The fire humor or Pitta dosha is mainly the consequence of Fire element. This signifies metabolism inside the body.

* Water and Earth combine and make up the Kapha or phlegm humor. And this very humor or dosha entails the physical structure of the human body.

In Ayurveda therapy, the very approach towards treatment focuses to eradicate the disease from its roots. The aim is to do away with the basic cause of the disease and to ensure no new ailment should emerge as a consequence.

• Ayurveda insists that medicine be centered on the patient, rather on the disease. Therefore, this science redeems a holistic approach towards well-being.

• Ayurveda treatment deals with preparations only from herbs and natural resources. It is regarded as a non-detrimental mode of treatment with few or no side effects.

• Ayurveda, being a therapeutic discipline, has full potential to help a patient overcome the ailment from which he or she is suffering exclusively using natural means of healing. Curing of the disease in Ayurveda has always been considered as secondary to harboring of natural wellness.

Derived from the two meaningful lexis, Ayus (life) and Veda (knowledge or science), these terms combined together craft the word Ayurveda, or the science of life.

Ayurveda treatment is rightly regarded as Sukha chikitsa, or the blissful health management. In precise logic it means that this is the pure form of healing, an individual is made to find complete relief from his or her ailment, and at the same time it is ensured that in the process no other ailment tends to crop up.

There are a number of benefits of Ayurvedic treatment:

• Fever and throat infections are common and when people gulp down a number of antibiotics, it is the right time to ingest a few leaves of Tulsi (Holy Basil). It not only helps in the anti-pyretic treatment but also acts as a safe prophylactic for the reason.

• Similarly, turmeric is useful as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy. It has proved its action in immunizing and defense mechanism of the body and is being widely researched to conquer medical calamities like Cancer and AIDS.

• Research has proved Neem to be useful in Malaria, Jaundice and Leprosy and so its antiseptic properties are being employed in surgery lately.

• Ashwagandha has proved its unique action in physical and mental fatigue.

• The techniques of Panchkarma and Bajikarna are being practiced widely.

• Also there are a number of Rasayans, which can be safely administered for long periods. According to Ayurveda, these not only increase the age limit of an individual and provide freedom from disease, but also virtually aid in delaying the process of aging.

Today, it is the need of the times to become more aware and educated on the health benefits that are sure, long lasting and more safe. It is quite alarming that so many worldwide banned drugs are on sale illegally in our country. There is little or no awareness on their hazardous effects made available to the common man. And all the more, those of us who have the on-going habit of self-medication over the counter are much more vulnerable. On the other hand, our inherent pathies that have been practiced in our country for thousands of years are looked upon with an eye of suspicion. It is a welcome strategy by our government to consider including Ayurveda and Yoga in the MBBS curriculum. This would definitely help in thorough researching, accepting as well as promoting our age-old science.

So as to stay clear of so many emerging as well as existing maladies and physical and mental health hazards, lifestyle change is a must. I consider it mandatory to focus on the natural wellness (Preventive therapy) than to put in extra effort both in means of taking in medication and procuring forced lifestyle modifications (Curative therapy). And this primarily is the message conveyed by our ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.

The everyday lifestyle citation has been laid down since ancient times by the sages of Ayurveda therapy. And this reference guide comes true even today as wisdom excerpt to modern lifestyle. I would highly recommend you to acknowledge ancient Ayurveda lifestyle and follow it, so as to incorporate natural wellbeing and longevity into your life, keeping the lifestyle diseases at bay.

Diet and lifestyle are the two indispensable components of our everyday life. Ayurveda allocates the sheer responsibility of wellbeing as well as the lack of it to both these factors. Small alterations in the everyday diet and lifestyle could make you improvise remarkably on your natural well being!

Ayurveda believes that the human body is the sum total of doshas or the body humours, dhatus or the body tissues and malas or the body wastes. This is evident by the Ayurveda adage – Dosha dhatu mala moo/am hi shareeram. A natural balance of doshas, dhatus and malas is regarded essential for the normal working both of the body as well as mind

• Approx. six grams of garlic with equal quantities of jaggery pounded together can be taken at bedtime.
• Mix some juice extracted from betel leaf (5 to 10 ml approx.) with freshly ground basil, mint and ginger. Add about 4 to 5 pounded pepper to the paste. This preparation can be taken half a teaspoon twice mixed into some honey.
• Prepare a decoction with ginger, basil and pepper. Take it warm twice a day mixed with half-teaspoon honey.
• During the first stage of cold, when you are bound to suffer from continuous watery discharge from the nose, try this. Half a teaspoon of black pepper powder is to be boiled in a glass full of milk and taken warm at bedtime.

• Take 2 heaped teaspoons of the Isabgol powder once in the daytime and once at bedtime with warm milk or water. The better way of taking the herb is to add approx. 1 glassful of water or milk to the husk of Isabgol and let it soak the sufficient amount of the liquid at least for 1 to 2 hours and take preferably at bedtime. It is desirable to take the Isabgol preparation with somesugar added to it.
• Harad is to be fried in ghee and then powdered. This can be taken along with warm water once or twice daily for a few days.
• 1 teaspoon of ghee mixed in a cup of warm milk should be taken at bedtime regularly for some days.

•For those suffering from diabetes, Jamun also comes to use. I generally advice the patients to take one teaspoon of the powder prepared by crushing the dried seeds of the fruit. This could be supplemented along with the routine medication.

• Juice extracted from a few juvenile leaves of the mango tree when taken along with an equal quantity of the juice of bitter gourdon an empty stomach during the initial stages of the disease, proves quite beneficial in eradicating the disease.

• It is advisable for the diabetic patients to chew 3 to 5 fresh leaflets of Neem empty stomach first thing in the morning. The Neem oil and resin removed from inside the bark are also recommended. Being pungent, it also relieves the state of excessive urination.

• Fresh juice of Aamla proves beneficial when taken on an empty stomach in the disorder of diabetes.

• Chew a piece of ginger with powder of rock salt added to it before each meal.

• Butter milk with powder of Asafoetida and black salt added to it provides relief. This can be taken 3 or 4 times in a day.

• Lemon juice with a pinch of powders of black pepper, roasted cumin seeds and black salt each taken 2 or 3 times is another useful home remedy.

• The mixture of powders of dried ginger, rock salt and black pepper taken in equal quantities along with a glass of warm water is helpful when taken before meals.

• The seeds of the herb of Greater Cardamom are to be pounded and the powder is to be taken in a dose of 1 to 3 grams approximately preferably with some warm water.

• Trifla powder is to be soaked overnight in water. This is taken in the morning on an empty stomach first thing in the morning continuously for some days. It would be of more benefit if you add half to one teaspoon of honey to the same.

• Half a teaspoon of honey mixed into a glass of warm water along with a few drops of lemon added to it is to be taken in the morning.

• Dry massage of the entire body should be practiced daily. Also, massage with mustard oil is of help.

• The ashes of small cardamom are to be taken mixed in honey.

• Slowly sucking a piece of lemon or ice helps.

• You can also make a decoction by boiling Cardamom along with some Mint leaves. This can be taken with some mishri added to it in small quantities at regular intervals. In case of children, pound Cardamom and make them lick the powder mixed into a little honey.

• A paste made of parched rice diluted in water, with the powders of cloves and cardamom and some sugar added to it is another simple home remedy.

• The leaves of mint either in raw form or prepared into chutney is extremely beneficial if you are suffering from loss of hunger. Supplement the same with your meals.

• Prepare a decoction by boiling mint leaves, basil leaves, ginger, large cardamom, a pinch of Asafoetida and some crushed black pepper. 20 to 30 ml of the same can be taken 2 to 3 times with some mishri or honey added to it.

• Chewing of Sesame seeds before the meals is also recommended in the ailment of loss of hunger.

• In case of acne or boils, a paste can be prepared by adding some water to Cinnamom powder. This paste is to be applied over the affected area for relief from inflammation as well as pain.

• The coconut oil contains anti microbial and antiseptic properties. This is why the external use of coconut oil is considered beneficial in curing acne.

• Dry some orange peel in shade and make into powder. Apply this mixed in a little raw milk onto the affected skin.

• A paste prepared by pounding kali mirch, lal chandan and jayaphala is to be applied locally to find relief from acne.

• The boils are to be washed with a decoction prepared by boiling the leaves of Neem.

• The powder of the three Myrobalans can be boiled and used to wash the boils.

• Pound a few Neem leaves along with some black pepper and a few almonds (soaked in water and peels removed). Make into small balls. 1 or 2 to be taken twice a day with warm water. This works as a blood purifier.

• Mix some lemon juice in double the quantity of coconut oil. Use this mixture for scalp massage and leave on for about half-hour before hair wash.

• Washing the hair alternately or twice a week with a decoction of Mulathi is another useful home remedy.

• Massage of the scalp and hair with oil of the herb of Bhringraj could help combat the problem of hair fall.

• Pound a few fresh leaves of Kareer and make into a paste with water. Apply on the scalp.

• Warm some sesame seed oil or mustard oil and mix into the same powders of the herbs of turmeric, garlic and camphor. This makes effective massage oil for joint pains.

• The seeds and leaves of papaya are believed to be helpful in decreasing pain and swelling. In case of joint pains, the leaves are to be warmed and applied as a hot fomentation onto the affected joints or the seeds can be crushed and mixed into mustard oil for local massage.

• Camphor can also be added to the oil normally used for local massage of the affected joint e.g. mustard oil, sesame seed oil or any medicated oil. This could relieve the inflammation, swelling as well as pain.

• The roots of the herb of Ashwagandha are to be pounded. One teaspoon of the ground powder is to be taken along with warm milk twice a day.

• Pound approx. 1 large teaspoon of dry coriander. Remove the husk and boil the remains in a glassful of milk. This is to be taken with some sugar added to it preferably at bedtime.

• Local massage of the scalp with oil of Aamla and Bramhi helps.

• A decoction is prepared by boiling Mint leaves. Leave to self-cool and take it a little warm with a teaspoon of powdered mishri or honey added to it. Repeat it at bedtime for some days.

• Mash the pulp of a ripe banana and mix into it approx. one-teaspoon powder of cumin seeds previously fried in desi ghee and pounded. This is to be taken at bedtime.

• A local massage of the oil of almond on the scalp and also taking a few drops of the same mixed in sweetened and hot buffalo’s milk at bedtime proves beneficial.

• Immerse the feet in warm water for ten minutes and thereafter massage the soles with mustard oil. Try this practice daily for a few days before going to bed.

• Cow’s ghee or almond oil is to be used as nasal drops two or three times a day. This soothes the brain nerves and is an easy home remedy for anxiety.

• Petha also comes as help in the ailment of anxiety. You need to supplement the same in your regular meals more often. 10 to 20ml of the fresh juice of the fruit of White Gourd that is prepared by crushing the pulp can be taken twice a day.

• The juice extracted by pounding the herb of Bramhi is to be taken in a dose of approx. 20-ml twice or thrice.

• Cucumber is to be grated and juice extracted from the same. This is to be taken 2 or 3 times in a dose of 20 to 30ml approx.

• Soak approx. 10 grams seeds of Coriander in water overnight. In the morning pound the same into a drink, sieve and take it mixed with a teaspoon mishri added to it.

• One to three grams of the powder of Cinnamom prepared by pounding a piece of the bark, can be taken along with a glassful of water in case urinary infection.

• Coconut water is to be taken 3 to 4 times in a day’s time.

• Fresh juice extracted from the herb of wheat grass is to be taken twice a day in a dose of 50 ml approx. The chlorophyll content present in wheat grass resembles (in structure as well as properties) to a component of blood called ‘Haemin’. It thus aids in improving the blood picture.

• 20 to 50ml juice of pomegranate can be taken twice daily.

• Fresh juice extracted by pounding radish along with the leaves can be taken in a dose of 50 ml twice to build up the blood picture

• Pound 2 to 3 leaves of Tulsi and add a few drops of ginger juice. Take 2 or 3 times in a day with warm water or mixed in honey.

• Powder of Ajwain 1 to 3 grams to be taken with warm water twice. This is useful in case of shivering along with fever.

• One-fourth teaspoonful of pepper powder is to be taken with sugar mixed in water 3 to 4 times in a day.

• Make a decoction with Tulsi leaves, black pepper, Cloves and Cinnamom. Take it warm 2 or 3 times with mishri added to it.

• For fevers of mixed origin, take powder of Greater cardamom in a dose of 1 to 3 grams along with warm water twice a day.

• Make a mixture of pounded equal parts of the herbs of dried ginger and ajawain along with black salt. Take 1 gram twice with warm water after meals.

• 2 – 3 cloves of Garlic along with warm water taken first thing in the morning proves beneficial.

• Sprinkle a few drops of fresh lemon juice on a piece of ginger and add black salt. Take it with meals for a few days.

• External application of the herb of Asafoetida on the umbilicus in case of abdominal discomfort caused by flatulence is of great help, especially for infants and small children.

• When there is excessive production and expulsion of wind along with foul smell try this easy home remedy. Take 4 or 5 freshly grounded pepper alongwith a glassful of water with a few drops of lemon added to it, early morning on empty stomach.

• Applying a paste made of Aamla in milk can relieve headache associated with a heat stroke.

• Fresh or dry coriander pounded and made into a paste can be applied on the forehead to get relief from recurrent headaches.

•Make a paste of garlic in milk and add a few grains of salt. Apply the paste on the forehead for relief.

• Nasal drops of ghee in each nostril once or twice daily could help cure the problem of chronic headache.

• Juice extracted by pounding a few leaves of lemon is to be added to boiling hot water. This can be used for deep inhalation.

• 2 to 4 cloves of garlic are to be swallowed on an empty stomach in the morning.

• Powder of clove can be taken 2 times in a day.

• Powder of the herbs Ajawain and Asafoetida to be taken twice after meals with water.

• Pound some bark of Arjun and take the powder in a dose of half to one teaspoon 2 times along with milk or water.

• Regular use of honey in daily diet or in milk helps to provide natural energy and works as a tonic for weakness.• Pound one-teaspoon approx. of the herbs Shatavari and Ashwagandha and a decoction is to be prepared by adding half a cup each of milk and water. When water evaporates, the mixture is to be removed and allowed to self-cool. This is to be taken twice a day with sugar or honey added to it.• The ripe fruit of Bilva is quite nutritious and a booster of vigor and energy. This can be crushed and made into a tasty drink by adding some sugar into it.

• Cardamom is another natural energy booster. I suggest taking 1 gram of Cardamom powder with lukewarm milk.

• Mix 1 teaspoonful of ghee to half cup lukewarm milk. This mixture is to be used both for gargles and then swallowing.• Make a paste of garlic in coconut milk and apply the same on the ulcers for relief.• Local application of the milk of raw papaya proves beneficial.

• To relieve mouth ulcers, prepare this easy mouthwash. Boil 2 teaspoons of Fennel in a glassful of water. To this add a piece of roasted alum. This is to be used for gargles.

• A decoction of the herb of Liquorice is used both for gargles and swallowing.

• Regular use of honey in daily diet or in milk helps to provide natural energy and works as a tonic for weakness.• Pound one-teaspoon approx. of the herbs Shatavari and Ashwagandha and a decoction is to be prepared by adding half a cup each of milk and water. When water evaporates, the mixture is to be removed and allowed to self-cool. This is to be taken twice a day with sugar or honey added to it.• The ripe fruit of Bilva is quite nutritious and a booster of vigor and energy. This can be crushed and made into a tasty drink by adding some sugar into it.

• Cardamom is another natural energy booster. I suggest taking 1 gram of Cardamom powder with lukewarm milk.

• As a traditional home remedy, clove has been recommended in relieving toothache. For this purpose you can either press the clove between the teeth or cotton dipped in clove oil into the dental crevice. This could relieve not only pain but also exhibits a germicidal action.

• Juice of ginger with honey mixed in it can be applied on the offending tooth for relief.

• Use a mixture of ginger juice and honey as local application.

• A decoction prepared from the bark of a mango tree when used as gargles relieves dental ailments like tooth decay, bleeding from the teeth and bad breath.