TRADITIONAL MEDICINE VERSES CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE…

A thought came in mind after looking through the patent. And these things are more realized once we came out from boundaries. Every country has different rules and regulation. Tough thing is to come out from it. Recently I am going through the company official procedure etc etc. made me think on this issue.

Traditional medicine is widely practiced in most countries and areas. The market for traditional medicine products in the Region has expanded significantly over the past decade. More and more governments in the Region have taken or plan to take actions to promote the proper use of traditional medicine and to ensure the safety of users of traditional medicine.

Traditional medicine is the knowledge, skills and practice of holistic health care, recognized And accepted for its role in the maintenance of health and the treatment of diseases. It is based on Indigenous theories, beliefs and experiences that are handed down from generation to generation. Traditional medicine is practiced in many countries, but it is not always included as part of the Health system recognized by the government. It is one of many types of non-standard health services which involve varying levels of training and efficacy. The difference between the origins and nature of more recent forms of alternative medicine and traditional medicine is often not well understood. In some health systems all these therapies, including traditional medicine, are collectively termed "Complementary", "alternative" or "non-conventional medicine".

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely accepted as including both traditional Medicine and more recent forms of non-standard medicine. A recent modification of the well-known Cochrane definition described CAM as including: "all such practices and ideas self-defined by their users as preventing or treating illness or promoting health and well-being. Boundaries within CAM an between the CAM domain and that of the dominant system are not always sharp or fixed". The same defined "mainstream medicine" as the "usual method of treating disease” and "orthodox" medicine as "that thought in the majority of university medical schools”.

Developing standards and regulations for training in and practice of traditional medicine, broadening research so that it encompasses its holistic nature, maximizing the economic potential of traditional medicine, and developing policies and programmes that ensure that traditional medicine benefits the people who need it most are formidable challenges facing traditional medicine.Traditional medicine has an established promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative role. It can be the main form of health care, or an integrated component of mainstream health care, or an alternative or complement to the main form of health care.

Some traditional systems of medicine are highly developed and well documented. They are based on systematized knowledge, a comprehensive methodology and rich clinical experienc Traditional Indian medicine & Traditional Chinese medicine falls into this category. Traditional Chinese medicine originated in China and was introduced to neighboring countries, such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Viet Nam and others, which then developed their own variations. Traditional Indian medicine is another well-developed and practiced in different regions as well.

In most of this system the knowledge is never written down and is transmitted orally from generation to generation. Most practitioners do not obtain knowledge through an organized training process. The therapies used by different healers from different communities and islands can be quite

different. Even the same plants may be used for different conditions and purposes. In these communities, psychosocial therapies tend to predominate, and often merge with magical and religiouspractices.

It is impossible to have only one approach, one model or one set of standards to deal with all

the different traditional systems of medicine in the Region. Since the introduction of modern medicine into the countries of the Region, traditional medicine has in most cases been rejected by mainstream health services. Nevertheless, traditional medicine still exists in all countries. It provides an alternative option for people living in developed countries, while for a large part of the population in many developing countries it is the only available, affordable and accessible health service. Although there is a lack of reliable regional data on usage of traditional medicine, studies from several countries and areas in the Region have shown that it is used extensively.

Different reasons bring consumers to traditional medicine. Cultural beliefs may still be the major reason for using traditional medicine. However, people living in rural and remote areas in developing countries often seek first line health service from traditional systems of medicine because they are the only available and affordable form of health care. Some patients may go to traditional medicine after unsatisfactory treatment from modern medicine. In all these cases, the effectiveness of traditional medicine and consumer satisfaction with services plays an important role in maintaining and increasing public interest in traditional medicine. Traditional medicine and traditional health education, including methods of traditional exercise, make significant contributions to promoting health and improving quality of life in many communities.

Although traditional medicine plays an important role as a first line health service, in some cases, it may cause delay in obtaining treatment by a medical professional. Some cases are also beyond the knowledge and capability of traditional medicine practitioners. Practice models vary. In some countries, including China, Japan, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam, traditional medicine is practiced not only at the primary health care level but also in hospitals providing secondary and tertiary care. In other countries, traditional medicine is used mainly as family and community-based practice.

Some researchers are attempting to evaluate the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine, while others are engaged in research into new drugs and other products derived from plants. However, some health professionals still have doubts about the usefulness of traditional medicine. Many insist on more scientifically-based evidence if they are to trust its safety and effectiveness. Unfortunately, the different philosophical backgrounds of traditional and modern medicine make it difficult for one system to judge the other. Since the introduction of modern medicine in the Region, a gap has opened between practitioners of traditional and modern medicine.

To be continued…

"Now constipation was quite a different matter...It would be dreadful for the whole world to know about troubles of that nature."

       Constipation is difficulty in passing stool or the infrequent passage of hard, dry stools as the result food moving slowly through the large intestines, most people experience constipation time to time, but usually life style changes and better eating habits help to relieve the symptoms and prevent recurrence.

      Ayurveda treats constipation as a problem arising due to the predominance of the vata dosha . In fact, all people with the vata constitution have this problem to some extent or the other. From an Ayurvedic point of view, dietary bad habits are the main cause of constipation.

 The following are some of the dietary factors that lead to constipation:-
•Eating at different times each day
•Eating too late than the normal time
•Eating food that is difficult to digest
•Eating food without roughage (or foods that contain fiber content)
•Eating mostly dry foods
•Drinking too many beverages like tea and coffee
•Drinking too many cold drinks
•Not drinking enough water

In most cases constipation arises from insufficient amount of fiber and fluids in the diet. Fiber is found in plant foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fiber that is soluble in water takes on a soft texture & helps to softens the stools. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestine largely unchanged and add bulks to the stool, which in turn helps to stimulate bowel contractions.

Other factors that can cause constipation include are:-
Inadequate exercise, advanced age- often caused due to dehydration, muscle disorders, structural abnormalities, bowel diseases, neurogenic disorders, and a poor diet, especially heavy consumption of junk food. Constipation may be side effect of iron supplements and some drugs, such as painkillers (codeine), some anti-histamines, heart medicines and anti-depressants; it is also common during pregnancy. High level of calcium and low levels of thyroid hormones are metabolic disorders that lead to constipation. People with DM & Kidney failure also tend to have problems with constipation.
A small percentage of people, such as persons with spinal injuries, have problems with constipation because the nerves that usually regulate bowel movements have been damaged or destroyed. In a condition called Hirschsprung’s disease, normal excretion of feces is impossible because the nerves inside the bowel are missing. The nerve inside in the wall of the colon can also be damaged by long –term, habitual use of laxatives.

Constipation can give rice to many different ailments, including appendicitis, bad breathe, body odor, coated tongue, depression, diverticulitis, fatigue, gas, headaches, hemorrhoids, hernia, indigestion, insomnia, malabsorption syndrome, etc. It may even develop serious disease as colon cancer.
Regular bowel movements are an important mechanism for removing toxins from the body. The colon serves as holding tank for waste matter. Antigens & toxins


Some recommendations:-
1) Triphala as internal cleanser. There are many Ayurvedic herbal formulations available.
2) Alfalfa extract contains chlorophyll, which aids in detoxifying the body & cleansing the breath. Fennel seed tea is also good for refreshing the breath.
3) Ginger stimulates the digestive system & eases passage of food through intestines. Try ginger dry extract & soft extract.
4) Aloe Vera has a healing & cleansing effect on the digestive tract and aids in forming soft stools. Drink ½ cup of Aloe Vera juice in the morning and at night. It can be mixed with herbal tea if you wish.
5) Use milk thistle to aid liver function and to enhance bile output to soften stools.
6) Other herbs that are helpful for constipation include senna leaves, rhubarb, psyllium seeds.
7) Flaxseed oil or freshly ground flax seeds have a pleasant, nutty taste and can be sprinkled over cereals, salads & other foods.


General Guidelines:-
1) Eat high fiber food such as fresh fruits, raw green leafy vegetables, whole grain oatmeal, & brown rice daily. Also eat asparagus, beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, kale, okra, whole grains.
2) Food that contain high level of soluble fiber are adzuki beans, barely, dried beans, oats and some fruits especially apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blue berries, crane berries, figs, grapes, peaches, & prunes. Foods high in insoluble fiber are cereals seeds, wheat bran, whole grains, and skins of many fruits and vegetables.
3) Drink more water. This is important when adding fiber to the diet. Drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water a day.
4) Consume plenty foods that are high in pectin, such as apples, carrots, beets, bananas, cabbage, citrus fruits, dried peas, & okra.
5) Follow low fat diet. Eat no fried foods. Avoid food the stimulate secretions by the mucus, such as dairy products, fats, and spicy foods.
6) Laxatives can be used occasionally to relieve constipation, but if used regularly they can cause serious problems including diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, dehydration and ultimately damage to the colon.
7) Get some exercise. Physical activity speeds the movement of waste the intestines.


"Lifestyle changes, including getting regular exercise and eating a high fiber diet are better Ways to avoid constipation".

My message is - keep moving. If you do, you'll keep arthritis at bay.

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. It is usually accompanied by pain and stiffness. There are different forms of arthritis…as age advances we found it more difficult. Here I want to give some simple herbs and tips for it. Hope it will be helpful for everyone.

Herbs:-
1) Alfalfa contains all the minerals essential for bone formation, & may be helpful for arthritis. It can be taken in capsules or whole form.
2) Boswellia/Shallaki, an Ayurveda herb, is important for reducing inflammation. It helps to restore blood vessels around inflamed connective tissues. This can be also used tropically in cream
3) Cat’s claw is helpful for relieving arthritis pain. Fever few and ginger also good for pain and soreness.
4) Ginger is powerful antioxidant that has inflammatory effects. The active component is gingerol. Ginger inhibits pain-producing prostaglandins.
5) The hot peppers known as cayenne (capsicum) contain compound called capsaicin that relieves pain, apparently reducing neurotransmitter that responsible for pain. Also mix cayenne powder with enough wintergreen oil to make paste and apply it to painful joints, or use cayenne in poultice.
6) Nettle leaf is used in Germany for its anti/inflammatory properties.
7) Nexrutine is an herbal extract of Phellodendron tree (Phellodendron annurense). It is an anti-inflammatory used for natural pain management.
8) Also Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving property. Also willow bark, borage seed. Other beneficial herbs include burdock root, celery seed, corn silk, parsley tea.

Recommendations:-
1) Eat more sulfur containing foods, such as asparagus, eggs, garlic, onions. Sulfur is needed for the repair & rebuilding of the bone, cartilage, and connective tissue & it also aids in absorption of calcium.
2) Other beneficial foods such as fresh vegetables, non-acidic fresh
Fruits, whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice fish, soybean products & avocados.
3) Consume foods containing amino acids histidine, including rice, wheat, and rye. Histidine is good for removing excess metals from the body. Many people with arthritis have high levels of copper and iron in their bodies.
4) Eat fresh pineapple frequently. Bromelin, an enzyme found in pineapple, is excellent for reducing inflammation. To be effective pineapple must be fresh, as freezing and canning destroy enzymes.
5) Eat some form of fiber, such as ground flax seed, oat bran, or rice bran daily. Reduce amount of fat in your diet.
6) Avoid night shade vegetables (peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, white potatoes). These foods contain a substance called solanine, to which some people, particularly those suffering from arthritis, are highly sensitive. Solanine interferes with muscles and may cause pain and discomfort.
7) Do not take iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron. Consume iron in foods as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, fish, lima beans, and peas.
8) If you are taking NSAIDs, avoid sodium which causes water retention. Spread the medication throughout the day, take them after eating and take an antacid after taking drug.
9) Hot tub baths provide relief. Raw lemon rubs and hot castor oil packs are also extremely beneficial.
10) Spend time outdoors for fresh air and sunshine. Get regular moderate exercise.

Take care of your joints..

There is one thing about Baldness its neat….Is it ????

Hair loss or baldness is referred as Alopecia. If hair loss out in patches, it is termed as alopecia areata. Factors that are involved in hair loss include hereditary, hormones and ageing.
A less dramatic, but more prevalent, type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern baldness. As name implies its genetic predisposition & the presence of androgens- male sex hormones- are involved in this condition. Women sometimes have the same type of hair loss, but it is not usually as extensive and most often does not occur until after menopause. All women’s experience some hair thinning as they grow older. Especially after menopause, but in some begins early as puberty. In addition, most women lose some hair 2 or 3 months after having baby because hormonal changes prevent normal hair loss during pregnancy.
In addition to this, factors that promote hair loss include poor circulation, acute illness, surgery, radiation exposure, skin disease, sudden weight loss, high fever, iron deficiency, diabetes, thyroid disease, drugs such as those used in chemotherapy, stress, and poor diet, ringworm and other fungal infection, chemicals such as hair dyes & vitamin deficiencies.

Some recommendations:-
1) Diet plenty in fruits and vegetables and low in starch, as fruits n veg’s contain flavonoid, many of which are antioxidant, protects hair follicle.
2) Eat plenty of food high in biotin includes in brown rice, green peas, lentils, oats, soyabeans,sunflowerseeds, and walnuts, This is needed for healthy hair.
3) Include soy foods such as soybeans, tempeh, and tofu in your diet. Soy foods appear to inhibit the formation of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone implicated in the process of hair loss.
4) Do not eat raw eggs as risk of salmonella, but high in avidin, a protein that binds to biotin and prevents it from being absorbed. Cooked eggs are acceptable.
5) Lie head down for 15 mins or massage scalp for blood circulation.
6) Use shampoo and conditioners contain biotin and silica also herbs are good.
7) Protect n cover your hair from harsh sunlight also do not use rough treatment, avoid crash diet.

Herbs in daily life...

“Herbs (medicines), while descending down from heaven to earth proclaimed those who eat us, are never destroyed. (Yajurveda)”


Throughout history. ..Mankind has benefited from plants in many different ways: Fundamentally for food and shelter yet also for several other purposes, including medicine, perfumes and cosmetics…Among these valuable plants is one group with a long history of use which we known as herbs. Knowledge of herbs and their properties has been passed down both orally and in written form for centuries. Since men’s early history, herbs have been used to add flavor to food. A few herbs are widely used around the world. Certain herbs are particularly associated with specific cuisines.
Indian cuisine is famous for its use of spices. Fresh coriander, mint chutneys etc. in south Indian cuisine curry leaf etc.
In European cookery, certain herbs are widely used in number of countries. Basil for ex with its strong, sweet scent evokes in Italian cuisine, famously key ingredient of pesto,/trenette pasta. Dill is associated with Sweden famous (salmon marinated with rock salt, dill, lemon, sugar, pepper). Aromatic bay leaves are one of the most widely herb used in European and North American kitchens, added to stews, sauces, & marinades. Rosemary crops ups across Europe, combined with lamb in many countries. In classical French cookery, certain combination of herbs are traditional such as fine herbs (Chopped parsley, chervil, tarragon, chives), herbs de Provence (thyme, rosemary, bay, basil, savory). Throughout herbs have been prepared for different medicinal uses. Something is surprising that some are very toxic. Such as Foxglove, opium, monkshood (though this is antidote to snack venom), henbane… Even though it’s mentioned in Ayurveda everything can be used as medicine only after applying certain criteria…

"Indigestion is the failure to adjust a square meal to a round stomach."... ACID REFULX..."

Heartburn is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach backs up (refluxes) into the esophagus. The most common and persistent symptom of Heartburn is a burning sensation centered in the middle of the chest and/or throat, brought on by stomach acid that churns up onto the lining of the esophagus.


Acid Reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a condition which has many symptoms that are similar to heartburn. In many cases, people suffering from Acid Reflux typically suffer from persistent heartburn two or more days per week. In the long term, this can be very serious since, over time, the reflux of stomach acid can erode or wear away the delicate esophagus lining. This can then lead to scar tissue, which causes swallowing problems. GERD has also been linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. However, some people have Acid Reflux without heartburn. In such cases, symptoms include chest pain, wheezing, coarseness in the throat, breathing problems, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry coughing, and interrupted sleep, tightness in the throat, and halitosis or bad breath. Acid reflux can also lead to regurgitation of acid into the mouth, often due to overeating or bending down or going to bed right after a meal.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Just like other health conditions, there is not one specific cause of Acid Reflux and Heartburn. However, a malfunction of a band of muscle tissue called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) can ultimately lead to many of the problems and symptoms associated with Acid Reflux and Heartburn. The LES is a complex area of smooth muscles and various hormones, which is responsible for the opening and closing of the lower end of the esophagus when we eat and swallow. It normally keeps the stomach contents from regurgitating, but due to certain physical conditions it can weaken and lose its contraction control. If this happens, the LES fails to close up and cannot maintain the pressure barrier between stomach and esophagus. As a result, acid and pepsin from the stomach can back up and cause acidity and heartburn in the esophagus.


The most common causes of Acid Reflux and Heartburn include:
• stress
• some antidepressants and sedatives
• elevated hormone levels during pregnancy
• eating before going to bed
• eating large meals
• slower emptying of the stomach
• frequently eating greasy, fried, and fatty foods
• smoking
• alcohol
• drinking lots of bubbly (carbonated) beverages such as soda
• diseases that weaken the esophageal muscle (such as scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, or hiatal hernias)
Remedies:-
• First n foremost thing is changing eating habits
• Avoid heavy eating; in the sense eat in limit. Overeating will make food to come back.
• Stop eating sour, salted food…this is one of most dangerous item to trigger the symptoms.
• Don’t sleep immediately after meals. Keep a gap at least 2 to 3 hrs between your meal and going to bed.
• While sleeping sleep on right side so that there are less chances of getting stomach contents back into your esophagus.
• Improve your digestion. Eat at regular interval with perfect timing. Be regular in taking food.
• Junk food, fermented, bread, pizza, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, also milk products like processed cheese, etc also worsens the symptoms.
• Try to give up the food containing preservatives, pickles, fried fish etc.
• Infusion of cumin , fennel, sweet grapes, pomegranate etc are good .

Be doctor of your Body...

Crash and Burn.. Fad diets are exactly just that- a fad.

Crash and Burn... Stick to scientifically proven methods of weight loss, which means a healthy diet and plenty of exercise...


We all want to lose weight fast. It might be because there is party around the corner & you want to squeeze into that great dress you bought. Or maybe you are getting married soon & you want to look fantastic in your wedding photos.
Most likely though, it’s because you find it hard to maintain a long –term diet and exercise plan, so it seems easier to go on a crash diet whenever you find your clothes getting too tight…If this method sounds too good to be true- using words like “guaranteed” and “secret” and promises fantastic results, it’s probably just hot air. You may wonder why they don’t work. After all they all result in reduction in calories, which is what causes weight loss. Slashing your daily calories to below 1,000 can make the scales drops, but it will also backfire you later.
When u doesn’t have enough calories, you are not able to exercise effectively because burning your muscle, which weakens you. As you burn muscles you are slowing your metabolism. Once you stop dieting, you will find that your metabolism remains at that pace and you burn calories slower than before. This is why you gain your weight back even faster when you come off a crash diet.
You can’t escape exercise.. You can lose weight rapidly, but you have to do it safely and be absolutely committed to sticking to it in the long term. It’s very simple: simply burn more calories than you eat. You cannot achieve this just by dieting alone, but with combination of increasing physical activities and eating fever calories. You will need almost an hour a day of moderate exercise in order to lose weight. The most effective calorie burning exercise is Cardiac exercise such as running, cycling, swimming, aerobics, brisk walking and any thing that gets your heart rate ups. Doing an hour may be easy, but its more important to increase the intensity of your exercise so that you sweat for the entire hour. You also need to include few hours in muscle strengthening. Which ll also increases your flexibility n strengthens muscles as Yoga.
Smart Eating.. When it comes to your diet, what you eat is as much as important as how much you eat. Don’t just blindly reduce your total food intake- it’s smarter to cut down certain types of food that contribute the most calories to your daily diet.
1)Reduce Carbohydrates likes Rice, noodles, breads, potatoes, and cereals, However do not encourage to cutting them out altogether, as they provide you with daily energy. Try to choose whole grain versions.
2) Cut down on high-sugar stuff & avoid adding sugar into your meals or drinks. As much as possible, trim the fat from meats and dairy food.
3) Include vegetable, egg whites, soy products, fish, low fat dairy products & lean meat (without the skin, or the breast portion). Protein will give you energy with fewer fat calories minimize muscles loss and maximize fat loss.

You should be able to comfortably achieve cutting back on 500 calories a day with a moderate exercise regime and healthier eating habits. The minimum level of calories you need a day is 1,200Kcal, but do not go down to less than 1,500calories a day.

By being disciplined and sticking to moderate intense-but safe plan, you can lose at least one-and-a-half kgs a week.

Just try it.. :)

A MUSCLE CRAMP...are unpleasant, often painful sensation caused by muscle contraction or overshortening.

A muscle cramp is an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. Muscle cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds to a quarter of an hour or occasionally longer. Any of the muscles that are under our voluntary control (skeletal muscles) can cramp. Cramps of the extremities, especially the legs and feet, and most particularly the calf (the classic "charley horse"), are very common. Involuntary muscles of the various organs (uterus, blood vessel wall, intestinal tract, bile and urine passages, bronchial tree, etc.) are also subject to cramps.
Muscles cramping is often caused by an imbalance in the body’s level of electrolytes – minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium which in turn can be due to illness or exercise.
1) A common cause is unaccustomed physical overexertion, overuse, or strain. Sitting, standing, lying in one position; anemia; the use of tobacco, inactivity; fibromyelagia; harmone imbalances, allergies, arthritis and even arteriosclerosis can also result in cramping,
2) As can in dehydration, heat stroke, hypothyroidism or varicose veins or more rarely the early stages of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Also deficiency of Vit E.
3) Some medication can cause muscles cramping as a side effect. The use of diuretic drugs for high blood pressure or heart disorders may lead to electrolyte imbalance causing muscles cramps. Poor circulation also attributes to leg cramps.
RECOMMENDATION:-
1) Herbs: - Alfalfa, bay berry, blessed thistle, caymene, garlic, ginkgo biloba, horse tail and saffron are good for circulation.
2) Horsetail, meadowsweet, valerian and skullcap help to relieve muscle cramp. Rubbing lobelia extract on the affected area helps to relieve muscle cramps.
3) Taking Valerian root at bed time helps to relax muscles spasm.
4) Drink plenty of fluids to stave of dehydration. Take a large glass of quality water (preferably steam distilled) toxins stored in muscles. Do this every three hours throughout the day.
5) Warm up before intense exercise and cool down and stretch afterward. Avoid overworking your muscles.
6) Rub pure, unprocessed olive or flaxseed oil into your muscles before and after strenuous exercise. Add 25 drops of oil to a hot bath and soak. Canola oil is also good for this purpose. Massage cramping muscles n use heat to relieve pain.
7) Take hot bath using mineral salts before bedtime to increase blood flow to the muscles. Before going to bed gently stretch muscles that tend to cramp during the night.
8) If you are on diuretic medication for High blood pressure or heart disorder, be sure to take supplemental potassium daily.( Do not take supplemental potassium if you are taking a potassium sparing diuretic, discuss with your doctor )
9) If you have cramps during the day, while you are active. This can be sign of impaired circulation or arteriosclerosis.( Consult your healthcare provider )


“Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use.”

Ayurveda Remedies...Anyone who believes that anything can be suited to everyone is a great fool, because medicine is practised..

"Anyone who believes that anything can be suited to everyone is a great fool, because medicine is practiced not on mankind in general, but on every individual in particular. ...."


Ayurveda medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world. It incorporates tool such as diest, exercise, breathing exercise, meditation (Yoga), mental visualization, therapeutic massage and herbs to treat illness and mental health.
In Ayurveda, the fundamental healing philosophy is the concept of the three Dosha or basic types of energy or fundamental principles. These are Vata(from ether + Air), Pitta ( Fire + Water) and Kapha ( Water + Earth). And accordingly to the principles of Ayurveda they are present in everyone & everything. Vata is the energy of moment. Pitta is the energy of digestion or metabolism. Kapha is the energy of lubrication and structure. All three doshas are present in everyone but one is usually predominant in any given individual.
An Ayurvedic medicine sees disease as a result of excess or deficiency of Vata, Pitta, Kapha and also the presence of toxins. Good health indicates a balance of these 3 energies in a body that is relatively toxin free. Herbs are used to treat illness by resolving this imbalance. Herbs that deal with energy or movement are used to increased Vata, herbs that treat digestion, assimilation, absorption, metabolism are Pitta, and those involved with structure and the musculoskeletal system –the “glue” that holds the body together are Kapha.
An Ayurvedic medicine regards the human body as a manifestation of cosmic energy that is transformed to all levels, both mental and physical. This can be difficult for people from western culture to grasp, but practitioners believes two system of energy are closer than we can conceive. At Auyvedas core is the belief that we are a totality of body & soul within the universe, if we can live in harmony with nature & our inner beings we will stay healthy.

A Fasting is not Hunger strike..."LAGHANAM PARMOUSHADHAM "....

Over time toxins build up in the body as the result of the pollutants in the air we breathe, the chemicals in the food & water we consume and other means. Periodically the body seeks to rid itself of these toxins and release them from the tissues. The toxins then enter the bloodstream causing the body to experience a “Low” or “Down” Cycle.
Fasting as an effective and safe method of helping the body detoxify itself and move through this low cycle with greater speed and fewer symptoms. In fact flushing is recommended for many illnesses in Ayurveda in Acute illness, allergies, respiratory disease, colon disorders. By relieving the body of the work of digesting foods, fasting permits the system to rid itself of toxins while facilitating healing.
During Fast following things happens:-
1) The natural process of toxin excretion continues, while the influx of new toxins is reduced. This result in reduction of the total body toxicity.
2) The energy usually used for digestion is redirected to immune function, cell growth, as well as eliminating process.
3) The immune system workload is greatly reduced & the digestive tract is spared any inflammation due to allergic reaction to food.
4) Due to lowering of serum fats, tissue oxygenation is increased and white blood cells are moved more efficiently.
5) Physical awareness and sensitivity to diet and surrounding are increased.
Due to these effects of fasting, a fast can help you to heal with greater speed, cleanse your liver,kidneys,colon,purify your blood, help you to lose extra weight and water flush out toxins, clear the eyes and tongue and cleanse the breathe. It is recommended that you fast 3 days a month

"A fast is not a hunger strike. Fasting submits to God's commands. A hunger strike makes God submit to our demands."

Ayurveda Diet

AYURVEDA DIET  :-

Its is imporatant to choose a suitable diet for balance, harmony and health in your life based on ayurvediy principles. Diet can play good role in healing and norishment and in maintaining health. Proper food .

The ayurvedic tradition offers much insight in to what food will suit and balance each individual, how to  prepare and cook  the food properly.how to avoid food combinations that will create  toxins in the body, and what eating habits  to cultivate and –which to avoid  in order to recievde most  nourishment  from what you eat.

’’ AYURVEDA greatly emphasises diet,  both for its direct effects on physiological state and on drug action. Proper digestion is essential for good health.

Ø  Avoid drinking milk with meat, fish , eggs, citrus fruits, radishes , tomatoes and alcoholic drinks, yoghurt. (As this are opposite in qualities  which creates toxinds in the body.)

Ø  Eat high protein and fat foods seperatly from light foods ( vegetables, starch)

Ø  Eat fresh fruits seperate from other meals.

Ø  Eat cooked and raw foods seperately.

General Guidelines :-

Ø  Eat only when hungry , at moderate pace , chewing food.

Ø  Eat freshly cooked meals . Eat fresh and Satvic food of the best quality  you can offord.

Ø  Interval  of 2-4 hrs between light meals and 4-6 hrs between heavy meals.

Ø  Fill one third of your stomach with food , one third with water ,  and Leave one-third  to tone quarter of the stomach empty for aiding digestion.

Ø  During meals , dont drink iced drinks  or fruits juice, sip a little warm water between mouthfuls of food.

Ø  Choose food according to your  body constitution. It will nourish you and will not aggrevate your body componenet ( DOSHAS )

Ø  Choose food according to season .

Ø  When eating eat . That is dont  read , watch TV, or be distracted too much conversation. Focus on the food.

Ø  Honey should never be cooked . If it is cooked , the molecules becomes like a glue that adheres to mucus membranes and clogs the subltle channels, producing toxins.

Unheathy Eating habits :-

Ø  Overeating, eating too soon after a full meal.

Ø  Drinking too much water, or no water during meal. Drinking chilled water during a meal, or indeed at any time.

Ø  Eating at the wrong time of the day, either too early  or too late.

Ø  Eating too much heavy food or too little light food.

Ø  Eating fruit or drinking fruit juice with a meal.

Ø  Eating without real hunger. Emotional eating.

Obesity an Evil

Obesity an Evil:-

A beautiful body is always admired by everyone but Obesity can be like an ugly cloud which surrounds the beauty of every obese person. It is a major health hazard and more like a social evil. It seems more fatal than drinking or gambling.

There is no clear definition of obesity. In general a fat person is said to obese. However one is considered obese ONLY if he weighs at least 20 per cent more than his ideal body weight because of excessive accumulation of fat. Even ideal weight is difficult to define.

Currently, Body Mass Index (BMI) scale is the most common measurement of obesity. The BMI is based on the ratio of weight over height squared (kg/MxM). The BMI gives a broader range of weight that may be appropriate for a specific height. Now what should be the value of BMI for an ideal body?

A BMI of around 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be within ideal body weight range. A BMI between 25 to 29.9 is somewhat at a health risk and a BMI above 30 is considered at significant health risk due to obesity. BMI is the most convenient and presently most widely understood measure of obesity risk.

Causes of obesity are: -

When a person consumes more calories than he burns then the excess calories get stored in the form of fat causing obesity.

1. Genetic factors–Obesity tends to run in families. If parents are fat then the offspring also show a tendency to accumulate fat. Even the diet and lifestyle habits which are practiced in family also contribute to obesity.

2. Environment– A person’s eating habits and the level of physical activities a person has also contribute for excess deposition of fat. When a person eats food containing more calories and has a sedentary work then the calories consumed are more than calories burnt. The excess amount calories are stored as fat.

3. Psychological disturbances- There is a tendency to over eat in response to negative emotions like boredom, sadness or anger. This leads to obesity.

4. Eating disorder.

5. Diseases and conditions like Hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, Depression, and certain neurological problems lead to overeating which in turn leads to accumulation of fat.

6. Medicines such as steroids and some antidepressants may cause weight gain. .

Health risks due to Obesity

Obesity leads to the following problems.

1. Type-2 diabetes

2. Heart disease.

3. High Blood pressure.

4. Stroke

5. Few types of Cancers

6. Gall stones

7. Liver diseases, hepatitis, kidney related problems.

8. Osteo arthritis.

9. Gout

10. Infertility, low libido.

11. Irregular menstruation in women, skin problems, piles, filariasis,fistula, etc.

Tips to reduce Obesity

1. Determine with the help of your physician how much weight has to be reduced.

2. Set several short term realistic goals.

3. Reward yourself each time you make progress (Not food items).

4. Even small weight losses have shown to be beneficial.

5. Make gradual changes in eating habits.

6. You will lose weight when you burn more calories than you consume. Hence eating less and being more active help in losing weight.

7. Sound eating habits keep you out of putting on weight.

8. Stay motivated to lose weight.

9. Slow weight loss is the safest and most effective. (One to one and half pound per week).

10. Gradual weight loss, promote long term loss of body fat.

11. A person who is moderately active needs daily, 33 calories per kg of body weight to maintain his weight.

12. Reducing calories intake by 300 per day and increasing the physical activity to burn 200 calories per day results in weight loss of 400 Gms per week.

13. To satisfy basic nutritional needs eat a variety of foods every day. Choose from each of the five food group’s milk, meat, fruit, vegetable and cereals. Balanced food plans encourage making wise choices about everyday food choices. This type of diet helps to stay at your proper weight for life.

14. Allow for an occasional treat.

15. Evaluate your eating pattern.

16. Try to cut down on foods high in fats and sugar.

17. Most successful weight – loss plans stress on reduction in both calories and the amount of fat eaten.

Physical activity:

1. Determine the type of physical activity that suits your life style.

2. Regular aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging or swimming, is a key factor in achieving permanent weight loss and improving health

3. Health experts recommend exercising 30 minutes or more on all, days of the week for maximum benefits. The exercises should be moderately vigorous to be most effective but not exhausting.

4. Incorporate few simple measures to burn calories effectively. Like- taking an after dinner walks, using stairs instead of escalators or elevators, parking the car farther away to have a longer walk etc.

5. Exercises also improve sense of well being, decreases stress and decreases appetite in some.

Ayurveda tips to reduce Obesity:-

In the Ayurvedic perspective, there should be a major shift in awareness. Ayurveda does not treat obesity; it treats a person who is obese or over weight. Like everything else in nature, there is so much diversity and variation in each person and “one size does not fit all”. Maria, a computer programmer in her 30s, was complaining, “It is not fair. Susan and I are on the same diet plan since last month and she’s already lost 10 pounds, I haven’t even lost two pounds yet”. She couldn’t understand why it was so hard for her to lose weight. According to Ayurveda Linda and Susan have different Mind-Body Make up – called Body Constitution and that is why they were responding differently. We all are very different, so obviously one diet program does not work for everybody. Ayurveda respects that uniqueness in each person and helps create custom tailored plans to maintain the unique balance for each individual.

Other Home Remedies

1). Consumption of honey. This is advisable for non diabetic patients. Consuming 2 tea spoon of honey with a glass of herbal tea which includes weight reducing herbs help a lot in weight reduction. Honey along with these herbs scrapes and dissolves the Kapha and medha (body fat).

2). Sleeping for less hours. Avoiding sleeping in afternoons help to increase the burning of calories. This avoids slowing of basal metabolic rate.

3). Avoiding the food and beverages which increase kapha and medha. The foods which increase kapha and medha are sweets, sweetened drinks, large quantities of carbohydrates and oily food.

4). Consuming wheat products than rice products help to reduce obesity.

5). Using Green gram and horse gram help in reduction of kapha and medha.

6) Boiled water:-Drink a glass of boiled water every day after meal.

7) Ginger tea: - 2 to 3 time a day.

8) Black Pepper: Seasoning foods with black pepper will decrease the need for salts and fats, and will still add flavor to foods. This will also help reduce weight.

9) Cinnamon: This spice can act as a low calorie sweetener to help reduce the amount of sugar needed in a recipe. It also adds a unique flavor to most cookie recipes.

10) Raw or Cooked Cabbage: The intake of cabbage reduces the conversion of sugars to fat. Therefore, eating plenty of this well help increase the body's ability to metabolize fatty foods.

Home Remedies - Hypertension , CVS.

HYPERTENSION means high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the flowing blood on the arterial walls.

The cause of blood cannot be ascertained in most cases. Such high blood pressure where the cause is not known is known as primary hypertension or essential hypertension. In other cases hypertension may be complication of other systemic diseases. It is known as secondary hypertension.

Some factors that contribute to hypertension are obesity, alcohol, stress, steroids, oral contraceptive pills and diabetes mellitus.

Normal blood pressure of healthy young adult is 120/80 mm of Hg. The upper reading is known as systolic pressure which is the pressure exerted on the arterial walls when the heart is in the state of contraction.The second reading is the diastolic pressure which is pressure exerted on arterial walls when the heart is in the state of relaxation. A persistent high systolic blood pressure of over 140 or the diastolic pressure above 90 would be considered as high blood pressure. However, in younger adults persistent blood pressure of 130/90 should also be considered as high blood pressure.

Signs & symptoms:

Most cases could be asymptomatic whereas in others following signs and symptoms could be present.

*Headache *Irritability * Palpitation * Giddiness.

Home remedies: For secondary Hypertension the underlying cause has to be dealt with first. For primary hypertension, following remedial measures can be adapted.

·         *Garlic is the herb of choice not only to treat hypertension but many other cardiovascular diseases. Peel and crush 3-4 cloves of garlic and take them with buttermilk.

·         *Take a handful of leaves of drumstick and boil them in little water. Grind it and have it like soup twice a day after food. Preferably do not add salt.

·        * Mix 1tea spoon of onion juice with1/2 tea spoon of honey. Have this solution twice a day. Both onion and garlic have adenosine which has relaxing effect on muscles. So these two products can be generously taken in diet as well. However garlic is more potent then onion.

·         *Eat 1 papaya on empty stomach daily for one month. Do not eat after anything for about  2 hrs.

Diet & Life style consideration:-

·         Reduce weight by cutting down animal fat and hydrogenated vegetable oil. Brisk walking for 45 mins is an easy and effective form of exercise for many patients.

·       Eat whole wheat bran breads. If you are obese use bajra or millets instead of wheat.

·          Excess salt is best avoided. Salt causes water retention in the body which in turn causes increase in blood pressure. Avoid all food items which have high qualities of salt e.g. pickles, pappads, chips, dry fish, and all dried preserved food. If possible use rock salt instead of sea salt in food. If cutting down food makes you tasteless, try adding lemon, amchur(dryraw mango powder) herbs and unsalted seasoning to flavor the food instead.

·          Meditate or listen to some soothing music everyday for 30 mins.

·          Try to quit smoking and drinking.

·         Include dry raw curry leaves, cucumber with skin, radish with leaves, lemon etc in salads.