Doctors Desk

Ayurvedic Remedies For Bleeding Gums!

Nov 202017

By Dr. Jeevan Sampat Jadhav , Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient field of medicine that was founded in India many centuries back. The various measures of treatment in this form of medicine include lifestyle changes when it comes to one’s diet and routine, coupled with herbal medicines, Yogic postures as well as oil massages. Bleeding gums are also one such ailment that can be cured by Ayurveda. Bleeding gums may occur for a variety of reasons including cavities, poor oral hygiene and as a side effect of other, more complicated conditions. Let us find out the Ayurvedic remedies for the same.

– Pitta Dosha: In Ayurveda, bleeding gums are considered an ailment that occurs due to an imbalance of the pitta dosha. It may occur due to the deficiency of vitamins like Vitamin K and other nutrients, as well as a side effect of too much dependency on painkillers like aspirin. Also, it may occur as a side effect of blood cancer and other such fatal diseases. For women, the cause of bleeding gums may also be down to an imbalance of the hormones. Bleeding disorders are usually considered a part of the pitta dosha, as per Ayurveda.
– Shodhana: This is a method of treatment which seeks to purify the body with the help of vamana or emesis. With this purification process, the body is gradually rid of its toxins which can create such bleeding disorders. This does not merely help in the treatment of the symptoms and temporary relief, but it also helps in resetting the body so that the toxins are eliminated along with the problem of bleeding gums.
– Kavala and Gandusha: In these two methods, the patient will be asked to gargle using various ingredients that may be bitter and also those that have astringent properties. Herbal drugs will be prescribed for this purpose so that the base and general health of the teeth are also taken care of. These processes will generally help in strengthening the teeth and gums. In this way, the blood will also be purified locally. One must do regular gargling with the right doses as per the directions of the Ayurvedic doctor, so that the bleeding may stop eventually.
– Stambhana Drugs: In Ayurveda, Stambhana drugs are those which have a blocking effect so that the bleeding may be stemmed. There are various kinds of ingredients that may be used for the same including Amla, Hareetaki, Raisins, Mushta, and others.
– Nasya: As per the chronic state of the condition and the complications involved, the doctor may also prescribe the oil of the Triphala herb which is known for its powerful medicinal properties. A massage with the same or the application of this ingredient in a paste form will help in giving relief.

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Diabetic Foot Ulcers: How To Prevent It?

Ayurvedic

Nov 202017

By Dr. Suzi Jacklin , Diabetology

Common complications caused by diabetes include poor blood circulation and nerve damage. These issues may make the feet prone to skin sores or ulcers which are difficult to treat, and tend to worsen faster. But with proper foot care and management techniques, these foot ulcers can be kept under check. Any kind of non-healing ulcer that wreaks damage to bones and tissues requires surgical amputation (removal) of a foot, toe or part of a leg.

Causes-

Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. People who use insulin are at higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease. Being overweight and using alcohol and tobacco also play a role in the development of foot ulcers.

Ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (such as friction or pressure), and trauma, as well as duration of diabetes. Patients who have diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy, a reduced or complete lack of ability to feel pain in the feet due to nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time.

Vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, reducing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk for an infection. Elevations in blood glucose can reduce the body’s ability to fight off a potential infection and also slow healing.

How to prevent foot ulcers?

Try out diabetes management methods such as a healthy diet, blood sugar monitoring, medication and physical exercises.
Inspect your feet once a day for cracks, cuts or blisters
Rinse your feet thoroughly with lukewarm water and then pat them dry gently.
Never use nail clippers or scissors by yourself on the callused region to remove them.
Trim your toenails with care or ask for assistance if you are unable to do it on your own.
To avoid injury, do not go out bare-footed, even around your house.
Refrain from smoking as smoking impairs blood circulation and lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood resulting in poor healing of wound.
Get your feet examined from a doctor or a podiatrist for early signs of foot problems, poor circulation or nerve damage.
Consult your doctor if your foot doesn’t heal over a certain period of time.

Treatment for Foot Ulcers-

Treatment for foot ulcers varies with the gravity of the wound. General treatment includes removal of dead tissues or debris to keep the wound clean for better healing. But when the condition has evolved into the stage of a life-threatening infection or gives way to severe loss of tissues, then amputation becomes the means of last resort.

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Ayurvedic Tips for Hair Loss Prevention

Ayurvedic

Nov 202017

By Dr. Santosh Rayabagi , Ayurveda

Hair fall and baldness are common problems with advancing age. Young people may also lose hair due to hormonal disorders, protein deficiency or prolonged exposure to pollution. Instead of going for complicated chemical treatments you can try traditional and natural remedies.

Ayurvedic remedies do not have any side effects and that is why people often prefer them over other types of treatment.

Some Ayurvedic tips for hair growth are as follows:

1. Methi: Methi is an excellent herb for hair growth. You can dissolve some methi powder in water and apply it on your hair. Wash your hair with cold water after 20 minutes.

2. Bhringaraj: Bhringaraj is considered to be the king of herbs for treating hair related problems. Make a paste out of its leaves, apply it on your scalp and wash it off after 20 minutes.

3. Amla: Amla is rich in Vitamin C. It helps to strengthen the roots of hair. You can simply dry some amla and convert it into powder. Mix this powdered amla with water, apply it on your head and wash your hair after half an hour. Amla also helps to make your hair darker and thicker.

4. Jatamansi: Jatamansi is an excellent herb to treat hair fall. You can either apply it directly on your scalp or you can take capsules made from the herb.

5. Hot Oil Massage: You can take coconut or almond oil and warm it a little. Use it to massage your scalp for some time. This helps to rejuvenate your hair follicles. This also results in better circulation of blood at the roots.

6. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an anti oxidant herb that helps in removing toxins from the body and promotes hair growth.

Apart from these herbs and natural ingredients you can also follow some of these tips:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Avoid combing your hair when it is wet.

3. Good sleep is necessary for healthy hair growth.

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Your Lack of Sleep Could Be Ruining Your Sex Life!

Ayurvedic

Nov 202017

By Dr. Mahesh Nawal , Sexology

Research shows that not clocking the adequate sleep hours can adversely affect your sex life. If you are sleeping for 5 hours or even less, it is time you take notice and fix the problem. Here are a few ways how lack of sleep can wreak havoc in your sex life:

Sexual dysfunction can result from high levels of anxiety and tension which often stems from deprivation.
Not sleeping enough also makes you restless and it increases your fatigue levels. This in turn, can lead to lower libido and make you disinterested in sex.
Sleep apnea (sleep disorder which is characterized by sudden pauses in breathing) can result in lower testosterone levels, thus potentially marring your drive for sex.
Mood swings are symptoms frequently experienced by people with sleep deprivation. You will be prone to outbursts and get irritated by small things. As a result, your ability to tolerate stress declines rapidly. In relationships, this translates into increased friction between you and your partner.
Sleep deprivation also makes you want to avoid any social engagement. This, in turn, reduces your chances of meeting other members of the opposite sex.
Sleeping less doesn’t allow your body and mind to recuperate properly. This can induce depression and thus, subsequently lead you to be disinterested in sex. It can also make you come across as a very irritable person.

When partners resort to separate bedrooms because of sleeping disorders, it pretty much rules out any opportunity for spontaneous action.

So, it’s important that you take professional help before it’s too late and your relationship falls prey to something which be actually dealt with.

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HydraFacial: What is it?

Ayurvedic

Nov 202017

By Dr. Sangeeta Varma , Dermatology

HydraFacial is a unique treatment that helps in improving the skin appearance and restore a healthy and youthful skin. The method involves the use of vortex technologies for an advanced skin improvement. Some of the ingredients that are being used for this treatment include hyaluronic acid, red algae extract, magnesium peptides, copper, zinc, seed extract etc. The ingredients being powerful antioxidants acts as a protective shield against the harmful free radicals that damage the skin. It can further protect the skin from the harmful effects of pollution, stress, sunburn, aging etc.

How does the process work?

Exfoliation and cleansing: A tiny tool is used to open the pores of the skin to sweep the top layer of the debris and dead skin cells. The tool is more like a spinning toothbrush that is gently touched and moved throughout the skin, thereby exfoliating the skin.
Acid Peel: The glycolic acid peel is gently rubbed on top of the skin and washed off immediately. A good dermatologist would ensure that not a tingle is felt by the patient undergoing the treatment.
Extraction: The doctor typically uses an instrument called the vortex-extraction nozzle that can successfully create a vacuum. This, in turn, helps to extract the dead skin and the debris of the clogged pore. With a sucking sound, the debris accumulates in a cup-like structure at the base of the machine.
Serum application: This is perhaps the most vital step in the whole procedure. It involves the infusion of serum and antioxidant through the vortex-fusion tool. It helps the skin to gain more elasticity and improve hydration.

Why is this treatment necessary?
It is seen that by mid-teens, 40 percent of the teens face some problems related to acne. After crossing the age of 20, the total amount of collagen in the body reduces by 1 percent every year. Furthermore, studies have shown that most of the skin damage is caused by sunburn. Lastly, UV rays of the sun are the worst culprit towards aging signs. To counter all these factors mentioned above, it makes sense to opt for HydraFacial skin treatment.

The ideal candidate, time and cost:
HydraFacial treatment can be used to treat a wide array of skin conditions. Depending on the specific skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne, aging, dark circle etc, a solution is developed and recommended accordingly. The treatment also depends on the type a skin a person has.

Typically, it takes around half an hour to one hour for each session. The costing depends on the number of sitting that is required to get the issue fixed. It requires around 3-4 sittings at one go to get an issue resolved.

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