Power and Potential of Ayurvedic Medicines

 Ayurvedic
Dec 252018
 

by Ankur Mittal

December 26, 2018

Topics: Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine is one of the finest, holistic and traditional systems of health.  The historical backdrop of ayurveda returns to thousand of years. The essential objective of ayurveda has been twofold – advancement of wellbeing and dealing with the illness. Let us explain the  highlights of this incredible arrangement of wellbeing, way of life and prescription of Ayurvedic medication. A standout amongst the most wonderful highlights of ayurvedic treatment or ayurveda is that it isn’t simply a treatment or arrangement of drug.

Ayurveda is basically an all encompassing methodology toward life, wellbeing and sickness the board. Ayurvedic approach incorporates the reasonable utilization of restorative herbs, minerals, diet, way of life, otherworldliness and yoga. Ayurveda has been the pioneer for keeping up the all encompassing methodology in Medicine. Ayurvedic standards are in the essential job for this all encompassing methodology in Medicine. Ayurvedic treatment depends on customized routine for each person. God and nature made every single one of us particularly and Medicine should respect our uniqueness.

Ayurveda represents our singularity in principle and by and by. The customized methodology of Ayurvedic prescription is showed in a few conditions – when we consider the states of ayurveda doshas or humors and select the ayurveda body types, when we pick herbs, when we think about age and time of treatment, when we think about the geographic area of the individual, when we prompt sustenance and way of life, when we assess the individual physical and mental resistance and amid for all intents and purposes many different circumstances. Some therapeutic experts property the development of Social and Preventive Medicine absolutely to Modern Medicine.

Ayurveda ideal from its initiation maintain two essential purposes – upgrade of wellbeing and anticipation of sickness. There are guideposts with respect to count calories, day by day routine, cleanliness, invulnerability boosting and restoration. Ayurveda considers the fitting treatment to that administration which mitigates the ailment and doesn’t bring on some other illness because of treatment. This is realized through adjusting the characteristics and synergistic arranging and plan of restorative herbs. Be that as it may, getting reactions free treatment is the hardest goal for any arrangement of treatment.

Rejuvenative treatment is given such a great amount of significance in Ayurveda that out of eight branches in old Ayurveda, one was completely dedicated to restoration, against maturing, advancement of wellbeing and geriatric wellbeing. Ayurveda considers every person as a physical, social, mental and otherworldly being. For social uprightness, ayurveda bolsters both good and profound standards and instructs that they are basic for the strength of society. Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment is implied mostly for purging of body. Panchakarma detoxes our body completely. The impact of appropriate eating routine and home grown enhancements increments considerably after decontamination treatment. Ayurvedic herbs are the main helpful operator in Ayurveda.

Regular therapeutic herbs are incredible recuperating operators with next to no or no symptoms. A large portion of the employments of Ayurvedic herbs are being approved by present day natural research. A portion of the toxic herbs are utilized after their refinement when they are free of their destructive impact.

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Rejuvenate Yourself Daily with natural Ayurveda Rasayana programs

 Ayurvedic
Dec 052018
 

Rejuvenate Yourself Daily with natural Rasayana programs

Our bodies  constantly go through changes in their microcellular structures. Every day, millions of cells die and millions of new cells are born.  In other words, after every 10 to 15 years, you will have a new body. It is important for our bodies to replace aging cells and produce new cells constantly.   Rasayana programs play a vital role in helping our body achieve these goals.  Rsayana programs help you become healthy and look and feel younger !

Some Rasayana tips which you can follow easily at home. You should practice regularly these Rasayana/Rejuvenation programs.

  1.  Before breakfast, have one or two teaspoons of pure cow Ghee. You can have it with half glass of warm water o have it directly.  Ghee stimulates Agni, enhances metabolism and preserves mental and physical strength which lead to abundant energy and immunity.Ghee
  1. Around 3 in the afternoon have half a glass of white pumpkin juice with the juice of one fresh amla (Emblic fruit) and half a teaspoon of raw cane sugar or honey.  White pumpkin keep you energetic and fresh. Its very good for the brain.  it has the property to control Blood pressure, balance the emotions.  Relieves stress and anxiety remarkably.  While Amla improves your metabolism, improves appetite, relieves acidity.  Its Tridoshahar in Ayurveda.

white pumpkin juice

Detox programs once a year promotes vibrant health and vitality naturally

Apart from following this daily routine, undergoing detox programs once a year or every alternative year is the best and most effective rejuvenation program. Detox programs gets rid of all the toxins, heals and rejuvenates the body and revitalizes the mind and emotions.  Detox treatments prevent relapses of chronic health conditions.  Promotes healthy body mind and emotions.  You feel more energetic, freedom from illnesses and look younger than your age !

You must remember to consult an experienced Ayurvedic doctor to heal yourself with the help of Rasayana programs.

www.ayushakti.com

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Yoga proven safe and effective for cardiac surgery patients

 Ayurvedic
Dec 032018
 
yoga for cancer treatment

The preliminary results of a recent study, the largest ever multi-centre randomised trial on ‘cardiac rehabilitation and health benefits of yoga’, have revealed that yoga is safe, and offers ‘similar’ benefits as cardiac care that is typically prescribed after surgery.

The study was done in 24 centres across India, and about 4000 patients who were discharged following a heart attack, were monitored. The patients were randomized to undergo a structured ‘Yoga Care’ programme that included meditation, breathing exercises and selective heart-friendly yoga poses, apart from lifestyle advice. The control group were just given conventional lifestyle advice.

Cardiac rehabilitation is usually prescribed for patients following a heart attack and cardiac surgery, to get them back to normal activities. The study lasted for five years, and ended in September 2018.

Funded by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and the Medical Research Council, UK, the results were presented at the meeting of American Heart Association in Chicago last month.

The prevalence of ischemic heart disease in India has grown by more than 50 percent, from 10 million in 1990 to 24 million in 2016. The trial is the largest so far in yoga and cardiac rehabilitation, and has shown that yoga can be an alternative to conventional cardiac rehabilitation programmes. It also meets the needs of cardiac rehabilitation for patients falling into the low income and middle income brackets.

Patients who attended at least 75% of the sessions received the benefits. The results indicate that yoga is safe, comparatively inexpensive and does not require any elaborate infrastructure. It is culturally acceptable and improves quality of life. In fact, independent doctors say that there is also scientific evidence that suggests yoga as being equivalent to conventional cardiac rehabilitation. According to experts, this trial transcends yoga from belief to science-based intervention.

Most people now go on to survive a heart attack, and hence, they can readjust better after such a catastrophic event and make maximum contributions to the society. This is particularly true in India, where heart attacks are seen occurring at a young age, says Prof. Sanjay Kinra, Head, Epidermiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

In recent times, yoga has gained good popularity nationally and internationally as a tool for health promotion, with the United Nations having declared 21st June as International Yoga Day.

Benefits of yoga postures for heart

Cardiac Rehabilitation programs usually combine strength and aerobic exercises with patient education and stress management to improve risk factors and reduce mortality. Such programs can reduce mortality rates by 20% to 25% given their widespread acceptance and adoption to several national, professional management guidelines.
Yoga, on the other hand is the art of relaxing in various postures, while focusing on breathing. This has a positive effect on respiratory system, and hence, affects the heart as well. Yoga is known to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, increase lung capacity, improve heart rate and boost blood circulation. Apart from this, yoga is most effective in dealing with stress, as dealing with stress is vital, particularly, for patients with incidence of heart ailments.

Some beneficial simple yoga postures for good heart health includes Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Hastapadasana, Trikonasana, Veerabhadrasana, Utkatasana, MArjariasana, Adho Mukho Svanasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Setubandasana, Salamba Sarvangasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Paschimottasana, Shavasana and Anjali Mudra.

Fast paced lifestyles, irregular sleep schedules, and unhealthy food habits have increased the incidence of heart ailments. Therefore, customized yoga exercises for heart patients are natural and desirable. There are specific yoga asanas for heart problems. So discuss with your doctor and yoga practitioner and choose the safer alternative that does not come with any associated side effects. Practice yoga for a healthy heart and live a healthy, hearty life to the fullest.

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4 Reasons Why Ayurvedic Medicines is Your Superior Choice

 Ayurvedic
Nov 282018
 

by Ankur Mittal

November 28, 2018

Topics: Ayurveda

A standout amongst the most antiquated sciences of living that advances good health is the Ayurvedic. The custom of Ayurvedic medicines depends on the methodology of relieving, mending and reviving body by reestablishing its natural parity. This is the reason people can be seen utilizing such products for shifted needs including rejuvenating skin and reinforcing magnificence of hair.

It is all because of the helpful parts of Ayurvedic that have made individuals to approach for different herbal products. Also, this ascent sought after has driving Ayurvedic products providers to offer their products on the web. As it were, one can without much of a stretch locate the decision of item online these days.

There are numerous more things that ought to be known to people identified with the accessibility and useful parts of Ayurvedic products. Look at the accompanying focuses and find out about such viewpoints in detail.

Keeping up Healthy Digestion

The methodology behind restoring and counteracting assimilation issues is to control abstains from food and keeps up absorption fire. The direction of eating regimen helps in lessening assimilation and in addition sinus clog issues. Adding to it, the products as far as absorption upkeep additionally bolsters exercises including mental clearness, liver capacity, bronchial capacity, cardiovascular capacity and so on.

Remarkable substances of medicines

Ayurvedic medicines accompany one of kind substances. The truth of the matter is that the medicines to fix distinctive health illnesses are extricated from plants that are regularly found in India and different zones of Asia. The medicines are perfect in proactive medications and also preventive measures for surprising health diseases.

Natural and entire herbs

The herbal products are known to help whole homeostasis of the body. As the products are produced using natural herbs, consequently it very well may be said that it helps in the upkeep of homeostasis normally.

Natural Mending

With regards to natural mending, herbal medicines are given inclination everywhere. The truth of the matter is that the natural herbs based medicines don’t accompany any sort of poisonous quality or mischief; this is the reason the medicines can be utilized with no hesitation of hurting the body. Running from the skin afflictions to assimilation issues, sinus issues and so on; the herbal medicines can assist one with experiencing natural mending.

Considering diverse preventive, therapeutic and defensive elements of Ayurvedic products, it has been discovered that the objective of Ayurvedic products is to adjust one’s body, soul and brain through a natural method for recuperating to keep the individual as healthy as could reasonably be expected

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Top 10 health benefits of Ayurvedic medicinal herb Punarnava

 Ayurvedic
Nov 232018
 
punarnava thazhuthama hogweed

Punarnava (Hogweed) also referred to as Thazhuthama is a popular ayurvedic herb that has been used since time immemorial for its rejuvenating and purifying properties.

Being indigenous to India, the plant grows wild all over the country as a common creeping weed, and is abundant during the rains. The plant grows nearly 2m in length, with the leaves being simple, broad, thick and brittle. The flowers are either purple or white. However, medicinally, the root is the most important part of the herb. It is a bitter, cooling, astringent and purifying herb, but, is highly beneficial in treating various common ailments. The medicinal value of the herb makes it a priceless herb that is capable of rejuvenating the whole body.

Punarnava or Thazhuthama is an ayurvedic remedy, traditionally used in treatment of several diseases, including those of the gastrointestinal tract. Let us take a look at some of the major healing properties of this medicinal herb:

1. Prevents fluid retention

Punarnava is diuretic in nature, which makes it great in curing urinary tract infections. It increases the secretion and discharge of urine. Hence, the herb is a good cure for the treatment of ‘dropsy’, a condition marked by excessive collection of watery fluid in tissues, cavities or natural hollows of the body. Hence, the herb prevents fluid retention in the body. Freshly boiled herb is administered for the treatment of the disease. A liquid extract of the fresh or dry plant can also be administered in doses of 4g to 16gms.

2. Supports respiratory health

Punarnava promotes removal of blockages in mucous membranes and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. Hence, it is beneficial in the treatment of Asthma. The powder of the root can be taken in small dosages thrice a day. It supports overall lung functioning and respiratory health.

3. Aids weight loss

Punarnava is beneficial in treating obesity. Most of the herbal anti-obesity medications have punarnava as an ingredient. The herb aids excretion and removal of excess fluids from the body, without compromising on other electrolytes that are otherwise required by the body. Hence, it is beneficial in your weight loss efforts too.

4. Boosts liver health

Punarnava is helpful in treating certain type of liver diseases caused by ‘Ascites’, thereby helping in maintaining liver health. Ascites is a disease characterised by accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. It is particularly powerful on the types of ascites that are caused due to liver cirrhosis and chronic peritonitis. It also stimulates secretion of bile, which is vital in keeping the liver healthy.

5. Treats stomach disorders

Punarnava is useful in strengthening the stomach and improving its functioning. It treats several intestinal disorders, including intestinal colic. The powdered root of the herb is administered in dosages of 5grams thrice a day. Furthermore, it kills and expels intestinal worms. Moreover, given the fact that it is a mild laxative, it helps prevent constipation, thereby helping in overall purification of the body.

6. Maintains efficient kidney functioning

Punarnava helps kidneys do their job, as it helps in getting rid of excess toxins, water and fat from the body, thereby ultimately ensuring that all organs are functioning as smoothly as possible. Being a diuretic, there is increased urine output when the herb is used, and hence, it helps in keeping the body clean. Further, regular urination also helps in flushing out the calcium accumulated in the kidneys, thereby preventing formation of kidney stones.

7. Good remedy for urinary tract infections

Urinary Tract Infections are a common condition, experienced by both men and women, particularly seen in women. It is associated with discomforts such as burning sensation when urinating. Punarnava, being anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory, works as a cure for UTIs clearing infection effectively.

8. Cures certain eye diseases

Our eyes, being extremely sensitive, are susceptible to various diseases and infections at any point of time in our life. Hence, it is necessary to protect them and administer the right cure as and when required. Punarnava plays a major role in protecting our eyes from several types of infections and diseases, including conjunctivitis and night blindness. A few drops of the herbal extract are administered ayurvedic physicians, depending on the eye condition of the patient.

9. Beneficial in managing arthritis

Punarnava is also ideal for managing arthritis, as the herb offers relief from joint pain and muscle inflammation. For this, the herb should be ground into a paste and applied topically. Allow the paste to sit on your skin for as long as you can, as it is unlikely to cause any side-effects on your skin.

10. Treats skin diseases

The root of the herb is an effective remedy for various skin diseases. A paste of the root can be applied topically as dressing for oedematous swellings. The root can be applied as a hot poultice with satisfying results to abscesses, ulcers and other skin diseases. It is also used as an ointment for other skin diseases.

Other uses of Punarnava

Apart from the above-said major health benefits, the uses of this wonderful medicinal herb are plenty. The seeds of Punarnava are beneficial to those suffering from impotence, as it helps increase libido, and revives male reproductive organ, making it a good home remedy for erective dysfunction too. The herb is also helpful in treating general fever, insomnia, tuberculosis, colic, worms, fibroids in women, and being rich in iron, it is beneficial in treating anaemia too.

Note: The herb is administered in various forms depending on the need of the patient. Therefore, it may be effective only if used in the right proportions as specified and guided by an Ayurvedic practitioner.

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Top 5 Ways to Get Relief From Arthritis Pain Naturally

 Ayurvedic
Nov 212018
 

by Bobbie Pollard

November 21, 2018

Topics: Ayurveda

Suffering from painful and disturbing arthritis? These 5 simple natural ways will help you get rid of the throbbing pain, avoid flare up, prevent joint damage, and preserve your mobility.

Arthritis is really painful and disturbing. The good news is that there are a few things you can do at home to get rid of the throbbing pain, to avoid this chronic health condition from flaring up, to prevent joint damage, and to preserve your mobility.

Here are the top 5 ways to get relief from arthritis pain naturally.

Eat Your Way To Pain Relief

The food you eat plays an important role in maintaining the health of your bones and muscles. As a rule of thumb, you need to have a proper and healthy diet in order to stay healthy. But there are certain foods that can trigger arthritis and there are also some that can help relieve pain and prevent flare-ups.

Fish that are rich in inflammation-fighting Omega-3 fatty acids like herring, tuna, salmon, and mackerel are found to be effective in reducing joint stiffness and pain. Other excellent food options for people suffering from arthritis are:

  • Nuts
  • Soybeans
  • Canola oil
  • Olive oil
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Pomegranates
  • Whole grains
  • Fiber-packed beans like pinto, red, and kidney beans
  • Vitamin-rich green leafy vegetables like Swiss chard, spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
  • Vitamin C rich citrus fruits like grapefruits, lime, and oranges
  • Anthocyanins-containing cherries like blueberries and raspberries

As much as possible avoid consumption of foods and condiments that can trigger inflammation and worsen arthritis pain. This includes:

  • Grilled or fried food
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Vegetable oil, corn oil, safflower, and sunflower
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Processed foods and fast foods
  • Dairy including grain-based desserts, pasta, and full-fat dairy products
  • Red meat

Give Up Your Sedentary Lifestyle

Living with an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle will not only make you feel less energetic and lively, it likewise increases your risks to various kinds of health conditions including obesity and arthritis.

No matter what medication you are taking in, you can’t totally get relief from arthritis pain unless you give up your sedentary lifestyle. So, if you want to enjoy an arthritis-free life, you have to get up, stay active, and stop being a couch potato. In other words, move your body! Invest in motivation technology, hire a personal trainer or enlist in the buddy/friend system to get moving.

Relieve Pain With Hot & Cold Treatment

The hot and cold treatment has been proven to help ease arthritis pain. Hot compress and warm bath help relax tight muscles, relieve joints stiffness and soreness, increase blood flow, and decrease inflammation. While, cold treatments help constrict the blood vessels, thus reducing inflammation and swelling.

Reap the benefits of natural herbal supplements

Generally, it is quite difficult to eat enough foods that contain the right amount of vitamins and minerals essential for arthritis pain management, every single day. By taking daily supplements like fish oil (Omega 3’s) or an herbal-based natural formula like Zen-Alleve (pain fighting herbs + protease enzymes), your body can reap the benefits these natural herbs provide where a normal diet may be absent of these critical elements. Among the natural herbs that can help fight arthritis pain are devil’s claw, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and Boswellia.

Exercise regularly

Do regular exercise. Not only will it help enhance your mobility and strengthen your joints and muscles, but also it can help restore your energy, boost your mood, maintain your flexibility, and improve the overall quality of your life.

Exercise programs like strengthening, stretching and aerobics are found to be helpful in relieving arthritis pain. You can also try walking and low impact sports activities like cycling, water aerobics, and swimming.

It is important, though, to consult a physical therapist or your physician first before starting any workout routine especially if you are still in pain. Though exercise can be really beneficial, wrong execution or wrong choice of exercise routine (especially when it comes to high impact programs) can be harmful to your joints, and can also possibly lead to injury.

At More Natural Healing our passion and focus are to bring you cutting-edge products made from natural healing herbs that will nourish generations of healthy lives. We source our herbs from the fields of certified growers to ensure their potency and healing benefits. Our healing remedies are doctor formulated from Eastern, Western and Ayurvedic herbs and are designed to improve your wellbeing!

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6 simple Ayurvedic lifestyle tips to manage hypertension naturally

 Ayurvedic
Nov 152018
 
control blood pressure

Diseases can be classified as infectious or lifestyle diseases. While the former is largely due to involvement of external pathogens, lifestyle diseases are often considered preventable, as they are often the result of our own faulty dietary and lifestyle habits. Hence, they are also referred to as lifestyle diseases.

Hypertension belongs to the category of lifestyle diseases. Often referred to as a ‘silent killer’, it is important that you get your blood pressure checked often, and keep it under control. High blood pressure is the result of increase of arterial blood pressure, causing the heart to pump blood into the arteries at a quicker rate and it is detrimental to the overall health of a person.

Ayurveda considers high blood pressure as a result of imbalance of two doshas – vata and pitta. The Ayurvedic treatment for high blood pressure aims to balance these doshas. At times, an imbalanced kapha can also cause high blood pressure.

High blood pressure requires a calculated approach of treatment, and Ayurveda helps you with that. If you are already hypertensive, Ayurveda suggests the following simple lifestyle modifications that may help you in managing your blood pressure in an effective manner.

1. Importance of Dinacharya

Maintaining a proper daily routine (dinacharya) is vital to balance your blood pressure levels. Therefore, remove all unnecessary distractions that come in the way of following a healthy daily routine. Fix a proper sleep-wake schedule, a definite time slot to work-out and meditate. Have a gadget-free time at least one to two hours prior bed time, and sleep early. Also, make it a habit tow ake up early and do any form of mild exercise or yoga. Such a schedule ensures that your body’s natural biorhythm remain balanced and ensure normal blood pressure levels.

2. A good night’s sleep is crucial

A good night’s sleep is vital to ensure that all our body parts are well-rested and ready for the activities of next day. Sleep rejuvenates the tissues of the brain and all parts of the body. Ayurveda believes that a good sleep pattern helps in balancing doshas and also helps in formation of ojas (energy). This is the reason that when you do not get enough rest at night, you may feel more weak or fatigued the next morning. Applying a little sesame oil on your head and soles of the feet during bedtime, can help you have a relaxed sleep. Similarly drinking a cup of lukewarm milk with a pinch of turmeric during bedtime is considered to be beneficial for a good sleep.

3. Avoid stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety are associated with hypertension. Meditate every morning for 15 to 20 minutes, apart from practicing controlled breathing techniques like ‘Bhramari’ and ‘Anulom-vilom’. Meditation fills your mind with positivity and brings peace of mind and calms your body and soul.

4. ‘Abhayanga’ can help

Vitiated vata dosha can cause hypertension. Therefore apart from doing gentle exercises in the morning, practice ‘Abhayanga’ (self-massage) with sesame oil, as it helps in balancing the doshas in the body. Abhayanga is also good in improving circulation in the nervous system and lymphatic vessels. You can do self-massage at home, and once in a few days, get a massage done at a good panchakarma centre.

5. Focus on diet to maintain ideal body weight

A balanced body weight plays a key role in keeping diabetes and blood pressure at bay. To achieve this, avoid eating junk food, packaged and processed foods as they do not have ‘prana’. Substitute them with fresh vegetables and fruits cooked in a healthy manner.

Some dietary modifications to rebalance the vitiated doshas in case of a person with high blood pressure, as suggested by Ayurveda are staying away from triggers and intake of food that helps the body achieve a state of equilibrium. The best way to do this is to follow a vegetarian diet.

Include vegetables such as bitter gourd, parsley, garlic and drumstick, and fruits such as watermelons, guavas, bananas and grapes. Dairy products such as milk, cottage cheese and butter are good additions too.
However, take care to cut down on caffeine, as it is believed to further irritate the system and shoot up the blood pressure.

Similarly reduce intake of salt in the diet, and reduce the amount of cereals and pulses. Also, remember to completely avoid eggs, red meat when trying to balance the doshas and reduce the incidence of high blood pressure attacks.

6. Exercise is a ‘must’

Regular exercise helps in keeping your mind and body healthy, and keeps all diseases at bay. Apart from contributing to the overall wellness of your body, it also helps reduce high blood pressure.

Practice gentle exercises such as brisk walking for 30 minutes. Also include yoga and meditation as part of your morning routine. While breathing techniques and meditation helps by keeping you stress-free, walking has shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.

Apart from recommending these lifestyle modifications to alleviate symptoms of hypertension, there are several herbs prescribed by ayurvedic experts to manage hypertension and protect the internal organs of the body. Some of recommended ones are ‘Gokshura’ (a diuretic and ACE inhibitor), ‘Sarpagandha’, and ‘Gulkand’ (uplifts mood and keeps tension at bay).

Note: Although hypertension is common among people over 50 years of age, the in the present generation several youngsters are seeking treatment for hypertension. Apart from following the suggested lifestyle measures, consult a doctor if you have a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher.

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6 Ayurvedic Hair Masks that add life to your hair

 Ayurvedic
Nov 092018
 
hair mask

When it comes to hair care, natural is always the best. Herbs help protect the natural texture and sheen of hair when the ingredients are blended in a balanced way, so that they can address specific concerns while also protecting your hair from damage.

With each passing day, our hair comes in contact with several negative triggers, leading to dryness, breakage and damage, and therefore, it becomes essential to restore the moisture and strength of our hair. Dry hair is the root causes of most hair concerns, including dullness and frizz.

Therefore, a nourishing, hydrating hair mask that helps in softening, strengthening and restoring dry, damaged hair becomes essential. Nourishing hair masks can make a huge difference, adding shine and strength to your hair, while also protecting hair from harsh external environment. And, what more can you give your hair, than hair masks with well-formulated ayurvedic ingredients?

In Ayurveda, hair fall or damaged hair occurs due to Pitta imbalance, and hence, several cooling oils and herbs are used in Ayurvedic hair masks. Ayurveda makes use of herbs, flowers, fruits, oils, and nuts in the masks. Further, most herbs used in Ayurvedic hair masks are also good for overall hair health, brain health, memory etc.

Here are a few beneficial Ayurvedic hair masks that may do wonders in adding life to dull or damaged hair:

1. Shikakai , Amla, coconut oil hair mask

The combination of Shikakai and Amla (Indian gooseberry) could be the ideal go-to solution to protect your hair from split-ends and breakage. Both these ingredients are rich in anti-oxidants. While amla helps in keeping your hair healthy fighting off the damage, shikakai, being a rich source of essential vitamins, promotes hair growth by nourishing hair follicles. Coconut oil, strengthens, fortifies, moisturizes, and repairs dry, damaged hair.

How to use:
Mix together a tablespoon each of shikakai and amla powder. Add two tablespoons of heated coconut oil to this and leave the mixture for three hours. On cooling the mixture, strain the oil and directly massage it onto your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with water. This can be done on weekly basis, and works as a great tonic to maintain a healthy scalp and good hair texture.

2. Bhringraj hair mask

Popularly known as ‘the King of Herbs’, the Ayurvedic herb Bhringraj is beneficial in promoting hair growth. Apart from preventing premature greying, and other hair issues such as alopecia and baldness, Bhringraj reduces hairfall and increases volume of hair.

How to use:
Grind the leaves and extract the juice that is blackish green in colour. Alternatively, you can also purchase the dried Bhringraj leaves available in the market, but, soak them in lukewarm water overnight and use it on the hair next day as a mask. Massage this on your hair, leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off.

3. Amla and Neem hair mask

It may be a good idea to include neem into your hair mask if you need to address issues such as hair lice, boils, dandruff etc. While amla nourishes your hair, the antibacterial properties of neem can help get rid of boils, dandruff and hair lice.

How to use:
Make a paste of fresh neem leaves that has been soaked in lukewarm water overnight. Mix powdered amla to this, and use this as a mask on hair and scalp, leaving it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Notice the results yourself.

4. Fenugreek and Amla hair mask

Since ancient times, fenugreek has been used for hair growth. It helps in keeping your hair well nourished, apart from keeping the scalp cool, preventing the occurrence of dandruff and dry hair. Together with amla, this can form an effective hair mask.

How to use:
Roast fenugreek seeds slightly, powder it and store in an air-tight jar. To use, soak a cup of this powder together with equal quantity of amla powder in lukewarm water and leave overnight. The next day, use this as a hair mask, leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

5. Hibiscus and fenugreek mask

Hibiscus is amazing for hair health, irrespective of whether it is used fresh or dried. They have high levels of Vitamin A, C, iron, apart from being anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant in nature. Therefore, preparing hair masks with hibiscus paste, or hibiscus-infused oil, can help prevent dandruff, hair loss, add shine to your hair, conditions hair and promotes hair growth.

How to use:
Both flower and leaves of hibiscus can be used for making a hair mask, although flower may have more nutrients. Make a paste of hibiscus, add in a tablespoon of fenugreek powder or two tablespoon of yogurt and combine well. This mask combats dandruff and prevents premature greying of hair.

6.Reetha (soapnut) hair mask

Reetha has always been considered as natural shampoo, cleanser and conditioner. It helps arrest hair fall, and adds volume and shine to hair. Reetha is also effective in fighting dandruff and dry scalp, while its anti-microbial properties make it effective in fighting head lice too.

How to use:
Take equal parts of Ritha and Shikakai and make a paste. Use this as a mask for 20 minutes and rinse off. Alternatively, take 100gm each of powdered Reetha, Amla and Shikakai and boil in two litre of water, until the quantity reduces to half. Strain this water and use it as shampoo.

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Swarna Prashana- ayurvedic method of natural immunization

 Ayurvedic
Oct 272018
 

It is believed that every aspect of life is sacred, so each important stage, from conception to anteyeshti (death cremation) is distinguished as special rituals. These series of rituals are known as samskaras. According to the classical hindu texts, there are 16 special rituals, termed as Shodasha Samskara. They are connected with the major events of life such as pregnancy, childbirth, naming ceremony, education, marriage, etc. These samskaras enables us to live a complete fulfilling physical and spiritual life.
In Ayurveda, the word samskara introduced as “Samskaro hi Gunaantaradhanam” means qualitative improvement is carried out by incorporating the specific qualities.

Samskara described in Ayurvedic texts are based on the various stages of child growth and developments and hence provide a rational guideline toward his care during celebrating different ceremonies from very conception to childhood.

Through this article lemme delight you people with the concept of Swarna Prashana.
Swarna Prashana is one of sixteen samskaras mentioned in ancient texts for paediatrics.

( Swarna means gold & Prashana means administration.)
 The term Swarna Prashana was coined by Acharya Kashyapa.

Sometimes known by other names like, Swarna amruta prashana, Swarna prashana, Swarna prashan, Swarn prashan, Swarna bindu prashana or Suvarna prashan.

Administration of processed gold in children is a unique practice mentioned in Ayurveda as “Swarnaprashana” by Acharya Kashyapa thousands of years back.

Ayurveda propounds that prevention is an equally important aspect of disease management as cure and thus strengthening the immune system is a natural way to help the body fight against the diseases causing ailments.

Basically, childhood is the period of growth spurts. In Ayurveda texts, various acharyas described countless useful dravyas (drugs), yogas (formulations) and mode of conducts for adult to enhance the immunity (Bala and Vyadhikshmatva) & similarly for the healthy ksheerapa (infantile period), ksheerannada ( 1-2 year age period) and annada awastha ( age period from 2-16 years).

Swarnaprashana in children can be mainly implicated in two contexts of Ayurveda; Lehana (supplementary feeds) and Jatakarma Samskara (newborn care).


Different Acharyas views on Swarna Prashana.

According to Acharya Charaka,

atō’nantaraṁ jātakarma kumārasya kāryam |

tadyathā- madhusarpiṣī mantrōpamantritē yathāmnāyaṁ prathamaṁ prāśituṁ dadyāt |

stanamata ūrdhvamētēnaiva vidhinā dakṣiṇaṁ pātuṁ purastāt prayacchēt |

athātaḥ śīrṣataḥ sthāpayēdudakumbhaṁ mantrōpamantritam ||          –   (Charaka Samhita Sharirsthana 8/46)

On first day of birth, the child should be given first feeding of honey and ghrita consecrated (or blessed) with mantra as given for this purpose. Thereafter, firstly milk from the right breast should be offered (or given) to the child. A water filled pitcher and consecrated with mantras should be kept near the head of baby, probably to maintain proper humidity in Kumaragara (maternity home).

Acharya Sushruta mentions on natal rites as:

tasmāt prathame’hni madhusarpiranantamiśraṃ , mantrapūtaṃ trikālaṃ pāyayet, dvitīye lakṣmaṇāsiddhaṃ sarpiḥ, tṛtīye ca; tataḥ prāṅnivāritastanyaṃ madhusarpiḥ svapāṇitalasammitaṃ dvikālaṃ pāyayet || – (Sushruta Samhita Sharirsthana 10/15)

The baby should be made to lick an electuary composed of honey, clarified butter and the expressed juice of Brahmi (Centella asiatica) leaves, Vacha (Acorus calamus L.), mixed with (half a Rati weight of) gold dust and given with the ring-finger of the feeder.

Acharya Kashyapa describes Swarnaprasahana in the context of Lehana.
Lehana depicts administration various herbal drugs, ghee preparations, and gold alone as supplementary feeds wherein precise indications are stated. This unique formula has been explained wherein gold should be triturated along with water, honey, and ghee on a clean stone facing eastern direction and made the Shishu (infant) lick the same.

Acharya Kashyapa has not mentioned the dosage for Swarnaprashana in specific. However, he has given general dosage of children according to age in the same context from birth. The same can be followed to fix the dosage of Swarnaprashana. A few other available references regarding per day dose of Swarna Bhasma from various texts are as listed below:

  • 1/4th–1/8th Ratti (15–30 mg) Swarna Bhasma.
  • 1 Gunja (125 mg)/As per age
  • 5–62.5 mg of Swarna Bhasma.
  • 2-4 drops

By taking these adult dosages as reference standards, dosage in children can be calculated.

When to take Swarnaprashana?

  1. On an empty stomach preferably in the morning.
  2. Do not have food at least for 30 minutes after consumption of Swarnaprashana.
  • On the day of Pushya Nakshatra.

Why Gold is indicated ?

Gold is one of the most ancient metals even used for preventive and curative purposes. It is one among the Sapta Loha (seven metals). Gold is such a noble metal, which is having substantial outcomes in the human body starting before conception until demise. Ayurveda recommends only purified and processed form of gold for internal administration. Its medicinal properties and uses are mentioned at different contexts in Ayurveda classics. Purified gold is indicated for its Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac) and Rasayana (Rejuvenator).

As the child grows, gold is also being recommended to be given alone or along with various herbal drugs for procuring better Agni (digestive power and metabolism), Bala (physical strength and immunity), Medha (intellect), Varna (color and complexion), Ayu (lifespan) etc. Swarna bhasma possesses Anti oxidants, Anti depressants, Anti cancerous, Antibacterial & Anti rheumatoid property.

The action of gold is described in the context of immunity which provides a holistic approach and a potential promise regarding immunotherapy. The pharmacological study showed specific and non- specific immune response which were modified in a positive manner in Swarna Bhasma treated mice. It also has a stimulatory effect.

Research reveals that Swarna Bhasma possesses immunomodulatory, free radical scavenging activity, analgesic antistress activity and safe. 56-57 nm gold ash acts on peritoneal macrophages, phagocytic index, free- radical scavenging activity, brain catecholamines, 5 HT and plasma corticosterone levels.

Shudha svarna also said vatashamaka, rasayana, dipana, netrya, medhya etc.

(Bhaisajyaratnavali 2/99-100 )

Gold compounds have Immuno-modulatory effects (C.K Hashimoto et.al. 1992) (14)

Benefits of Swarna Prashana

“Suwarnaprashanam Hyetanmedagni
Balavardhanam Ayushyam Mangalam
Punyam Vrushyam Varnyam Grahapaham”- Ka. Su. 18/ 4-5

  • Medha (improves intellect)
  • Agni (digestive and metabolic power)
  • Bala (strength)
  • Aayush (gives long life)
  • Mangalam (is auspicious)
  • Punyam (virtuous)
  • Vrushyam (aphrodisiac)
  • Varnya (increases complexion)
  • Grahapaham (eliminates the evil effects of planets).

The specific benefits of Swarnaprashana according to the duration of administration have been mentioned such as:

  • If administered for 1 month, the baby will become Parama Medhavi (highly intelligent).
  • If administered for 6 months, the baby will become Srutadhara (will be able to remember the things, which are just heard).

Swarna Prashana should be preferably given on pushya nakshatra day !!

The day of Pushya Nakshatra (a star in Hindu calendar) is very auspicious and according to Hindu religion all the Nakshatras have their own effect on different metals. The rays radiating on the Pushya Nakshatra day doubles the medicinal values present in gold. Pushya Nakshatra day comes once in 27 days.

Precautions:

  • Even slight negligence in the administered drug can cause serious adverse effects due to their highly sensitive body systems. So the gold used must be well processed.
  • All ingredients are safe and non-toxic but sometimes because of the altered ingredients dose may create side effects.
  • in certain conditions like acute fever swarna bhasma may increase the body temperature.
  • It is always advised to take a doctors opinion in such cases before taking swarna prashana.

Last but not the least, Swarnaprasana is a unique Ayurvedic process which improves your child’s immunity, memory and growth. So, give your growing child this unique advantage. The benefits of Swarnaprashana in children are multidimensional. In a nut shell, for positive health care program for children, Swarna Prashana can be the best option.

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Ayurveda, Yoga works to lower blood pressure naturally, say study

 Ayurvedic
Oct 172018
 
control blood pressure

Ayurveda and Yoga can help in lowering your blood pressure naturally and quickly, according to latest study.

According to experts, some tweaks in diet, lifestyle and exercise can go a long way in managing blood pressure levels.

In case you are a hypertension patient, with symptoms of high blood pressure, you should take measures to bring it down. The latest figures by the National Family Health Survey states that at least one in eight Indian suffers from high blood pressure in Indian. This lifestyle disease, also referred to as a ‘silent killer’ is rightly named so, as its symptoms can go unnoticed until it gets too late.

Just as is the case with other lifestyle diseases, you need to make a few changes to your lifestyle to protect yourself from this disease. Experts suggest that it is possible to reduce high blood pressure naturally at home. Ayurveda has effective treatments for high blood pressure and its management.

Ayurvedic Medicines

The Senior Director at Birla Ayurveda, Dr. Priyanka Sampat, suggests that Ayurvedic medicines like Sarpagandha, Jatamanasi and Amalaki can be helpful in high blood pressure regulation.

Dry ginger would be a good option if the shoot up in blood pressure is due to untimely food or eating refrigerated food. Herbs such as Malabar Nut (vasa), green potato (Parol) and Silk Cotton Tree (Katankari) can help in combating high blood pressure if it is caused due to poor diet.

In case of associated anxiety or stress, or acidic food intake, Shatavari, lotus and Sandalwood can help immensely.

According to Dr. Sampat, Panchakarma (the five therapies) that helps in clearing body off toxins, can be of great help.

Several psychological and somatic factors need to be taken into consideration when arriving at a treatment method for hypertension, said experts. Milk together with garlic, moringa (drumstick leaves) with honey is advised, similarly, a combination of gokshura, amla, arjuna bark powder decoction or milk preparation, Brahmi, Sarpagandha preparations and Giloy Shankapushpi are said to control blood pressure.

Diet

Along with medications, diet is essential to reduce hypertension. Ayurvedic doctors advise patients to avoid excess spicy, sour and salty foods as it can elevate high body temperature, Similarly, ready-to-eat preparations, breads made of refined flour and pickles should be avoided. Untimely food habits, excessive eating after sunset, and eating refrigerated food items should be avoided.

Include whole wheat, moong, fruits, ghee, garlic and milk into your diet. Consume only warm and fresh food and avoid over eating. Have an early dinner, and try and include sweet, bitter and astringent foods as they help in clearing pitta and reducing pitta impurities.

It is best to adhere to fat and oil-free diet, as it may aggravate vata and kapha in the body. Drink sufficient water at specified intervals, include more greens in your diet, consume plenty of drumsticks, tomatoes, flaxseeds, carrots, watermelon, red cabbage, beetroot, apple and water melon.

Yoga

Some specific yoga postures can help you greatly in maintaining normal blood pressure levels. These include Pranayama, Anuloma Viloma, Shavasana, Veerabhadrasana, Vajrasana, and Bhujangasaa. Among these, Pranayama and Meditation play a major role in managing hypertension.

Meditation

Simple meditation techniques such as Kevala Kumbhaka, or breath awareness helps in reducing high BP.

Make some lifestyle modifications for a healthy life and avoid hypertension. Among these are avoid staying up in the night, sleeping just after meals, bingeing, having late night meals, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, getting angry easily, and excessively exerting yourself.

Finally, an inevitable part of ayurvedic treatments for any skin condition is daily and seasonal routines of managing hypertension, waking up before sunrise, drinking 4 glasses of water at room temperature, gargling with sesame oil, doing exercises and yoga in the morning and continuing with meditation.

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Treat your Frozen Shoulder with Ayurveda

 Ayurvedic
Oct 052018
 
frozen shoulder treatments ayurveda

More often than not, we tend to shrug off shoulder pain and stiffness by popping a painkiller. But, it is important to be aware that a frozen shoulder can gradually advance to make it impossible for you to carry on with your routine tasks. Therefore, it is important to take any shoulder discomfort seriously in the budding stage, to prevent major problems later on. Repeated self-medication for a minor shoulder pain can ultimately make you land at a point that is something more serious, such as a frozen shoulder.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder is a chronic painful stiffness of the shoulder joint. Generally, it involves pain and stiffness that develops gradually, gets worse and sensitive. Frozen shoulder is sometimes mistaken for arthritis, but, these two conditions are unrelated. While frozen shoulder involves specifically the shoulder joint and surrounding tissue, arthritis refers to multiple joints.

A Frozen shoulder can occur in any one shoulder or both. Frozen shoulder usually develops in three stages, with each stage lasting several months. In the initial state, any movement of your shoulder could cause pain, with the movement of your shoulder getting limited.

As it advances, the pain may begin to diminish, but your shoulder gets stiffer and it becomes increasingly difficult to use it. Even when the pain subsides, the stiffness could be disabling. This condition may stop you from reaching over your head to the side, or across your chest and from rotating your arm all the way, making it impossible for you to scratch your back etc.

Finally, in its final stages, the range of motion in your shoulder may begin to improve, but, you may experience worsening pain at night, disrupting sleep patterns.

What causes a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder can occur to anyone, but commonly affects people in the age group 40 to 60 years, and is more likely in women than in men.

A frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue capsule around the joint thickens, restricting its movement. It can occur following an injury or a surgery, stroke, in people with diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues or lung disease. In Ayurveda, it is believed to be caused due to aggravation of vata dosha and a vata and kapha imbalance.

What do experts say?

According to health experts, there are possibilities that frozen shoulder may seriously interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks such as bathing or dressing.

Doctors, therefore, say that pain and stiffness in the shoulder should never be ignored. It may take anywhere between one year to three years to recover from the condition, depending upon its severity.

Ayurvedic approach to treating a frozen shoulder

In Ayurveda, frozen shoulder is referred to as ‘Apabahuka’. Ayurvedic doctors suggest several approaches to successfully treat a frozen shoulder. Ayurveda, being a personalized health science, the treatment for each case of frozen shoulder may be different. It is important to identify the root cause, and based on that, treatment is recommended which would be a combination of herbal concoctions, churnas, guggulu preparations and herbo-mineral rasa medicines that help pacify the aggravated vata dosha, which is believed to be the primary reason behind this condition.

‘Panchakarma Therapy’ is also believed to play a vital role in treating this condition, as it helps unlock the restricted movement of the shoulder through medicated lubrication and fomentation. The herbal enemas used in this procedure helps in bringing back the vata dosa to a balanced state.

Ayurveda has several effective internal medications and external treatments for frozen shoulder. However, it should be administered only after meeting a qualified Ayurvedic physician, as he will be able to prescribe the right therapies based on your particular body type and condition.

Ayurvedic home remedies and treatments:

  • Warm coconut oil or sesame oil with camphor and apply on affected area for pain relief, followed by warm compress. Although the result is slow-paced, it would be effective.
  • Add 3 to 4 crushed garlic cloves in half a glass of boiled milk, or consume a teaspoon of sesame oil with warm water every morning.
  • Add Epsom salt to warm water and use it for fomentation to relax shoulder muscles.
  • If your condition is caused due to increased blood sugar level, herbs such as ‘Haridra’ and ‘Amalaki’ powder may be helpful in controlling the sugar levels.
  • Turmeric and Alfalfa may help in relieving inflammation and repairing the shoulder tissue. Some specific Ayurvedic medicines such as ‘Varunadhi Kwatha’ decoction (30ml twice a day before food), ‘Simhanada Guggula (1 tablet twice a day after food) and ‘Lasunadi Rasayana’, may be suggested for effective pain relief, depending on your individual condition.

Some lifestyle measures to follow:

  • Avoid all vata-aggravating diets and lifestyle practices
  • Avoid use of any form of stimulant such as tea, coffee or alcohol.
  • Avoid frozen food, fast food, carbonated drinks, stale food, white flour and packaged food.
  • Avoid heavy exercises, heavy weight lifting, untimely sleep-wake hours and exposure to cold environments for too long.
  • Do not skip meals. Eat only fresh lukewarm foods.
  • Practice shoulder-strengthening exercises.
  • Drinking a powdered mixture of dried ginger, fenugreek and carom seeds, by mixing it in lukewarm water after meals is effective in offering relief.
  • Include Ashwagandha as a supplement, as it provides effective relief.
  • Massage the affected area with lukewarm oil twice a day.
  • Use ice pack on the shoulder 15 minutes at a time several times a day, as it helps decrease the pain.

Finally, remember, the onset of most diseases are due to faulty diet and lifestyles. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy mind and body by eating nutritious food, sleeping on time, avoiding sedentary lifestyle and exercising.

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Osteoporosis Treatment in Ayurveda

 Ayurvedic
Aug 202018
 

The real story of German naturopath, Ellinor Kolbeck on how she Ayurveda helped to strengthen bones and muscles and relieving pain.

One day when Ellinor was turning side in her bed, her rib got cracked and that is the time she realized what Ayushakti vaidya saying 3 months ago was absolutely right – she has osteoporosis. Ellinor, then without wasting time, straight away came to Ayushaktia Mumbai for “Arthrox” treatment.
Within 3 weeks of treatment with herbs, oil & dhara with special enemas. She got a remarkable relief in her pain. Then she flew back to Germany and continued Arthrox herbs with the diet for 2 years. Slowly her bone density became better and better and she recovered remarkably in 2 years. This made her very curious to learn Ayurveda and started coming to ayushakti to learn Ayurveda and pulse reading.

Watch the real story on Youtube.

What is Osteoporosis?
1

Osteoporosis is a silent illness. Slowly over a period of 8-10 years, bones become week and osteoporosis develops. Suddenly one day there is the fracture and then you will come to know that you have osteoporosis.
So first important thing is to prevent osteoporosis by checking bone density once a year when you cross 47 years of age. This will indicate if any osteoporosis is developing or not. If yes, then you can immediately start preventive measures. Ayushakti provides Ayurvedic medicine for Osteoporosis treatment. This blog will explain to you all about Osteoporosis treatment. Ayurveda Osteoporosis treatment is most effective.

As per Ayurveda, why osteoporosis?

As per Ayurveda, all the food that you eat converts into different tissues because of Dhatu Agni (Metabolism). Calcium and vitamin D conversion to bone tissues happens with the help of Asthi Dhatu Agni. When this Asthi Dhatu Agni or metabolism does not function very well in spite of taking lots of calcium and vitamins, bones start degenerating and lead to osteoporosis.
Besides that, excess vata (air) in the body also cause degeneration. As in the atmosphere, when there is a lot of wind, everything dries up, just like in Autumn.

What can be done naturally to reverse the osteoporosis?

In osteoporosis, it is very important to increase metabolism, nourish bones constantly and reduce vata constantly. Then, Stimulate dhatu Agni and metabolism. Thus, your own calcium and vitamin D is then starting working and producing bone tissues again and Improving bone density.

How does Ayushakti’s Arthrox treatment work in osteoporosis?

Arthrox treatment is a combination of diet, herbal remedies, home remedies and deep nourishing treatments.

What is the Arthrox diet for osteoporosis?

1. To activate metabolism, mung diet is the best. Every month for 5 days, just eat mung and vegetable soup. This will burn toxins and improve metabolism remarkably.
2. For improving metabolism, daily take ¼ Tsp. ginger powder, ¼ tsp black pepper powder and 1 tsp. of coriander powder in half glass of water twice a day after eating your food. This mixture helps improving metabolism in every situation like obesity, high cholesterol, or uric acid and of course osteoporosis too.
3. Your daily Calcium intake should be 1000 to 1200 mg.

BEST FOODS FOR natural CALCIUM are:

Milk, soy milk, tofu, soybeans, white beans, kale, collard greens, broccoli, almonds and almond butter, leafy vegetables, fish, sesame seeds, rajgira (kamut).

In order to have 1000 mg. calcium every day, at least take one of the following:

One tablespoon of the sesame seeds daily morning with water.

2

5 soaked Almonds

3

One cup of cooked spinach

4

One cup dried fig puree

5

2 Cups Milk

6

These are the best source of calcium for your bones.

Ayushakti herbs remarkably improve bone density and help prevent degenerations.

Painmukti MJ 2 -2 (tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening after food)
Relieves pain, stiffness, inflammation & promotes joint flexibility
Painmukti Sandhi-cal 2-2 (tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening after food)
Improves joint strength, promotes calcium to bones, prevents bone degeneration

You can write to Ayushakti vaidyas and get a free advice on how to manage your health naturally.

Email: info@ayushakti.com                                    Website: Visit.

Get Osteoporosis treatment in Mumbai at Ayushakti. Ayushakti provides herbal medicine for Osteoporosis.

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Warm water and its health benefits according to Samhitas

 Ayurvedic
Aug 192018
 

Water is the sustainer of life of all living beings. The entire world is full of it. Water acts like nectar either pure or medicated, cooked or uncooked , hot or cold if used wisely. Ayurveda, a 5,000 years old holistic system, believes that the choices we make on a daily basis effect our bodies ability to develop or destroy disease. Most of us consider cold water as rejuvenator and more energiser and are not fond of drinking warm water unless caught by common cold, fever and other hazards. Well, being an ayurvedic medicine student while going through types and health benefits of all the liquid foods in some classical ayurvedic texts, there I got to find warm water has much of health benefits. I had the crave for it I decided to research it to see whether there were any benefits associated with it. The feel of warm water is amazing; it transforms your whole body system.

Ayurveda views agni as the very source of life and has mentions that impaired agni is at the root of every imbalances and diseases. Ayurveda endorses the fact that drinking warm water the secret to good health and clear skin. Warm water is nature’s most powerful home remedy and minimizes digestive problems.

Acharya Vagbhat has explained about Ushna Jala (warm water) on his text – Ashtanga Hridaya (Classical Ayurvedic Text- 7th century) Sutrasthana chapter 5 as:

dīpanamaṃ pācanaṃ kaṇṭhyaṃ laghūṣṇambastiśodhanam ll (A.H.S 5/16 )

hidhmādhmānānilaśleṣmasadya:śuddhinavajvarekāsāmapīnasaśvāsapāśrrvarukṣuca śasyate ll (A.H.S 5/17)

This classical verse states that:
Warm water has the properties of :
Deepana : Stimulates hunger,
Pachana : helps digestion,
Kanthya : good for the throat,
Laghu : easily digested,
Basti shodhana : cleanses the urinary bladder,

Relieves

Hidhma : relieves hiccup,
Adhmana : flatulence
Anila : aggrevation of vata
Sleshma : aggravation of kapha
It is ideal on the days of Panchakarma Therapy.

Navavjara: fever of recent origin
kasa : cold, cough
Ama : accumulation of undigested materials,
Peenassa : rhinitis(running nose)
Shwasa : dyspnoea and
Parshvaruja : pain in the flanks.

Acharya Charaka has also described the role of hot water in management of Jvara (Fever):

jvaritasyakāyasamutthānadeśakālānabhisamīkṣya pācanārthaṃ pānīyamuṣṇaṃ prayacchanti bhiṣajaḥ| jvaro hyāmāśayasamutthaḥ, prāyobheṣajāni cāmāśayasamutthānāṃ vikārāṇāṃ pācanavamanāpatarpaṇasamarthānibhavanti; pācanārthaṃca pānīyamuṣṇaṃ, tasmādetajjvaritebhyaḥprayacchanti bhiṣajo bhūyiṣṭham| taddhi teṣāṃ pītaṃvātamanulomayati, agniṃ codaryamudīrayati,| kṣipraṃ jarāṃ gacchati, śleṣmāṇaṃpariśoṣayati, svalpamapi ca pītaṃ trṣṇāpraśamanāyopakalpate; tathāyuktamapicaitannātyarthotsannapitte jvaresadāhabhramapralāpātisāre vā pradeyam, uṣṇena hi dāhabhramapralāpātisārā bhūyo:’bhivardhante, śītenacopaśā, śītena copaśāmyantīti ||               (Cha.Vi. 3/40)

As the fever is relieved by cold articles, hot water is prescribed to the patient suffering from fever instead of cold water to help them with their digestion. Moreover, fever arises from amashaya (stomach) and the remedies usually used for disorders arise from the stomach with digestive, emetic and depletive properties.

Ingestion of hot beverages helps to expel gas, stimulates digestive power, digests (the ingested beverage) quickly, dries up the mucus, and relieves thirst when taken even in a smaller quantity.

Nevertheless, hot drinks should not be administered in fevers which are due to exacerbation of pitta-dominant symptoms such as fevers accompanied with excessive burning sensations, giddiness, delirium, and diarrhoea, since these disorders are greatly aggravated by hot measures. Such ailments require cold fomentation or cold treatments.

Some mentions and indications of warm water are found in classical ayurvedic texts as:

  1. Hot water shouldn’t be used for Achamana (intake of a sip of water). Achamana is done before commencing worship of god and after riding a chariot. (A.S.S. 3/12)
  2. Luke warm water is indicated for Gandusa Therapy (gargling with mouth full of liquid). Gandusa is useful to prevent cracking and roughness of the lips, dryness of mouth, diseases of teeth and disorders of voice. Luke warm water will make the mouth clean and healthy. (A.S.S. 3/31)
  3. Water from different source should not be drunk till the digestion of first water; & if uncooked water taken previously has not been digested, cooked water should bot be taken over it and vice versa. (A.S.S. 6/29)
  4. Water undergoes Madhura Vipaka and sita veerya even though used hot. So, hot water should be avoided as it is Laghu (light) and causes no harm in small quantity. Patients of Ama (indigestion), and other digestive problems should drink warm water to moisten the food. The food liquefied by hot water undergoes quick digestion. (A.S.S.6/35)
  5. Warm water is considered as the best Anupana (after drink) after consuming foods made from pista (flour) and are hardly digestible. (A.S.S. 10/44)
  6. Warm water mixed with salt should be given for emesis to the patient suffering from indigestion. (A.S.S. 11/22)

Many individuals are becoming health conscious and many tends to stay healthy with their daily intakes.I have been prescribing people to drink warm water as it rejuvenates and energizes the body. Also it maintains electrochemical balance in the body and also continues the calorie burning process.

You can maintain your optimum health with regular intake of warm water. Lastly, I’d recommend you to take warm water and be healthy.

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10 Natural foods rich in Calcium to Build Healthy Bones

 Ayurvedic
Aug 172018
 

As you age, your bone density starts decreasing.  If not enough bone mass is created or bone loss occurs later in life, you have an increased risk of developing fragile bones that break easily. Consumption of healthy foods for bones can avoid such issues.

A good lifestyle habit can help you build strong bones and maintain them as you age. Adults over 50 should get 1000-, 200 milligrams of calcium and 400 to 600 IU of vitamin D. Hence, the addition of ayurvedic calcium supplements or calcium-rich foods is a must in one’s diet.

Here are 10 natural ways to build healthy bones with natural calcium supplements.

Eat Lots of Vegetables

One cup of cooked spinach contains almost 25% of your daily calcium, plus fibre, iron, and vitamin A.

One cup of cooked cabbage contains more than 25% of your daily calcium.

200 gm Cooked broccoli provides more than 25% of your daily calcium and protein and is rich in bone protective antioxidants.

100 gm amaranth in any form.  It is a good source of calcium, protein and amino acids and is rich in iron, magnesium and Vitamin A, B and C.

1

Getting enough protein is important for healthy bones. About 50% of bone is made of protein. Eat minimum 100 gms of any protein food daily.

Lentils

2

Mung

3

Tofu

4

Beans

5

Include Foods High in Magnesium and Zinc

Along with Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc also important for bone health.  a Magnesium and zinc help in converting vitamin D into the active form that promotes calcium absorption to the bones.

Nuts

Nuts like almonds, cashews 20 gm per day or Brazil nuts 2 per day are the powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.  Walnuts are the great source of omega – 3 which helps to strengthen bones.

The proven powerful home remedy to take daily:

  • 1 Green ripe Banana
  • ½ glass Pomegranate juice
  • 1 pinch Cardamom Powder
  • Mix very well and take every day after the age of 40 compulsorily.
  • This remedy contains 600 mg calcium and pomegranate is helping to boost metabolism too.  So calcium is converted into bones naturally and faster.

The amazing remedy for pain in knee, hips and back an improve bone density:

Tinospora cordifolia (Rasna) powder                                     1 teaspoon

Boswella serrata (Shallaki) powder                                        1 teaspoon

Cissus quadrangularis (Asthishrunkhala) powder              1 teaspoon

You can write to Ayushakti vaidyas and get a free advice on how to manage your health naturally. Email: info@ayushakti.com.  Website: Visit.

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LET THIS MONSOON BE DISEASE FREE!!

 Ayurvedic
Jul 102018
 

According to Ayurveda, during monsoon, Vata (air) is aggravated and pitta (heat) is accumulated in the body. Too much humidity creates fermentation and acidic mucous or a cough and congestion. During monsoon, many people suffer from vomiting and diarrhea because of high pitta or a cough and congestion because of humidity. By the end of monsoon, many people start feeling a lot of gas formation or joint pain, because of aggravated Vata (air).

How to balance your Prakruti during Monsoon to stay Healthy?

1. For cough, cold and congestion:

Diet: Avoid taking wheat items and milk.
Home remedy:

  • Fresh Basil leaves – 20
  • Cinnamon sticks – 1 inch long
  • Black peppercorns crushed – 3
  • Fresh ginger crushed – 2 inches long
  • Fresh turmeric – 2 inches long (or 1 tsp. turmeric powder)
  • Jaggery (optional) – as a sweetener
  • Water – 4 cups
  • Boil the ingredients in water and reduce it to two cups. Filter and drink warm, 3-4 times a day.

2. For vomiting and acidic feeling :

Diet: Avoid spicy, sour and fermented foods and pickles.
Home remedy:

  • Black Raisins (Manuka) 20 Nos.
  • Liquorice (Jeshtimadhu) powder ½ Tsp.
  • Mirobalan (Amla) powder 1 Tsp.
  • Cumin seed (Jeera) powder ½ Tsp.
  • Fennel seed (Badi saunf) powder ½ Tsp.
  • Dry Ginger (Sont) powder ¼ Tsp.
  • Cardamom (Elaichi) powder ¼ Tsp.

Soak black resins in one glass of water overnight. In the morning, smash the raisins well and filter. Add all other ingredients in the filtered raisins water and drink in the morning on empty stomach.

3. For Diarrhea:

Diet: Stay on khichadi

Home remedy: Pomegranate juice (3-4 glasses daily).

4. For Joint Pain:

Vegetables

Diet: Avoid wheat, maida, fried and fermented foods, red meat. Have lots of vegetables.

Home remedy:

  • 1 tsp cumin seed powder
  • 1/2 tsp dry ginger powder
  • 1/4 tsp ajwain seed powder
  • 1/2 tsp Black Salt
  • 1 pinch of asafetida
  • Mix well in half a glass of water and drink 2-3 times a day.

General Dietary Guide Lines for Monsoon

bigstock-Variety-Of-Spices-And-Herbs-On-170481746-e1504526911282

Spice up your food, not just with chillies, or by reducing the chillies. Use garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, asafetida, turmeric. Keep the gas away and the keep the immune system normal.

Many people get swelling in the body during monsoon. Hence, avoid wheat, rice, and sour food, as they create more swelling.

  • Have more of Mung Daal, Chickpea lentil, Oats, Corn, Ragi, Khichadi, Millet Rottis.
  • Vegetables like snake gourd, bottle gourd, green gourd, soft gourd, pumpkins.
  • Fruits: Seasonal fruits like pomegranate, apple, litchi, cherry, Banana, papaya.

Good Lifestyle

  • Fasting 3-5 days in a month only with mung and vegetable is very much recommended.
  • Once a week, follow only-water fasting. This burns all the toxins and keeps digestive fire active.

These were some proven natural monsoon health care tips which can safeguard your body.
Stay safe this monsoon, with our monsoon health care tips, backed by the power of Ayurveda!

To know more about the benefits of Ayushakti’s Panchakarma and other 31-year-old treatments, Click Here.

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Hot Pressed Oil Vs Cold Pressed Oil – The Basic Overview

 Ayurvedic
May 172018
 
The edible oil we use in cooking is generally hot pressed oil. However, it is only in the recent period, once people gained awareness about the importance and benefits, cold pressed oil became very popular.
The major difference lies in preparing the input material used to press the oil, rather than pressing techniques. The input we feed to the press the oil has overall influence to a great extent on the properties of the oil. Of course, the way of pressing also impacts the benefits and properties of the oil.
  • Cold pressed oil means the inputs are pressed in a low temperature. To put in a lighter note, the seeds are pressed raw without roasting.
  • Hot pressed oil means the seeds are roasted and pressed under very high temperature.

Benefits of Cold Pressed Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is also known as gingerly oil, extracted from the sesame seeds. Sesame oil is prominent in Asian cuisines, especially Indian cuisine and alternative therapies.
Cold pressed sesame oil is extracted by simply pressing and crushing the seeds without toasting or roasting. It looks pale yellow and carry different flavor than hot pressed one which is darker. It retains the maximum nutrients possible during processing. It has higher quantity of essential fatty acids, which are literally reduced when the sesame seeds are roasted and heated.  Unlike other cold pressed oils, sesame oil has longer shelf life due to an ingredient called Sesamolin prevents oxidation of the oil.
  • Good source of vitamin E and also rich in antioxidant
  • Has the highest concentration of the fatty acids – Omega 3 fatty acid, omega 6 fatty acid and omega 9 fatty acid.
  • Rich in minerals which includes iron, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc.
  • All these minerals support healthy growth of tissues and prevents bones and muscles related deformities like arthritis, osteoporosis etc.
  • Supports cardiovascular health and controls hypertension
It is used widely in ayurvedic therapies as healing oil. It contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which nourish the skin, hair and body. It contains nourishing, detoxifying and rejuvenating effect to the body.   It is the best moisturizer and the best massage oil. It helps delay aging process and prevents skin health from sunburn and damages. It is the best remedy for most of skin problems from dryness of skin to eczema.
Needless to say the culinary benefits of cold pressed sesame oil as it is a versatile one to use on regular cooking

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The best way to purify water in Ayurveda

 Ayurvedic
May 152018
 
Our bodies are approximately 72% water, 12% earth, 6% air, 4% fire and rest is space. How these five elements behave within you determines your health and wellbeing.

The five element theory

In the five element theory, the first element in this universe is space. The vibration of space creates wind. Blowing wind leads to friction and creates the fire element. Transformation of the fire element creates water and solidification of water elements produce earth. From earth, all organic living creatures, plants, animals, and human beings are created.

Water is highly significant for our health because most of our body is water. Consuming good water is the source of wellbeing and good balance. But for Kaliyuga (the age of ignorance and disease), most of the diseases come from the water. None of the modern chemical and electrical systems can purify the waterenough.

What is the best source of water?

Lake water is considered to be good because it is open to the influence of the sun and the moon. Every day it is purified by the sun energy (fire). In unpolluted environments, rainwater is pure but for most of us living in cities, the pollution in the atmosphere contaminates the rainwater. The local water where you are living is the best water for you providing you sterilise it.

How to purify the water?

According to Ayurveda, only the fire can purify the water elements properly. The main source of fire in this universe is the sun. The next best way to purify our wateris to boil it.

Boiling is an effective way to sterilise and disinfect water. Just taking the water up to the boiling point is enough if the source is pure. Otherwise, it is necessary to boil the water up to 10 minutes.
You can observe the purification process and how it aligns with Ayurvedic philosopy. At first, you will observe bubbles which are heavy like kapha. After some time, they become lighter like pitta and at the end, they become light and airy like vata. When the water reaches the vata level all the toxins have disappeared.

Detox with water

Ancient science says hot water is a universal antidote to every disease. Sipping warm to hot water frequently is vital for treating any health condition. Warm to hot water dilates the channels, removes the blockages, and improves digestion and agni (metabolic fire). Frequency is more important than quantity.

Plain hot water is good enough. But if you want to add flavour or medicinal value to your drink, ginger water is an excellent choice for everyone. It is also pleasant to add turmeric, cumin, fennel, or lemon. Even in the warmer seasons, sipping warm waterin small quantities is good for cleansing and balancing.

Note: Re-boiling water or mixing cool water in hot water is not recommended as it produces ama toxins.

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What is the Ayurvedic Treatment for Herniated Disc in the Lower Back?

 Ayurvedic
Jan 042018
 

ayurvedic treatment for slip discSlip disc herniation is commonly known as slipped disc, a condition affecting the intervertebral discs of the spine. Slip disc is only one of the several conditions affecting the spinal column, the others being disc bulge, disc degeneration with or without osteophyte formation and disc thinning.  The slipped disc is that one which has peeped out of its original space and puts a pressure on the nerves arising out of the vertebral column. The pain is due to the nerve root compression. Ayurvedic treatment for slip disc employs to heal the nerves affected by the herniated disc and to relieve the muscular spasm as well.

What causes a slipped disc?

  1. Trauma to the vertebral column – due to accidents or physical injury.
  2. Physically strenuous jobs or exercises such as weight lifting or riding on a two-wheeler on a bumpy road.
  3.  Obesity
  4. Ageing
  5. Smoking and drinking

According to Ayurveda, aggravation of vata due to the above causative factors is known as the main cause for slipped disc. Hence Ayurvedic treatment for slip disc aims at maintaining the normalcy of the vata dosha by various medications and treatment procedures.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary according to the site of herniation.

Symptoms of a slipped disc in the neck:

  • Pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms
  • Numbness in part of the hand
  • Radiating pain that arises from the neck and reaches to the fingers of the hands over a period of time.
  • Muscle weakness in the hands
  • Burning sensation in the affected area

Symptoms of a slipped disc in the back:

  • Pain and numbness in the back.
  • Pain that arises from the back and radiates to the legs.
  • Worsening of pain while standing or sitting
  • Pain even while walking for short distances
  • Muscle weakness of the back and legs
  • Burning sensation in the affected area

Other associated symptoms include:

  • Insomnia – due to pain
  • Debility
  • Loss of appetite – due to several pain
  • Head ache or heaviness of the head

How does Ayurveda help treat herniated disc naturally and safely?

In Ayurveda, herniated disk is a condition that happens due to an imbalance of Vata element. This throws your body out of equilibrium. Ayurvedic treatment is a good way to restore the basic functional strength of your body.

In some people, symptoms like severe back pain, leg pain, or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are traced to a herniated disc. When the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside its normal position, you have a herniated disc. This can occur as a result of rupture or bulge due to injury, disease, or deterioration. The spinal disc when pushed out irritates the spinal nerves that lay very close to the edge of these spinal discs causing severe pain.

A herniated disc can occur to anyone. It is, however, seen more commonly in people between the ages of 35 to 45 who perform heavy manual labour or drive motor vehicles for long periods of time. There are a plethora of effective Ayurvedic treatment for slip disc that help restore the equilibrium that is caused by Vata imbalance and provide you relief from lower back pain.

Ayurvedic treatment for slip disc

The Ayurvedic healing therapies are beneficial in many ways:

  • -They help in strengthening the supportive tissues that hold your spine.
  • -They help release the muscular spasm and nerve compression.
  • -They nourish the joints by enhancing circulation and relieve pain.

Here are the Ayurvedic therapies you can employ to treat herniated disk:

Kativasti

The term ‘Kativasti’ is made up of two parts – ‘Kati’ meaning the waist area of your body and ‘Vasti’ meaning a pouch like arrangement. kativasti is an Ayurvedic treatment for slip disc, where medicated oils are used on your back to treat the herniated disc condition.

Procedure:

The patient is made to lie down on his/her stomach on a bed. Medicated oil is spread over the lumbosacral area. After this, a reservoir or a ring is made on this lumbo-sacral region with dough made out of black gram powder. It is made sure that the ring is free of any leakage.

Medicated lukewarm oil is slowly poured into this ring. The temperature of the oil is preserved by reheating and continuously adding more oil. This is done for 30 to 40 minutes.

Later, the affected area is massaged lightly. It is followed by steaming for another 15 minutes which allows better absorption of medicated oil in your body. This process is carried over five to seven days as prescribed by the ayurvedic doctor.

How safe is Kativasti?

Kativasti is pretty safe for you. There are no side effects. This treatment is even safe for heart patients as only gentle massage is given. The only precaution to be taken is to keep the temperature of the medicated oil lukewarm to avoid blistering or scalding of skin.

Abhyanga

Abhyanga is a process where a person is given massage in slow and rhythmic movements throughout the body from head to toe. Warm medicated oils are used by one or two massage therapists for 40 to 60 minutes. The Abhyanga is performed in seven postures in by varying pressure at different points in the body.

What are the benefits of Abhyanga?

  • It harmonizes the imbalance in the body due to Vata.
  • It provides nourishment and vitality to the bones, tissues, ligaments, helps reduce pain and enhances your healing capacity.
  • It keeps you full of vitality, removes fatigue and relaxes your body and mind.

Kizhi

Kizhi involves massaging your body with poultices that are made of therapeutic herbs and medicated healing oils. These warm poultices are used to massage the body. This helps the oil to get absorbed by your body tissues, helps in eliminating accumulated toxins.

This therapy rejuvenates your body, improves blood circulation throughout the body, removes muscular fatigue, alleviates mental stress and effectively helps treat herniated disk condition as well as other joint ailments or injuries.

Dhanyamla Dhara

‘Dhanyamla’ means body and ‘Dhara’ means a continuous flow of liquid. This therapy involves pouring herbal medicated oils throughout different parts of your body. This is done by pouring warm oil from a vessel hung overhead over the affected areas of your body in a rhythm.

It is given for 45 to 60 minutes and lasts for 7 to 12 days depending on your doctor’s assessment.

This therapy helps relieve body ache and muscular spasms by boosting blood circulation. It revitalizes your body and enhances immune system immensely. It is an effective method of treating herniated disk.

Click here to know How to Cure Herniated Disc Safely

Here are Some Pain Relieving Ayurvedic medicines for slip disc you Would Like to Know

Vata imbalance causes herniated disk condition. So, by correcting this imbalance, the symptoms of herniated disk get treated. the following ayurvedic remedies and medicines help treat herniated disk condition effectively. Ayurvedic medicines for slip disc are:

  • Gandharvahastadi kashayam
  • Cervilon
  • Lumbatone
  • Take 5 gm Triphala Churna with luke warm water at bedtime daily. This will ensure the expulsion of excess Vata from your system.
  • Take 5 – 10 ml of Gandharvahastadi Castor oil before food, or on empty stomach, once or twice a day or as directed by Ayurvedic doctor to relieve lower back pain.

Go for these Ayurvedic therapies and remedies for relieving the herniated disk. They are free from side effects and are an alternative to surgical procedures. Let your doctor decide upon the Ayurvedic treatment for slip disc best suited to your condition.

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Trataka – A yoga form that unfolds the Eyes-Mind relationship

 Ayurvedic
Jan 022018
 
trataka-meditation

‘Trataka’ is a Hatha Yoga method to develop concentration. It is a simple, yet powerful practice, which form part of the six purification methods in Hatha Yoga. The technique involves gazing or fixing the eyes on one point, either on an object or on a candle flame.

Scientifically, the practice of Trataka, involves the movement of eyeballs, which in-turn reflects our thinking process. When we concentrate on an object, our thoughts are focused on that alone, and everything else may vanish. The eyeballs too become steadier. There is a definite link between our eyeball movement and mental state. This is the principle that is applicable when practising Trataka. When we compulsorily fix our gaze on a particular point, we can induce a steady concentrated mind. Our thoughts become less turbulent, and our mind can be brought under control.

Technique

The practice is done with open eyes focused on an external object, which then progresses into internal practice, and to gazing the void. There are many types of Trataka. Practitioners use various objects for doing steady gazing. These may be ‘flame of a candle’, ‘a black dot on the wall’, ‘the crystal ball’, ‘the picture of your favourite diety’, ‘the sun or the moon’, etc. However, the most commonly followed technique is gazing on the candle flame.

  • Sit straight in a relaxed manner on the floor or on a chair.
  • Place a burning candle, or the object you wish to focus on, at a distance of one or two feet away from the eyes. However, ensure that the candle flame is at the same level as that of the eyes, so that you can gaze straight at the flame without having to tilt your head upwards or downwards.
  • Now keep your body steady and gaze at the bright spot of the flame just above the wick. Do not focus on the top of the flame, as the flame may flicker and you will lose focus.
  • Gaze at the flame without blinking the eyes. With practice, you can progress from few seconds to few minutes without blinking. With practice, you will notice that you are aware only of the flame, while the rest of the field including the body goes into oblivion. The practice time should only gradually build from few seconds to minutes.
  • When your eyes get tired, slowly close the eyes and relax. Sometimes the eyes may water. Keep the eyes closed till the strain is relieved. Try to see the image of the flame in the space in front of the forehead. View this internal flame as long as it appears.
  • Now, slowly open the eyes. You may blink a few times to relieve any strain.
  • • Repeat this process a few times.

Tips:

  • A candle is the preferred object, as fire is like a magnet for eyes and mind. It leaves a clear after-image in the mind.
  • After practicing with a candle for a couple of weeks, you can break from the practice and swap to another object.
  • It is advisable not to practice trataka for more than 10 minutes, unless you have an experienced teacher to guide you.
  • Ensure that the object you are focusing on is at eye level and is clearly visible without any blurr. It can also be practiced wearing your glasses.
  • If practising this using a candle, make your room completely dark, and ensure that there is no wind. For other objects dim light is preferred. The source of light should be behind you.
  • Try not to blink, but don’t try too hard. Do not strain your eyes. In case you experience discomfort, then blink the eyes and continue the practice. But don’t move the pupils.

Benefits of Trataka

  • Through the practice of Trataka, the attention and power of the mind is channelled in a continuous stream. It is considered as a highly effective concentration technique. In fact, the ancient yoga manuals say that ‘Trataka’ destroys eye diseases and removes sloth.
  • Trataka is good for the eyes. It strengthens the muscles surrounding the eyes, helps in getting rid of mild eye problems like short sightedness etc.
  • Trataka prevents insomnia. Practice of Trataka a few minutes before sleep can actually improve the quality of sleep.
  • More than anything, Trataka completely removes distractions in the mind. It makes the mind calm, steady, and increases concentration immensely.
  • Trataka practice also helps improve memory. Therefore, it is highly recommended for school children.
  • It develops intuition, the ability to visualise and develops willpower.
  • Trataka is also believed to improve mental and nervous stability, improves cognitive functioning, calms anxiety, balances the activity of two hemispheres of the brain, improves vision in the dark, instils self-confidence and patience, and has a soothing effect on the cranial nerves.

Caution:
This exercise is not suitable for people with psychic problems. Therefore, those who suffer from Schizophrenia or hallucinations should not practice Trataka. Also do not practice trataka on a candle if you have cataract, glaucoma, myopia, astigmatism or epilepsy.

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Top 16 Benefits Of Lettuce For Health And Beauty Purposes

 Ayurvedic
Dec 292017
 

by Hang Pham

December 29, 2017

Topics: Ayurveda

For thousands of years, lettuce has also thought to contain medicinal properties and its health benefits have been confirmed by science. In this article, Healthy Guide will show you some of the best benefits of lettuce for health and beauty that you should not skip out.

List Of Benefits Of Lettuce For Health And Beauty:

Now, I will show you some of the nutrition facts of lettuce as well as benefits of this leaf veggie for health and beauty. So, if you love this kind of veggie and want to know more about benefits that you can reap from the consumption of lettuce, keep the eyes on this article right now.

  1. Nutrition Facts Of Lettuce

Lettuce is cultivated with ease. It is a great source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, iron, potassium and folate. Although lettuce looks like cabbage, one of the differences between them is the water content, Lettuce is crunchier while cabbage contains less water and is tougher than lettuce.

This leafy green vegetable helps in fighting inflammation, diabetes and cancer. The omega-3 fatty acids found in lettuce help to protect the heart and simultaneously improve hair and skin health.

  1. Benefits Of Lettuce For Health, Skin And Hair

Keep in mind that not all varieties of lettuce are created equal. You just get all of the benefits if you consume the Romaine variety of lettuce. Some of the best benefits of lettuce for beauty and health purposes include:

  1. Reduce Diabetes Risk

This is the first one on the list of benefits of lettuce for health and beauty purposes that I want to mention in this article and want all of my readers to know for good. Studies have found that the consumption of lettuce can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Also, one cup of lettuce has only 5 calories and 2g of carbs, making it a great addition to your diabetes- friendly diet. Moreover, lettuce contains lactucaxanthin that helps reduce blood glucose levels, making it a potential remedy for diabetes.

List of 26 Best Smoothies For Diabetes Treatment and Relief will show you some of the healthiest smoothies that patients with diabetes should drink for good, so check it out!

  1. Improve Vision Health

The omega-3s found in lettuce can help improve vision health and fight off any eye-related ailments. Besides, Romaine lettuce also has a super antioxidant called zeaxanthin, which can promote vision health and prevent age-related macular degeneration. Actually, Romaine lettuce is a great replacement for spinach that is another kind of veggie great for eye health. This is also one of the best benefits of lettuce for beauty and health purposes that we would like to reveal in this article!

Read on Top 19 Healthy and Nutritional Foods for Eyes Improvement to discover some of the best foods you should consume to help you improve eye health.

  1. Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Lettuce can help to reduce cholesterol levels that can cause cardiovascular diseases as well as other health conditions. Actually, the high levels of “bad” cholesterol are harmful and can lead to heart attack and stroke. According to a study conducted on mice, lettuce consumption caused a reduction in cholesterol levels if compared to mice that did not consume lettuce.

  1. Work As An Antioxidant Agent

Studies have found that lettuce contains antioxidants, which are necessary for human health. Actually, these antioxidants work to fight against free radicals produced during cellular metabolism. Studies indicated that these free radicals could attack healthy cells and tissues and then mutate them into cancer cells, resulting in the development of diseases. On the other hand, antioxidants fight against these free radicals and then neutralize them.

  1. Fight Cancer

When it comes to benefits of lettuce for health and beauty purposes, you should not skip its ability to fight cancer. The extract from lettuce leaves can help control some certain types of cancer. Some studies found that human cancer cells could be controlled after being treated with the extracts from lettuce leaves.

  1. Induce Sleep

One of the common uses of lettuce is its use to induce sleep. The white fluid called lactucarium is what you see when breaking lettuce leaves. This contains relaxing and sleep-inducing properties. Therefore, if you are suffering from problems with sleep, simply consume a few lettuce leaves or drink lettuce juice.

  1. Protect Neuronal Cells

Neuronal cells have to form physical connections in order to make up memory. Therefore, the death of neurons can cause memory loss. In some cases, the neuronal death can lead to the onset of mental diseases like Alzheimer’s. The lettuce extracts had a control of neuron cell death thanks to its effect in glucose/serum deprivation. Besides, the research has also shown that lettuce could be used in neuroprotection as a natural treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

  1. Fight Inflammation

If you are looking for benefits of lettuce for health and beauty purposes, you should know that this leafy veggie can help you fight inflammation. Some certain proteins in lettuce can help control inflammation. According to a study, lettuce is rich in vitamin K that can help lower inflammation. Other veggies that are rich in vitamin K are spinach, kale, broccoli and cabbage. Also, the omega-3s found in lettuce contribute to its anti-inflammatory effect.

  1. Improve Bone Health

Vitamins A, C and K are essential for collagen production and bone formation. And lettuce is a great source of all three vitamins. Vitamin A helps with new bone cell growth, and the deficiency of vitamin A can cause osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures. Vitamin K supports to build cartilage as well as connective tissues and a lack of vitamin K can cause reduced bone mass and a higher facture risk. And, vitamin C helps fight bone depletion.

  1. Taste Great

Although lettuce is very low in calories, many varieties of lettuce still bring on a sweet taste. Lettuce called Lactuva sativa is often added to salads, soups, sandwiches, grilled and wraps.

There are other benefits of lettuce for health and beauty in this article. So, keep your eyes on this interesting article right now and then consider adding this healthy veggie to your daily diet for good.

  1. Aid Weight Loss

A reason why lettuce can be a great option for weight loss diets is calories. A serving of lettuce has just 5 calories. Besides, lettuce helps make up for the lack of micronutrient on a low-calorie diet. Also, lettuce is low in energy density. For example, Romaine lettuce has 95% water and just offers 1g of fiber per cup. And we all know that fiber keeps you full. Moreover, lettuce is also very low in fat, so it can be an ideal addition to your weight loss diet.

  1. Good For Pregnancy

The benefits of lettuce for pregnancy may come from its high content of folate, which can help reduce the risks of developing birth defects. Besides, the vitamin K found in this leafy veggie can also help reduce the risk of hemorrhaging. And, you do not forget the fiber content in lettuce can help prevent constipation, which is a common problem in pregnant women.

  1. Prevent And Treat Arthritis

When you are looking for a treatment for arthritis, you should not skip lettuce. As we know that patients with arthritis have to avoid consuming foods that are high in calories and fat because they can increase the pain and swelling to the body. With that reason, consuming lettuce may be helpful in preventing and treating arthritis.

In fact, this is one of the best benefits of lettuce for beauty as well as health purposes that I want to mention in this article and want all of my readers, especially those with arthritis to include this veggie in their daily diet as soon as possible.

  1. Improve Digestion Systems

It is very important to keep the digestion systems healthy. And, lettuce may be one of the best options for you thanks to its high content of dietary fiber. It helps to improve the functions of gastrointestinal tract. To use lettuce for promoting digestion system, you just need to combine a lettuce salad with other veggies such as carrots and cucumber to get a healthier digestion system.

  1. Improve Skin Health

If you want to have a perfect skin, you can take a natural action rather than applying chemical substances on your skin. As you know, consuming healthy foods is a natural way to improve the skin health. And, green vegetables like lettuce is known as a great source of essential vitamins and minerals that are good for skin.

Lettuce supplies most of the nutrients that our skin needs. It provides protection against pollutions and ultraviolet rays thanks to the combination of vitamin C and E. Moreover, it makes your skin youthful and prevents signs of aging. Therefore, improving skin health is one of the best benefits of lettuce for beauty and health purposes that you should not look down.

  1. Improve Hair Growth

Another one among benefits of lettuce for beauty and health purposes is that this food can help to improve hair growth. Actually, lettuce has nutrients that can support the hair health. It helps nourish the hair, prevent hair fall and graying of hair thanks to its content of vitamin K and potassium. Therefore, consuming lettuce on a regular basis can help you enjoy a beautiful and healthy hair.

Consuming green vegetables is a great way to get the nutrient that our body needs. Thus, you should consider adding this vegetable to your daily diet to reap all of its benefits for skin and beauty. If you know other benefits of lettuce for health and beauty purposes, remember to share them with us by leaving your comments below.

Author Bio: Lien Nguyen – Writer and Blogger, who has more than 6 years of experience in the industry of Health and Skincare. I work for Healthy Guide – reliable resources that help readers solve all their health, beauty concerning, and many other issues in life. I also focus on nutrition, relationship, fitness, lifestyle, men and women’s issues. Find more of my articles on Facebook.

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