Diseases; Ayurveda concepts

Diseases; Ayurveda concepts

Disease is the state of body and mind in which a person experiences discomfort, pain and injury. The fundamental cause of disease is the imbalance of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and kapha. When the three doshas are balanced the body experiences health and the state of imbalance or disequilibrium is disease. The imbalance may be due to an increase or decrease in one, two or all the three doshas. The classification of disease in Ayurveda is done in various ways.

Ayurvedic Concept of Disease:

The Ayurvedic concept of disease explains pathological condition in terms of doshas, dhatus and malas. The Ayurvedic concept of disease defines two terms, vikruti and prakruti. Vikruti is the abnormal or diseased condition of the body while prakruti refers to the normal physiological and mental state.

Causative Factors of a Disease

According to Ashtang Ayurveda, the causative factors of a disease are an imbalance in any or more of the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha), the seven dhatus (rasa, rakta, mansa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra), agni and the three malas (mutra, purisha and sweda). The imbalance may be caused by the following conditions: "Asatmendriyarth Samyog", Aama, Pradnyaparadha and Parinama. "Asatmendriyarth Samyog" stands for improper or too much exploitation of the sense organs of vision, sound, smell, sense and touch.

Classification of disease in Ayurveda

One of the methods of classification of disease in Ayurveda is on the basis of the causative factors. Classified thus, we have three types of diseases: Adhyatmika diseases, Adhibhautika diseases and Adhidaivika diseases. Adhyatmika diseases have their source within the body, and may be further divided into hereditary diseases, congenital disease, and diseases caused by one or more of the doshas or body tissues. Adhibhautika diseases have their source outside the body and incorporate such things as injuries from accidents or mishaps, and according to modern terms, invasions by germs, viruses, and bacteria. Adhidaivika diseases are believed to spring from supernatural sources. This category includes diseases whose exact cause has not yet been found out. It includes ailments cropping up from providential causes, planetary influences, curses and seasonal changes. A more practical classification of disease convenient for treatment classifies the diseases into seven categories. Aadi- bala pravritta refers to those diseases that are transmitted through genes. Human beings are genetically predisposed to fall prey to such diseases. Janma- bala refers to those diseases that are present in the body from birth. Dosha -bala incorporates those diseases that affect the body when the body is suffering from an imbalance of the three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha. Under the category of Sanghata-bala fall those diseases, which are caused by trauma, both physical and mental. Kaala - bala refers to those diseases caused by seasonal changes. Daiva -bala signifies those diseases, which are caused by Gods or spirits. Svabhaava -bala incorporates those diseases that are a part of the natural change of the body with the passage of time. It includes aging and withering of the body.

The classification of disease can also be done as nija, agantuja, sharirik and manasik. Nija refers to endogenous diseases caused by disorder in the doshas. Agantuja stands for exogenous diseases that are caused by external reasons like injuries. Here too the imbalance of doshas does occur but only after the condition of the disease becomes pathological. The diseases caused by physiological disturbances are called sharirik diseases and those, which are a result of psychological disturbances, are known as manasik diseases. Ayurveda also gives the classification of disease according to their curative measures. Thus classified diseases can be Sukhasadhya, Kruchrasadhya, Yapya and Asadhya. Those diseases, which get cured very easily, are categorised under Sukhasadhya. Kruchrasadhya diseases take a lot of time to cure. Those diseases, which recur when the treatment is stopped, fall under the category of Yapya. Asadhya signifies those diseases that are incurable.

Thus, classification of disease is done in many ways in Ayurveda. Such an intensive classification system facilitates proper treatment of diseases.

Parinama in Ayurveda
 
Parinama refers to abrupt environmental changes, which makes the body vulnerable to disease.Parinama or kala also refers to the effects of time, and the natural physical transformation that are affected as time progresses. In short kala or parinama is defined as "being out of harmony with the rhythms and cycles of Nature". Ayurveda talks about several important cycles at a macrocosmic level, which in turn affects the physiological conditions of human beings.

Pradnyaparadha in Ayurveda

Pradnyaparadha is the improper use of intellect or wisdom that makes the body vulnerable to ailments.This means those thoughtless actions, which are undertaken without determining whether those actions will be detrimental to the proper functioning of the body. These actions may be verbal, mental or physical. The actions stimulated by pradnyaparadha worsen the tridosa system in the body and stimulates the gunas of rajas and tamas creating a pathway through which disease can enter the body.

Home remedies for Constipation

Top 10 home remedies for constipation

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Constipation is a condition that can cause the person suffering from it a lot of trauma. Although constipation can be a sign of a bigger problem like we explained in our previous post,  if your  medical check up has cleared you of any serious conditions, you could use simple home remedies to relieve the discomfort. Here are a few of them  that can work wonders:

1. Triphala powder or Triphala  Churna, consists of three fruits - Amla or Indian gooseberry, Haritaki(Chebulic Myrobalan) and Vibhitaki (Bellirica Myrobalan). It is a great  laxative and helps to regulate digestion and bowel movements. You can either have one teaspoon with warm water or mix the powder with honey. Having this mixture either before going to bed or early in the morning on an empty stomach can relieve constipation almost instantaneously. The advantage of this powder is that it is not habit forming and a completely natural alternative to chemical laxatives.

2. Raisins (kishmish) are packed with fiber and act as great natural laxatives. Soak a handful in water overnight and have them first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This remedy also works wonders for pregnant woman, without the side effects of medication.

3. Guavas (amrood or peru) have soluble fibre in the pulp and insoluble fiber content in the seeds. They also help with the mucus production in the anus and with peristalsis (a series of contractions within the intestinal lining that helps the passage of food in the stomach). 

4. Lemon (Nimbu) juice is recommended by most Ayurvedic practitioners. A warm glass of water with lemon and salt, first thing in the morning not only acts as a cleansing agent for the intestines, the salt content helps in quick and easy passage of stool. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water. Add a pinch of salt to the solution. Drink this juice on an empty stomach to relieve constipation.

5. Figs (Anjeer), either dried or ripe, are packed with fiber. For relief from constipation, boil a few figs in a glass of milk, drink this mixture at night before bed. Make sure the mixture is warm when you drink it. Using a whole fruit for this purpose is much better as compared to syrups that are available commercially.

6. Flax seeds (Alsi) are known for their fiber content, and can very well help you when it comes to constipation. You can mix flax seeds in your cereal every morning or just have a handful with warm water early in the morning.

7. Castor oil (Arandi ka tel) has been used for centuries as a sure shot remedy for constipation and has properties that can kill intestinal worms. If drinking a spoon of castor oil alone is not something you’d like to do, you could add a tablespoon of it in a warm glass of milk.  Have this mixture at night before bed to relieve constipation.

8. Spinach (Palak) have properties that cleanse, rebuild and renew the intestinal tract. You can have about 100 ml of spinach juice mixed with an equal quantity of water twice daily. This home remedy is the most effective method to cure even the most stubborn cases of constipation.

9. Oranges are not only a great source of Vitamin C but also have a large amount of fiber content. Eating two oranges every day, once in the morning and once in the evening can provide great relief from constipation. 

10. Seed mixtures with 2-3 sunflower seeds, a few flax seeds, til or sesame seeds and almonds ground together to a fine powder can help relieve constipation. Have one tablespoon of this mixture everyday, for a week. You can add it to your salad or cereal every morning. This mixture not only provides the necessary fiber content to relieve constipation but it also helps in rejuvenating the intestinal walls.

Diet tips to avoid constipation:

In order to avoid and cure constipation, it is essential that you maintain healthy food habits. Here are a few changes you could make in your diet to cure constipation:

• Avoid foods that contain white flour like maida, white sugar and other processed foods.
• Eat light regular meals, and make sure you eat at least 3-4 hours before you go to bed.
• Include fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.
• Adding condiments like jeera, haldi and ajwain in your food while cooking it is a great way to help digestion.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Make sure you have a glass of warm water every morning and before you go to bed.

Constipation is an entirely curable and manageable condition, all you need to do is keep some of these home remedies in mind and you should be well on your way to a happy morning.

Swami Ramdev's Seven Pranayama: Breathing Techniques and Procedure

Swami Ramdev's Seven Pranayama: Breathing Techniques and Procedure

Pranayama arouses the internal energy of a person and makes him healthy, balanced and active. Baba Ramdev ji advises the seven-step pranayama package for a healthy, and stress free living. The whole process takes around 45 minutes and the duration can be increased up to two hours also. Morning time is ideal for its practice. Take bath and wear loose clothes. Sit straight; keep the neck and head absolutely straight. The body should be stable and spine should be straight. 

 This seven-step pranayam package can be followed daily in the given sequence.

1. Bhastrika Pranayama

Procedure : Sit in a comfortable Asana. Breathe in through both the nostrils, till the lungs are full and diaphragm is stretched. Then breathe out gently. Take deep breaths and then completely breathe out.

Duration : 2 minutes atleast. 5 mins max

Benefits : Heart, Lungs, Brain, Depression, Headache, Migraine, Paralysis, Neural System, Aabha Tej, Obesity, Constipation, Gastric, Acidity, Croesus (liver), hepatitis B, uterus, diabetes, stomach problems, cholesterol, allergic Problems, Asthma, Snoring, Concentration, and even Cancer and AIDS. Know more about Bhastrika pranayam

2. Kapal Bhati Pranayam 

Procedure : Push air forcefully out. Stomach will itself go in.

Duration : Start with 30 times or 1 min. increase upto 5 mins min. upto 10 minutes max.

Benefits : Increases aabha and tej. Helps in obesity, constipation, gastric, acidity, Croesus(liver), hepatitis B, uterus, diabetes, stomach problems, cholesterol, allergic problems, asthma, snoring, concentration, and even cancer and AIDS.

Tips : Heart and high BP patients, and weak people should do it slowly. Read More details..

"kapal-bhati pranayam dharti ki sanjivini hai ,  yeh dunia ki sabhi bimariyon ka ilaaz karti hai" - Baba Ramdev

3. Bahaya Pranayama

Procedure : Breathe air out, touch chin to chest, squeeze stomach completely and hold for a while. then release chin, breathe in slowly. Repeat the process.

Duration : Beginners should perform Bahya Pranayama 3 to 5 times. Advanced practitioners can do 11 repetitions.However, in the winter, advance practitioners can do up to 21 repetitions.

Benefits : Good for hernia, stomach ailments, uterus prolapse and all urinary and prostate problems. Channels the energy of the root lock hernia ...

Tips : People with hypertension and heart problem should avoid performing Bahya Pranayama. 

4. Anulom Vilom Pranayam

Procedure : Hold your right nasal with thumb, breathe in from left. Now open right nasal and close left nasal with middle and ring finger and breathe out from right nasal. Now breathe in from right nasal. Now close right nasal and open left and breathe out and in from left nasal. and so on.

Duration : atleast 10 minutes.

Benefits : heart, high BP, heart blockage, vat-cuf-pit, arthritis, cartilage, bent ligaments, sinual fluid reduced, parkinson, paralysis, neural related, depression, migraine pain, asthma, sinus, allergy ...

Tips : breathe into lungs not to stomach. no organ in stomach absorb oxygen. Do not hurry. Do it slowly. Rest whenever needed (in any pranayama). 

5. Bharamari Pranayam

Procedure : Close ears with thumb, index finger on forehead, and rest three on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.

Duration :10 minutes.

Benefits : tension, hypertension, high BP, heart, heart blockage, paralysis, migraine pain, confidence, concentration.

6. Udgeeth Pranayama

Procedure : Inhalation and exhalation should be long, slow, soft and subtle. Inhale slowly and when ready to exhale, chant Om slowly and steadily. With practice, lengthen each breath to one-minute, that is, to say inhalation and exhalation should total one-minute of time. Visualize the breath entering and moving inside the body.

Duration :10 minutes.

Benefits : Good for insomnia and for deepening the quality of sleep and relieving bad dreams. Helps the mind to become one-pointed and facilitate the practice of conscious sleep (Yoga Nidra).

7. Pranav Pranayama

Procedure : Close your eyes and sit quitely. Breathe in naturally. Duration : 2-3 mins or more.

Duration :2-3 mins or more.

Purpose: Spiritual development and to widen your perspective so that you begin to realise the One In All and the All In One - the constant universal vibration AUM/OM, which is found in every single minutest atom

Benefits : meditation. Read More details.

 

Panchakarma: Ayurvedic Detoxification & Rejuvination

Panchakarma: Ayurvedic Detoxification & Rejuvination

Human body is wonderful in its natural healing capability. It continuously keeps rejuvenating itself. But whenever the Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are severely imbalanced and the toxic substances are formed in large amounts, the natural capability of the body to heal itself gets blocked. To correct this situation, Ayurveda offers us the gift of “Panchakarma”, the science of detoxification and rejuvenation.

Panchakarma can be divided into two words: “Pancha” meaning five and “Karma” meaning actions. Hence, when put together the phrase means five actions or steps towards detoxification and rejuvenation. During this process of cleansing, various systems are first freed of all toxins, excess Doshas are eliminated and the body is rejuvenated.

Ayurveda uses two main ways to treat and cure diseases.

·         Shamana: In this type of therapy, palliative methods are used to treat a condition. These can be herbs, food, exercise, life style routine etc. This is used for people who are very weak. Shamana treatment may also be given where Shodhana is contraindicated. Sometimes some patients prefer a Shamana treatment instead of Shodhana treatment.

·         Shodhana: Shodhana means to go away. This type of therapy helps to eliminate Ama (toxins) and excess Doshas from the body and restores balance. Panchakarma has been categorised as a Shodhana therapy.

According to Ayurveda, excess Ama formation in the body is the cause of all diseases. Whenever Agni or the digestive fire becomes weak, all the food that we eat does not get digested. Some of the undigested, half-metabolised, unabsorbed food circulates in the body as a toxin called Ama and becomes the cause of disease.

Ayurveda gives immense importance to the digestive system. The digestive system is divided into three parts based on the Doshas. The upper part of the digestive tract till the stomach comes under Kapha Dosha. The middle part of the tract from the lower part of stomach to the small intestines comes under Pitta Dosha. The lower part of the tract from the colon to anus is categorised as Vata.

Panchakarma itself is divided into three phases:

·         Purvakarma (Preparation phase): In this phase the body is prepared for the main phase which includes the five actions. As already mentioned, the digestive tract holds immense importance in Ayurveda. During the preparation phase, excess Doshas and Ama are drawn towards and into the digestive system. Excess Kapha gets accumulated in the upper part, excess Pitta gets accumulated in the middle part and excess Vata is accumulated in the lower part of the digestive tract. To make this happen, various oil therapies (both internal and external) are administered. For internal oleation, ghee or clarified butter is given in small amounts everyday till the excess Doshas are collected in the digestive tract. Simultaneously various external therapies, for e.g. whole body massage, Shirodhara etc are given. During this phase the client’s food is also regulated to suit the Panchakarma procedure.

·         Pradhanakarna (Main Phase): Once excess Doshas and Ama are collected in the digestive system, the five main actions are now administered to remove or eliminate them from the body. These five actions are as follows:

·         Vamana (therapeutic vomiting): This helps to remove excess Kapha Dosha, which has been collected in the upper part of the digestive tract, from the body. Indications for a Vamana therapy are chronic cough, asthma, respiratory conditions, diabetes, loss of appetite and other Kapha disorders. Contra-indications include gastric ulcers, heart conditions, and tumours in abdominal region.

·         Virecana (therapeutic purgation): This helps to remove excess Pitta, which has been collected in the middle part of the tract, from the body. Indications for a Virecana therapy are skin disorders, chronic fevers, conditions of liver and spleen, jaundice, conditions of the mouth, teeth and gums and other Pitta conditions. Contra-indications include anal fissures, bleeding in the lower part of the tract, ulcers in the large intestine etc.

·         Basti (medicated decoction and oil enema): Both decoction or oil enemas are given alternatively to remove excess Vata Dosha, which has been collected in the lower part of the digestive tract, from the body. Indications for Basti treatment are constipation, general pains in different parts of the body, paralysis, epilepsy, bone pain and skeletal conditions and other Vata conditions. Contra-indication include diarrhoea, bleeding from the lower part of the digestive tract, very weak patients etc.

·         Nasya (nasal administration): Medicated oils are administered in each nostril to remove excess Kapha Dosha accumulated in the head and neck region. Indications are sinusitis, problems in breathing, heaviness in head etc.

·         Raktamokshana (blood letting): In olden days leeches were used (now a days blood may be removed with a needle and syringe) to remove excess blood from the body which in turn removes excess Pitta Dosha from the body. Indications are skin problems, eczema, abscess, haemorrhoids, etc. Contra-indications may include severe bleeding disorders, low blood pressure etc.

During the administration of the above therapies, the patient follows a specific diet. Food should be warm, nourishing, light and easily digestible. One should avoid excess spicy, sour, salty foods. Kitchari (a combination of rice, mung beans and some mild spices) is widely suggested during Panchakarma. One must avoid strenuous physical activities, late nights, alcohol, smoking etc.

General contra-indications for Panchakarma: Very weak patients, very old or very young people, pregnancy, certain heart conditions etc. In such cases Shamana therapy may be administered.

·         Paschatkarma (post-treatment phase): Panchakarma can be compared to a surgical procedure where by one must follow certain rule and regulations.  Immediately after surgery, one is advised to get back to normal lifestyle gradually. Likewise during this phase, one gradually starts following normal lifestyle including food intake, daily lifestyle, exercises etc. One also takes certain herbs and herbal remedies to complete the rejuvenation process in the body. The common herbs given during this phase are Ashwagandha, Pippali, Brahmi, Amalaki etc. Although one must bear in mind the body type before giving any herbs.

One should undertake Panchakarma procedure at least once every two years. Panchakarma is not only for people suffering from diseases but also for healthy people who want to maintain good health and long life. Panchakarma is usually done at the junction of two seasons (e.g. between summer and autumn). Panchakarma can be done in 2 weeks.

Panchakarma is a special procedure which requires guidance and supervision of a properly trained Ayurvedic practitioner. Each person receives this treatment in a tailor made format to suit their body type and medical problems, if any. Other medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart problems, bleeding conditions etc are also taken into consideration before designing a protocol for a patient (as these may form a contra-indication for certain therapies). Always consult a fully qualified Ayurvedic practitioner if you wish to receive Panchakarma therapy.

Free Ayurveda Consultation by Vaidya; Patanjali Arogya Kendra, Harsaon, Hapur Road, Ghaziabad

Free Ayurveda Consultation by Vaidya; Patanjali Arogya Kendra, Harsaon, Hapur Road, Ghaziabad: