Eye Care in Ayurveda

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Ayurveda Eye Care

There is no need to explain about the importance of eyes. Vision is a real gift. Therefore the eye care is also important. Before that let me give a brief idea about the structure of eyes.

Ayurveda deals with this topic under the branch “Shalakyatantra”.

THE STRUCTURE OF EYE

Even though we call it eye ball, it is “ablate spheroid” in shape. It has mainly 3 layers or coats:-

  1. Fibrous coat:- The outermost dense coat that protects the contents inside. Sclera, the white portion that we can see, is opaque and forms the major part. Cornea, the transparent part that we see is attached to the sclera, like a watch glass. Conjunctiva, a translucent mucous membrane, is firmly attached at the junction of sclera and cornea.
  2. Vascular Coat:- The name gives the idea. Yes, the layer is rich in blood vessels and provides nutrition to the other structures. The Iris, the colour of which determines the colour of our eyes, is present in this layer. Lens is also a part of this coat.
  3. Nervous Coat:- The vision is the main function of eyes. So this layer, also known as the Retina, does all those related to visual function.

We all have an idea, how our eyes function. The light rays fall on retina, after passing through the cornea and lens, forming an inverted image, this is later processed by the brain to form the original image.

Ayurveda also explains the structure and the functioning of eye in detail. It also explains the disorders that affect eyes and its adjoining structures. The treatments and procedures are of a wide range.

THE TREATMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR EYES

  • Netra Seka:- In this the medicated liquid is poured on the closed eyes at a specified height. The medicines used includes decoctions etc. this procedure is usually done at day time.
  • Aschothanam:- In this the medicine is instilled as drops in the open eyes. Here also the height from which the medicine is instilled is very important. Mainly this procedure is used as the first line of treatment for almost all the eye diseases.
  • Anjanam:- In this procedure the medicine is applied in the eyes using a rod like instrument. This can be done as a daily regimen.
  • Netra Tarpanam:- in this a well like structure is made around the eyes and the medicine is poured into it and allowed to stay inside it.

There are many other treatments and procedures for the eyes. Only a few are mentioned above.

As the eyes are one of the most important organs in our body, take utmost care while undergoing the treatments. The person ‘must’ follow the instructions given by the physician.

Above all, we all know that “Prevention is better than cure”. So:-

  • Always read in well lit room
  • Continuous and long time use of mobile phones and laptops may cause eye problems. Always adjust the brightness of the screen.
  • Never watch television from close distance.
  • Include vitamin rich food in your diet
  • If you are feeling strain in your eyes for any reason, give time for your eyes to relax.
  • Proper sleep will help a lot.

REFERENCES:-

  • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
  • SAMS

 

Thalam

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Thalam

Thalam is a treatment done on the head. Let us see how it is done.

HOW THALAM IS DONE

In Thalam, medicated powder is made into paste by mixing the powder with suitable medicated oils or liquids, like juices of herbs. This paste is applied on the scalp or only on the vertex of the head. After specified time, the thalam is removed. This treatment can be done as a main procedure or as a pre-operative procedure.

INDICATIONS

This treatment may seem so simple. But Thalam can be used in many conditions like:-

  • Insomnia
  • Skin disorders
  • Dandruff
  • Headache
  • Migraine
  • Psychiatric Problems
  • Eye Disorders
  • Ear Disorders

Depending upon the medicines used, the action of the procedure varies.

REFERENCES

  • Principles and Practice of Panchakarma

Benefits of Ayurveda Steam Bath

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Ayurveda Steam Bath

Medicated steam bath comes under the category of Swedana Therapy. This helps in relieving pain, stiffness etc.

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS DONE?

This procedure is done in a box. The person either made to sit or lie inside the box, according to the type of box. Steamer is connected to the box. According to the condition of the person the amount of steam inside the box is regulated. After the specified time the patient is allowed to relax and the sweat is wiped off.
The steam is made by boiling water or medicated decoctions inside the steamer. This is decided by the physician according to the condition of the person. At times milk decoctions are also used for Swedana.
This procedure can be done either as a main procedure or as pre-operative.

MAJOR BENEFITS:

Relieves pain
Reduces the stiffness
Makes the body light
Improves the digestion
Improves the quality of skin

Every procedure should only be done after consulting the physician. Every details regarding the person’s health and history should be discussed with physician.

Rejuvenation Therapy or Rasayana Chikitsa

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Rejuvenation-Therapy

In one word, we can define Rasayana Chikitsa as Rejuvenation Therapy. What does Ayurveda says about Rasayana.

“रसायनतन्त्रं नाम वय:स्थापनमायुर्मेधाबलकरं रोगापहरणसमर्थम् च ॥“

(Susrutha Samhitha : Suthra Sthana: Chapter:1: Verse:7)

Rasayana Tantra is that branch of Ayurveda that describes the methods of withholding ageing, increasing the life-span, intelligence, strength and immunity.

In total, the Rasayana Chikitsa helps in overall improvement of health.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF REJUVENATION THERAPY?

As per Charaka Samhitha, one of the most important texts in Ayurveda, the one who undergoes Rasayana Chikitsa will obtain:-

  • Prolonged life span
  • Increased memory power
  • Intellect
  • Health
  • Youthfulness
  • Good lustre
  • Shining complexion
  • Excellent voice
  • Strong body and sense organs

Charaka Samhitha, the best treatise that teaches the treatment modalities, dedicates four parts in the very beginning of its Chikitsa Sthana, (the section that teaches about the treatments). That itself shows how the Ayurveda gives emphasis on the prevention of diseases and protection of health. Yes, “Prevention is better than cure”. Explore authentic Rejuvenation retreats

TYPES OF RASAYANA CHIKITSA

There are mainly 2 types of Rasayana Chikitsa:-

  • Kutipraveshika Rasayana Chikitsa

In this method the treatment is administered by keeping the individual inside a specially constructed cottage, without being exposed to sun and wind. In this a special cottage, with narrow ventilators are constructed as per the instructions given in the treatises. After evaluating the climate etc, the individual, enters the cottage and is subjected to purification or Shodhana Chikitsa and thereafter Rasayana Chikitsa. The Shodhana is done after evaluating the nature of the body of the individual. The administration is different formulations or drugs are done for a definite time period, in prescribed dosages.

  • Vatatapika Rasayana Chikitsa

This treatment can be done even if the individual is exposed to wind and sun.

Who All Are Eligible To Undergo Rasayana Chikitsa?

Even though the physician is the one who decides whether an individual is eligible to undergo Rasayana Chikitsa, here a general list is given below:-

  • Kutipraveshika

      • Able-bodied
      • Free from diseases
      • Intelligent
      • Having self-control
      • Having enough time to spare

  • Vatatapika

    • All others who are not eligible for Kutipraveshika Rasayana Chikitsa.

As we discussed earlier, Ayurveda not only gives importance to physical wellbeing but also to mental and emotional well-being. Therefore Ayurveda also describes the good conducts, that when followed, will give rejuvenation.

Note:-

The Rasayana Chikitsa should be strictly done under the supervision of a physician. The formulations and dosage are to be decided by the physician only as it varies according to nature of the body of the individual.

The individual should strictly follow the instructions of the physician.

 

 

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REFERENCES:

  • Susrutha Samhitha
  • Charaka Samhitha

 

Weight Management

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Are you obese? Or just over-weight? Confused?? So before talking about weight management , let us discuss about these two terms.

OBESITY AND OVER-WEIGHT

Do you know that Obesity is now one of the leading causes of death world-wide? It has become a pandemic. Even children are affected resulting in various diseases.

Ayurveda includes obesity under the 8 most undesirable physical constitutions.

HOW CAN WE KNOW WHETHER IT IS OBESITY OR OVER-WEIGHT?

You all might have heard about BMI or Body Mass Index. Here is how you calculate BMI:-

BMI = (Weight of the individual in Kg) / (Height in meter) power of 2

BMI (Kg/m2) CLASSIFICATION
From Upto
18.5 Underweight
18.5 25 Normal Weight
25 30 Over-Weight
30 35 Class I Obesity
35 40 Class II Obesity
40 Class III Obesity

 

The fat in body increases mainly in buttocks, abdomen and breast regions.

The fat is distributed in body generally as:-

  • Intra- abdominal fat – The deposition of fat in this region makes the body “apple – shaped”. This is common in men, person suffering from Type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome.
  • Subcutaneous Fat – The deposition of fat in this region makes the body “pear – shaped”.

CAUSES OF OBESITY AND OVER-WEIGHT

Main causes are listed below:-

  • The Genes
  • Endocrine Disorders and other diseases:- Variations of thyroid hormones, PCOS, Mental Disorders etc.
  • Changing Lifestyle:-
  • Increased intake of food in large quantities
  • Increased intake of food which is rich in fat
  • Decreased exercise
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Passive leisure activities

Ayurveda explain the causes as:-

  • Intake of heavy foods
  • Lack of Physical Exercise
  • Day sleep
  • Heredity

COMPLICATIONS OF OBESITY

Being obese can result in:-

  • Various life-style diseases like Type II Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia that can cause Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke etc.
  • The fat accumulation in Liver can result in conditions like Cirrhosis.
  • Many other complications like Exertional Dyspnoea, Sleep apnoea, Respiratory failure etc.
  • Varicose veins, Osteoarthritis
  • Low self-esteem, Depression
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Decrease in life-expectancy

The obesity results in increased mortality and morbidity.

Losing WEIGHT: Tackling Obesity

The health risks caused by obesity are largely reversible. Therefore managing body weight helps to reverse complications that arise from obesity. This can be attained by:-

    • Balanced and healthy eating pattern/ weight loss diet
    • Increased physical activity
    • Practicing Yoga/ aerobics

 

  • Internal and External Ayurvedic Medications

 

Ayurvedic Treatments

  • Udwartanam – “ Udwartanam Kashayadi Choorna Gatra Karshanam”

Udwartana is the reinforced rubbing of the body using medicated powders. A variant of Udwartana known as Udgharshanam – in which a mixture of medicated powders and oil are used to rub on the skin. These treatments are also beneficial in diabetes mellitus associated with obesity, various neurological conditions like MND etc.

  • Panchakarmas

A person who follows the Daily Regimen advised by Ayurveda can control weight and stay healthy.

 

REFERENCES:-

  • Davidson’s Principles and Practise of Medicine
  • Principles and Practice of Panchakarma
  • Charaka Samhitha

Abhyangam

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Abhyangam can be easily explained as massaging of the body using medicated oils. But the Abhyangam differs from other type of massages. This is not just a massage but a mode of treatment. It comes under the Snehana type of treatment. That is, the treatment provides moisture, nourishment and strength to the body.

The direction of the massage and the pressure used to massage are very important. The directions regarding how the Abhyangam should be done is given by the physician after proper analysis of the person and his/her condition by the physician.

The Abhyangam is done as both a treatment and as a rejuvenation therapy. It can be done either on whole body or as locally.

The Abhyangam is so important that it is advised to practice Abhyangam every day as a regimen. Practising Abhyangam will:-

  • Ward off old age
  • Reduces tiredness
  • Pacifies vitiated Vata Dosha
  • Provides good vision
  • Nourishes the body
  • Bestows long life
  • Provides good sleep
  • Good and healthy skin
  • Increases the circulation of blood
  • Increases the functioning of nerves
  • Strengthens the muscles etc.

The whole body should be massaged along with head. But those who are suffering from diseases caused by Kapha Dosha, who have just completed the purificatory therapies and those who are suffering from indigestion, should not follow this.

HOW THE ABHYANGAM IS DONE?

The medicated oil used for the Abhyangam is selected according to the condition of the person. The oil is used warm. The person is asked to be seated on the Dhroni, a special table, and the medicated oil is applied all over the body or the area where the Abhyangam is done.

The Abhyangam is done in many positions. Also according to the area, the direction of the Abhyangam also changes.

Usually prone position is avoided in the persons with chronic lung and heart diseases.

After the procedure the oil is wiped off. The patient is allowed to take rest and thereafter is allowed to bath in lukewarm water.

INDICATIONS

The Abhyangam is indicated in the conditions like:-

 

  • Diseases caused by the Vata Dosha
  • Hemiplegia
  • Low back ache
  • Sciatica
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Many other neuro-muscular disorders etc.

 

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

The persons with the following conditions should not undergo Abhyangam:-

 

  • Fever
  • Cold
  • Oedema
  • Haemorrhage
  • Indigestion etc.

 

Before undergoing any procedure the person must consult a physician and provide a detailed history of his/her health, as the benefits of the treatment depends on how you give your details. The present and past conditions are important. Inform the physician about the regular medicines used, if any.

Stress Management

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Stress is a word that is familiar to almost everyone. We all complain about work related stress or stress related to studies etc. But, how to define Stress? Almost everyone knows how it feels like. We can explain stress as,“ a mental, emotional and physical response to a pressure or threat.”

Stress can be:-

  • The stress that creates positive impact – Eustress
  • The stress that creates negative impact – Distress

You might be thinking now is there a“stress creating positive impact”?? Yes. We can see this in detail.

Eustress:- The stress that creates positive impact. For example, winning a competition, success in work, marriage etc. These pressures also cause stress. Since the pressure is positive it creates only less impact on the individual.

Distress:- The stress that creates negative impact. For example, losing a competition, failure in work, divorce etc.

Similarly, we can classify stress based on the duration of the stress:-

Acute Stress:– In this, the body returns to the normal state within 90 minutes.

Chronic Stress:– In this, an emotional pressure that is suffered for a long period of time, on which the individual have little control or no control at all. Even though the stress hormones are released in acute stress, the amount released is low and duration of its action is for short-term. But in chronic stress, the long–term exposure to this hormones results in many complications like hypertension that may lead to heart disease, damaged body systems, suppression of immune system and decreased mental health.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE STRESSED?

Here is a general diagrammatic representation of stress.

 

HOW DOES BODY RESPONDS?

The stress stimulates our body systems to create the response. The body systems involved are:-

  • Nervous System
  • Endocrine System
  • Immune System

The major effects of stress occur at physical, mental and emotional levels. Some of them are:-

  • Increase or decrease of appetite
  • Headache
  • Chest pain
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Tiredness
  • Frustration
  • Irritability
  • Increase in  anger
  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness
  • Irritable bowel

These are only some of the common and major effects. These may change depending on the individual.

Now let us see what Ayurveda says about stress:-

Ayurveda describes stress in the chapter where the mental disorders/problems are mentioned.

“Dhanakaanthaadi naashena………….

……………………………..vicheshtathe   II “

                                     (Ashtanga Hridaya: Uttara Sthana: Chapter-6: Verse-15-16)

It says that the loss of money, spouse etc. which can cause pain that is unbearable, for a long period of time, can cause mental problems.

By this the person becomes:-

  • Pale
  • Timid
  • Faints
  • Weeps without any reason
  • Always talks about the lost
  • Grief-stricken
  • Nervous
  • Insomnia

HOW CAN WE MANAGE STRESS?

Stress is getting common nowadays. Majority of the population suffer from chronic stress in one way or other. The condition gets worse when they do not know how to manage the situation. In Ayurveda, stress is managed through:-

  • Consoling
  • Supporting
  • Practising Yoga
  • Pacifying treatments like Sirodhara, Sirobasthi, Talam, Siroabhyanga etc.
  • Internal medicines prescribed by the physician.
  • Meditation
  • Following the Ayurvedic Daily Regimens
  • Panchakarma

 

Let us take a look on the external treatments mentioned above:-

Talam:- The application of medicated paste on the scalp for a specific period of time. The paste is chosen according to the condition of the patient.

Sirodhara:- In this procedure, medicated oils, decoctions etc. chosen after the careful examination of the individual, is poured continuously on head, for a specific period of time, in specific temperature and force.

Sirobasthi:- In this procedure, a well-like structure is made on head (over the scalp), in which the medicated oil, at specific temperature, is poured, and made to stand there for specific period of time.

Siroabhyanga:- In this the head is massaged with medicated oil.

Along with the above mentioned treatments Panchakarma is also done as per the condition of the patient.

These are general treatments for stress. An individual should consult a physician to analyse the condition and the treatment is selected based on the physician’s evaluation. If needed, internal medicines should taken as per physician’s advice.

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