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THE TASTES OR RASAS

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taste

One of the important concepts in Ayurveda is Rasa or taste. You might think what impact, the tastes have on us. Let us see in detail.

THE TASTES OR RASAS

There are six types of tastes:-

  1. Swadu or sweet
  2. Amla or sour
  3. Lavana or salt
  4. Tikta or bitter
  5. Ushana or pungent
  6. Kashaya or astringent

These rasas or tastes are dependent on the substance.

HOW DOES THE TASTES AFFECTS THE DOSHAS

Yes, the tastes have a great influence on the doshas. 

  • Vata:- 

The tastes that alleviate or decrease the Vata are Sweet, Sour and Salt. Whereas those result in the aggravation or increase of the dosha are Bitter, Pungent and Astringent.

  • Pitta:-

Astringent, Bitter and Sweet are the tastes that result in the alleviation of the doshas. At the same time, Sour, Salt and Pungent tastes cause the aggravation of the dosha.

  • Kapha:-

Kapha gets increased by Bitter, Pungent and Astringent tastes and gets decreased by Sweet, Sour and Salt.

ANURASA

Along with a primary taste, a secondary taste may also be present and that taste is called as Anurasa.

Along with Anurasas, various combinations of tastes can be found in different substances.

This is the wonder of nature and this is why we say food should be the medicine and not the other way. According to your body condition you can decide, the type of food you should take, thus can make an equilibrium among the doshas.

PRAKRITHI

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According to Ayurveda, each and every individual’s body constitution is decided by the predominant dosha in them. The predominance of doshas is determined during the fertilization. Many factors influence this.

  • Whichever dosha is predominant in the ovum and sperm helps to form the body constitution.
  • The food that is taken by the mother during the pregnancy also has a great influence in this.
  • The behaviour of the mother during pregnancy and the emotions during the time period also affects a lot.
  • The nature of the uterus, even the season also determines the prakrithi of an individual.

There are mainly seven types of prakrithi or body constitution, according to the combination of doshas.

  1. Vataja:- This constitution is formed from the predominance of Vata.
  2. Pittaja:- The predominance of Pitta makes this constitution.
  3. Kaphaja:- Kapha’s predominance helps in the formation of this constitution.
  4. Vata Pittaja:- Vata and Pitta combines to form this body constitution.
  5. Vata Kaphaja:- When Kapha along with Vata become predominant, they forms this constitution.
  6. Pitta Kaphaja:- Pitta and Kapha constitutes this prakrtri.
  7. Tridoshaja:- When all the three doshas are predominant, they constitute tridoshaja prakrithi

A person’s appearance, nature, character, hair, body, strength, span, health etc. are all influenced by the prakrithi of the person. A physician can help you to assess your prakrithi.

Milk and Milk Products

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From ancient period onwards, milk is considered to be the complete food. It is a best source for various vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats etc. Now let us see what Ayurveda has to say about milk and milk products.

According to Ayurveda, milk is sweet in taste. The milk is invigorating, aphrodisiac and acts as a coolant. It nourishes the tissues.

But the properties may change according to the source. In Ashtanga Hrdaya, various types of milk are discussed, including human milk.

Cow’s milk:- Ayurveda says that a person who consumes cow’s milk will get long life. Cow’s milk is also rejuvenative. It provides strength and increases intelligence.

Buffalo’s Milk:- Since this milk is difficult to digest, this milk can only be given to those with very powerful digestion.

Goat’s Milk:- Goat’s milk is easily digestible. It can be used in the treatment of several conditions like fever, dyspnoea etc.

Camel’s Milk:- Camel’s milk can help in increasing appetite and is easily digestible.

The text also discusses about the properties of ewe, elephant and that of one hoofed animals.

MILK PRODUCTS

Curd
Curd is sour in taste. It is hard to digest. It helps in increasing fat and strength. Having curd will help in improving taste and appetite. But consuming curd may cause oedema in some. Ayurveda advices not to have curd in night and also do not heat the curd.

Traditional Buttermilk:- It is easily digestible and improves the appetite. It is sour in taste.

Butter:- Butter is aphrodisiac in nature and improves strength and digestion. It is cold in potency.

Ghee:- Ghee is considered to be the best among fats. It improves intelligence, memory and digestion. It bestows long life and good eye sight.

Among all these, the milk and milk products of cow is considered to be the best and that of ewe’s is the least

Sweeteners

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In our day today life, we use a wide variety of sweeteners. Chocolates, breads, desserts… all contain a large amount of sweeteners. In Ayurveda too, the topic is discussed and studied well. Let us take a glimpse.

Sugarcane Juice:- Sugarcane juice many properties. It acts like a laxative. Even though it is hard to digest, it nourishes the body and helps in making the body stout. The juice is diuretic and therefore helps in curing urinary problems. Along with that, it is an aphrodisiac. But spoiled sugarcane juice can cause burning sensation. Different varieties of sugarcane juice are mentioned.

Half Cooked Molasses:- This is said to be heavy and hard to digest. But it is diuretic.

Jaggery:- If purified well, the jaggery is laxative and acts as a diuretic. If not purified well, it can cause worm infestation.

Other varieties like brown sugar, sugar candy and refined sugar are also mentioned in Ayurveda. It says that they all have aphrodisiac property.

The best variety of sweetener is refined sugar and least variety is the half cooked molasses.

Honey:- Honey have a lot of medicinal properties. It is good for eye sight. It alleviates thirst. Along with that it helps to cure hiccup, cough diarrhoea. But it should not be heated. For treatment purposes it can be added with warm medicines.

Oils and Other Types of Fats

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oil

Oils are used for cooking, massaging etc. Only some of us know their properties. Ayurveda discusses about the properties of oils from different sources.

Sesame oil:- This oil have the ability to penetrate deeply into skin. It is hot in potency and kills worms. When processed well, the oil acquires the ability to cure many diseases.

Castor Oil:- The castor oil is laxative, hard to digest and is capable of penetrating deep into the skin.

Mustard Oil:- The oil is hot in potency, penetrates deep into skin and easily digestible.

Neem Oil:- This oil is not very hot, destroys worms and other skin disorders.

Linseed Oil and Sunflower Oil:- These oils are hot in potency.

The text also discusses about the Vasa(muscle fat), Majja (Bone marrow) and Medas (fat). They increases the body strength.

Water

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water

Water, is the elixir of life. Can you imagine a life without water? No doubt, earth would have been devoid of life. Let us see what Ayurveda says about water.

In Ashtanga Hrdaya, the water is classified according to the source.

The best type of water is rain water and that water which is exposed to sun and wind.

Dushta Jala or Contaminated Water:- In Ayurveda, it is strictly advised that a person should not consume contaminated water. If the water appears dirty, mixed with slush, algae, weeds or leaves, if not exposed to sunlight and wind, if it appears to be frothy, thick, heavy, or if there are worms or spiders, then the water is said to be contaminated.

River Water:- The water from Himalayan rivers was said to be the purest river water. Since the water gets churned up as it gets churned up while flowing from the mountains, it is said to be good for health. It is also said that water from certain regions can cure certain conditions.

The Ayurveda also discusses about well water.

Ayurveda also mentions the benefits of drinking water while having food. It is said that:-

  • If a person drinks water in the end of his or her meals, then the person’s body will be nourished or stout.
  • If a person drinks water in the beginning of his or her meals, then the person’s body will get emaciated.
  • If a person drinks water in the middle of his or her meals, then the person’s body will remain the same or normal.

The Ayurveda also discusses about the benefits of drinking hot water and cold water:-

 

  • Hot Water:-  Drinking hot water helps increase hunger and digestion. It helps to cure throat conditions, flatulence, cough, cold, dyspnoea etc.
  • Cold Water:- Drinking cold water helps in decreasing exhaustion, debility, thirst, heat of sun etc.

 

Coconut Water

Coconut water/ tender coconut water is sweet in taste and easily digestible. It is a coolant that relieves taste and is good for urinary problems.

Hypertension And Ayurveda

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hypertension

Hypertension or High blood pressure has become a common condition. Long term medication is needed to manage the blood pressure. Let us see what results in the increase in blood pressure.

WHAT CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

The factors that determine the blood pressure are:-

  • The amount of blood your heart pumps.
  • The amount of resistance in the arteries to blood flow.

Now you may understand what results the high pressure. if your heart pumps more amount of blood or if the arteries become narrow, your blood pressure increases.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A person with high blood pressure may not have any symptoms for many years. Even though there may not be any symptoms, the condition may continue causing damages to blood vessels and heart. Eventually the variation in the pressure can be detected.

A few may develop the following symptoms:-

  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nose bleed

If uncontrolled this may result in heart attack or stroke and usually most people only get to know about their condition when they fall sick.

CAUSES

Primary hypertension

The cause is unknown. This type gradually develops over years.

Secondary hypertension

There will be an underlying cause that results in hypertension. The conditions that may cause hypertension are:-

  • Kidney problems
  • Thyroid issues
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Adrenal gland tumors
  • Congenital defects of arteries
  • Illegal drugs
  • Some medicines etc.

RISK FACTORS

Many factors increase the risk of hypertension. They are:-

  • Age:- The risk of getting hypertension increases with the age.
  • Family History:- high blood pressure tends to run in families
  • Obesity
  • Less physical activity
  • Tobacco usage
  • Including too much salt in your diet and absence of enough potassium.
  • Alcoholism
  • Stress
  • Certain chronic conditions

During pregnancy, some may suffer from high blood pressure.

COMPLICATIONS

If uncontrolled for long period of time, the condition may cause:-

  • Heart attack 
  • Stroke
  • Aneurysm
  • Heart failure
  • Affects the functioning of kidneys
  • Affects the health of eyes
  • Affects memory etc.

HYPERTENSION AND AYURVEDA

The history of the person is studied to understand the type and cause of hypertension. Internal and external medications can help in the management of the high blood pressure. Rest is an important factor that helps in this condition. Some of the treatments that can help are:-

  • Talam
  • Siro dhara
  • Siro lepa
  • Nasya
  • Raktamoksha
  • Rasayana chikitsa etc.

Yoga and meditation helps in controlling the blood flow and thereby helps in reducing the blood pressure.

The treatment is determined by the qualified physician after determining the root cause

Dandruff

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dandruff

Dandruff is a common skin condition that affects scalp. It is estimated that half of the adults are affected by this condition. The male population is more affected than the female population.

The exact cause is unknown but the environmental and genetic factors have a role in causing dandruff.

The main symptoms a person with dandruff will have to face are:-

  • Itching of the scalp
  • Flaking skin of the scalp

If the condition is associated with redness and itching not only on the scalp but also over the face, the condition is called seborrheic dermatitis.

In scalp psoriasis person may present with large silver scales and bigger lesions.

Dandruff is one of the main causes of hair fall. When left untreated the person may suffer from depression or low self esteem.

Dandruff in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda according to the condition or presentation the dandruff can be treated in many ways.

After assessing the Dosha and the condition the patient can be subjected to:-

  • Shiro lepana:- In this procedure medicated paste is applied on the scalp and left there for a specified time. Later the paste is washed off.
  • Shira kshalana:- medicated decoctions or liquids are used to wash the hair and scalp to cure the condition.
  • Shiro abhyanga:- in this procedure medicated oils are used to massage the scalp and hair.
  • Shodhana chikilsa:- The purification therapies like blood letting, Vamana, virechana and Nasyam are used to eliminate the doshas.

The treatment to be done is decided by the physician after assessing the the vitiated doshas. The treatment should be done under the strict supervision of the physician. A patient should follow the instructions of the physician to get maximum result.

Asthma

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asthma

Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease affecting the airways. the airways become narrow swollen and produce extra mucus that obstruct the passage.

Usually the person suffering from asthma suffer from recurring symptoms like reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm.

Symptoms

  • Wheezing:- high pitch whistling sound produced while breathing. This is caused by the narrowed air passage
  • Coughing
  • Chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath

The symptoms may version at night or in early morning.

Some may suffer from associated conditions like:-

  • GERD:-Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
  • Rhinosinusitis
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Mood disorders

What causes asthma?

The factors that cause of asthma can be:-

  • Environmental factors:- increased air pollution is one of the factor that causes asthma. Lower quality of air has raised the number of persons affected by asthma.
  • Over cleanliness:- There is a theory that supports over cleanliness will also increases the chance for asthma. Reduced exposure to bacteria and viruses will have negative effect on the immunity of the body. Now a days the doctors recommend moderate exposure to dirt and dust, in the early stages of life as good for improving the immunity.
  • Smoking:- both active and passive smoking are the causes for asthma.
  • Genetic factors

How can we manage asthma in Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda asthma is considered as swasa. The condition is classified into many types according to the signs and symptoms shown by the patient. Difference Symptoms and signs are caused by the vitiation of different doshas.

After a thorough examination the physician decides the type of treatment to be given to the person. 

According to the type of Swasa, and the condition of patient the mode of treatment is selected.

  • Shodhana chikitsa:- If the patient is strong and is eligible for shodhana chikitsa, then the person can be subjected to purification after the pre operative procedures. This will help in eliminating the vitiated doshas from the body and will help in managing the condition rapidly.
  • Shamana chikitsa:- If the person is not capable of undergoing shodhana chikitsa, then the person can be given Shamana chikitsa. In this type of treatment medicines are given manage the condition.

Along with the treatments or after the treatment if patient should follow a healthy lifestyle and diet according to the instructions of the physician.

Practicing yoga especially pranayama can help in managing asthma.

Allergy

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allergy

Allergy has become a common condition. It is the hypersensitivity of the immune system to substances that are usually harmless. A large percentage of the population is suffering from one or the other type of allergy.

Types of allergy

There are many types of allergies. The most common ones are:-

  • Hay fever
  • Food allergy
  • Asthma
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Drug allergy etc

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, present with signs and symptoms like running nose and cold.

The common foods that cause allergy are wheat, peanut, shellfish etc. some children are also allergic to cow’s milk, goat’s milk etc. The person main person with vomiting, diarrhoea or skin rashes.

Some drugs like penicillin, can cause a state of anaphylaxis, if left untreated may result in coma or death. Even some food or insect bites can also cause anaphylaxis.

What are the signs and symptoms shown by the person with allergy

Even though each person may have a different type of allergy, some signs and symptoms may be common.

  • Rhinitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Redness of eyes
  • Itching of eyes
  • Dyspnea with wheezing
  • Skin rashes
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea etc

What are the farctors that cause allergy

A different immune response of the body causes allergy. The body’s immune system may react to harmless substances like pollen grains. The factors that influence are:

  • Environmental factors
  • Genetic factors

The stress and anxiety may worsen the condition.

Over cleanliness may increase the chances of allergy.

Management allergy can be done by minimal exposure to the allergens.

Management of allergy in Ayurveda

As in case of every disease, evaluation of the Dosha predominance is done. The treatment for the condition is determined according to the vitiated dosha.

  • Shodhana chikitsa:- Purificatory therapies helps in eliminating the dosa, and thereby helps in the management of allergy.
  • Shamana chikilsa:- Those ineligible for purificatory therapies can be subjected to Shamana chikilsa.

Yoga and change in lifestyle can help tackle the allergy easily along with treatments.

Insomnia

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Insomnia

Insomnia or sleeplessness is a sleep disorder. A person suffering from insomnia find difficulty to fall asleep or stay asleep.

The lack of sleep affects the person in many ways. The after effects of insomnia are:-

  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Low energy
  • Irritability
  • Depressed mood

The causes of insomnia

Insomnia may be caused by the following reasons:-

  • Psychological Stress
  • Chronic pain
  • Heart failure or heart diseases
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Heartburn
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Menopause
  • Due to some medications
  • Intake of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol etc.

Symptoms

The person with insomnia may suffer from:-

  • Difficulty in falling asleep
  • Difficulty in finding a comfortable sleeping position
  • Waking during night and unable to return to sleep
  • Waking up early
  • Tiredness
  • Difficulty in finding focus on daily task
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

How to prevent insomnia

A person can avoid insomnia by limiting or avoiding naps. Avoid taking large meals before going to bed. Decrease the amount of intake of caffeine, nicotine or alcohol. Treatment for any physical ailments that can cause insomnia should be done at correct time.

Management of insomnia in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda insomnia can be managed effectively. The most important thing is to find the exact cause of insomnia. After finding the course the treatment can be decided accordingly.

General methods that can be used for treating insomnia are:-

  • Abhyanga:- massaging the body with oil
  • Padabhyanga:- massaging foot with oil
  • Thalam:- medicated paste is made and is applied on the head
  • Shiro abhyanga:- massaging of head with oil
  • Shirodhara:- pouring of medicated liquids on head.

Apart from the above said procedures, there are internal medicines that help the person to overcome the cause of insomnia

Low back ache

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lower back ache

Low back ache is a common disorder that may involve muscles, nerves and bones of back. The pain can be mild to severe.

Causes of low back ache

There are a large number of causes.

Strain, sprain, spasm osteoarthritis, herniation, stenosis and fracture are some of the musculoskeletal causes.

Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, Arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome also cause low back pain.

Some malignancies like breast cancer, prostate cancer, bone cancer and thyroid cancer cause pain in the lower back area.

Osteomyelitis and abscess are infectious conditions that can cause low back pain.

In some conditions like kidney diseases and gallbladder diseases, there can be lower back pain as referred pain.

Osteoarthritis, degeneration of disc etc are the most common conditions of low back pain.

In women conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cyst, ovarian cancer and uterine fibroids also present with low back pain.

Management of low back pain in Ayurveda

First of all the exact cause of the low back pain is to be determined. The physician may use techniques like X-rays, MRI to diagnose the condition. After diagnosing the condition, the physician decide what treatment is to be given.

In low back pain due to ankylosing spondylitis  etc. the treatment may be as follows:-

  • Lepanam:- medicated paste is made and applied on the area and left their for a specified time.
  • Kati abhyanga:- it is the massaging of low back area with oil
  • Kashaya Dhara:- medicated decoctions are made and used to pour over the painful area
  • Different pinda Sweda:- according to the condition of the patient and the disease the physician chooses appropriate type of pinda Sweda. That maybe Patra potali Sweda, jambira pinda Sweda, churna pinda Sweda etc.
  • Sodhana chikilsa:- purification therapies especially basti, can help alleviate the condition.

Along with the treatment appropriate exercises that can help strengthen The structures in the lower back area can also help in overcoming the pain.

The pain caused by other reasons are treated accordingly.

Fissure-in-ano

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Fissure---in---ano

Fissure-in-ano is a break or tear in skin of anal canal. A person with fissure-in-ano mein often complain about bright red coloured bleeding. He or she may also complain about pain after defecation.

The causes of fissure-in-ano

Most of the fissure are caused by the stretching of anal mucosa beyond its capability. Usually the fissure looks like a paper cut and therefore is not visible easily.

In adults the fissure is caused by:-

  • Constipation
  • Passing of large and hard stools
  • Prolonged diarrhoea

In older adults, the blood flow to the anus decreases and therefore can cause fissure-in-ano.

Fissure-in-ano is associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome etc.

In sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, herpes and human papillomavirus infection, the anal mucosa becomes unhealthy and may result in fissure-in-ano.

Other common causes that can cause the condition are:-

  • Child birth trauma
  • Anal sex
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis

Management of fissure- in-ano in Ayurveda

Medicines are given to smoothen the bowel. After a thorough examination the physician decides the treatment to be done.

The following treatments are effective in fissure in ano:-

  • Avagaha:- douche in medicated water
  • Local application of medicated oil, ghee
  • Basti or enema

Along with the treatments internal medicines are also given to alleviate the condition.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Carpal-tunnel-syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition due to the compression of median nerve at the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

The person with carpal tunnel syndrome may present with pain, numbness, tingling income, index and middle fingers. The patient may feel weakness while gripping.

The factors that can cause risk 

The condition can cause risk are:-

  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Trauma
  • The type of works that may cause stress or strain in the rest

How can we manage carpal tunnel syndrome in Ayurveda

The following treatment qualities can be used for treating carpal tunnel syndrome:-

  • Abhyanga:- massaging the area with oil
  • Applying hot water bag
  • Medicated pastes are used to apply in the area to reduce inflammation and pain
  • Bandaging
  • Local Dhara:- pouring of medicated decoctions locally
  • Agni karna:- cauterization

Along with the treatment, internal medicines are also given to alleviate the condition.

If the pain is caused by work, then the person should change the mode of work along with the treatment.

Acne

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acne

Acne vulgaris is skin condition caused due to the clogging of hair follicles. Usually acne is seen during puberty

What are the causes of acne

The following are the causes that may cause acne:-

  • Genetics
  • Diet:- a high sugar diet can increase the chances of developing acne.
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Hormonal disorders:- androgens are responsible for producing acne. In some hormonal disorders like PCOD, androgens are produced in large amount and hence acne are formed
  • Stress
  • Environmental factors
  • Side effects of some medications

The increase in production by skin leads to the clogging of the skin pores. The bacteria may grow inside the clogged pores, resulting in acne.

Symptoms of acne

A person suffering from acne medicine with the following symptoms:-

  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Pimples
  • Oily skin
  • Scarring

Usually it affects the skin of face, upper part of chest and back.

When the acne affects the appearance of the person it may cause anxiety and low self esteem. in severe cases an individual may go into depression.

According to the severity, the acne can be classified as mild moderate and severe.

Scars are usually formed due to the abnormal healing of the acne and is usually found in severe acne.

In some cases hyperpigmentation can also be seen.

Management of acne vulgaris in Ayurveda

The underlying cause of acne vulgaris is first studied. If the cost is an underlying disease, that condition is treated first.

The following methods can help manage acne vulgaris:-

  • Lepanam:- a medicated paste is made and applied over the affected area. This letter removed after a specified time
  • Jalaukavacharanam:- it is a method of bloodletting therapy. After proper pre operative procedures, the procedure is done under supervision of the physician. It will help in alleviating vitiated doshas.
  • Other purificatory therapies like virechanam, Nasyam etc.

The Treatment for the condition is determined by the physician after the close examination of the patient. Along with the above said treatments there are internal medicines that can help tackle acne vulgaris.

Premature Graying Of Hair And Treatments In Ayurveda

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premature graying

Everyone dream of having beautiful hair. But, if the hair greys fast ??? What are the treatments that are available in Ayurveda to manage premature greying? Let us see about all these in this article.

PREMATURE GREYING

This condition has a negative impact on mind. The person loses confidence and self esteem. Hair is said to have prematurely if it occurs before the age of 20 years in Whites, before 25 years in Asians and before 30 in Africans.

Causes of Premature Greying

Many nutritional, genetic and environmental factors contribute to this condition.

Nutritional Factors:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Severe iron deficiency
  • Chronic protein loss
  • Copper deficiency
  • Low serum ferritin
  • Low serum calcium
  • Low Vitamin D3

Genetic Factors:

  • Familial predisposition
  • Certain chromosomal defects
  • Certain autoimmune disorders

Environmental Factors

  • Smoking
  • Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays
  • Pollution

Now let us see what Ayurveda has to say about premature greying

PREMATURE GREYING IN AYURVEDA

The condition is called as Palita in Ayurveda. It is of 4 types:-

  • Vataja
  • Pittaja
  • Kaphaja
  • Sannipataja

Many treatment methods are there to manage the premature greying. Mainly Rasayana should be done, i.e. Rejuvenation therapy.

Along with that certain treatments are also done:-

  • Siro abhyanga:- Head massage
  • Siro basthi:- Holding of oil on head with the help of a well like structure
  • Siro dhara:- Pouring of medicated liquids or oils in a specific manner
  • Nasyam:- Nasal instillation
  • Virechanam:- Purgation

The treatments may vary according to the condition of each individual.

TIPS TO PREVENT THE PREMATURE GREYING

  • Take nutritious foods. Do not stick on to one diet. Include many types of foods.
  • Stay hydrated. Water helps to maintain the moisture of hair.
  • Protect your hair from pollution
  • Do not treat your hair with chemicals. Give them a natural hug.
  • Avoid stress and sleep well.

Parkinson’s disease

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Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term degeneration disorder of central nervous system affecting motor system.

The condition was named after an English doctor named James Parkinson.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

The following are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:-

  • Tremor
  • Muscle rigidity
  • Bradykinesia:- Slownesss of movement
  • Difficulty in walking
  • Postural instability
  • Thinking and behavioural problems

A person suffering from Parkinson’s disease may later developed dementia. The person may also suffer from anxiety and social phobia.

Causes

The exact cause for the condition is not known. But some theories state that exposure to pesticides mein increase the risk of parkinsonism. Along with that brain trauma may also increases the chances for having Parkinson’s disease.

Management of Parkinson’s disease

According to the Ayurveda, Parkinson’s disease is caused by the aggravation of Vata dosha.

So treatments that can alleviate Vata dosha can be done. The following treatments can be done in case of Parkinson’s disease:-

  • Udwarthanam:- rubbing of medicated powder over the body
  • Abhyangam:- massaging of body with oil
  • Svedanam:- sudation therapy
  • Thalam:- application of medicated paste on the head
  • Shirodhara:- pouring of medicated liquids over the head
  • Shirovasti:- structure is made around the head and oil is made to stand in the structure.
  • Nasyam:- pouring of medicated liquids inside nose
  • Basti:- enema therapy

It is the physician who chooses the treatment and he may include other treatments too in order to get more results.

Along with the treatments the patient should be given mental support.

Yoni Kshalanam

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Yoni kshalanam

In simple words, this procedure can be compared to “Vaginal Douche”. Yes, in this procedure the irrigation of vagina or the rinsing of vagina is done.

HOW YONI KSHALANAM IS DONE?

Medicated decoctions are used for this procedure. Before the procedure, the instruments etc. are made sterile. The entire procedure is done in the most hygienic conditions. Then the person is made to lie in lithotomy position. The douche is done with utmost care. After the douche is done, the person is asked to lie comfortably for specified time.

INDICATIONS

Yoni Kshalanam can be done in cases like:-

  • Infections
  • Cervicitis
  • Trichomioniasis
  • Cervical erosions etc.

The person should follow all the instructions given by the physician strictly.

Uro Vasthi

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Uro vasthi

Uro Vasthi comes under External Vasthi. Uro Basthi is done on the chest region.

HOW URO VASTHI IS DONE?

In this procedure, the person is asked to lie in supine position. A well-like structure or a frame is made and fixed on the chest region. While fixing it should be made sure that it should be leak-proof. After this warm medicated oil is poured into it and is held there for a specified time. The temperature of the medicated oil is kept constant by making the oil warm. After the procedure, the oil is removed and the person can bath in luke-warm water after 15 minutes of relaxation.

INDICATIONS

The Uro Vasthi is indicated in the following conditions:-

  • Hiccups
  • Injuries in the chest region
  • Costochondritis
  • In certain types of cough etc.

The person should not shake or move during the procedure. He/she should follow the instructions of the physician strictly.

Udwarthanam

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Udwarthanam

Udwarthanam comes under Rukshana type of treatments. This is usually done before the Panchakarmas.

HOW UDWARTHANAM IS DONE?

In Udwarthanam, medicated powders or pastes are used to massage on the body. The pressure of the massage is adjusted to make the procedure comfortable. The massage is done in the opposite direction of the body hair or Pratiloma direction. The time period of the treatment is decided by the physician.

Face and head are avoided. Care is taken to avoid the medicine from falling in the eyes, ears and nose. While consulting the physician the person should inform the physician whether the person is suffering from any type of allergies, especially dust allergy.

After the period of rest the person can bath in luke warm water.

BENEFITS OF UDWARTHANAM

By undergoing Udwarthanam the following benefits are there:-

  • Acts as a passive exercise.
  • Good for skin
  • Makes the body light
  • Helps in removing bad odours
  • Helps in improving the activities of the muscles
  • Makes the body more flexible

Ayurveda advises to practice Udwarthanam as a daily regimen. But it can also be used to treat many conditions.

INDICATIONS

The Udwarthanam is indicated in the conditions like:-

  • Diseases caused by the Kapha Dosha
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Wasting of muscles
  • Motor neuron diseases
  • Neuropathies
  • Vascular diseases, mainly that are peripheral

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

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

  • Diseases caused by the Pitta Dosha
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Wounds and injuries
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • In children and old aged etc.

The person should follow the instructions given by the physician. If he/she finds any discomfort, especially skin irritation, allergy or intolerable pressure, the person should inform the physician.