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Njavara Kizhi

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njavarakizhi

Njavara Kizhi is also known as Shashtika Sali Pinda Swedam. From that term itself it is clear that it comes under the Swedanam or the Sudation Therapy.

Pinda Sweda or Kizhi is a special form of treatment formed and followed in Kerala. In this method, various medicines are used to make boluses that are packed in cloth bags and used to apply heat to the body. According to the type of bolus used the name of the Kizhi changes.

Njavara is a type of rice that has high medicinal value. The rice is cooked in medicated milk decoction. The well-cooked rice is tied in cloth as bolus. The bolus is kept warm throughout the entire procedure by dipping in medicated milk decoction.

INDICATIONS

This procedure can be done as a treatment and also for rejuvenation. Mainly done in conditions like:-

  • Neurological Disorders
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Degenerative disorders

CONTRAINDICATIONS

This cannot be done in:-

  • Diseases caused by Kapha Dosha
  • Conditions with oedema
  • Indigestion
  • Skin diseases
  • Heart diseases
  • Diseases related to urinary system
  • Obesity

The above said are the indications and contraindications of the Njavara Kizhi. But there are many other factors also to be considered before advising the treatment for the person. Only after a careful examination only a physician will advice the treatment.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

The person should follow the instructions given by the physician. Some of the important things to be noted are:-

  • The person should use water that was boiled and then cooled down to luke-warm temperature for bathing.
  • He/she should take medicines prescribed by the physician, if any.
  • Light food is recommended for the person.
  • The person should avoid sexual intercourse during the course of treatment or till the physician suggests.

Mukhalepam

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mukhalepam

Mukhalepam is done on the face. In this treatment the medicated paste is applied on the face and kept for specified time. The paste is made according to the condition of the person.

             During the treatment the person is allowed to sit or lie in a comfortable position. The thickness of the application also depends on the condition of the person. The thickness varies from thin to thick. Usually the applied paste is removed before getting completely dried.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

        According to the condition, Mukhabhyanga or the massage of the face using suitable medicated oil is done. The person should not get himself exposed to fire, sun etc.

INDICATIONS

  The Mukhalepam is indicated in the below said conditions:-

  • Pigmentation of the face
  • Acne
  • Pimples
  • Blackheads
  • Wrinkles etc.

BENEFITS

The Mukhalepam have the following benefits:-

  • Improves complexion
  • Clear and flawless skin
  • Antiseptic properties

REFERENCES:-

  • Principles and practice of Panchakarma

Lepanam

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lepanam

This is a very simple treatment. But the action of the treatment is wide. Mostly the treatment is done locally and in special cases in entire body.

HOW LEPANAM IS DONE?

In Lepanam, medicated paste is made by mixing medicated powders with appropriate liquids. Depending upon the condition of the person and disease the selection of the medicines may vary. The prepared medicated paste is applied on the area or the entire body. The paste is removed after the specified time.

BENEFITS

Benefits of the Lepanam vary according to the medicine used. There are lepanams that have:-

  • Anti-inflammatory property
  • Analgesic property
  • Lepanams that help in removing pimples etc.

The action of the lepanam varies according to the medicines used for the lepanam. Therefore the person should inform the physician about his/her condition correctly.

Kizhi

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kizhi

Kizhi is a Malayalam word meaning “a bag filled with”. Here the bag is filled with medicines. The filling can be medicated powder, processed medicinal leaves etc. According to the medicine used inside the bag and the procedure the name of the kizhi changes. In Sanskrit this is named as Pinda Sweda. From the name we can understand that the procedure comes under Swedana type of treatment.

The procedure can be done in many different ways. Let us take a look on different types of Kizhis.

The Kizhis that are commonly used in various treatments are:-

 

  • Churna Pinda Sweda or Podi Kizhi
  • Jambira Pinda Sweda or Naranga Kizhi
  • Kati Kizhi
  • Anda Sweda or Mutta Kizhi
  • Pathra Potali Sweda or Ila Kizhi
  • Shashtika Pinda Sweda or Njavara Kizhi
  • Valuka Sweda or Manal Kizhi

 

CHURNA PINDA SWEDA

                       This procedure is known as Podi Kizhi in Malayalam. In this type the cloth bag is filled with medicated powders or Churnas, hence the name Churna Pinda Sweda. It can be done either after an oil massage or without oil massage. The requirement of oil massage is decided by the physician according to the conditions of the person.

JAMBIRA PINDA SWEDA

             Jambira means lemon. Here processed lemons are used to fill the bag. Before starting the procedure the person is massaged with medicated oils.

KATI KIZHI

              This is a variant of Curna Pinda Sweda. In this procedure, the powder is processed in Dhanyamla.

ANDA SWEDA

             This is also known as Mutta Kizhi. In this type of kizhi, boiled hen’s egg is processed and filled in the bag.

PATHRA POTALI SWEDA

            In Malayalam, this procedure is commonly known as Ila Kizhi. In this type of procedure processed leaves are used to fill in the bags.

SHASHTIKA PINDA SWEDA

           In this type, the bag is filled with processed rice. The rice used is of medicinal value. Usually the bags are dipped in milk during the treatment.

VALUKA SWEDA

         In this the bags are filled with processed sand.

Now let us take a look on how the procedure is done.

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS DONE?

        The person is asked to lie down on the specially set table. The body may or may not be anointed with medicated oil (this is decided by the physician according to the condition of the person and the treatment prescribed). The bags are heated according to the instructions of the physician and the heated bags are used for the sudation.

Follow the instructions of the physician to attain the full effects of treatment.

Remedies For Hair Loss In Ayurveda

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Remedies for hairloss in ayurveda

Ladies and gentlemen!!! We understand the pain when you realise that you are having hair loss. All most everybody in this world might have faced this problem. And we are sure that you might have already done a research in the topic. Now, what makes this article different from others? You might have already read a hundreds of articles about the causes, treatments, and remedies. This article speaks about what can be done to overcome the hair loss with the help of Ayurveda.

First we can discuss about the common types of Hair loss and its causes.

  • Male/Female pattern baldness
  • Alopecia areata
  • Telogen effluvium
  • Anagen effluvium
  • Hairloss due to some hormonal variations

Male/Female Pattern Baldness: – The main factor for this cause is genetics. But it may be also caused by the excess production of androgens. In females, this usually appears after menopause and the thinning occurs on the top and the crown of the head. The thinning starts as widening of the centre hair part. In males, the thinning occurs on the top and front of the head.

Alopecia areata:- This is a condition in which the hair falls of  in round patches. This may occur not ony on the head but also on the body. The condition may occur in various forms:-

  • Alopecia areata:- The loss of hair in small patches
  • Alopecia totalis:- The loss of the entire hair on scalp
  • Alopecia universalis:- The loss of hair all over the body

Telogen effluvium:- This is a condition of temporary hair loss that usually happens after a stress, shock or a traumatic event. In this case, large amounts of hair may fall off. The condition is often temporary and the hair usually grows back. The person may notice hair falling off during the hair wash or while brushing hair. The causes may include:-

  • Severe stress
  • Poor diet
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Pregnancy
  • Child birth
  • Menopause
  • Certain drug interactions
  • Underlying health conditions
  • Metal toxicity

ANAGEN EFFLUVIUM:- It is a pathologic condition in which the growth phase hairs fall off. The person may have partial or complete baldness. The causes of this condition are the following:-

  • Infection
  • Drugs
  • Toxins, for eg. In case of chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Auto-immune diseases, for eg. Arsenic poisoning, gold poisoning etc.

This is just a summary of the hair loss. Now let us see how we can cure hair loss with the help Ayurveda.

HAIR LOSS MANAGEMENT THROUGH AYURVEDA

First the cause of the hair loss is determined by the physician. Then according to the condition, the treatment is prescribed.

Ayurvedic treatments that can be done for Alopecia are:-

  • Siro udwarttanam
  • Nasyam
  • Abhyanga
  • Mild swedanam
  • Lekhanam
  • Virechanam
  • Raktamokshanam
  • Lepanam etc.

For other type of common hair falls:-

  • Mild virechanam
  • Nasyam
  • Siro abhyangam
  • Siro Basthi
  • Siro dhara etc.

Many internal medicines are also there to help manage hair fall.

Tips:-

  • Make sure that your diet includes the necessary nutrients.
  1. Proteins
  2. Biotin
  3. Vitamin C, A, D, B, E
  4. Omega  fatty acids
  5. Calcium
  6. Iron
  7. Zinc

That is make sure that your diet includes, eggs, citrus fruits, berries, spinach, fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, beans, meat etc.

  • Do not brush the hair when wet.

Beauty Care Programme

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“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”; a famous proverb that explains about beauty. Isn’t it true? Two persons will have different opinions about same thing.

Having a fair complexion is not the meaning of beauty. Some people think that their dark skin does not make them beautiful. This is the main reason why there is big market for the fairness products. Whatever may be the colour, if the skin is flawless, all the eyes will admire you.

Make your skin:-

  • Even toned
  • Even textured
  • Moisturised
  • Firm
  • Smooth
  • Glowing

These all words are familiar to you through various advertisements. There are many products in the market that promise the above said qualities for your skin.

 

  • Even Toned:- Sun tan!! One of the biggest problems that will make your skin difficult to be even toned. The holes that we are making in the ozone layer are making the sun rays more and more harmful. We cannot sit inside the walls throughout our entire life fearing the tanning.
  • Even Textured:- Can you imagine your skin evenly textured? How beautiful it will be!! Unfortunately a majority is suffering from certain problems like:-
  1. Pimples
  2. Acne
  3. Blackheads
  4. Whiteheads
  5. Blemishes
  • Moisturised:- Moisturising makes our skin soft, healthy and youthful. Dry skin makes you look aged and dull.
  • Firm:- Improper care and lack of proper nourishment makes the skin sagged.
  • Smooth:- How will you feel if your skin is rough while touching?? Irritating!! That smooth feel can only be achieved by proper care.
  • Glowing:- If your skin have the above said qualities it automatically becomes glowing.

 

It is easy to explain the qualities. But to achieve it … Have to work hard. We are not only talking about just the face, but the whole body. We can make it possible through chemicals or through natural ways. Natural ways are comparatively slower, but long standing and healthy.

In Ayurveda, there are many methods that will help your skin to be healthy and beautiful.

 

  • ABHYANGAM:- Oil massage. There are many medicated oils that will help improve the lustre and health of the skin. The physician will help you to choose the best oil for your skin.
  • SWEDANAM:- Sudation therapy.
  • LEPANAM:- Application of medicated paste for a specified time.
  • NASYAM:- The errhine therapy.

 

The treatments are decided according to the condition and the nature of the skin. The physician will guide you to care your skin even after the treatment.

 

 

 

Viruddhahara or The Incompatible Foods

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viruddhahara

Ayurveda teaches that certain foods should not be mixed together. If mixed, they may act as poisonous food. Such combinations may cause many diseases.  Let us see some of the combinations that are incompatible:-

  • Meat of animals from marshy regions when combined with:-
    • Black gram
    • Honey
    • Milk
    • Germinated grains
    • Jaggery etc.
  • Fish and milk, especially in case of prawns
  • Foods that are sour with milk
  • Fruits with milk
  • Green leafy vegetables followed by milk
  • Mixing equal quantities of honey, ghee, muscle fat, oil or water.

Consuming Viruddhahara may cause the aggravation of doshas and may not be expelled from the body causing many diseases.

How To Beat The Summer With The Help Of Ayurveda

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How to beat the summer with help of ayurveda

Summer! Summer! Summer!!! Heat, sun, tiredness… and there are more terms that will come to our mind when we hear the word “summer”. Especially, in India, summer is a period with above average temperatures. So now let us check how we can cope up with the summer with the help of Ayurveda.

In summer, the sun rays get more powerful day by day and can be destructive.  According to the Ayurveda, the Kapha will decrease and the Vata will increase consequently. So the person will have to change his entire regimen according to the change in climate.

First let us see the changes to be made in the diet:-

  • Do not use the foods that are salty, pungent and sour. Include the foods that are sweet in taste.
  • Take foods that are easy to digest, moist, cold and that have more water content.
  • The person should drink more water
  • Drinks made with cold water and sugar can be used in this season.
  • Avoid alcohol intake during summer as it may cause delusion, emaciation, debility and burning sensation.  If necessary it should be taken in very small quantity or should be diluted with water.
  • Rice preparations can be taken.
  • Meat soup that is not very thick can be taken.
  • Buttermilk mixed with pepper powder and sugar can help in relieving the heat.
  • Juices that are made from multiple fruits like grapes, dates etc. can be used.
  • Cold water that is stored in mud pot is best to overcome the heat.
  • Cold buffalo milk mixed with sugar is best in this season     

Other regimens to be changed in the summer:-

 

  • The person should avoid the exposure to sunlight.
  • During day time, the person can spend time under trees or a place without direct sun rays.
  • Reduce the sexual activities.
  • Wear soft and thin dresses. Choose the colors that are light.
  • Engage in activities that make mind happy.

 

So, summer? No need to worry at all. Live the summer with Ayurveda, stay happy and healthy.

                                                                                       

Karkidaka Kanji or Special Medicated Rice Porridge For Monsoon

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We have already discussed the importance of ayurveda treatment during monsoon. Now let us see about “Karkkidaka Kanji” or a special medicated rice porridge that can be used in monsoon. This medicated porridge is rich in various medicines that can help to alleviate the vitiated doshas. The medicines are processed and mixed with a different variety of rice and made into porridge. Let us see the recipe of Karkkidaka Kanji.

Recipe of Karkkidaka Kanji

(For one person)

Ingredients:-

  1. Navara Rice (a variety of red rice) – 105 g
  2. Raw Rice                                             – 175 g
  3. Wheat                                                  – 140 g
  4. Uluva  (fenugreek)                            – 135 g
  5. Aasali (garden cress)                        – 14 g
  6. Orila (Desmodium gangeticum), Moovila (Pseudarthria viscida), Kurumthotti (Sida cordifolia), Thavizhama (Boerhavia diffusa), Chukku (dry ginger), Kurumulaku (black pepper), Jeerakam (cumin seeds), Elakkaya (cardamom), Illavangam (cinnamom), Pachila, Nagapoovu (Mesua ferrea), Ayamodakam (Ajwain seeds), Thamaravalayam (roots of lotus), Kothamoalayari (coriander seeds).

The last set of ingredients are to be taken in equal proportions which is then dried, powdered or crushed. These ingredients can be stored and used throughout the season. While making the porridge add 5g from the mixture for the recipe for one person.

Method of Preparation

  • Take Wheat, wash and mix with sufficient quantity of water and boil.
  • Add Navara Rice and Raw Rice after washing and boil.
  • Add Uluva and Aasali, cook well.
  • The last set of ingredients are washed, dried and powdered or crushed well.    Add powder or the crushed medicine, stir well and close the vessel for 10 minutes.
  • Take it as a food in the night.
  • Better to prepare in Bronze or SS Vessel. Avoid the use of Aluminum Vessel.