All about Ayurveda

Although Acne is more common in teenage due to hormonal changes in the body, sometimes it can continue even in adulthood which can be distressing. Yuvanapidika (Yuvana meaning youth and Pidika meaning skin eruptions) is the Ayurvedic name for pimples / acne. During puberty or menopause due to the influence of hormones, the oil secreting glands called sebaceous glands become more active secreting sebum in excess. This excessive sebum clogs the skin pores leading to the formation of acne. Sometimes pimples are not only painful but they leave behind scars. Causes of Acne  Acne can occur due to many reasons - 1. Hormonal changes as in puberty, PCOD, menopause, etc. 2. Excess oiliness of skin caused due to excess sebum production or application of oil based creams 3. Use of aggressive chemical products 4. Bacteria or infections 5. Certain medications like steroids, oral contraceptive pills, etc. 6. Stress Ayurvedic approach Mostly people opt to topical creams or l...

Macular degeneration also called as Age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is an age associated chronic eye disease and is a very common cause of gradual loss of central vision among older individuals over the age of 50 years. The symptoms usually do not appear in people below 50 years of age. The deterioration weakens the ability to read, write, drive, and recognize faces, which are all activities requiring healthy central vision. Peripheral or side vision isn't damaged. Visual loss can occur within months, or over many years, depending on the severity of AMD. Symptoms of Macular Degeneration The symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred vision, distorted central vision (straight lines appear wavy or crooked, printed matter appears distorted), difficulty reading small print, distortion of the letters on a line , colour confusions, slow recovery of visual function after exposure to bright light, central scotomas (shadows or missing areas of vision), difficulty recog...

The father of Ayurvedic internal medicine Charaka describes the five Panchakarma procedures as Vamana (Therapeutic emesis), Nasya (Nasal medication), Virechana (Therapeutic purgation) and two types of Basti (Therapeutic enema). Another great Ayurvedic surgeon Sushruta combined the two types of basti into one category and added Raktamokshana (The therapeutic withdrawal of blood from the body) as one of the Panchakarma therapy. Although Raktamokshana is the most limited of the five major procedures, it provides a rapid and sometimes dramatic reduction of symptoms in certain acute disorders, especially where time is a critical factor. When Pitta dosha is vitiated they get lodged in the blood.   In acute conditions when you need quick relief, and there is no time for the various phases of Panchakarma like Purvakarma (Preparation for Panchakarma), etc. Raktamokshana can be helpful. Raktamokshana gives relief from acute symptoms very quickly. After that Panchaka...

Ginger plays an important role in prevention of many diseases. Ginger is considered safe and used for as wide variety of conditions and modern day research has found it effective in many disorders.  Ginger is also used as an Anupana or vehicle for administration of Ayurvedic medicines.   Rhizome of ginger is most widely used as a common condiment for various foods and beverages. Ginger is on the US FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list. The British Herbal Compendium documents no adverse effects of ginger consumption. Fresh ginger is known as Ardrak in Sanskrit and Dry ginger is known as Shunti in Sanskrit. Dry ginger and fresh ginger are quite similar in action, except that fresh ginger should be used in low amounts or avoided in autumn and summer. Powdered dry ginger root is typically used as flavouring for recipes such as gingerbread, cookies, crackers and cakes, ginger ale, and ginger beer. Ginger pickle, ginger wine and ginger candies are al...

In the mother breast milk is produced by R asa Dhatu. Rasa dhatu  is the first of the seven tissues produced after proper digestion and assimilation of the food. According to  Charaka Samhita , the most authentic textbook of Ayurveda, breast milk provides vitality and increases  ojas , which is responsible for immunity and growth of the baby. It nourishes the child physically and emotionally, and is easy to digest. Breast-milk is directly influenced by the food we eat.   Factors promoting secretion of breast milk  Love and affection for the baby are essential for secretion of the breast milk. Hence, looking at, handling, carrying the baby promotes secretion of milk. Sucking by the baby is the most important stimulus for the secretion of breast milk. Happy state of mind and adequate rest and sleep are important for increasing breast milk supply. Nutritious diet with predominantly sweet and salty taste and having soothing effects on the bod...

Postnatal period is filled with happiness & contentment on one hand and with physical & mental fatigue due to delivery on the other hand as the lady has become weak or emaciated after loss of blood and body fluid during delivery. Acharya Kashyapa narrating stage of labor says that her one foot is situated in this loka and other in Yamaloka. The lady after such a difficult process of delivery is advised suitable regimen to regain the lost vitality and helps her body to revert back to pre- pregnant state. This is explained as Sutika Paricharya in Ayurveda. The duration of ‘Sutikakala’ is usually 1½ months (45 days) after delivery. So postnatal care with regulated diet and mode of life should be followed during this period. Puerperal woman should be given powdered pippali, pippalimoola, cavya, chitraka, sunthi with ghee / warm jaggery water for 2 – 3 days till lochia rubra (abnormal blood) is properly excreted. From 3 rd to 7 th day, – Vidarigandha group (vidari, go...

Garbhini Paricharya or antenatal care is an important aspect in Prasooti Tantra (Ayurvedic Obstetrics), as it will help in the proper development of the foetus, its delivery, the health of the mother, facilitate easy delivery and healthy postpartum period. The care of the pregnant woman reflects on the quality and health of the offspring. Garbhini Paricharya explains in detail about the month wise dietary regimen and prescriptions (Maasaanumasika Pathya), substances that are beneficial to pregnancy (Garbhasthaapaka dravyaas) and activities and substances that are harmful (Garbhopaghaathakara Bhaavas). Various foods and activities that are prescribed and proscribed, according to their effects on the Garbha (Foetus) are also explained.    As there is a constant development of the embryo there would also be difference in its requirements of food and nutrition. Thus a detailed month wise dietary regimen for the pregnant lady with a list of things that are prescribed...