All about Ayurveda

Passing of frequent liquid stools is a condition which is most commonly brought about by an infection entering the body either through the food that is eaten or the water that is drunk. The infection may be caused by bacteria, bacilli, worms, etc. Sometimes stress or emotional tension can also lead to diarrhea. From nutritional point of view, one should understand that absorption of nutrients from the small intestine is much reduces, since the food is passed out too rapidly to be digested. Also, with frequent passage of liquid stools, much water is being lost from the body.  Foods with high fiber content and spices that will irritate the digestive tract should be avoided and plenty of liquids should be taken. Foods of low fiber content and liquid or semisolid form like rice gruel, lentil soups especially of orange lentil, juices, buttermilk, yoghurt are beneficial.  Have frequent small meals than few big ones. Drink plenty of water preferably boiled and cooled. Avoid spic

Exercise or physical activity helps in maintenance of health. Ayurveda has described physical activity or exercise under the heading Vyayama. Vyayama are the activities which are desirable and are capable of bringing about bodily stability and strength. It should be practiced daily but only in moderation. Benefits of exercise – Depletes excess fat, makes you energetic, makes the body strong, light & compact, delays ageing, improves immunity. Effects of excessive exercise – Giddiness, cough, fever, vomiting, aversion for food, emaciation, thirst, bleeding disorders, dyspnea, exhaustion, tiredness. Contraindications of exercise – Immediately after food intake, while in hunger or thirst, children, pregnant, old persons having weakness, people suffering from diseases like indigestion, cough, dyspnea, emaciation, bleeding diseases, etc. and people emaciated due to excess sexual activity, weight lifting and excessive walking. Important things to know about exercise  Exercise

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and density leading to an increased risk of fracture. Mainly there are 2 types of osteoporosis based on the causative factors – Primary and secondary. Primary osteoporosis is of 2 types postmenopausal osteoporosis attributed to decrease in estrogen production after menopause and senile osteoporosis, which occurs after the age of 70 in both men and women. Secondary osteoporosis occurs at any age in men & women as a result of improper diet & lifestyle, prolonged use of medications like glucocorticoids that are likely to induce osteoporosis, predisposing diseases, etc.  There are so many causes for osteoporosis, some of which are listed below.  Ageing -  As age advances there is degeneration of all the tissues including bone tissue hence greater chance of osteoporosis. Especially in female, after menopause or hysterectomy there is oestrogen deficiency leading to rapid reduction in bone

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 lotio

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 Panchakarma

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 also prepar