Benefits of Ayurveda

The world of Ayurveda is a vast and interesting one. It is with this objective that this article on Benefits of Ayurveda was written, so that people got to know more about Ayurveda and its various effective uses in treating different diseases.

 

Ayurveda is the essence of old Hindu Medicare techniques, which are based on the curing the diseases from the roots. In Ayurveda, whole body is supposed as a mutually responding system. A single part not responding well may cause a disturbance in all body. Ayurveda works for the aim of complete health.

 

Allopathic techniques are based on the concept of sudden and instantaneous relief, so often the patient get rid of his problem for a short period, but the origin of disease is not eliminated, finally there comes the probability in future for that origin to be worse. Allopathic techniques uses antigen that introduces a chemical, heaving opposite effect of what the body is producing. So there is always a risk with the power and supplied quantity of the drug.

 

On the other hand, Ayurvedic Medicare is based on natural and herbal techniques and supplements, which are 100% side effect free. Ayurveda does not believe in antidotes and antigens, very rarely those techniques are used, Ayurveda works not to suppress the system of body, but to go to the origin and cure the basic disturbing element. In such treatments there are very low chances of side effect and the benefit of the body is forever. It gives you a complete health treatment, which works on the complete body system so it makes you feel better in your entire body.

 

If you eat 1 apple a day and one day suddenly eat 3, it’ll not cause any problem for you, but if you take 2 sleeping pills a day and one day you takes 4, it’ll be dangerous; most of the supplements of Ayurveda are essence of fruits, vegetables and jadi-booties, which are natures gift to human. Jadi-booties are some of the rarely found wild plants and fruits, which are very effective in some dieses. In old age, students of Ayurveda were taught the classification of every single kind of plants exits; they used to give long time to find those jadi-booties in jungles, rocks & mountains. In modern age of globalization some of the companies and groups are doing that work collectively, so now it is easy for us to use those techniques, which were once very costly even for the kings.

 

Ayurveda works in all directions, it not only gives the body what it wants but it prevents harmful supplements. The concept of ‘Parheja’, in Ayurveda, is the concept restricting the harmful food and supplements that disturbs the treatment.

 

Ayurvedic techniques are developed in ashramas of Hindu saints and researchers. This Medicare is the result of long time, generation-to-generation research work. It is well tasted and well proven in the history of India that is one of the world’s oldest cultures, In modern age, when pollution and effects of intoxications are disturbing the systems of the body and a normal human is getting weaker due to luxurious life; Ayurveda, along with yoga and exercises is the way to have a healthy body and a sound mind.

 

Taking in to account all the benefits of Ayurveda we can expect a rise in the popularity of ayurvedic medicines in the forthcoming year. Surveys have showed that many patients have received positive results from Ayurvedic treatment, thus in a few years Ayurveda is sure to bring about a revolution in the field of medicines.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Digestive Disorders

There are numerous simple recipes illustrated in Ayurveda to correct many disorders. Here are few gruel recipes which are strongly recommended in digestive disorders. These are simple and effective remedies which can be prepared easily at home to correct the digestive disorder and also to replenish the lost nutrients.

 

Gruel Recipes

 

For Indigestion

 

Ingredients:

 

Rice - 1/2 cup

Water - 4 cups

Long pepper - 2 or 3 

Ginger -1

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook rice with recommended quantity of water with crushed ginger and salt. Powder long pepper and fry it in a spoon of cow’s ghee and add it to gruel. Consume this when it hot. This is very light to digest and relieves colic pain.

 

For Diarrhoea

 

Ingredients:

 

Rice - 1/2 cup

Water - 4 cups

Ginger paste - 1/2 spoon

Salt to taste

Pomegranate juice - Ω cup

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook rice with recommended quantity of water with ginger paste and salt. Add pomegranate juice when the gruel is warm. This gruel rehydrates body and supply energy. This soothes inflamed walls of intestine and controls bowel movements. 

 

For Flatulence 

 

Ingredients:

 

Ω cup of rice

4 cups of water

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) - powder-1/2 spoon

Roots of pippali or long pepper

Ginger paste -1/2 spoon salt to taste

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook Rice, haritaki powder, roots of pippali and water together. Add salt to it. Consume this when it is warm. This relieves flatulence and regularizes the bowel movement

 

For Indigestion Due to Over Consumption of Oily Food

 

Ingredients:

 

Ω cup rice

4 cups of water

Butter milk - 1 cup

Salt to taste

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook rice water and salt together. Add a cup of butter milk when it is little warm and consume it. This relieves indigestion, nausea and corrects digestion.

Ayurveda Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes called as ‘impotence’.

 

The term "erectile dysfunction" can mean the inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or the ability to achieve only brief erections.

Ayurveda defines Erectile dysfunction or ED as follows:

 

Sankalpapravano nityam priyaam vashyaamapi sthreeyam ||

na yaathi lingashaithilyaath kadaachidyaathi vaa yadi |

Shwaasaarthaha swinnagaatrshcha moghasankalpacheshtitaha ||

mlaanashishnashcha nirbeejaha syodetat klaibyalaxanam |

 

This means even though a man has a strong desire to perform sexual act with a cooperative partner, he cannot perform sexual act because of looseness (absence of erection) of his phallus (penis). Even if he performs sexual act with his determined efforts he does not get erection and gets afflicted with tiredness, perspiration and frustration to perform sex.

 

Physiology of Erection

 

The two chambers of penis (corpora cavernosa,) which run through the organ are filled with spongy tissue. The corpora cavernosa are surrounded by a membrane, called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. The urethra, which is the channel for urine and semen runs along underside of the corpora cavernosa.

 

Due to sensory or mental stimulation, or both, the erection begins. Due to impulses from brain and local nerves the muscles of corpora cavernosa relax and allow blood to flow in and fill the spaces of spongy tissue.

 

The flow of blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the chambers, thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood and open outflow channels, erection recedes.

 

In Ayurveda physiology of erection and ejaculation is described as follows:

 

Vrishunow basthimedram cha naabhyuuru vankshnow gudam|

Apaanasthaanamantrasthaha shukra mootra shakrunti cha||

 

The ‘apaanavayu’ one of the five types of vayu is located in the testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groin, anus and colon. Its functions are ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine and stools. 

 

Shushruta explains the process of erection and ejaculation as ‘When a man has desire (iccha) to have sex, his response to touch increases’ (Vayu located in skin causes flow of signals from skin to brain, thus causing sensation of touch). This causes arousal or ‘harsha’. Arousal or Harsha intensifies actions of vayu and at this moment highly active vayu liberates the ‘teja’ or heat of pitta. Thus tejas and vayu increase body temperature, heart beat and blood flow causing erection.

 

Causes of ED

 

Erection requires a sequence of events. Erectile dysfunction can occur when any of the events is disturbed. Nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, around the penis and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and around the corpora cavernosa constitute this sequence of events. Injury to any of these parts which are part of this sequence (nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, fibrous tissue) can cause ED. 

 

Lowered Level of Testosterone Hormone

 

The primary male hormone is testosterone. After age 40, a man's testosterone level gradually declines. About 5% of men that doctors see for erectile dysfunction have low testosterone levels. In many of these cases, low testosterone causes lower sexual interest, not erectile dysfunction.

 

The whole male body responds to testosterone. 

 

Even sushruta has illustrated about this response of body to the element ‘Shukra’. He has said, 

 

"yatha payasi sarpistu goodashchekshow raso yatha shareereshu tatha shukram nrinaam vidyaadhbishagwara"  

 

This means: The Shukra (the element which helps in reproduction) is present all over the body.

 

This can be explained with the following examples:

• The ghee is present in milk in an invisible form. This is extracted from milk using many processes. 

• The sugar is present all over the sugarcane. It is extracted by subjecting the sugarcane to number of processes. 

Same way Shukra is present all over the body. But the cream of Shukra (semen) comes out of the body only during the process of ejaculation. But this process of ejaculation needs a joyful union of mind and body.

 

Decrease in production of ‘Shukra' causes erectile dysfunction.

 

Over exertion - physically and mentally : Working for long hours in office, mental stress at office and home, short temperedness ,insufficient sleep cause erectile dysfunction. 

 

These causes are explained in Ayurveda as "shoka  chintaa, bhaya, traasaat.... " which means that erectile dysfunction or Impotence occurs due to grief, fear, anxiety and terror.

 

Strained relationship with sexual partner: Erectile dysfunction also occurs when there is a disliking towards sexual partner.

 

Ayurveda describes this as "naarinaamarasamjnatwaat..."  means disliking for women. 

 

Diseases that cause Erectile Dysfunction

 

Neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, anaemia, depression, arthritis, endocrine disorders, diabetes, diseases related to cardiovascular system also become reasons for erectile dysfunction.. 

 

According to Ayurveda the diseases which cause erectile dysfunction are "Hritpaandurogatamakakaamalashrama..." - Heart diseases, anaemia, asthma, liver disorders, tiredness.

 

Apart from these the imbalance in tridoshas also cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. 

 

Consumption of Medicines, Drugs and Tobacco

 

Using antidepressants, tranquilizers and antihypertensive medicines for a long time, addiction to tobacco especially smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, addiction to cocaine, heroin and marijuana cause erectile dysfunction.

 

In Ayurveda texts these causes have been said in brief as "rukshamannapaanam tathoushadham" - "dry food , drinks and medicines" cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. 

 

Trauma to Pelvic Region

 

Accidental injury to pelvic region and surgeries for the conditions of  prostate, bladder, colon, or rectal area may lead to erectile dysfunction. 

 

These causes are mentioned as abhighata (trauma), shastradantanakhakshataha (injury from weapons, teeth and nail.) in Ayurveda. 

 

Other Reasons

 

Obesity, prolonged bicycle riding, past history of sexual abuse and old age also cause  Erectile dysfunction. 

 

Ayurveda describes the cause of impotence or erectile dysfunction due to old age as follows: diminution of - tissue elements, strength, energy, span of life, inability to take nourishing food, physical and mental fatigue lead to impotence.

 

Remedies for ED

 

ED is treatable at any age. The total treatment in for impotence is called as ‘Vajikarana therapy’ in Ayurveda. As this therapy increases the strength of a man to perform sexual act, like a horse, it is called 'Vaajikarana' ('Vaaji' means ‘Horse’).

 

Vaajikarana therapy leads to:

 

• Happiness.
• Good strength. 
• Potency to produce healthy offspring. 
• Increased span of erection. 

 

Eligibility for Vajikarana Therapy

 

The Vajikarana therapy should be administered to persons who are between 18 to 70 years of age.

 

These therapies should be administered only to a self-controlled person. If this therapy is administered to a person who does not have self-control, he becomes nuisance to society through his illegitimate sex acts.

 

Psychotherapy

 

Decreasing anxiety associated with intercourse, with psychologically based treatment helps to cure ED. The patient's partner can help with the techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when ED from physical causes is being treated.

 

Same treatment is illustrated in Ayurveda. It has been said, “A woman who understands a man and is liked by him, along with erotic environment act as best aphrodisiac.”

 

Drug Therapy

 

Numerous herbal preparations are mentioned in Ayurveda to treat ED or impotence. It has been said that people who have strong sexual urge, who want to enjoy sex regularly have to consume these preparations regularly to replenish the energy, vigour, stamina and strength. These preparations also supply the nutrients which are necessary for production of semen.

 

Ayurveda Tips to Overcome ED

 

• Consuming herbal preparations to rejuvenate the reproductive organs.
• Massaging the body with a herbal oil which gives a relief from physical exertion and also acts as aphrodisiac.
• Practicing Yoga and Meditation to overcome mental exertion and to cope up with stress. 
• Sleep at least for 8 hours a day. 
• Avoiding the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, heroin etc. 
• Exercise regularly. 
• Avoid hot, spicy and bitter foods. 
• Favour sweets, milk products, nuts and urad dal. 
• Add little ghee in your diet. 
• Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intercourses.

Author: Dr. Savitha Suri B.A.M.S 

Benefits Of Alternative Medicine

More and more people are turning to Alternative Medicine and Natural Therapy as cost of conventional medicine escalate.

 

With the growing number of people being affected by newly discovered chronic degenerative diseases such as AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome, are you worried or wondering....

 

Is it possible to maintain good health?

 

What your body needs to function properly?

 

Why conventional medicine is becoming more complicated and costly and in some cases simply ineffective?

 

A growing number of people are turning to alternative medicine and natural healing--simple, traditional low-tech methods of preventing illnesses and solving everyday health problems.

 

Do you have unanswered questions on....

 

Why are people flocking to health food stores, with their lotions and potions, and what keeps them going back for more?

 

What to do if you or someone in your family falls ill?

 

Are these therapies really old wives tales or can they really work?

 

Even mainstream doctors have begun to recommend natural drugless therapies' to treat both everyday complaints and serious illnesses. Dietary modifications, for instance, has become the weapons of choice against a number of diseases that would have been treated mainly with prescription drugs a generation ago.

 

It is now known that many conditions are caused by the wrong diet and can be reversed by the right diet. Heart disease, cancer, weight problems, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure--they can all be treated to some degree with foods.

 

Natural therapies found in alternative medicine are actually much older than Western treatments such as surgeries and antibiotics. Experts estimate that herbal remedies and Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, has been around for 5,000 years.

 

Many alternative medicine remedies began with scientific research or clinical impressions reported by physicians working with safe, natural substances. But we live in a generation now that has been cut off from this age-old tradition of self-reliance. Healing and health care have almost become the exclusive province of duly licensed physicians. 

 

While doctors and other professionals-are indeed great to have around, what is not so great is when you cannot do anything without them.

 

Shouldn't we be able to do something to save our health - maybe even our lives - without a doctor?

 

What happens when medical help is not so readily available?

 

What happens when doctoring simply does not work?

 

Some of us go to doctor after doctor, and still no help. Is that the end of the line?

 

While antibiotics have saved millions of lives, they have not really solved some resurgence of germs that are turning up in new forms that do not respond to conventional therapies.

 

There has been a real shift in the way people think about their health. Rising health care cost is a factor in the recent surge of interest in alternative medicine. Many people are attracted to the alternative physicians emphasis on treating the whole person--body, mind and spirit. 

 

Most importantly some physicians use intensive counselling to help patients find out whether aspects of their daily lives, such as job stress, marital problems, diet or sleeping habits might be behind their symptoms. In this age of managed care and impersonal group practices patients find this individualized approach of alternative medicine particularly appealing.

 

One of the principal goals of alternative medicine and natural healing is to break the cycle of dependency and allow people to be more in control of their own lives.

Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Medicines and Important Herbs

What is Ayurveda and Its Importance? 

 

Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means 'the science of life'. Ayur means "life" and Veda means "science. India system which largely depends on plant support to form major Chunk of its medicine. Most of the herbs, spices, seeds, roots, leaves, stems, petals and flowers are deeply ingrained in all Indian homes where 'home remedies' are popular. Even certain family members in some family are adept in curing even intricate disorders by simple and cost effective formulations which, at times, have shown marvellous and astounding results. 

 

All over the world today we are looking for a natural system of healing that is comprehensive and complete, that is not merely some curious form of folk healing but a real and rational system of medicine that is sensitive to both nature and the Earth. This is exactly what Ayurveda has to offer, for it has a many thousand year-old clinical tradition and a comprehensive natural method of treatment ranging from diet, herbs and massage. 

 

With Ayurveda we learn the right diet for our individual type, how to improve our immune system, he keys to right use of sexual energy and rejuvenation, and a conscious way of life that can lift us to a new level of awareness in all our endeavours.

 

Without such natural wisdom as Ayurveda, we may find ourselves not only unhealthy, but unhappy and spiritually confused. 

 

Ayurveda Principles and Theory 

 

Ayurveda system is the prominent user of herbs and its basic theory revolves round imbalance and vitiation of three humours (Doshas). 

 

Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) are the great five elements which underline all living systems. these elements are constantly changing and interacting and can be simplified into three Vitiations (Doshas). When these doshas remain under harmony and balance, health of body does not get disturbed but, when their balance gets disturbed, a diseased state sets in. 

 

The three doshas are Vata (Wind), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) and due to predominance of the one dosha, a person's personality is determined that is 'Vata-Prakriti', 'Pitta- Prakriti' or 'Kapha Prakriti'.

 

Vata formed from ether and air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance. 

 

Pitta formed from fire and water, governs "all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body.

 

Kapha formed from earth and water, cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure.

 

Each person has an individual blend of the three doshas, with one or sometimes two doshas predominating. 

 

Common Herbs Used in Ayurvedic Medicines 

 

Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) - The fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occurring substance in nature. It maintains balance amongst three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens heart, normalises cholesterol, prevents cancer, builds up and sustain defence mechanism, improves eye-sight and detoxifies the body. 

 

Amla is said to have 20 times more vitamin C than orange. The vitamin C content of amla is between 625mg - 1814mg per 100gms. Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and haemoglobin. A research team discovered that when Amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminium and nickel. 

 

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania Somnifera)- Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a well-known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility. 

 

Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha has antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The strong anti-stress actions, increases memory and learning capabilities. It has also found to be useful in Rheumatic and Arthritic disorders like pain, swelling etc.

 

Summing up, it is a strong Aphrodisiac and has Immunomodulating, anti- inflammatory, anti-tumour and anti-stress properties which clearly shows why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic. 

 

Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) - It is a cardiac tonic of high quality. Terminalia arjuna, is known to be beneficial for the treatment of heart ailments since 500 BC. Clinical research has indicated its usefulness in relieving anginal pain, and in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and possibly hypercholesterolemia. 

 

"Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg 8 hourly, given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy." Result on Clinical Research Conducted. 

 

Improvement of cardiac muscle function and subsequent improved pumping activity of the heart seem to be the primary benefits of Terminalia Arjuna. 

 

Brahmi (Bacopa, Gotu Kola) - Brahmi is known as "the food for brain". Traditionally Brahmi is used as a mental tonic, to rejuvenate the body, as a promoter of memory and as a nerve tonic. It promotes a calm, clear mind, and improves mental function. 

 

Modern Research claims that brahmi improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. Brahmi is especially suitable for students as it enhances the minds ability to learn and to focus and for an elderly person hoping to regain their memory. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety. 

 

As a nervine tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion and Attention Deficit Disorder. The best Ayurvedic brain and memory formulas contain brahmi, as do many of the long life promoting compounds. 

 

Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu, Guggul, Commiphora Mukul) - Modern Research shows that it is the prime Ayurvedic herb for treating obesity and high cholesterol. Studies shows that guggulu lowers serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and that it also protects against cholesterol- induced atherosclerosis. Guggulu were seen to lower body weight in these clinical studies. 

 

Guggulu also as anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating arthritis and other joint pains. 

 

Karela (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Momordica Charantia) - At least three different groups of constituents have been reported to have blood sugar lowering actions in bitter Mellon. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. Scientific studies have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes. 

 

It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. Also Bitter Melon has two proteins which are thought to repress the AIDS virus. 

 

Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management. 

 

Neem (Azadirachta Indica) - Neem is an extraordinary blood purifier, good for al skin diseases like acne, eczema, psoriasis and teeth and gums. Neem is included in most Ayurvedic Skin products because it is as effective on an external application as through internal indigestion. 

 

In Ayurveda it has been safely used for over five thousand years and are a good immunity booster to prevent colds, fevers, infections and various skin diseases. 

 

Shilajit (Mineral Pitch, Asphaltum) - Shilajit is one of the prime Ayurvedic compounds for rejuvenating the body. it is an aphrodisiac, anti-aging herb and to treat diabetes and debilitating urinary problems. 

 

The Charaka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before starting to realize he regenerating effects. It is also used to treat impotency and infertility. it is well known that Shilajit would return the libido of people to level of teenagers. 

 

There is a folk saying by the indigenous people who live in the Himalayan region that Shilajit makes the body strong as a rock. It is an adaptogen, (Rasayna), that helps to combat immune disorders, urinary tract disorders, nervous disorders and sexual dissatisfaction. 

 

Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata, Salai Guggul) - Modern Research indicate that the Boswellia herb may assist in treating joint mobility, pain, and may be a useful remedy for a variety of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A recent clinical trial suggests positive effects of Boswellia serrata extract in knee osteoarthritis. 

 

Boswellia has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders and best for treating Back Pain, Knee Pain, Joint Pain and Arthritis. This herb has also been proposed as a possible therapy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

 

Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) - Triphala has got the properties of three famous nutrients: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. The advantage of this formula is that it is milder in action and more balanced than any of the three alone. 

 

It has cleansing and detoxifying action. Used regularly it is good for gentle, slow detoxification of the digestive tract and then the deep tissues. It also has the ability to normalize all three humours with continued use. 

 

As a daily supplement triphala is hard to beat; that' s why in India they say "even if your mother leaves you, everything will be fine if you have triphala".

 

Tulsi (Holy Basil, Ocimum Sanctum) - Its very name Holy Basil certifies to its sacred nature. It is a sacred plant worshipped in many Indian homes and is a must in every Hindu’s house. 

 

Holy basil is also a major ingredient of many Ayurvedic cough syrups. it is a good stress reliever, and modern research has found it to be good for Respiratory problems, Cold, Fever and all types of Cough.