Ayurveda- Time to introspect ourselves

Quest of a human being to find out ultimate truth of life have taken him many a miles in life. Ability of differentiation among good and bad segregate us from the category of canines. But as it enables us to become higher class and establish us on the top of the pyramid of evolution or we can say food chain, our ability to analyse and quest of running ahead of our mates incepts instability and jealousy. Later on it becomes a bad trait of our personality and hunger to succeed makes us vampires of real world and ultimately leads us towards self destruction.

Since the time Ayurveda made a come back on the global scenario, a debate started about the efficacy of Ayurveda medicines and its procedures. Whether it is scientific or a fluke was a big question mark on this science. Inability of the folks in the field to represent this philosophy in a scientific manner and lack of knowledge has put this ageless ancient tradition of healing on the back foot. Series of allegation and cross questioning to counterparts of the medicines will lead us nowhere but it shows our lack of patience. Time never remains the same, thus changes the mode of perception time to time, and accordingly changes the methodologies of our learning and teaching. So adoption of same laws does not hold significance. In the era of evidence based medicine practice to treat patients by old law will never earn a good name for the science. My statement is not contradictory, but if you go into the mode of self introspection, you will realize the relevance of my words. During the period when world was  not having a potent system of medicines, ancient intellectual entities of the world created a system of absolute healing, basic principles were drawn from the daily life. Ayurveda was built on the foundation of strong observational skills, and till date principles hold the truth. That was the time when various Samhita were written. But, if you observe centuries AD, none out us emerged with a work which can be compared to the Samhita. This is not an understatement but establishes our lack of application and intellect as well. How can we blame counter parts not to question us? Over the period of times, texts books have been published in view of passing exams and CCIM norms for syllabus books does not hold any relevance. I don’t know how many will agree to my opinion but I know 80% will come in opposition. Quality of the matter present in text books leads us to more and more confusion and tendency to translate or reiterate the books in the classroom shows the lack of innovation and teaching methodologies.

One can build many number of premium institute of technology, but if it does not produce any kind of innovative research and keeps on teaching older version of knowledge, I doubt the credibility of the Institution. Same is true for the premium institutes of Ayurveda. Knowledge that does not reaches to the mass, is as good as non existence of the same.

There is a big question whether Ayurveda Medicines have side effects or not? I say, they do have. And people who do not believe the same, for them answer is, go through ayoga, atiyoga and mithya yog lakshani. Sages were very clear of effects and efficacies, and it is mentioned that any subject becomes Siddhant only after a strong scrutiny and practice of the same over thousand times. So I insist on evidence based medicines. Though, if you plunge deeper into the texts you will realize that everything is there, but it needs to be sorted out. Only lack of application among us is there. What is the protocol of research in Ayurveda in leading PG Institutes? I remember one of my friends XYZ needed a PG thesis work for submission as deadline was nearing and requested me to offer the same, I was amazed and disappointed with the way he was going ahead and as per Sheshvat anumaana I can guess the condition of his mates. I don’t intend to take away the credit from real researchers and do respect them from the core of my heart. There is a lot of work which is yet to be done in this field and my article is not meant to hurt anyone but I wanted to appeal everyone to raise the bar of their practice and share the knowledge with everyone. Ayurveda need not to prove anything to anyone, but the torch bearers of the same need to prove their credentials and I am also one of them.

Something else to discuss.....

Democracy Fails

For last seven or eight months, India has been continuously under the terror attacks, not only foreign but sometimes Indian terrorist (a la Local parties who spread terrorism on the basis of regionalism). This time when all the political parties keeping the National Interest at a bay and fighting hard for their much sought political power, India have been attacked at a place which recently made a news for the attacks on North Indians (so called job eaters of the local people), it would have been much better if they could have come out now to answer the terrorism. Where are they? And where is their patriotism? After a few days we will see all such branded leaders issuing the statements in the leading news papers and extending their grief over the issue.

Time is ripe for the change, to rethink, to rebuild and above everything to do a self interrogation and introspection. Why repeated security lapses occur in India only, I said repeated. They say, “To error is human.” To commit mistake is a step forward to the learning, but to repeat the same mistake is called as to be fool. And right now we have been considered as fool. Anybody come, shoot people and go away, you all are welcome in India, because our weakest link is the political foolishness. This time they targeted the industry, which have been India’s greatest asset, Tourism. This is an attack on the economy and by the time top honchos will be evaluating the affect of the attacks many people might have already lost the money like hair from the head and India would be most hated place to be visited. Because nobody wants to buy death in the name of leisurely vacation, that too spending from their pocket.

How an unidentified ship storms in Indian sea? Isn’t it a security lapse? How heavy ammunition reaches inside the hotel? No security check? What Indian intelligence is doing? Above everything, what common man should do?

What strategy was adopted to fight terror after the serial blasts in Malegaon? And what was the review of strategy after the serial bomb blasts in Delhi are two big questions stranded in front of general public. Why parties have to make fake promises? Thanks to our literate illiterate public, sleeping youth who only wake up at call centres or shopping malls, and rest attributed to “not my duty” culture. In this process, most disappointing department have been so far is Police. Why don’t they get tired of accepting bribes and ill behaving with general public? The image they have created for themselves is not of a saviour but a termite that eats the wood with in itself and wood appears to be standing straight but by the time you touch it- it collapses without making a noise even. Same have been the condition of this country. Then politicos, making strategies in their board rooms to fight out the opposition. Bringing money in the parliament would be a way to defame the same in front of the mass. We, the people are not bothered what are you doing out there, because we are fed up of you the parties. You just have created wealth by entering the politics and played the dirty politics every time. None of the party is clean; every one has their feet deeply sunk in the filth. Even if they intend to walk out of it, they leave their pangs of the past. Disgusting is all this, no words are sufficed to portray the dirty image of Indian polity and strategy. America gets a 9/11, and eventually security becomes so stiff that not even a single bird can enter the premises back, but Indian security lapses time and again, not once but several times. Unfortunately can’t even blame any one, because we have elected these irresponsible entities, who can’t think beyond their self interests.

Hats off to the Indian army and NSG who are fighting hard to destroy the plot strongly knit my antisocial evils. They are the only saviours. We must regard their sacrifices made for the country and to safeguard its integrity. But the question is yet unanswered, who should be held responsible for these attacks, Pakistan, Al queda, Deccan Mujahidin or Indian Politics or police? Answer is very clear, crystal clear. Why to blame any external factors, when I leave my door wide opened before going to bed at night, definitely I am inviting evils to bust in and bare me.

In the name of all those innocent people who fell prey to this massive security lapse and praying for the secured future of people who are yet safe but prone to be the next. May this incident allows us to introspect ourselves and a question arises in every one’s mind, where are we going? Whether these politicians can promise us the security back in our own country? Are they ready to remove their Z security when they face public next time? Why can’t they do this, because they are not sure of their lives because they know their evil past is following them every time, everywhere? You need to come clean, if you want to face the public.

Get up and get ready to fight out the terror on individual level. Be vigilant, and be prepared to fight the worst on individual level, because I have lost faith from Politics and Police. For me they are good for nothing. They are just termites who can even dare to eat the roots of the tree where they were born from.

Without any prejudice, all these are emotions that came out after hearing, viewing and reading the scenario after the The Taj invasion in Mumbai. Can we repeat the agitation in Mumbai similar to the task which was done for North Indians few weeks back? Shame India, Shame Indian politics, Shame Security services.

Swedana Therapy - The fomentation..

Herewith I intend to discuss the topic sweda, the fomentation. A topic which comes under the shadavidha upkrama as mentioned in Ashtanga Sangrah, sootra sathan, chapter number 24, and Ashtanga Hridya, sootra sathan, chapter number 14, where Acharya says, that there are two therapies as Laghana(which induces lightness in the body), and Brinhana(which induces stoutness to the body). As per his statement there, all the treatments finally fall under this classification, and same implies for the shadavidha upakrama(six fold therapeutic treatments). As per his classification of treatments, he states that depending upon mahabhoota involvement and their functioning on the body and end product of the treatment, either they will be increasing or decreasing in nature. And as per the basic principle of the treatment, that says, to reduce the increased dosha/ element and to increase the reduced dosha/ element is the law for maintaining a balance among vitiated factors, above rule of classification holds the truth.

To be more precise and objective Upakrama can be divided as under. 

Upakrama(Therapies)

Langhana                                                                                                          Brinhana

Space/ Air/ Fire predominant                                            Water/ Earth predominant

As per above classification, it is very clear that Sweda therapy falls under the category of langhana i.e. it helps in the reduction and induces lightness in the body.

Definition of Sweda

Stambha Gaurav Sheetaghanam, swedanam sweda karkam!!

As per above definition of sweda, ghanam word have been added in the end of word sheeta, and being a sanskrita word, it is a single word. So when we read, it has to be

Stabhaghana

Gauravaghana

Sheetaghana

And Ghana word stands for reduction/ removal. As per this, procedure that removes/ reduces Stambha (stiffness), Gaurava (heavyness), Sheeta (coldness) and produces sweat (sweda karkam), is called as swedan (fomentation/ sudation).

Steam Chamber - Lying type

Utility of Sweda therapy

Sweda sadhya prashamyanti gada vata kaphatmka!!

                                                                        Charaka, sootra, 14/ 3.

As per above classical quote from charaka, he says that sweda therapy pacifies the diseases created by vata, and kapha. If we go by definition of sweda karma, it is evident that signs, like stambha, gaurava, sheeta belong either to kapha or vata. Stambha (stiffness), and Gaurava (heavyness) belongs to kapha, while sheeta is integral part of Vata. So this therapy effectively can manage Vata and Kapha disorders. To be more precise, one can practice sweda in Vata, Kapha, and Vatakapha diseases.

Benefits of Sweda

Agne Deeptim Mardvam Twaka prasadam Bhaktashradham Srotsam Nirmalatvam!

Kuryat Swedo Jadya Tandra Aphartaram Stabdhan Sandhin cheshtayati Ashu chasya!!

                                                                                                Ash. San. Su. 26/ 33

In above verse, acharya Vagabhatta describes the benefits of sweda therapy, they are as following:

• Agne deeptim- It increases digestive capacity/ strength.

Being similar to the Agni (fire element).

• Mardava- this effect is seen on the skin i.e. softness.

Fomentation induces sweat, which helps in the irrigation of the skin making it more soft.

• Twaka Prasad karam- Enhances the nutrition to the skin.

It helps in activation of the Bhrajaka pitta, which is responsible for the complexion, lustre of the skin.

• Bhakta shradham- increases the desire of the food.

By increased digestive capacity, and it’s cleansing effect increases the desire of the food. As sweda sweeps away the ama.

• Srotasam nirmalatvam- cleanses orifices/ channels.

By heat, sweat is produced which results in the cleaning of the channels, sticky doshas are liquefied and clears the blockages.

• Jadya Apaharta- removes lazyness,
• Tandra Apaharta- removes sleepiness/ stupor.

Both above signs belong to kapha increase, as said earlier it removes the same.

• Stabdhan sandhin cheshtayati ashu- removes stiffness from the joints quickly.

As already been explained, stiffness is a sign of Kapha increase and a little artefact of vata involvement, hence by removal of the same helps in the restoration of movements quickly.

Steam Chamber- Sitting type

Types of sweda

Depending upon various factors, utility, mode of action etc, sweda therapy have been classified in different types.

A)    On the basis of Methodology:

1.      Agneya (with the use of direct heat/ fire)

2.      Anagneya (without the use of direct heat)

In agneya sweda, direct heat/ fire is used to provide the fomentation, for example steam/ sauna. Fire being a strong source of heat generation, this kind of fomentation automatically becomes a stronger choice. So sweat production will also be more, so would be the utility as well. Under this classification, different types of sweat producing measures have been mentioned as Jentaka sweda, Kuti sweda, Patra panda sweda etc.

 Utility of Agneya sweda

• Agneya sweda can be used in people with strong physical and mental strength.
• It is useful in the state of severe aggravation of kapha (force of cohesion), Vata (force of propulsion), and Kaphavata collective aggravation.
• It can well be practiced in the winter season, atmosphere being cold during this period.
• It is used as a poorva karma (preparatory measure) for the Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation). As doshas have to be liquefied well before the execution of the same, thus used.
• It can be used in both forms i.e. local as well as general.

Precautions for Agneya sweda

While executing the agneya type of sweda, following points should be kept in mind:

• It should not be practiced in Pitta personalities, if not mentioned otherwise specifically, and given the condition of Strong dosha aggravation, an extra care should be taken while doing so, for example vitals should be monitered time to time, and duration should be reduced.
• Agneya sweda or fomentation therapy is completely contraindicated in case of Pitta diseases, thus not to be practiced in same.
• It should not be practiced in the summer season/ hot weather.
• People suffering from Hypertension, Cardiac diseases, Dehydration etc. should be excluded for the treatment, if required other methods of sweat production should be adopted in these cases.

Ayurveda Training

Ayurveda Training

We offer various refresher courses for people who want to learn Ayurveda and Ayurveda massage training is provided by professionals at our Kerala Ayurveda Institute. Ayurveda courses have been framed judiciously keeping in mind various needs of different individuals. Ayurveda training courses in modules of 7 days, 14 days and 1 month are available.

 

Details for 7 days Massage course

7 days massage course comprises of Ayurveda Theory session and separate practical sessions are arranged. As 7 days Ayurveda training is intense practical course, various massages like Ayurveda Head massage, Ayurveda face Massage, Ayurvedic Abhyangam, Udwartanam etc. are practiced in length. Course have been divided as follows:

Theory            -           1 hour/ day.

Practical         -           2 hours/ day.

In theory sessions, Ayurvedic basic principles are taught in detail with relevant details for the practical are provided. 7 days Ayurveda Massage Training course starts on every Monday.

Certificate is issued at the end of Course.

Total Cost of the 7 days Ayurveda Massage training course is Rs. 10,000/- INR.

Details for 14 days Ayurveda Training Course

14 days Ayurveda Training Course comprises of Ayurveda Theory session and separate practical sessions are arranged. 14 days Ayurveda Training is intense practical course with a through study of Ayurveda Basic principles, various massages like Ayurveda Head massage, Ayurveda face Massage, Ayurvedic Abhyangam, Udwartanam etc. are practiced in length. Special treatments for lower back ache and Beauty treatments are additional which are not a part of 7 days curriculum. 14 days Ayurveda Training Course have been divided as follows:

Theory            -           1 hour/ day.

Practical         -           2 hours/ day.

In theory sessions, Ayurvedic basic principles are taught in detail with relevant details for the practical are provided. 14 days Ayurveda Massage Training course starts on every 1^st and 15^th day of each month.

Certificate is issued at the end of Course.

Total Cost of the 14 days Ayurveda Massage training course is Rs. 18,000/- INR.

Details for 1 month Ayurveda Training Course

1Month Ayurveda Training Course comprises of Thorough Ayurveda Theory session and separate practical sessions are arranged. 1 Month Ayurveda Training is intense practical course with a deep study of Ayurveda Basic principles, Almost every Upakarma that is performed in Ayurveda have been included in 1 Month Ayurveda Training Course. A detailed study of Ayurvedic Panchakarma is taken for discussion and tools for their practice are provided to the students. The practical utility of Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya and RaktaMokshana is taught in 1 Month Ayurveda Training Course.1Month Ayurveda Training Course has been divided as follows:

Theory            -           2 hours/ day.

Practical         -           3 hours/ day.

In theory sessions, Ayurvedic basic principles are taught in detail with relevant details for the practical are provided. 1 Month Ayurveda Training course starts on every 1^st of the month.

Certificate is issued at the end of Course.

Total Cost of the 1 Month Ayurveda  training course is Rs. 30,000/- INR.

Details regarding these Courses can be had in person or telephonically from given address

Kerala Ayurvedic Health Care

C- 102, Basement.

Near C Block Park,

Kalka Ji,

New Delhi.

19

9999779197, 011- 65142962, 40502417, 9810219363

E- mail - ashu_ayurveda@hotmail.com

ashu_ayurveda@yahoo.co.in

Centre is open all seven days.

Udwartanam

A good response is welcome and the very fact made me humble that people came up with very positive feedback. Suggestions to add up the pictures of procedure will be taken care of and will soon be added.

In present discussion I will be discussing another Upakarma called as Udwartanam, popularly known as dry powder massage.

Meaning and definition of udwartanam

The word Udwartanam is made up of two words

Ud + Wartan

Ud, means upward. While meaning of wartan is to perform. So, performing upward movement is called as Udwartanam.

Udwartanam is a procedure, in which dry powder of a medicine is rubbed on the body in a rigorous manner in order to create friction and increase body temperature. It’s one of the treatment effectively used in the weight management programmes. It gives an ample opportunity to work over the local area of fat deposition and at the same time can well be executed as a general treatment all over the body too. Though classics explain it as a very versatile treatment and with a little amendment in the material of the treatment it can well be used to put on the weight as well. As the spectrum of this treatment is quite wide, with a judicious use of different powders, it enables a physician to experiment this treatment in various diseases.

Types of Udwartanam

As I said earlier, Udwartanam as per the use of material has been divided in two types.

1. Ruksha Udwartanam - Dry friction type.

2. Snigdha Udwartanam - Wet friction type.

Though, as per the utility they differentiate from each other, but commonly udwartanam being used for weight management programmes, ruksha Udwartana is one which is most practiced.

Indications of Udwartanam

As Acharaya Vagabhatta mentions, indications of Udwartanam are as folloes:

Udawrtanam kaphaharam medaso pravilaayanam!

Sthirikaranam angaanaam, twak prasaad karam param!!

1. Kapha haram- it pacifies kapha.

As a general understanding, the constitution of kapha is Water + Earth. Nature of udwartanam is dry and hence being opposite it works on kapha well depending upon the law of “Hras Hetu Visheshashcha”, i. e. for the reduction, opposite quality should be used.

2. Medsah Pravilayanam- It melts down the Medo dhatu i. e. The fat.

As increased mobility of the skin due to the vigorous friction it tends to mobilise the fat deposition by working it out.

3. Sathirikarnam anganam- Stabilises the body parts.

It corresponds to the excessive shakiness of fatty body parts in an obese person which is pretty visible in them. By reducing the fat over the specific body parts it firms and tones that area.

4. Twaka prasaadkara- It provides nutrition to the skin.

Rubbing over the skin invites an increased blood supply to the local skin, which carries a lot of vital nutrients for the area with increased oxygenation to the part, giving the skin a better texture.

Contraindications of Udwartanam

Udwartanam should not be executed in following conditions:

§         Vata prakriti.

§         Vata diseases, specially in shuddha vata vikar i.e. nirupstambhita vata.

§         Lean and thin people.

§         Fatigue, dryness, dehydration.

§         Infectious skin disorders.

§         Hypersensitive skin.

§         Asthma patients.

§         Clients with pollen allergy.

P.S.- This procedure includes continuous rubbing of dry powder over the skin, it may produce some rashes over the skin, if not otherwise they are normal. In such a case treatment can be held for sometime and local application of coconut oil can be done for symptomatic relief.

Materials required

1. Room sizing 10× 10 feet.
2. Abhyanga table, same can be utilised for the Udwartanam.
3. Dry powder as decided by the physician- 200 Gm.
4. Expert masseurs – 3 for a better execution.
5. Gas stove or a coil heater.
6. Towel – 1.
7. Changing dress for the client.
8. Apron – 2 for masseurs.
9. Soaking tissues – 4.
10. Face mask- 4.
11. Utensils for heating purpose.
12. Temperature of the room should be optimum, neither too hot, nor too cold.
13. A changing room.

Method of execution

Step1

• Client should be briefed up with the procedure.
• Dress should be provided for the change.
• Face mask with nose clip should be given to the client and also be worn by the therapists.
• Powder should be heated but not too hot.

Step 2

• Client should be asked to lie over the back.
• Rubbing of powder should be done in the opposite direction to the body hair. Excessive friction and pressure should be avoided. And client should be asked for his/ her comfort level.
• Movements like hacking, squeezing, wringing, pinching can be added.
• Can be executed in all seven different positions.
• Procedure should be executed for the duration prescribed by the physician.

Step 3

• Powder should be well cleaned and if prescribed should be subjected to the steam, if otherwise, hot water bath should be given.
• Instruction chart should be handed over

 

 

 

Shirodhara...

Last time we discussed the intricacies of massage, herewith I shall be discussing the Shirodhara. References regarding shirodhara in texts are found scattered. One of the south Indian book, Sahasra yoga has explained this procedure in length and has explained the therapeutic effects of shirodhara as well. Earlier preachers of Ayurveda have not explained the therapeutic utility much and have included this treatment under the regimens to be followed on daily basis. It has been explained as Moordhani tailam: which means, application of oil over the head.

Moordhani Tailam

Moordha means head, and tailam means oil. So collectively it means method of application of oil over the head. In total four methods of oil application has been mentioned in the texts, they are as following:-

a)      Shiro abhyanga.

b)      Shiro dhara.

c)      Shiro pichu.

d)      Shiro basti.

As Susruta narrates human body as a tree with roots upward and branches down, further adds that as its necessary to irrigate tree in its roots in order to flourish it completely, similarly human body needs to be irrigated in its roots i. e. head, in order to keep it moist and to enhance its functions. As a general understanding, brain is one of the most functional organ of body and is home for all the senses, which all most doubles the function of brain, apart from all this, it has its own functions of thinking, evaluating, deciding and controlling the body as well, due to excessive load of work this organ is most prone to fall prey to the increased Vata which causes dryness inside the cavity. Over a long period of time it starts showing up in form of various diseases and commonest of them is from dryness of skull leading to dandruff to insomnia. And in day to day life style we keep fighting with these common diseases unknowingly. Above everything we never apply oil on our skull for once and all. So, Susruta nowhere wrong with his comments to apply oil over the skull as a part of daily routine.

Then the question rises that why four different methods for the same function? Its easy to explain the same.

1)      They have made it clear that in descending order each treatment is stronger than previous in its therapeutic effects due to the involvement of more material and intricacy.

2)      The second is the cost effectiveness and zeal to make this treatment available to one and all.

Definition of Shirodhara:

            Shirodhara is a procedure in which warm medicated liquid is poured over the forehead region from a prescribed distance, in a prescribed manner, for a prescribed duration on a table specially created with the facility to collect the oil near the head region which is specially meant for the same procedure.

As per this definition of shirodhara, it tends to explain the whole procedure in itself. Let’s try to explain one by one:

1.)    Warm medicated Liquid.

As per the various different conditions liquid used for this treatment can be different. Usually oil is used for all the conditions but as per the dosha concept, material can be used as per this law too,

For Vata condition- Oil,

For Pitta condition- Milk,

For Kapha condition- Buttermilk.

2.)    From a prescribed distance: As per the classical references the distance between the forehead and the dropping of the flow of oil should be 4 fingers. It can be predicted in two ways:

a)      If the further extension to the shirodhara is used i. e. Varti(wick), the distance between lower end of wick and forehead has to be measured.

b)      If no wick and vessel is directly used then the distance between the vessel and forehead has to be measured.

Strongly, as per my opinion method A is more recommended one.

3.)    Prescribed manner: clearly states that, it should be an oscillating pendulum movement and should be slow. Classics explain it in beautifully, it should be like slow raising waves in a deep ocean and a person executing the procedure should watch for these waves.

4.)    Temperature: Temperature of the liquid should be pleasantly warm. Neither too hot nor too cold. Just warm, and should be checked time to time by pouring it on the back side of hand time to time. It should be maintained evenly through out the procedure.

5.)    Prescribed duration: it can be 48 minute. But it may vary in different therapeutic cases.

Contraindications of Shirodhara

Shirodhara should not be executed in following conditions,

• Common cold of very recent origin.
• State of indigestion.
• Any open wound in the head.
• Any specific disease in which Doctor feels the procedure is contraindicated.

Indications

Shirodhara can be successfully executed in following conditions:-

• Mental stress.
• Hypertension.
• Headache.
• Anxiety.
• Insomnia.
• Exhaustion.
• Psoriasis. (?)
• Hair fall, greying etc.

Materials required

For the execution oh this procedure, following material is required:

1. Room sizing 10× 10 feet.
2. Shirodhara table(Droni) with stand.
3. Shirodhara pot with a measured hole in the base (middle) of the pot with 4- 5 litter Capacity.
4. Oil/ liquid (as per the condition & choice) – App. 2- 3 lit.
5. A cloth made wick 1.
6. Cotton eye pads- 2.
7. Cotton bandage.
8. Vessels 2-3 litter capacity- 3.
9. A larger vessel with water, for heating oil- 1.
10. Expert masseurs – 3 for a better execution.
11. Gas stove or a coil heater.
12. Towel – 1.
13. Changing dress for the client.
14. Apron – 2 for masseurs.
15. Soaking tissues – 4.
16. Temperature of the room should be optimum, neither too hot, nor too cold.
17. A bathroom with hot water facility.
18. A changing room.
19. Chair – 1.
20. Light music in the background.

Surrounding area should absolute calm, it’s even better not to put on the music, if you can cut down all external sounds.

Method of execution

Step 1:

Poorva karma/ pre operative measures:-

• Client’s preparation is the part of this step. Once you explained the whole procedure before the execution of the same, your client is assured of his safety and acknowledges your professional approach towards the procedure.
• Then he should be given a dress for the change and after making sure that he/ she is free from all natural urges should be taken for the treatment.
• A through head massage should be given keeping in view all major vital spot stimulation over the head region.

Step 2:

• Head gear in form of cotton cloth wick should be tied around the forehead region just above the eye brows to avoid spilling of liquid into the eyes during the process.
• Client should be asked to lie comfortably on the Dhara bed in supine position and shoulders should be just below the raised area of the bed near to the head.
• An empty vessel should be kept under the collector aperture of the bed near to the head.
• Liquid should be kept in separate vessel in heated water so as to make sure that heating is just in control and temperature should be pleasantly warm. Neither too hot nor too cold.
• Warm liquid should be poured in the Dhara vessel, keeping a finger under the aperture to avoid sudden pouring over the head of client.
• Take the vessel carefully over the forehead of the client and inform him that you are starting the treatment and start pouring the liquid on the forehead in the manner said earlier.
• Continue the procedure for the period as prescribed by the Doctor.

Step 3:

• Clean the head thoroughly and reassure the client.
• Cover the head with towel or cloth so as to avoid any further exposure to the air.
• Serve the milk treated with the ginger, so as to avoid any further complication.
• Give him/ her, the chart of instructions to be followed on by the client.

 

 

Selection of the fat for Abhyangam

Adding on to the further discussion to the Abhyangam, herewith I will be discussing issues concerned with selection of the fat prior to the execution of the massage. Details regarding this can be found in Charaka samhhita, Sootra sathan, Chapter no. 13.

While answering questions of his most intelligent and intellectual student, Agnivesha, Atreya reveals all secretes of fats/ oils and their properties. Probably, this was the giant leap in the process of compilation of Ayurvedic knowledge. Agnivesha, who always asked treacherous questions to his great teacher and in turn who always satisfied his student with his undoubted intellect, discussion among student and teacher is really a treat to read. Agnivesha asks, “Kati sneha, ke cha guna prithaka?” How many fats are there and what are their qualities? And discussion goes on….

The word used for the oil/ fat in classical books is Sneha, and in the further discussion of the topic, I will be referring the same word.

Meaning of word Sneha

Sneha means Love. Indeed it’s Love and wisely it has been named so. Love is factor responsible for the mutual bonding and due to the same property it helps in rejuvenation and increases strength of the body. It helps in the mutual bonding of the muscles and due to the strengthening properties and being penetrative it tends to reach into the smallest of the channels of body.

Types of sneha

There are two types of sneha basically in this world:-
A) Sthavara – Vegetable origin = Thailam i. e. Oil
B) Jangama – Animal origin
Under the Jangam category, following fats have been included:-
1) Ghrita- Purified butter
2) Vasa- Animal fat
3) Majja- Bone marrow.

Practically, out of these four types of sneha, only Ghrita(purified butter), and thailam(Oil) are in general use. But, utility of two other fats can not be ruled out and they can be extremely useful in some conditions.
As a general conclusion, Charka has considered Ghrita as the best among all kind of fats and safe. He says that while treating Ghrita with other medicines, it acquires the quality of the same and doesn’t leave its own properties as well. Due to this property, which is called as ‘Sansakara anuvartana’, ghrita becomes the fat of choice and can be devised in innumerable formulations as per the requirement.
For the purpose of massage, factor which has to be considered as most important is ‘Prakriti’ of an individual. The basic constitution of an individual would be a deciding factor while picking up a fat in healthy person, while choosing fat for the massage in diseased person depends upon multiple factors. Though some intellectual people may find a controversial point in it, but this point can not be left as an individual choice.
So, its better to know the properties of these fats and then I will come back to the same.

Properties of fats

Ghrita(purified butter)

As per Charaka samhita, qualities of ghrita are as following
1) Pittaanila haram- pacifies pitta and vata.
2) Rasa oja shukra hitam- improves the quality of plasma, oja and semen.
3) Nirvapanam- pacifies burning sensation.
4) Mridukaram- generates softness.
5) Swara varna prasadnam- improves complexion and quality of sound.

Thailam(oil)

1) Marutghanam- pacifies Vata
2) Na cha shlesma vardhanam- it doesn’t increases Kapha
3) Bala vardhanam- increases strength.
4) Twachyam- improves the quality of skin.
5) Sthirakarm- induces stability.
6) Yoni vishodhanam- purifies vaginal toxins(?)
Depending upon above criterion, if we divide constitution in three types as per single dosha predominance,
Vata predominant, Pitta predominant, Kapha predominant, we can select fat as following:-

Vata- Oil
Pitta- Purified butter
Kapha- Oil

Further criterion and intricacies I will discuss in my next write up.

Ayurveda Massage

Herewith, I intend to discuss the matter which has suddenly caught the attention of whole world.

Introduction

The word massage comes from the Greek language, and it has nothing to do with Ayurveda in fact. The term used in Ayurveda for this procedure is Abhyangam. And this procedure has been recommended to be followed on daily basis by everyone. Vagabhatta clearly narrates that, “Abhyangam nityam achareta” i. e. one should practice oil application daily.

History

Ayurveda, being an observational science it is very descriptive. History of massage is very ancient and probably present in our life since the inception of the universe itself. As we see around us, air keeps on massaging the surroundings constantly and the effect of this massage can be seen practically over the see shores. Coconut trees, which are rubbed continuously by the air, over the time they tend to change their direction in the flow of air, and if air is not blowing their direction remains static and they don’t come back to their original state. Such is the effect of massage on the anatomy of this tree, Charaka, wisely utters, ‘ if hardest of the wood can be bent with the massage, human body is comparatively very easy to manipulate.’

Abhyangam

The word abhyangam, is self explanatory and explains most of the intricacies of massage in itself. Its made up of three words as follows:-
Abhi – Anja – Anga
Abhi – this word tends to explain the anatomical movement of the hand during the massage. It means, to go into the direction of body. This concept have been explained by Charka as Anuloma, i. e. massage should be done in the direction of growth of the body hair. This rule is ominously accepted by all the leading Ayurveda sages and people undertaking massage on client, should always keep this point in mind. It has two effects,
By following the direction of hair, you will not be hurting your client and will avoid any case of hair pulling and inflammations due to that.
You also avoid any case of muscle strangulation.
Anja – anja means anointment or application. Smearing of oil/ fat is next most important part of ayurvedic Abhyangam. So, oil remains an integral part of this precious treatment. If at all, massage is being given without oil/ fat, it can not be called as Abhyangam, though there are treatments available in Ayurveda, where massage is given without fat as well, but they have different names.
Anga – it means body.

So, if we join these three words, it states that, Abhyangam is a procedure in which oil/ fat is smeared over the body in the direction of body hair/ body parts.

Benefits of Abhyangam

Benefits of abhyangam are an exhaustive list. Vagabhatta narrates all these benefits in one verse,
Abhayngam nityam achareta, sa jara shrama vataha !
Drishti Prasad pushti ayu, swapna sutvakatvaa dadarya krita !!

One should take abhyangam everyday, its benefits are as followings:-
Jara hara- it keeps old age away
Shrama hara- it takes away fatigue
Vata hara- it checks vata
Drishti Prasad- it improves vision/ eyesight
Pushti ayu- it induces longevity
Swapna kara- induces sleep
sutvakatva krita- improves skin texture and makes it smooth
Dadrya krita- increases physical strength.

Application of oil has innumerable effects on the body and it performs its actions depending upon multiple factors. The procedure may have customised approach and material of the massage is picked upon the condition of individual factor.

Material required

Room sizing 10× 10 feet.
Abhyanga table.
Oil/ fat (as per the condition & choice) – App. 100 Ml.
Expert masseurs – 2 for a better execution.
Gas stove or a coil heater.
Towel – 1.
Abhyangam dress for the client.
Apron – 2 for masseurs.
Soaking tissues – 4.
Temperature of the room should be optimum, neither too hot, nor too cold.
Steam chamber – 1.
A bathroom with hot water facility.
A changing room.
Chair – 1.
Light music in the background.

Method of execution

Traditionally speaking, massage is executed in seven different postures. They are as following:-
Sitting
Lying over the back – supine.
Lying in right lateral position.
Lying over the stomach - prone.
Lying in left lateral position.
Lying over the back.
Sitting.

Though different institutions have different methodologies, one should not get confused over this point, as the end product remains the most important and which is Relaxation.
After stimulating all the major marma spots and offering prayers massage is started from the head, following whole body. As per the word Abhyangam, position of body hair and muscles is kept in mind and steps are executed in the direction of same.

Contradictions

Assessment of the client is most important part and it should thoroughly be examined at the time of consultation. Though there are no grave side effects are there but yet it should not be executed in following conditions:-
Ama- in the state of indigestion
Kapha disorders- conditions like obesity, water retentions, over sleepiness etc.
Amavata- in the conditions of rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis.
Agnimandya- in the state of diminished digestive fire, i. e. dyspepsia, aversion to the food.

Other factors, in case of fractures, dislocations, muscular and tendon tears, Abhyangam should not be executed else under the supervision.

Duration of the treatment

Classically, for a healthy person it should be executed for 45 minutes. Old people should be taken care of and it can be executed on alternative days to avoid any kind of exertion.

Acute pain management in Ayurveda

Today, when I was coming back to my flat on my bike from office I met an unfortunate incidence. When I was waiting a red signal to turn green, a huge Tata Indigo Marina which was trying to skip red signal just got my left foot under the rear tyre, not to say it fetched hell out of me and I was in massive excruciative pain. Driver of the cab was not ready to listen my cry and did not move his cab for long... Ah... Pain....Pain Pain....

Somehow I managed to drive myself back to home and could not think of a potent medicine that can relieve my pain. I made sure it was not a fracture.

All of a sudden I thought of a pain management measure from Ayurvedic books and bought a packet of cold milk to do a cold fomentation on it. Though, a doubtful starter I did it for another half an hour, and to my surprise pain was completely off. I took half glass of milk mixed with ! spoon of purified butter i.e. Ghee and a pinch of turmeric.

After 1 hour of rest I am back on my feet and could not wait to share this with you all.

Incredible Ayurveda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Medical System becoming Cheap

05/02/08

Advertisement of famous and reputed Hospital in Delhi:

Angiography@ Rs. 6999/-, hurry!

The day is not far away, stents would be sold on mobile handrickshaw.

Prevention is always better than cure. What are you waiting for, why not to get your angiography done.

Thanks!

Prakriti For You

27/1/2008

Prakriti for You !!!!!

Have you ever observed three kids playing together? Nye!!!!! Who is having that much time to

bother.

Just a small exercise for everyone,

Do you think that you lack interest sometimes to complete the projects that you have been given.

Do you think, you are not living up to your commitments with others.

You are lacking somewhere, and yourself being a hurdle for your career growth?

But you are very accommodating, and get along with everyone easily, still don't know why you are not progressing in your life.

There is a possibility, you are not channelizing your Air within you.

Perhaps Ayurveda can help you.

Do you Know your Prakriti ?

23/01/08

New Delhi.

Do you Know Yourself?

Its been long time talking about ourselves, lets take back seat and discuss something interesting. Prakriti as said by Ayurveda, a trait carried by an individual throughout his life due to the influence of trinity of biological humors i.e. Vata (Air), Pitta(Fire), Kapha(Water) on his/ her body. It produces many colours in your life. It even reflexes on your mental state and can help you to decide what you can do best in your life. Its like knowing yourself completely.

I hope, you know yourself.

Ayurveda goes a long way

A unique system of medicine, a great philosophy and much more than your imagination comes a long way since 5000 B.C. back.

In this world, where most of the systems of medicines explains about curing the diseases, Ayurveda asserts on retaining health of a haelthy being.

I want to change the image of tomorrow's world.Why to fall prey to diseases, when we can keep them well away.

Know your constitution and seek ayurvedic advice to keep yourself healthy.

And if you are running down with stress, shirodhara can help you. There is much more this science can serve you.

Dr. Ashutosh Guleri

Ayurveda can answer your all woes.

when you get up in the morning, try gargles with hot water mixed with Little salt.

This appears to be simple but yet effective.

It keeps your mouth clean.

It increases taste.

scrapes mucous.