आयुर्वेदोऽमृतानाम्
Ayurveda is best among the Elixirs of Life. It is a balanced communion between science and philosophy primarily aimed at a healthy society. Principle of Ayurveda is to adopt a life style that promotes wellbeing. It is an intrinsic journey of an individual through the path of Duty, livelihood, fulfilling desires to ultimately liberation. To achieve the ultimate purpose of being human, one should follow Ayurveda sincerely.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Yoga - The the art of Healing Mind-Body-Soul
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सगं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय I भगवद्गीता२/ ४८
In the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna expounded the wisdom of all the times to his great disciple Arjuna. Probably this was the first time when utility of Yoga for overall development of life was explained on a public platform. Lord Krishna says, “O Arjuna! Perform your actions by achieving the complete communion with the objective.” Unless you achieve the state of oneness with your objective, you can never achieve the desired result.
The word Yoga is a self-explanatory Sanskrit word derived from the root Yuj that means to unite. It also signifies addition of two subjects’ viz. 1+1 = 2. When two different numbers combine together they lose their own entity to become 2, which in turn is a transformation.
Acharya Patanjali – expounder of Yoga Darshana says,
योगश्चित्तवृत्ति निरोधः
Yoga is a way to control thy mind from its distractions – vritti. As per Ayurveda the gross human body is a balanced communion of Physical Body, Senses, Mind, and Soul. Mind is like a central processing unit of the physical and physiological body. And characters of mind are explained as atomic, and one. Because of its atomic nature it connects to various subjects in a split of a moment. And this very nature of the mind makes it highly instable thus resulting in constant attraction and distraction from its subject. It cannot remain focused on one subject for a long duration if not constantly trained otherwise. The great seer Patanjali knew this nature of mind that posed a major hindrance to the true wisdom of life leading to complete chaos. A practice was devised to attain the control of mind with a constant effort named as Yoga.
Lord Krishna- an epitome of Yoga philosophy gave brilliant definition of Yoga,
...... समत्वं योग उच्यते II भगवद्गीता २/ ४८
To achieve the equality is Yoga. However, this particular definition of yoga by Lord Krishna can be read in various aspects. It is very versatile in its explanation. An effort by an individual to achieve equality to that of divine by its constant actions similar to the actions of divine can be done with the help of Yoga. It can be done by different ways viz. by following the path treaded by divine, by surrendering to the actions of divine, by constantly reciting the praise of divinity and so on. All the roads lead to communion with the divine or in other words, toting with the divine to be transformed is yoga in true words. To become divine by mind, actions, and speech is Yoga.
Lord Krishna further expounds,
बुद्धियुक्तो जहाति इह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते I
तस्मात् युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम् II भगवद्गीता/ २ – ५०
The one who constantly engages himself with intellect and wisdom achieves detachment (salvation) in both the realms – physical and metaphysical. That is why one shall dedicate the self to the Yoga, because achieving perfection in the action is Yoga.
Brilliance of the Yoga is explained in above definition and simplicity of yogic practice is explained without complexity of the process. To achieve the perfection in the current endeavour with constant efforts and focus is the true meaning of practicing yoga. Practicing Karma (action) to an extent that action and the individual become identical. There remains no difference between them and they achieve similarity or become synonymous to each other is true yoga.
Yoga philosophy is adaptable and transforms itself with time, orientation and generations. Probably that is one reason why it is so popular till date since the time immemorial. However, due to the commercialisation yoga is broken down in many forms and marketed in different colours and packaging. The most popular form of yoga practiced today is Asana (postural practice). Practicing certain forms of postures is not yoga but a fragmentary part of it. It can help the one to achieve physical flexibility or strength but can never lead the one to the true meaning of the Yoga – a complete communion with the self. It is essential to comment here that it is not wrong to practice Yogic postures to achieve flexibility and strength because it is still effective but practicing fragmentary aspect of the science thinking that we are practicing Yoga is wrong.
To achieve the homeostasis between Mind, body and soul with a constant effort to enhance the intellect, constant practice to achieve perfection in own actions and a complete devotion towards the objective is the true form yoga. Any other practice of yoga can be fragmentary, fractured part of yoga but can never be a complete science.
The word Yoga is a self-explanatory Sanskrit word derived from the root Yuj that means to unite. It also signifies addition of two subjects’ viz. 1+1 = 2. When two different numbers combine together they lose their own entity to become 2, which in turn is a transformation.
Acharya Patanjali – expounder of Yoga Darshana says,
Yoga is a way to control thy mind from its distractions – vritti. As per Ayurveda the gross human body is a balanced communion of Physical Body, Senses, Mind, and Soul. Mind is like a central processing unit of the physical and physiological body. And characters of mind are explained as atomic, and one. Because of its atomic nature it connects to various subjects in a split of a moment. And this very nature of the mind makes it highly instable thus resulting in constant attraction and distraction from its subject. It cannot remain focused on one subject for a long duration if not constantly trained otherwise. The great seer Patanjali knew this nature of mind that posed a major hindrance to the true wisdom of life leading to complete chaos. A practice was devised to attain the control of mind with a constant effort named as Yoga.
Lord Krishna further expounds,
The one who constantly engages himself with intellect and wisdom achieves detachment (salvation) in both the realms – physical and metaphysical. That is why one shall dedicate the self to the Yoga, because achieving perfection in the action is Yoga.
Brilliance of the Yoga is explained in above definition and simplicity of yogic practice is explained without complexity of the process. To achieve the perfection in the current endeavour with constant efforts and focus is the true meaning of practicing yoga. Practicing Karma (action) to an extent that action and the individual become identical. There remains no difference between them and they achieve similarity or become synonymous to each other is true yoga.
To achieve the homeostasis between Mind, body and soul with a constant effort to enhance the intellect, constant practice to achieve perfection in own actions and a complete devotion towards the objective is the true form yoga. Any other practice of yoga can be fragmentary, fractured part of yoga but can never be a complete science.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Holi – Add a Colour to Your Style
India just celebrated “Holi- festival of colours” couple of days back, and it is so much of fun watching the madness spreading all over. It is just awe-inspiring seeing colours in the air and being in the hills the beginning of the madness could be felt well in advance- pine trees start shedding pollens and you can see tinge yellow layer on your vehicles parked in open. This is how for past few years I have been assuming on-coming Holi festival. The rush in the blood, madness in the air, and happiness all over inspire me about this festival and infuses loads of peace and serenity in the end. To be an Ayurvedic Physician have been the best thing in my life – I guess! It gives me an insight and connects me not only to the roots of Indian tradition but opens my mind to know and learn about other traditions as well. This time Holi left me with few questions. Why should I play Holi and is it only about fun or there is a bit more relevance to the festival of colours?
“Festival of colours - Holi” is celebrated in India on the eve of full moon of Falgun – Indian name for spring. It is the celebration of victory of the Truth over evil. It marks the beginning of the annual fairs and first trading get to gather. On the day of the Holi people gather in large number of groups and paint each other in multiple colours. Primarily the compassion is expressed by pouring water or coloured water on each other. My mind goes a mile to find a technical reason behind playing with colours, although organising fairs make sense as the Falgun is the time when officially cold wave begins to slow down and rise in temperature makes it easy to go out and make living, which had been made tough otherwise by severe cold wave.
· Holi is primarily played with water or coloured water. Out of the five elements of evolution, the water is responsible for union or bonding. The molecules of water have the property to unite loosely held particles together- everyone knows how it turns flour into dough. It represents compassion and love. Splashing water on each other marks the unity and oneness.
Also, during extreme winters people used to shirk bathing. During the winters skin becomes dry and dehydrated in lack of water. The custom of splashing water rehydrates skin, makes it supple, gives a fresh lease of life and it is a loving reminder to all those hydrophobic people about the importance of bathing.
· Ayurveda recommends application of various herbal pastes in the months Spring. As already said, during winters dehydrated skin accumulates loads of toxins and dead skin tissues. It makes skin look dull and lifeless. In view of removing dead skin layer and restore optimum blood circulation to the skin it logically makes sense to apply herbal pastes and formulations. Traditionally, Ayurveda have been a part of Indian life style. In a playful act doing things have been a part of this amazing culture and one of the oldest civilizations. Interestingly playing Holi with different colours was a part of annual skin cleanse. Although, we have lost our way in lack of an appropriate understanding of the tradition. Ayurveda recommends herbal formulations and colours extracted from natural resources. One can prepare colours from Natural resources for their use and trust me it doesn’t take too many efforts. It is healthy for skin and devoid of the allergies and fear of adverse reactions later.
· Dried leaves of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Bilwa (Aegle marmelos) renders green tinge colour and is healthy for skin. It is proven for its bactericidal and cooling properties.
· Dried wheat grass, leaves of Mehndi (Lawsonia inermis), and leaves of Gulmohar (Delonix regia) render light green colour. One should keep the quantity of Mehndi leaves lesser to avoid momentary staining of the skin (although it is not bad but you might have to go to office next day).
· Traditionally Tesu/ Palash (Butea monosperma) have been a great source of red colour. It also comes in Orange colour. A powder prepared with dried flowers of Tesu, red sandalwood, saffron gives a beautiful colour and also very healthy for the skin. It enhances complexion of the skin, removes patches and pigmentation. One can also use Kabila fruits (Mallotus philippenesis) with dried flowers of Hibiscus and dried pomegranate seeds. It gives beautiful light brick red colour and enhances beauty mixed with fun while playing along.
· Dried red rose petals, fragrant red sandalwood and dried hibiscus petals are just a healthy retreat in the month of spring; show your colours in style.
· If you add lemon drops in the Turmeric, it gives an orange shade. I don’t need to explain the medicinal properties. Add fine powder of fuller’s earth and white sandalwood powder to the mix to get the right proportion of the colour. Trust, your skin would shine in the entire extravaganza around.
· Beet root juice and pulp of black grapes added with water is a perfect solution for that magenta splash on each other. You shouldn’t be worried if the splash goes in your mouth. I am sure no one would resist being soaked into this kind of Holi.
· For yellow fuller’s earth, dried yellow Marigold petals and hint of turmeric powder would not only enhance joy of the Holi but would dash up your skin too.
Ayurveda recommends that you should play Holi in its own style. It not only increases communal compassion but it is healthy too. After finding all those colours I don’t think that one should play Holi only for one day. In my opinion with these preparations you should play Holi all through the spring. In case you don’t find partner you can enjoy these colours on your own, soak yourself in the colour you want.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Osteoarthritis – 5 Points Someone
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Weight Loss – 6 initial steps to your goal
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Tulsi – A medicine Divine
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Grapes – A food for your Blood
Blood is a liquid connective tissue which has three general functions- transportation, regulation, and protection. It has two major components: 1) blood plasma which is watery liquid that contains water, protein and other solutes like electrolytes, gases etc. and 2) formed elements – Platelets, WBCs, and RBCs.
Platelets occupy less than 1% of the formed elements. Platelets break off from the megakaryocytes in red bone marrow and then enter the blood circulation. In between 150,000 to 400,000 platelets are present in each µL of blood (Tortora). Platelets help to stop blood loss by forming platelet plug and have a short life span, between 5 to 9 days, while dead platelets are removed by spleen and liver.
Platelets essentially contribute towards the immunity of the body by periodical repair of the blood vessels and saving blood loss. Number of platelets becomes essential marker in cases of sever immune attack by extrinsic or intrinsic factors. In cases of Dengue, which is caused by Aedes aegypti there is a constant lapse in number of platelets which may result in internal hemorrhage resulting in potential life risk. Restoration of platelets can be achieved by incorporating dietary changes alone and Ayurveda can contribute essentially in saving lives. Routine consumables can be used judiciously in order to achieve medicinal effect and Ayurvedic life style is all about using food as a medicine.
Food, which help in nourishing our blood is described below with references of its properties and uses mentioned in traditional system of healing – Ayurveda.
द्राक्षा (Grapes)
द्राक्षा पक्वा सरा शीता चक्षुष्या बृहणि गुरुः I
स्वादुपाकरसा स्वर्या तुवरा सृष्टमूत्रविट II
कोष्ठमारुत्कृद वृष्या कफपुष्टिरुचिप्रदा I
हन्ति तृष्णाज्वरश्वासवातवातास्रकामलाः II
कृछ्र अस्रपित्त संमोह दाह शोष मदात्ययान I
आमा स्वल्पगुणा गुर्वी सैवाम्ला रक्तपित्तकृत II
वृष्या स्याद् गोस्तनी द्राक्षा गुर्वी च कफपित्तनुत् I
भाव प्रकाश/ फल वर्ग/ ११२- १३
Latin name – Vitis vinifera Linn.
Family – Vitaceae
Bhav Prakash says ripened grapes are naturally laxatives and cold in potency. It increases eye sight, heavy to digest and increases muscle mass in the body. Due to being naturally laxative and cold in potency it helps in removal of excessive pitta from the circulation.
Pitta, when increases by virtue of its hot and liquid qualities results in vidah (sensorial discomfort) which is commonly seen in Dengue fever, like burning of eyes, excessive thirst, aversion to food, itching of the skin and so on. Ayurveda suggests in order pacifying a specific dosha and its qualities, properties which are opposite to the nature of the vitiated dosha should be incorporated. Pitta shares a symbiotic relationship with metabolic factor blood, thus results in multiple disorders related to circulatory system. It is important to find out a drug which should have laxative effect (as it is a default treatment for Pitta) and also possesses cooling effect. Interestingly, Grape contains both the qualities and becomes an obvious choice of medicine where in blood is vitiated due to increase of Pitta.
Grapes, when completely formed are sweet in taste and clears voice. It can be effectively given to those suffering from hoarse voice. It also contains slight astringent taste and increases out flow of urine and stool. It creates bloating of abdomen. Grapes increase male sexual strength but may increase kapha. It induces strength in the body and enhances taste.
It removes excessive thirst. It is highly recommended to those who constantly complain of dry mouth. In such cases dry grapes (raisins) soaked overnight seems to be more appropriate. Ripened grapes which are sweet in taste should be given in fever as it reduces Vidaha which is integral symptom in Fever. Grapes especially are very effective in Asthma. As per Ayurveda, asthma can lead to degeneration of metabolic factors (Dhatu) and deterioration of metabolic factors can lead to various disorders related to malnutrition. In asthma, people generally suffer from anemia especially iron deficient. This is due to poor digestive capacity that metabolic factors cannot absorb heavy minerals from the food. It reduces the oxygen binding and further results in breathlessness on exertion and other symptoms. In such cases iron loading cannot be very good decision due to poor digestive state and in many cases it has been resulted in diarrhea. Grapes become a drug of choice in this case and Ayurveda specially recommend. It removes excess loading of pitta from the circulation being naturally purgative. It also nourishes Rakta Dhatu (Blood), induces strength and increases oxygen binding capacity of the blood cells thus helps in Asthma.
As per Bhav Prakash, seasoned grapes help to treat Arthritis. It is due to the chemical composition of the grapes. It is a rich source of all essential minerals and vitamins which are helpful in bone regeneration. It is a natural source of potassium (185 mg), calcium (11 mg), zinc (0.05 mg), phosphorus (13 mg), vitamin C (10.8 mg), B1 (0.092 mg), B2 (0.057 mg), B6 (0.110 mg), and E (0.700mg) per 100 grams(http://www.botanical-online.com/uvasangles.htm). These all are essential components of healthy bones and tissues. In early changes of osteoarthritis grapes could be used as a natural remedy (diabetic people should use soaked raisins). It is also recommended to those suffering from Gouty Arthritis and Jaundice. It is due to the principle of Pitta detoxification as per Ayurveda. Grapes are naturally diuretic (promotes urination), thus they are helpful in dysuria (painful and burning urination).
In Ayurveda, grapes are essentially recommended in Raktapitta which is generally compared to epistaxis (nasal bleed). It is important to understand that when Ayurveda discusses Raktapitta, it is not about one single disease but a syndrome with various representations which is essentially caused by vitiated Pitta (Fire) and Rakta (Blood). As mentioned before about symbiosis of Pitta and Rakta, whenever pitta gets vitiated especially due to the increase of its hot and liquid properties it results in increase of the blood volume. This increased heat has its own effect on the physiology of rakta (blood) and may result in destruction of essential components of the blood, especially those which help in continuous arterial repair – platelets. This is how raktapitta manifests as per Ayurveda. Due to the increased blood volume and thinning of the arterial walls because of vitiated Pitta especially in the areas where arteries/ capillaries are naturally weak sudden bleeding occurs due to any external/ internal factors like stress, strenuous exercise etc. When it bleeds per nasal it is called Urdhvag Raktapitta (epistaxis), while it per anal bleeding is called as Adhog Raktapitta. When it starts to bleed per cutaneous (through skin) it is named as Tiryak Raktapitta. Per cutaneous bleeds are seen in multiple conditions and generally arise from drastic loss of blood platelets. In dengue also when platelets see a sharp decline red blue rashes are seen on the skin. Grapes, not only removes excess pitta from the blood but also help in bone marrow rejuvenation due to its natural properties and increases platelet count when used as a medicine. It is a useful herbal medicine in all types of Raktapitta. It could be recommended in early stages of Dengue/ Yellow fever to avoid further complications of the deadly viral fever. It is advisable to have 10 – 15 number of fresh ripened grapes especially black grapes three times a day to have medicinal effect of the same. It may generate lose stools which is normal and part of the treatment only. Grapes are also recommended to those suffering from Delirium, burning sensations and mal nutrition. Ayurveda says that soaked raisin is a very effective remedy for post alcohol toxicity and chronic alcoholism.
This article intends to spread awareness about medicinal use of indigenous herbs and common foods available around us. One should use these remedies as medicine only and avoid repetitive, continuous, and excessive use of the same substance because,
योगादपि विषं तीक्ष्णं उत्तमं भेषजं भवेत् !
भेषजं चापि दुर्युक्तं तीक्ष्णं संपद्यते विषं !! च. सू. १/ १२७
With a judicious planning deadly poison could be used as an effective medicine, while a misuse of a lifesaving drug results in a deadly poison.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Curd – Let this food be your Medicine
भाव प्रकाश
च. सू. ७/६१
च. सू. ७/ ६०
Friday, August 10, 2012
Ayurveda Herbs - Cumin
Cumin
(शुक्ल जीरक/ कृष्ण जीरक/ कालिका)
जीरकत्रितयम रुक्षम कटूष्णम दीपनम लघु ।
संग्राही पित्तलम मेध्यम गर्भाष्यविशुधिकृत ॥
ज्वरघ्नम पाचनम वृषयम बल्यम रुच्यम कफापहम ।
चक्षुष्यम पवनाधमान गुल्म छर्दी अतिसार हृत ॥
भा. प्र.
Cumin is one of the most common and known spice. It is used in almost all the dishes in Indian traditional culinary system. As per Bhav Prakash Nighantu (Ayurvedic Pharmacogonsy), jeerak has three types as following:
1. White
2. Black
3. Kalika
In above quotation from the text states that all three types of cumin behold almost similar properties.
Latin name:
Cumin seed (white) – Cuminum cyminum
Black caraway seeds (Black) – Carum carvi
Nigella seeds (Kalika/ Black cumin) – Nigella sativa
All three varieties of Cumin are dry in nature and pungent in taste. They are hot in potency and stimulate digestive fire. Cumin is light to digest and helps in containing the stools, so it can be given in people suffering with irregular lose bowel habit. It has a special effect on brain and strengthens the memory. In my opinion it could be an effective herb in cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome where in patient passes frequent lose motions along with stress. Cumin seeds are known for its properties of uterine cleansing. It is an effective herb in cases of dysmenorrhoea. Ladies suffering with painful menstruations can take a hot infusion during their menstruation. It helps in alleviating Vata, regulates menstruation, and cleanses uterus as well. Pregnant women should avoid taking cumin in large quantities due to its vasodilatation effect and heating property. It also helps in reducing fever by generating sweat.
As per ancient wisdom of life, cumin seeds promote digestion and also enhance sexual vigour. It is a stimulant, thus works on erectile dysfunctions. Cumin also increases strength. It could be because of its property of stimulating metabolic digestion which helps in a thorough absorption of micro nutrients from the food. It also enhances taste of the food and alleviates Kapha. Cumin helps in lacto genesis so it could be given in small quantity to lactating mothers.
Bhav Prakash says, cumin helps in promoting eye sight, and removes gaseous bloating of abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It is also a very good diuretic and could effectively be used in urinary tract problems.Cumin seeds contain 2.4 – 4% volatile oil which contains cumin aldehyde which could be converted in thymol. It can be used as antiseptic. It is one of the safe and effective remedy in infants.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Ayurveda Herbs
The Bishop’s Weed (अजवायन /यवानी)
Carum copticum (B & H)
Trachyspermum ammi (Linn)
Ptychotis ajowan (DC)
यवानी पाचनी रुच्या तीक्ष्णोष्णा कटुका लघु: ।
दीपनी च तथा तिक्ता पित्तला शुक्रशूलहृत ॥
वातश्लेष्मोदरानाह गुल्म प्लीहक्रिमिप्रणुत ।
भा. प्र.
Bishop’s weed or Ajwain is one of the most famous herbs among folklore practices. Although it is not very commonly used among spices but it has been herbs of choice in house hold remedies. Ajwain is carminative, and enhances taste of the food. It is pungent bitter in taste and sharp in action. Ajwain is hot in potency and increases Pitta. Metabolic taste of Ajwain is bitter and it is light to digest. It stimulates digestive juices and promotes the gastric absorption. Due to hot in potency, if consumed in excess quantities or for a prolonged duration it may result in gastric burning. Repetitive consumption in over doses may have adverse effect in spermatogenesis due to contradictory properties of Ajwain and sperms.
Ajwain alleviates Vata and Kapha and it is specifically prescribed in colic pain due to gaseous distention. It contains volatile oil which is constituted 40 – 50 % of thymol. As the traditional wisdom says, “it helps in removing worms (Krimi pranut).” Thymol is known for its anthelminthic properties. And famously used for hookworm treatments. Thymol is also known to have certain antimicrobial properties. Probably that is the reason why Ajwain is so potent in cases of gaseous bloating of abdomen and dysentery. It could be used in amoebic dysentries. As per Ayurveda, Ajwain also helps in splenic disorders. It is also believed that thymol is effective in removing certain fungal infections of finger nails and toe nails. It would be advisable for people suffering with fungal infections of nails to wash the nails with decoction prepared with Ajwain seeds for two to three times a day.
Due to its strong odor it is used in removing foul smell from many pungent oils especially of castor oil. In chronic dry cough it can be used effectively to remove Kapha. In cases of asthma (shwas) Ajwain powder in prescribed dose is given with hot water. Powder of Ajwain mixed with Epsom salt is known to cure chronic indigestion in folklore practices, and factually it is effective. Although people suffering with hypertension should be careful about the dose as it contains salt.
In pain abdomen, rheumatic pains and joint pains poultice is prepared and used for fomentation of local area to eradicate pain. Pitta Prakriti people should refrain from excessive internal consumption of Ajwain as it may aggravate thermodynamics of the body.
Disclaimair
Views and articles published on this blog are the sole property of the author. And unauthorized use is prohibited in terms of printing, publishing, reproducing, presenting without prior permission. Articles are meant for the purpose of general awareness and for further advice and utility of Ayurveda treatments, consult your Ayurveda physician.
© 2014 Dr. Ashutosh Guleri All Rights Reserved