Diabetes – a life style disorder

Ayurveda an age old science, explains this disease as Prameha wherein the prime symptom is excessive and frequent urination. As per Ayurveda Prameha is a disorder primarily related to the various abnormalities associated to the urination which further leads to a group of metabolic disorders(Prabhut avil mootrata). Diabetes- a Greek word that literally means fountain/ tap, was later associated to a disorder characterised by excessive production of the urine, there on a word mellitus was added to it which means honey. Sushruta- father of modern surgery explained the similar disorder much before the origin of modern medical science, and named it as Madhumeha. The word is made up of two words, Madhu – honey, Meha – Urine.

One can get the idea of similarity between two disorders explained by two different systems of medical sciences. Madhumeha is a disease in which subject frequently secretes a lot of urine (polyuria) with increased thirst (polydypsia) and associated with increased hunger (polyphagia). As per Ayurvedic methodology of diagnostics, it is decided depending upon clinical symptoms with a thorough urine examination. Charaka explained an easy methodology of diagnosing this disease based on a prodromal sign wherein ants are attracted to the urine of the patient.

Diabetes, which is generally considered as a life style disorder; caused by excessive consumption of unplanned and unwholesome diet associated with excessive sleep or non physical exertion, as per Charaka (Asya sukha, Swapna sukha…). By mentioning above causative factors Charaka might have predicted the modern life style which could be realized by prevalence of this disease in urban part of the world. Adding further to the list of causative factors, it includes excessive indulgence in the food which is rich in fat and quite heavy to digest for a prolonged duration, which is again a style icon of urban population which includes a fascination for junk food with carbonated beverages without much physical exertion. No doubt that Ayurveda also considers this disease as a genetic disorder (Beej Dosha). All such factors leads to vitiation of the Kapha (water metabolism) which in turn results in Prameha or diabetes.

Ayurveda classifies Diabetes in 20 types which actually emerge out of their individual dosha vitiation viz- a- viz from Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Sushruta being first to identify Madhumeha, which arises due to the predominance of vata dosha is a peculiar form of prameha in which sufferer frequently passes large amount of sweet urine and have been enlisted among the incurable diseases. Having said incurable, Madhumeha/ Diabetes comes under the diseases that need to be managed with continuous and through efforts through out the life span. It becomes incurable due to the involvement of all three doshas, meda, Rakta, Shukra, Ambu (water portion), Vasa, Lasika, Majja, Rasa, Oja (Sap of life), and Mamsa which are called as ten vitiated factors (Dasa dooshya). So it is extremely important for the patients, who think that swallowing a pill will cure their diabetes and they can eat anything and everything, to follow the proper dietary advice in association with proper exercise regimen.

From the point of view of treatment, Ayurveda classifies diabetics under two divisions, 1. Obese and strong, 2. Emaciated and weak. Category second is advised to be treated by improving their nutrition and lifting up their absorption level by judicious use of food supplementations and medicines. This kind of patient should be avoided for deep cleansing therapies until unless his general health condition is improved remarkably. While obese and strong patients should be subjected for the oleation (if necessary) and fomentation followed by deep cleansing by means of Vamana (induced vomiting) or Virechana (induced purgation). Once the through cleansing is achieved, patient is again kept on balanced diet to control the disturbed physiology.

Generally barley is considered to be helpful for maintaining and avoiding Madhumeha. Barley flour could be mixed with wheat and gram flour to be consumed in the form of baked bread. Fenugreek seed powder or sprouts can be used to achieve an additional effect in maintaining Madhumeha. Sushruta suggests a judicious use of Shilajeet to control Madhumeha. One must understand that Diabetes management treatment should be done under the strict supervision of a qualified Physician only and a regular check on Blood Glucose level is must. Chronic Hyperglycemia results in serious and long standing effects on other organs of the body and may also lead to Diabetic Neuropathy.

Osteoarthritis – An Ayurveda Management

Osteoarthritis which is a common suffering these days could be compared to Sandhi gata vata from Ayurveda’s perspective. Though it is difficult to have a comparative study of two very different systems, but for the ease of understanding and to bring the best out of the two system for achieving a common a goal of curing the ailments, an integration is not a bad idea. Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by a group of mechanical changes with the degeneration of joints. It is a prevailing disorder in old age people, wherein level of calcium degrades due to an effect of ageing, but other factors like life style, food habits etc. are also equally responsible for the prevalence of this disease.

Ayurveda describes a long list of causative factors responsible for Sandhi Gata Vata. As the name suggests, it is a disorder generated by excess Vata thus also known as Vata Vyadhi. Though vata vyadhi is quite a comprehensive term and it is a group of diseases created by increased Vata out of which one that affects joints specially weight bearing articulations is named a Sandhi Gata Vata. Meaning of word Sandhi is Joint or articulation.

Sandhi Gata Vata can affect any of the joint, but mostly large weight bearing joints like hip, knee and ankle are affected. Vata, which is a factor chiefly responsible for the mobilization in the body when increases in excess starts degenerating the body by means of its property of absorption. Symptoms of increased Vata can be viewed by signs of dryness over the skin, wrinkles, loosening of the joints, muscle wasting, poor strength etc. As per Ayurveda, causative factors responsible for the vitiation of Vata are, too much consumption of food which is dry in nature, and light to digest, to eat small quantity of meals which is insufficient for the body for a prolonged duration, too much involvement in sexual activities, to consume insalubrious diet, to wake up late night and to remain hyperactive and physically involved without taking enough rest. Chronic indigestion, malnutrition, excessive travelling are also few factors responsible for the vitiation of Vata Dosha. Trauma, excessive bleeding, chronic stress are also few other factors that increase Vata. Vitiated Vata when enters into the channels, it initiates many ailments related to Vata, and one of them is Sandhi Gata Vata.

Sandhi Gata Vata mainly represent symptoms pain and stiffness in the joint that may or may not increase with exertion. The joint makes a peculiar crackling sound while moved which is also called as crepitus. Swelling of the joint after exertion with or without the signs of inflammation can also be seen. Sandhi Gata Vata mainly affects spine, hip, knee and ankle joints which undergo a lot of wear and tear generated by body weight.

So obese people are at more risk of having osteoarthritis. Generally pain increases with cold and patient feels relieved by hot fomentation. Diagnoses can be established based on history and clinical examination. X- ray can consolidate the diagnoses and a typical OA(knees) X- ray film shows degenerative changes in the knee joint with joint space reduction and osteophyte formation in the joint.

Management of Sandhi Gata Vata from Ayurveda’s perspective is quite interesting and effective as well. One needs to rule out the involvement of the toxins (ama). Ayurveda reveals that sometimes Ama involvement with excessive Vata generates similar symptoms to the Ama Vata and could be quite confusing to diagnose, this state is called as Sama Sandhi Gata Vata. In such cases fasting remains the first line of action and it is necessary to bring it to the state of Nirama that is free from the toxin. There on line of action remains Oleation and fomentation to the joint, which could be done with the help of Panchakarma. Specific herbal oils are used for the purpose of oleation followed by fomentation with the help of herbal decoction prepared with the herbs that pacify Vata and also relieves the pain. Herbs like cida cordifolia (Bala), Gingiber offcinale (Shunthi), Cedrus deodara (Devdaru) are few that also helps in Sandhi Gata Vata. Food and nutrition is an aspect that can not be set aside while treating osteoarthritis. Life style needs to be corrected to achieve maximum result. It should be kept in mind that it is of utmost important to manage OA and if managed earlier it is better.

Obesity – a problem of plenty

Obesity, that has a problem of plenty is growing rapidly across the globe. It is a condition where body weight increases to an excess where it may affect general body health condition. Ayurveda has enlisted this disease in those which are treated with difficulty. Medoroga as named in Ayurveda, not only creates a social stigma but also increases the likelihood of various ailments like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis etc.

 

Calculating your Body Mass Index(BMI) can help you to define your health condition by comparing your height and weight. BMI is just an estimation and does not represent a clear idea about your total fat percentage. But definitely it helps to get an idea when the bell rings. BMI can be calculated with the help of simple formula:-

BMI = weight [in kilos] divided by height [in meters] X height [in meters]

 

Body Mass Index weight categories and conclusion

 

BMI rating	Weight assessment
Under 20 (men) Under 19 (women)	Underweight Underweight
20 – 24.9	Normal weight
25 – 29.9	Overweight
30 & above	Obese

Management of weight is a more psychological game play than just following a regular routine. Causes of obesity are more attributed towards a sedentary life style and in certain cases due to a long standing illness for which patient had been treated with specific drugs. Family history, bad food habits, and genetic factors can not be ruled out too. But more often it has been seen that in the beginning patient does not take his/ her weight seriously and once the vicious circle of fat manufacturing starts in your body, it becomes difficult to reverse the changes.

Before going for weight reduction mental make up and a strong belief is utmost necessary. Crash diet course should be avoided strictly, they may result in sudden weight reduction but regaining of it also occurs at the same pace. It is advisable to calculate Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) before deciding your diet. It is the minimum caloric requirement needed to sustain life in a resting individual. One can calculate his/ her BMR with the help of following formula:

For Women

BMR = 655 + (9.6 X weight in kilos) + (1.8 X height in centimetres) – (4.7 X age in years)

For Men

BMR = 655 + (13.7 X weight in kilos) + (5 X height in centimetres) – (6.8 X age in years)

Based on above calculation, one can calculate his/ her approximate daily calorie need.

• Sedentary life style/ little or no exercise, calorie requirement = BMR X 1.2
• Lightly active individual(mild exercise 1- 3 days/ week), calorie requirement = BMR X 1.375
• Moderately active individual (moderate exercise 3 – 5 days/ week), calorie requirement = BMR X 1. 55
• Very active individual (hard exercise 5 – 7 days/ week), calorie requirement = BMR X 1. 725

Depending upon your BMR one calculate the daily need of their required calories and accordingly fix their dietary needs. Though, one must understand that it is not absolute food that have been your enemy thus far but a proper check on daily schedule is also equally responsible for such a high rate of obesity. Late night parties and excessive consumption of alcohol with smoking are other factors also contributing to the urban obesity. It has been reported that number of obese patient are increasing at an alarming speed in urban livelihood. generation next life style and sedentary habits from the childhood are also adding on to the childhood obesity. Kids are more interested in computer games and lack of interest in games involving physical exertion leading to the disastrous health hazards. It is indeed very important to keep a close check on your weight at the time when it hits that important mark where daily wears stop fitting your body. And it is always better to stay fit rather than running from one store to another to find your size.

Rejuvenation in Himalayas

Life in the metro getting hectic day by day, and daily physical involvement in meeting everyday new targets takes a toll on the body. It not only affects the physical body, also has a bad effect on mental well being. High society culture and sedentary life style generates life threatening diseases. Waking up late nights to catch your friends in the name of socializing and again rushing to the office early morning to reach in time takes out the vital energy from the body. When we have holidays we have to meet our dear ones and the whole time of leisure flies away treating your guests at home. Many factors come along together and your health remains on the back burner. Isn’t it a nice idea to go on a holiday where you can spend some time with yourself and pay full attention to your body, mind and soul?

Kayakalp in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh is a perfect destination for your long awaited health break. Come and recuperate yourself in the vicinity of Himalayas. Kayakalp is situated in the foothills of Dhauladhar range of Himalayas and it makes a picture perfect view in the winters with snow covered mountains peaks in the backdrop of a state of an art structure. An abode of traditional and alternative system of drugless therapies like Ayurveda Panchakarma, Naturopathy, Yoga and Physiotherapy are ready to enrich your health. A perfect blend of treatments, diet therapy with a hint of revitalizing touch of yoga makes a wonderful experience. A young team of enthusiastic Doctors welcome you with a refreshing smile and bid adieu with a promise of a better health condition of yours. Restricted regimen of diet offers you a step closer to the journey of your well being.

At Kayakalp, we offer you to get engaged in your hidden talents and occasional talks and leisure activities are conducted to display your creativity. Recreational hall offers you to spend your time with games and audio visual entertainment. Here you meet people from different arena of life and stay here as a part of an extended family.

We offer you different accommodations suiting best to your budget like dormitory, standard double bed room, deluxe double bed room, A/ C and non A/ C cottages. A prior booking is must to avoid hassles. Kayakalp at Palampur is well connected to the world by all modes of transportation like road, air, and train as well. You can have a joy ride from Pathankot in deemed to be heritage toy train. Though the travel could be quite slow but offers you a very different experience altogether. Daily flight is also available from New Delhi airport to Gaggal at Dharamsala and there on a taxi to Kayakalp is easily available which is just an hour from the airport. Himachal Pradesh always has to offer something different in all seasons and Kayakalp ensures you a perfect delight.

For more information you can log on to our website www.kayakalppalampur.com

Come and get involved with yourself. 

Spirituality – The Quest

 

The world of twenty first centaury is growing faster than expected, and at the same pace are growing, the desires of the man. But at same speed something very different is also happening on the back stage of physical realm, the spirituality. Gone are the days when spirituality used to be defined as spinning beads and going for pilgrimage. Also, over are the days visiting holy shrines in search of the peace. The new age philosophy is to find out peace within them. Though the same old forgotten science but realized at the right time. The time is ripe to segregate spirituality from religion.

One needs to understand the fact about the existence of God. Each and every holy book demonstrates the presence of the divine within oneself. It is a psychological realm of the higher being – the conscious. Age old philosophy of Sankhya, which describes the evolution of the universe based on two factors, the Mother Nature – phenomenal realm of the matter, and the purusha – the conciousness. Prakriti, under the influence of three qualitative forces with the stimulation of the higher conscious goes on multiplying for the manifestation of the physical world. purusha – the higher conscious is not a causative factor for evolution but the Prakriti. Under the influence of the physical boundaries, the conscious which is unattached and pure, believes itself to be the part of it only.

Moksha – the salvation is the process of realizing this pure consciousness in oneself, which is beyond the physical realm of the matter. Spirituality is a journey onto the path of self realization and it has nothing to do with any religion. Thus far by most of the people, spirituality was taught as a part of religion and it lead to lot of chaos than resolving the quest of the human being.

Today, the mantra is all about self introspection. Yoga helps in finding the tranquility of the mind which is the first step on the journey of the life. The word yoga itself defines the meaning – yujyate anena iti yoga, the factor responsible for the unanimity of the physical being with higher conscious. It helps in channelizing the energy to reveal the facts laying within one self. It brings back the energy of the cosmos to the primordial factor which is you, yourself. It has all the power of healing and can create wonderful result to an ailing body. Yoga is just not a part of your physical exercise, and it does not also limit itself to a specific religion. It is a practice to find you with in yourself only. The spirituality is not about finding god, but to find god with in you, and it is the essence of Indian philosophy; because, you are the god of yourself. This is the universal truth. The time is here to understand the Indian philosophy in its true self which is way beyond the saffronization of the books.

Doshas - a mystical science

Though I am not quite frequently here, and it is been long time since I updated my blog, but the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda kept moving with me and before coming out in form of words here, struck me hard many times. Not that I did not have time, but no work leads us to an indolent attitude and that is what happened to me. Leaving the bad time back, today I am herewith going to explain something very interesting, the chemistry of human body.Sometime I wonder how the concept of doshas (biological humors) came into the existence!

Ayurveda, a science purely based on observations, leaves an astonishing affect into the brain of a true seeker. As per the universal law, there are three stages of a matter- evolution, transformation, and destruction. Creation of the universe also comes under the same law, thus philosophers believe in the theory of universal destruction; however, we do not know how true it is. Human chemistry is also an out come of the same rule, and, it is surprising to know how true were the sages in their observations, that too well 5000 B. C. back!

Distribution of the doshas as per the stages of life reveals the truth. In the first part of the life (childhood) kapha predominates, while pitta predominates during the intermediate stage (young), and finally reaches on to the stage of vata i. e. old age. Going deeper into the stage of logical game play, fountain of wisdom pour downs the bliss of knowledge. For the matter of construction, there should be a strong cohesive force that can bind two loosely held molecules together, in order to provide strength and to impart a proper shape to the matter, and this role is played by the water in external world, while inside the human body by kapha. Kapha, being liquid has been named so for the scientific understanding. But, in the lack of force of transformation this molecule would end up being muck but nothing else; that is where the role of fire comes into the play. Fire, which helps in transforming the qualities of a matter in external world, for example from raw food to cooked food, similarly it helps in transformation of the human body also. Not to mention here that the process starts at the time of inception of child in the womb of the mother. The discussion does not stop here; adding further to it, in lack of force of disintegration or movement the matter can not grow or move in a positive direction. The vata (air), responsible for the movement inside the body functions similar to the air moving outside in the universe. Sushruta, the father of modern surgery and a great anatomist of his time says that vayu vibhajti, means the air disintegrates the inflamed mass of the water i. e. embryo and thus evolution of human life begins. It is very interesting indeed, how these three biological forces i. e. water, fire and air influence our body at the time of fertilization and keep doing so, throughout our life! While we, under the order of these three supernatural forces, tend to believe that our actions are self controlled. Funny! It seems, but, the truth. To scrutinize the facts is the human behavior, but when it comes to self introspection, we are the last person to do the same. In order to grow in our life, we need to get rid of the influence of these three biological forces upon our mind, body, and soul. In easy words, instead of being tamed, we need to master these three forces. While these three forces are in absolute balance, they perform their functions properly, but under the state of aggravation they tend to destroy human behavior and body as well, which further leads to dissatisfaction within the soul and our journey of life becomes the bed of thorns. Ayurveda explains various rituals to be followed and code of conduct to tame these forces in order to live a healthy and prosperous life.