Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a common problem caused by acute or chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. The paranasal sinuses are aerated cavities in the bones of the face that develop from the nasal cavity and maintain communication with it. The main sinuses are the maxillary, the frontal, the ethmoid, and the sphenoid sinuses. Maxillary sinusitis is the most common type of sinusitis. The ethmoid, frontal and sphenoid sinuses are affected less frequently.

Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Pain or pressure in the forehead, cheeks, nose and between the eyes
• Headache
• Fever
• Nasal congestion
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Cough, which may be worse at night
• Bad breath (called halitosis)
• An ache in the teeth

The location of your sinus pain depends on which sinus is affected.

Do's and Don't for Sinusitis

Following are some of the simple tips for sinusitis:

- Include green vegetables, fruits, cereals, salads, etc in your diet.

- Eat raw garlic and onions in good amount. It will open the nasal congestion and helps in curing sinusitis.

- Eat healthy and nutritional foods to keep body and mind healthy.

- Drink at least 8-10 glasses and fruit juice.

- Take ginger, cinnamon tea with little sugar and milk. This is very effective in opening nasal congestion.

- Eat fresh juicy fruits like oranges, and other Vitamin C-rich fruits. Freshly prepared orange juice or sweet grape juice both works very well in curing sinusitis.

- Do not eat junk and oily foods, chocolates, sweets, etc.

- Take water vapor; this will loosen and helps in easy discharge of mucus.

- Add a pinch of salt lukewarm water and gargle 2-3 times a day.

- Don’t take milk or any kind of milk product. They will cause congestion and breathing problem.

Types of Warts and Their Treatment with Ayurveda

Warts are small skin tumors that can arise unexpectedly and anyplace on the skin. They are generally round in shape and exfoliate like a cabbage. Warts can occur anywhere on the body, but they are more common on the hands and the feet.

Depending on their location and their shape, there are different types of warts. They are: -

(i) Common warts – These occur generally on the hands and the knees. They are simply upraised surfaces on the skin.

(ii) Flat warts – These can occur on the face, hands, legs and knees. These warts are flat and are almost of the color of the skin.

(iii) Filiform warts – These are present only on the face. They may be near the eyelids or the lips. These warts are fingerlike or threadlike in appearance.

(iv) Plantar warts – These are painful warts that are generally formed on the soles of the feet.

(v) Mosaic warts – These are clusters of plantar warts.

(vi) Genital warts – These are warts that grow predominantly on the genital areas.

Medically speaking, warts are harmless. Some warts will heal themselves with time. But even then, people are always trying to remove the warts because it poses a cosmetic problem. Most times, warts can be removed, but they arise again. However, there are many safe ways in Ayurveda to heal warts with a permanent solution.

Warts may be caused due to any of the three doshas. The dosha generally influences where on the body the wart occurs.


(1) Useful Herbs for Warts

1. Banyan (Ficus religiosa)

The milky sap obtained from the green leaves of the banyan tree is very effective in the treatment of warts. It helps the skin to become smooth and the wart eventually falls off.

2. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The dandelion sap is very effective in the removal of warts. The cut end of a dandelion root is rubbed onto the wart so that the milky sap rubs on the warts. Within a few days of this kind of treatment, the wart would fall off.

3. Euphorbia (Euphorbia hirta)

The euphorbia plant is ground into a paste and applied onto the warty skin. The milky juice exuded by this plant is good in the treatment of warts.

4. Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata)

The leaves of the Indian sorrel are effective in the treatment of warts. They can be used in various ways for the purpose. One way is to directly apply a paste of the leaves onto the warts. A poultice of the leaves directly applied over the warts also helps in the treatment. The juice of the leaves can be mixed with several other beneficial ingredients for better results.

5. Rough Chaff (Achyranthes aspera)

The ash of the rough chaff is rubbed over warts as a traditional remedy. It is beneficial in the removal of warts.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Warts

There are no specific dietary guidelines in Ayurveda for the treatment of warts.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Warts

The Kaseesadi taila is recommended in Ayurveda for the treatment of warts. The rest of the treatment methods pertain to the application of useful herbs with bandages.

(4) Home Remedies for Warts

1. Mix the juice of the Indian sorrel plant with some juice of an onion. Apply this on the warts to remove them.

2. Mix the juice of the Indian sorrel with black pepper and ghee. If the warts or excrescences of the skin are caused due to biliousness, then this is a good remedy to eliminate them.

3. Take a teaspoon of juice of the coriander leaves along with a pinch of turmeric in it. Take this on a daily basis.

4. Take a slice of raw potato. Rub it on the wart for about ten minutes each day. This method will help remove the warts.

5. Take the peel of a banana and keep its inner side on the wart. Tie it up like a bandage. Change it twice a day. Keep this constantly on the wart until the wart disappears.

6. Castor oil can be applied regularly on the warts. This will help the warts to become supple and finally disappear. Instead of castor oil, camphor oil can also be used in the same manner.

7. Take a single clove of garlic and crush it, but not very finely. Keep this garlic clove on the wart. Then fix it in that position with a bandage. This helps in the treatment of warts.

8. A similar kind of bandage treatment can be done with the juice of grapefruit also. Put a drop of the fresh grapefruit juice on the wart. Then cover the area with a bandage. Do this three to four times in a day. Continuous application will help the wart to disappear.

9. Apply the oil of the tealeaves onto the warts every night before going to bed. Continue this application for a fortnight. You will find that the wart has slowly dissolved and disappeared.

10. Take a fresh fruit of amalaki (Indian gooseberry). Rub it on the wart several times a day till it is properly dabbed in its juice. Alternatively, you can also put a few drops of the juice of the amalaki onto the wart and then keep it covered with a bandage. If you don’t get hold of amalaki, then any vitamin C tablets can also be crushed and kept onto the warts, fixed in place with a bandage.

TREATMENT FOR EXCESS URINE

children and the young people generally suffer with the disease of excess urination. allopathic medicines control this disease for some time, but this system of medication does not offer any permanent solution to the problem. ayurveda offers the right treatment for this disease. in this disease the patient has the urge to urinate at short intervals and in excess quantity. the patient excretes approximately 10 liters of urine in 24 hours.

symptoms:

the patient suffering with this disease drinks water at short intervals, has constipation, loses appetite, passes yellow colored urine, has the complaint of backache and his health deteriorates with each passing day due to these symptoms. ayurvedic remedies

1 take 1/2 gm of ritha seed powder with fresh water twice a day. it controls disease within a week.

2 black sesame 50 gm, ajwain 25 gm; mix both the things and make a fine powder. add 65 gm of jaggery. take 5 gm of this medicine twice a day. this will cure the disease.

3 poppy seeds 25 gm, jaggery 25 gm; mix both the items and keep it aside. take 2 gm of this mixture with water twice a day. this medicine is beneficial in controlling the disease of excess urination.

4 black pepper 30 gm, moolhathi 45 gm, sugar candy 60 gm; mix all the three things and make a fine powder. take 4 gm of this powder with ghee made out of cow milk twice a day.

5 taal makhana 25 gm, shatavar 50 gm, sugar candy 100 gm; mix all the things and make a powder. take 5 gm of this medicine with milk after meals twice a day. this cures the problems of excess urination, dreams, early ejaculation of sperm, discharge of sperm, impotency, bed-wetting and other diseases.

6 mix 2 gm each of turmeric and sesame and add 4 gm of jaggery. take this medicine with lukewarm water twice a day. this controls the problem of excess urination.

burning sensation and pain in the bladder:

this is a very painful disease. when the patient has the urge to pass urine he has to put lot of pressure. he is able to pass urine with lot of pain and burning sensation. this causes pain and burning sensation in the bladder, which makes the patient nervous and restless. regular consumption of any one medicine mentioned below is beneficial in this disease. the disease will get cured in due course of time. the patient should not loose patience and have faith.

7 grind the fresh new leaves of banyan tree and take it with cold water or cow milk, it stops the burning sensation in the urine.

8 take 150 gm of kantakari rasa (essence of silk cotton tree) with honey. this medicine cures burning sensation and pain in the bladder.

9 take asgandh, dry ginger powder, giloy, amla and gokharu in equal proportions and make-a fine powder. now boil 25 gm of this powder in 350 gm of water. boil till it reduces to one-fourth quantity, remove it from flame and sieve it. drink when it is cool. this will reduce the burning sensation in the bladder.

10 make a fine paste of raisins-and sugar candy and eat it with curd water. this will control burning sensation in the bladder and painful discharge of urine.

11 take 2 gm each of cucumber seeds and sesame and make a fine paste. take this paste twice a day with milk and ghee. this medicine will cure the urinary problems. blockage of urine there is a list of several medicines mentioned below, consume those which are easily available and can be prepared easily.

12 alum 40 gm, kalamishora 40 gm, white sandal powder 20 gm; mix all the ingredients and make a fine powder with the help of a cloth. take three gm of this powder with fresh water twice a day. this medicine helps in passing the urine with out difficulty.

13 rub the horn of stag just like sandal and make a lep (pack) with 10 gm of this powder and apply on all the sides of the navel. this will create the urge to pass urine freely within 15 to 20 minutes.

14 take the fresh roots of sharpunkha and rub it along with water. take two gm of this paste with jaggery powder at an interval of three hours twice or thrice a day. this will help in passing the urine freely.

15 grind amla (myrobalan) with water and make a paste. apply this paste on all sides of the navel. the patient will pass urine freely within few minutes.

16 fomentation with hot water in the lower part of the navel and back gives great relief to the patient.

kidney pain:

there are several reasons for kidney pain. the pain could be due to kidney stones, consumption of buttermilk, rice, juice and other cold things. this pain starts suddenly. it begins from the back and is passes to lower part of the navel, thighs, foetus, stomach, chest and spine. kidney pain is very painful and unbearable. the patient becomes restless and does get relief. consume any one medicine mentioned here, which is easily available and suitable.

1. take two rattis of yavakshar, kalamishora, white sugar, aniseed, nousadar and nine gm of sugar candy. make a fine powder and swallow it with water. single dose of this medicine cures kidney pain and the patient passes the urine freely. repeat the dose in case the patient does not get relief with single dose.

2 raddish juice 25 gm, yavakshar 1 gm; mix both the things and drink it twice or thrice a day. the stones dissolve and excrete through urine and the kidney pain cures permanently. take this medicine for eight to ten days.

3 take black pepper, pure thorn apple seeds, swarna geru and nousadar extract in equal proportions and make a fine paste. make tablets of one ratti each and take one or two tablets with butter, this medicine cure kidney pain.

4 take 30 gm of the juice of round gourd (petha), 25 gm of kalamishora and 250 gm of milk, mix all the things and consume it twice a day for few days. this will relieve the kidney pain,

5 take 30 gm of juice of banana stem, 25 gm of kalamishora and 250 gm of milk, mix all the things and take it twice a day. the kidney pain will subside within few days. proper diet in kidney pain the patient should be given barley, old small rice, old round gourd, in other words, he should be given food, which contains abundant quantity of carbose and less of protein, the patient should be given boiled water. do not give him tea, coffee, potato, onion, raisins, dry mango powder, fig and other items, which digest slowly. do not give lime, soda or sour water and do not allow the patient to do any type of exercise.

MASSAGE THERAPY: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Setting Up The Environment For Massage Therapy:
Environment:
It is essential to create a warm, comfortable environment for your partner or client.
1. Use soft lighting for a more relaxing atmosphere.
2. Warm the room beforehand to ensure your partner or client doesn't get cold.
3. Select a time when you won't be interrupted.
4. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
5. Make sure you have clean hands and short nails.
6. Remove jewellery from your hands and wrists.
7. If you have long hair its is best to tie it or clip it up.
8. Should you wish to play music, choose something soothing?
Aim to complete a full-body massage in one to one-and-a-quarter hours. If you continue for much longer than this you risk tiring yourself, and your partner or client may start feeling chilly and uncomfortable.
Equipment Needed:
You will need a firm, padded surface on which to work. This can be a massage table, or a small cotton or foam mattress placed on the floor. Further you will require Massage oils, small cushions or pads to support the body when required, washable blankets or soft towels for warmth, large towel to cover the parts of the body that you are not working on, sheet or towel to cover the mattress or table, a clock(optional).
Massage Oils:
Try different oils to see which ones suit you best. Here are some commonly used types.
1. Mineral (including baby oil)
2.Soya
3.Peach And Apricot Kernel
4.Grapeseed
5.Sunflower
6.Almond(expensive)
7.Olive Oil(very sticky)
8.Peanut Oil.
Oiling Tips:
1.Be sparing with the amount of oil you use. Use only enough oil to cover the particular area you are working on with a thin film of oil. Using too much oil makes the body slippery and difficult to work on.
2. Place 1/2 tsp (5ml) of oil in the palms of your hand and rub hands gently together.
3. Using a gliding stroke, cover the part of the body you want to work on first with a thin film of oil.
4. If you wish, add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil(for example, lavender can be relaxing or invigorating, rosemary is stimulating, Roman Chamomile is soothing).
5. Keep the oil close to you in a small bottle or dish.
6. Do not pour the oil into your hand directly above your client, in case it drips accidentally.
Final Preparation:
Try these techniques to focus and prepare yourself:
- Close your eyes and sit quietly for a few minutes.
- Concentrate on your breathing.
- Let go of any thought that maybe worrying you or are cluttering your mind.
- Imagine all unnecessary tension flowing out of you each time you exhale.
Spend two minutes "warming up" your hands before you start:
- Shake hands loosely from the wrist to get rid of residual tension.
- Flex, stretch and curl fingers to loosen the muscles.
- Gently massage each hand(almost as if you were putting on some hand cream).
Different Types Of Stroke And Pressure:
There are a variety of different strokes that can be used, ranging from the most delicate touch with the fingertips to focused deep-tissue work. All strokes can be varied in speed and pressure. Keeping your hands relaxed, begin working slowly and rhythmatically, gradually building up speed and pressure as you experiment.
Some basic points:
1.As a general rule, strokes should be made firmly in the direction of the heart, and then lightly for the return stroke.
2. By varying their intensity, strokes can be used either to stimulate or relax.
3. Ideally the receiver should experience the massage as one long series of rhythmic strokes.
Massage Position:
Avoid working only from your hands and shoulders. Use the weight and movement of your whole body to improve the fluidity of your strokes and to help you when you wish to use more pressure.
Massage Strokes:
1. Gliding:
This stroke is used a great deal throughout the massage sequence and is particularly useful for applying oil to the body. It can be a feather-light or a firm re-assuring stroke. Keeping the fingers together and hands outstretched, glide the hands forward along the length of the body or limb, retaining contact with the flat of the hand. The strokes you employ can be either long or circular, using one or both hands. The function of gliding strokes is to relax and stretch your partners muscles.
2. Kneading:
Kneading is a firm stroke used on a specific area to help release muscle tension and improve circulation. Gently grasp the area(e.g. calf, thigh, or fleshy area over the hip) with both hands and make a kneading action similar to that of kneading dough.
3. Draining:
A light-to medium-pressure stroke which relaxes and stretches the muscles and improves circulation. Use either the heel of the hand on larger areas (e.g. thigh) or the thumbs on smaller areas(e.g. calves, forearms).With one hand following the other, push firmly using the heel or thumb of first hand and the next, traveling slowly upward along the limb or muscle.
4. Pulling:
This stroke can be used to pull and stretch the muscles of the trunk, and the legs. Use alternating hands in a pulling motion, gradually moving them up the body.
5. Wringing:
This stroke is similar to "pulling", but works right across the body or limb. This is a good stroke with which to finish a particular sequence and can be used on the torso, legs, and arms. Start with hands placed either side of the body or limb. Moving the hands in a forward and back motion across the body, progress slowly up toward the head.
6. Friction Strokes:
These are deeper strokes which allow you to work around joints and into the muscles and tendons, to iron out knots and release tension. Using the thumbs or fingertips, work slowly and firmly into the area, making tiny circular movements. Different individuals will prefer different pressures-some will only be able to tolerate light pressure, others will want you to work as deeply as possible.
7. Percussive Strokes:
Percussive strokes, such as hacking, cupping and plucking, are used to stimulate areas, improve circulation, and release muscle tension. They can be used on the shoulders, arms, legs, buttocks, and gently along the back. Do not use percussive strokes directly on the spine. These strokes are not an essential part of any massage sequence, but you may wish to incorporate some of them into your routine. They can be performed very lightly, or with more intensity, as appropriate. Remember to keep your hands and wrists as relaxed as possible.
8.Hacking:
With hands open and palms facing each other, make an alternating "chopping" motion up and down the body. As a variation on this stroke, curl the fingers into loose fists to create more of pummeling effect on the body.
9. Cupping:
Cup hands and face palms downwards. Keeping hands cupped gently beat up and down along the body.
10. Pinching Or Plucking:
Gently lift small amounts of flesh and let it slide through the fingers.