Ideal Ayurveda

Effective Home Remedies of Various diseases

2010-02-16T01:24:00.000-08:00

1. Pitaashmari (Gall bladder stone):

a) Badaam giri – 6 nag, Munakka – 6 nag, Kharbooza – 4 gm, Choti ilayachi – 2 nag, Mishri – 10 gm. (Method of Consumption: Make the powder of above all the ingredients and soak 1tsp of the powder into one glass of water at night. Next early morning consume it empty stomach.)

2. Netra Vikar (Eye Problems):

a) Tying the chatani of the leaves of sehjan on eyes helps acute pain of eye.

b) Make a bolus of 11gm Kumari majja (aloe vera gel) and 220mg Afeem, now either pour 2 3 drops of from the bolus into the eyes or just keep on touching the eye (closed) with the bolus. It is beneficial in the pain of eye.

c) Mixture of Haridra Choornam (Turmeric Powder) with Kumari majja (Aloe vera gel) is helpful in Conjunctivitis (Ankh Dukhni ana).

d) Frequently rinsing of the eye with Triphala (Amala + Harad + Bahera) decoction is helpful in the redness and pain of eye.

e) Consumption of the mixture of Amla (Indian gooseberry) and Shehed (Honey) is helpful for eyesight.

f) Pouring 2-3 drops of the solution of Shudh Sfatika choornam – 1 rati + Rose water – 25gm is helpful in conditions of redness, conjunctivitis (ankh dukhni ana) and pain.

g) Triphala Ghrutam + Saptamrit Loha + Mukta Shukti Pishti, Neti Karam with water or cow’s milk – beneficial to maintain and correction of the eyesight.

h) In conditions such as Conjunctivitis, Redness, Burning or Pain in eyes put Goat’s milk + Boric acid into the eyes.

i) Only sprinkling of Boric acid or only Putting Goat’s milk into the eyes is also beneficial in Conjunctivitis, Redness, Burning or Pain in eyes.

3. Shireh Shool (Headache):

a) Mixture of 1-2 drops of Chandan Tailam with Batasha atleast 3-4 times a day is helpful in headache due to Sex problems.

b) Pouring of 2-3 drops of Shadbindu tailam into the nose is beneficial in all types headaches.

c) By tying the luke warm mixture of Kumari rasa or majja (Aloe vera juice or gel) and Daaru haridra powder on the head is beneficial in Kafaj and Vaataj Shireh Shool.

d) Soak 50gm chana + 20gm kishmish + 5 badaam giri + 10 gm Triphala + 15gm saunf + 5 kali mirach in 250ml of water at night. Next morning, consume water and eat all the ingredients empty stomach and do not take anything for other 2 hrs. Repeat it for 21 days. It is helpful in headache, constipation and generalized weakness.

e) Mixture of equal quantity of amla choornam(Indian gooseberry) + Ghee + Shakkar is helpful in headache.

f) By applying the paste of giri inside the seeds of kharbooza relieves headache caused due to excessive sunrays.

g) Shankhpushpi wati or Shireh shoolhar wati 2 bd is a remedy for headache.

4. Koshtha Shool (Stomach ache):

a) Consumption of Ajwain with warm water (dose according to the severity of ache)

b) Chewing of Saunf relieves stomach ache.

c) Hingwashtak Choornam is beneficial in the stomach ache caused due to constipation.

5. Karn Shool (Ear ache):

a) Administration of luke warm juice of onion into the ear relieves ear ache.

b) By pouring 2 3 drops of Gomutra (Cow’s urine) into the infected ear helps to cure infection and pain in the ear.

c) Application of the paste of 1 part Amla(Indian gooseberry) and 2 part Haldi(Turmeric Powder) relieves inflammation and pain in the ear.

d) In the case of ticks and lice in the ear add the smoke of brinjal into the ears.

e) Smoke of the leaves of neem in beneficial in waxed ears.

f) Pour Goat’s milk in the ear in wounded ears.

g) Pour luke warm juice of Aloe Vera in the opposite ear of pain.

h) By putting 2-3 drops of the Sarson ka Tail (mustard oil) or Til Tail (sesame oil) processed with neem leaves helps to subside the acute pain in the ear.

Home Remedies for Common Cold

2010-01-28T21:57:00.001-08:00

Midnight Medicine. Rubs containing natural ingredients like Pudina (Menthol), Kapoor (Camphor) and Nilgiri (Eucalyptus Oil) such as Vicks VapoRub, relieve congestion and help you breathe more easily. It also has a soothing and cooling effect. They are especially effective in children and help them sleep well at night.
Steam Inhalation. This is an excellent method for opening blocked nasal passages. Fill a bowl with steaming water. Add two teaspoonfuls of a mentholated rub and gently inhale the steaming mentholated vapours. But closely supervise children to avoid scalding.
Drink Extra Fluids such as water, juices (orange, grapefruit), tea, to replace fluids lost during the illness. Also eat fresh fruit rich in Vitamin C like citrus fruits.
Take extra rest as it helps your body fight the infection.
Keep a positive attitude as it can heal and mobilize the immune system.
In case of fever associated with a cold, a regular paracetamol should help.
Consult your doctor if the cold is accompanied by high fever or if the cold persists beyond one week as this may be because of a more serious infection.
Additionally, colds are a viral infection and do not need as much internal treatment as externally safe and effective medication. As mentioned earlier, products with natural ingredients like Pudina (Menthol), Kapoor (Camphor) and Nilgiri (Eucalyptus Oil), such as Vicks VapoRub are useful. Pudina opens a blocked nose, Kapoor acts as a mild analgesic to soothe body aches and Nilgiri calms cough. Products with such natural ingredients have proved effective for millions of Indians over the last 50 years.
Lemon is the most important among the many home remedies for common cold. It is beneficial in all types of cold with fever. Vitamin C-rich lemon juice increases body resistance, decreases toxicity and reduces the duration of the illness. One lemon should be diluted in a glass of warm water, and a teaspoon of honey should be added to it. This should be taken once or twice daily
Garlic soup is an old remedy to reduce the severity of a cold, and should be taken once daily. The soup can be prepared by boiling three or four cloves of chopped garlic in a cup of water. Garlic contains antiseptic and antispasmodic properties, besides several other medicinal virtues. The oil contained in this vegetable helps to open up the respiratory passages. In soup form, it flushes out all toxins from the system and thus helps bring down fever. Five drops of garlic oil combined with a teaspoon of onion juice, and diluted in a cup of water, should be drunk two to three times a day. This has also been found to be very effective in the treatment of common cold.
Ginger is another excellent remedy for colds and coughs. About ten grams of ginger should be cut into small pieces and boiled in a cup of water. It should then be strained and half a teaspoon of sugar added to it. This decoction should be drunk when hot. Ginger tea, prepared by adding a few pieces of ginger into boiled water before adding the tea leaves, is also an effective remedy for colds and for fevers resulting from cold. It may be taken twice daily.

Lady's fingers are highly valuable in treating irritation of the throat and a persistent dry cough. This vegetable is rich in mucilage and acts as a drug to allay irritation, swelling, and pain. About 100 gm of lady's fingers should be cut into pieces, and boiled down in half a litre of water to make a decoction. The steam issuing from this decoction may also be inhaled once or twice a day to relieve throat irritation and a dry cough
The roots of the bitter gourd plant are used in folk medicine to cure a cold. A teaspoon of the root paste, mixed with an equal quantity of honey or tulsi leaf juice, given once every night for a month, acts as an excellent medicine for colds
Turmeric is an effective remedy for colds and throat irritations. Half a teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder mixed in 30 ml of warm milk, and taken once or twice daily, is a useful prescription for these conditions. Turmeric powder should be put into a hot ladle. Milk should then be poured in it and boiled over a slow fire. This mixture should then be drunk by the patient. In case of a running cold, smoke from the burning turmeric should be inhaled. It will increase the discharge from the nose and provide quick relief.
Tamarind(imli)-pepper rasam is also considered an effective home remedy for a cold in South India. Dilute 50 mg tamarind in 250 ml of water. Boil the diluted tamarind water for a few minutes with a teaspoon of hot ghee and half a teaspoon of black pepper powder. This steaming hot rasam has a flushing effect, and should be taken three times a day. As one takes it, the nose and eyes water and the nasal blockage is cleared
Inhale turmeric fumes, for this tie some turmeric in a clean cloth and light it. Boil some water and allow it to cool, now add ¼ teaspoon table salt to it. Put 2 to 3 drops of this solution in your both the nostrils before meals and going to bed. Mix natural apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts. Boil this solution in a pan, when the fumes rises lean over the pan and inhale the fumes. Prepare a solution using 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil and Pine Essential Oil, 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil and 7 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Inhale vapors of this solution by putting it on a cotton ball or an aromatherapy diffuser
The acute stage of the cold, when fever is present, the patient should abstain from all solid foods and only drink fruit and vegetable juices, diluted with water.
After the acute symptoms are over, the patient can gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits.
It is advisable to avoid meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and starchy food.
Other useful measures in the treatment of a common cold are a mild sunbath, fresh air and deep breathing, brisk walks, sound sleep, and adjustment of one's clothes and habits to the requirements of the season so as to nullify the effect of weather fluctuations.
Boil water in a pan and put some Vicks in to it. Cover your head with cloth and take deep inhalations by leaning over the pan. This method reduces the headache and cold.
Don't add sugar to your ginger tea or anything else. It significantly lowers immunity!
Heat up a glass of apple juice and drink it like tea.
Start the day with the honey-pepper mixture: grind 7 black pepper balls and mix with a teaspoon of honey, turning the spoon 108 times clockwise.

Sinusitis

2009-08-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-03T04:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-01-02T04:21:00.001-08:00

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.

Acne- The main problem for youngsters

2008-12-15T03:08:00.000-08:00

It is the most disturbing problem at puberty when the young persons of both sexes, see pimples appearing on their face. If plucked/broken, blood/pus out from pimply eruptions which leave back black scars on the face. Skin's sebaceous glands get activated due to hormonal activity. If skin is too much oily more lubricant is released due to hyperactivity of glands, which, in turn, infects and blocks hair follicles. The young person’s arc advised not to break/squeeze the erupted spots; otherwise the infection will spread to the surrounding areas (of tissues). If acne persists even beyond puberty, professional help will be needed. Persons with oily skin are more likely to suffer from severe infection.

Acne typically affects the skin of the face, back, neck, chest and arms and the severity of the condition can vary.

Acne affects people of all skin colours. The processes that cause acne are exactly the same in people with black or brown skin but the impact is altered by the skin pigmentation.

Acne is very common and affects about 80 in 100 people aged 11-30 at some time.

The skin

The surface of the skin has lots of small sebaceous glands just below the surface. These glands make an oily substance called sebum that keeps the skin smooth and supple.

Tiny pores (holes in the skin) allow the sebum to come to the skin surface. Hairs also grow through these pores.

Causes

Acne is caused by the over activity of the sebaceous glands that secrete oily substances onto the skin.

The sebaceous glands of people with acne are especially sensitive to normal blood levels of a hormone called testosterone, found naturally in both men and women.

Testosterone in people prone to acne triggers the sebaceous glands to produce an excess of sebum. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the openings of the hair follicles (the tubes that hold the hair) are not shed properly and clog up the follicles.

These two effects combined cause a build-up of oil in the hair follicles. This causes blackheads and whiteheads to form.

For some people, their acne does not progress beyond this stage.

However in other people, the build-up of oil in the hair follicles creates an ideal environment for a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes to grow.

These bacteria normally live harmlessly on your skin but when this ideal environment is created, they grow. They feed off the sebum and produce substances that cause a response from your body's immune system. This inflames the skin and creates the redness associated with spots.

In more severe 'inflammatory acne', cysts develop beneath the skin's surface. These acne cysts can rupture, spreading the infection into nearby skin tissue. This can result in scarring.

Acne myths

Contrary to popular belief acne is not caused by:

eating fatty food or chocolate

dirt - blackheads get their dark colour through excess skin pigment - not dirt so washing more does not help, although if you do not wash your skin at all, bacteria will be able to multiply

Acne is not contagious, so you cannot catch it.

What makes acne worse?

There are a number of things that can make your acne worse. These include the following:

Picking and squeezing the spots may cause further inflammation and scarring

stress can make acne worse in some people, although it is not clear why

in women, outbreaks may be affected by the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle

Excessive production of male hormones such as testosterone from conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome may be another cause.

Some contraceptive pills may make acne worse. This is due to the type of progestogen hormone in some pills whereas some other types of contraceptive pills can improve acne.Your GP will advise you which contraceptive pill to take some medicines can make acne worse. For example, some medicines taken for epilepsy, and steroid creams and ointments that are used for eczema. Do not stop a prescribed medicine if you suspect it is making your acne worse, but tell your GP. An alternative may be an option steroids can cause acne as a side-effect

Diagnosing acne

Acne is easily recognized by the appearance of the spots and by their distribution on the body.

There are several varieties of acne and your doctor will be able to tell you which type you have after examining your skin.

Exercises for a Better Vision

2008-09-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

Exercises for a Better Vision

Palming

"Palming" was originally a yoga technique. After Bates noticed its beneficial effects on the visual system, he "borrowed" it and incorporated into his system of vision improvement.

Palming works by calming the visual system. Our eyes see by receiving light signals. If there were no light entering the eyes, one should expect to see nothing. Instead, in eyes with defective eyesight, there appears swirling patches of colours, creating pictures where there should be none. This is a symptom of the eyestrain causing defective vision.

The act of palming makes people aware of the strain. The warmth from the hands helps relaxes the tense eyeballs. Some people claim to be able to the "inner energy" or "chi" emanating from the palms. I think we can safely dismiss those claims.

How to do
Place your palms over your closed eyes, letting the fingers cross over at the forehead. Slightly cup your palms such that you are not pressing on the eyeballs. Feel the warmth of the hands radiate and diffuse gently into your eyeballs. Think of the most peaceful scene that you can imagine.

A few things to note

· Do not press against the eyeballs with your palms. This will put pressure on the blood vessels in the eyeballs and reduce circulation of blood and nutrients. Make sure that as much light as possible is blocked out by the palms. The exact position of the palms is up to the individual. Crossing fingers at the forehead usually helps.

· Put yourself in a comfortable and proper posture e.g. don't slouch

· Remember to keep your eyes closed, behind the palms.

· Keep your hands clean, otherwise there will be the attack of the pimples!
The most important thing is to relax. Of course, one can't try to relax. The harder you try the more tense you become. The trick is to imagine pleasant scenery such as floating clouds in a blue sky, a peaceful sunrise at the top of the mountains.

Advantages of palming

· Physical and mental relaxation

· Relief of eye strain

· Can be used in conjunction with imagery

· Physical and mental relaxation

· At the beginning, you may see swirling colours or grey patches. As you relax, you will notice the visual field becoming blacker and blacker. This is a sign that both your mind and body have relaxed, and your visual system is working harmoniously. Once you are able to achieve perfect blackness, clarity returns.

Relieves eye strain

Do it as often as you can, whenever you feel that your eyes are tired. Palming helps a lot in refreshing bleary eyes.

Promote visual imagery –

While you are palming, you can visualize anything, as long as it doesn't cause stress. For example, you can visualize your plans for the today when you are lying in bed. Make the images as vivid and real as possible. Feel yourself getting drawn into the images that you conjure up in your mind.

This use of visual imagery activates your right-hemisphere and may increase creativity and promote imagination. (By the way, a left-right dichotomy of the brain is too simplistic as there are many overlapping areas of functions i.e. the left can take over for the right and vice-versa.)

Improving the Vision Health-

You have probably heard of laser techniques for correcting eye problems. A little scary to imagine a laser beam lathing your eyes. A question often asked by my patients is: "Does one actually become dependent upon eyeglasses?" or "Does the natural functioning of the eyes deteriorate when you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses?" Opinions differ. It seems that more and more people are wearing compensating lenses.

The good news is there is a totally natural approach to improve vision health. How does this work you might ask? There are two ways you can increase fitness of your eyes. Firstly, the eye function can be trained by more effectively using your brain and eye connection. This is correct. The brain controls how the eye functions. It has been postulated that as little as ten percent of vision happens in the eye. The other 90 percent occurs in the brain and mind.

Training the function of vision results in better focusing from near to far, more efficient reading and less eyestrain on the computer. Later, this enhanced state of vision integration can alter the structure of the eye itself. You may find your current lens prescription too strong and you can then request a weaker set of lenses. First, locate a friendly Optometrist who will help you on this journey to improving vision health.

Better vision occurs by relaxing and stimulating your eyes. Rest permits a sharpening of eyesight. Strain or effort makes vision worse. Here are a few ways for you and your children to rest the eyes.

Close your eyes. Imagine something agreeable.
Cover your eyes with the palms of your hands, your fingers crossed on your forehead. Palm your eyes so as to exclude all light, the eyes and mind will be able to achieve a greater degree of relaxation. Use this approach when watching needing a break from television viewing or computer activities.
Observe the swing of things. As you move your gaze from one point to another, things seen should move in the opposite direction. You can gently swing your whole body to the left and to the right, and watch a distant tree swing to the right and to the left, you can move just your head, or just your eyes. The better your sight, the shorter the swing can be made to be.
Use your imagination. See things with your mind's eye, and remember them in precise detail. You are increasing your ability to see actual objects better. The perfect memory of any sensation can be produced only when one is free of strain.
Enjoy the sun. Get out into the open and enjoy every sunny day early in the morning or late afternoon for 5 minute periods with your eyes closed. It is especially relaxing and stimulating to the eyes if you close your eyes and let the sun shine onto your lids as you sway back and forth. Do not look at the sun. An incandescent light bulb can be used in the absence of sunlight.

Possible treatments for cervical spondylosis

2008-08-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

Ayurvedic treatment techniques for cervical spondylosis

Massaging
Steaming
Greeva Basti
Drugs

Other treatments

Neck traction
Anti inflammatory drugs
Cortisone injections
Surgery
Bed rest

Life style

Avoid cold bath
Avoid violent exercises
Avoid soft cushion seats
Maintain comfortable posture while working
Morning walk is must

Exercises

Extension & Flexion
Moving wrists up and down
Head neck exercises(moving to and fro of head)
Side bends(towards left and right simlutaneously)
Folding unfolding of fingers
Ups and downs of shoulders
Walking , Swimming and Bicycling are safe exercises.

2008-08-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

Natural Herbal treatment for Cervical Spondylosis

Ø In Cervical Spondylosis,any external massage is not of much use.

Ø Violent massage with deep pressure is very harmful for the spondylitis patient. Only gentle massage over the muscles of the neck and shoulder joints should be applied and for this purpose Mahanarayan taila is best suited.

Ø This gentle massage can be given 2-3 times a day .In winter season; this medicated oil should be gently warmed before application.

Ø Guggulu, gum resin extracted from the plant is the best medicine for the treatment of cervical spondylosis.

Ø Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of this condition popularly use a compound preparation named as simhanada guggulu. It is given in a dose of 2-4 tablets, 4 times a day.

Ø Usually hot water or hot milk is given to the patient after the administration of this medicines. This medicine has slightly laxative effects.

Ø For the patient to recover from cervical ailments, it is necessary that this bowel should move clearly and regularly (As according to ayurveda “sarve roga aapi mandaagni” – all the dieases occur due to less or very less digestive fire, so for the best outcome os ayurvedic medicine one’s aagni should be normal) .

Ø This medicine is very much helpful for this purpose. For patients having clear motions, this medicine should be given in a dose of 2 tablets and constipated patients the dose should be 4 tablets.

Ø If the constipation is not relieved even by taking 4 tablets the dose can be further increased to 6 tablets.

Ø At night some medicines should be given to the patients, which will act as a purgative. Triphala powder is the best medicine for spondylitis. One teaspoonful of triphala should be given to the patient, mixed with a cup of warm milk and one spoon of sugar.

Ø If the motions become regular by the intake of simbanada guggulu, then triphala powder should be given only twice a week otherwise it can be given every day.

Ø Hot fomentation on the vertebrae of the neck is very useful for cervical pains. In a big handkerchief about 500gms of salt should be kept over a frying pan till it becomes tolerably hot. Then this should be applied over the neck. Care should be taken to see that it should not be too hot. In that case, it may cause burns.

Ø Sometimes patients suffering from cervical Spondylosis develop some anesthetic patches in the back, neck, shoulders and arms because of the pressure from nervous systems .The patient is therefore not able to feel the quantum of heat applied during fomentation. It should therefore be the responsibility of the attendant to examine the heat of the bolus before applying it on the affected parts

Ø This fomentation should be continued about ½ an hour every day. After fomentation the affected part should not be exposed to cold wind. In winter season therefore immediately after fomentation, the affected part should be covered with some wool engarment. In other seasons also the affected part should be kept covered with some cotton garments after fomentation. It is very convenient to take the fomentation before bedtime.

Ø After the fomentation the patient should go to sleep so that he does not run the risk of exposure.

Regarding Diet

Ø Sour things particularly curd, are strictly prohibited.

Ø Fried things, pulses and various preparations of pulses are also contra- indicated in this condition.

Ø Bitter vegetables like bitter variety of drumstick, neem flowers and bitter gourd are very useful.

Ø Wheat is better than rice for the patient.

Ø One should however; avoid taking refined wheat which is known as maida (flour) and suji (semolina). To some extent they are constipated and do not help the patient in the recovery.

Ø Lifestyle Exposure to cold, cold bath and any violent exercise of the neck muscles, including pressure, are very bad for the patients of Cervical spondylosis.

Ø Under the impression that this pain is being caused by some defects in the muscles, people undertake different types of neck exercises .

Ø While reading and writing ,one should maintain a comfortable posture. Morning walk gives some relief to the patient, but if it is cold outside the patient should always use a woolen scarf around his neck while going out of the house.

Ø The explanation of Cervical Spondylitis may seem weird to modern world people but Ayurveda is an ancient healing science utilizing herbs for centuries.

Ø Most of the patients respond very well to Ayurvedic treatment of Cervical Spondylitis as the principles of healing are focussed on balancing the "Vata" - the culprit behind pain due to nerves.

Ø So vitiated vata is controlled by herbs like Kaishore Guggul, Aloe vera juice (Kumari Saar), Yograj Guggul and Stress Support, as stress also causes stiffness in neck joints and Ashwagandha is the herb which is beneficial in stress related muscle stiffness.

Ø It is also a good natural anti-inflammatory herb without any side effects. Vata- the kinetic energy of the body is regulated by regular massage with Ayurvedic oils, internal consumption of medicated Cow's ghee. Anti-inflammatory herbal tablets like Sinhnaad Guggul, Swarn Guggul (Guggul with Gold), Kaishore Guggul, Yograj Guggul, Arthriits Support is useful in managing pain and inflammation in Cervical Spondylitis.

Ø There are sometimes very painful conditions in Cervical Spondylitis, that pain and inflammation needs to be tackled quickly.

Ø There are very common herbs for painful joint which work insantly.

Ø The herbs are very common like Dry Ginger, Turmeric (curcumin), Fenugreek, Ashwagandha, Sallaki (Boswellia), Guggul, and Giloy (Tinospora). The extracts of these herbs are more effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of all types of arthritis and joint pains.

Ø Constipation must be avoided at all costs in Cervical Spondylitis.

Ø Constipation leads to vitiation of Vata and formation of gas, which may increase bouts of increased pain in neck.

Ø Sonth (Zingiber officinale): It is commonly known as dry ginger. Dry Ginger is another useful anti-inflammatory herb.

Ø It also improves appetite and good for digestive and respiratory system.

Ø Dry gingers remarkably reduce markers of inflammation in the blood and is a very potent analgesic and is a remarkable herbal treatment for pain of cervical Spondylitis.

Ø Any external massage is not of much use. Violent massage with deep pressure is very harmful for the patient. Only gentle massage over the muscles of the neck and shoulder joints should be applied and for this purpose Maharayan tailam is best suited.

Ø This gentle massage can be given 2-3 times a day .In winter season; this medicated oil should be gently warmed before application.

Ø Guggulu, gum resin extracted from the plant is the best medicine for the treatment of this condition.

Ø Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of this condition popularly use a compound preparation named as simhanada guggulu. It is given in a dose of 2-4 tablets, 4 times a day.

Ø Usually hot water or hot milk id given to the patient after the administration of this medicines. This medicine has slightly laxative effects. For the patient to recover from this ailment, it is necessary that this bowel should move clearly and regularly.

Ø This medicine is very much helpful for this purpose. For patients having clear motions, this medicine should be given in a dose of 2 tablets and constipated patients the dose should be 4 tablets.

Ø At night some medicines should be given to the patients, which will act as a purgative. Triphala powder is the best medicine for this purpose. One tbsp of triphala should be given to the patient, mixed with a cup of warm milk and one spoon of sugar. In the motions become regular by the intake of simbanada guggulu, then triphala powder should be given only twice a week otherwise it can be given every day.

Ø Hot fomentation on the vertebrae of the neck is very useful for this condition. In a big handkerchief about 500gms of salt should be kept over a frying pan till it becomes tolerably hot.

Ø Then this should be applied over the neck. Care should be taken to see that it not too hot. In that case, it may cause burns.

Ø Sometime patients suffering from Cervical Spondylosis develop some anesthetic patches in the back, neck, shoulders and arms because of the pressure from nervous systems.

Ø The patient is therefore not able to feel the quantum of heat applied during fomentation. It should therefore be the responsibility of the attendant to examine the heat of the bolus before applying it on the affected parts.

Ø In other seasons also the affected part should be kept covered with some cotton garments after fomentation. It is very convenient to take the fomentation before bedtime.

Ø After the fomentation the patient should go to sleep so that he does not run the risk of exposure.

Ø Relief from pain can be obtained by taking lemon juice mixed with common salt twice or thrice daily. A piece of the chebulic myrobalan(harad) taken after principal meals also gives quick relief.

Ø Other measures found valuable in cervical spondylosis are mild oil massage to the neck, shoulders and hands, hot fomentation for five to 10 minutes twice a day or five to 10 minutes of exposure to the Infra red rays

Ø Extension and flexion is especially helpful when you feel your neck and back stiffen. While sitting, place your hands on your knees and push down.

Ø Slowly arch your back and bend your back backward. Then slowly slump forward. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

Ø Side bends increase your side-to-side flexibility. Start by placing your fingers together and pointing your elbows outward.

Ø Bend at the waist, tilting your body to one side as far as you can.

Ø Then bend your head and neck in the same direction. Repeat on your other side. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

Ø This exercise increases the flexibility of your entire spine. To begin, place your fingers together and point your elbows outward.

Ø Slowly and gently twist at your waist, rotating your head and neck to the same side. Repeat toward the other side. Repeat this exercise 10 times..

Ø The diet of elderly persons suffering from spondylosis should consist of salad of raw vegetables such as tomato, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, radish, lettuce and at least two steamed or lightly-cooked vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, spinach and plenty of fruits. The patients should have four meals daily.

Ø The patient should avoid fatty, spicy and fried foods, sour curd, sweets, sugar, condiments as well as tea and coffee.

Ø Those who smoke and take tobacco in any form should give up completely.

Ø Proteins and Vitamin C are necessary for the development of a healthy bone matrix. Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous and the essential trace minerals are essential for healthy bones. Foods that have been processed for storage to avoid spoiling have few nutrients and should be eliminated from the diet.

Lifestyle

Ø Exposure to cold, cold bath and any violent exercise of the neck muscles, including pressure, are very bad for the patients. Under the impression that this pain is being caused by some defects in the muscles, people undertake different types of neck exercises .While reading and writing, one should maintain a comfortable posture. Morning walk gives some relief to the patient, but if it is cold outside the patient should always use a woolen scarf around his neck while going out of the house.

Ø Certain safety measures, especially for people in sedentary occupations, are necessary to relieve and prevent spondylosis. The most important of these is exercise which improves the supply of nutrients to spinal discs, thereby delaying the process of deterioration that comes with age and eventually affects everybody. Safe exercises include walking, swimming and bicycling. The latter should be done keeping the back upright.

Ø Other exercises found beneficial in the treatment of cervical spondylosis are joint movements like folding and unfolding of fingers, moving the wrists up and down, rotating them in both clockwise and anti-clockwise direction, folding and unfolding of the forearms and rotating the shoulder clockwise and anti-clockwise;. head and neck exercises like moving the neck up and down, moving to the sides, rotating the neck clockwise and anticlockwise and nodding the neck from one shoulder to another; and shoulder exercises like lifting the shoulders up and down, moving the shoulder in clockwise and in anticlockwise directions. All these exercises should be undertaken three times daily.

Ø Those with sedentary occupations should take a break to stand up every hour. Soft-cushioned seats should be avoided and position should be changed as often as possible. Elderly persons with spondylosis should sleep on a firm mattress on their sides with knees bent at right angles to the torso. They should use thin pillows or avoid it altogether, if possible. They should take care never to bend from the waist down to lift any object, but instead should squat close to the object, bending the knees but keeping the back straight and then stand up slowly.

laxative - products that promote bowel movements.

purgative - Tending to cleanse or purge, especially causing evacuation of the bowels.

hot fomentation - warm application.

bolus - a concentrated mass of pharmaceutical preparation

Yograj guggul - Contents:
Vidang (Embelia ribes)
Ushir (Vetiveria zizanoides)
Devdaru (Cedrus deodara)
Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum)
Chavya (Piper chaba)
Ela (Elettaria cardamomum)
Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris)
Dhanyak (Coriandrum sativum)
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Bhibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
Sunthi (Zingiber officinale)
Marich (Piper nigrum)
Pippali (Piper longum)
Puified Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica)

Doses:
1-2 tablets for 2 to 3 times daily.

Uses:

Useful in Paraplegia, Hemiplegia, Gout and Sciatica.
Very effective in joint pains, arthritis.
Effective in spondilytis & lumbago also
Regular use helps subside inflammation.
Gives long lasting relief.

simhanada guggle contents:

Triphala or Triple Myrobalan 120 gm

Purified Sulphur or Gandahak 15 gm

Purified Guggul extract 30 gm

Castor oil 10 gm

Dosage

The daily dosage of simhanada guggul is 350-1000 mg two to three times a day.The dosage ranges from 1000 mg to 2000mg per day. These tablets should be taken with lukewarm water or milk or herbal decoction.

2008-08-27T00:45:00.000-07:00

Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a disorder that happens with age. This happens due to degeneration of the bones of spine or the ribs. The spinal canal narrows down and causes the muscles or the nerves attaching to compress than normal size. And hence the mild pain starts and ends in severe dysfunction.

Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical arthritis, cervical osteoarthritis and neck arthritis, is a degenerative osteoarthritis condition that affects the cervical spine.

The cervical vertebrae are the seven vertebrae between the skull and the chest that form the upper spine. Cervical spondylosis is often caused by earlier back injuries such as sports injuries and falls.

A specific form of arthritis, which attacks vertebrae and connecting bony, and ligament structures, is known as Spondylosis. Frequently it occurs in the cervical vertebrae. The spines of majority of people above the age of 50 have certain degree of osteo arthritic changes. But they seldom cause acute symptoms. Certain precipitating factors like trauma, incorrect posture of the body, pressure while sleeping and excessive intake of sour food usually precipitate these attacks.

In ayurveda this condition is known as Griva Sandhigata Vata. Pain in the back of neck, shoulder and arms, stiffness of the neck and even paraplegia occur due to this condition. The movement of the spine generally aggravates the pain of the neck. It is often associated with loss of memory and sleeplessness.

Symptoms

· Neck or shoulder pain, stiffness of the neck and difficulty turning or bending the neck from side-to-side are also symptoms of cervical spondylosis. The symptoms of cervical spondylosis may get worse with turning, extending, or bending the neck. Pain that shoots down the arm, and numbness, weakness or pains in the arm are also symptoms of cervical spondylosis.

· Numbness or a feeling of weakness in the shoulders or in the arm area.

· Muscles spasm and popping sound near the neck.

· Sometimes the pain moves to head

· Symptoms of cervical spondylosis are caused by imposition on the spinal cord or the nerves as they exit the spine, or both. Neck and shoulder pain are the most common symptom.

· A stiff neck is most often one of the very first signs. Neck stiffness tends to grow progressively worse over time

· Radiating pain to the bottom of the skull and/or to the shoulder and down the arm. This radiating pain may seem like a stabbing or a burning or it might present itself as a dull ache.

· Along with pain, cervical spondylosis can be accompanied by parathesias and muscle weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, and a syndrome called “numb, clumsy hands”

Causes

Cervical spondylosis is caused by chronic degeneration of the cervical spine, the cushions between the neck vertebrae, and joints between the bones of the cervical spine.
A previous neck injury can predispose to a person to cervical spondylosis.
Carrying loads on your head (for example, carrying a heavy surfboard down the beach to the waves)
Professional dancing.
Professional gymnastics.

Diagnosis

The following methods are used to diagnose arthritis of the neck:

MRIs - Particularly useful for viewing the condition of the spinal nerves, MRIs take pictures from many angles.
CT scans provide good views of the encroachment on nervous tissue caused by the remodeling/reshaping of bones.
Myelogram - this imaging technique enhances the visibility of X-rays. They are especially good for seeing problems located at nerve roots.

Do's & Don'ts

Wheat is better than rice, maida and suji.
Exposure to cold is avoided.
Sour things, particularly curd, etc. are strictly prohibited.

Can Cervical Spondylosis be treated?

Yes. However, in mild cases, no treatment is required. When treatment is required, it is aimed at relieving pain and preventing permanent spinal cord and nerve root injury. Treatments include neck brace, anti-inflammatory medication, neck traction, bed rest, and cortisone injections. In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove bone and disc tissue.

Complications of Cervical Spondylosis

Some common complications of cervical spondylosis are:

chronic neck pain
progressive loss of muscle function or feeling
inability to retain feces
use of a neck brace to immobilize the neck
urinary incontinence

How does Ayurveda interpret these conditions?

Ayurveda understands the functioning of the body as comprising of three basic functions, Movement, Change and growth & stability, which are referred to as the three doshas Vata, Pitta & Kapha.

These functions in a state of equilibrium lead to health and in-equilibrium to diseases.

The disturbance to any one of these ultimately leads to problems related to all the three functions.
Treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at restoring the equilibrium through correction of the underlying functional in-equilibrium.

Treatment comprises of three approaches, Elimination (Sodhanam) of the accumulated toxic products of digestion, metabolism and the disease process, Pacification (Samanam) and correction of the entities responsible for altered functioning and Rasayanam (Rejuvenation) of the bodily tissue to regain and maintain natural strength and vitality.

Vata, the principle of movement is the predominant function with the skeleto-muscular system and the nervous system. Problems relating to these systems are predominantly caused by vitiated Vata. The vitiation of vata is caused by two mechanisms.

One of them is obstruction to vata due to malfunctioning of kapha and pitta. The other one is increase of vata independently as in the case of the degenerative problems.
The therapeutic approach to the two types of vitiation is different. If Vata’s functions are deranged due to Kapha and Pitta, as in the case of inflammation, correcting them through elimination and pacification is the method to be adopted. For diseases due to Vata alone (the degenerative disorders), the concept is to use medications which arrest the degenerative processes. While fibromyalgia is a condition where Vata is deranged due to Pitta and Kapha, the other two problems are due to Vata alone. The treatment of cervical spondylosis and herniated disk comprises of use of medications to arrest the degenerative process.

Food Combinations

2008-08-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

Wrong Combination:

Ø Milk and curd with banana.

Ø Milk or curd with radish.

Ø Milk and curd.

Ø Honey with hot water or any other hot substance.

Ø Honey and radish.

Ø Khichdi and Kheer.

Ø Milk with musk melon(kharbooza)/watermelon/cucumber/sanke gourd(kakadi).

Ø Bengal gram (Urad) and radish.

Ø Curd and blackberry(jamun) .

Ø Curd and musk melon(kharbooza).

Ø Curd and paneer.

Ø Fruits with vegetables.

Ø Radish or curd at night.

Ø Curd after heating.

Ø Ghee kept in a copper pot for more than 10 or more days.

Ø Pulses with sweet potato/potato/kachalu.

Ø Musk melon(kharbooza)/watermelon with any other food item.

Ø Pulses and Rice or Pulses and Chapati.

Ø Milk or Curd with Chapati.

Ø Chapati and Tamarind.

Ideal Combination:

Ø Mango and cow's milk.

Ø Milk and dates.

Ø Rice and coconut.

Ø Guava with fennel seed(saunf).

Ø Watermelon with radish leaves.

Ø Asparagus(bathua) and curd raita.

Ø Curd and pulses.

Ø Mix vegetable of carrot and methi.

Ø Banana and cardamom(small).

Ø Curd and amla powder.

Ø Swetsaar with vegetables.

Ø Dry fruits with citrus fruits .

Ø Pulses and vegetables.

Ø Vegetables and rice khichdi.

Ø Fruits and small quantity dry fruits with vegetables.

Ø Chaopati with green leafy vegetables.

Ø Sprouts with fresh coconut.