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Wonders of Fenugreek

HTML clipboard F e nugreek is a very warming seed that benefits kapha and vata dosha and is used to treat constipation, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. They have a strong aroma and are pungent. But when used in small quantities they impart flavour to your food and are nourishing.   Energetics of Fenugreek seeds Rasa (Taste) – Katu (Pungent) Guna (Properties) – Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous)  Virya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)  Vipaka (Post digestive effect) – Katu (Pungent) Dosha karma (Action on doshas) – Mitigates Vata and Kapha dosha, Aggravates Pitta dosha Karma (Actions) – It is an appetizer and is anti inflammatory, lipid modulator, etc. Internal Uses 1. Its seeds are a digestive aid and they increase ap...

From Allopathy to Ayurveda

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HTML clipboard According to Ayurveda, Health is not merely absence of disease but a state of physical, mental, social, spiritual and environmental well-being. While making a choice between the western and eastern system of medicine, the combination should be the right answer. Ayurveda focuses on giving plant and mineral ingredients to the body, still coupled with their natural, organic carriers, so the body can do the extracting and regulating. The human body recognizes them as whole foods and thereby extracts only what it needs. Today, the western approach is geared for advances in the treatment of acute illnesses which of course is life saving but when it comes to chronic illnesses the western approach does not have much to offer. The western model has been framed on the concept of understanding the mechanism of disease whi...

Ayurveda approach to Male Infertility

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HTML clipboard Causes of Male Infertility    Causes of male infertility include abnormal sperm production or function and/or impaired delivery of sperm. General health and lifestyle issues such like, excessive smoking, alcohol intake, degrading environment, high pollution levels, changes in food habits, and deskbound work, stress etc. and exposure to certain environmental factors like exposure to radiation are some key factors that affect male fertility negatively.     Vajikarana chikitsa    Ayurveda realized the problem of male sexual dysfunction thousands of years ago and developed a separate specialty, namely, Vajikarana-chikitsa (Aphrodisiac therapy). It has also recommended an appropriate use of plant-based remedies, a proper lifestyle and nutritious diet for improving overall h...

Vision – Window to the world

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Ayurveda Netra Chikitsa (Ayurveda Eye treatment) Ayurveda explains perfectly the structure, functioning and treatment of ailments of eyes in Shalakya Tantra, one of the eight branches of Ayurveda. It offers a detailed study of etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases that affect organs above the neck i.e., head, ears, nose, eyes, throat etc. Of the three main classics of Ayurveda, 'Susrutha Samhitha' provides the most profound knowledge on this branch of treatment. Shalakya tantra is a specialty department which can be pursued after completion of B.A.M.S. The ancient Ayurvedic texts deal with 76 eye, 28 ear and 31 nose diseases. Common causes of eye disorders in today's world - Today's life style and work atmosphere along with the use of modern...

Food Sanitation in Ayurveda – by Dr. Ravindra Sharma

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HTML clipboard Importance of Food in Ayurveda Food is the vital breath of living beings that's why people rush to the food. Complexion, cheerfulness, good voice, life, imagination, happiness, contentment, corpulence, strength, intellect – all these are dependent on food. As it is well known that "prevention is better than cure", it's always advisable to have healthy diet in order to prevent the affliction of diseases. Ayurveda also has the same principle which says "Nidana parivarjana meva chikitsam" meaning avoiding the causative factors of the diseases is the first step to treatment. Many common health problems can be prevented through a nutritious diet. Only medicine will not help in curing the disease. It is necessary to give wholesome and hygienic diet in a planned way to aid in enhancing cure. Nutritional indu...

Prenatal and postnatal massages continued....

HTML clipboard As massage is an integral part of antenatal and postnatal care, we will see in detail about prenatal and postnatal massages. MAS SAGE POSITION AND PRECAUTIONS The pregnant woman needs to be positioned very comfortable, taking care not to put pressure on abdomen and chest. Some massage techniques such as deep tissue massage is not good. Special care must be taken while massaging abdomen. Just gentle application of oil is more than good for abdomen.   COMMON OILS THAT ARE USED For a healthy woman the following oils are advised. Oils are changed according to health conditions and prakriti (constitution). 1. On the body, Oils that are cooling, that which promotes strength and mitigates vata is to be used. Eg.Dhanwantara oil.            ...

Prenatal and postnatal massages by Dr. Laxmi

HTML clipboard Massage in pregnancy is safe if done with utmost care and due caution. In some cases, massage in first trimester is not recommended. Overall, leaving a few rare conditions, massage during pregnancy is safe. Post natal massages are also beneficial for after pains and regaining strength. Prenatal and postnatal massages ensure the following health benefits. 1. Pregnancy massage has both physical and mental benefits. They help to relax both body and mind of the pregnant woman. 2. Body massage helps relaxation and strengthening of muscles, joints and bones. Massage eases the prenatal and postnatal pain experienced by the woman. Having regular massage tones up the body and makes it ready to bear all the pains and strains. 3. Breast massage helps avoid stretch marks and keeps up the breast tone. 4. Calf mas...