Wednesday 20 November 2013

Sneha- Fats, Oils

Ayurveda gives much importance to Fats both as food and as medicine. It is considered as the foremost medicine for ,  (Sesame Oil) and Pitta (Ghee). It can also be used in conditions where kapha is predominant in processed form with herbs which acts against Kapha.

According to Ayurveda: "Snehasaaro Ayam Purusha:"-meaning the human body is rich in fats.
No biochemical or any cell function would ever occur in the body in the absence of fats and hence, they are necessary for the very existence of life. In order to remove accumulated wastes also, fats are used-to dissolve the wastes and toxins in it and aided with the help of increased temperature of sudation, to melt and transport them to the nearest port of GI tract and thus in eliminating them. The ability to dissolve these wastes are specific to fats. Once the purification is over, all the procedures done like rejuvenative procedures or even palliative medicines will get many fold efficacy, as all the pathways are open.

As we all know rather should know that many vitamins are fat soluble, many of the biochemical reactions happen in our body with the help or mediated by fats; though for energy yield, our body resorts to carbohydrate metabolism. The functions of nervous system are primarily based on fats. recent research have shown light on the fact that herbal extracts acting on the nervous system can influence the brain, only if they are administered through a fat medium. Fats also convey medicinal action of some preparations to the cardiac muscle group. Hence fats are an excellent vehicle to drugs, which can otherwise have no access to some of the tissues of the body, if given without fats.

Fats can be given in therapeutic dosage, or as food. It can be used as it is or can be processed with suitable medicines. Besides these versatile uses, it acts as a preparatory base before all eliminatory procedures, in conjunction with sudation. It acts as a solvent to absorb the deranged dosha's with the toxins inherent in them, and to transport them to the GI tract, with the help of sudation, for elimination.

Oils and Fats-When used externally?

The physico-chemical properties of a drug in a topical dosage form affect that drug's trans-dermal delivery (per-cutaneous) absorption and topical bio-availability. The molecules of the formulation, after penetrating through the stratum corneum and thence, into viable epidermis and dermis, produces its characteristic pharmacological response through receptors even before the blood or lymph circulation removes it, in which case it may set in a cascade of systemic effects. 

Though the horny layer of the skin is impermeable to most chemicals contributing the rate limiting step in trans-dermal absorption because of its high diffusional resistance, providing a small fractional area of 0.1% only as permeable appendageal shunt route, it is not an efficient heat insulator- the penetration rate of material through human skin can change tenfold for a large temperature variation, as the diffusion coefficient varies according to temperature changes. Besides the appendageal shunt route, the drug molecule may penetrate through the hair follicles and sebaceous glands or through the sweat ducts also. Various physicochemical factors other than temperature also seem to be involved like skin hydration (water opens up the compact part of the horny layer), pH etc., not forgetting the roles of drug concentration, molecular size and shape, diffusion co-efficient etc. The methods of enhancing bio-availability of trans-dermal drug application recently followed, like ultrasound (phonophoresis) and electrical driving of charged molecules (iontophoresis) is replaced in Ayurveda by the increased temperature that induces sudation, hydration through enhanced sweating and by massage for effecting a manual type of iontophoresis. Even external use of Sneha alone slightly increase body temperature, which in turn favours production of sweat by sweat glands. Though this sweat is not excreted at the moment because of partial closure of sweat pores by the film of fat, subsequent application of heat releases the barricade of fat to effect full fledged sudation. This helps increase metabolism of the drug and of the local tissue. This is the importance of Sneha used in conjunction with Sweda in Ayurveda.

It provides both hydration and temperature increase. Application of a dry powder onto the skin in room temprature without massage would not effect any systemic changes, if the powder is not allergic to the patient. Thus Ayurveda has its own concept of a rich tradition of transdermal therapeutic system, it is convenient, effective, eliminates variables that influence gut absorption, it enters the systemic circulation directly, by passing the 'first-pass' effect of enzymes in the gut and the liver; it provides a controlled, constant drug administration, displaying a single pharmacological effect, it is patient compliant as it eliminatesthe effect of taste or gastric irritations. Little wonder that when the world still in experimental stages by introducing topically acting counterirritants, NSAIDS, Steroids and transdermal clinical patches of oestradiol, clonidine, nitroglycerine, testosterone etc. 

Ayurveda has addressed transdermal use of medicines in versatile conditions from neurological affections to rheumatological condtions and also skin ailments in various modes and methods, around more than 5000 years ago. Snehana done externally is only one example.

Types of Snehana: Abhyanga (Full body massage), Pizhichil (Local or Full body flow of the oil), Sirodhara, Elakizhi etc are some of the examples of external snehana.

Courtesy:
Commentary from 
Ashtanga Hrudaya
Prof. Dr. T Sreekumar BAMS MD. 
HoD, Dept of Kriya Sareera, Physiology

Disclaimer: This information is based on Ayurvedic scriptures. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, this should not be used for any self diagnosis or treatments. Please do contact your GP for any impending conditions



Monday 18 November 2013

Care for your face



Cleansing without removing dead skin cells and deeply embedded impurities makes the skin dull. It also results in clogged pores which is the root cause of acne.
Hence, deep cleansing your skin once a week is essential. A scrub sloghs off dead cells and unclogs pores by removing deeply embedded impurities like blackheads and whiteheads.

How Often do I use scrub?

It is recommended to use a scrub once a week. do not over scrub as it makes skin very sensitive.

How should I use Scrub?

Apply the scrub on cleansed skin , avoiding the area around your eyes, and massage gently in a circular motion. Do not be harsh while you scrub as it may lead to redness, irritation and even skin lesions. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Sprinkle water at room temprature over your eyes-always protect your eyes with something that imparts coolness

Apply ice to close the pores. Finish off with a light face moisturiser.

How should i choose my scrub?

Always use scrubs with fine granules as these are gentler on the skin. Scrubs with natural ingredients like Apricot, Neem and Walnut helps to gently remove dead skin cells, blackheads, whiteheads and grime. Neem's antibacterial property provides additional support by purifying the skin.


Compiled from Ayurvedic scriptures
Team Vedic Age

Sunday 17 November 2013

Success in Life


Life is not always smooth-sailing. It is full of struggle. It is unwise to expect the path to be always covered with roses. Even great people are not spared the difficulties of life. It is not by running away, but by facing them with a Lion's courage that one can overcome them.

Struggle of life is very severe, rigorous and relentless. Man fights for this struggle for life from three fronts. In one, he fights with nature, his second struggle is with his fellow beings and in the third he battles with himself. The strategies of these three fronts a different from each other. In order to fight with the first front, he takes the help of physical science, for the second, he seeks the help of social science and for the third he wants help from psychological science. In these fights sometimes he finds himself crowned with success and now and then fails to get desirable results.

When he fails to get desirable results he wants to get rid of these struggles. He thinks that this world is a place of conflicts  and confusions, and therefore he wants to stop his struggle and run away. Wrongly, he thinks that the change of the external situation may give him peace.

If a nail enters his foot and he wants to destroy all the nails in the world, he is completely mistaken. He must put on shoes to walk without hindrance. When he finds it difficult to walk in rains, he must use the umbrella and should not think of stopping the rains. Therefore in order to struggle for existence, he must change the set of his mind, he must change the angle of his outlook.

There are two fighters inside us. One is divine and the other devilish. There is continual fight between the two forces. One way is worldly pleasure, the attractions of sense pleasure, the life of excitement and the life of luxury and comforts. The other is the way eternal value, the way of mastering over sense pleasure, the way of renunciation and truth and the way of service to humanity to live for others

The way reminds us of the great sayings of Swami. Vivekananda, "He alone lives who lives for others and the rest is more dead than alive." 

Jesus Christ said, "Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." If you knock the door will open; yet it sometimes so happens that the door opens of itself, if you have that intense yearning. If you have longing, everything becomes favourable. A difficult obstacle  that you could not cross over suddenly vanishes. 

The impossible becomes possible. god holds your hand and takes you forward.

If you ask me whether you will succeed in life or not, I will ask you a question in return. Have you developed that impatient readiness to find the truth by study, enquiry, self-disciplineand service-the first step in creative power? If not, are you prepared to acquire it as speedily as possible?

If this readiness is quenched, you will cease to grow; decay of the spirit will set in, creative power will never be yours. And this applies not only to you, but to every one of us, old and young.


                                                                                                                


Compiled

Thursday 7 November 2013

Reflexology and Ayurveda

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One Session of Elakizhi (Poultice Bag massage), 30 Minutes
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Please click on the links to learn more


Friday 1 November 2013

Autumn Winter Offer, 2013, Nov

A.      The Winter Treat: Only £70.00
One for you one for your partner/friend/Spouse
Includes two sessions:
1.       Full body Massage (Abhyanga) Duration: 45 minutes,
2.       Steam (Swedana), 10 Minutes
3.       Cleansing Facial (Mukhabhyanga) / Sports Injury Management Massage (Elakizhi), 30 minutes
      One time offer, Valid for three months from the date of purchase
B.      Mini care  £75.00 only
Includes 3 Full body Massage without Steam
Duration: 45 minutes
Validity:  3 months from the date of purchase
C.      The body detox, for £100.00 Only
Includes three different experience
1.       A Session of Full Body Massage (Abhyanga), 50 Minutes + Steam , 10 minutes
2.       A session of Elakizhi (Poultice bag  massage-Sports Injury management), 50 Minutes + Steam , 10 Minutes
3.       A session of Indian Head Massage (Siro-Abhyanga), 20 Minutes.
   Validity: 3 MOnths from the date of purchase
D.       Think healthy. Only £120.00
1.       Four Sessions of Full Body Massage (Abhyanga)
Duration: 60 Mins
Steam: 10- 15  Minutes, 
Validity: 4 months from the date of purchase
E.      A Healthy Family Offer, £160.00 only
6 Sessions of Abhyanga (Full body Massage)
Duration: 60 Minutes
Steam Inclusive (10-15 Minutes)
Could be shared with your family or friends
Redeem before Mar, 2013

Autumn- Winter, Nov 2013

Like all good things the long summer is bidding adieu with a note for us to be prepared for the beautiful Autumn and of course the Cold and Dark Winter. Come Autumn & Winter the qualities of the weather as per Ayurveda are Cold, Dry and Rough. These qualities manifests in our body as cold, dry skin, less sweat, chaffed lips, lethargy, dry hair, stiff, tight and unresponsive musculature, less or more sleep, drowsiness. As per the Ayurvedic scriptures these are the qualities of Vata aggravation, this hinting for us to take Vata pacifying diet, lifestyle and Ayurvedic management techniques     
Protect, Prepare, Refresh and Rejuvenate your body as the saying goes, There is no better wealth than Health
Do’s
·         Dried Ginger Water
·         Warm and freshly prepared Soups and beverages
·         Warm cooked foods and easily digestible proteins (chicken stew, soup etc) and green vegetables
·         Protect yourself with warm clothings, especially your ears and neck


·         Anoint your body with Vata pacifying oils for 30 minutes before taking a warm shower
  •       Practice Brisk walking 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening
  •       Pranayama or deep breathing exercises are also highly recommended




Wednesday 30 October 2013

Music therapy -

As Music is Universal so is Music Therapy!

Music therapy as the term implies is the application of music as a complementary management technique  for a variety of conditions affecting the human population. Predominantly developed in India, nevertheless this expression have only recently found a place in the society recently.

It was the Nada centre for music therapy, a modest organisation which started the propagation of the concepts and practices relating to music therapy amongst Indians, who have lost the 'music' in their life, despite the fact that the music industry being a flourishing in India.

Though unrecognised and unsung, the Indian Raga system, well known both for its emotional content and impact, had no doubt provided much -needed solace for billions of people in the past. East or West music is the best, the potential of Indian Raga's are yet to be mastered by a wider population for being propagated to a wider public. Like the Sanskrit language, the raga's are restricted to a few individuals who have been able to master this art through family traditions or extraordinary interests and devotion.

Nada Centre commenced research with popular western music so as to identify their possible therapeutic role for the concurrent needs of youth (and also elders who have a savvy for western music.

The centre recommends that individuals should first identify their problems and religiously listen to the recommended music for atleast 20 minutes thrice each day, ideally after breakfast, lunch and dinner


  • The Fantasy Music
Affected situation: Do you feel bogged down by the routine in life and get bored and irritated without rhyme or reasons? then the music should be based on its ability to relax you through certain fantasies and inanities!
    1. Plasir d'Amour by Andre Ridieu
    2. Forget the past
    3. Vaya con dias
    4. For you, by Giovanni Maradi
    5. All you need is a Flower by Paul Mauriat
    6. La Mamma
    7. La Prevre Par Cove
    8. Ave Maria No Morro
    9. Flash Dance- What a Feeling ! By Paul Mauriat
    10.Spring Love by Giovanni Maradi
    11. Je ne Pourrai Jamais t'Oublier by Paul Mauriat

  • The Movement Music
Affected situation: Are you a child, teenager or a senior feeling bogged down in life with lots of homework and restrictions, waiting an outlet for moving away or shaking off your cocoon?

  1. Concerto de Aranjuez
  2. 1929: The Music box DFancer by Frank Mills
  3. March Turkish by Mozart
  4. Badinere by Paul Mauriat
  5. La Playa
  • Music that tells of saddest thoughts in a pleasant way!
Affected situation:
 Are you feeling sadness, loneliness or social isolation from friends and family members? Then the best companion for you is music.

  1. Love theme from Romeo & Juliet by Andre Rieu
  2. A Comme Amour by Richard Clayderman
  3. Between tears
  4. Serenata by Andre Rieu
  5. Vaya con dios
  6.La Playa
  7. Ave Maria No morro

  • Resolution Music to Induce Confidence
Affected situation: Do you lack one or all of the following: Confidence? Determination? Clarity?Resolution? Do you have a regret that you are left behind in the modern rat-race for power, money or relationships?

  2. La Paloma
  8. La Mamma
  9. La Playa
  10. Godfather
  11. La prevre par cove
  12. Ave mari no moro
  14. Gloria Bendita- Gypsy Soul


T. V Sairam
Compiled from Bhavan's Journal


Disclaimer: * This information is based only on Ayurvedic Medical Scriptures. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, this should not be used for any self treatments




Wednesday 23 October 2013

Triphala

What is TRIPHALA?
Tri= three, Phala= Fruit
1.       Emblica officinalis, Goose berry
2.       Terminalia chebula
3.       Terminalia bellarica
Triphala is a combination of three tropical fruits: Haritaki/Harada, Amalaki/Amla and Bibhitaki/Bihara. The nutritional aspect is in its high content of vitamin C, linoleic oil and other important nutrients, making it more of a tonic. Of the three fruits, Harada contains laxative, astringent, lubricant, antiparasitical, alterative, antispasmodic and nervine properties. Amla is the highest known source of vitamin C and has been shown to have mild anti-bacterial properties, pronounced expectorant, anti-viral and cardiotonic activity. Bihara is astringent, tonic, digestive and anti-spasmodic. It purifies and balances  excess mucus, treats asthma, bronchial conditions, allergies and hiccoughs. With all the virtues of these three individual herbs, Triphala has many wide and varied uses as a therapeutic herbal food. *
What are the benefits?
Triphala is one of the safest and most strengthening of the cleansing herb formulas; it gently promotes internal detoxification of all conditions of stagnation and excess while improving digestion and assimilation. It has been shown to be an effective blood purifier that stimulates bile secretion as it detoxifies the liver. Triphala benefits circulation, improves digestion and regulates elimination without causing any laxative dependency. Triphala is also taken for all eye disorders including the treatment of conjunctivitis, progressive myopia, early stages of  glaucoma and cataracts. Triphala can be highly effective in removing stagnation of both the liver and intestines and is one of the greatest and most popular rejuvenators in Ayurvedic medicine; it helps to aid the body’s natural detoxification and elimination processes without weakening systems or becoming habit forming. *
Regulates elimination without causing laxative dependency*
• Cleanses and detoxifies while simultaneously strengthening the body*
• Gently promotes internal cleansing*
• Effective blood purifier and liver detoxifier*
• Traditionally used for all eye disorders and to clear heat*
• Improves digestion and assimilation*
• Helps to reduce bad cholesterol*
• Improves circulation*
• An effective cardio-protectant*
• Helps reduce high blood pressure*
• Anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties*
Supporting Research:
Barnett Robert, Barone Jeanine. Ayurvedic Medicine – Ancient Roots, Modern Branches; pgs 9-10, 24-25,
36; 1996
Fawley David O.M.D. Ayurvedic Healing - A Comprehensive Guide. pgs 99, 356, 357, 361; Morson Publishing; 1992
Frawley D, Vasant L. The Yoga of Herbs – An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine; 1992; pgs 157-158, 164, 174-175; Published by Lotus Press; Twin Lakes, WI
Jacob A., Pandey M., Kapoor S., Saroja R. “Effects of the Indian Gooseberry (amla) on Serum Cholesterol
Levels in Men Aged 35-55 years.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 42: 939-944. 1988.
Peyser Randy. Alternative Medicine - Colon Cleansers; pgs 44-48; April 2002
Tierra Michael L.Ac., O.M.D. The Wonders of Triphala: Ayurvedic Formula for Internal Purification

Disclaimer: * This information is based only on Ayurvedic Medical Scriptures. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, this should not be used for any self treatments


"Which Way Lies Hope ?"

An appreciation of Gandhian philosophy. By Richard B. Gregg


Gandhian philosophy contains the merits of socialism. It is a new approach and believes in the priority of spiritual progress over material progress. It hates concentration of power. It teaches that every village should become autonomous and self-sufficient. Village must be the unit in a democratic form of government. Then people will become more responsible, and the progress of the world will not depend upon the whims and fancies of a few men. There will be no place for violence and hatred. Therefore, Gandhian socialism is the only solution for the complex problems of today and that "Along this way lies hope"



Complied from Bhavan's Journal

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Vedic Poetry

The visions of the beauty of life and nature in the Veda's or during the Vedic period are extremely rich in poetic value. Perhaps nowhere else in the world has the glory of dawn and sunrise and the silence and sweetness of nature recieved such rich and at the same time such pure expression. The beauty of woman has been most tenderly delineated. It has been said by Anatole France that the smile on the woman's face marked a new step in human evolution. The Veda's speak of "Gracious smiling women" and in Ushas (Sunrise), with the beauty of the youthful woman, they find the perfect smile. They regard the love if man and wief and the mother-hood of woman with a profound sense of sanctity. Life's little things are invested with holiness and living appears to be a grand ritual. If great poetry is the combination of what have been called "The emphasis of sense," if it unties imagery and melody into a complete whole, then there is no truer or greater poetry than we find in the finest of the Vedic verses. 

In english literature only the noblest passages in Shakespeare and Milton, for example, can be cited as a parallel to the best of the Vedic hymns, in respect of the spontaneity of expression, the power and sweep of rhythm and subtlety and solemnity of effect. If sublimity is the echo of a great soul, certainly Vedic poet and a greater soul than is found lodging in primitive man. 

A.C Bose, Bhavan's Journal

Dasa moola (10 Roots)

Dasa = Ten, Moola = Root

Literally meaning the 10 roots. Divided to two subsections


  1. The greater 5 Roots (Bruhath Pancha moola):- Aegle marmelos, Gmelina arborea, Oroxylum indicum, Premna corymbosa, Stereopsermum colais (Used in Pain, Hysteria, Rheumatism, Asthma and Heart disease)
  2. The Lesser 5 Roots ( Laghu Pancha Moola):- Aerva lanata, Desmodium gangeticum, Pseudarthria viscida, Solanum xanthocarpum, Tribulus terresteris (Urinary calculi and dysuria)
Each of these plants are endowed with incredible medicinal properties and they act synergistically in combination. This is collectively used in pacifying vitiated Tridosha, Pain, Colic, Arthritis, Fever, Cough, Bronchitis, General weakness, Neuropathy, Nervine weakness, UTI, Helps in boosting immunity are some of the benefits of using these roots in combination as per the Ayurvedic scriptures

A phytochemical screening of Dasamoola showed that the presence of Anthraquinones, Flavanoids, Leucoanthocyanins, Phenols, Redusing sugars and Tannins in aqueous extracts. Anthocyanins, Coumarins, Emodins, Fatty acids, glycosides and Saponins are totally absent in all extracts from the Dasamoola powder

The effectiveness of dasamoola could be attributed to their high flavanoids, steroids, tannins and triterpenoids. Exploitation of these pharmacological properties invloves further investigation and identification of these active ingredients by implementation of techniques like extraction, purification, separation, and crystallization.

NB: Please do bear in mind that these are age old treatment procedures and the study have been conducted with the limited access of current scientific advances. We still have a lot to learn and benefit from these herbal combinations. The scope of such study will be on a scale which could be limitless, and I reckon it can only be a collective effort and not by any individual 

Compiled  from Academic Sciences-International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 
M Linga Rao, and N. Savithramma

Disclaimer: * This information is based only on Ayurvedic Medical Scriptures. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, this should not be used for any self treatments

Sunday 20 October 2013

Top 10 Benefits of Excercise

             Exercise boosts brainpower.
             Movement melts away stress.
             Exercise gives you energy.
             It’s not that hard to find time for Fitness.
             Fitness can help build relationships.
             Exercise helps ward off disease.
             Fitness pumps up your heart.
             Exercise lets you eat more.
             Exercise boosts performance.
             Weight loss is not the most important goal.


Disclaimer: * This information is based only on Ayurvedic Medical Scriptures. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, this should not be used for any self treatments





Saturday 19 October 2013

What Are the Benefits of Detoxifying Your Body?




Detoxification  is the process of removing toxins from the body. The process to detoxify your body involves many different elements such as herbal detoxification regimens, change of diet and vitamin supplements. It is one of the best ways to rid your body of toxins, which can slow it down and make it unhealthy. The process of detoxification requires some discipline.
Physical Benefits
The most noticeable benefits from detoxification are the physical ones. Since the toxins store up in major organs, detoxification will help these areas the most. The organs which are affected, such as the liver and stomach, will begin to work more effectively. After the detox is completed, you may feel "lighter" and have more energy. Also, since a detox is used to clear away free radicals, your body's immune system will be stronger and you will have a lower risk of getting cancer. Finally, a detoxification regimen will clear your blood, helping it circulate better.
Mental Benefits
Toxins and free radicals that accumulate in the body can also affect brain functions. Before a detox, you may have trouble sleeping, chronic fatigue, and trouble with your concentration. Once you work through this process, many of these issues will gradually disappear. You will be able to sleep better and concentrate more.
Lifestyle Changes
A benefit which most people don't think of can be the change to your lifestyle. As you progress through the body detox, you will begin to feel better physically and mentally. This feeling can be addictive and lead to changing your lifestyle to cut out bad elements which give your body those toxins. Quitting smoking, eating better, and getting more exercise are all actions which help protect the body. After a detox is a perfect time to begin these actions.

Compiled from Live strong.com