Migraine is a common type of headache, which may sometimes occur with additional symptoms such as nausea, or light sensitivity. Migraine is more than a mere headache. The one-sided throbbing pain experienced during a bout of migraine, affects your daily functioning, making it a painful experience every day. Further, the harsh sun rays experienced during the summer months, may only add to the pain.
Migraine can be triggered by any factors including stress, environmental factors, alcohol, bright lights, certain odours, change in sleep patterns, changes in hormone levels (particularly in women), loud noises, missed meals, smoking or exposure to smoke, and certain foods. However, the exact cause of migraine headache is still unclear.
Treatment methods:
When you get initial symptoms of migraine try to treat them right away, when the headache is less severe. Drink enough water to avoid dehydration, particularly if you have vomited. You can try resting in a quiet dark room, placing a cool cloth on your forehead.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurveda considers migraine to mostly occur in people with imbalanced pitta constitution. Although, people with vata and kapha constitutions can also experience migraine, pitta dosha is considered as the main cause. Bringing about a balance in the doshas can help in maintaining bodily balance and solve the root cause of the problem.
Ayurveda suggests a combination of healthy diet, ayurvedic/herbal medications, yoga and panchakarma treatments to get rid of migraines completely.
Panchakarma
In the Panchakarma procedure, Nasya or medicated oil drops are used for treatment of migraine. The first type of treatment is called Shirovirechan, wherein strong, irritant medicines are instilled as nasal drops, which induces sneezing and watery discharge. Second type of treatment is the Avapidat nasya, wherein a herbal paste, usually made of herbs such as Vacha and Pippali, together with honey, are inserted through the nostrils in liquid form. These procedures are aimed at eliminating the root cause of headache/pain.
The medicated enema used for migraine, known as Anuvasan Basti, is given, wherein small quantities of medicated oils (50ml) are given at regular intervals on an out-patient bais. Sesame and Mahanarayan oil, containing Asparagus racemosus as main ingredient, are mostly used for this purpose.
Ayurvedic medicines
One of the most commonly prescribed drugs for treating migraine is Suvarna Sutashekhara Ras. It is given in dose of 125 milligrams twice a day. The medication can be taken with milk. Few other preparations that can be taken for this condition are Godanti Bhasma, Triphala Guggulu, Bhallatakasav and Tribhuvankirti.
Yoga
Simple yoga treatments can serve as an effective alternative in dealing with headaches and migraines. Yoga, particularly deep breathing exercises, can boost immunity, and improve headaches/migraines caused due to stress and worry. Inverted postures, or postures where head is lowered briefly, increases oxygen supply to the brain and reduces the strain-induced headaches. Pranayama is an excellent solution for migraines. Shitali Pranayama is known as cool breathing exercise, wherein the tongue is rolled like a tube, inhaling air through the mouth and exhaling is done through the nose. Following this technique regularly can reduce migraine symptoms, while also pacifying the pitta imbalance.
Herbs
Feverfew is a popular herb for treating migraines. Several studies have backed the use of feverfew in treating migraines. Other herbal cures for migraines include use of ashwagandha, brahmi, shatavari, chyavanprash, jatamamsi, gudachi and chyavanprash. Shirodhara (herbal hot oil massage) is also known to relieve headaches. However, herbs should be taken only after working with a trained herbalist to choose the specific herb suitable for your body type.
Prevention
Understanding your headache triggers can help you to avoid foods and situations that cause migraines. Few other suggestions for preventing migraines caused by external factors are:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Avoid artificial sweeteners
- Avoid caffeine
- Limit sun exposure
- Get plenty of sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce stress
- Find ways to relax
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Walk regularly in a park/garden or other scenic place.
Adopting the said measures, not only makes you feel relaxed, but can also ban recurrent migraines.
Tags: migraine
Kidney stones, also known as calculi or nephrolithiasis, are abnormal, hard, crystalline materials formed inside the Kidneys. The size of kidney stones may be very small in the form of sand grains, the size of a pea, or even larger than a marble.
The four common types of stones found in Kidneys are calcium stones, struvite stones, cystine stones, or uric acid stones.
Symptoms
The symptom of kidney stones largely depends on the size of stone, its location, and associated factors. Some stones are harmless (mostly silent without symptoms), while others cause sudden excruciating, cramping pain in the lower back and/or in the side, abdomen, or groin. Pain often starts suddenly and will be intense. In case kidney stones, the pain usually starts at the mid back and often radiates to the groin, while for men, it may radiate to testicle and scrotum as well.
Other symptoms associated with pain are sweating, nausea and vomiting. At times there may be blood present in the urine, as the stone can irritate the ureter or kidney. Any associated infection in the urinary tract, apart from stones, may result in fever and chills. Kidney stones may also lead to other symptoms such as difficulty in urination, penile or testicular pain and urinary urgency.
Causes
Kidney stones are formed due to imbalance of water, minerals, salts and other substances in the urine. The cause of imbalance determines the type of kidney stone that you have.
One of the main reasons for formation of kidney stones is inadequate water intake. Dehydration or loss of fluid from the body is the main risk factor for kidney stones.
Urinary tract infection can also lead to formation of kidney stones. However, the stones so formed (called struvite stones) can grow quite large and block kidney, ureter or bladder.
Certain medical conditions such as gout patients, people with parathyroid disorders, those on chemotherapy, people with intestinal diseases, or those after surgery, are at higher risk of developing uric acid stones.
Kidney stones can also be caused due to hereditary factors. If one or both of your parents had kidney stones, you are at higher risk of developing the same.
Treatment
There is increasing popularity of ayurvedic treatment methods for kidney stones, as people prefer natural alternatives, so as to avoid the side effects associated with prescription drugs. While, silent stones need no treatment, bigger stones can be only removed surgically. Small stones can be dissolved and passed our through urine by administering certain home remedies, and with some ayurvedic remedies that has hardly any side effects.
Ayurvedic remedies
Some ayurvedic remedies that are useful for treatment of kidney stones are:
Gokshura Kada: 15ml of this liquid, can be mixed with equal amount of water. This, when consumed thrice a day, can help in improved urination, relieves burning sensations during urination, which are common in people with kidney stones.
Chader prabhavati (for burning sensation during urination), ber patthar bhasma, crystone tablets, patherina tablet, and calcury tablets are other medications prescribed in Ayurveda for kidney stones.
Rencare capsules (containing Gokshura, Pashaan Bheda, Cornsilk, Dhania Leaves and Usher), help in stopping bleeding within urinary tract, dissolves stones, relaxes the bladder and relieves irritation, and improves urinary flow.
Kshaara parpati, Ashmari hara kashaaya, Shilajit, and Chandra-prabhaa vati are some other effective formulations.
Herbal therapy
The bark of henna plant (known as Mehendi in India), is very effective in removing urinary stones. Make a decoction by boiling one part of the bark in 20 parts of water, till the quantity of water reduces to quarter of its original quantity. Consume 20ml to 30ml of this, twice or thrice a day.
Paashanabheda and Varuna, are two important herbs, effective in treating cases of urinary caliculus.
Yoga:
Certain asanas, when practiced regularly, can stimulate kidneys. Some among them that may of particular use are Pavana Muktasana, Uttana Padasana, Bharadvajasana, Marichyasana, Viparita Karani,
Home remedies:
Hot water bath and hot fomentation at the lower back can bring relief from symptoms.
Drinking plenty of coconut and barley water can help, as they flush out the stones (if they are small), and is the first and best home remedy for kidney stones.
Onion decoction, prepared by adding water to the onion bulbs with sugar is also useful.
Water-rich fruit, water melon, is also rich in potassium salts, and is a safe diuretic. Therefore, it can be helpful in dealing with this condition.
A decoction made from fresh leaves and seeds of radish can help expel stones. Horse-gram soup is also an excellent food supplement.
Boil 2 figs in water and drink this every morning for at least a month.
Drink a glass of fresh tomato juice, with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor, every morning.
Banana stem consumed in any form, particularly its juice, is an excellent remedy, as it is highly rich in fibre, and has the ability to flush out the stones completely, and prevent formation of new ones.
In fact, even pure lemon juice can be helpful in breaking down or dissolving minor stones.
Lifestyle / diet modifications
Include more of red kidney beans (also known as rajma daal), celery, basil leaves and fruits such as apples, pomegranate, water melon and grapes, in daily diet, as they are considered beneficial for people with kidney stones.
Include more fibre in your diet, such as oat bran, whole wheat breads, beans, cabbage, carrots, wheat cereals, and beans. Limit intake of pork, beef and poultry. Avoid grapefruit juice, and foods with high oxalate content such as nuts, caffeine and chocolates. Use salt sparingly and preferably take a low-protein diet.
Avoid strong drinks and alcoholic beverages and coffee. Also limit intake of fatty food, carbohydrates and other refined foods. Instead, consume generous amounts of vegetables and fruits. Even regular exercises can help stones pass through the body. Get plenty of sleep and do not overeat.
Tags: kidney stones
A US FDA approved treatment for heart-disease called Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) has been unveiled in Bangalore recently, by Sri Sri Ravishankar, the Art of Living Founder.
The inauguration was held at Sri Sri Ayurveda Panchakarma – the Ayurveda and Wellness Spa, in association with The Global Heart Foundation, Pune, India.
Speaking during the inauguration, Sri Sri Ravishankar, briefed that EECP is one of the first allopathic treatments that does not involve invasive procedures or medication, and offers clinical treatment to cardiac patients in a natural manner.
The centre will focus on holistic heart care, offering specialized, but affordable treatment, through a combination of state-of-the-art EECP therapy, together with effective herbal and Panchakarma therapies. The treatment will be offered to cardiac patients to improve cardiac and vascular health.
EECP is a non-invasive heart treatment, which is being accepted widely now, by physicians and patients, owing to its high success rate. The treatment is out-patient based, with no hospital admission required, requiring just one hour a day for 35 consecutive days.
The treatment helps considerably in improving blood supply to heart muscle. Recent clinical evidence has suggested that the therapy improved blood circulation to heart muscle by developing collaterals and opening dormant capillaries, which is later confirmed by scan and angiogram. Therefore, it works like a natural bypass, revealed Dr. Keshav Prasad, Chief Operating Officer, Sri Sri Ayurveda Panchakarma.
Please visit www.srisripanchakarma.org
We all know about the various health benefits of nuts. Here’s more to it that latest studies have confirmed.
Lowers Cholesterol
Scientists say that apart from just avoiding fatty foods, including nuts as part of your daily diet is essential for lowering cholesterol and remaining healthy in general. Latest research at the University of Toronto in Canada, suggests that a diet rich in nuts and oats, have been effective in lowering cholesterol levels. Almonds, for instance, is well-known for their ability to fight LDL (bad) cholesterol, and are associated with reduced risk of heart diseases. Studies have shown that consuming almonds five times a week helped in 50percent reduced risk of heart diseases.
Antioxidants
According to Aparna Tandon, a dietician, a diet rich in dietary fibre is helpful for those fighting obesity. It also defends one from cancer. However, to obtain maximum benefit, one should refrain from peeling their skin. A handful of nuts can actually prevent you from turning to junk food every time you are hungry.
An ounce of almonds can help meet nearly 33percent of daily requirement of your body. Apart from being a rich source of vitamin E, they also help remove toxins and improve immunity levels.
Magnesium and Potassium
A quarter cup of almonds can make up for nearly 25percent of one’s daily requirement of magnesium. Magnesium is required by the body for good blood circulation, oxygen supply and nutrients through the body. Potassium is another substance that helps in maintaining normal blood pressure and proper heart functioning. Regular intake of nuts such as almonds and apricots help in providing your body with these essential minerals.
Folic acid
According to Dr. Abha Sharma, a gynaecologist, almonds, walnuts and cashew nuts contain folic acid, essential during pregnancy and lactation period for women, as it prevents abnormalities in foetuses and infants.
For iron
All nuts, particularly nuts such as apricots, are rich in iron and the best remedy to treat anaemia.
Treats constipation
All nuts are rich in fibre, and contain pectin and cellulose, the compounds that help in treating constipation and improve functioning of the bowels. They also are high in alkaline content, and hence they help improve digestion when taken after a meal.
For better eyesight
Nuts such as chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans and apricots, due to their high content of vitamin A, are beneficial for eyesight.
For boosting memory
Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E, and therefore are associated with less age-related cognitive decline. Including an ounce of walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, brazil nuts, flax seeds etc in your diet, can help in boosting memory.
Nuts are easy to carry, fun to much, and meet all essential nutrient requirements and hence, there is no harm in continuing this nutty affair, as they also do not burn a hole in your pocket!
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is an age-related progressive neurological disorder, characterized by degeneration of central nervous tissues, thereby affecting the motor skills of the individual. It signals the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, resulting in a group of conditions called motor system disorders.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are tremor of hands, legs, jaw, and face, stiffness, rigidity of the limbs and trunk, postural instability, slowing of movements, stooped posture, impaired balance and co-ordination etc. Often, people with Parkinson’s disease show reduced facial expressions and speak in soft voice.
The secondary symptoms of the disease may include depression, personality change, sleep disturbances, speech impairments, constipation, sexual difficulties and dementia.
Causes
Parkinson’s disease is caused by one or more environmental factors, inherited susceptibility to the disease, as the inheritance of the chromosome – 4 gene may lead to Parkinson’s disease in some people. The disease is caused by a combination of both genetic susceptibility and environmental stresses, resulting in death of brain cells.
Another latest theory suggests that free radicals may play a role in development of Parkinson’s disease. Free radicals are chemical compounds with a positive charge, created when dopamine is broken down, by combining it with oxygen.
Ayurvedic perception of Parkinson’s disease
According to Ayurveda, Parkinson’s is a Vata ailment that is chronic, with symptoms worsening over time. The disease has been described in ayurvedic texts as Kampavata (Kampa – tremor, vata – metabolic derangement predisposing to this neurologic and mental disease).
Parkinson’s disease usually affects people over the age of 65 years. Ancient Ayurvedic scripts suggest existence of such a disease more than 2000 to 3000 years ago.
Ayurveda works on the principle of achieving balance among three main doshas – Vata, pitta and kapha. Vata governs the air and body movement. According to ayurveda, the Parkinson’s disease is caused by an imbalance of the Vata Dosha, which is the presence of aggravated air in the brain. In the course of time, the aggravated air corrodes the area of the brain that controls involuntary movements, giving rise to Parkinson’s symptoms.
Treatments available in Ayurveda
There is no complete cure for Parkinson’s disease. Ayurvedic medicine has shown several medical trials that can help in controlling the symptoms great extent, with hardly any side effects.
Several formulations containing Kapikachu (Mucuna pruriens) were suggested for treatment of patients with Parkinson’s. Levodopa is the general major drug used in treating Parkinson’s disease. Kapikachu has levodopa as the major active compound. There are evidences indicating that Parkinson’s disease existed in ancient India, under the name Kampavata, and herbal preparations containing levodopa were administered to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
In fact, it is said that herbal medicines containing levodopa, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and anti-cholinergics were traditionally used in treatment of Parkinson’s disease in India. A study conducted in the year 1995 on Hp-200 (derived from the Ayurvedic therapeutic agent Kapikachu seed powder), was tested on patients suffering from this disease. The results were monitored with Unified Rating Scale of the disease. The results showed that the ayurvedic treatment was effective and caused only minor side effects.
Currently, although there is no definite cure for Parkinson’s disease several medications offer dramatic relief from the symptoms.
Garlic is said to be a wonderful mega resource that controls oxidative damage to neurons. Garlic extract contains several organosulfur compounds, other than allicin, that are vital and beneficial in balancing vata components. Therefore, 5gm garlic paste, along with 5gm gingely oil, with a pinch of black rock salt, taken twice a day, can prove effective in reducing symptoms.
A decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, Pluchea lanceolata, Zingiber officinale, Boerrhvia diffusa, 20ml each can be mixed with 10ml castor oil and taken twice a day. The disturbances of vayu in the colo-rectal region, and be treated with moist laxatives such as triphala and psyllium.
Similarly, mucuna pruriens, along with neuro-protective herbs such as Ashwagandha and Haridra can be used for treatment. The ayurvedic formulation made with Ashwagandha and Mucuna pruriens 10gm can be taken with milk twice a day for few weeks.
Herbs such as Brahmi and Jatamansi can be added to formulas or used separately. They also help in controlling secondary symptoms of the disease such as depression.
Sanjivani Parkinson’s Herbs, a supplement of Mucuna Prureins, Asiatica, Hydrocotyle and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), is said to be effective in promoting brain locomotive functions. This is a safe and natural relief for various movement disorders, when consumed in 500mg capsule form twice daily.
Yoga
Practice of yoga can help people suffering from Parkinson’s to control and endure the disease. Yogic breathing programs such as Bhramari Pranayama, coupled with ayurvedic treatments such as Pancha Karma can reduce the need for levodopa and related drugs, and helps in alleviating and reducing symptoms of the disease. Certain other yoga postures such as standing, supine, sitting or inverted postures can be performed under guidance and supervision of trained experts of yoga, in a manner such that even patients with limited flexibility can be trained to perform them. It can help in improving flexibility and overall quality of life.
Tags: Parkinsons
Bangalore, the capital of the State of Karnataka, now better known as Silicon Valley of India, has been witnessing major inflow of foreign patients over the past few years. Patients from across the globe have been flocking to the Silicon Valley city, like never before. The reason for the emergence of Bangalore as the hotbed for medical tourism in India, are many.
Apart from being a global outsourcing centre, Bangalore is now the health giver to the world. Medical tourism is a growing phenomenon and is only eight to ten years old in the city. In comparison to other metros such as Chennai and Mumbai, Bangalore caught up later in the race. However, today, the city aims to be the topmost in attracting foreign patients from across the globe.
According to medical experts, one of the major reasons for this is that Bangalore is a well-known brand in the world. Apart from being a knowledge city, it offers the best hospitals, and pleasant weather, to patients coming here for treatment.
Apart from earning reputation as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, Bangalore is also known as the ‘Pub Capital of India’, ‘Garden City’ and so on. Bangalore is full of life and energy, given, the beautiful parks, multiplexes, avenues and historical monuments, not to mention, its pulsating nightlife and a salubrious climate.
Bangalore has been the hub of healthcare since the British era. Currently, it is the centre of attraction due to the presence of large number of major hospitals in the city, and innumerable medical institutes and colleges. The medical experts and professionals are also increasing here by the day.
Majority of the hospitals in Bangalore have capitalized on the growth of floating population, and the growth of the income bracket. Moreover, the holistic health centers in the city have been offering alternate systems of therapy like Art of Living and yoga courses and Ayurvedic therapies, said a source from the Karnataka Government Tourism department.
Bangalore has primarily become the centre of attraction primarily due to the presence of large number of major hospitals in the city, and the innumerable medical institutes and colleges, says Vittal Murthy, Secretary, Kannada Culture Information and Tourism department.
List of Ayurvedic colleges/institutes in Bangalore
Bangalore is home to a series of Ayurvedic colleges, recognized by the University. Ayurveda Colleges in Bangalore are known for their good campuses and the huge variety of plants grown there that help in their study. The teachers in these colleges are trained and experienced. Some of the major colleges/institutes in Bangalore, offering courses in Ayurveda are as follows:
Government Ayurvedic Medical College
(Affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Health Sciences)
Dhanwantri Road, Gandhinagar, Bangalore – 560009
Tel: +(91)-(80)-22371915 / +(91)-(80)-22872848
Indian Institute Of Ayurvedic Medicine & Research
Bangalore Palace Compound, Opp. to Durga, Jayamahal Road,
J C Nagar, Bangalore – 560006
Tel: +(91)-(80)-23530013,23337098,23437895
+(91)-9341249259 /+(91)-(80)-23544353
Email: iiamr@yahoo.com
Govt.College Of Indian Medicine
Tank Bund Road
Bangalore
Dhanvantari Ayurveda College Hospital & Research
No.22/Aajantha Hotel Complex, M G Road, Bangalore – 560001
Tel: +(91)-(80)-25594457,25584100 / +(91)-(80)-25584780
Email: bagilthaya@vsnl.com
www.dhanwanthariayur.org
Adichunchanagiri Ayurvedic Medical College
No.10, Pipe Line, RPC Layout, 2nd Stage, Vijaynagar, Bangalore – 560040
Tel: +(91)-(80)-23407806,23101855
Sri Sri College Of Ayurvedic Science & Research
No.1897/A, Opp. Art Of Living, 21 Km Kanakapura Road,
Udayapura Post, Kanakapura Road, Bangalore – 560062
Tel: +(91)-(80)-32722374,28432321,28432497
www.ssrvm.org
Kvt Acharya Institute
Near Pai Bhavan & Punjab Bank, 1st Cross,1st Stage,
Peenya, Bangalore – 560058
Tel: +(91)-(80)-28376430,28390433,41179170,28…
+(91)-(80)-28378268,28370290
Email: principal@acharyaims.ac.in
www.acharyainstitutions.org
Shri Krishnarajendra Charitable Trust Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine & Research Bangalore
Palace Compound, Jaya Mahal Road
Bangalore-560006(Karnataka)
Rama Krishna Ayurved Medical College
No. 2345/2185,Raman College Road
Kamakshi Palaya Magadi Road, Bangalore-Urban Road-560079
Regional Research Institute (Ayurveda)
Government, Central Pharmacy Annex,
1st Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore – 560 011
Sushrutha Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore
Papaiah Garden, Diagonal Road,
Banashankari 3rd stage,
Bangalore – 560 085
Tel: 080-26892450 / 080-26793209
www.sushrutha.com
Kalabhairaveshwara Institute of Ayurvedic Medical College
(Affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences)
No.10 Pipe Line Road,
RPC Layout (Adichunchangiri Matt),
Vijayanagar
Bangalore-560 040 (Karnataka)
Ramakrishna Ayurvedic Medical College
(Affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences)
No.2345/2185 Ramana College Road,
Kamakshi Palaya Magadi Road
Bangalore-560 079 (Karnataka)
Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science & Research
(Affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences)
21st KM Kanakpura Road,
Udayapura
Bangalore-560 062 (Karnataka)
Government Ayurvedic and Unani Medical College
10/1, 2, Vijaya Nagar,
Bengaluru
Tel: 080 23407806
It is a known fact that fruits/fruit juices are excellent options not only for overall good health, but also for the skin. Earlier, spa treatments involved use of expensive imported creams, made of exotic ingredients. This trend is now changing, as the spa owners have now realized that fresh fruits can render an equally refreshing appeal, while also offering the relaxation that you well-deserve.
Several newly-opened skin spas in India, for instance, offers natural beauty fixes made out of fresh fruits and vegetables. Each part of your body is treated with different fruit/vegetables in various therapy rooms designed for the purpose.
For instance, a face dessert is made available with papaya being used as cleanser; mango mousse cream, honey and oat scrub; and avocado face pack. Spas are also offering other natural treatments such as clay treatments and acupressure massages.
A masseuse when speaking to a leading daily in India, said “Our skin is exposed to growing pollution levels our everyday. It is therefore better to stop feeding our skin on daily basis, with synthetics that come in a bottle”.
In fact, the spa owners are collecting fresh and natural ayurvedic ingredients during the right season, from the remotest corners in the country to provide the best Ayurvedic herbal spa. For instance, to make apricot body scrubs, the apricots are directly sourced from the farmers.
When you undergo a spa therapy, the therapists use fresh fruits like papaya, apple, banana and oatmeal, along with other special herbs, to make a body scrub. The kind of therapy you are offered will depend on the type of skin that you have.
For instance, those with normal skin are offered treatments with avocado, strawberry and papaya; those with dry skins are treated with banana, chickoo, unpasteurised full fat milk and honey; for oily skin it is a pack of lemon, orange, tomato, and tangerine, while mature skin is treat with banana, primrose, egg whites and crushed egg shells.
Fruit facials were done since ages. But, the noteworthy trend is that people are now more cautious when dabbing chemicals onto their skin, with majority of them now opting for alternate natural skin therapies, rather than blindly using chemicals that are harmful to the skin.
Apart from hydrating and rejuvenating the skin, the smell of fruits helps in de-stressing. Fruits are also cost-effective and natural. Mentioned below are few natural properties of fruits, based on which, you can choose what is appropriate for your skin condition.
Banana
Bananas are rich in Vitamins A, B, F and E, and contain potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and iodine, and works well as an anti-ageing agent. A fresh mashed banana facial can work wonders on your skin.
Banana anti-ageing face mask
To make a banana face mask, mash a banana, add about 2 tablespoons of fresh cream, 1 tablespoon each of organic honey and oat floor, rose hydrosol and bottled water. Blend well and apply on clean face, leave on for 30 minutes and rinse well with water.
Hydrosols (floral waters) are created while extracting essential oils, and are made using steam distillation. They have properties similar to that of related essential oils, although in less concentrated form. Being good toners, they are usually used as final cleansers/toners after cleansing.
Lemon
The high vitamin C content in lemon helps in keeping skin beautiful. The astringent properties of lime helps in lightening skin tone and reducing acne scars. The inside of a lemon peel can be rubbed on to the body to remove dark spots. A mix of lemon and honey acts as a natural bleach for skin.
Apple
Being a great anti-oxidant, apple helps prevent cell and tissue damage. The abundant levels of elastin and collagen present in apple helps in keeping skin youthful.
Exfoliating mask
A great exfoliating mask on your skin can be made with mashed apple, oatmeal, and rosewater.
Orange
Orange is another great fruit with anti-ageing properties. The abundant vitamin C in Orange helps improve skin texture and clears skin blemishes. Rub the inside of orange on your skin to tighten the skin. Oranges can be dried and powdered and used as natural scrub.
Orange-yogurt mask
Mix ¼ of orange juice and a teaspoon of plain yogurt. Apply on to face, and wash after five minutes. The yogurt helps in cleansing and nourishing your skin, while orange is full of vitamin C and AHAs.
Papaya
Papaya contains papain, a special enzyme capable of killing dead cells and curing skin impurities and is highly rich in anti-oxidants, Even just applying the flesh of papaya on the skin can do wonders. Papaya facials are much in demand during summer months, as it also helps in removing tan.
Papaya summer mask
Mash a slice of papaya, and blend it with 1tablespoon of sandalwood powder in it. Mix both ingredients and apply on face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash it off with water. Both papaya and sandalwood powder blend together to remove dead cells and give healthy skin.
Mango
Being rich in Vitamin A and anti-oxidants, the king of fruits has amazing effect on skin, as it fights ageing and restores skin elasticity and regenerates skin cells.
Mango-Honey face mask
Mix 4 tablespoons of finely chopped mango pulp, 1 to 2 teaspoons honey and 1 tablespoon of almond oil and apply on clean face and neck. Leave the mask for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse well with lukewarm water. Honey helps in retaining moisture so that your skin feels fresh and hydrated. This mask is effective in removing skin impurities and treating acne.
Yoga can help women in dealing with three most important phases of their life – menstruation, maternity and menopause. Yoga asansas and pranayama are helpful in dealing with these three phases, say yoga experts.
Menstruation
Women go through this phase between puberty and menopause. To ensure a healthy menstrual cycle, proper functioning of ovaries is important. During this phase, women often experience painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), and premenstrual syndrome. Stress and many other factors including inflammation, and womb spasm can cause dysmenorrhea.
Asanas such as Kapalabhati, Bidalasana, Sukhasana, Bhujangasana, Bidalasana, Dhanurasana, Matsyasana, Anuloma Viloma, Pavanamuktasana, Baddha konasana, Suptabaddhakonasana, Paschimottanasana, Janusirsasana, can ease menstrual pain and help in increasing blood supply to pelvic organs.
Maternity
Some specific yoga poses can prevent miscarriages and infertility in women caused by defective ovaries, and displacement of uterus. During pregnancy, the first three months are crucial, when pre-natal care is advised. Yoga improves the strength of pelvic muscles and prevents back strain due to extra weight of the baby. Strong uterine muscles can ease delivery pain.
Meditation, along with pranayama and other yoga poses such as bhujangasana, gomukhasana can help in stimulating the pituitary gland, responsible for secretion of pro-lactin.
Performing yoga after delivery can help in removing excess fat that was built up in the body during pregnancy, while also re-shaping the body and removing any stress on the pelvis, shoulders, neck and back during pregnancy period. Some specific yoga poses such as Virabhadrasana II, Viparita karani, ujjayi breathing, Salambhasana, Sukhasana, MArichyasana, Paripurna Navasana, are particularly helpful poses during the post-partum period.
Certain poses such as Adho Mukha Svanasana, Trikonasana, Marichyasana, Vipariti Karini, and Bhujangasana are particularly helpful for women who have had C-sections.
Menopause
Menopause is part of every woman’s life, occurring between the ages 40 and 60, when menstruation permanently stops. It is associated with hormonal, psychological and physical changes. The symptoms usually associated with menopause are irregular menstruation, hot flashes, change in appearance, sexual desire, urinary problems, sleep disturbances, mood changes, palpitations and backaches, though not all of these are experienced by every woman.
The yogic phases that may be of help during this phase are Kapalabhati, Tadasana, Pada Hastasana, Warrior Pose, Trikonasana, Padmasana, Bhujangasana, child pose, Paschimothanasana, Marichyasana, Pavanamuktasana, Anuloma viloma, and simple meditation techniques.
All these phases can cause physical and psychological disturbances of varying degrees in women. Pranayama helps immensely, as it reduces cortisol in blood, regulates endocrine gland and maintains proper functioning of crucial glands. Regular practice of yoga by women during all these phases in life, not only reduces the associated symptoms, but, improves the overall quality of life, helping to deal these natural biological processes with peace and acceptance.
Tags: maternity, menopause, menstruation, Yoga
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