Regular practice of yoga helps in preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases, revealed a recent clinical study by JIPMER (Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research) in India.
Yoga controls essential hypertension
The study team, led by Dr. Madanmohan Trakroo, demonstrated that through regular practice of yoga, patients with essential hypertension noticed significant decrease in blood pressure and heart rate within three weeks.
The study said the “When diagnosed early, most patients with essential hypertension (pre-hypertension) can be effectively managed by yoga alone.”
The slow-breathing pranayams, such as Savitri Pranayam, helped in reducing basal heart rate and pressure, while other fast-breathing pranayams such as bhastrika pranayam, improves basal heart rate and pressure. Therefore, the slow and fast breathing exercises can have different therapeutic effects.
When the effects of yoga were analyzed on people of various age groups, including school and medical college students, it was noticed that yoga helped in controlling exercise-induced increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, yoga helps in improving exercise tolerance levels, the study concluded.
Yoga prevents cardiovascular diseases
“Practising yoga will definitely be helpful for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Very soon yoga will be a part of an Indo-UK study wherein the effects of yoga in treating chronic heart patients will be revealed. Yoga, apart from relieving stress, also improves life expectancy of a person,” said B Amrithaganesh, Cardiologist, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital.
Yoga improves skeletal/muscular strength
The study included people of varying age group, including medical college students, and it was noticed that 12 weeks of practice led to considerable increase in respiratory pressure, handgrip strength, and breathe holding time among medical college students. This indicates that yoga helped in improving muscular and skeletal strength.
Yoga combats stress
The study revealed that yoga, when practised for just one week, helped in improving one’s ability to withstand stress. The stress levels of patients were measured using ‘response to cold presser test’ before and after training. Yogic postures, when performed with awareness, and when synchronized with breathing, are the best stress busters. This is because, there is considerable decrease in oxygen intake, and a deep psychosomatic relaxation, within five minutes of practice, the study revealed.
The study suggests introduction of yoga practice along with usual medical care, to reduce drug dosage and improved quality of health among patients.
Tags: cardiovascular, Yoga
Tired eyes a common issue faced by one and all today. Tired eyes or sore eyes is characterized by puffiness around the eyes, with burning sensation or redness in the eyes, and heaviness in the head.
Causes:
Lack of sufficient sleep hours is one of the main causes of tired eyes. The other common causes are eyestrain, allergy, excessive crying, fatigue, long hours of work on the computer, or continuously watching television, reading for prolonged hours in either dim light or very bright light, pollution, lack of oxygen supply to cornea, and conjunctivitis.
Ayurveda believes that several factors can affect efficient functioning of the eyes. Eye disease is caused by vitiation of three doshas. The tridoshas (vatta, pitta and kapha) usually function in their respective channels when in balanced condition. Factors such as those mentioned above, can actually vitiate these doshas in the eyes.
Apart from these, Ayurveda believes that other factors such as roaming around in hot son for long time, remaining awake for long time at night or sleeping in the afternoon, head injuries, use of microscope constantly for working, and alcoholism can also lead to tired/sore eyes.
Symptoms:
Tired eyes presents itself with symptoms such as redness of the eye, burning sensation, irritation, heaviness in eyes, itchiness, watery eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision, headache, sore neck, and increased sensitivity to light.
Ayurvedic remedies:
Netra Tarpana is a specialized ayurvedic treatment for eyes, that helps relieve tiredness and improves eyesight. It is particularly recommended for people who work on the computer regularly for prolonged hours, drive for long periods or operate machinery, or for anyone who is suffering symptoms of tired or sore eyes.
The treatment is carried out together with a face massage, and about 30minutes, and usually performed by experts.
Freshly made dough rings are filled with fragrant oils and placed around the eyes. Thereafter, sterilized cow’s ghee is gently poured into the eyes keeping them open. It is an effective treatment for other eye diseases and blurred vision, too.
If you feel that the symptoms aggravate when you wake up in the morning, it could be due to disturbance in the vata dosha. One way to balance vata dosha is to splash your eyes and face with lukewarm water 10-15 times as soon as you wake up.
Bilberry and Lutein (usually found in Marigold) are two main nutrients that help the eyes. While Bilberry helps in reducing tiredness of the eyes, Lutein helps to moisturise and nourish the eyes and macula in general.
Boil 1/2t. fennel seeds in a cup of water, and reduce it to half and sip it warm.
Grind 1/2c. each of almonds, anise seeds and raw sugar, and add it to a cup of warm milk. Drink this solution.
Make a powder with blanched almonds, Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) and Brahmi. Take this mix 1-2 times a day, mixing with warm milk and raw sugar.
De-seed a pod of black cardamom and combine it with a tablespoon of honey and chew thoroughly, as this strengthens vision when taken regularly.
Triphala and Amla are also considered excellent for eye health.
Quick home remedies:
Although a good nap is excellent, one good quick fix solution would be to place a slice of cucumber on each eye and relax for 20-25 minutes.
Excellent refreshment for tired, sore eyes would be to dip a tea bag in lukewarm water for a few minutes and place one on each eye, and leave for 20 minutes.
Mix a few drops of rose water in a cup of water, dip two cotton gauzes in it and place them on your eyes for few minutes. Rosewater has cooling effect, and can easily reduce tiredness of the eyes.
Dip two cotton gauzes in a bowl of cold milk, and place them over eyes. This can help reduce puffiness.
Add few drops of lavender oil into a bowl of water. Soak cotton gauzes in this solution and place them on the eyelids for a few minutes.
Eye care tips:
Just as we all know that prevention is better than cure, it is better to take care of our eyes in the best possible way, than to over-strain them, and look for remedies.
Hence, experts recommend limiting use of computer and television during the day as far as possible. Although we can control television viewing, working on the computers is largely dependent on the type of jobs we handle. Therefore, take care to take intermittent breaks from the screen, and ensure good lighting to minimize eye strain and fatigue.
Ensure that you give a get a good 7hours sleep daily.
Rest your eyes by closing them for a minute in between work hours.
Wash your eyes with cold water several times a day.
Every thirty minutes look away from the computer and palm your eyes (rub both palms together quickly for 8 seconds, and place your palm over the eyes. Breathe in and out slowly to release stress). Repeat this 2-3 times.
Yoga poses such as Bhujangasana (Snake pose), Shavasana (rest pose) and Surya Namaskara (sun salutation pose) are recommended.
Tags: Eye care
In Ayurveda, it is said that good food is the one that tastes best in its raw, natural form, and is easily digestible, without addition of any salt, spices or condiments. Seasonal fruits are therefore, the best.
According to latest study, certain fruits and vegetables help in reversing Type II diabetes by improving the functioning of pancreas, while another new Canadian study revealed that a diet rich in fruits and veggies can mitigate the effect of a gene associated with heart disease.
Ayurvedacharya, Satish Bajaj, believes that fresh fruits are ideal for people with various health problems. When consumed regularly, they help in healing and preventing diseases. It is a known fact that fruits provide energy and have several curative properties.
Based on your health condition, you can choose from the below list, certain types of fruits that are best suited for your health. However, the golden rule to be followed here is that seasonal fruits grown in your country are the best for your health.
For Heart
The Kiwi fruit has blood thinning properties, apart from preventing arterial blockage. Regular intake of Kiwi fruit helps in lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL or Bad Cholesterol) and triglyceride levels in the blood stream. All berries, including strawberry, blueberry, cranberry or raspberry are heart-friendly, helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
The high potassium content present in cheekoos, cherries, sweet-lime, bael, banana, avocado, peaches, phalsa and loquat, and the high magnesium content in mango, banana, and plums help protect the heart, lowering high blood pressure.
For diabetics and Asthmatics
Although, diabetics and asthmatics are advised to avoid very sweet fruits such as banana, cheekoos, grapes and litchis, certain fibre-rich fruits are considered safe when consumed in reasonable quantities such as guava, phalsa, jamun, prunes, ber, papaya, cherries, sour pomegranate, and amla (Indian gooseberry).
Kiwi fruit, in particular, has even been found to reverse asthma during early stages of development of the disease. Figs, lemon and Indian gooseberry, too, have been particularly found helpful for asthmatics.
To promote urination
Fruits with high water content like watermelon, musk melon, grapes, white pumpkin, tomatoes, cranberry, and tender coconut water are excellent to promote urination.
For arthritis
Inflammation and painful joints noticed in arthritic patients can be reduced considerably, if cherries and walnuts are taken on regular basis, as they help in reducing uric acid levels in blood.
The other fruits that can help arthritic patients immensely and ease pain are strawberries, papaya, applies, cantaloupe, kiwi fruit, mango and peaches.
For Digestion
All fruits help in relieving constipation when consumed with seeds and skin. The fibre in fruits bind stools and absorb moisture, thereby softening stools and giving them bulk. Through trial and error basis, you can choose the right fruits to be added to your diet.
The fruits with high fibre content are apples, artichokes, berries, pears, figs, dates, and prunes. Apart from these, the fruits that generally promote a healthy digestive system are banana, avocados, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapes, mango, kiwi, papaya, pears, watermelon, peaches and nectarine.
Energizers
Red fruits such as apple, pomegranate, red grapes, watermelon, dates and sapota are excellent energizers.
Appetizers
Yellow fruits such as mango, papaya, oranges, pineapples and loquat are good appetizers.
Immunity
To boost up immunity levels, consume plenty of grapes, amla, green almonds and bael, as all green variety of fruits are excellent immunity boosters.
Anti-oxidants
Majority of the fruits have high antioxidant levels, although mangoes, currants and black grapes are particularly helpful in fighting age-related diseases.
It is best to eat only freshly cut fruits or drink fresh juices, as oxidation begin as soon as the fruit is exposed, leading to microbial contamination. Experts recommend that as far as possible, it is good to eat fruits with skin and with seeds for roughage.
Tags: Fruits, healthy die
Infertility is a common issue causing much concern for younger generation today. Ayurveda has certain set methods and principles for treatment of infertility.
Infertility is more than just the inability to conceive among couples. It also includes women who can conceive, but are unable to carry pregnancy to full term due to repeated mis-carriages.
Male infertility
Although both men and women have equal role to play in child birth, the Ayurvedic concept of infertility in men focuses on abnormalities in sperm, penile disfunction, deficiency in seminal fluid, and issues pertaining to senility and old age. Male infertility may also occur due to various medical reasons, including presence of urinary diseases.
Herbs for men: At present there are several medications advised for male infertility. Some of the well-known herbs that help in curing male infertility are jeevaka, kakoli, shatavari and ashwagandha, all of which,help in rectifying some of the above mentioned conditions. Kokilaksha and vidarikanda, specifically help in improving quantity of seminal fluid.
Ayurveda also considers treatment with Kapikacchu to increase sperm count. It is also considered to prevent male sterility and acts as nervine tonic.
Gokshura helps in increasing androgen levels and improves blood flow into the penis. The other herbs used to enhance male fertility levels in Ayurveda are Bala, and Salammisri. While Bala is used in cases of general debility and sexual inadequacy, Salammisri serves as a good nutritional supplement and aphrodisiac.
Female infertility
Ayurveda associates female infertility to issues such as tubular blocks, salpingitis, obesity, pelvic inflammatory diseases, uterine fibroids, obesity, and vaginitis.
Herbs for women: For infertility among women, Ayurveda suggests herbs like iodhra, aloe vera, ashoka shatavari, as they help regulate hormone levels and improve fertility. Ayurvedic experts also sometimes recommend Ashwagandha, roasted in butter and boiled with cow’s milk and sugar, which is advised to women on certain days of her menstrual cycle.
Ashoka helps in stimulating endometrium and ovarian tissue. Lodhra increases reproductive hormone levels such as FSH (Follicular Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinising Hormone). Shatavari brings in an oestrogenic effect on the female mammary gland and genital organs, and is used in treating infertility, threatened miscarriage, and leukorrhoea. Kumari (Aloe) is used in in-vitro production of oestradiol, while progesterone levels by ovarian cells may be considerably boosted.
Diet:
Foods rich in rice, wheat, milk, eggs, ghee, black gram, almonds, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate, seaweed, grapes, red clover blossoms, raspberry leaves, flaxseed oil and nourishing soups are thought to be best for boosting fertility.
Lifestyle modifications:
A warm gentle oil massage can be given in clockwise motion on the abdomen daily, followed by a warm shower. This will help provide additional support to female reproductive organs.
Cleansing the digestive system will help improve digestive functioning. This can be done months before attempting to conceive. Cleansing involves including light meals comprising seasoned vegetables, soups and fruits all through the day.
Incorporate meditation into daily routine at least once a day and establish regular daily routine including regular meal times and bed times. Yoga is an integral part of Ayurvedic daily routine, as it helps improve circulation. Relax and avoid factors contributing to stress, in order to improve fertility rates.
Tags: Infertility
Here are the best tips to follow at the very first sign of cold, to arrest the infection even before its onset.
Take Echinacea
This herbal supplement when taken regularly can cut down your chances of catching cold in the first place. Even when taken during a bout of cold, it reduces symptoms of cold, according to research published in the journal ‘The Lancet Infectious Diseases’.
Eat a whole raw onion
The presence of allicin in onions helps boost immunity and reduces the severity of cold and flu symptoms. Further, its pungent vapour contain irritant chemicals which make your eyes and nose run, easing congestion, while also flushing out viruses even before they take hold. Alternatively, adding garlic to food, or taking a garlic capsule, is also a good way to get a dose of allicin.
Sauna
It has been noticed that people who steamed atleast twice a week regularly, got only half as many colds as those who didn’t. Therefore, at the very first sign of cold, try taking a sauna. When you inhale air hotter than 80 degrees, the temperature would be too hot for any cold or flu viruses to survive.
Astragalus
Astragalus is recommended in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent colds. When you feel the onset of cold, take a bowl of soup boiled with astragalus root. During winter, this is suggested at least twice a week to prevent cold.
Ginger
Sometimes, a hot ginger tea may just do the trick. It is a popular home remedy for cold symptoms and sore throat. Try including honey and lemon too, into the tea. Ginger is always used as treatment mode in ayurveda for colds and coughs.
Take rest
Most of the time, just a day’s complete rest can kick off the cold. In addition to rest, when you try all the steps, or at least two or three of the steps mentioned above, right away, the cold vanishes 90percent of the time.
Tags: cold
A diet rich in flaxseeds can prevent the risk of dying from breast cancer by 40percent, according to a new German study.
The researchers at German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, noticed that a diet rich in seeds, vegetables, and wheat, contain phytoestrogens, a special plant compound, that can ward off cancer cells and prevent secondary tumours by curbing the growth of new blood vessels.
‘Lignans’ are the most important phytoestrogens, which are found in plenty in flaxseeds, the researchers claim.
A similar study was conducted by Thompson and her colleagues at Department of Nutritional Science, University of Toronto. Their report suggested that flaxseeds can have a positive effect in reducing growth of tumours, particularly the type of tumour found in post-menopausal breast cancer in women. The positive effects have been due to the presence of ‘lignans’, which are additive with those of tamoxifen. The initial studies indicate that flaxseeds, when included in the diet, have beneficial effects in other kinds of cancers too, such as prostate cancer in humans.
Flax (Linseed) belongs to the family Linaceae, and is native to the region from Middle East to India, although widely cultivated in ancient Egypt. The other proven major health benefits of flax seeds are that, it helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and prevents formation of plague in arteries.
Flax seeds are available in two basic varieties – yellow and brown. A tablespoon of ground flax seeds can be mixed with three tablespoons of water and consumed. Else, it can also be mixed with oatmeal, yogurt, salads or any other food item requiring a nutty flavour. It is also available in the form of capsules.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, wherein non-inflammatory pain and tenderness in ligaments, muscles, and joints is experienced. It is similar to the condition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), but, with the added musculoskeletal pain.
Causes
Low serotonin level is considered to be the most important cause for Fibromyalgia. Apart from this, chemical changes in the brain, infections, injury, sleep disturbances, altered muscular metabolism, abnormal responses, are also believed to cause this condition.
Symptoms
Fibromyalgia usually presents itself in the form of aches, burning sensation, stiffness, or throbbing in any location of the body. For diagnosis, the physician usually checks for pain in at least eighteen specific ‘tender points’. The pain is usually severe on waking up in the morning, and gradually decreases with passing of the day.
Fibromyalgia, being closely associated with CFS, the patients also experience symptoms associated with CFS, including generalized fatigue, chronic headache, sleep disorder, neuronal complaints, swelling, increased sensitivity, irritable bladder, chest pain, irritable eyes, swelling in limbs, feeling of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, apart from irritable bowels, Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome.
Ayurvedic treatment methods
Fibromyalgia usually responds well to Ayurvedic and herbal treatments, and there are plenty of herbs suggested for this condition in Ayurveda. Many of these herbs also help in various arthritic conditions including osteoarthritis, inflammatory joint conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis.
According to Ayurvedic approach, Fibromyalgia is caused by imbalance in Vata, the physiological energy generally responsible for stability and activity of nervous system. Herbal, dietary and lifestyle modifications are suggested in Ayurveda to counteract the Vata imbalance.
Accumulation of toxins is believed to be the root cause of several auto-immune disorders including spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. The build-up of toxins can lead to feeling fatigued all the time. Toxin accumulation takes its toll on the nerve tissue, resulting in symptoms of tenderness, sensitivity and pain. Therefore, cleansing of toxins becomes necessary, and herbs like Kumari Saar (Aloe vera juice), and Aam vatantak Churna are considered.
Panchakarma Therapy is the main physio-therapeutic process employed in managing this disorder in Ayurveda.
Herbs
Ayurveda uses a range of natural anti-arthritic herbs for treating the condition. Few among them, which may also be useful in treating Fibromyalgia, are:
Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) – This is considered to be the most potent natural anti-arthritic herb effective in controlling pain and inflammation in arthritic conditions.
Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) – Commonly known as ‘Salai Guggul’, the resin which is obtained from the tree is purified and used to treat pain and inflammation. It relieves pain naturally without side effects, and is a popular natural anti-inflammatory herb used by Ayurvedic physicians across the world.
Guggul (Commiphora mukul) – Also known as anti-inflammatory agent, it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in weight-loss formulas and helps particularly in osteoarthritis. It is also believed to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Popularly known as ‘Indian ginseng’ in the west, this herb has good anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and anti-cancerous properties.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Also known as dry ginger, it is a useful anti-inflammatory herb that improves appetite and is known for its excellent results on digestive and respiratory system. It also reduces inflammation and is a good analgesic.
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) – This is one of the leading immune-modulators. The herb is also known as ‘Amrita’, which also means ‘elixir for long life’.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) – This supports liver detoxification, also has anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing benefits.
Grape seed extract (maritime pine bark) – helps in improving circulation and shows anti-inflammatory effects.
Passionflower and Valerian -– Helps in relaxing the nervous system
Olive leaf extract – Good for chronic viral infections.
Home remedies
- Some home remedies that could be easily tried at home regularly by Fibromyalgia patients are:
- Drinking freshly prepared cranberry juice or radish juice daily.
- Grind 8-10 papaya seeds, and mix it in a glass of water. Bring it to boil, and drain. Drink this twice or thrice a day for a month.
- Drinking freshly prepared juice of raw vegetables like carrot, cabbage, beetroot, etc can help in fighting this condition, apart from improving overall health.
Recommended Diet and lifestyle.
The best suited diet for Fibromyalgia patients are vegetable juices and soup; coconut milk and coconut water; cooked vegetables like pumpkin, zuchhini and squash; spices such as ginger, coriander, asafoetida, garlic, turmeric and fennel; and green salads.
As Fibromyalgia is a condition associated with magnesium deficiency, it is good to consume foods that are high in this mineral, particularly green leafy vegetables, soybeans, cashews, and almonds. Also, eating lots of lean proteins like beans and soy products can help in keeping up energy levels.
Omega-3 fatty acids help in creating prostaglandin, the hormone that helps reduce inflammation. Flaxseeds, flaxseed oil and fatty fish have plenty of these.
It is also essential to drink plenty of clean water to flush out toxins and reduce pain.
Fibromyalgia patients should take care and avoid eating hot, spicy and fried foods, excess caffeine, white sugar, cocoa, chocolate, and sweetened yogurt.
Practise of yoga, particularly pranayama and other yogic exercises, coupled with a healthy daily routine are primary requisites for patients with this condition.
Caution:
A single herbal remedy can treat a range of symptom associated with this condition, without side effects in comparison to some conventional medical treatments. Herbal remedies work naturally to help the body heal itself, and due to such factors, many people turn to herbal remedies for effective relief.
But, it should be noted that herbs do give results, but it will take some time for herbs to manifest in the body. Therefore, take care not to double up on doses. Some herbs should not be used by people who are already suffering from other health conditions, or are taking certain medications, as they may worsen their condition. Therefore, herbal remedies should be consumed only as advised on the label or as recommended by an Ayurvedic physician or herbalist.
Tags: Fibromyalgia
Frankincense, an age old herbal remedy, could just be the solution for treating painful arthritis, reveals the latest research reports from Cardiff University.
Frankincense, is an aromatic gum resin obtained from an African tree (genus Boswelia), and is usually burned as incense.
The scientists at Cardiff University were examining the potential benefits of Frankincense in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. The research particularly focused on determining if the extracts of frankincense, when taken as a traditional herbal remedy, could help in bringing relief from the inflammation that causes pain.
The scientists have been able to demonstrate the treatment with extract of Boswellia frereana, the rare frankincense species. They found that it inhibits the production of major inflammatory molecules that prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissues which causes the condition.
According to Dr. Emma Blain, the Research Lead, and her co-investigators, Proff. Vic Duance from Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences, and Dr. Ahmed Ali of Compton Group, this research has managed to achieve usage of innovative chemical extraction techniques in determining the active ingredient in frankincense.
Further, the chemical entity identified could be compared with other anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat this condition, they said.
A similar study was also conducted two years ago, using an enriched extract of Índian Frankincense’ herb, Boswellia Serrata, and it was found to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms. This study was published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy, and the patients who took to this herbal remedy showed considerable improvement within a week.
Boswellia Serrata has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, and this study was the first among them to prove that this enriched plant extract can prove to be a successful treatment.
Tags: arthritis
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