TIPS TO PREVENT AGEING IN AYURVEDA

AGEING- WHAT CHANGES HAPPEN WHEN WE AGE?

   Changes are happening in human body each day. It is believed that free radicals cause damage to the cells resulting in aging. ROS or reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide and superoxide are also blamed for inducing oxidative stress on cells.Free radical damage causes illnesses like cancer,arthritis,diabetes and alzheimer's disease.
The mitochondrial theory of ageing states that the reactive oxygen species in mitochondria causes damage to lipids,proteins and even DNA.
WHAT IS FREE RADICAL?
Any atom or molecule which has an unpaired electron in the outer shell is free radical.This atom or molecule will be highly reactive and therefore can cause oxidative damage .These atoms or molecules causes a chain reaction in the body which causes damage to all tissues.
HOW DO ANTIOXIDANTS HELP?
Antioxidants can donate electrons  which can neutralize free radicals without forming a new one.In other words antioxidants inhibit the oxidation of other molecules.They stop the chain reaction before damage is done.Vitamin E,Vitamin C and Beta carotene are very good anti oxidants.

ROLE OF AYURVEDA

KASHAYA OR DECOCTIONS
Phenolic compounds in plants are  water soluble antioxidants.The various kwatha or kashaya preparations
(herbal decoctions) which contain phenolic compounds can be used to heal  the damages due to free radicals in connective tissue,muscles and joints.The kashayas or kwathas which can fight the inflammatory and degenerative changes in cells due to free radicals are Rasnerandadi kashayam,Maharasnadi kashayam, Manjishtadi kashayam, Sahacharadi kashayam and Dhanwantharam kashayam.
When there is damage to collagen and IgG it leads to inflammation of joints and damage of cartilage.The radical scavenging activity of the above kashayas help to reverse the damage.
CHURNA OR HERBAL POWDER
Ayurvedic churnas like Triphala churna and Aswagandhadi churna contains antioxidant herbs. Ingredients of Triphala churna are amla,haritaki and vibhitaki. This is a formula which can be easily used daily.
 MEDICATED GHEES
Medicated ghees are powerful formulas which can prevent aging and enhance scavenging of free radicals.Brahmee ghrutham and Kalyanaka ghrutham may be used even in Alzheimer's disease.
RASAYANA OR LEHYA
Rasayanas in Ayurveda are like herbal jams with all the antioxidant herbs blended together.These ancient formulas are being used in India since thousands of years to prevent ageing.
A few important formulas are Chyavanprash,Dasamoolahareetaki,Aswagandha rasayanam and Vidaryadi lehyam.
ARISHTA OR HERBAL WINES
Arishtas in Ayurveda are like herbal wines with specific formulas.Arishtas which have antioxidant properties are Dhatryarishta,Aswagandharishta and Dasamoolarishta.
YOGA AND ABHYANGA
Yoga exercises helps to prevent ageing by providing more oxygen to tissues while exercising.
Abhyanga or regular oil massages using Ayurvedic oils like Eladi keram,Balaswagandhadi tailam and Dhanwantharam tailam help to prevent ageing of skin and muscles.

                                           

SWARNA BHASMAM

SWARNA BHASMAM( bhasma made from gold)

"Swarnam tiktam kashayam madhuram ativayasthapanam kanthidam cha
vrushyam hrudyam cha balyam ruchikaramakhilam vagvishudhim vidhaata
Ayurdam vai baleenam haranamchirathonashanam durvishanam
Rogeshonmadajanam jvarabalaharanam sarvarogadinashanam."(Rasaraja tharangini)

Swarna bhasma is bitter and astringent in taste.It has rasayana(rejuvenative),anti aging and aphrodisiac properties.Svarna bhasma improves cardiovascular health and sense of taste.When taken according to the methods prescribed in texts and in right quantity,it provides strength,long life and healing.Swarna bhasma detoxifies the body.It is used in treatment of hysteria and chronic fever.When used with the appropriate herbal formulas ,Swarna bhasma helps to cure various other diseases also.Swarna bhasma improves memory.

Dosage:Swarna bhasma dosage is 15 mg-60mg.
If taken with milk it provides strength and if taken with the juice of Bringaraj(Eclipta Alba) it acts as an aphrodisiac.In Ayurveda swarna bhasma is given along with Vacha(Acorus clamus) to improve memory.
The usage of metals as medicine has created many controversies recently.But the history shows that gold was used even in Modern medicine earlier.
Error in preparation:
Preparation of Swarna bhasma is a very meticulous procedure.The problems arise when there is an error in the preparation methods.The kidneys and liver might be affected if Swarna bhasma prepared in the wrong way is consumed.The errors usually occur  in the purification, preparation and temperature set for preparation.

Curing gall stones through Ayurveda

What are Gallstones?
Gall stones are formed usually as a result of hardened cholesterol in the gall bladder.They can be of tiny size or the size of a golf ball..Gall stones may form from bilirubin and calcium salts also.
Gall bladder is a small organ situated in the abdomen.When gallstones block the duct which transports bile from liver to small intestine,it causes inflammation and infection.
Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion 
• pain of upper back and abdomen

5 tips to prevent Gallstones

• Have a diet rich in leafy vegetables and fibre
• Drink fresh apple juice,pear juice and lemon juice to cleanse liver and gall bladder
• Drink plenty of water
• Add turmeric to food and have green salads(eg:carrots,beetroot,cucumber)
• Avoid meat and oily food like cheese,ghee and butter.

Natural remedy for gallstones
A simple cure for flushing out small gallstones is to take a mixture of
20ml oliveoil+ 1/4 tsp garlic juice + lemon juice(half lemon) early morning or at bedtime daily.
Having 2 or 3 glasses of fresh apple juice during daytime helps the flushing out process as apple juice softens gall stones.
Ayurveda remedies for Gallstone
According to Ayurveda, Vata and Kapha aggrevation creates gall stones.The treatment plan is to soften the stone and cleanse it from system or make the stone disintegrate.

• Bhumyamalaki(Phyllanthus Amarus or Phyllanthus Niruri) is a herb which is effective in curing kidney stones,gall stones and hepatitis. Dosage: 3g
• Kokilaksha kshar helps to disintegrate the stone according to the research conducted in BHU Varanasi. Dosage:1g
• Cystone tablet is a research medicine made from a combination of herbs which help to cure kidney stones and gall stones.Dosage :2 tabs twice daily.
• Applying warm castor oil over abdomen daily will help to relieve the pain.Do not massage.
• Yavkshar and Apamarga kshar are two ash preparations which help in disintegration of stones,but are very powerful.The dosage is very important in these medicines.Dosage is 500mg-1g
• Shankh bhasma,Shankha bati and Arogyavardhini  vati helps to give relief to symptoms like pain and nausea.
• Other Ayurvedic formulas which can be used are Rohitakarishtam,Bringarajasavam,Katuki kwath,Punarnavadi kashayam and Chiruvilwadi kashayam.

Ayurveda Tips to stop Hairfall

Hair care in Ayurveda

Hair fall and dandruff are very common problems seen in people of all age groups.

Any one can own healthy hair and scalp by following the right diet,practicing ayurvedic oil massage(shiro abhyangam),and regular use of nourishing Ayurvedic herbs.

Hairfall could be due to hormonal imbalances,Iron deficiency,nutritional deficiencies and dryness of scalp.A blood profile will help you to find out about the hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism which should be rectified to stop hairfall.Finding the actual cause of hairfall will be help to tackle the problem better.To own smooth and shiny hair one should have a healthy scalp and strong hair follicles.

Ayurvedic tips for healthy hair

• ·         Siro abhyangam or Head Massage: Massage scalp with Neelibringadi keram for 15 mts .Leave the oil on for 20 mts and wash off with mild shampoo.This should be repeated thrice a week. The herbal ingredients in this are Neeli(Indigofera Tinctoria),Amlaki(Embilica Officinalis),Bringaraja(Eclipta Alba) Yashti(Glycerrhiza Glabra) and many more herbs which  promotes hair growth.The base oil is usually coconut oil,but sometimes sesame oil is also used.Very few people know that this rich oil contains goat milk,cow milk,buffalo milk and coconut milk.Besides it contains an ingredient called ‘Anjana ‘which gives black colour to hair.The formula is given in the Ayurvedic  text ‘Sahasrayoga’.

                                                   Shiro abhyangam or scalp massage  helps to increase circulation in scalp and thus makes the  hair follicles healthy.The oil also prevents dryness of scalp  and conditions the hair.It promotes hair growth and prevents premature greying.

• ·               Dandruff:When scalp is affected by dandruff use Durdurapatradi tailam or keram for scalp massage.

• ·               Hair pack: A hair pack made from Amla powder and egg white may be applied on scalp to nourish the hair and scalp.After 1 hour the pack may be washed off.This pack is very cooling and provides all the benefits of Amla(Nellikka).Egg white in the pack is a protein and therefore nourishes the scalp. This pack should be applied once a week .This hairpack is good for hair growth and to prevent dandruff.

• ·              Fenugreek seeds soaked overnight  should be ground into a paste form and used as hair pack.This pack gives lustre and shine to the hair.

• ·                       Triphala is a combination of 3 herbs Amla(Emblica officinalis),Haritaki(Terminalia chebula) and Vibhitaki(Terminalia bellerica).Having half a tablespoon of Triphala powder with honey or warm     water at bedtime will help to stop hairfall.

• ·         Dhatryarishtam  is a herbal tonic which is rich in vitamin A,vitamin C and Iron. Have 30 ml of     Dhatryarishtam(after breakfast or dinner)  daily to keep your hair in good health.

• ·            Diet should contain protein rich food like lentils ,egg ,fish,nuts and milk.This will provide the required amount of protein for hair growth.Include leafy vegetables like spinach,kale and also carrots,beetroot in your diet to provide Iron and Vitamins.All fruits are good for hair  especially berries and Avocado.

COCONUT OIL - MYTH AND TRUTH

                                                   Coconut oil is produced from the dried meat of coconut(Cocos Nucifera).It is known as 'Naalikeram' in Sanskrit and Malayalam.Virgin coconut oil is the more healthier option and is produced from fresh coconut meat.Coconut oil consists of 92% saturated fats.It is this fact which has caused a misunderstanding that coconut oil is not healthy.But the truth is that coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids which are quite healthy.

How do Long chain fattty acids and Medium chain fatty acids differ?
                                                     
                                               Medium chain fatty acids present in coconut oil can be broken down easily and burnt to produce energy.Medium chain fatty acids induce a process called 'thermogenesis' in the body which increases metabolism in body.When we consume long chain fatty acids,the time taken to digest and generate energy is longer.Therefore the fat gets stored up in the body as stubborn fat.

How does coconut oil help?

The energy value of coconut oil is 6 calories/gm.Since it is digested for energy easily ,the metabolic rate increases.As a result the person feels very energetic and does not feel a craving for sweet or starchy food.For successful weight loss programme,adequate amount of fat also is required in the diet.

Coconut oil - Medicinal Value

•  Coconut oil contains Lauric acid which is otherwise found only in human breast mlik.Lauric acid is converted to monolaurin in human body and has antiviral,antibacterial and antifungal properties.It helps to destroy lipid coated viruses. 
• Coconut oil helps to control diabetes by improving metabolism and has anticarcinogenic action.
• Coconut oil is used as the base for most of the Ayurvedic oil preparations as it gets easily absorbed into body.
• Coconut oil reduces serum cholesterol.
• Coconut oil helps to lose weight by providing adequate energy and thus reducing weight.
• Massaging the body with oil is an Ayurvedic treatment called 'Abhyangam' in Sanskrit.Warm coconut oil can be used for body massage to improve blood circulation,prevent wrinkles,enhance moisturising and provide glowing skin.Coconut oil may be used as a natural makeup remover which moisturises the skin.
• Coconut oil can fight Candida infections when used internally and externally.Candida infections are seen in people who use more of fermented and yeast based products.
• Massaging scalp with warm coconut oil improves hair growth and prevents dandruff.Through regular use of coconut oil for scalp massage hair follicles become healthy and hairfall and greying can be controlled.If Ayurvedic oils with coconut oil base are used,they give even better results. 

Virgin Coconut oil -The healthy option  

Coconut oil is not healthy when it is hydrogenated for the purposes of storage.Refining,bleaching and deodorising can interfere with the natural properties of coconut oil. Hydrogenation creates trans fatty acids which can clog blood vessels.

Virgin Coconut oil is the healthy form of coconut oil which is good for cardiovascular system.It can heal the injuries in blood vessels and does not cause blockages in blood vessels.Virgin coconut oil can be used for all cooking purposes like baking and frying.It has a high melting point.

                                                                                                                

How to massage a baby?

Benefits of Baby Massage

Massaging the baby is very important according to Ayurveda.It can be done for kids of all age groups.
Massaging your baby with warm herbal oil soothes the over stimulated nervous system.Baby becomes less irritable and gets better sleep.Gentle strokes improves blood circulation and increases immunity.Massage helps to improve reflexes,coordination and flexibility.Above all massage is the best touch therapy which helps mother-child bonding.
Important things to remember before starting massage
You should not massage if baby is sick.Your hands should be clean and nails trimmed.
Before starting massage you can arrange a changing table or any flat surface with a soft mat on it.
Starting Massage-Baby on her back
To start with massage,gently lay the baby on her back.Talk or sing to baby and make eye contact.
Take a little warm oil in your plam and rub palms together.You can take more if you want later.Now slowly massage baby's head using palm with gentle clockwise circular strokes.Be careful in small babies,as they have soft spots on head.Soft spots are the areas where skull bones have not fused yet.Upto 18 months soft spots will be present.Do 5 strokes and move on to face massage.For face massage,use thumbs and slide across forehead from middle towards outside.The cheeks are massaged with thumbs in upward circular strokes and bring down to chin.
                                Next is massaging the shoulders.Use palms of both hands and massage shoulders.
To massage hands,make a c-shape with your palm and massage upwards and then slide downwards.You can hold baby's palm with one hand and massage with other.Softly massage palms of baby with thumb one at a time after massaging hands.
                                Next step is to massage chest.Start from middle of chest and in a very soft sweeping movement outwards and then bring down towards waist in a heart shape.Use only gentle strokes over chest.Tummy is the next part to be massaged.Here use gentle circular strokes  in clockwise direction using your palm.
                                 Move down to legs.Hold ankle in one hand and make a c-shape with palm of other hand.Massage upward and slide downwards.Alternate with your both hands.After completing each leg massage sole of feet with thumbs.Take each foot in hand and massage from toes towards ankles.
                                 Next give 3 full body strokes from neck till feet with palms of both hands.
Second part of massage-Baby on her face
Things to remember
Do not use pressure over spine in babies less than 2 yrs.In kids aged more than 3 yrs very gentle strokes may be given from neck downwards over spine.Take some more warm oil into your palm.
                                 Gently turn baby on her tummy to do second part of massage.Massage in circular strokes over arms and shoulders using palms.Make c shape with your palm and massage babys hands.To massage back area,start from waist ,sweep upwards and after reaching shoulders slide down back.Criss cross palms over back and massage with gentle strokes.To massage legs take one ankle in one hand and massage with other hand in a cupping motion,sweeping up from foot to waist and then downwards.Alternate with both hands.Massage with thumbs gently on calf muscles and buttocks.To end the massage give 3 full body strokes from shoulder till feet.Soothe the baby with a cuddle at the end of massage.
 Oil to be used-options
Bala tailam
Virgin coconut oil
Olive oil
Baby oil
Any one of these oils may be used.

Know your Prakruthi

             Know your bodytype or Prakruthi 
                                           In Ayurveda,healing and lifestyle is always based on Prakruthi.
What is Prakruthi?This is very much like your genetic makeup.Prakruthi determines the physiological and psychological functions of human body.In other words your actions,thoughts or the manner in which your body reacts to a situation or a particular diet is controlled by your Prakruthi.To understand this, let's have a quick look at the 3 doshas or 3 life energies that form a bodytype.
                                                               The three life energies are Vata,Pitta and Kapha.The life energy Vata controls  all movements in the body.This includes movements connected to all systems, like digestion,respiration and also movement of nerve impulses in the nervous system.Pitta is related to transformation and metabolism in a person.This includes all the transformations happening even at cellular level.Kapha is the factor which regulates stability and structure of human body.For example the repair of tissues ,growth of cells and stability of body and mind are controlled by Kapha.
                           An individual is healthy when all doshas are in equilibrium.But usually in each person,one or two life energies are always predominant.If the factors Vata and Pitta are predominant in your body,we can say that your bodytype is VataPitta.Why would two individuals react in a different manner to a situation or a diet?It is because of their Prakruthi.In other words the behaviour of body or mind is connected to genes.
I am explaining the common characters of each body type when they are balanced and also when they undergo an imbalance.
Vata

• creativity
• talkative
• thin physical appearance
• cold hands and feet
• mood swings
• variable appetite
• energetic but will get tired fast
• dry skin and hair
• short span memory,quick learning
• too tall or too short

An imbalance can create stress,anxiety,indecisiveness,fear,fatigue,lack of appetite,joint pain,very dry skin,muscle spasm,constipation,diseases related to nervous system and mental illness.
Pitta

• flexible joints
• skin is warm and soft
• sharp mind
• goal oriented
• good leader
• passionate and romantic
• confident
• good appetite
• needs less sleep
• good speaker but often sarcastic
• tendency for premature greying or baldness
• sharp eyes

An imbalance of Pitta  can create anger,irritability,acidity,ulcer,hormonal imbalances,hypertension,sensitive skin,hair loss  and insomnia.
Kapha

• well developed body
• skin is smooth and hair is thick
• eyes are large and attractive
• tolerant
• supportive
• calm and loving
• slow understanding but retains knowledge
• loyal
• slow moving and graceful
• great willpower

An imbalance can cause depression,sluggish digestion,weight gain,respiratory illness,blockages in circulatory system,allergies,excess growth of tissues like tumours,laziness,greed,envy and possessiveness.

Now,take a look at yourself and decide which dosha combination you have.In most people there will be two predominant factors.In Ayurveda, medicines are prescribed based on body type and the aggrevation of a particular factor in a disease.Lifestyle and diet are also altered to correct an imbalance.