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.

Mental Health in Ayurveda

Mental health in Ayurveda

Three pillars of life

The three pillars of life are Manas(mind),Atma(soul) and Sareera(body). Psychiatry in Ayurveda integrates mind,body and soul.The mind-body connection is very important in Ayurveda.Physical imbalances can disturb mental state while mental illness leads to disruption of body functions.Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hrudaya  are the two important texts in Ayurveda which describes treatment for mental imbalance.

Mind Concept in Ayurveda

Manas/Physical mind(objective mind)

Manas or the physical mind is connected to three faculties called Dhi(intellect),Dhruti(processing information) and Smruti(memory).Dhi is the intelligence which helps to learn,focus and understand.Vata dosha should be balanced for the optimual functioning of Dhi.Dhruti involves the chemical and electrical processing of information  and is therefore related to Pitta dosha.Smruti is the ability remember .Kapha dosha should be balanced for proper functioning of Smruti.When there is proper coordination between these three factors ,mental health is perfect.When there is lack of coordination it leads to a  condition called Prajnaparadha when the person becomes totally ignorant of what he does.

  Spiritual mind(Chitta)       

Chitta is the subjective mind which carries subconscious memories.This is also known as the karmic mind.This is the subconscious mind which is believed to have memories from past lives.

Universal mind(Vibhu)  

Everyone in the universe is connected to each other according to this concept.  Vibhu is the universal mind which links every living being in this world.A person who can reach higher dimensions through meditation ,can cross the border of physical mind and merge with universal mind.

Tridosha Concept and Body Mind constitution

The three life energies called Vata,Pitta and Kapha govern an individual’s mind and body activities.Vata is the life energy which controls movement and nervous system.Pitta is the life energy which regulates metabolism and brings about transformation in the body.Kapha provides stability and is involved with building up of tissues.

An individual has all these three life energies in him ,but in varying proportions.This unique body –mind constitution  is very much like the genetic make up of a person.When vata dosha is high it results in anxiety,restlessness and insomnia.Excess of pitta factor causes  irritability and the person’s behavior will be judgemental.Vitiation of Kapha dosha results in depression,possessiveness and greed.

Trigunas(three qualities of mind)

The three qualities of mind are Satva,Rajas and Tamas. Satvic mind is very good and pure and is filled with love ,kindness and spirituality.Rajasic mind is aggressive and is subject to temptations of the world.But in right proportions it will give a person leadership qualities.Tamasic mind is filled with darkness and is always confused and doubtful.

How your diet can affect  Trigunas?

Food based on nature like fresh fruits,vegetables,nuts and milk helps to develop Satvic mind.Spicy and fried food,fermented food and salty food increases the rajasic factor and induces hyperactivity.Old and frozen food,meat,alcohol,drugs,and mushrooms are classified as tamasic food. Intake of virudha ahara(diet in which wrong ingredients are mixed together) also can lead to aggrevation of doshas thus causing mental illness

Classification of mental strength:

Mental strength can be classified into Avaram,Madhyam and Pravaram.Individuals who belong toAvaram category cannot tolerate traumatic situations.Madhyam is the in between condition.Pravaram is the best of all three, as a person of this nature will have the will power to withstand any difficulty.This stage can be attained through meditation and experience.

Causes of Mental Illness:

Several factors influence the psychological upset in a person.

1) Social circumstances

2) Hereditary factors

3) Traumatic incidents

4) Personality of the person

5) Biological reasons ( abnormal changes in the chemicals which play major role in communication between neurons in brain.)

                               According to Ayurveda there is an imbalance in Tridoshas when there is a causative factor.The gunas of mind  rajas and tamas are also affected simultaneously.Excess of shoka(sorrow),krodha(anger),chinta(unnecessarythinking),kama(lust),krodha(anger),lobh(greed),
moha(delusion),irshya(jealousy),abhimana(pride),mada(euphoria),shoka(sorrow)and bhaya(fear) are 
some of the negative emotions which can contribute to mental imbalance. Holding on to negative 
emotions and past experiences are considered as toxins affecting mind.

Ashtanga Hrudaya explains that an individual should control his senses and negative thoughts in mind like greed,irritability,anger,competition and attachment.

“Dharayaet tu sada vegan hitaishi pretya cheha cha

Lobha irshya dvesha matsarya ragaadeenam jitendriya(A.H.Su-4:24)

.

Psychiatric conditions in mental illness

1)Unmada(psychosis)

2)Apasmara(convulsive disorder)

3)Apatantrakam(hysteria)

4)Atatvabhinivesham(obsession)

5)Prajnaparadha(lack of coordination between dhi,dhruti and smruti)

6)Bhrama(illusion)

7)Tandra(drowsiness)

8)Klama(neurasthenia)

9)Mada(loss of perception)

10)Personality disorders

Treatment  for mental illness in Ayurveda

·         Nidana parivarjana –avoiding causative factors

·         Shodhana therapies-cleansing methods

·         Supporting therapies-Sirodhara,shirovasti,thalam ,Shiro abhyangam

·         Shamana medicine (oral medicine)

·         Mantra(sound therapy)

·         Healing through 5 senses-shabda,sparsha ,roopa,rasa,gandha

   A)     NIDANAPARIVARJANA

T The  patient should avoid the causative factors like negative emotions .A change in the place and environment can bring about positive changes in cases of mental trauma.The patient should be in the company of supportive people who have positive energy.All the negative energy which might disturb the person should be avoided completely.

   B)      SODHANA THERAPIES

    The five fold cleansing techniques in Ayurveda help to cleanse toxins from body and mind.The chemical imbalance in the body is corrected using Panchakarma therapy.This will create an equilibrium between Tridoshas or three humors, thus providing the normal chemical and electrical environment in brain

·         Vamanam

    Vamana is emesis therapy. Body is prepared by giving medicines the previous day. On the day of therapy medicine is given in milk or decoction and vomiting is induced.Vamana cleanses all the kapha toxins in the digestive tract and small intestine.

·         Virechanam

     Virechana is the cleansing therapy which eliminates excess pitta from the body.Before Virechana  the body of patient is prepared  for cleansing by giving medicines.After this, medicine  is administered to induce purgation.

·         Nasyam

    Nasyam is the method of administering medicines through the nose. Nasyam is used to cleanse the sinuses.It also helps to cure diseases of central nervous system as the transnasal pathway is the best method  to deliver medicines  in such cases.Therefore Nasyam has a significant role in treatment of mental illness.

     Nasal passage is connected to paranasal sinuses which are lined by mucosal epithelium.Olfactory nerves are also present in nasal passage.Medicine administerd through Nasyam  is absorbed through mucosal epithelium. Anutailam,Ksheerabala(101),Dhanwantaram(101)etc are some of the oils used in Nasyam.

     Brahmi ghrutham and Vachadi ghrutham are used in some cases.Vacha churnam is used in coma as nasyam.

·         Niruha vasti(kashaya vasti)

Kashayavasthi is enema using a combination of honey, oil, herbal paste and herbal decoction.

This therapy helps to balance doshas and eliminate toxins.Different types of Niruha vasti are used in treatment of mental disease.This is used to eliminate aggrevated doshas from body.

·         Snehavasti(Anuvasana Vasti)

The main seat of Vata is Pakvasaya (large intestine). So Snehavasthi or medicated oil enema is used to pacify Vata and prevent degeneration.It nourishes 7 dhatus or tissues in human body.

      C) SUPPORTING THERAPIES

SHIRODHARA

The term Shirodhara is derived from two Sanskrit words: shiro and dhara. Shiro means head and dhara means to flow. It involves the rhythmic and consistent flow of lukewarm ayurvedic oils on the forehead. This stimulates the chakra point just above and between the eyebrows and creates a blissful sensation. The scalp is massaged gently along with this. Sirodhara improves blood circulation to the brain and stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands thus improving their functions. Sirodhara also has a positive effect on neurotransmitters which helps to cure mental tension.Sirodhara cures insomnia, stress, depression, and memory loss. The procedure is also said to synchronize alpha brain waves and increase concentration.Oils used for this treatment are Ksheerabala and Chandanadi oil.

TAKRADHARA
Medicated buttermilk is poured on forehead in a rhythmic manner in takradhara.Buttermilk is processed with herbs like Amla(Emblica officinalis),Chandana (Santalum album),Musta(cyperus rotundus)and Usheera(Vetiveria zizaniodes). Takradhara is effective in depression, migraine, anxiety and sleeplessness It is effective in controlling hormone imbalances related to pituitary gland.

SHIROVASTHY

In Sirovasthi treatment a cap is fitted on head and lukewarm herbal oil is held in it for about 15 to 60 minutes according to the condition of the patient. This is effective in depression,insomnia,anxiety,stress,loss of memory and concentration,facial paralysis, migraine.The oils used are Ksheerabala,Dhanwantharam,Karpasastyadi etc.This treatment pacifies vata and nourishes the cranial nerves.

THALAM

A special paste is made from buttermilk,amla (dried Indian gooseberry)and other herbs and applied on scalp. Before applying the paste a head massage is given with medicated oil for 10 minutes. After the paste is applied a hole(radius2cm) is made in the centre of paste and medicated oil is poured in.It is kept there for 45 minutes.Now the paste is removed. This procedure is effective in insomnia, epilepsy,depression,anxiety,hysteria,psychosis and similar mental illnesses.

SHIRO ABHYANGAM

Head massage using herbal oils cools the head,improves blood circulationand oxygen supply to the brain and nourishes the cranial nerves.The oils used are Chandanadi tailam,Ksheerabala tailam,Himasagara tailam and Dhanwantharam tailam.

D)   MEDHYA GROUP OF MEDICINES

Medhya group of medicines act as molecular nutrients for brain.They improve mental health by correcting the chemical environment and thus improving brain function.They have a positive effect on neurotransmitters.

Ayurvedic Herbs used for mental health

·         Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi:Supports learning,memory and concentration.This herb improves brain function and helps to overcome restlessness and anxiety. Clinical studies performed in India confirm that the bacosides  in Brahmi can revitalize intellectual functions in children. .Bacopa also prepares the brain to respond to stress in the most efficient way.It helps in efficient transmission of nerve impulses.

Dosage:1 tablespoon of juice early morning in empty stomach or 2 capsules

·         Sankhupushpi(Clitoria terneata)

Sankhupushpi has tranquilising effects and helps to calm the person,It gives good sleep and is also a memory booster.Dosage:2 capsules

·         Jatamansi(Nordostachys jatamansi)

Jatamansi root is used to cure insomnia and stress.The essential oils in roots cure depression and hysteria.Jatamansi oil helps to soothe the nerves.Dosage:6gm of powder

·         Vacha(Acorus calamus)

This is neuroprotective and  is useful to treat hyperactivity.In India,this is given to children to enhance memory and concentration.Since it is a nervine tonic it is very important in mental health.

·         Vacha is considered to be an important remedy in unmada, or psychosis.

Dosage:60 -120mg powder(may be mixed with pure ghee or honey)

·         Manduka parni(centella asiatica)

This enhances blood circulation in brain and is very effective in anxiety,stress ,epilepsy and all mental disorders.Dosage:The leaf paste can be used  or juice may be extracted. 1 tablespoon of paste or juice is consumed early in the morning.

·         Akara karabha(Anacyclus pyrethrum)

Akara karabha helps to cure stress and weakness.

Dosage:1g

·         Aswagandha(Withania somnifera)

 Ashwagandha is used to treat  disorders that affect  central nervous system , particularly  epilepsy, stress and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.It soothes the nerves and promotes mental health.Dosage:1 teaspoon of aswagandha powder with milk in the morning or at bedtime.Powder of root is used.

·         Maduka(Glycerrhiza glabra)

The phytochemical Glabridin  present in the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra has positive effects on cognitive functions.It is used in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease also.

·         Chandana(Santalum album)

Charaka samhita, Chakradatta and Sharngadhara samhita mention  about oil  called Chandanadi tailam for head massage and shirodhara in the treatment of epilepsy and mental disorders.It is very cooling and relaxing herb. Chandana powder is mixed with milk or water and is applied as a paste over forehead to relieve stress and headache.The aromatic oil in chandana has soothing properties.

·         Usheera(Vetiveria zizaniodes)

  Ushira is one of the herbs which pacifies pitta.Ushira cools and calms down body and mind.

Dosage:60 gm of Ushira root is used to make a decoction.

Ayurveda medicines commonly used in mental health

.

·         Mahakalyanaka ghrutham

·         Manasamitravatakam

·         Saraswatharishtam

·         Medha gulika

·         Drakshadi kashayam

·         Thiktakam kashayam

·         Swarna bhasmam

·         Saraswata ghrutham

·         Ksheerabala(101)

·         Chandanadi tailam

·         Brahmi ghrutham

·         Vachadi ghrutham

·         Ksheerabala thailam

E)MANTRA(SOUND THERAPY)

Mantras have their origin in Vedas which are the ancient encyclopedias  from India.

           Mantra is a word which can make a change or transformation.Mantras  produce healing  sound      vibrations when repeated.AUM is an example for a mantra.In Ayurveda ,mantras are used in Psychiatric treatment in certain cases.

F)HEALING THROUGH 5 SENSES

                   

                        Shabda(sound)

·         Sparsha(touch)

·         Roopa(vision)

·         Rasa(taste)

·         Gandha(smell)

Often  5 senses are very much connected to subconscious memories.Therefore the sound,touch ,vision,taste and smell can bring positive changes in people if used in the right way.Mind is connected to sense organs and stimuli they receive from environment.Therefore 5 senses are important in healing mental imbalance.