For those looking to lead a more balanced lifestyle, summer is a great time to consider the Ayurvedic approach, not only for its range of health benefits, but also for the array of flavours and traditions that can be introduced as part of the holistic healing system.

Let’s look at a few reasons why you should consider incorporating Ayurveda into your lifestyle.

The top 5 reasons to embrace the Ayurveda lifestyle

1. Ayurveda aids gut health and digestion

Ayurveda’s primary ingredients are key in aiding gut health and combating indigestion.  Ayurveda supports the digestive system through the regular consumption of foods including fennel seeds and ginger, both of which can be enjoyed in their raw form [in moderation], or used as an ingredient within a meal.

The Ayurvedic method treats digestion as something that needs to be continually managed and looked after, as opposed to an issue that is only treated when it is inflamed. This approach can result in longer term, more sustainable gut health management as well as better resistance to indigestion issues over an extended period.

Ayurvedic ingredients are also excellent for soothing indigestion. For example, warm spiced drinks that include cumin, coriander and fennel can gently ease gut issues that occur after eating.

2. Ayurveda is easy to blend into your lifestyle

One of the most appealing qualities of Ayurveda is how easy it is to introduce into any lifestyle. Where a drastic new diet may force you to change your whole lifestyle and avoid some of the things you usually like to eat, Ayurveda can slot into your existing routine whilst offering an array of added wellness benefits.

Ayurveda is also becoming more popular in Western societies. From skin- and hair-care products infused with Ayurvedic ingredients, to the growing number of Ayurvedic health practices and doctors setting up in the UK, Ayurveda is becoming more accessible than ever.

3. It is a holistic approach towards wellbeing

More than merely another ‘eating regime’, Ayurveda has gained tremendous popularity in Indian culture over the centuries, thanks to its holistic attitude towards health, bringing together meditation, gut health, skincare and haircare.

When consuming key Ayurvedic ingredients, many of the vitamins and nutrients that aid gut health and digestion are interconnected and affect other aspects of health and wellbeing, including skin and hair. This is the same when used as topical treatments too. For example, turmeric is great for digestion but also hosts antioxidant qualities which promote healthy skin, scalp, and strong hair. Turmeric, chickpea flour, yoghurt and lemon juice when mixed together makes for an excellent skin mask! Another example includes flax seeds which not only contains Omega-3 which helps blood pressure, but also has anti-ageing properties and is known to help tighten and moisturise the skin.

4. It brings authentic flavours

The Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle approach also provides access to a whole host of delicious, authentic Indian foods and flavours. From curry leaves to ginger and turmeric, Ayurvedic ingredients are wonderful South Asian food additions that have been in family recipes for generations.

When it comes to dealing with gut health, skincare and overall wellbeing, the option to do so through a flavourful diet is a key factor in the successful history of Ayurveda.

5. The Ayurveda lifestyle is cost effective

Understandably, many people can be concerned about the costs associated with overhauling their lifestyle, but over time Ayurveda has become more budget friendly than ever. When introducing Ayurvedic ingredients to a meal, it only takes a simple recipe tweak to elevate its flavour whilst adding numerous extra health benefits.

With the choice of using fresh ingredients or dried and packaged variations, there are options to suit every budget. For example, flax seed is a great source of Ayurvedic benefits, and can be bought in bulk to reduce costs and then added to many different dishes, both sweet and savoury.

Conclusion

With its multitude of healthy qualities, it is no surprise Ayurveda is so quickly making its way into Western homes, and there are many ways to incorporate the tradition and reap its numerous benefits.

Offering a lifestyle that is sustainable, healthy and benefits not only physical wellbeing but mental health too, it is only a matter of time before Ayurveda cements itself as an essential in many more households.

The post The top 5 reasons to embrace the Ayurveda lifestyle appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

It was a difficult phase, not only because of the unpredictability of the seizure episodes, but also because of the social stigma that surrounds epilepsy, even though it is a non-communicable condition. This, naturally, compounds the negative experience not only of the person suffering from the condition but their families too.

According to WHO, epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest recognised medical conditions, with written records of it dating back to roughly 4000 BCE. In ancient times, epilepsy was believed to be caused by magic or by supernatural entities like possessions by demons or gods, and those who had it were either feared or isolated, since the knowledge of the central nervous system was all a mystery. Read The History of Epilepsy: From Ancient Mystery to Modern Misconception

My struggle with epilepsy

Epilepsy, which affects an estimated 50 million people around the world, intrinsically challenges the entire neurological, psychological and mental equilibrium of the body. Being an epilepsy patient, I was used to sudden seizures, headaches, loss of consciousness, and anxiety.

I faced many hardships during my journey with epilepsy; I used to have a limited concentration which disrupted my lifestyle and retarded my career prospects. But I didn’t give up because I always had faith that I would find a way to heal myself. As I grew up, I began researching ways to restore myself inside-out. I knew that medicines can only cure the symptoms of a condition, but to heal from within, it takes patience and discipline.

Here I must mention that the support of my parents was instrumental throughout my fight with epilepsy and the misconceptions related to it. My parents faced great hurdles but they went on supporting their neurologically-affected son in all possible ways. Even though they hail from rural areas, they never allowed society’s prejudices against epilepsy affect me negatively. People’s fallacies about the condition did not dissuade them from doing their best for me. Had it not been their open-mindedness and progressive attitude, it might have been next to impossible for me to conquer the disease. Their unconditional love and ceaseless support kept me protected from the social stigma and false beliefs about epilepsy and helped keep my hopes for a good life alive.

Discovering the power of Ayurveda and yoga

Around 2013, while looking for a more natural way of healing myself and my lifestyle, I stumbled upon the age-old practice of meditation, which led me to tap into the power of Yoga and Ayurveda. These newfound approaches energised me and began to reshape my psyche. I would say that yoga changed the course of my life.

I began following a healthy lifestyle which included right diet, proper sleeping habits, natural remedies and detoxifying therapies. Different yoga Asanas like Vajrasana, Malasana and meditation, along with a balanced Ayurvedic regimen helped calm my nerves and improved the quality of my life.

I began to understand that a healthy way of living is not only just about avoiding or controlling disease symptoms but rather to bring about a physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Practising yoga and meditation and following the Ayurveda lifestyle helped me cultivate perseverance and discipline.

Why Ayurveda and yoga work

Let me explain a bit more about why I believe Ayurveda and yoga worked for me. The Ayurvedic way of life involves numerous activities that have been shown to improve a person’s mental and physical wellbeing via traditional Indian methods. In today’s world, the millennial style of life and metropolitan culture promote unhealthy living, either directly or indirectly, by romanticising harmful habits such as staying up late, smoking, drinking and eating a wide variety of processed foods. To counter this harmful influence, the combination of Ayurveda and Yoga offers you behavioural modification that promote physical vitality and mental peace.

At first it may seem like following the Ayurvedic lifestyle is not everyone’s cup of tea. But trust me, adhering to the Ayurvedic ways isn’t all that big a deal. It involves cultivating simple habits such as going for a brisk walk every day, eating freshly prepared food, drinking plenty of water, taking enough vitamins, and setting aside some time for yourself. When all this is combined with yoga which involves pranayama, bodily extension, and mindfulness, the body and spirit are strengthened, and you are brought into harmony with your current predicament.

Ayurveda beyond epilepsy

Coming back to my journey, around 2016, I began to experience extensive hair loss. I tried every single product in the market but nothing seemed to help. Losing my hair began denting my self-esteem and for a while I started losing hope again. Then I pulled myself back and decided to find a remedy for hair loss just as I had done for epilepsy.

Once again it was Ayurveda that came to my rescue. I reached out to my friend who is an Ayurvedic doctor, and together we developed a natural product for hair loss in line with all the principles of Ayurveda.

Final thoughts

When people ask me, what is the source of my zeal that helped me overcome such a chronic condition, I respond that I believe in the old truism: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”. Life is often difficult. We all face trials—relationship sorrows, financial woes or health issues—but regardless of your specific challenge, you can overcome it if you decide to do whatever it takes.

For someone who lost several years of his youth to an ailment, I can say that every cloud has a silver lining. In my case, my medical condition impelled me to find a way to heal myself from a seemingly incurable condition like epilepsy and also find a way to reverse hair loss with the help of Ayurveda and yoga. What’s more, what I have found will benefit others as much as it has helped me. The axiom that all life is interconnected and entwined is true after all.

The post How Ayurveda and yoga helped heal me appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

So, how do you jumpstart weight loss or enhance the fat burning effects of your diet and fitness routine? The answer can be found in natural weight loss remedies, with some of the most effective ones being ayurvedic herbs.

1. Amla

Amla or Indian gooseberry is regarded by most folks as a ‘superfood’ and perhaps the richest natural source of vitamin C. This makes it popular as an immunity booster and it is also an important ingredient in natural cosmetic products. Its medicinal benefits are much wider, giving it a role to play in healthy weight management and weight loss too. In Ayurveda, it is known to promote detoxification in the body, which is believed to improve metabolic function, which can aid weight loss. This therapeutic benefits of the herb is supported by studies, which indicate that weight reduction is accompanied by cholesterol regulation and anti-inflammatory effects that also lower the risk of obesity associated lifestyle disorders.

2. Suran

Suran or elephant foot yam is a commonly used food ingredient in India, and is a tuber or root, similar to potatoes. Although we normally think of suran as just another food, it does possess some special properties that make it useful when dealing with obesity. The weight loss benefits are due to a special water soluble dietary fibre it contains, known as glucomannan. Like most types of dietary fibre, it is low in calories and has a satiating effect, which helps lower the chances of overeating. Research shows that glucomannan is also notable for promoting healthy gut microbiota and limiting the absorption of fat.

3. Peppers

Vegetables of the capsicum family, including bell peppers, cayenne peppers, and chili peppers are widely used in a number of cuisines, but they are also a source of medicinal value. The main bioactive ingredient in peppers that is responsible for numerous health benefits is capsaicin. Although most commonly used in Ayurvedic and natural medicine to treat pain and inflammation, it can also aid weight loss. Studies show that it has a metabolism boosting and fat burning effect. Capsaicin has also been found to have a positive effect on appetite regulation and caloric intake.

4. Jeera

Cumin seeds or jeera are commonly used across the subcontinent for tempering food or to add flavour. It is known to strengthen agni or the digestive fire and is often recommended to speed up weight loss. This weight loss benefit is also supported by research; with some studies showing that daily supplementation with just a teaspoon of cumin powder can improve lipid levels and promote weight reduction within a span of 3 months. Cumin was also found to promote significant fat loss, including visceral or abdominal fat buildup.

5. Garlic

With its strong flavour and sulfurous odour, garlic isn’t exactly appetizing or inviting in its raw form. It is widely regarded as beneficial for health, especially cardiac function, and not just in Ayurveda. If you can’t chew on raw garlic cloves, at least try to use it as garnishing and when cooking meals. The herb has proven weight loss benefits, with one animal study showing that garlic supplementation could induce weight loss within 8 weeks. The herb was shown to reduce both body weight, as well as white adipose tissue deposits, and it also improved lipid profile.

6. Nagarmotha

Nagarmotha is another potent Ayurvedic herb that is sometimes used to treat excess weight gain or obesity and it is also an ingredient in some Ayurvedic weight loss medications. Outside of Ayurveda, the herb is not well known and not easily available, but this doesn’t make it any less valuable. It is sometimes used to treat pre-diabetes because of purported anti-diabetic benefits, which can also help lower the risk for obese individuals. The herb has also been shown as a possible aid to promote weight loss, but the method of action in this regard is still not clearly understood.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the easiest ingredients to add to your diet and it’s also regarded as a highly effective weight loss remedy. The culinary spice adds rich flavour to foods and beverages and can be used whole or in its powder form. Cinnamon helps to promote weight loss because of its effect on satiety and the feeling of fullness, which makes you less likely to experience unhealthy food cravings. This reduction in food cravings is also connected to its regulating influence on blood sugar levels, which helps to prevent sudden spikes or crashes in energy, which can make you crave unhealthy junk foods.

8. Guggul

An important herbal ingredient in Ayurveda, guggul is actually the sap or resin of the guggul tree and it has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2000 years now. It is most widely used as a natural method of controlling cholesterol levels, making it beneficial to obese individuals who are at a higher risk of heart disease. It may also have a direct role to play in weight reduction, as research suggests that when used in combination with calorie restricted diets it enhances weight loss. A study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements highlighted potential weight loss benefits, as well as improved cholesterol, glucose, serotonin, and dopamine levels.

9. Green tea

Green tea has enjoyed considerable attention for close to a decade now, often touted as a cure to every condition. Of course, it remains popular as a detox and weight loss drink. While the weight loss benefits are often exaggerated, green tea can help if you are already following a healthy diet and exercise routine. It enhances the effects of your routine by increasing fat burning, with some studies showing that it can increase fat oxidation and burning by almost 20%.

10. Coconut oil

Cooking oil may not be the first thing to come to mind when you’re trying to lose weight and when it comes to Ayurveda, you’d expect the only recommendation to be substitution with ghee. However, some experts now recommend switching your regular cooking oil for coconut oil as evidence indicates that coconut oil may actually help reduce abdominal fat buildup, also increasing your metabolic rate. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that excess consumption will lead to weight gain, so only use it sparingly and as a substitute for your regular cooking oil.

The Takeaway

Natural remedies for weight loss can give you an edge, especially when you hit a weight loss slump and are struggling to shed those stubborn pounds. However, don’t rely on such remedies alone. In addition to a boost from natural weight loss herbs and Ayurvedic medications, stick to your diet and fitness routine. Most importantly, adopt the practice of mindful eating to strengthen that natural awareness of your body and sensations like hunger. With all of these practices and natural remedies, you’ll find that weight loss doesn’t have to be a constant battle.

The post 10 study-backed natural weight loss remedies appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

In Ayurveda, food recommendations are always personalized based on one’s prakriti or balance of doshas. Ayurveda also recognizes the importance of harmony with nature, which is why your diet must change with the changing seasons.

In summer, the focus is on foods and ingredients that have a sweet taste and a cooling effect on the body [not necessarily cold foods]. Ayurvedic recommendations also take into account the properties of different foods, suggesting that a summer diet should focus on foods that are light and easy to digest, while they may be a little oily or unctuous.

Summer foods to avoid

As per the teachings of Ayurveda, it is advisable to cut back on foods with salty, sour and pungent tastes. Hot and spicy foods should be avoided as they can aggravate pitta dosha and alcohol intake should also be restricted.

Failing to adhere to these diet guidelines puts your overall health at risk. You may experience general weakness and fatigue, anxiety, as well as a burning sensation in the body.

Ayurvedic foods and drinks for a cooling summer diet

Ayurveda clearly defines the efficacy of a diet dominated by foods with sweet, light and liquid properties to beat the heat. Fresh cool beverages are best consumed in earthen pots and utensils. Not only does this add a distinct fragrant aroma to drinks, it is also believed to be strengthening for the heart. One of the best summer drinks mentioned is a sweetened beverage prepared by mixing Shakara (molasses) in Sattu (flour from roasted gram), which makes it naturally soothing in the hot summer heat.

Cooling summer drinks

• You can consume higher volumes of juicy, sweet fruits and vegetables with high water content like watermelons, ripe mangoes, gourds, cucumbers and zucchini.
• Coconut water, nimbu-pani (sweet lime water), sweetened lassi or butter-milk, and sweetened milk with rose petals added can make for good refreshing beverage choices to keep your system cool.
• Freshly-blended fruit juices and nectars prepared from summer fruits like grapes, sweet pineapple and watermelon are nutritious, refreshing and most importantly incredibly cooling.
• Aam panna, a drink made from the pulp of raw mangoes, can be easily prepared by boiling raw mangoes in water to create the pulp. You can then add some jaggery, roasted cumin seeds and black salt to the mango pulp and it should be ready to consume.
• It is best to avoid any alcohol and fermented drinks during the summer months, but if you do consume them, make sure to restrict intake and add plenty of water to the drinks.

Cooling summer foods and herbs

• Fresh leaves of mint or pudina have a strong cooling effect and may be chewed raw or added to salads and other dishes.
• Amla (Indian Gooseberry), which is renowned in Ayurveda for its high nutritional value, also helps cope with the heat. It can be consumed in the form of fresh juice or as a sweet jelly called ‘amla murabba’. As it is cold by nature and has a sweet aftertaste, it is useful in decreasing the body heat and can help prevent heat-related disorders.
• Rose syrup and water are regarded as extremely cooling, making them perfect for the summer. You can consume rose preparations in the form of rose syrup or rose jelly (‘Gulkand’), a combination of rose petals and sugar.
• In Ayurveda, coconut is described as having a sweet taste (rasa) and cooling properties (virya). This makes coconut a helpful aid to correct dosha imbalances caused by aggravation of the pitta.
• Grapes are highly recommended in any summer diet because of their high water content and light properties. They are also highly nutritious, rejuvenating the body and strengthening immune function.

With its calming nature and cooling effect, cardamom can be supportive in a summer diet. Adding choti elaichi or cardamom to your diet can help to relieve any burning sensation and heat disorders.

The post Beat the summer heat with these ayurveda diet tips appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Factors contributing to infertility

• Imbalance of the doshas [the three bio-energetic forces that govern the functionality of your body]
• Poor nutrition of reproductive tissues due to sluggish digestion, increase in toxins or under nourishment
• Overindulgence in sexual activity can deplete the quality of reproductive tissue and cause impotency
• Suppression of sexual urges for long periods can lead to decrease in libido in the long term
• Eating excessive spicy, salty and hot foods could increase pitta dosha
• Physical, mental and emotional stress
• Compromised immunity
• Nervous system imbalances

The journey of a new life

Conception takes place when there is a meeting of healthy sperm and ovum in a healthy uterus. The sperm and egg are the seeds of creation called the ‘bija’ or the ‘shukra dhatu’. This is the last of seven body tissues to be nourished after plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone and bone marrow/nerves. Healthy tissue formation is dependent on the ability to properly digest food, thoughts and emotions, be free of toxins and have balanced doshas [vata, pitta, kapha]. The end result of tissue nourishment is known as ojas or the essence of vitality and immunity. It is no surprise then that the healthier the ojas the better the quality of sperm and egg.

Strong digestive health is the root of producing healthy bija for both men and women. An ayurvedic fertility program can be broken into a 3 stage process over approximately 6 – 8 months. The first phase comprises of cleansing processes of the mind and body followed by a period of rejuvenation to strengthen the body tissues and then comes the conception phase. I advise you to consult an ayurvedic physician for personalised guidance but this article will give you a brief idea of what to expect.

Phase 1: Cleansing

Cleansing the body is one of the key points in ayurveda. This step tailor made considering the environment, gender, age, temperament and family history of both partners. The spring and autumn months especially support the process of cleansing.

Cleansing starts with improving digestion to prevent toxins known as ‘ama’ from building and ensure that optimum nutrition is absorbed from the foods eaten. This process helps the body eliminate toxins.

Panchakarma [five ayurvedic purification methods] would be recommended for deeper cleansing. This period of gentle cleansing over 12 – 14 weeks would include:

• Eating consciously and according to your hunger
• Eating well cooked and easy to digest foods
• Plenty of fresh seasonal vegetables, whole grains and legumes
• Cut back on all processed and fried foods
• Limit gluten, dairy, meats, sugars, alcohol and caffeine
• Invigorate the body with warm oil abhyanga [body massages]
• Engage in gentle exercise and yoga
• Engage in pranayama and meditation
• Refrain from sexual activity, to conserve energy
• Women could add a decoction made of ashoka to their bath water. Ashoka helps to release physical and mental pain
• Digestive compounds such as triphala, hinguwastak, trikatu and avipattikar are useful
• Around weeks 5 – 10, you can consult a practitioner for Panchakarma, include fasting days and a mono diet of khichdi
• After the deeper cleanse you can resume the gentle cleanse

Cleansing is not only limited to the physical body but also involves letting go of emotions that don’t serve you:

• Release negative emotions – anger, resentment, past hurt, grief and any emotional burden. Lighten up your heart!
• Discuss and let go of any dysfunctional patterns that don’t serve your relationship with your partner and express your gratitude for each other. This will encourage emotional closeness and bonding.
• Free your mind of the guilt, a common emotion that most women feel when faced with infertility. Let go of doubts, expectations and pressures to conceive. Affirmations are a great way to assist this process.

Phase 2: Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation known as ‘Rasayana therapy’ is intended to build ojas by nourishing the body, bringing doshas into balance, strengthening the body tissues and restoring normal bodily functions, particularly ovulation.

Both partners would benefit from following a restorative whole foods diet [sattvic] and lifestyle suited to their constitution. You would do well to choose:

• Seasonal fruits [pears, peaches, mango, plums, raisins, figs, dates, grapes, coconut, pomegranate]
• Grains such as basmati rice and quinoa and lentils such as mung
• Dairy proteins including milk, buttermilk, paneer, ghee
• Nuts and seeds including almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds
• Spices including cardamom, nutmeg, saffron, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, turmeric, fennel, carom
• Vegetables such as asparagus, sweet potato, broccoli, squash, carrot, beetroot
• Nurture your relationship with your partner with open communication, sharing more love and joy
• Engage in nourishing self care and self love practices such as massage with ashwagandha oil
• Nourish yourself by spending time in nature, especially near water
• Continue to engage in strengthening yoga postures

For women it is important to take mental and physical rest during menstruation and otherwise keep active. Spices such as turmeric and carom [ajwain] are good for keeping the uterine organs cleansed. Ghee is an extremely supportive ingredient. Reduce intake of processed carbohydrates and fats and increase natural proteins along with small amounts of barley with milk. For the male partner, a sattvic diet with an increased quantity of milk, ghee, rice and nuts will be helpful.

Phase 3: Conception

Few months on and your body should feel ready for conception now. Here are a few more tips to get you through the final phase:

• Continue to have a nourishing diet to build ojas and prevent ama
• Timing – many apps are now available to guide you to optimal days around your ovulation. Intercourse 3 – 4 days either side of ovulation increases your chance of conception
• Create a peaceful environment with candles or incense with essential oils that please your senses
• The best position for conceiving is with the woman lying on her back
• After intercourse, drink a cup of warm milk with spices such as saffron, cardamom and ground almond
• Conserve your sexual energy during the non-fertile period
• Avoid intercourse whilst in a negative emotional state, if suffering from compromised immunity, menstruation or if you have overeaten.

Herbs for fertility support

Fertility supporting herbs and tonics such as shatavari [asparagus racemosus], ashwagandha [withania somnifera], ashoka [saraca asoca], kappikachu [Mucuna pruriens], aloe vera and triphala amongst others are highly rejuvenating, promote hormonal balance and encourage production of reproductive fluids – consult your practitioner for safe use. There are also supportive herbal jams chyawanprash and brahmi avaleha, phala grtam.

Yoga and meditation for enhanced fertility

Breathing techniques such as nadi shodhana, ujjayi pranayama and various meditations can help you relax. Yoga postures such as padmasana [lotus pose] can increase the blood flow to the perineum and activate the lower chakras, muladhara [root] and svadisthana [sacral] that govern the sexual functions. Pelvic floor exercises can also enhance circulation to the reproductive organs.

Over and above all, enjoy the process and be patient. It should not add any stress or discomfort. Be connected to your intuition and allow yourself to be guided by that.

The post Tips to boost your fertility with ayurveda appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Are my symptoms due to piles/haemorrhoids?

Piles can cause the following symptoms:

• Severe pain while passing stool
• Lump or a protrusion near the anus
• Rectal bleeding during or after passing stool. Blood is usually not mixed with stool.
• Redness and soreness around the anus, along with an urge to itch ever too frequently.
• Pain and discomfort in the anal region while sitting for long durations

If ignored for long, piles can lead to anal infection, faecal incontinence, development of fistulas and even anaemia, owing to the excessive bleeding. It might seem a little embarrassing for you to discuss this condition with your doctor, but piles are a very common condition, and hence there is no need for you to suffer in silence. The sooner you seek treatment for this condition, the higher are your chances of full recovery without surgery. If they are at the early stages, they usually go away in a few days after diet correction and treating the cause. Here are a few simple home tips and ayurveda remedies to treat piles.

The ayurvedic approach to treating piles

Generally piles may be either internal or external and this can be confirmed by your physician after a physical examination and also using an instrument called the proctoscope. Ayurveda indicates that there are five types of piles or the arsh roga.

1. Born out of vitiation of vata dosha [air body humor]
2. Born out of vitiation of pitta dosha [fire body humor]
3. Born out of vitiation of kapha dosha [phlegm body humor]
4. Born out of vitiation of any two doshas
5. Born out of vitiation of all the three doshas—vata, pitta and kapha.

Home remedies and ayurveda advice for managing piles

According to ayurveda, the use of certain herbs, along with a combination of diet and lifestyle modifications can provide relief from the problem.

• Soak 1 tsp each of fennel and cumin seeds in 1 litre lukewarm water for 2 hours, strain and consume this water 2 – 3 times a day.
• Aim to drink one glass water per hour and at least 8 glasses per day. This would reverse any dehydration or constipation you could be suffering from, thus making your bowel movement smooth and comfortable.
• Make a detox drink by adding 1 tsp chopped ginger, handful of mint leaves, lemon wedges and 1 tbsp honey to 500ml water. Sip on this during the day to help flush out toxins.
• Eat green leafy vegetables, ghee and buttermilk daily.
• Consume foods that are high on fibre such as apples, papaya, oranges, sweet lime and cucumber to relieve the problem of constipation and hard stool.
• Dried, soaked figs are also known to be effective stool softeners.
• Including some raw garlic in daily diet helps prevent the bleeding associated with piles.
• Carrots are also known to reduce rectal bleeding. You can have fresh carrot juice or well-cooked carrot.
• You need to include some mild laxative in your diet like Triphala [Herbs combination of harad, baheda and amla], Gulkand [sweet jelly made from the rose flowers] and fennel or saunf.
• Fresh juice of amla taken on an empty stomach proves useful.
• If blood oozes out of the swollen piles, have ½ tsp sesame seeds mixed with some butter.
• Warm fomentation of the affected area with a warm poultice using the Haridra [Turmeric] helps.
• Sesame seeds paste may be applied on the piles for relief.

Most people with this condition swear by Sitz bath to give them relief. In this you sit in a tub of warm water for about 15 – 20 minutes. Soaking the anal region in warm water helps to relax the area and this should especially be done after passing stool. Do this at least twice a day.

Simple home hacks

• Massaging your abdomen area using tea tree oil or rosemary oil may help relieve the pain.
• Avoid using soap containing harsh chemicals around the anal region. After stools, gently wash it with clean hands using lukewarm water.
• Make sure to avoid using alcohol based wet wipes around the anal region. It only worsens the problem. You may try using a soft, moist cloth if you wish to.
• Taking oral pain killers or applying a local anesthetic cream can help relieve the pain to some extent, but only temporarily.
• In case, prolapsed piles becomes a permanent feature, surgery may be needed.

What to avoid

For someone who is suffering from the distressing condition of piles, soft and bland foods are usually recommended. Avoid chillies, hot and spicy foods, processed foods and caffeinated drinks. Also avoid foods that are high on starch, such as potatoes, and bakery items.

The post Ayurveda and home remedies to relieve painful piles appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Myth 1 Ayurvedic medicines are dangerous as they contain heavy metals

A lot of people would like to take Ayurvedic medicine but don’t because they are apprehensive about the heavy metal content in them. A few Ayurvedic preparations [herbo-mineral medicines] have heavy metals in them but these medicines are not dangerous in any way. The metals are made to undergo certain procedures to make them organic before they are incorporated in the medicines. Some of these metals are heat-treated to nullify the heaviness and toxicity. The medicines pass through a wide range of tests before they are declared safe for human consumption. The heavy metals, when converted, act as catalysts to carry the herbs to the desired site of action in the body.

Myth 2 Ayurvedic medicines do not have any side effects

It’s unfair to say this about any system of medicine. Though Ayurvedic medicines have fewer side effects, you can’t say for sure that they never cause any. For instance, when the detox procedures are not done properly, their counter-effects could be life threatening. One can develop symptoms like loose motions, constipation, digestive disturbances, rashes, boils, and fatigue. It is always advised to take the medicines under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. Yet, there is always a tiny chance that you may develop some adverse reaction to a certain medicine.

When the detox procedures are not done properly, their counter-effects could be life threatening

Myth 3 There are more food restrictions while undergoing Ayurvedic treatments than other forms of treatments

Any treatment, whether allopathic or Ayurvedic will have certain dietary restrictions. And in order to treat an illness, at times certain foods need to be avoided. This is decided by your Ayurvedic physician after assessing your doshas. Since allopathy does not treat the disease as a whole and only treats the symptoms individually, there are not as many dietary restrictions as in Ayurveda or any other form of complementary therapy.

Myth 4 Ayurveda only means oil massages

Even though there is an increased awareness about Ayurveda, at a global level many people still consider Ayurvedic treatment to be consisting of application of different oils and massages. Ayurveda does not mention anywhere that oil massage is the only remedy for an ailment. It has to be understood that there are many conditions, as well as certain body types, where the application of oil could, in fact, aggravate the health problem. While oil massages are popular for the relaxing effect they produce, they are rarely used to cure diseases.

Myth 5 Ayurvedic medicines require a lot of grinding and pounding

Ayurveda has a wide range of preparations from pills, powders and decoctions to infusions, oils, and herbo-mineral preparations. Thanks to modern mechanical processes, ready-to-use medicines are now available. Even the bitter khashayams [decoctions] are now available in tablet form.

While oil massages are popular for the relaxing effect they produce, they are rarely used to cure diseases

Myth 6 Medicinal formulations are kept a secret

The main purpose of Ayurveda is to prevent the occurrence of diseases and to offer relief to the existing ones. There is nothing secretive about Ayurveda. Because most of the text, formulas and processes are in Sanskrit, they need to be translated. But, one can find many commentaries and translations in book stores these days. There are even universities that offer short- and long-term courses to understand Ayurveda.

Myth 7 Ayurveda is well-practised only in Kerala

There is no doubt that Ayurveda has flourished in Kerala, the land of the ashta vaidyas [the famous family traditionally serving people with their knowledge of Ayurveda]. When India was under British rule, Ayurveda was banned, but in the South it was still practised in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. After independence, when Ayurveda was legalised and recognised, many universities, colleges and hospitals started teaching and practising it. Today it is practised all over India and we find treatment centres from Jaipur to Jamnagar and the rest of the country.

Ayurveda is more than just treatments and medications; it is a lifestyle. The principles of Ayurveda,when practised properly, not only keep away diseases but also enhance our mental stability and brings about spiritual enlightenment. It is a holistic system suited for people from all walks of life.

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Dinacharya is the ayurvedic term for daily routine. Following a proper dinacharya is one of the best methods to prevent disease, promote good health and prolong life. Unhealthy lifestyle can lead to problems like acidity, indigestion, stress and other lifestyle-related disorders. This approach also helps to manage these.

The daily routine is based on the individual’s basic body constitution [known as dosha].

Ayurveda emphasises on various times of the day and night, which correspond with the three doshas.

Early to bed and early to rise has been enthusiastically promoted by ayurveda. Waking up before sunrise not only helps cleanse the system better, but also helps precise planning of the day.

Food

Tan mana bhunjeeta—total devotion or concentration while eating—has been advocated in ayurveda. So, watching television or working on a computer during meal time is a complete no-no. Eat only when hungry.

Ayurveda considers fresh and healthy food the best. It places a lot of importance on eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid food with preservatives, permitted colors, and food that has been over-cooked, burnt or seasoned with lot of spices and salt.

The quantity and quality of food as per an individual, health status, season, and age has a beneficial effect. Ayurveda advocates daily use of moong dal, honey, ghee, green gram, amla, black currants, and cardamom [elaichi] in your diet.

Along with food, it is important to practise good lifestyle habits regularly as per your body type [vata prakruti person needs to stick to daily oil massage; pitta person should reduce spices]. This is best done in consultation with an ayurveda practitioner.

Oil massage

Just as machines need periodical oiling to keep them running, we too need to keep our joints and bones lubricated.

Mix and heat coconut, castor, sesame or olive oils together. Cool them and preserve in a bottle. Massage your entire body with the mixed oil. After allowing the oil to soak into the skin, wash it off using besan [chick pea flour].

You can also add turmeric powder to it. An oil massage followed by hot water bath is an effective tool to prevent diseases and stay young, healthy and energetic.

Natural processes

Ayurveda believes in obeying nature. Natural urges like passing stools and urine, sneeze, yawn, cough, tears, vomit, hunger, and sleep should not to be controlled frequently, as it leads health problems. Tackle them as soon as you feel the urge.

Emotions

Manage negative emotions like anger, jealousy, greed, unbridled lust and passion, coveting the wealth, dishonesty, and cowardice. The ability to control these is a positive step towards a healthy life.

Fear is yet another factor that keeps us away from happiness. Fear can cause discomfort, sleeplessness, and other serious diseases. Replace fear by logic and in justified fears, try to surrender yourself to God. Fear of failure may make you run away from real opportunities.

Face your fear. Positive thinking, group prayers and regular practice of yoga and meditation helps overcome negative emotions. Analyse the situation and act accordingly.

Prayer should be a part of your daily routine as it keep your immunity intact by co-coordinating the mind, body and spirit. Spending time in the company of books, honest people, and nature, is also beneficial.

Sleep

Sleep when sleepy and try to maintain a regular bed time [whenever possible]. The duration of sleep changes depending on each individual, season, mental-physical exertion, and health condition.

You should feel fit, energetic and fresh when you wake up. This is an indication to determine the quality and quantity of sleep.

Avoid sleeping during daytime, if you want to enjoy perfect health, as it interferes with digestion and metabolism.

Seasons

Ayurveda not only recommends a daily routine, but also seasonal routine to stay fit and fine. It advises one to undergo seasonal cleansing called panchakarma to purge the body of toxins and promote wellbeing.

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Have lots of veggies and fruits

Have lots of naturally grown and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Healthy summer-friendly vegetable choices include: cucumber, bitter melon, sweet potatoes, asparagus, sprouts, mint, spinach, lettuce, carrots, sweet peas, broccoli, gourds [snake, bitter, ash, ridged and bottle gourds], okra, and baby squash. Raisins, grapes, pineapple, pomegranate, sweet oranges, mangoes, apples, dates, pears, melons, plums, and prunes are all cooling fruits.

Drink juice

Pomegranate juice is one of the best options among summer drinks, the others being watermelon juice, tender coconut water, lemonade, coriander ginger tea, buttermilk or lassi, and vegetable juices like those of cucumber, pumpkin and mint.

Avoid this

Avoid consuming colas, alcohol, frozen or iced drinks, excess coffee and tea. Also refrain from having too much hot, spicy, sour and salty foods—they don’t go well on hot days. Keep your intake of green or red chillies, strong spices like pepper, cloves and mustard seeds, garlic and onion to a bare minimum. Processed and preserved foods are best avoided. Meat which is heavy to digest is not a good diet option in summer.

Eat at the right time

Apart from what one should eat, Ayurveda also describes how, when and what one should consume during summer to help your body digest it well. It encourages one to eat more when the sun is relatively benevolent, for instance, early morning or late evening. Hence, moonlight dinners are recommended. It also prescribes eating in the company of nature—it has been recognised as the best place to enjoy meals with family and friends.

Eat light

Summer meals should be light, delicious, aromatic and freshly cooked. Sweet, cool, bitter and astringent tastes in smaller quantities should dominate your diet. Mild spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, fenugreek, mint, cardamom, and fennel should be incorporated in the diet.

Follow this diet chart

As mentioned earlier, it’s extremely important to eat the right things at the right time during summer to keep your body naturally cool and avoid the adverse effects of soaring temperatures. Here’s what ayurveda recommends:

In the morning [have one of the following]

• Tender coconut water with crystal sugar and cardamom
• Liquorices [jeshthimadh, mulhati] in milk
• Watermelon juice with little honey
• Pineapple juice with sugar or dash of pepper and ginger
• Jal jeera made by mixing lemon juice, cumin powder and salt to taste.
• Moong dal or cereals with raw grated vegetables, ginger and cumin.
• Green gram and cooked rice mixed with sugar and cardamom or mild spices and ghee.
• Idlis, dosa, chappatis sans hot and spicy accompaniments.
• In addition, you can also have ghee, milk, and milk preparations.

At noon

• Freshly made lassi 100 – 150 ml with few spoons of rose water. You can also add crystal sugar and cardamom to it. Or you can have lassi with coriander or mint leaves and salt; or with a splash of salt, cumin and asafoetida [hing].
• Gourd [ash gourd, snake gourd, bottle gourd] or cucumber juice with or without spices.
• Raw mango juice or fresh sweet mango juice offers a welcome respite from the sultry heat.
• Preparations that have predominant sweet, bitter and astringent tastes.

At night

• Warm milk with crystal sugar
• Warm milk with saffron, cardamom, sugar
• Boiled milk with ginger—filter it, cool it and have after adding cardamom, sugar, and finely powdered almonds.
• Fresh sweet grape juice; it helps cope better with summer heat.
• Rose petal jam [gulkand], ghee, sweets made up of dairy product.
• [Since solids are difficult to digest during summer, more emphasis is laid on consuming the right kinds of liquids. Combine them with light easy-to-digest food].

With inputs from Shantala Priyadarshini, MS, Ayurveda and assistant professor Government Ayurveda Medical College, Karnataka.

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Climate, with other factors, dictates people’s preferences. For example, when the weather is hot, people prefer staying in parks, visiting beaches, or spending time in cool atmosphere or air conditioned vehicles or rooms. Clearly, weather sends us signals to improvise our lifestyle and dietary inclinations.

And Ayurveda lays down elaborate description of seasonal and daily routine, which, when adopted, enables us to achieve perfect health, prevent diseases and also to enjoy life to the utmost.

When the mercury soars

A cloudy day does not help in raising one’s spirit, but a day with beautiful sunshine does. It boosts dwindling spirits and energises aged bones. An increase in the number of jovial children playing on the beach, building sand castles, relishing ice-creams or cooling juices is common on a hot summer day.

On the flip side, it is observed that people have stronger temper tantrums and more frequent violent outbursts in summer or on hotter days than on cooler days. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics, almost all crimes increase during summer months by almost 10 per cent—murders go up by 16 per cent, rapes and other violent crimes by 13 per cent. Even teenagers get into more trouble with drugs and alcohol, and become more involved with theft and assault in summer.

Apart from hotter temperatures, holidays and other reasons could also be contributing to the increase in crime rates. However, research points out otherwise.

Extreme heat, extreme behaviour

Studying the effects of heat on the brain for 30 years convinced Canadian criminologist [Simon Fraser University, Canada] Ehor Boyanowsky, of the direct co-relation between heat and extreme behaviour.

Dr Lance Workman, a psychologist from the University of Glamorgan, UK, proved how hot weather affects the levels of serotonin levels in our brain—increased serotonin levels lead to heightened aggression. He ascertains that there is indeed an increase in violent crimes as temperatures rise. And this trend, according to Workman, is global.

Not just the rate of crimes, but there is also a significant increase in irritability during the hot weather. Back in 1986, two psychologists, Douglas Kenrick and SW Macfarlane, conducted an interesting traffic-jam experiment on a busy UK road. They arranged for a car to sit at various traffic signals and stay there even as the light turned green [they tried this in diverse weathers].

What they found is what we all probably experience in everyday life as well—as the temperatures increased and the people inside the non-air conditioned cars began honking with increasing intensity.

Heat also induces depression. The Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD] includes summer depression. Symptoms include: poor or altered appetite, sometimes a craving for sweet or starchy foods, weight loss or gain, trouble sleeping or tendency to oversleep, decreased energy and fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability, avoidance of social situations and feelings of anxiety and despair. They usually vanish as the heat subsides.

Heat and health

Hot weather not just affects our head, but also our physical health. While it soothes the problems of the cold season such as winter blues, allergy, asthma, aches and pains, hot summers also sap energy; reduce appetite; increase thirst, lethargy, depression and digestive problems.

The season also fosters the spread of infectious diseases, starting off epidemics. According to Scott Sheridan, climatology professor at Kent State University, Ohio, USA heart, vascular, and respiratory problems too increase with rising temperatures.

Cool, inside-out

All systems of medicine consider the mind-body co-ordination, and more so Ayurveda. The ancient seers went to the extent of advocating diet, lifestyle modifications and management of diseases, exclusively based on idiosyncratic demands taking into account the significant factors like effect of normal changes of climate or vagaries of nature.

Here’s what Ayurveda prescribes for summer to keep the body and mind cool from inside out:

Sun and the skin

Soaking in too much sun can result in burnt or sensitive skin, and appearance of unattractive brown spots, and pigmentation on the skin. It can even cause skin cancer. Further, overexposure to ultraviolet rays hastens wrinkling, drying and ageing of the skin due to the release of free radicals. The eyes too suffer if exposed for long to these rays; they degenerate and develop early cataracts.

However, reasonable exposure to sunlight helps maintain healthy skin. Hence, the first important aspect of skincare in summer is exposure to the sun in moderation. Here are some tips to help keep your skin shining like the sun:

• Avoid applying make-up. If you do apply, do so sparingly and completely remove it at bedtime.
• Apply face packs made of watermelon puree, cucumber, orange peel powder, banana or papaya pulp mixed with honey, milk cream or rosewater.
• Use sandalwood, neem, turmeric and aloe vera to enhance skin tone and keep the skin free from premature wrinkles and pigmentations.
• Massage the skin regularly with coconut oil or medicated cooling oils to improve circulation and keep the skin young and healthy.
• Minise the damage to the skin due to exposure to scorching sunlight, by covering the skin and using adequate sun protection.
• Get sufficient good quality sleep; it is essential not just for healthy skin but also to maintain overall health.

Here’s how to stay fresh

• Wear clothes that are made of natural materials like cotton or silk.
• Opt for clothing in pastel colours like white, cream, light green, light blue or blends found in nature and not colours, which are very bright, glaring and shocking to the eyes. This is because light colours absorb less heat.
• Get a whole body oil massage with aromatic or cooling oils [made of basil, neem, sandal, jasmine, champak]. It helps enhance vigour and decrease body odour.
• Wear clean clothes after bath.
• Rub coconut or castor oil [any other cooling oil will also do] on the scalp and the soles of the feet before bedtime to keep your body cool.
• Keep roses, tuberoses, jasmine or scented flowers in vases around the house. They have a cooling effect and make the atmosphere pleasant and the heat, bearable.
• Don’t give up exercise. However, opt for doing light yoga asanas [postures neither too complicated nor strenuous] instead of heavy weights. Alternatively, you can go for walks or pursue any other outdoor activity [swimming or other water sports], or simply spend some time near a water source early morning—it will refresh your mind and give you immense health benefits.
• Do cooling pranayama [sheethali, sheetakari] and dhyana [meditation] to avoid overheating your body.

The recommendations are made by seers of ayurveda after meticulously studying the nature and man—follow them to help your body cope with the hot season such that it takes the vagaries of climate in stride.

With inputs from Shantala Priyadarshini, MS, Ayurveda and assistant professor Government Ayurveda Medical College, Karnataka.

A version of this article was first published in the May 2010 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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