When you walk into a wellness space that brings different therapies under one roof, you quickly notice it’s not about chasing a single result. Instead, it’s about creating an environment where your body and mind are given the chance to recover, recharge, and function better together. A full-spectrum wellness program combines treatments designed to restore balance on multiple levels, so you’re not just focused on physical health, but also on mental clarity and emotional calm. If you’ve ever wondered what these programs actually involve, the experience is often far more holistic than people first imagine.

A Broader View of Wellness

The word wellness used to be tied mainly to physical fitness and diet. Today, it’s recognized as something more layered, where sleep quality, stress levels, emotional wellbeing, and even recovery from everyday strain all matter. Full-spectrum programs respond to this shift by incorporating various therapies that work in tandem. The goal is not to overwhelm you with treatments but to create balance. Think of it as a framework that helps both your body and your mind adapt and perform at their best.

When you commit to something structured like this, it’s less about one-off sessions and more about having a rhythm. You might notice that over time, your energy feels steadier, your stress becomes easier to handle, and your recovery after exercise or a busy week becomes quicker. It’s this combination of subtle but meaningful changes that makes the idea of integrated wellness so appealing.

Related » Wellness vs Health — You’ve Got It All Wrong!

How Red Light Therapy Fits In

Red light therapy has become a key treatment in many wellness programs due to its support for the body at a cellular level. When you spend time under those warm panels of light, it encourages your cells to repair themselves more effectively. Many people use it after workouts because it can aid in muscle recovery, but the benefits often extend beyond that. Regular use can support circulation, improve skin tone, and even help regulate your sleep cycles.

What makes red light therapy a natural fit within a full-spectrum approach is its gentle nature. There’s no downtime and no stress on your system, just a steady push toward repair and renewal. Combined with other therapies, it acts like a foundation, creating the conditions for deeper recovery that support both short-term needs and long-term wellbeing.

Why Float Tank Sessions Matter

The first time you step into a float tank, the silence can feel unusual. With no sound, no light, and the sensation of weightlessness, your body is able to release layers of tension you might not have realized you were carrying. This environment of sensory reduction gives your nervous system a chance to calm down, which is why so many people report a deep sense of relaxation afterwards.

Physically, the buoyancy created by the saltwater supports your joints and muscles, helping them decompress in a way that’s difficult to achieve otherwise. For those who deal with high stress or intense physical activity, float sessions can be a reset button. The mental clarity that often follows can feel like stepping out of a fog, leaving you more focused and present. Within a comprehensive program, float therapy serves as a powerful complement to active treatments, striking a balance between stimulation and genuine rest.

What You’ll Experience in a Full-Spectrum Program

When different therapies, such as red light treatment and float sessions, are combined, the result is a rhythm of stimulation and recovery that supports the body’s natural balance. A session might begin with light therapy to energize and repair at the cellular level, followed by time in the float tank to quiet the mind and ease tension. Over time, the program adapts to your needs, allowing you to find a pattern that suits your lifestyle.

For many people, the appeal comes from having access to everything in one place. Instead of piecing together care from different providers, you can rely on a good recovery centre to guide you through a program that makes sense as a whole. This means you’re not guessing at what might work but instead building a structured path that blends proven therapies into a sustainable routine.

Building Long-Term Benefits

The real strength of a full-spectrum wellness program lies in its consistency. A single session can leave you feeling refreshed, but the more significant changes occur when treatments become part of your weekly or monthly routine. Over time, the combined effects often show up in more restful sleep, a steadier mood, and quicker recovery from both physical activity and daily stress.

It’s not about chasing dramatic results overnight. Instead, the benefits build quietly in the background until you notice that daily challenges feel lighter and your energy stretches further. By keeping the program regular, you give your body and mind the chance to reset and strengthen in ways that carry over into everyday life.

Conclusion

Integrated wellness programs point to a future where treatments are no longer isolated but combined to serve the whole person. Rather than separating physical health from mental clarity, these approaches recognize how tightly connected they are. With therapies that encourage both repair and rest, a full-spectrum model creates a balanced foundation for ongoing wellbeing. For anyone considering this path, it’s an opportunity to experience how thoughtful combinations of care can support not just recovery but a more sustainable way of living.

The post What You Can Expect From A Full-Spectrum Wellness Program appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

The feeling of growing a new life inside of you can be joyful and exciting. But behind the anticipation is morning sickness, back aches, and other discomforts. So, if you’re trying to look for alternative methods to relieve your pregnancy woes, you might want to give acupuncture a try. Although, inserting needles into your skin may not be the first method that comes into your mind when you are expecting a baby, acupuncture is known to be effective in alleviating various pregnancy symptoms.

If you still find the thought of needles intimidating, reading about the benefits of acupuncture below may alleviate your apprehensions. But, before listing the benefits, lets find out if acupuncture is safe during pregnancy.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

The short answer is yes, acupuncture is generally safe for all pregnancies. But it’s always best to talk to your doctor before booking your appointment with an acupuncturist.

Also, go to a licensed acupuncture to ensure you get proper treatment. Your acupuncturist will avoid specific acupoints that induce labor or can harm the baby. So, complications and severe reactions are rare. At most, you’ll feel bruising and tenderness in the areas where the needles were inserted, which will go away after a few days.

But if you feel any adverse effects after your session, seek medical attention immediately.

Now let’s look at the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy.

Acupuncture Benefits for Pregnancy

1. Helps reduce morning sickness

Morning sickness is common during pregnancy, and its cause still remains a mystery even until now. However, it’s believed that physical and metabolic changes, such as increased hormones and lowered blood pressure, trigger them.

Since morning sickness can be exasperating, you can reduce their frequency through acupuncture. A study shows that pregnant women who received traditional acupuncture for four weeks experienced less nausea and dry retching compared to women who received sham or no acupuncture at all.

Although there were no differences in the effects of vomiting, acupuncture is still worth checking into for your morning sickness.

2. Relieves pelvic and lower back pain

One of acupuncture’s significant benefits is the ability to relieve pain, so it’s no wonder that it can also be effective in alleviating pelvic and lower back pain during pregnancy.

The ligaments in your body soften and stretch to prepare you for labor, which can cause tension in your pelvis and lower back. Although this is a common occurrence during early pregnancy, dealing with the pain can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture significantly reduces pain and improves the function of your lower back and pelvis. It also reveals that acupuncture had no adverse effects on newborn babies, making the treatment safer compared to taking analgesics during pregnancy.

3. Improves sleep

A growing belly, pressure on your diaphragm, and increased frequency of urination are just a few reasons that keep you at night. Sleep is critical for everyone and it’s even more important during pregnancy as you deserve a whole night’s rest during your term. Acupuncture to help you sleep better.

A study found that acupuncture increases melatonin production in your body to reduce insomnia. Researchers also found that acupuncture can be a low-risk and low-cost alternative to taking sleeping medication since it doesn’t have any debilitating side effects and is more affordable in the long run.

4. Helps manage antepartum depression symptoms

Antepartum depression can be caused by the stress and anxiety of pregnancy. When it’s paired with increased hormones, this mood disorder can be challenging to shake.

If you want to seek an alternative treatment to manage your antepartum depression, acupuncture can be effective in managing its symptoms.

A randomized controlled trial found that receiving acupuncture over time can reduce depression, stress, and distress during pregnancy.

Although it’s recommended to consult your doctor first about the treatment for your depression, the positive result of the research makes acupuncture worth exploring as a safer substitute if you don’t want to take antidepressants during pregnancy.

Related » Pregnancy: What exactly should I expect?

5. Alleviates labor pains

Before you can hold your bundle of joy in your arms, you must go through the grueling hours of labor. So, if your due date is coming up, you can reduce labor pain with acupuncture.

Acupuncture stimulates your nervous system and triggers the production of endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain-killing hormones. It also changes the transmission of pain signals to your brain to trick it into alleviating labor pain. Lastly, acupuncture can also improve the blood flow to your womb and influence contractions. Thus, it reduces the intensity of labor pain and shortens your labor.

Summing Up

If you are now convinced about the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy, look for a reputed center for a treatment. Make sure that the center has properly trained and accredited acupuncture therapists with the necessary skills and knowledge to help you through your journey of pregnancy.

The post 5 Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy (Research-Backed) appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

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.

SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain

With a number of nutrition programs, wellness programs and recovery and rejuvenation, there are plenty of reasons for you to visit here. With a number of relaxing rooms and state of the art facilities, you can have hours and hours to relax and unwind with a specially designed program for you and your significant other. In addition to this, there are a number of swimming pools and spas for you to relax and unwind after a day of exercise.

La Reserve Geneva, Switzerland

If you are looking for your own little slice of paradise, then the La Reserve Geneva in Switzerland is the perfect location for you. With villas, suites and a number of hotel rooms, you can visit with your significant other as well as bring the family for a relaxing trip away with the very best of luxury facilities. In addition to this, there are a number of restaurants to eat in as well as a spa and meeting space allowing you to enjoy a relaxing holiday and even host business meetings if need be.

Tamina Therme, Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

The Tamina Therme is a public spa facility that is open to the public surrounded by a 1300 square metre modern sauna village with a wide range of beauty and massage offers. With a number of amazing facilities as well as the unique architecture, you can enjoy a relaxing experience whether you are travelling alone or with your friends and family. Due to the thermal water, your muscles can relax and unwind following a yoga session for the ultimate feeling of rest and relaxation after a long day.

Sharpham Trust, Devon

The final location for you to look into when travelling around Europe is the Sharpham trust in Devon. This relaxing location uses the power of nature to create the ultimate relaxing space for you and your family. With a number of mindfulness retreats as well as ceremonies and a number of events and activities taking place outside you can enjoy your very own slice of paradise throughout your stay.

Crete, Greece

With the blue ocean and the warmth of the Grecian sun, there are plenty of yoga retreats for you to enjoy. With swimming pools, spas and a number of specialist programs, there are a number of ways for you to relax and unwind before returning to work.

Estoril, Portugal

This little coastal town is the perfect place for you to relax and unwind in a number of Portuguese resorts. With luxury entertainment and a number of casinos along the coast, there is plenty for you to do when visiting here, allowing you to relax and unwind whilst enjoying the very best of the weather that Portugal has to offer.

Whether you are looking to chase the sun and relax in Spain or you are looking for a relaxing yoga retreat in the heart of the British countryside, you can have everything you need when visiting one of these amazing locations.

The post 6 Yoga Retreats In Europe For Ultimate Rest And Relaxation 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.

There are many other misconceptions surrounding hypnosis. Let’s look at some of the common ones:

Myth 1: Once hypnotised, you might reveal all your secrets

Fact: No one can control your mind. Hypnosis is simply a focussed state of mind in which the therapist only helps you to focus your thoughts on issues you choose. Contrary to popular belief, a therapist cannot put anything in your mind against your will. So you can decide what you want to reveal and what you don’t. In fact, under a hypnotic trance people can become quite creative with the truth, implying that you are in full control of your thoughts. That is why courts do not accept the testimony of a person under hypnosis.

Myth 2: You could be made to do undesirable things such as bark like a dog, kill someone, rob a bank etc.

Fact: During hypnosis, your conscious mind is always awake. If you hear a suggestion that you don’t agree with or don’t understand, you can simply reject it. Remember, stage hypnosis and clinical hypnosis are two different disciplines and this misconception may be stemming from the performance of stage hypnotists. In fact, no one else can hypnotise you; it’s something that you do to yourself with the help of a therapist. The therapist can only guide you to your aware state of mind with the help of suggestions.

Myth 3: What if I stay in the hypnotized state forever?

Fact: Nobody stays stuck in a hypnotic state. Think of hypnosis as guided meditation: the moment you open your eyes, you are out of it. Often, because it’s very calming, people drift off to sleep. And they wake up in a while, feeling refreshed.

Myth 4: Hypnosis is a special state of mind

Fact: Hypnosis is just a trance state of mind. Everybody experiences it at least twice daily: once, before we just fall asleep and the other when we wake up from sleep, just before stepping out of your bed. We often even go into a trance when we are deeply involved in watching TV or while engrossed with work.

Myth 5: I am too strong-headed to be hypnotized

Fact: Hypnosis has nothing to do with a weak or strong mind; willingness of the person is all that matters. However, I have observed that one must be relatively intelligent in order to engage in the hypnosis process. Using Dr John Kappas’s Suggestibility Test, we can determine the suggestibility of a person and then appropriate techniques are used for hypnosis. Because the person has an intention to be hypnotised, he can use the guidance and reach the hypnotic state. Remember, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. If you really want it to work, and you co-operate, it will work for you. So just loosen up and let go.

Myth 6: Hypnotherapy gets you instant results

Fact: Hypnotherapy works on your subconscious mind, which takes time to change. It’s is not a miracle cure and many issues often require more than one session. You will notice subtle changes in the beginning such as you will feel calmer and clearer. As your perception changes, everything around you also begins to change. Of course, everyone makes progress at his or her own pace. The experience can be different for different people; it can even vary from one session to another for the same person.

Myth 7: The sub-conscious mind records everything like a video

Fact: Your mind stores a particular event based on how you perceived it. That may or may not be the complete and unbiased picture. We store information based on how we interpret it, rather than simply recording the actual events.

Myth 8: Hypnosis is akin to black magic or voodoo

Fact: Far from being voodoo, hypnosis is a natural state, as established by several scientific studies. Many stalwart psychologists such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and Milton Erickson carried out significant amout of clinical research on the subject. A variety of medical and scientific organisations such as the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, British Medical Association and British Psychological Society have independently endorsed hypnotherapy as a valid form of treatment.

Myth 9: You are unconscious or asleep when in hypnosis

Fact: While in hypnosis, your conscious mind is awake such that you are constantly aware of what is going on around you. But yes, each individual experiences it differently. How we remember things is unique for each of us. For example, not everyone can recollect all the details of a movie after watching it.

It’s true that you may drift off to sleep during your session. But if the therapist feels that you need to be woken up, she will do so during the course of your session.

Myth 10: You are not hypnotised, if you can hear the hypnotist

Fact: Each person is different. Some people consciously hear the therapist, whereas others don’t. A few individuals simply cannot resist allowing their minds to drift away, as they gain so much relaxation from it. But this has no effects on the success of the session.

When you are armed with the facts, hypnotherapy doesn’t seem magical or mysterious. It’s is a scientific process of using techniques to help your mind focus, to facilitate the unconscious mind to absorb pre-agreed suggestions, to bring about change. I urge you to try hypnosis once. If you don’t find it useful, you can simply discard it. But if it helps, it can open a whole new world of possibilities for your personal growth.

The post Are you scared to try hypnotherapy due to these myths? 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.