The actual detoxification process [pradhankarma] involves five methods. They are:

1. Vamana
2. Virechana
3. Anuvasana basth
4. Niruha basthi
5. Nasya karma

Vamana

Vamana means expelling doshas through the oral route. It is an emesis therapy. Before inducing vamana, the toxins and vitiated doshas are brought to amashaya or stomach with various preparatory methods like snehana and swedana. The emesis should never be induced in empty stomach. Vamana therapy is conducted in the early hours of the day, when kapha dosha is dominant. Vitiated doshas and accumulated toxins are expelled through methodically-induced emesis. The person should stay relaxed, and devoid of any mental stress throughout the therapy. After emesis, the person is gradually rehabilitated to regular diet and lifestyle.

Detoxification through vamana is suggested in diseases that mainly involve kapha dosha. Disorders such as cough, asthma, indigestion, poisoning, repeated attacks of tonsillitis, nasal discharge and tuberculosis are treated with vamana. This therapy is not recommended for children and elderly persons. The same holds true for obese and weak individuals. After undergoing vamana, the person is advised to avoid loud speech, overeating, sitting continuously for a long time, too much walking, anger, anxiety, coitus, retention of natural urges.

Virechana

Virechana is expelling the vitiated doshas and toxins through purgation. This therapy can be conducted as an individual detoxification therapy or as a step after vamana to ensure complete detoxification. Virechana is a painless and easy procedure. Complications are rare. It helps to expel toxins and vitiated doshas from blood, liver and intestines. Usual panchakarma preparatory methods like snehana and swedana are completed before inducing purgation. Virechana is induced by administering herbal purgatives in the morning between 8 and 9 am, when pitta dosha is dominant. The person is made to drink warm water repeatedly during defecation. Regular diet and lifestyle can be started after the pradhankarma.

This therapy is suggested for disorders in which pitta is the prominent dosha. Skin disease, jaundice, constipation, headache, fistula, haemorrhoids, intestinal parasites, herpes, anaemia, oedema are some conditions in which virechana is chosen as the detoxifying therapy. Contraindications for virechana therapy include ulcerated rectum, obesity, diarrhoea, cardiac ailments, and tuberculosis.

Basthi Karma

Basthi Karma is expelling body toxins and vitiated doshas by introducing medicated liquids or oils through the anus, urethra or vaginal canal. Basthi means urinary bladder. In ancient times, the enema apparatus was made of the urinary bladder of animals. Hence this therapy is called Basthi karma and is mainly used in vata-dominant diseases.

Basthi karma is usually performed after the first two detoxification process namely vamana and virechana or only after virechana. After completing preparatory procedures [snehana, swedana], the patient is allowed to lie on his left side and medicated oil or herbal decoction is administered under hygienic conditions. The patient has to lie on his back for 10-15 minutes after basthi is given.

There are two types of Basthi: Anuvasana basthi and Niruha basthi

Anuvasana basthi

In anuvasana basthi, medicated oil is introduced through anus, immediately after the consumption of food. There will be no harm even if medicated oil remains inside colon for a long time. This type of basthi nourishes and strengthens the body.

Niruha basthi

In this type of basthi [also known as asthapana basthi], an enema of herbal decoction is given. Niruha basthi is administered in empty stomach. The administered decoction has to come out from the body within 45 minutes. The expelled herbal decoction brings out toxins and vitiated doshas along with it. Anuvasana basthi and Niruha basthi are given alternatively. The patient is advised to bathe after the herbal decoction is expelled. Unlike vamana and virechana, strict diet and lifestyle rehabilitation is not required after basthi karma, as basthi do not cause irritation in digestive system. But it is necessary to take light and nourishing food.

Introducing medicated liquids and oils through urethra in men or vagina in women is called uttara basthi.

Basthi karma is usually recommended in:

• diseases involving joints such as arthritis, gout
• Neuromuscular problems
• Osteoporosis
• Paralysis
• Low back pain
• Obesity
• Disorders of intestines
• Menstrual problems in women.

Benefits of basthi

Basthi improves vision, decreases weight in obese people, increases weight and nourishes emaciated persons, slows down aging and boosts health.

Nasya karma

Nasya karma means administering drops of herbal liquid preparations or medicated oils through the nose. This detoxification method is also known as Shirovirechana. Vitiated doshas and toxins accumulated in head and neck are expelled through nose and mouth, along with nasal and oral secretions. As a preparatory procedure, the head and face of the patient are massaged with medicated oil. [Administering medicated oil before nasya karma is not advised]. Steam bath is given only to the head and neck region. The patient is made to sleep on his back with feet elevated and head reclined. The medicated liquid or oil is administered in drops to both nostrils consecutively. The patient is advised to inhale the medicine slowly. After nasya karma, the patient must avoid talking loudly, getting angry and laughing.

According to the type of medicine used, nasya karma is divided into four types. They are

• Navana Nasya: Drops of medicated oil is used
• Avapidana Nasya: Squeezed juice of herbs is used
• Dhmapana or pradhamana nasya: Fine powder of herbs are made to inhale through an apparatus called “nadi yantra” [a tube-like apparatus]
• Dhuma nasya: Fumes of medicinal herbs are inhaled.

Nasya Karma is suggested in tonsillitis, stiff neck, stiff jaw, headache, sinusitis, stammering, and hoarseness of voice. Nasya Karma should not be performed when the patient has indigestion, has consumed alcohol, has taken a head bath, is tired, or is pregnant.

All panchakarma or detoxification therapies should to be conducted only under the supervision of experienced and qualified ayurvedic practitioners.

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Diseases occur when toxins get accumulated in the body and clog these channels. Unhealthy diet, lifestyle, stress, and changes in environment, lead to accumulation of toxins in body. These accumulated toxins have to be expelled out, in order to keep our body healthy. Through panchakarma therapy, these toxic clogs are removed to normalise the physiological processes.

For prevention

Panchakarma therapy can be administered to a normal person to prevent diseases and keep his body healthy. The ideal season to expel toxins through this therapy is the rainy season.

For cure

Panchakarma therapy is also used as a purification therapy to cleanse the body before starting a treatment. A diseased body can be compared to a soiled cloth that can not be coloured as we desire. Hence to attain the maximum benefits, the body has to be purified or cleaned before starting the treatment. The cleared channels help medicines to penetrate the deeper tissues.

The entire detoxification process consists of three major steps

1. Purvakarma – Preparations for the detoxification
2. Pradhanakarma – The main detoxifying process
3. Pashchat karma – Rehabilitating the diet and lifestyle after the detoxification process.

Purvakarma

These steps are adopted to soften the channels and toxins, so that the toxins can get detached and eliminated easily during main detoxifying process.

Deepana/Pachana

The hard toxic clogs are made to get loosened by increasing body fire or agni. Medicines are administered internally for this purpose. This process is called as “deepana” and “pachana” in ayurveda. [The duration of this process is three to five days depending on the conditions and diseases]

Snehana

Later, the whole body is oiled internally and externally with medicated oil or ghee. This process is called as “Snehana”.

Internal oiling is done by administering small quantities of medicated oil or ghee. The duration of internal oiling, quantity and type of medicated oil or ghee is determined by the physician, after analysing the constitution of the patient. The patient has to eat liquid food or light food on the day prior to internal oiling. After consuming the medicated oil or ghee, the patient is encouraged to sip warm water frequently. Once the medicated oil or ghee is completely digested, the patient is advised to consume light food.

External oiling is done after the completion of internal oiling. The whole body or body part is massaged with medicated oil. Few types of external oiling are used as treatment methods. They are

• Abhyanga — Massaging whole body
• Lepa — Smearing medicated oil and herbs
• Mardana — Kneading the body parts with fingers and fists
• Padaghata — Trampling the body with foot
• Gandusha — The mouth is filled with oil and is retained for a longer period of time
• Parisheka [Pizhichil] — The warm medicated oil is poured continuously over the entire body for an extended period of time.

Swedana

Soon after oil massage, the body or body part is exposed to heat through steam bath or other heating methods, according to the physician’s choice. This process of exposing body to heat is called as swedana or sweating. Both snehana and swedana help to soften the channels and toxin clogs. Elimination of toxins becomes easy when channels are soft and toxins are loose.

Pradhana Karma

This is the main detoxifying process. The softened and loosened toxins are expelled from body by five methods. Due to these five major detoxifying methods, the whole process is named as “Panchakarma” (Pancha = five, Karma = processes/actions).

• Vamana (through Emesis),
• Virechana (Purgation),
• Niruha basthi Basthi (enema with herbal concoctions ),
• Anuvasana basthi (enema with medicated oil)
• Nasya (nasal drops) and Raktamokshana (Blood letting).

[These processes will be explained in detail in the next issue]. The physician can choose any of these detoxifying methods according to disease and prevalence of doshas.

Paschat Karma

A strict diet and lifestyle procedure has to be followed throughout the Panchakarma treatment. The rehabilitative procedures to bring back the diet and lifestyle to normal are considered as “Paschat Karma”. In this stage, digestion power is brought back to normalcy. Medicines are administered to rejuvenate the body or to treat the disease.

Rules to be followed during panchakarma

During Panchakarma treatment the following rules have to be strictly followed.

• One has to use only warm water to drink, bathe and for other activities
• Person who is undergoing panchakarma therapy can not indulge in sex
• Sleeping in daytime is contraindicated
• Natural urges should not be controlled
• Exposures to extreme temperatures or weather conditions have to be avoided
• Keeping awake at night is not advisable
• Foods which cause indigestion can not be consumed
• Exercise and mental stress have to be avoided

Read more about pradhankarma in part II of this series.

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Call Neem, Neem will rush to you
As toothbrush [Datun] in teeth.
Sing Neem, Neem,
Will fall like “Neembauri” in
The lap of girls swinging
On the swing.
Look for Neem
You will find it fighting
In the granary against the rust.
Think Neem;
And find in swirling Inside yourselves.

– Pawan Kumar

Neem, or margosa, belongs to the family, Meliaceae. It has a botanical name: Azadirachta indica. It grows in tropical and semi-tropical regions and is widely found in Burma, India, and Pakistan.

As a fast growing, evergreen tree, which can reach the height of 15-20 metres, neem is known for its innumerable medicinal properties. It is used as a main ingredient in many home remedies. Commending the medicinal properties of neem, numerous Sanskrit names have been coined by ayurveda acharyas. A few of them are mentioned below.

• Nimba, as it boosts health
• Pichumarda, as it destroys skin infections/diseases
• Arishta, as it can ward off “evil powers” that harm our body.

Chemical composition

The neem tree has numerous medicinal properties by virtue of its chemical compounds. Seeds of the neem tree contain the highest concentration of azadirachtin, a chemical [an effective natural insectide]. Neem also has salannin, gedunin, azadirone, nimbin, nimbidine, nimbicidine, nimbinol, etc., which are important liminoids [steroid-like substances].

General uses

Neem has been the most traditionally used plant in India, Pakistan and Africa. It’s used to protect grains and cereals from pests.

Fresh neem leaves are mixed with grains and cereals before storage. A paste of fresh neem leaves is also rubbed against the wall of large mud bins, or gunny bags, in which the grains and cereals are stored. Sometimes, a thick layer of dry neem leaves are spread over grains. Neem oil, extracted from seeds, acts as an effective and safe bio-pesticide. Jute bags treated with neem oil, or extracts of neem, are also used to store food grains. Neem oil is a very cheap and effective household pesticide. It protects grains and legumes. Neem is used to protect stored roots and tubers from potato moth too.

Azadirachtin is available in high concentration in neem seeds. It is used as a “botanical pesticide,” and is environmentally-friendly. It prevents insects from feeding on plants and regulates the growth of insects.

Neem extracts, however, do not harm insects like bees and butterflies, which help in pollination.

Medicinal uses

Neem has many medicinal uses. The chemical compounds present in neem have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-fever, sugar/glucose regulation, antifungal, spermicidal, anti-malarial, antibacterial and diuretic properties. The flower, leaves, bark and seeds of neem are used in many home remedies and in preparation of medicines. The bark of neem helps reduce fever. The flowers are used in intestinal disorders. The juice from fresh leaves is very helpful in treating skin diseases, wounds, and also weight problems [obesity]. Oil from neem seeds is used in arthritis, skin diseases, and muscular sprains. Neem is very effective in treating gum diseases too.

Neem is known to be beneficial in treating skin disorders, as already cited, thanks to its antibiotic, antifungal and blood purifying properties. According to ayurveda disturbed pitta and kapha cause skin diseases. Neem pacifies “harmed” kapha and pitta, and helps cure skin ailments. It promotes wound healing as it is packed with anti-bacterial and astringent properties. In psoriasis, it reduces itching, irritation, roughness of skin and also psoriatic patches. In the same way, it heals eczema too. It also reduces infection and inflammation of acne [Also read, Beauty Salon in this issue]. Neem helps to maintain the health of scalp skin and prevents dandruff.

Due to its detoxifying properties, neem also helps to keep organs/systems healthy – especially our circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems.

Scientific studies have revealed that neem reduces blood sugar level. Hence, its usage supports diabetic patients to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Diabetes impairs blood circulation and can cause gangrene in lower extremities. Numerous scientific studies have highlighted the role of neem in keeping the circulatory system healthy, thus reducing the chances of gangrene. New studies have shown that neem also reduces blood cholesterol levels and helps to keep the heart healthy.

Other uses

Neem flower pachidi, prepared from roasted neem flower, is a famous dish in South India. It is prepared during Ugadi [New Year]. Neem flower rasam, another tangy recipe, improves digestion and is very popular in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Extracts of skin-friendly neem are being used in bathing soaps, hair gels, body lotions etc.

The post Neem Power appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Ayurveda suggests many herbal remedies and natural methods to protect our skin from pimples, acne, dark circles, wrinkles or marks, and also improve our complexion.

The basics

It is essential to know about the structure of skin first before analysing causes that lead to changes in the skin. Conventionally speaking, our skin is made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissues. The skin has two distinct parts. The epidermis is the top-most layer. The upper layer of epidermis contains dead cells which are gradually cast off. These cells are replaced by fresh, new cells produced by the basal layer, or what is called as the lower layer of epidermis.

The second called the dermis lies below the epidermis. It consists of a vast network of collagen fibres. Collagen is responsible for the elastic property of skin. As you’d know, the sebaceous glands that are associated with hair follicles and sweat glands are present in the dermis; they receive blood supply from the subcutaneous tissue that lies below the dermis. The sebaceous glands get activated during puberty; they produce an oil-like substance called sebum. Blockages in the sebaceous gland can use pimples.

According to ayurveda, the skin has seven layers. When these layers are affected by imbalanced doshas [vital energetic forces of body], they give rise to different skin diseases. The list of seven layers of skin and the diseases that originate from them are as follows:

• Avabhasini. The outermost layer of skin. Pimples, acne, dandruff etc., arise when this layer gets affected by vitiated doshas
• Lohita. This is the second layer of skin. Moles, dark circles, and black pigmentations, occur due to vitiated doshas
• Shweta. The third layer of skin is affected by defective doshas. This results in eczema, allergic rashes etc.,
• Tamra. This is the fourth layer of skin, which when affected by doshas, leads to leprosy
• Vedini. The fifth layer. Any imbalance of doshas in the layer can cause herpes
• Rohini. Defective doshas in this, the sixth layer of our skin may lead to cancer, tumours, elephantiasis etc.,
• Mamsadhara. This is the seventh layer. When affected by vitiated doshas, the layer can give rise to abscess, fistula, and the like.

The skin covers and protects underlying muscles and organs. It guards our body from the invasion of pathogens; it also acts as an insulation cover, and regulates our body temperature. It is one of our great sense organs. It also plays a major role in the synthesis of vitamin D. The melanin pigment in our skin, as many of us know, protects us from the sun’s harmful effects [UV radiation].

Cause and effect

Several internal and external factors spoil the beauty of our skin.

Sun. Sun is the worst enemy of beautiful skin.

Apply a good sun block on exposed parts of the body. Wear full-sleeved light-coloured clothes when you move out in the sun. Do not forget to wear a hat and cooling glasses.

Mix sandal powder in a large glass of water and keep it in the refrigerator to cool. Transfer the ingredient to a sprayer and spray the mix on your body whenever you feel your skin is itchy.

Seasonal changes. When the environment is hot and humid, the skin gets a sticky feeling due to sweating. Microbial activity is intense on wet skin. Bathe daily to keep the skin clean and lower the microbial activity. Use a mixture of soap nut powder, besan [gram flour] and sandalwood powder to scrub the skin. Drink plenty of water to compensate loss of fluid through sweat.

When the weather is cold and dry, the moisture level of skin lowers and it becomes dry. It also cracks. Apply a good moisturising lotion liberally all over body. Smearing fresh aloe vera juice is also good – it improves the moisture levels of skin.

Massage your body with gingelly [til] oil, once a week. Wear warm cotton clothes and socks in winter. Regular foot massage with warm gingelly oil or castor oil helps prevent fissures in the heels and foot, a common winter affection. Drink plenty of warm water to keep the skin well-hydrated and also to prevent dryness.

Air pollution. Pollutants like dust, smoke, smog, and dirt, can clog the pores in your skin and cause acne and pimples. Apply a good moisturiser which acts as a barrier between your skin and pollutants. Cleanse your skin carefully and gently. Use besan and rose water as a scrub in summer. Likewise, a mixture of masoor dal [orange lentils] and milk make a great winter scrub.

Lifestyles issues

Sleep. Lack of sleep causes dark circles and diminishes the glow of skin. 7- 8 hours sleep keeps the skin healthy and glowing

Exercise. A brisk daily walk for 45 minutes keeps the skin healthy. Walking improves blood circulation and also flushes out toxins. Lack of exercise leads to dull-looking skin

Stress. Stress causes dark circles, loss of complexion, and appearance of permanent lines on facial skin. Yoga, meditation, exercise and body massage are best stress-busters and skin-friendly therapies

Addiction. Tobacco, drugs, alcohol etc., make the skin look lifeless and unattractive. Say “no” to any form of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

The post For a Healthy Skin appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Massage therapy [abhyanga] is recommended in ayurveda in the course of treating several diseases. It plays a great role in the body’s detoxification process [panchakarma], before starting actual medical treatment.

Ayurvedic herbal or aromatic oils are used during massage. The oils are selected according to the condition and objective of massage.

The American Massage Therapy Association [AMTA] defines massage therapy as “a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and wellbeing of the client.”

Types of body massage

Different kinds of body massage are used after analysing the cause and location of discomfort. The following are the various kinds of body massage:

• Face and head massage
• Arms and hand massage
• Legs and feet massage
• Back massage
• Neck and shoulder massage
• Chest massage
• Abdomen massage
• Massage for babies and children
• Massage during pregnancy.

Techniques

A massage therapist uses “strokes” and “pressure” while massaging. Effleurage, petrisage, percussion, friction and vibration are five different strokes used while massaging.

Effleurage strokes are long, gliding and soothing .These strokes are made with the flat surface of hands. Effleurage strokes increase circulation and depth of relaxation.

Petrisage strokes resemble kneading. These strokes are recommended to massage children and elderly people. Skin and muscle surfaces are rolled or squeezed, gently and firmly, by grasping them between thumb and fingers.

Percussion is done using both hands. In this stroke, both hands move rapidly and alternatively stimulating the muscles. Percussion can be done with finger tips [tapping], chopping movement of stretched fingers [hacking], cupped hands [cupping], flat opened palms [slapping], and fists [pounding].

Friction. These strokes are used to treat joints and surrounding areas. Friction breaks adhesions, removes wastes and cleans up congestion. Long, slow, firm strokes or circular movements of hand are used to move superficial tissues over the deep underlying tissues.

Vibrations. These strokes stimulate the nerves. Hands or fingers are moved back and forth rapidly on soft tissues to shake them. Vibrations are used on buttocks, thighs, upper back etc.

Mild, moderate or heavy “pressure” is applied during massage, depending upon the part to be massaged and the aim of massage.

Ayurveda texts illustrate different types of massage for different conditions. They are:

Udvarthana. Massaging the body in the opposite direction. According to ayurvedic texts, starting the massage from the head and proceeding downwards is considered conventional. Hence, massages that proceed from palm to shoulder or feet to thighs or hips to neck are opposite in direction. These massages are performed by exerting mild pressure and using dry herbs. This kind of massage exfoliates the skin, enhances its glow and gives you a healthy look. It also helps to reduce bad odour, caused due to sweating.

Mardana. Massaging the whole body exerting intense pressure is called mardana. This is usually done in individuals who indulge in enhanced physical work – e.g., athletes, sportspersons, wrestlers etc.

Padaghata. Padaghata means massaging using the feet.

According to ayurveda, massaging the body on a regular basis with ayurvedic herbal oils has innumerable benefits. This process is called as abhyanga.

In the great ayurvedic classic, Ashtanga Hridaya, the benefits of herbal oil massage have been documented as follows.

Abhyanga aachare nityam sa jara-shrama-vataha

Drushtihi prasada pushtyaahu swapna sutwak daadarya krit.

• Aging symptoms appear very late in life
• Balances vata and reduces vata-related problems
• Skin becomes fresh, soft, glowing and healthy
• Skin becomes resistant to diseases
• Sharp eyesight and attractive eyes
• Body becomes stronger and well-nourished
• The body and mind get relaxed
• Promotes good sleep
• Increases libido
• Rejuvenates the body.

The renowned sage Charaka prescribes foot massage [padabhyanga] to get rid of cracked feet, dry skin, tiredness and foot pain. Massage improves the flexibility of lower extremities/feet.

Precautions

Therapists, as a rule, do not massage subjects who have fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and indigestion, skin eruptions, bruises, inflamed joints, sensitive/varicose veins, tumours, menses, indigestion, nut allergy, dislocated shoulder, and vertebral problems.

A person undergoing massage therapy should not wear contact lenses or consume alcohol or over-eat during, or shortly before a massage.

One more thing. When you go for a massage therapy, please check whether the therapist is qualified or not.

Massage therapy can cause more harm than good in untrained, or unskilled, hands.

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