Thursday, March 9, 2017

Ama in Ayurveda





What is Ama: Ama is undigested food which is responsible for many chronic and autoimmune disease.Fire ( Agni) in the digestive system is that basic energy, required digest food. It is responsible for the process of transformation of food that is consumed, i.e, it makes the consumed food available for the body tissues. If Agni is maintained in normalcy, one can stay healthy. Once the Agni is hampered, then ama is created which cause disturbance in dosha of the body and leads to various type of diseases. Any disease is nothing but the altered state of Agni in the stomach (Impaired functioning of Agni).


Due to impaired state of agni, degestion of food will not occur properly leading to a condition called Ama. The manner in which the nutrition ingested is digested, the way in which its various components are metabolized into appropriate Dhatu or tissue element and how some of its constituents are broken down for being utilized for the production of energy required for vital activities, depends upon what kind of Agni (digestive power) you have.


According to Ayurveda there are 13 types of Agni in body namely-7 Dhatu Agni, 5 Bhutagni
and 1 Jatharagni . Among these 13 Jatharagni is the prime one and nourishes the other
Agnis.


Jatharagni=refers to the whole process of digestion in G.I.T.


Bhutagni=refers to the final digestion in liver AGNI.


Dhatu Agni=refers to tissue metabolism


In Ayurvedic these 13 types of Agni are further divided into four types on the basis of function as follows:


I n ayurveda there are three Pathological State of Agni:


•Mandagni=Low function  of digestive enzymes
•Triksnagni=High function of digestive enzymes
•Vishmgni=Irregular secretion of digestive enzyme


And Healthy state of Agni.


•Samagni=Normal secretion of digestive enzymes.


Malfunctioning of Agni leads to production of Ama (undigested foods that remains in tract and acts as foreign elements and are responsible for many autoimmune diseases). Ama can be developed at the level of Jatharagni (improper digestion in G.I.T), Bhutagni (liver dysfunction) or Dhatu Agni (disturbed tissue metabolism).


There are many ayurvedic herb which can help in your digestive system and these are:


Herbs acting at the Level of Bhutagni:


Trikatu: A herbal preparation having equal amount of three herbs namely Sunthi (Zingiber officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and Pippali (Piper longum) is supposed to work on Jatharagni at the level.


Ginger (Zingiber officinale):  Is best remedy for dyspepsia and indigestion, stomach pain and nausea.


Herbs  acting at the Level of Bhutagni:


Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba): Bhringraj is one of the most important herbs supposed to work at the level of Bhutagni. It is one of the main herb of many herbal formulation to treat  liver disorder.


Kutaki (Picrorhiza kurroa): According to Ayurveda Kutai ( Picrorhiza kurroa) act as Pitta rechaka i.e. it helps in expulsion of bile. This herb is safe in treatment of liver disease.


Arogyavardhini: that is use most frequently for the management of liver disorder. According  to Ayurveda, Arogyavardhini is supposed to work on Bhutagni level therefore its use is not restricted up to only liver disorders rather it can be use in all type of ailment related to chronic gastrointestinal disorders/digestive diseases.


Cucurma longa: Curcuma longa commonly known as turmeric is another herb which help in liver function.  It is supposed to work on Bhutagni and therefore helpful in ailment
results due to Bhutagni Mandya like Diabetes Mellitus, Hepatitis etc.


Drug Acting on Dhatu Agni:


Rasagni-Khajoora, Munakka, Majjagni-Guduchi, Aswagandha,  Satavari and many more. 


Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Probiotics in Ayurveda





What is Probiotics: Probiotics are those bacteria which are good for our body and health. There are several kinds of bacteria found in our intestines playing an important role in maintaining the health of body and intestines. These bacteria prevent the growth of harmful type of bacteria and several types of chemicals which are harmful to our health. So probiotics are essential for body to maintain healthy state. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when consumed may confer a health benefit to the recipient.


There are certain species of bacteria e.g. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and Bifidobacteria spp. are commonly used in the manufacture of probiotic products because of their well-known
beneficial effect to health and they are generally are Safe. Many studies have shown that probiotics can stimulate the immune system, decrease serum cholesterol, alleviate
lactose intolerance, decrease diarrheal incidence, control infections, act as antibiotics, suppress tumors and protect against colon/bladder cancer.


The continuous use of imbalance diet and medication due to some illness, there is stress buildup and an imbalance creat in the digestive system. Due to this there is increase of growth of harmful bacteria and thus giving rise to many disease. E.g. IBS, colitis like intestinal diseases etc.


In Ayurveda Takra (yogurt) is considered as the source of Probiotic. According to Ayurvedic understanding Takra (yoghurt) is a great probiotic. Hence the consumption of yoghurt in diet is
a simple and effective remedy as per Ayurveda.


The micro channels carrying nutrients to all cells in the body, when they get clogged or blocked due to any reason, the particular organ or system suffers in efficiency due to lack of nutrition.
It is essential to remove such blockages. The reason which cause the blockage must be treated. The buttermilk removes such blockages and purifies the channels Thus buttermilk is an important food supplement which keeps disease away.


Yoghurt is a natural probiotic diet because the friendly bacteria for the intestines and the body are found in abundance in it.  A bacterium of yoghurt help well in absorbing the minerals as well, particularly the calcium and the iron. Buttermilk detoxifies body and cleanses the intestines, relieves constipation and helps to replenish intestinal flora. It has less fat compared to milk and is rich in calcium, potassium and Vit B12. Hence in Ayurveda prime importance is given to butter milk. Therefore eating yogurt or buttermilk is the good therapy in Ayurveda for management of diseases related to the GI tract


What is Prebiotics:  Prebiotics are employed to promote both beneficial bacteria which are already established in the colon as well as externally administered probiotic bacteria. The original definition of prebiotics was that they are food ingredients which are indigestible in the upper GI tract and reach the colon to beneficially influence the recipient by selectively promoting the growth and/or activity of certain bacteria in the colon. You can find these prebiotics in naturally from many fruits and vegetables including leeks, Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, onion, garlic, banana, and asparagus.


So start eating yogurt and buttermilk for your good health. But there are some people who can not take yogurt and buttermilk due to some other disease, so they can take probiotics in capsule form which is available in the market. 





Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Dosha in Ayurveda


Ayurveda is the science of life. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word means science of life. Ayu means life or daily living, and Veda is knowing. Ayurveda, therefore, is the healing branch or medical side of the system of yoga. “Ayur” or “life” in Ayurveda is described as the harmony of the higher Self (Atman), mind (manas), prana, senses and body. This idea of life is not merely physical but includes all aspects of our being and shows the broad and integral scope of Ayurvedic theory and practice. Ayurveda helps the healthy person to maintain health, and the diseased person to regain health. The practice of Ayurveda is designed to promote human happiness, health and creative growth. Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that is indigenous to and widely practiced all over the world now a days. Ayurveda’s goal is to achieve health by working towards balance and harmony. Prevention is emphasised over cure. Ayurveda recognizes the importance of physical balance, emotional release, mental health, environmental mindfulness and spiritual progression in the total health.

The Law of Karma and Ayurveda:

For every action you take there will be a reaction in the future. The cause and effect is the basis of the law of Karma in the universe. This law of karma also important in Ayurveda. Whatever is our health condition there is a reason for it. A disease cannot arise without a cause. If one has a Pitta (heat) disease like the infection, a pitta cause must exist in such things as exposure to heat or eating of pitta causing foods, excessive anger and other Pitta-increasing actions. Everything has a reason and if we discover that reason we can correct the cause that brings us pain, disease or sorrow. Nothing happens that is uncaused or not produced by our own actions. This principle of causation means that we bring about and are responsible for our own condition in life, physical or mental. It means that we possess the power to correct it by remedial measures. As we have made all that we are, we also have the power to correct it. This principle of responsibility gives us the basis for correcting any wrong actions. It shows us that what we have spoiled we can also make well again or even better in time. It gives freedom through which we can arrive with our own action. Ayurveda teaches that the a person themselves must take an active part in the treatment, for it is only the individual that can change their own chain of cause and effect of any condition. Reversing this process of causation, we can go back to the normal healthy life. This return process is the process of reintegration leads to balanced and harmonious life with yourself.

According to Ayurveda, the five fundamental elements that make up the universe--space (Akasha), air (Vayu), fire (Agni), water (Apu) and earth (Prithvi)--also make up the human physiology. Looking at the elements from the point of view of what they do in the physiology, rather than what they are, Ayurveda describes three biological humors or psychophysiological energies called doshas. There are three doshas, called Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and each is mainly a combination of two elements. Vata dosha is made up of space and air. Pitta dosha is a combination of fire and water. Kapha dosha is made up of water and earth.

Dosha means “that which changes” because doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others. They are primary life forces or biological humours. The doshas are the biological energies found in the human body and mind. They govern all physical and mental processes and provide every living being with an individual blueprint for health and fulfilment. The doshas are subtle, they cannot be perceived directly in the body. However their presence is visible through distinct qualities and actions – ranging from biological functions to personality traits.

Each one of us is born with a mix of Vata, Pitta and Kapha that makes us our body constitution and determines our strengths and weaknesses. While one dosha usually dominates in most individuals, a second dosha may also have a strong influence. This is referred to as a dual-doshic constitution. For example, a Vata-Pitta type will have Vata as the primary constitution but also embody strong Pitta characteristics. On the other hand, a Pitta-Vata type will identify more with Pitta characteristics, but also have strong Vata qualities. The least common constitutional type is known as “tri-doshic” or Vata-Pitta-Kapha. This refers to an individual who has an equal amount of all three doshas.

The doshas are dynamic energies that are constantly changing in season, in response to our actions, thoughts, emotions, the food that we eat, and any other sensory inputs that feed our mind and body. When we live in accordance with the nature of our doshic type, this means we make lifestyle and dietary decisions that balance our doshas, and we can have a healthy vibrant life. Nurturing your unique dosha nature is considered the direct pathway to fulfilment in life. For example, a person who suppresses an underlying creative impulse may create a deep-seated imbalance of their Vata dosha over time. When we do not live in harmony with our doshic constitution this can be due to unhealthy patterns of physical, mental and emotional imbalances, and dosha could be aggravated or stimulated. You can restore balance to the aggravated dosha by understanding your unique constitution dosha type.

So question how to know your doshas?

Each one of us has a different constitution. The key to Ayurvedic treatment is to know the main imbalances of the doshas and how to treat them. For maintenance of health, every person should understand their constitution. When examining the doshas, it is important to make a distinction between balanced and an imbalanced state.

Vata Dosha: The person with predominantly Vata in their constitution has a quick mind, lots of enthusiasm and many interests. Vata types are always on the go mentally and physically. Common signs of Vata imbalance include anxiety and bodily disorders related to dryness, such as dry skin and constipation. Signs of imbalanced Vata also include restlessness, lacking confidence, being disorganised, tendency to procrastinate, talking too fast and being “spacey” and ungrounded. Because they can be overactive thinkers they may be prone to depression, anxiety, insomnia, attention deficit disorder (ADD), headaches, low energy and obsessive compulsive disorders.

How to balance Vata Dosha: Calming the mind, practicing meditation, doing gentle exercises such as yoga, eating in a peaceful environment, following a regular daily routine, listening to calm music and having regular massages all help to balance Vata. Use warming and energizing essential oils such as basil, black pepper, cinnamon, clove bud, and coriander seed and rosemary. It is important for Vata types to follow their creative and artistic passions.

Pitta Dosha: When the Pitta dosha is out of balance they can have deep seated emotional issues rooted in anger, fear, hatred and jealousy. They can become arrogant, hot-headed, loud and aggressive, judgmental and overly competitive. Pitta types are high achievers and very confident. They have a fiery temperament. There is a saying in Ayurveda that an imbalanced Pitta individual does not go to hell, they simply create hell wherever they go! Typically Pitta problems manifest in the body as infections, inflammation, rashes, ulcers, heartburn and fevers. Pitta individuals have a strong metabolism, but it can be aggravated by hot spicy food.

How to balance Pitta Dosha: By learning to meditate, engaging in calming activities, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, spent with nature, and taking time to rest everyday, Pittas can remain balanced. Excessive Pitta should be treated with cooling and calming oils such chamomile, lavender, neroli, sandalwood, kus kus and vetiver. The person with balanced Pitta in their constitution are joyful, sharp intellect, confidence, charisma and much courage and drive. They are extremely ambitious individuals. Pitta types are high achievers and very confident.

Kapha Dosha: When the Kapha dosha is out of balance the person is prone to overeating. They are likely to suffer from bodily disorders such as obesity, sinus congestion and anything related to mucous. Typically they are considered the more mentally and emotionally unstable of the three doshas, therefore they are prone to lethargy, attachment and depression. They can be contented, they are often not able to say no, they can become possessive and often give up easily.

How to balance Kapha Dosha: You can balance Kapha by eating a Kapha-balancing diet, focusing on non-attachment in daily life, and changing in your daily routine. By engaging in physical activities. To balanced Kapha types they should use grounding and balancing essential oils such as cedarwood, sandalwood and vetiver. Excessive Kapha can be treated with warming and spicy oils such as Tulsi basil, black pepper, cinnamon, clove bud, coriander seed, ginger, turmeric and saffron. The balanced Kapha person naturally have good health and mental peace. Kapha types are warm, loving and gentle people. Kapha types have strong stamina, they are patient, forgiving and they are good listeners.