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Kati basti for Back pain

Kati basti for Back pain Pain in the lower back is a most common complaint with many adults. With school from home and work from home being the norm, we see this complaint increasing even in young adults. Every 8 people out of 10 have backpain at some point in life. It can result from weak back muscles, Injuries, spinal conditions and as secondary issue to other diseases. Pain can range from mild to severe and in few cases pain may cause difficulty to walk sleep or perform other day to day activities Few common causes of backpain are : Sprain: This may be due to injury to muscle, tendon or ligament especially due to lifting a heavy object. Muscles can go weak due to long sitting during works hours Disc Problems: Like degenerative disk herniated disk, disk prolapse causes low back pain. Structural Problems Arthritis Kati basti: Kati is low back and basti is a container that holds. Kati basti is oil pooling therapy in Ayurveda. Benefits: This will nourish the joints and strengthen the muscles It reduces inflammation Enhances blood circulation Relives stiffness Procedure: A ring is prepared using urad dal preferably dried in the sunThe ring is attached on the low back of the patient; the junction of ring and skin is sealed with wet flour the oil does not leak.Medicated oil prescribed by the doctor specific for the patient condition is poured in the ring. Oil is heated passivelyIn order to maintain uniform temperature during procedure, warm oil is replaced with existing oil at regular intervals.Patients should be asked to avoid vigorous exercise during the course of this treatment. Following Katibasti for 7 or 14 days we see good recovery in patients. It is many times combined with fomentation therapies such as Elakizhi ( fomentation using medicated leaves bolus) or Navarakizhi (fomentation using medicated rice bolus).

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Acupuncture for Back pain

Acupuncture for Back pain Pain in the lower back is the most common complaint. It may be mild to moderate and is triggered due to sedentary habits and weak back muscles. Every 8 people out of 10 have back pain at some point in life. It can result from Injuries, spinal Conditions, and as a secondary problem due to certain diseases. In a few cases, pain may cause difficulty walking, sleeping, or performing other day-to-day activities.   A few common causes of back pain are : Sprain: This may be due to injury to muscle, tendon or ligament especially due to lifting a heavy object. Muscles can go weak due to long sitting during work hours Disc Problems: Like degenerative disk herniated disk, disk prolapse causes low back pain. Structural Problems Arthritis Acupuncture : Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most popular systems of treatment widely utilized for pain. A lot of studies show the effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of pain. Acupuncture is based on the concept of “Qi” which is a vital motivating force. If there is an imbalance in the Qi Diseases arise in the physical body. As per Acupuncture theory when acupoints are stimulated by pricking the point with needles body will release pain-relieving chemicals, which naturally occur in the body which have similar properties to opioid pain relievers. Also, Acupuncture helps to release Neurotransmitters which help in reducing the pain. Based on the condition of the person, an electrical Stimulator may be used which further helps in stimulation and release the stiffness in muscle. A typical acupuncture session takes half an hour.

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Understanding Stress – Yogic perspective

Understanding Stress – Yogic perspective Stress plays an important role in the onset and management of many non- communicable disorders. According to the Yoga text – Yoga Vasista, the concept of ‘Adhija vyadhi’ explains about the diseases originating from stress and ‘Anadhija Vyadhi’ explains about the diseases which are not due to stress. The duality of likes – dislikes, love – hatred etc. which govern human emotions start creating imbalance at the level of manomaya kosha and when intensify cause “Adhi’s”. These conflicts bring about the speed in mind and are termed ‘stress’. The repetition brings in the response of anxiety, depression, anger and affects the various systems. Acharya Patanjali has provided the most comprehensive description of the five stress producing factors called Kleshas. They are: Avidya, Asmita, Raga, Dwesha and Abhiniveshaha. Ignorance, ego, desire, dislike and fear of change are the five stress producing factors.  The fivefold kleshas are responsible for the onset of dukha (pain) which may be physical or mental. Diseases are considered as dukha and can be overcome through cittavritti nirodha (regulation of mental modifications). We could overcome the fivefold klesha by practicing kriyayoga [tapas (austerity), swadhyaya (self study), ishwarapranidhana (surrendering to the divine)] and by ashtanga yoga (Eight limbs of Yoga). Acharya Patanjali also mentions about cittavikshepa (obstacles) as the impediments in the path of achieving the control of mind. We could understand in a simple manner that keeping a positive attitude, practicing breathing techniques and meditation upon various objects help one to get rid of the vikshepa or the Obstacles and therefore manage Stress and its impact on the body. Article By : Dr. Vasudha M Sharma

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Importance of Antenatal teacher training course to Yoga instructors

Importance of Antenatal teacher training course to Yoga instructors Antenatal education is a crucial component in antenatal care. The transition to parenthood is life’s most significant event. Having yoga as a tool to support during this period creates another layer of care and this brings in a ‘Yoga Instructor’ to serve the purpose.A yoga teacher or instructor training in the basics will not be able to attend to Yoga during pregnancy. Therefore a specialized training from the antenatal yoga course  becomes essential. Antenatal Teacher Training Course helps in: To learn and teach pregnancy yoga rooted in the body’s own intelligence and intuition. This course will have exposure to Reproductive Anatomy and physiology of human body. The course provides knowledge on How pregnancy occurs and How reproductive health can be improved for healthy pregnancy and easy delivery. This course helps in understanding simple modifications of any posture which a pregnant lady can perform. Understanding Stress and ways to reduce adverse effects of stress during pregnancy. Teacher’s learn to be confident through modified yoga practices which help to manage pregnancy related discomforts and attain positive attitude and confidence throughout the pregnancy. Article By :Dr. Shraddha Surathkal

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Roga – Arogya Karanam

Roga – Arogya Karanam We often strive to maintain a work-life balance for adults, equal study and play time for kids. It is evident that excess or inadequacy of anyone would create trouble for us in some form or the other. Hence balance is the key. Ayurveda has always emphasized on the state of equilibrium for a healthy living. An insight on fundamental principles of ayurveda, has given us the knowledge that each individual human body has its own constituent doshas. The triad Vata-Pitta-Kapha are responsible for physiological processes of our body and exist in varying levels. Balanced activities of the same brings health and an imbalance leads to illnesses. But what can cause them to go off balance? In the other words, what would be the reason for disruption in their basic function? The answer to this will give us the root cause for all the diseases existing in the world. Any imbalance in the doshas can be traced back to three types actions : Deficient or under utilization – Hina yoga Excess or over utilization – Athi yoga Wrong utilization – Mithya yoga Ancient scholars have summed up these factors ‘Under-Over-Wrong utilization’ in relation with Time( काल), Sensory objects( अर्थ ) and Activities ( कर्म ) as a reason for imbalance of doshas and in turn to sufferings. कालार्थकर्थ र्मणर्म ांयोगो हीनमि थ्याति मात्रक:। सम्यग्योगश्च वि ज्ञेयो रोगारोग्यकै कारणम ्।। Let us use some of our own experiences to understand this. Time factor (Kaala) Try looking at the season, excessive rainfall in the monsoon brings floods, scanty rains lead to drought and rainfall in winter can ruin crops. On the same lines, many times we tend to disrespect the time factor in our daily life and follow an untimely eating and sleeping routine, uncontrolled blue screen time, long travel hours and other such activities. Here you can appreciate the Under-Over-Wrong utilization of kala or the time factor. Sensory objects (Artha) Humans have an excellent ability of using their sensory organs to connect to the world and for the benefit of health. But at the same time loud noises of automobiles and speakers can be a health hazard. Reading in dull light or using a bright screen will be a reason for eye disorders. Addiction to fast food, alcohol etc leading to obesity and other disorders. All of these are pointing to Under-Over-Wrong utilization of sensory objects or Artha in ayurvedic terms. Activities (Karma) The three types of activities, physical (kayika), verbal (vachika) and mental (manasika) activities come under the category of Karma. Any of these done in excess or low is not good for the body. Being a workaholic may sound profitable moneywise but not for health. On the other hand, desk jobs with sedentary lifestyles in today’s world have emerged as a major source of many diseases. These are examples for Under-Over-Wrong utilization of Karma or Activities. If prevention is a better way to health, knowing the cause is the first step towards disease free life. Ayurveda aims at balance in our body-mind and the knowledge of these factors will help us achieve the same. Article By : Dr. Suchetha Hedge

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Pregnancy Yoga

Pregnancy yoga Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in a woman’s life. All the discomfort that a woman has undergone during pregnancy will pay off when she holds that tiny little baby.Pregnancy is a condition in which women undergo distinct physiological changes and stress and is accompanied by unique physical and psychological demands. There is a need to manage the various physical, emotional, mental, and pain states that arise throughout the stages of pregnancy and labour. In this 9 month there may be few complications as well like gestational diabetes, hypertension, abnormal fetal position, depression, anxiety anemia and so on which may create negative consequences to mother and fetus. Preparation for delivery can be effective in decreasing adverse response during pregnancy and labor. Considering all these conditions Antenatal yoga is a promising approach which can give a woman an opportunity and tool to enjoy this miraculous period of life to the fullest. Antenatal yoga is tailored to be safe, gentle and differs from yoga geared towards the general population in pace, use of modification because of unique physiological needs in pregnancy. Antenatal yoga helps in inducing normal labor by strengthening and improving the flexibility of pelvic muscles as well as other core muscles which is essential for vaginal delivery. Yoga practices encourage and optimize the baby to get into the best position for birth which is when the head of the baby is down. On the similar note prolonged duration of labor can be reduced It was demonstrated that meditation, breathing exercises and relaxation technique which are essential component of yoga have a direct positive impact on the activities of autonomic nervous system Also addressing other complications like gestational diabetes yoga help to regulate hormones that affect blood glucose level. Lot of pregnant ladies are skeptical on performing yoga poses in the beginning, but post proper guidance  they perform and experience the benefit with respect to their endurance, back pain, feeling of lightness,improvement in quality of sleep or overall quality of life then they tend to practice it regularly and that is the beauty of this ancient practice yoga. Research evidence proves that pregnant women show positive changes after yoga practice. Changes In Effect on Prenatal Disorders Effect on Pregnancy related Pain Effect on Psychological Health Effect on duration of labor and mode of delivery Effect on birth outcomes Article By :Dr. Shraddha Surathkal

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VHG’s Approach to women’s health

VHG’s Approach to women’s health Health of women differs from men in distinct ways. Health is defined as the state of physical, mental and social wellbeing i.e., the condition where there is absence of diseases.  Every woman goes through a series of primary changes during her lifetime which is menarche, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Female hormones are equally important factors as they play a vital role in the various physiological and emotional changes. estrogen, progesterone and prolactin are the primary female hormones affecting women’s health. Women are very important creations of nature especially for her ability to reproduce. There are certain gynecological issues that affect a woman’s health: Infertility PCOD/PCOS Endometriosis Pelvic pain Menorrhagia pre-menopausal syndromes Uterine Fibroid Leucorrhoea(white discharge) Cervix and uterus infections including fungal, bacterial etc. What causes these health issues in women? Improper diet and lifestyle Obesity Self-medication Lifestyle-related diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension etc. Excessive use of contraceptives etc. Integrated treatment Approach for Better women Health by Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy: Ayurveda helps to balance the hormones, tones the uterus, nourishes the skin and decreases the health issues occurring in women nowadays by performing certain panchakarma therapies (detoxification), oral medications etc. Ayurveda has a specialized field dealing with women’s health called Prasuti and Stree roga. Yoga helps in improving many conditions in women. It reduces the symptoms of menopause, reduces menstrual pain, eases pregnancy stress, depression etc. and helps to improve the lifestyle of women by performing certain asana, meditation, breathing techniques etc. Naturopathy uses herbal supplements, water therapy, exercise therapy, acupuncture, mud therapy, dietary and lifestyle changes which helps in the improvement of certain women’s health issues and helps in leading a healthy lifestyle.

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Do not fear Psoriasis

Do not fear Psoriasis! Psoriasis is an autoimmune, non-infectious  disorder that causes plaques, which are itchy or sore patches of thick, red, dry skin. The word “Psora” is Greek word meaning “Itch”. Psoriasis affects any part of the body. Psoriasis has a genetic predisposition, can develop at any age though often occurs between 15 and 35 of age. Itchiness is the most common and nagging complaint in people with psoriasis which not only leads to physical ill-health but also a psychological distress. It has significant impact on Quality of life and profoundly alters their daily activities with impact on social, physical and psychological well- being. Ayurveda describes psoriasis as Kitibha Kushtha, Kushta meaning that which makes the skin look disgraceful. Psoriasis (Kitibha Kustha) occurs due to vitiation of Vata, Kapha, Pitta & Rakta doshas. Ayurveda explains the causes, manifestation and management in a holistic way. Etiology / Causes : Diet : Dairy products such as curd, Buffalo milk, cheese Lentils such as black gram, horse gram, field beans, newly harvested rice Sweet dish prepared from sugar, carbohydrate rich food Citrus fruits, tamarind, tomatoes, green chillies Consumption of food items that can’t be eaten together (dairy products with fish) Lifestyle : Stress, Day sleep, suppressing the natural urges such as defeacation and hunger, excessive exposure to sunrays, excessive worry/grief, excessive physical exercises. Manifestation : Etiological factors Dosha prakopa Spread all over the body through channels Vitiates skin, blood, muscles Patches over the skin Kitibha (Psoriasis) Holistic Treatment : Nidana parivarjana – Nidanaparivarjana (abstinence from etiological factors) Panchakarma – To detoxify the body using the panchakarma therapies of Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya and Rakta mokshana based on doctor’s advise. Naturopathy – Therapies such as neutral enema helps to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Other treatments such as mud therapy, diet therapy and acupuncture. Yoga therapy – Includes a combination of Asana, pranayama and meditation for better mind body coordination Pathya (Do’s and Don’ts) Ayurveda, explains that there is no need of medicine when one follows a healthy diet, and when one doesn’t follow, then there is no effect of medicine. It’s therefore important to note diet is most crucial. Wholesome Diet : Old rice, barley, green gram, bitter vegetables and meat of wild animals. Unwholesome Diet : Sour, salty, heat producing items like pepper, green chillies, curd, milk, jaggery, meat of marshy animals, sesame seeds, black gram are contraindicated; and alcohol are to be avoided. Home remedies Olive oil – Olive oil has developed a reputation for being an effective treatment for mild cases of plaque psoriasis. It can be used for massage before bathing or as applicant after bath. Aloe Vera – Topical application of aloe vera is a safe and natural psoriasis remedy to soothen Turmeric – Turmeric has a long history of being used for infections and the anti-inflammatory components help heal skin. Oral consumption of turmeric in cooking and topical use of its extract is found to be useful.Orange turmeric powder with fresh turmeric . The above insights help us understand Psoriasis and also throw light that a holistic management using Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy is crucial in initiating a change towards recovery. Being a SPyho somatic disorder, Psoriasis needs to be addressed by balancing the mind body complex.

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Triguna

Triguna The three gunas – Satva, Rajas and Tamas are the three essential components or energies of the mind. Ayurveda provides a distinct description of people on the basis of their Manasa(psychological) Prakriti (constitution). Genetically determined, these psychological characteristics are dependent on the relative dominance of the three gunas. The psyche is of three types – Satva, Rajas and Tamas While all individuals have mixed amounts of the three, the predominant guna determines an individual’s manasa prakriti. In equilibrium, the three gunas preserve the mind (and indirectly the body), maintaining it in a healthy state. Any disturbance in this equilibrium results in various types of mental disorders. Satva characterized by lightness, consciousness, pleasure and clarity, is pure, free from disease and cannot be disturbed in any way. It activates the senses and is responsible for the perception of knowledge. Rajas, the most active of the gunas, has motion and stimulation as its characteristics.All desires, wishes, ambitions and fickle-mindedness are a result of the same. Tamas is characterized by heaviness and resistance.It produces disturbances in the process of perception and activities of the mind. Delusion, false knowledge, laziness, apathy, sleep and drowsiness are due to it.

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Treatment method for Nasya

Nasya Nasya karma is one among the Panchakarma procedures. It has an important role in treatment and management of Urdhvajatrugata rogas. Nasya karma is a procedure where medicated oil or medicine is administered  through the nose or through the nasal route. Nasya karma is also known as Shirovirechana, Murdha virechana, Navana. Time of  Administration of Nasya : This procedure can be done in the morning in case of Khaphaja vikara, in the afternoon in case of Pittaja vikara and in the evening in case of Vataja vikara. It can be done for 5, 7 or 9 days considering Samyak and Asamyak lakshana. Administration of Nasya : The patient is examined and should be checked whether he/she is fit or unfit for the procedure Medicaments are collected and medicine is prepared Patient is asked to evacuate the natural urges. Patient is made to lie in supine position and his/her eyes are covered with four folded cloths The medicine is heated indirectly and made lukewarm Patients’s nose is drawn upwards, and the lukewarm medicine is administered into both nostrils using Sutika or Pichu Medicine is administered to nostrils in a continuous stream, one after other, by keeping one nostril closed and vice versa Later, the patient should relax and avoid talking, laughing, and shaking of head After the procedure the patient’s ears, forehead, scalp, shoulders, nape of neck, palms and soles are massaged Dhoomapana is advised Kavala with hot water is done Nasya karma is mainly indicated in:    Cataract(Timira), Disease of eyelid, Toothache, Tooth sensitivity, Loose tooth, Goitre, Migraine(Ardhavabhedaka ), Peenasa(Rhinitis), Vyanga(Moles), Manyasthambha(Spasm of neck), Arbuda(Tumor). This therapy is contraindicated in:   Ajeerna(Indigestion), Bhuktabhakta(Who has taken meals), Snata shira(Taken head bath), Kshudartha(Hunger), Trushna(Thirst), Shramartha(Tired), Vyayamaklanta(Fatigue due to exercise), Vyavayaklanta(Fatigue due to coitus), Navajwara(Fever of recent origin), Garbhini(Pregnant), Nava pratisyaya(Acute rhinitis). Benefits from this procedure are –  Stress, Migraines, Insomnia, Sinusitis, Tinnitus, Other sinus issues. Article By :Ms. Arpitha (Final year BAMS student)  

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