Jala Neti Hatha Yoga, as described in the early yoga Upanishads, is made up of the shatkarmas and is a very precise and systemic science. Shat means 6 and karma means action, and shatkarmas consist of six group of purification practices. Neti is one among them. Neti : A process of cleaning and purifying the nasal passages. Practices included in the category are Jala neti and sutra neti. Jala neti (Nasal cleansing with water): Requirements : A special pot called Neti pot. 100 ml luke warm water and 2 pinches of salt. Procedure : Fill neti pot with salt water. While breathing through mouth, gently insert the nozzle of pot into one nostril. Tilt the neti pot in such a way that water runs into the nostril and ensure the water to pass out through the nostril. When half the water has passed through, remove the nozzle from the nostril. Remove the mucus from the nose by gently blowing. Same process should be repeated on the other nostril. After completion of cleansing of both the nostrils, exhalation as in kapalabathi kriya is a must to remove excess water from nostrils. Benefits : It removes excess mucus dirt from nasal passage and sinuses. It helps in relieving allergies. It relieves muscular tension of the face. Article By : Dr. Shraddha Surathkal

Abhyanga Abhyanga is one of the daily routine or Dinacharya to be followed by everyone, where oil is used for massaging from head to toe. Benefits of Abhyanga : According to Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana, 2/8 अभ्यङ्गमाचरेनित्यं सजरश्रमवात: | द्रुष्टिप्रसाद पुष्टि आयुः स्वप्नसुक्त्वत्व दार्द्यक्रुत् ।। Abhyangam aacharet nityam sa jaraa shramavaataha | Drushti prasaada pushti aayu susvapna twak daardhyakru|| By inculcating Abhyanga on a daily routine it results in : Delayed aging (जर) Reduction of tiredness (श्रम) Reduces excess वात from body Provides good vision (द्ृष्टि ) Nourishment to the bodily muscles (पुष्टि) Prolongs life span (आयुः) Results in good and sound sleep (स्वप्न) Improves complexion of skin (सुक्त्वत्व) Fitness (दार्द्यक्रुत्) Abhyanga is one among the Bahya Sneha. This is also performed as one of the Poorva karmas in Panchakarma procedure. The oil is warmed and later massaged over the complete body and at the end fomentation is given so that the oil is completely absorbed into the body. There are various types of Abhyanga : Sarvanga Abhyanga Pada Abhyanga Shiro Abhyanga Study proves that massaging the body for 3-5mins in different positions like supine, lateral and prone position with sufficient pressure alleviates Kapha dosha in the body and  provides a positive effect towards psycho-physical parameters. Abhyanga has proven positive results in case of  problems such as Obesity, Rheumatoid arthritis, Eczema, Osteoarthritis  and Hair fall. Mothers are also advised to do Abhyanga to children to increase Bala (strength) in the child. It increases Blood circulation to the body and is a great method for relaxation. Article By : Ms. Architha J

Health, An Ayurvedic Perspective The distinctive feature of Ayurveda is that the primary emphasis is on maintaining a healthy state of being and then comes the curative aspect. Health here is in relation with both body and mind and reflects at all levels from the cell to the whole body. It is achieved with balance of physical as well as mental parameters. In today’s world we have all the access to knowledge. Oftentimes many follow the same popular forms of healthy food available in market. But has it crossed your mind that the balanced state which we refer to as health is different for each of us? And also it follows the nature’s own cycles such as day and night and changing seasons. So health after all is a dynamic term and differs for each of us. To attain this Ayurveda prescribes few simple structured routine to be followed through our lives. This includes: Dinacharya, the daily regimen Ritucharya seasonal regimen Ahara, the dietetics or the meal plan for each person Vyayama the exercises for body and mind Sadvritta social behaviour and conduct in general. It is not just the absence of disease but the perfect functioning of senses, happiness of mind and spiritual well-being which qualifies for the term “health”. Article By : Dr. Suchetha Hedge

Bronchial Asthma and Yoga Therapy What is Bronchial Asthma? It is a condition where the airway becomes narrow, swollen and mucus is produced so the air-filled sacs are now filled with mucus which makes it difficult to breathe. Causes and Risk Factors: Exposing to cold, dust or polluted air Smoking Infections such as cold, flu and pneumonia Exposing to allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mite’s etcetera Environmental changes Intake of cold food and water Symptoms: The most common symptoms are cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of chest. Symptoms aggravate cold food consumption, cold climate and exposure to dust. Cough is common at night. Few tips to Manage Symptoms: Avoid allergens –  dust, pollen, fur etcetera Drink adequate water – being hydrated makes the mucus thinner Avoid smoking Practice breathing exercise regularly Avoid fragrance spray The medications used are bronchodilator, steroids, anti-inflammatory and oxygen as supportive care. How Yoga Helps? Yoga therapy involving breathing techniques will have an impact on asthma symptoms. Breathing exercises in yoga practice help to release suppressed emotions, reduce anxiety and self consciousness, and relax muscle tension. Some yoga postures help expand the chest and increase breath‐holding time as well as capacity of the lungs (vital capacity). People with asthma may achieve a sense of relaxation and a positive mood there by reducing the stimulation of the nervous system (autonomic arousal factors) which is a cause for an asthma attack. Meditation techniques are also known to have positive effects as they help the control and feedback of respiratory muscles which are crucial to trigger an attack of asthma. Therefore Yoga therapy practiced under expert guidance is proven to be beneficial in reducing attacks and exacerbations too. Yoga Therapy Various practices of yoga will help in preventing diseases and useful for management of all kinds of disorders and illnesses. Kriyas: Kriyas are the techniques used to cleanse the various internal parts of the body in ancient days. These important kriyas play a role in the purification of the body. Jala Neti & Sutra Neti: Practice of Jala Neti helps to nasal passage by cleansing and making it free of dirt, dust, debris, potential disease agents (bacteria & viruses) and excess mucus. Vastra dhouti: It is an advanced technique, which should be done with guidance of an expert. This will help in removing sputum from the chest. Asanas: Regular practice of yoga asanas will help in reducing the symptoms of bronchial asthma by expanding the chest, lungs and airways.  Some of the best asanas for bronchial asthma are, Ardha chakrasana Kati chakrasana Ardha ustrasana Ustrasana Gomukhasana Bhujangasana Setubandasana Pranayama: Pranayama – Control over breathing, it improves the lung capacity and helps in easy breathing. Surya anuloma viloma Surya bhedana Bhastrika Nadi Shuddhi Article By : Dr. Anitha

Gut Health “All Disease begins in the Gut” – Hippocrates 50% of the health problems can be corrected by only looking at enhancing gut health. Almost 70% of the immunity originates in gut health. Your overall health, Quality of hair, skin all depend on your gut health. Importance of Gut health The food we eat gets digested and absorbed by the intestine and leads to the bloodstream where nutrients are delivered to different parts of the body. This happens accurately only with healthy gut. Because of Poor gut health there may be accumulation of metabolic waste in our intestine and as a result same waste material may be circulated throughout the body resulting in various disease like Diabetes Hypertension, Autoimmune disorder PCOD etc. A Gut also communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones, which manages general health. A healthy gut contains Gut microbiomes which are communities of bacteria and fungi. They have a positive or negative impact on our health. The gut microbiome helps to absorb nutrients and improves Immunity and behavior. What are common Gut health Problems? Bloating Constipation Irritable bowel syndrome Indigestion Flatulence Gastritis etc. How to Manage Gut Health? Lifestyle management with consistency is the key in managing Gut health. Adequate Sleep:  Sleep is where your body repair and rejuvenates recent research shows not sleeping adequately can have negative impact on gut heath Regular Exercise:  By regular excises stress is managed well which is important in gut health. Exercises helps increase blood supply to different organ of the body. Which in turn helps in digestion and ensure better absorption Healthy Diet:  Good amount of fiber, Greens and whole grains with normal herbs and spices from the kitchen like Cumin, fennel seeds and Ajwain can do wonders for our gut. These foods help in healing our gut. Avoid food with a lot of preservative, artificially processed food, refined food and food which cause irritation to your intestine. Stress Management:  Stress directly has a negative effect on gut health. So managing stress becomes crucial. Brain and gut are connected and are communicating constantly. Therefore when you are stressed the normal digestion process can get disturbed Having understood the common and important methods for a healthy gut, it is also important to note that a clean gut is essential to prevent diseases. Here understanding on Detox therapies which have been explained in Ayurveda and Naturopathy will be useful. Article By :Dr. Shraddha Surathkalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shraddha-surathkal-097919169/

Integrative Medicine For Lower Back Pain Wincing in Pain??? Get rid of it through Ayurveda Yoga and Acupuncture Lower back pain refers to any pain or discomfort experienced in the bottom region of the spine. Lower  back pain can vary from dull pain that develops gradually to sudden, sharp or persistent pain felt below the waist. Unfortunately, almost everyone, at some point during their life experience low back pain. Low Back Pain affects approximately 60-85% of adults during some point in their livesBack pain which originates in the low back can be a result of conditions affecting the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area. A person needs to contact a doctor if• The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest• Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee• Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs• Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss Integrative therapies are unique as the treatment modalities just do not treat the source of pain but takes a holistic approach. Integrative therapies target both mind and body to help reduce pain. A combination of Ayurveda, Yoga and Acupuncture has provided the best and long standing results for a person suffering from Back pain. At Vivekananda Health we strive to relieve the patient of Acute or Chronic pain with a multidisciplinary approach. Ayurveda advocates external therapies of Kati Basti (Oil pulling therapy on the lower back) along with Elakizhi (fomentation with medicated leaves) helps in reducing the stiffness of the muscles by improving circulation. It also initiates the strengthening of the muscles, bones and soft tissues and therefore reduces pain. The Panchakarma therapy (Bio purification) Basti (Medicated enema) pacifies the Vata  and therefore contributes in preventing recurrence. Oral Medication support also helps in balancing the vitiated vata. Acupuncture along with Ayurveda helps in relieving pain as the needling therapy releases the endorphins which are the body’s natural pain killing chemicals. Followed by Ayurveda and Acupuncture special techniques of yoga are administered which quietens and relaxes the mind while stretching and strengthening the body. Practicing yoga might not directly relieve the source of your pain, but it can relax your body, loosen tense muscles, refresh your mind and mentally prepare you better to manage your discomfort. Article By :Dr. Vasudha M Sharmahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drvasudhamsharmavhg

Ayurveda and Yoga for Special Children Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characteristics include “markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication, and restricted activity and interest repertoires”. Since no single intervention has proved effective in alleviating ASD’s core symptoms, many parents of children with ASD use Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) or Mind-body therapies. However, there has been little examination into which types of mind-body therapies have been investigated for people with ASD and for what purposes. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the existing evidence for mind-body therapies for people with ASD, particularly to determine the types of mind-body therapies used and the outcomes that are targeted. Ayurveda says that autism takes place due to the overall imbalances that occur in the vata dosha. This becomes all the more prominent in the sub category of vata dosha known as prana vata which is wedged in the mind. The prana vata helps in governing the entire cerebral activities like learning, concentration, neurological responses, memory etc. This disequilibrium occurs at the level of the brain that includes intellect and mind. Ayurveda provides both internal as well as external treatments for children with autism which really helps in improving eye-to-eye contact and communication level. Ayurveda also helps to enhance other linked problems like metabolism, immunity while decreasing hyperactivity etc. Article By : Dr. Vasudha M Sharma https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvasudhamsharmavhg

Integrative Medicine- The need of the hour! Integrative medicine has been defined as “the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person”, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, health care professionals and disciplines to support optimal health and healing. Integrating the traditional healing systems of our country should be the focus as their resurgence is necessary for drug free living. Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy are the three main Indian systems of medicine which can complement each other for better and long-term healing solutions. Their integration offers a holistic approach which would promote mind body medicine in a comprehensive manner. Services are based on three major areas: Preventive Healthcare – Stop Diabetes, Prevent Obesity, Avoid Depression and prevent complications of many medical conditions. Indian Medicine based stress and lifestyle management will be the basis. Disease management – Management of Major non-communicable diseases like Pain related conditions, Hypertension, Diabetes, Obesity, Bronchitis, Infertility, Insomnia, Childhood and disorders in elderly etc. Rehabilitation –Integrative rehab such as cardiac rehab, pulmonary rehab, neuro-rehab, psychiatric rehab etc. Article By : Dr. Vasudha M Sharma https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvasudhamsharmavhg

Stress Management Through Yoga Therapy Stress is a common condition, a response to a physical threat or psychological distress. Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can arrive at any time during a situation of frustration, anger and nervousness. Types of Stress: There are many types of Stress,  classified on the basis of cause, duration etc. Eustress / Positive stress – Eustress is nothing but beneficial stress and it means good stressExample: Stress during exams, marriage, pregnancy etc Distress / Negative stress – Distress is a state of extreme sorrow, suffering or pain.Example: Stress during overwork, health issues, fears etc Management through Yoga Yoga is an ancient practice which keeps better the health of the mental and physical body. There are many practices of yoga which are used to manage stress. Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, breathing practices, relaxation, pranayama and meditation. Many studies have found that everyday practice of yoga minimizes stress and increases productivity. It is believed that yoga is so effective for stress relief because the physical benefits that yoga brings, encourages a good mood, increases mindfulness and a healthy body. Some common effects of Yoga : Reduces stress and anxiety Provides calm state of mind Lowers blood pressure Lowers heart rate Reduces cortisol (stress hormone) Improves spiritual growth Reduces muscle tension and pain Enhance blood circulation Increases sense of well being Improves positive health of overall body and mind How does yoga helps in managing stress : Various practices of yoga will help in bringing balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.Enhances body- mind awareness, boosts concentration and helps in focusing on work.Physical postures / asanas  promote flexibility, relieve tension and alleviate pain and help in releasing mood-boosting hormones called endorphins. Article By :Dr. Anitha

Ayurveda & Yoga for management of Migraine headache without aura Migraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder characterized by periodic, unilateral, throbbing headaches with associated symptoms of nausea and vomiting usually beginning in childhood, adolescence or early adult life. It recurs in diminishing numbers and intensity during advancing years. It is divided into two subtypes, i.e., migraine with aura and migraine without aura. Up to one-third of people with Migraine perceive an aura: a transient visual, sensory, language, or motor disturbance which signals that the headache will soon occur. Occasionally an aura can occur with little or no headache following it. Migraine is a chronic condition triggered by psychological and physiological stressors, and stress as a risk factor attributes to the problem in 50% of the migraineurs. The treatment using conventional medicine is found to be ineffective due to unpredictable side effects leading to early discontinuation of medicines. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of holistic medicine which considers health as a state of wellbeing resulting from a synergy and balance in the three Doshas (Body humours – Vata, Pitta and Kapha), Agni (Digestive fire), Dhatu (the Body tissues) and Mala (Excretory process). It also emphasises on a blissful state of Atma (spirit), Indriya (sense organs) and Manas (mind). Various disorders have been mentioned in classical texts of Ayurveda and Migraine headache finds its mention under the classification of Shiroroga (Diseases related to the Head region) in both Charaka and Sushruta Samhita. Ardhavabedhaka (Unilateral headache) is the closest type of headache with a description like Migraine. The traditional texts of Ayurveda suggest that different Dosha’s are involved in the manifestation of Ardhavbhedaka. Acharya Sushruta opines Ardhavabhedaka  to be a Tridoshaja vyadhi (a disease with involvement of all three body humours) and Acharya Charaka mentions it as a Vata -kaphaja Vyadhi. The treatment line involves the administration of Samshodhana (Bio-purificatory techniques or Panchakarma) with special mention of Kaya virechana (Purgation) for long term relief. Ayurveda also explains how diet, lifestyle and conduct contribute to the trigger of the disorder and this implies that pathya and apathya (following or not following dietary prescriptions respectively) play a role in the management of Migraine. According to Yoga, Migraine can be classified under Adhija Vyadhi. The cause of the disease lies in the mind and therefore treated accordingly. Studies on Yoga have shown it to be effective in the management of pain related conditions. Tips Pathya-apathya (Do’s and don’ts regimen) – Ahara (food) – Apathya : Caffeine, Cocoa, beans, nuts and peanuts, spicy food, oily food, fermented food are some which need to be avoided. Vihara (lifestyle) – apathy, excessive travel, too much or too little sleep, hunger, fasting and excessive activity. Yoga – Relaxation techniques, Pranayama ( Nadi Shuddhi and Bhramari), Chanting. (Special techniques of yoga should be learnt under the guidance of a trained yoga therapist) Acupuncture – It can work to provide pain relief by working at the level of pain receptors which transmit the pain sensations through the brain. Moxibustion can add on to the effects of Acupuncture by enhancing vasodilatation and bringing in deep relaxation response. Article By : Dr. Vasudha M Sharma https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvasudhamsharmavhg