Autoimmune Arthritis By Dr.Vasudha Sharma | Jun 04, 2022 Autoimmune arthritis is the name given to a group of arthritis types where a person’s immune system attacks itself. The most common example is Rheumatoid arthritis. World Autoimmune Arthritis Day was established in 2012 by the International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement (IAAM) and is celebrated each year on 20 May. Lack of awareness leads to delayed diagnosis, compromised quality of life, and elevated healthcare costs. Educating about these diseases, including the fact they can affect many parts of the body (joints, tissues, organs) is necessary to improve the lives of the 450 million worldwide affected. According to international foundation of Auto immune and Anti-inflammatory Arthritis the main goal is to: Educate the public and medical community about key disease features that can lead to early detection, referrals, and diagnosis. Address misunderstandings associated with these diseases. Let’s understand more about arthritis and management using Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Yoga therapy. Types of Autoimmune arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis: It is one of the commonest autoimmune condition which can affect other parts apart from joints. Immune system attacks its own body tissues. The immune cells are found in the lining of the joint and these cells attract other immune cells and together lead to thickening of the joint lining, new blood vessel formation and damage to joints. This is termed inflammation. This makes your joint swell as fluid builds up inside it. Your joints become painful, swollen, and warm to the touch. Which usually causes swelling and pain in the hands, feet, and wrists. Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can occur in people with a skin condition called psoriasis. Psoriasis causes scaly, patchy areas to build up on the skin. The affected joint areas due to psoriasis can be almost anywhere on the body, including the spine, knees, fingers, toes, or more. Reactive arthritis: It is inflammatory arthritis that manifests after several days to weeks after a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection. Reactive arthritis occurs in people who have a history of certain bacterial infections, such as Chlamydia, Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter. The disease is recognized by various symptoms in different organs of the body that may or may not appear at the same time. It may come on quickly and severely or more slowly, with sudden remissions or recurrences. Along with pain in the joint and inflammation, mouth ulcer and eye infection, burning micturition is common. Juvenile arthritis: is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16. Some types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause serious complications, such as growth problems, joint damage and eye inflammation. Management through Ayurveda Ayurveda, the ancient traditional system of medicine treats Autoimmune Arthritis with following principles Balancing the Doshas Increasing the digestive and metabolic fire or Agni. Stopping the formation of Aama (metabolic waste) at different levels. Increasing digestion and excretion of Aama. Restoring the damaged intestinal mucosa and absorption. The above can be achieved with the help of medicine, some external treatment and management of lifestyle especially diet. Yoga: Yoga apart from reducing stress, can help in many other ways, especially in reducing pain from inflammation. Research proves its effectiveness in dealing with autoimmune disorder. Yoga can significantly reduce psycho-somatic symptoms of the disease, including pain perception, joint flexibility and disability quotient, thereby improving range of motion, posture, coordination, and muscle strength. Yogic exercises help in regaining strength, correcting deformities and improving posture. Pranayama, breathing exercise meditation helps in managing stress. Naturopathy: Accumulation of morbid matters in the body is the cause of disease according to naturopathy. Removing disease causing free radicals is management for autoimmune disorder. Lifestyle choices that we make in terms of food causes accumulation of toxins. Simple detox based on the principles of fasting is helpful in management. Acupuncture is another effective way to manage pain and inflammation in joint pains. Acute phases of pain can also be managed with Acupuncture. The awareness on autoimmune arthritis can help prevent and manage the condition effectively. Article By : Dr.Vasudha Sharma

Best Natural Treatment for Varicose Veins By Dr. Anitha | Jun 03, 2022 Varicose veins: Varicose veins are enlarged/bulged and twisted veins occur most of the time in lower limbs. Veins are actual blood vessels which carry deoxygenated blood from parts of the body to the heart for oxygenation. As these veins work against the gravitational power, prolonged standing may increase the risk of getting varicosity. Causes Prolonged standing Pregnancy Lack of physical activity Pressure inside the veins Obesity Restrictive clothing The aging process Signs & Symptoms Enlarged or bulged veins Twisted veins Swelling/ edema Aching Pain Burning sensation Itching Heavy legs Discoloration of skin High risk factors Old age Women Obesity Life style Family history Overall health Complications Blood clots Bleeding Severe aching pain Varicose Ulcers or eczema Prevention Exercise regularly Maintain a healthy weight Avoid tight clothing Avoid high heel shoes Avoid prolonged standing/sitting Types Stage – 1 Reticular veins / spider veins Stage – 2 Venous nodes or varicose veins Stage – 3 Edema of the lower leg Stage – 4 Varicose eczema or trophic ulcers Management Varicose Veins, Though Not Serious Or Harmful To The Body, If Left Untreated Can Cause Various Problematic Conditions such as Superficial Thrombophlebitis, Bleeding, Venous Eczema, Venous Pigmentation and Ulcers. Conventional management Modern medicine or Allopathy offers the following Sclerotherapy: In this procedure, your doctor injects small- and medium-sized varicose veins with a solution or foam that scars and closes those veins. Laser Treatment: Laser treatment works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. No incisions or needles are used. High ligation and vein stripping: This procedure involves tying off a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing the vein through incisions. Catheter-assisted procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy. Endoscopic vein surgery: You might need this operation only in an advanced case involving leg ulcers if other techniques fail. Management using Ayurveda and Yoga Yoga therapy: Regular practice of yoga asanas will definitely help in increasing the venous blood flow, when the stagnant blood is accumulated in veins. Inverted asanas like Uttita padasana, vipareeta karni, sarvangasana permits the damaged vessels to resume more normal dimensions and facilitates valvular competence. Other asanas, pranayama and relaxation techniques will help in improving overall health and reduce stress. Many research studies show significant changes in patients with varicosity with regular practice of yoga. Diet therapy: Intake of nutritious and healthy food helps in reducing the condition of varicosity and prevents the complications. Intake of potassium & magnesium rich foods: relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the blood pressure. Antioxidant- rich foods: strengthens the capillaries and protects the blood vessels from blood clotting. High fiber Diet: prevents bloating and reduces the pressure in the lower body. Eg: flax seeds, chia seeds Vit-C & Vit-E rich foods: acts as an anti-inflammatory and natural blood thinner which helps in preventing blood clots. Include almonds, banana, avocado, pistachio, nuts, green leafy vegetables, blue/black berries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cruciferous veggies, lentils, beans etc. Must avoid fried, spicy food, milk and milk products, cheese, bread, processed meat, alcohol etc. Ayurveda: Varicose veins are primarily considered vata disorders, caused by an imbalance in vyana vayu, which creates the pressure in valves & elasticity of the veins. Vyana vayu is a one of the types of vata, which is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the heart and deoxygenated from the body’s cells. When there is imbalance in vyana vayu it causes excessive dryness and results in hardening the elasticity of veins & valves. The disease resembles Vata rakta and the line of treatment involves treating the pitta dosha. Ayurvedic herbs, dietary modifications, physical activity and lifestyle changes are very important to strengthen the wall of the veins and promote healthy venous circulation with some of the external treatments of Ayurveda. External treatments of Ayurveda Abhyanga – Gentle massage with ayurvedic oil application to the affected area helps in reducing the pain and swelling. It also increases blood circulation. Virechana- Purgation which is induced after 3/5/7days of snehapana (internal oleation) and Abhyanga and steam of 3 days. Basti – The rectal route of administering medicines in the form of taila and Kashaya (herbal decoction) is the best line to alleviate vata dosha. Jaloukavacharana – Bloodletting using leech therapy is also very effective to manage varicose veins. Based on our experience we see reduced recurrence or almost no recurrence for mild to moderate cases of varicose veins. It can be reversed if attended to in the initial stages. Dietary Regimen: Advised to take potassium & magnesium rich foods, such as almonds, pistachio nuts, potatoes, leafy vegetables, blueberries, lentils, white beans, avocado, bananas, cruciferous veggies and sweet potatoes, high fiber food, vitamin C & E, high antioxidant foods, which help to reduce blood pressure in the arteries and can relax blood vessels. Article By : Dr.Anitha

Aragvadha By Dr.Vasudha Sharma | May 19, 2022 Botanical Name: Cassia Fistula We have all witnessed the beauty of Golden shower trees in bloom. Amaltas as we know it, is also called ‘purging cassia’ for the effect of its fruit when consumed. Fruit pulp is a safe laxative because of its mild purgative action and can be used in elderly and children. Chemical Composition Fruit pulp contains anthraquinone, sugar, gluten, calcium oxide, alkaloids, and a colouring agent. Stem Bark contains 10-20% tannin. Root bark contains anthraquinone. Leaves and flowers contain glucoside. Qualities Sweet, heavy and unctuous in quality. Pacifying pitta and being mild purgative helps in removal of pitta and kapha in the digestive channels. Effect It is described as a herb having effect on pain and inflammation ( shotha hara and vedanasthapana). Parts Used Fruit pulp is the most used part. Stem bark and root bark are also used. The flower is used as a vegetable in some regions. Usage of Plant Parts Piece of bark collected and cleaned, added to 2 cups of water, boiled and reduced to half can be filtered and consumed. This decoction relieves constipation and heaviness of the stomach and can also be useful in pinworm infections in children. Tender leaf buds or yellow coloured flowers can be prepared to the soup consistency with salt, jaggery and pepper. It will serve as a great appetiser, restoring taste in case of dyspepsia. Popular preparations in Ayurveda would be Aragwadhakashaya and Aragwadharista. Among all the herbs used for purgation Amaltas is the best mild purgative. It can be used easily in the elderly, children, and in people with low digestive capacity. It helps to relieve Ama ( toxins ) in the body and cleanse the digestive tract. Article By : Dr.Vasudha Sharma

Stress Mangement – Key to Prevent Health Problems By Dr.Vasudha Sharma | May 16, 2022 Stress is the body’s method of reacting to a condition such as a threat, challenge or any other physical and psychological hurdles. Any external stimuli that alter an organism’s environment are responded to by multiple systems in the body. In humans, the autonomous nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are the two major systems that respond to Stress. Stress is a physiological response to a threat. The responses of the body such as constricted blood vessels, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory and pulse rate are all due to the hormones cortisol and adrenaline which are produced as a defensive mechanism in the body. In other words stress is not just a feeling it exists as a physiological manifestation in the body. In case of chronic stress, these physiological changes overtime can lead to serious health problems. Through these mechanisms, stress can affect memory, immune mechanism, metabolism and susceptibility to diseases. Disease risk is particularly pertinent to mental illnesses, whereby chronic or severe stress remains a common risk factor for several mental illnesses as well as irreversible physiological changes in the body. Health conditions arising due to stress Obesity : stress can lead to eating disorders and slow digestive processes. These along with high cortisol levels in the body will lead to deposition of fat. This in turn becomes a vicious cycle where one is unable to maintain a healthy weight. Ibs and Gerd : Gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, chronic ulcers get worse due to stress. Although all of these can exist independently, stress increases their chance to manifest more rigorously. Allergies : Asthma and various auto-immune disorders are directly related to stress. They are either triggered or worsened due to stress. Headache, Depression, Anxiety : Tension headaches, migraines, Depression and anxiety are all related to chronic stressful conditions in some form or the other. Heart Disease : Stress can have an impact on increasing heart rate and blood flow. It can also cause the release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the blood. Diabetes : Stress can harm those already diagnosed with diabetes. It can cause people to binge on unhealthy foods high in carbohydrates, and that can cause glucose levels to surge. People who are predisposed to diabetes, either through a family history or lifestyle habits, can increase their risk by stress-induced overeating. The list of health issues arising due to stress is big but it is also a fact that it is easily preventable and manageable provided we recognise its existence in our lives and act wisely. Prevention and Management of Stress You can prevent or reduce stress by planning ahead and preparing for any important events both emotionally and mentally. Many of the conditions occur as a surprise and some are hard to avoid. Finding ways to manage such stress in different ways such as Noticing when you feel stressed Taking time to relax Getting active and eating healthy Finding solutions to problems you’re having Talking to friends and family Changing the diet and lifestyle to include healthy habits for both mind as well as body is important in stress management. Eat healthy : Eat a balanced diet, avoid food laden with carbohydrates and fats. Eat more fruits and vegetables to provide energy and have a positive effect on the mind-body. Easily digestible food which will not lead to any gastric discomfort. Regular exercise : Regular exercise brings about discipline in lifestyle and also reduces the unhealthy accumulation of fat in the body. Increases the tonicity of muscles which can aid in everyday life and challenges. Good Sleep : Having good night sleep can bring down stress hormones in the body to a large extent. Following a good schedule for setting a sleep pattern will help the body repair the tissues and heal on its own. Social interactions : Finding a company of understanding individuals with a positive outlook help relieve stress. This is the most underestimated method for managing any stressful condition. On the other hand, being in the wrong company can worsen the situation. The Best Stress Management Techniques Although many techniques have traditionally been developed to deal with the consequences of stress, considerable research has also been conducted on the prevention of stress, a subject closely related to the number of self-help approaches to stress-prevention and resilience-building. Active management of stress can be done through many techniques and treatment methods. Meditation can lower stress, anxiety, and chronic pain as well as improve sleep, energy levels, and mood. Mindfulness for broadening the awareness around any activity the individual goes through. Music therapy is a proven way to bring beneficial results in stress. Deep breathing, When you practise deep breathing, you turn on your body’s natural ability to relax. This creates a state of deep rest that can change how your body responds to stress. It sends more oxygen to your brain and calms the part of your nervous system that handles your ability to relax. Yoga Nidra deals with relaxation through guided imagery. It has benefits not only in stress but also balancing activity of vital organs in the body. Prayers connecting to the divine is an age-old way of bringing down cortisol in the body for everyday living. Humour, spending time in nature, spending quality time with pets all of these activities have an inherent positive side effect on health. Article By :Dr.Vasudha Sharma

HYPERTENSION – AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE By Dr.Sucheta Hedge | May 13, 2022 Hypertension or high blood pressure is considered as a Vata disorder in Ayurveda. Hypertension is a result of abnormal functioning of Vata causing a condition known as Raktagata vata. Since Rakta and Pitta are always affecting each other, here pitta is also deranged. The treatment approach to every disease in Ayurveda involves identification of Doshas and the extent of derangement; the same philosophy is employed in the management of hypertension. As it is evident that hypertension can be due to many etiological factors and the ultimate manifestation of various changes like stress, hormonal insufficiency, disorders like kidney disease can cause an increase in blood pressure. Ayurveda targets the correction of doshas involved in the process. TREATMENT Nidana parivarjanaTreatment always begins with identification and correction of the factors responsible for the disease. Causes for the manifestation of hypertension are unhealthy lifestyle, diet and sleep patterns not in tune with nature’s rhythm, incompatible food, excess intake of processed food, smoking, alcohol consumption and hereditary factors. Maintenance of the healthy BMI, reducing the excess weight from the body by increase in physical activity with moderate intensity. Diet containing fruits and vegetables in good amounts and restricted amounts of fat and unsaturated oil should be followed. Reduction in intake of table salt. Reducing the amount of sodium and increasing the amount of food containing magnesium and potassium. Alcohol consumption and smoking should be restricted. Following Dinacharya (healthy daily regimen) and Ritucharya (regimen according to the season) as directed in Ayurveda will help bring positive change in the body as a whole. Stress should be reduced through various methods such as pranayama, meditation and yoga. Samprapti BhangaTo assess the pathogenesis of the disease by understanding exactly the dosha involved in the manifestation of the disorder and working towards the correction of the same. Here the methods of treatment will be Shodhana (Panchakarma) and Shamana (Medications) Shodhana chikitsa – In Raktagata vata, the vata affects the rakta and in turn vitiates pitta. Virechana or the medicated purgation is the process to remove the vitiated pitta from the body. Virechana eliminates the pitta and corrects the metabolism to bring about lightness in the body. Pitta in the blood is also corrected by this process. Basti or the medicated enema helps in bringing the vata under control which plays a major role in causing the disorder. Raktamokshana or the bloodletting therapy to let out the contaminated blood from the body. Shamana Chikitsa – Medications advised for oral intake Single herbs which help in reduction or control of hypertension are- Sarpagandha Arjuna Rasona Ashwagandha Jatamansi Brahmi Guduchi Amalaki Bala Most popular form for usage of the single drugs is the Ksheera paka (milk preparation). The herb or herbs (in this preparation) are boiled in specified quantities of milk and water until only milk remains. By the time the water content of the preparation evaporates, the milk would be saturated with medicinal properties. The final milk recipe obtained after filtering off the herbs is called Ksheerapaka. Different formulations according to the doshas are advised by the Ayurvedic physician. Few of the formulations Hridayarnava rasa Shiva gutika Arjunarista Prabhakara vati Pravala pishti Mukta vati Punarva mandura Vasavaleha Rasapachak Rakthapachak Narasimha Rasayan Brahma Rasayan Mahakalyanaka ghruta Saraswatharista Brahmi gutika Other external therapies used Takra dhara – Medicated butter milk is poured over the forehead in a continuous procedure. Shiro dhara reduces the stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline and relaxes the body as well as mind. It is employed in treatment of many psychosomatic disorders, stress, anxiety and depression. Shiro dhara with oil – Medicated oil is poured over the forehead for a specific amount of time. This not only takes care of vitiated vata by virtue of its procedure, the application of oil in any form is said to pacify vata. Shiro pichu – Swab dipped in medicated oil is kept on the posterior fontanelle region. This procedure has the same effect as shiro dhara but to a lesser extent. Shirolepa – Paste of herbal medicines is applied on the head. The herbs are picked with care to achieve the desired effect. Avagaha – Tub bath with herbal decoction. With a comprehensive approach Hypertension can be managed very well so that it does not cause further damage to major organs in the body. Article By : Dr. Suchetha Hedge

Osteoarthritis By Dr.Shraddha Surathkal | May 09, 2022 Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease. It is more likely to affect weight bearing joints like knee joints. A joint is where two bones come together. Cartilage is the protective tissue that covers the ends of the bones. With OA, this cartilage breaks down, causing the bones within the joint to rub together. This can cause pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Approximately 80% of older adults, ages 55 years and older, have evidence of osteoarthritis. Of these, an estimated 60% experience symptoms. It is estimated that 240 million adults worldwide have symptomatic osteoarthritis. Post-menopausal women have an increased incidence of knee osteoarthritis compared to men due to loss of oestrogen during menopause. Osteoarthritis as per Ayurveda Osteoarthritis is called Sandhigata vata in Ayurveda.It comes under vata vyadi mentioned in Ayurvedic classical texts. This disease mainly gets aggravated in old age as all dhatu undergo kshaya (degeneration) and this leads to the aggravation of vata. Vata is dry and light in nature and its variation in any of the joints dry up the lubricating synovial fluid and depletes it. As a result, the cartilage wears away due to the friction leading to pain and limited joint mobility. In this condition, the large weight bearing bones and joints such as knee, ankle, and spine are the most affected. During early stages of the disease, one can experience joint discomfort cracking of the joints. If left untreated, it could progress to advanced stages leading to deformity, destruction of the articular surface. Signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis Pain during the movement of joints. Stiffness of joints following a period of inactivity. Crackling with pain during movement. Muscle weakness around the joints, especially in the knee. Limited Range of motion. Management of Osteoarthritis Available treatment options include use of NSAIDs, Calcium supplementation and ultimately joint replacement. Being safe, devoid of adverse effects, Ayurvedic management is a better option to avoid painful intervals, advancement of the disease and repeated use of painkillers (NSAIDs). According to Ayurveda, Snehana (oleation), Svedana (fomentation), Dahana (Agnikarma or heat therapy) and Upanaha (poultice) are the prime modalities of treatment in the management of Sandhigata vata or Arthritis. Janu Basti: Janubasti is one of the modalities of treatment commonly adopted in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. Research has shown that Janubasti with Taila like Murivenna or Balashwagandhadhi taila gives encouraging results in relieving the signs and symptoms. Delaying surgical interventions by a few years by external therapies like Janu basti offers the additional advantage of reducing systemic exposure due to oral use of medications. Janubasti is oiling pooling therapy on knee joints. Janu means Knee and basti is retention. Here a ring is made of back gram flour and stuck with black gram paste on the knee. Once it’s checked for non-leakage, tolerably oil is poured into the ring. It’s allowed to retain until warm. Then a portion of oil is squeezed out and hot oil is once again added. This procedure is continued for 40 minutes. After it is completed, the ring is removed and the area cleaned. A gentle massage is done for 5-10 minutes followed by steam or elakizhi (patrapotala sweda). Kizhi (Fomentation) rejuvenates the knee by controlling vata. It includes: Elakizhi (Fomentation with Medicated herbs), Navarakizhi (Fomentation with navara rice), Podikizhi (Fomentation with medicated powders). Benefits: Strengthens the knee Joint and muscles around the joint. Reduces inflammation. Relieves stiffness. Reduces degeneration of the knee. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most popular systems of treatment widely utilized for pain. Lots 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 imbalance in the Qi Diseases arise in the physical body. As per Acupuncture theory when acupoints are stimulated by pricking the point with needles the body will release pain relieving chemicals, which naturally occur in the body and which have similar properties like 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 as it further helps in stimulation and releases the stiffness in muscle. Yoga Therapy: Yoga Therapy has shown significant reduction in pain, improved strength, balance and gait. Psychological components such as anxiety are important aspects to be addressed in pain management and yoga enhances the management. Typical yoga practices consist of Yogic Sukshma Vyayama: These are safe repetitive stretching movements synchronized with breathing which mobilize and strengthen particular muscles and joints. Asana: Asana are featured by effortless maintenance in the final posture. Asana is selected suitable for patients which relax and strengthen the knee joints. Relaxation Techniques: To relax whole body. Pranayama: The practice of voluntary regulated breathing (Nadi shuddhi pranayama) while the mind is directed to the flow of breath to balance the autonomic system. Do it Yourself kit: DIY kit for knee pain is meant to manage pain in one or both knees .It includes 6 pads for oil padding and 4 Potli for fomentation and a bottle of medicated oil. Based on instructions provided this treatment can be carried out by you from the comfort of your home. Article By : Dr. Shraddha Surathkal