Treatment Principles (Cikitsa) as per Ayurveda Ayurveda treatises explain different line of treatments beginning with nidana-parivarjana (abstinence from etiological factors). The objective is to reduce the frequency of attacks and to improve quality of life. By adapting dinacharya (daily regimen) and rutucharya (seasonal regimen) the frequency of health problems can be reduced. For example Pitta individuals have strong agni (digestive power) and the dietary causes like overeating of spicy food aggravate pitta, leading to formation of ama and further can trigger a problem like headache. Therefore, they are advised to avoid Pitta aggravating food. Lifestyle based causes (viharaja nidana) such as, weather related causes, exposure to sunlight, excessive wind, inadequate sleep and excessive exercise should be avoided as they increase pitta and therefore increase the tendency of shoola (pain). A comprehensive recommendation of diet (Pathya-Apathya) in the management of diseases is provided in Ayurveda. Ayurveda also explains about stress, as manasika nidana (mind related etiological factor) which requires satvavajaya chikitsa (psychological therapy) for its management. A detailed counselling restores adaptability and is essential to alleviate psychological problems. Another unique concept in the management is Sadvritta (personal conduct). It brings in good health and control over senses and desires, therefore influencing the control and treatment of any disease. Though diet, lifestyle and code of conduct have been mentioned in the prevention and management of health problems, Ayurveda provides a line of treatment which involves shodhana (purificatory teachniques) and shamana (pacificatory therapy). Snehana (internal and external oleation), vamana (therapeutic vomiting), virechana (therapeutic purgation), basti (enema) and nasya (nasal errhines) are antahparimarjana chikitsa (internal cleansing therapies). Lepa (medicated paste application), upanaha (poultice), swedana (fomentation) and shirobasti (oil retention on the head) are mentioned as bahirparimarjana chikitsa (external cleansing therapies) and siravyadha and agnikarma are some of the shastra pranidhana (surgical therapies) therapies.

4 Super food to include during winter Winter is here and catching cold falling sick is quite common. Diet plays an important role to manage these and to increase your immunity. Here 4 super food to include during winter. 1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry) One of the excellent fruits loaded with vitamin C. Which has 2times of vitamin C compared to orange. Is one of the effective immune boosters. Helps in preventing common cough and cold which is common in winter or gets triggered during winter. Have it in the form pickle, chyavanprash or just enjoy the food as it is. 2. Ghee Lot of people avoid Ghee thinking it is fattening. Ghee consumed in moderation provides essential moisture or lubrication for body especially joints in winter. Ancient ayurvedic text refers Ghee as golden nectar or liquid Gold 3. Nuts and seeds Nuts and seeds have high concentration of healthy fats, protein and fibre. Have it as soaked in the early morning or in the form of dry fruit ladoo in the evening as snack instead of biscuits cookies or chips. Nuts have nutrients that body needs during winter and keeps our body warm during. Also, they protect your skin from dryness. 4. Spices One of the easily available or present in every Indian household is spices. Spices serves varied purposes try to include in curry or turmeric milk at bed time or sprinkle some cinnamon powder on your fruits. It helps in digestion, reduces inflammation and rich in antioxidants. So spice up your winter with these simple kitchen ingredient. Article By : Dr. Shraddha Surathkal For concerns over immunity and pain connect with us Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastEmail *Contact number *Location *Comment or Message Submit

Bronchitis and Yoga Therapy Definition: Inflammation of bronchial tubes are known as Bronchitis. Bronchial tubes are air ways which carry air to and from lungs. Characteristics: There are two types of bronchitis called Acute and Chronic. Acute bronchitis is very common because it easily develops in the people who gets frequent attack of cold or any respiratory issues, symptoms last for few weeks. Chronic bronchitis is considered as serious condition due to constant irritation to the bronchial tubes. Symptoms of bronchitis Acute bronchitis symptoms Stuffy, runny nose Mild fever Sore throat Body aches and chills wheezing Chronic bronchitis symptoms Congestion or heaviness in the chest Yellow, white, green or clear mucus with cough Shortness of breath Abnormal breath sounds Understanding Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial wall leads to mucosal thickening, damaged epithelial and basement membrane. It may loss for 4-6 weeks. It triggers to viral infections, allergens and pollutants. Infection to Upper respiratory tract will leads to lower respiratory tract infection. Chronic bronchitis can be defined as a chronic productive cough lasting more than 3 months occurring within a span of 2 years. There is a strong causal association with smoking and is very often secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). [1] There are many known causes of chronic bronchitis, but the most important causative factor is exposure to cigarette smoke either due to active smoking or passive inhalation. Many inhaled irritants to the respiratory tract such as smog, industrial pollutants, and toxic chemicals can cause chronic bronchitis. Although bacterial and viral infections usually cause acute bronchitis repeated exposure to infections can cause chronic bronchitis. The predominant viruses that are causative are Influenza type A and B, and the dominant bacterial agents are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Mycoplasma pneumonia. People who have an associated background in respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or bronchiectasis have a higher predisposition to develop chronic bronchitis. People who have repeated exposure to environmental pollutants such as dust or airborne chemicals such as ammonia and sulfur dioxide have a higher risk of developing chronic bronchitis. Chronic gastroesophageal reflux is a well documented but less frequent cause of chronic bronchitis. [1] Chronic bronchitis is thought to be caused by overproduction and hypersecretion of mucus by goblet cells. Epithelial cells lining the airway response to toxic, infectious stimuli by releasing inflammatory mediators such as interleukin 8, colony stimulating factor and other pro-inflammatory cytokines.There is also an associated decrease in the release of regulatory substances such as angiotensin-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase.The alveolar epithelium is both the target as well as the initiator of the inflammatory process in chronic bronchitis.During an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, the bronchial mucous membrane becomes hyperemic and edematous with diminished bronchial mucociliary function.This, in turn, leads to airflow impediment because of luminal obstruction to small airways. The airways become clogged by debris and this further increases the irritation.The characteristic cough of bronchitis is caused by the copious secretion of mucus in chronic bronchitis.[3] Diagnosis: Management through Yoga Therapy Regular practice of yoga including kriyas, breathing exercise, asanas and pranayama will help in reducing the symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis. Kriya practices like jala neti, sutra neti will reduces the accumulated mucus form nose and helps in proper breathing. Nasal congestion/ nose block will be get cleared with the practice of kriyas. Kriyas will be helping in cleansing nasal passage and removes foreign particles. Breathing exercises will help in improving lung capacity and Very good to expand the chest wall and airways. Expansion of chest and air ways will help in easy breath. Everyday practice of yogasanas like Ardha chakrasana, kati chakrasana, gomukhasana, ushtrasana, bhujangasana, dhanurasana,and setubanadasana will improves the efficiency of lungs and keeps the smooth flow of breath. Practice of pranayama will improve the function of lungs, relaxes the respiratory muscles cleanses air track and obtains the fresh air to body. Acute bronchitis can be treated with the regular practice of yoga and for Chronic bronchitis Yoga will help in great extent. Article By : Dr. Anitha

Ulcerative colitis and Yoga Ulcerative colitis is also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is considered as chronic condition and causes Inflammation in digestive tract. Colitis represents inflammation of colon. it is auto immune disorder causes mucosal inflammation in any part/segment of colon and may extend to rectum. The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain, blood in stools and diarrhea, urge to urinate and defecate, unformed stools, mucosal discharge, irregular motions, tiredness, fatigue etcetera. The common risk factors for ulcerative colitis are taking some drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives. Complications of ulcerative colitis are perforated colon, osteoporosis due to lack of absorption, increased risk of getting colon cancer etcetera. Yoga therapy for Ulcerative colitis: Yoga is designed to calm the body and mind. Regular practice of yoga will help in reducing stress, abdominal discomfort and improve the quality of sleep. In the day to day activities, quality of life in the patients with ulcerative colitis has improved with the regular practice of yoga. Some studies suggest that stress reduction may have direct anti -inflammatory effects, which may explain why yoga reduces disease activity and flares in patients with ulcerative colitis. Yoga practice improve the stimulation of intestinal function and helps food pass through the digestive tract and better absorption of nutrition. This will help in reducing risk of getting colon cancer and other complications of ulcerative colitis. Various practice of yogasanas reduces the inflammation of joints and strengthens the muscles. Breathing exercise, pranayama and meditation manages the stress and lifestyle. Article By : Dr. Anitha

Yoga for eye health As eyes are sensory organs, we perceive 80% of what comes through our sense of sight. It is important that we maintain the health of our eyes to see this beautiful world. As we have this good opportunity to see the world, its necessary that we take care and give rest to our eyes with regular eye wash, good sleep and some of the yoga practice. In the present era of advanced technology, we undergo with the eyesight issue either short sightedness/long sightedness or astigmatism. Usage of more phone, computer and television are the main reason of getting eye sight issues. Even though we use these screens for necessity, we must take care of our eyes to not getting any of the eye issues by doing regular eye exercise, eye wash, sathwik diet, good quality of sleep, decent life style and some of the special techniques of yoga. Eye wash: Washing our eyes with clean water will help in excreting the waste and foreign particles from our eyes and good for proper vision. YOGA: Eye Exercises: Eye exercises are nothing but moving our eye ball in certain direction which help in strengthening the eye muscles and improves the vision. The common movement of eye ball are, 1) Up and Down 2) Sideward looking 3) Diagonal movement 4) Rotation (clockwise and anti-clockwise) Palming: Here we need to rub our palms and then keep palms on eyes to provide the warmness which is generated while rubbing our palms. This will help in relaxing our eyes and eye muscles. Relaxation techniques: Breathing Concentrate, chanting and pranayama will help in reducing stress and improves the quality of life. Trataka: It is a one of the kriya/action in shatkriyas. Thratak is nothing but gazing at candle with the various steps. It is also known as Jyothi trataka. Thishelps in improving the vision and strengthens the eyes. Above mentioned practices are can be done as a treatment and the preventive care. Article By : Dr. Anitha

Constipation Constipation – As all know that the constipation is nothing but difficulty in passing motions. Everyone will undergo constipation one or the other day. It may be due to wrong food habit, stress, reduced intake of water, less/no physical activity and sedentary life style. Most of the people think it is common YES, it is common but it must be once in a while. if you are suffering to clear your bowel at all the time should be taken seriously and get treated well with Indian system of medicines and correct your lifestyle. All must be aware of complications of getting constipated every day. So, the common complications of constipation are severe pain in anus, discomfort in the abdomen, hemorrhoids/piles, anal fissure, anal fistula, rectal prolapse etcetera. The risk factor for constipation is being dehydrated, intake of low dietary fiber, less physical activity, on medications for long time etcetera. We can prevent from suffering constipation with increasing our water intake, doing some physical activity an including more dietary fiber in the diet and must avoid taking junk food. One thing about constipation is, it is not a disease and considered as a symptom of digestive issues. STRESS is the major cause for constipation because stress hormones will directly affect the bowel movements, and people who stressed up will not be able to follow the correct diet, water intake and physical activity. Here.., correcting our lifestyle is the biggest challenge for everybody. Yoga is the best tool to over come from these problems. 30 – 45 minutes of regular practice of yoga will definitely help in reducing the stress, induces sleep and makes a disciplined life. With the regular practice of yoga, some of the diet modifications are required to get rid of from the constipation. So, we are here to help you out of this problem with Indian system of medicines like Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy. Article By : Dr. Anitha

Case study – Neck pain and Acupuncture A 45 year old Yoga therapist weighing about 73kg presented with pain in the neck and feeling of tightness below left scapula for 2 months. Nature of the pain is pricking in nature and duration was throughout the day. Pain often reduced by taking rest and increased with household activity and certain. Pain started with forcing herself in reaching a final posture while practicing yoga. Initially pain was severe and reduced after taking analgesics. She had no history of previous illness. Her Bowel movement were regular with no Digestive issues. Menstrual cycle was regular. She complained of disturbed sleep. Patient was on Ayurveda medication and was advised for Acupuncture weekly 3 sessions for 9 sessions. After the first session her pain reduced by about 30% but after second session she complained of pain again. She continued the session by the end of 4 sessions her pain was reduced by 70%. She noticed considerable difference in sleep pattern. Pain was reduced but Feeling of tightness persisted. By the end of 9 th session pain and stiffness reduced by larger extent.

Sequence for Yoga practice by IAYT IAYT – Integrative Approach of Yoga Therapy is based on panchakoshas. Panchakosha is nothing but 5 layers or sheaths of human personality. Yoga is the best way of living. Regular practice of yoga with correct procedure and sequence will help in getting good benefits. Panchakoshs: 1. Annamayakosha or physical sheath Diet: yogic or sathwic diet Loosening exercises / sitalikarana vyayama: We need to loosen our joints first to improve the flexibility of various joints. All the joints include from neck to toes we do to stretch and increase the range of motion and blood circulation. Loosening exercises will help in reducing our tiredness, lethargy and stiffness. Jogging – slow jogging, backward jogging, forward jogging, side jogging and at last mukhadhouti to relax. Forward and backward bending Side bending Pawana muktasana kriya – leg rotation, rocking and rolling Breathing exercises: Breath or prana is our lifeforce. By doing some of the exercises coordinating with breathing will help in improving our lifeforce and clears the respiratory channels. Breathing pattern will be uniform, continuous and rhythmic while practicing and even after the practice. Hands in and out breathing Hands stretching breathing at the level of chest, forehead and above the head Ankle stretch breathing Rabbit breathing Tiger breathing Surya namaskara: 12 steps of sun salutation Asanas: standing, sitting, supine and prone series of asanas Kriyas: there are some cleansing techniques involved to cleans our intestinal organs. 2. Pranamaya kosha or vital energy – 2nd layer of our body There are some yoga practices to improve the function of pranamaya kosha. Various practices of pranayama include kapalabhati, bhastrika, anuloma viloma, sheetali, sheetkari sadanta and bramari pranayama. 3. Manomayakosha or mental sheath Includes various relaxation techniques, chanting A, U, M and OM kara and meditation. 4. Vijnanamayakosha or intellectual sheath Here we educate the individual to know their health condition and make them understand the value and benefits of yoga in day today activities. 5. Anandamayakosha or blisfull sheath It is the innermost layer of panchakosha, Ananda represents happiness, blissful state. To achieve this wonderful state, we need to surrender to supreme soul. Japa and bhajans will make us feel good and happy. Article By : Dr. Anitha

5 Common Habits That May Lead To Sickness Most of the health issues are the result of poor lifestyle in other words result of our bad habits. Here are 5 common habits that may affect our health. Bathing After your meal: Every activity has to be done in specific time or else it way harm to our body. When you take bath body temperature goes down making which may result in slow digestion. Also when temperature goes down blood flow is diverted from digestion to skin to maintain temperature. Snacking every now and then: Snacking simply means eat or drink something between meals. 3 adequate meals with mid-morning and evening snack is considered healthy. But snacking every now and then, mindlessly indulging in biscuits bread or any food that matter leads to load on digestion and resulting on various disorders like obesity etc. Sitting for long: Sitting for long is new smoking. Sitting for long weakens the low back muscles and improper blood circulation to the body. Also inadequate activity or sedentary lifestyle leads various lifestyle disorders. Eating too fast: Nowadays most of the people eat in from of TV or Phone enjoying their part of the watch without even realizing what they are eating. Developing a healthy relationship with food is very important. Concentrating and enjoying the taste and aroma of food with proper chewing helps in lot of things giving ample of time to trigger the signal from brain. It takes about 10mins for your brain to send out signal of fullness. Eating late night: Out of many effect caused by eating late here is simple one. When eat late in the night the food is not digested properly because of reduced gastric fire towards night. As a result it leads to digestive disorders. Try to give at least 2 hours of gap between your dinner and sleep. Article By : Dr. Shraddha Surathkal  

Migraine and Acupuncture   Migraine is a neurological condition including pain or ache in the one side or both side of the head. Pain in the head may associate with nausea, vomiting or hyper sensitive to the light and sound. Migraine headaches are usually throbbing kind, nothing but continuous pulsating. Duration of migraine headache varies from person to person and tool which we use to reduce it. A female patient aged 39years had complaint of severe headache on one side of her head. It used to aggravate on her work stress and was associated with nausea and vomiting. Frequency of getting headache was too high and was almost there all days in a week. She was managing it with medicines. Acupuncture was administered for 10 days continuously. This was followed by sessions twice in a week for 4 weeks. The patient improved in 15 days with reduced frequency of getting the attack of migraine and could avoid medicines or pain killers. What does acupuncture do? In Acupuncture fine needles are inserted to many acupuncture points. Acupuncture needles stimulates the neurons to release endorphins. Endorphin is a hormone which is responsible to improve the feeling of well-being and pleasure and it also helps to relieve pain and stress. It works on the principle of gate control theory.   Article By : Dr. Anitha