Blog

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

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

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 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

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/

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

Perspective of Ayurveda in Liver Disorders Liver is considered to be one of the vital organs which helps in maintaining the health of body. The liver is the only visceral organ that possesses the remarkable capacity to regenerate. The liver can regenerate after either surgical removal or after chemical injury. It is known that as little as 25% of the original liver mass can regenerate back to its full size with the help of Ayurveda for Liver Disorder Modern lifestyle changes and diet has significant effect on Liver, leading to various liver disorders such as Fatty Liver, Liver Cirrhosis, and Viral Hepatitis etc. No significant and safe hepato-protective drugs are available in modern therapeutics. But Ayurveda has references on various medicinal plants that are very effective in treating various liver disorders. One such medicinal herb that is found to be very effective for various forms of Hepatitis, is BHUMYAMALAKI (Phyllanthus niruri). The eminent scholars of Ayurveda such as Susrutha (500 BC) describe yakrit (liver) as the sthana (seat) of rakta (blood). Charaka (1000 BC) while describing the srotas (body channels), mentioned yakrit (liver) and pleeha (spleen) as the moola (root) of raktavaha Srotas (blood carrying channels). But it is Bhavamisra who for the first time introduced the term ‘yakrit vikara’ (liver disorders). Madhavanidana, in parishista prakarana, explains yakrit roga (liver disease) as a separate entity. Various research studies are being conducted to elicit the efficacy of this medicinal plants in treating liver disorders. Several studies have reported the medicinal properties of P. niruri (Chopra et al., 1986). P. niruri is used in folk medicine to treat hepatitis and other viral infections (Venkateswaran et al., 1987; Wang, 2000; Wang et al.,1994). Many bioactive molecules have been reported in P. niruri, showing various activities, such as antiviral, anti-nociceptive (Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity), and antispasmodic( relieves spasm) activities. Ayurveda for Liver Disorder is effective and safe therapeutic approach for liver disorders. Get treated by our integrative health experts at Vivekananda Health Global, Understand better by visiting us for health solutions. Research article links and references on Ayurveda for Liver Disorder. * Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Phyllanthus niruri * A review on hepato-protective herbs used in Ayurveda * Hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri on nimesulide-induced oxidative stress in vivo * Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Phyllanthus niruri

Cancer Management in Ayurveda Life on earth has been rationalized with new pathway of technologies and modern science. Along with these easiness the world has gifted mankind a lot of anxiety and misery of certain chronic health issues such as Cancer, AIDS, Auto-immune disorders, Diabetes, Hypertension etc. Cancer is defined as a group of disease in which a group of cells displays uncontrollable growth. The Latin word Cancer meaning ‘Crab’ most likely applied to the disease because of the finger-like spreading projections seen in these cases. It is the second leading cause of death globally, and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018 and in 2019, 1,762,450 new cancer cases and 606,880 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer. First World Cancer Day was celebrated in 1993 in Geneva, Switzerland under the direction of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). CANCER MANAGEMENT IN AYURVEDA Ayurvedic classics describe cancer as inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling and mentioned it under Arbuda. Treatment are based on principles which include Conservative management by use of Ayurveda medicines, Various Panchakarma procedures (Detoxification) like Vamana (Emesis) ,Virechana (purgation) Nasya (Nasal medication) etc, Rasayana chikitsa (Immunotherapy), Diet and life style management, Satvavajaya (Counselling)etc. Control the harmful side effects of chemo and radiotherapy and can be used as adjuvants to improve the quality of life. CANCER MANAGEMENT BY YOGA Several research studies in the last two decades workout on the benefits of yoga in terms of improved mood states, symptom reduction, stress reduction and improved quality of life apart from improving host factors that are known to affect survival in cancer patients. These systematic yoga techniques include Yama’s (moral doctrines), Niyamas (disciplines), Asana (postures), Pranayama (regulated nostril breathing/breath control), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) which help to heal body ,mind and spirit in the midst of cancer CANCER MANAGEMENT BY NATUROPATHY Naturopathy is a drugless system which mainly deals with life style modification, prevention, education, treatment and optimal health of mind, body and spirit. Therapies include Diet and fasting therapy, acupuncture, physical medicine like hydrotherapy, mud therapy, heliotherapy etc. which helps to improve the immunity and life style to a greater extend

Build your Immunity to Boost your Health Modern lifestyle is plagued with innumerable diseases and hence maintaining good immunity becomes highly essential to fight any disease. Presently, the world is in a medical turmoil due to the emergence of COVID-19. This has compelled each individual to think about boosting once immunity, not only for tackling the present scenario but also prevent and manage many other medical conditions. Here, are some simple tips for you to boost your immunity!   I- Immunomodulation Use an immunomodulator- a formulation or a herb which strengthens the immune system. Ayurveda explains ‘Rasayana Chikitsa’ (rejuvenation) as the science of upholding body’s immunity. Chayawanprash, Dashamoola Rasayana, Agastya Haritaki are some of the Rasayana’s good for boosting immunity. M- Medicine (Herbal) Herbs such as Tulsi, Turmeric, Amla, Neem, Ashwagandha and Garlic are known for their immunity boosting effects. They have having anti- microbial, macrophagic, anti-inflammatory actions and therefore stimulate immunity. Different formulations like kashaya (decoction), vati (tablets), churna (powders) etc are made by using these herbs . M- Metabolism Agni (digestive fire) is the key metabolic factor to maintain health or cause a disease. To ensure agni is maintained, it’s important that you follow proper eating habits wrt quality, quantity and time of food. U- Utilize time effectively Body and mind have to be in a state of harmony to maintain health and fight an illness. So being positive is incredibly important. You have to follow the five yama’s and niyama’s (principles of right living and ethical rules) prescribed by Yoga sutra’s. Yama’s and niyama’s teach you to embrace cleanliness and contentment, to purify yourselves, to repeatedly study and observe your habits and to surrender to something greater than yourself. N- No to negativity A negative mind doesn’t allow positive thinking and tries to find faults in everything. When in strain or stress negative thoughts can create imbalance in the dosha’s (bodily constituents) which in turn can impair health by lowering your immunity. So it’s essential you rework on your emotions to move from negativity to utmost pleasantness. I- Idealize healthy body Detoxification cleanses your body and makes you vibrant through changing seasons. Ayurveda details different detox procedures across seasons based on the state of your dosha, and Naturopathy details detox based on the principles of eliminating your accumulated morbid matter. T- Time for Reflexion Each day, just give yourself 10 minutes and reflect upon your ignorance or mistakes. Give yourself the right and correct guidelines to avoid those mistakes again. Y- Yoga Stress influences immune responses and repeated stress therefore reduces immunity. Yoga, if practiced is your best way to destress. Regular practices of yoga asana’s, pranayama, relaxation and meditation techniques bring positive immunological changes in your body thus lowering your stress.