Ayurveda

Introduction

Ayurveda is India�s traditional, natural system of medicine that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally translated means "science of life" or "practices of longevity." Ayurveda was the system of health care conceived and developed by the seers (rishis) and natural scientists through centuries of observations, experiments, discussions, and meditations. For several thousand years their teachings were passed on orally from teacher to student; about the fifth to sixth century BC, elaborately detailed texts were written in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. For many years Ayurveda flourished and was used by rich and poor alike in India and Southeast Asia.

Manuscript page from Atharva-Veda, earliest Indian text (approx. 1500 BC) with much medical information, one of several Vedas (meaning "knowledge"), upon which Ayurvedic medical practice is based on. Ayurvedic manuals were written by Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata that give detailed descriptions of the various practices. Charaka listed 500 hundred remedies and Sushruta over 700 vegetable medicines

Ayurveda emphasizes prevention of disease, rejuvenation of our body systems, and extension of life span. The profound premise and promise of Ayurveda is that through certain practices, not only can we prevent heart disease and make our headaches go away, but we can also better understand ourselves and the world around us, live a long healthy life in balance and harmony, achieve our fullest potential, and express our true inner nature on a daily basis.

Ayurveda provides an integrated approach to preventing and treating illness through lifestyle interventions and natural therapies. It is based on the view that the elements, forces, and principles that comprise all of nature - and that holds it together and make it function - are also seen in human beings. In Ayurveda, the mind (or consciousness) and the body (or physical mass) not only influence each other - they are each other. Together they form the mind-body. The universal consciousness is an intelligent, aware ocean of energy that gives rise to the physical world we perceive through our five senses. Ayurvedic philosophy and practices link us to every aspect of ourselves and remind us that we are in union with every aspect of nature, each other, and the entire universe.

There can be no mental health without physical health, and vice versa. In Ayurveda, symptoms and diseases that could be categorized as mental thoughts or feelings are just as important as symptoms and diseases of the physical body. Both are due to imbalances within a person, and both are treated by restoring the natural balance mentally and physically. In Ayurveda your whole life and lifestyle must be in harmony before you canenjoy true therapeutic approach. In India, Ayurvedic practitioners receive state-recognized, institutionalized training in parallel to their physician counterparts. The research base is growing concerning the physiological effects of meditative techniques and yoga postures in Indian medical literature and Western psychological literature. Published studies have documented reductions in cardiovascular disease risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and reaction to stress, in individuals who practice Ayurvedic methods.



Laboratory and clinical studies on Ayurvedic herbal preparations and other therapies have shown them to have a range of potentially beneficial effects for preventing and treating certain cancers, treating infectious disease, treating diabetes, promoting health, and treating aging. Mechanisms underlying these effects may include free-radical scavenging effects, immune system modulation, brain neurotransmitter modulation, and hormonal effects.well being. Lifestyle interventions are a major Ayurvedic preventive and



Basis for Ayurvedic Philosophy

Ayurveda is applicable to every living thing, as implied by its name, the science of life. Vedic sciences attribute life to more things than we normally do - the things such as air, wind, fire, the earth, planets, stars, etc. are all thought to possess conscience like living beings.

The basic premise of Ayurveda is that the entire cosmos or universe is part of one singular absolute. Everything that exists in the vast external universe (macrocosm), also appears in the internal cosmos of the human body (microcosm). The human body consisting of 50-100 million cells, when healthy, is in harmony, self-perpetuating and self-correcting just as the universe is. The ancient Ayurveda text, Charaka, says, "Man is the epitome of the universe. Within man, there is as much diversity as in the world outside. Similarly, the outside world is as diverse as human beings themselves." In other words, all human beings are a living microcosm of the universe and the universe is a living macrocosm of the human beings

If you have diabetes, you're at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. That's because diabetes can accelerate the development of clogged and hardened arteries. Here's where heart-healthy eating becomes part of your diabetes diet.

Get no more than 7 percent of your daily calories from saturated fat, and try to avoid trans fat completely. The best way to reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats is to limit the amount of solid fat � butter, margarine and shortening � you add to food when cooking and serving. Use low-fat substitutions when possible. For example, top your baked potato with salsa or low-fat yogurt rather than butter, or use sugar-free fruit spread on your toast instead of margarine.

When you do use fat, u should choose monounsaturated fats � such as oilive. Polyunsaturated fats, found in nuts and seeds, are a healthier choice also When used in place of saturated fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may help lower your total blood cholesterol. But moderation is essential. All types of fat are high in calories. so u should take care of that..

DR.NITIN SHAKYA

We all wish and strive to have a lean body. Exercise does not only burn fats but also strengthens our muscles. Here are 3 effective exercises which help make your buttock muscles lean and strong.

Body roll

Lie on your back on a floor. Bend your knees and clasp your hands around them and pull your knees towards your chest. Now while inhaling deeply roll to your right side. Now exhale when you drop to your right side and rest for 5 seconds. Now resume your position of bent knees and clasped hands around it while you're still on your right side. Push yourself up with your right side and now roll to your left side. Inhale while you roll and exhale when you limp down to your left side. Repeat this exercise rolling from left to right and perform this cycle 3 times. This exercise does not only tone your hips but your thighs too.

Dancing legs

Lie back on a floor and raise your arms straight above you. Now raise your left leg as high as you can and bring your arms to hold your left ankle. Inhale while you raise your left leg and all this time keep your right leg flat on the floor.

Tighten the abdomen and bend your leg and press it against your chest. Exhale while you bend.
Now raise your head to meet your knee. Breathe freely and hold this position for 5 seconds. Keep your body firm and make sure that you don't roll to any side. Now lower yourself down slowly inhaling this time. Repeat the exercise this time with your right leg. When you're done then repeat it using both legs. This exercise firms your abdomen and thighs other than buttocks.

Leg splits

Sit and split your legs as much as you can. Inhale while you stretch to hold your left leg. Try touching your knee with your head if possible. Hold this position for a few seconds for your muscles to stretch. Now repeat this exercise while bending to your right side.

Sit with your feet wide apart and place your palms flat in front of you on the floor. Bend forward and slide your hands farther as you keep lowering yourself. Lower as much as you can and feel your spine and inner thighs stretch. Raise yourself gradually and then repeat the exercise.

Sit with feet wide apart and lower your body forward so that your head touches the floor. Stretch your arms to touch your feet. Repeat this exercise 3 times

The Theory of Schussler's Biochemic Method

The idea upon which Biochemic Therapeutics is based is the physiological fact that both the structure and vitality of the organs of the body are dependent upon certain necessary quantities and proper apportionment of its organic constituents. These remain after combustion of the tissues and form the ashes.

The inorganic constituents are, in a very real sense, the material basis of the organs and tissues of the body, and are absolutely essential to their integrity of structure and functional activity. According to Schussler's theory, any disturbance in the molecular motion of these salts in living issus, caused by a defeciency in the requesite amount, constitutes disease, which can be rectified and the requisite equilibrium re-estabiished by administering the same mineral salts in small quantities. This is supposed to be brought about by virtue of the operation of chemical affinity in the domain of histology; and hence this therapeutic procedure is styled by Schussler the Biochemic method, and stress is laid on the fact that it is in supposed harmony with well-known facts and laws in physiological chemistry and allied sciences.

THE CONSTITUENTS OF THE HUMAN ORGANISM.

Blood consiss of water, sugar, fat, albuminous substances, chloride of sodium, chloride of potash, fluoride of lime, silica, iron, lime, magnesia, soda and potash. The latter are combined with phosphoric, carbonic and sulphuric acids.

The salts of soda predominate in the blood plasma, while those of potash are found especially in the blood corpuscles. Sugar, fat, and the albuminous substances are the so-called organic components of the blood, while the above-named salts and water constitute its inorganic components. Sugar and fat are compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, while the albuminous substances contain in addition sulphur and nitrogen.

Sulphnr, carbon and phosphorus are not present within the organism in a free state, but combined with organic substances. Sulphur and carbon are found in the albumen, carbon in the carbo-hydrates like sugar, starch and in the products incident to metamorphosis of organicnic substances. Phosphorus is contained in the lecithins and in the nucleins. The sulphnr of the albumen is oxidised by the oxygen of the inspired air, forming sulphuric acid which combine, with the bases of the carbonates, forming sulphates and setting free carbonic acid.

TISSUE-BUILDING

Blood, containing the material for every tissue and cell of the body, furnishes nutriment for every organ, enabling it to perform its individual function; thus it supplies every possible physiological want in the animal economy.

It does this by the transudation of a portion of its plasma into the surrounding tissues through the capillary walls, by which the losses sustained by the cells on account of tissue metamorphosis are made good. According to modem biological views, this pabulum is a material sui generis, catled irritable matter or protoplasm, and is the only living matter, and is universally diffused throughout the organism, of which it constitutes about one-fifth, the remaining four-fifths being organized and relatively, thefore, dead matter, In its physical charachter, it is nitrogenous, pulpy, structureless, semi-fluid, translucent, homogeneous, similar to that of the ganglionic nerves and to the gray, nervous matter. In this transuded fluid appear, fine granules, which unite to form germs from which, again, cells develop. By the union of these cells are formed the tissues of every kind needed for the upbuilding of the whole organism. Two kinds of substances are needed in this process of tissue-building, and both are found in the blood-namely, the organic and the inorganic constituents. Among the former organic constituents are the sugar, fat and albuminous substances of the blood, serving as the physical basis of the tissues, while the water and salts -- namely, potash, lime, silica, iron, magnesium and sodium - are the inorganic substances, which are believed to determine the particular kind of cell to be built up other salts may from time to time be found, but the foregoing, however embrace all which are constantly present. Wherever then, in the animal organism, new cells are to be generated and formed, there must be present, in sufficient quantity and proper relation, both these organic and inorganic substances. By their presence in the blood, all the organs, viscera and tissues in the body are formed, fixed and made permanent in their functions, and a disturbance here causes disturbed function.
INORGANIC CONSTITUENTS OF CELLS.

The principal inorganic materials of nerve-cells are Magnesia phos, Kali phos, Natrum and Ferrum. Muscle cells contain the same, with addition of Kali-mur. Connective tissue cells have for their specific substance Silica, while that of the etastic tissue-cells is probably Calcarea flour. In bone cells We have Calcarea fluor, and Magnesia phos and a large proportion of Calcarea phos. This latter is found in small quantities in the cells of muscle, nerve, brain and connective tissue. Cartilage and mucous cells have for their specific inorganic material Natrum mur. which is found also in all solid and fluid parts of the body. Hair and the crystalline lens contain among other inorganic substances, also Ferrum. The carbonates, as' such, are, according to Moleschott, without any influence in the process of cell-formation.

HEALTH AND DISEASE

Health may be considered to be the state characterized by the normal cell metamorphosis; thus, when by means of digestion of food and drink, recompense is made to the blood for the losses it sustains by furnishing nutritive material to the tissues, this compensation is made in requisite quantities and in proper places, and no disturbance to the motion of the molecules occurs. Under these conditions alone will the building of new cells and the destruction of old ones proceed normally, and the elimination of useless materials be futhered.

Disease is the result of a disturbance of the molecular motion of one of the inorganic tissue salts. The cure consists in the restoration of the equilibrium of the molecular motion by furnishing a minimal dose of the same inorganic substance, since the molecules of the material thus used remedially fill the gap in the chain of molecules of the affected cell or tissue salt.

Virchow says that disease is an altered state of the cell, and hence the normal state of the cell constitutes health. The constitution of the cell is determined by the composition of its nutritive environment exactly as a plant thrives according to the quality of soil around its roots.

In agricultnrat chemistry we add as fertilizer that element most lacking in the soil. Bnt three essential substances used as fertilizers are required, namely, ammonia, phosphate of lime or potash. The other substances needful for plant nutrition are found in sufficient quantities in the soil. The same law of supplying a lack applies to biochemical remedies; for instance, take the following example:

A child suffering from rickets shows a lack of phosphate of lime in bones due to the disturbed molecular motion of the molecules of this salt. The quantity of phosphate of lime intended for the bones, but failing to reach its goal, would accumulate within the blood were it not excreted by the urine, for it is the office of the kidneys to maintain the proper composition of the blood, and, therefore, to cast out every foreign substance or surplus supply of any one constituent. Now after the normal molecular motion of the phosphate of lime molecules is again established within the involved nutritive soil by -administering small doses of the same salt, the surplus can again enter the general circulation and the cure of the rachitis be brought about.

Every normal cell has the faculty of absorbing or rejecting certain substances. This property is diminished or suspended when the cell has suffered a loss in one of its salts in consequece of any irritation. As soon as this deficiency is made good by a supply of a homogeneous material from the immediate nutritive soil, the equilibrium is re-established. But if the supply is not offered spontaneously, it is to be assumed that the needful salt is lacking in quantity, or, on the other hand, that the diseased cell, have suffered a physical alteration besides which precludes the entrance of the required tissue salt. In such a case the salt must be offered in a more diluted state, that is, a higher trituration or attenuation.

If the altered cells regain their integrity by recovering their loss, they can again perform their normal functions, and bring about the removal by chemical processes of morbid products, exudations, etc. The biochemical therapeutics aids nature in her efforts to cure by supplying the natura remedies lacking in certain parts, that is, the inorganic cell salts, and in this way corrects abnormal states of physiological chemistry.

The aim of biochemistry is to cover a deficiency directly. All other methods of cure reach this goal indirectly, when they make use of remedial agents heterogeneous to the constituents of the human organism.

Leucoderma (White Patches,Vitiligo)


Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in the human skin. The human skin contains special skin cells (melanocytes) that produce the pigment melanin which colors the skin. In Vitiligo, the special skin cells (melanocytes) as well as the tissues (mucous membranes) that line the inside of the mouth, nose, genital and rectal areas, and the retina of the eyes are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. The hair may also turn white that grows in areas affected by vitiligo.

What causes vitiligo?
There are several theories regarding the cause of vitiligo (see the cause) but the actual cause is not fully known. According to one theory, people with vitiligo develop antibodies that, turn upon them and destroy their own melanocytes instead of protecting them. There is another theory according to which the melanocytes somehow attack and destroy themselves. Finally, some people with vitligo have reported that a single event such as severe sunburn or an episode of emotional distress is the main cause of this order. Scientifically, events of this nature have not been accepted as the main cause of vitiligo. These are merely coincidences.

Who is affected by vitiligo? The number of people affected by vitiligo disorder ranges from 40-50 million. It forms about 1 to 2% of people in the world. 2 to 5 million people have the disorder in the United States alone.
Vitiligo affects all races and both sexes equally and ninety-five percent of its victims are below the age of 40.

What is the association of vitiligo with autoimmune disease?
In Autoimmune diseases, a person's immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues. Vitiligo is found to be more common in people with certain autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune diseases that are associated with vitiligo include: hyperthyroidism (over activity of the thyroid gland), adrenocortical insufficiency (the adrenal gland does not produce enough of the hormone corticosteroid), alopecia areata (patches of baldness), and pernicious anemia (a low level of red blood cells caused by the failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12).

Is vitiligo inherited?
Vitiligo may be hereditary in some cases. Children of vitiligo affected parents are more likely to develop vitiligo disorder. However, most children will not get vitilgo even if a parent has it. Also most people with vitiligo do not have a family history of the disorder. Large number of inherited disorders are associated with vitiligo. They include: albinism of the ocular type, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy syndrome, congenital deafness with vitilego and achalasia, dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria, ermine phenotype, familial histiocyctic reticulosis, kabuki syndrome, and the syndrome of spastic paraparesis, vitiligo, premature graying and characteristic facies.

What are the symptoms of vitiligo?
White patches (depigmentation) on the skin are the foremost symbol of vitiligo. These patches are more common in sun-exposed areas, including the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas are the armpits and groin, and around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, and genitals. Vitiligo generally appears in one of three patterns: focal pattern, segmental pattern and generalized pattern. In focal pattern, the depigmentation is limited to one or only a few areas. In segmental pattern, depigmented patches are developed on only one side of the body. But in the generalized pattern, depigmentation occurs on different parts of the body.

In Ayurveda, Leucoderma is known as 'shivitr' or kilaas' - Appearance of patches on skin with white or red coloration without any kind of swelling, fermentation...

Leucoderma is a skin disease also known as white patch (the development of circumscribed depigmentred patches). There is complete loss of melancytes from the affected patch. There may be positive family history of the disorder in those generalized leucoderma and this type is associated with auto-immune diseases such as diabetes and thyroid.

'Leuco' means 'white' and 'derma' means 'skin', thus leucoderma means abnormal whiteness of the skin. This disease is usually very difficult to treat. If the patient and the physician treat this disease for a long time with patience, it is possible to cure it. During the treatment very small blackish spots appear in the white patches. These spots keep spreading and the skin gradually becomes normal. The abnormal whiteness disappears. In this way, the disease is cured. It is not an infectious disease. Only the skin becomes white.

In terms of Ayurveda:

According to Ayurveda this disease is known as 'shivitr' or 'kilaas' - the appearance of a patche on skin with white or red coloration without any kind of swelling, fermentation, and pus formation in it. The patch of de-pigmentation of the skin is generally surrounded with normal skin. The patch might spread extensively covering the entire skin surface.Pitta is the dosha, which is responsible for occurrence of this disease. When it is increased beyond the norm it affects rakt dhatu (blood ), maas dhatu (flesh), maid dhatu (fat).

Causes of Leucoderma(Vitiligo)

Why do white patches appear? So far it has not been possible to find out what causes this problem. However, there are certain things which affect the human body and can cause white patches in the skin, which spread rapidly.

(1) When the quantity of melanin in the blood is reduced, the skin becomes white,
(2) chronic constipation,
(3) malfunctioning of the liver, jaundice,
(4) ailments of the stomach, (5) worms,
(6) diseases like typhoid which affect the stomach and intestines,
(7) chronic diarrhoea,
(8) irregular food habits, indigestion,
(9) insufficient sweating,
(10) heredity,
(11) excessive mental tension or worries,
(12) syphilis,
(13) tubercular constitution,
(14) hurt, burn,
(15) wearing clothes tight at the waist,
(16) problems of the ear, teeth and throat,
(17) meat-eating.

Leucoderma (Vitiligo) Cure At Atharva:

Dr.Gaurang Joshi a well known Ayurveda Skin Specialist At Athrava has Devloped a Unique Research Based Ayurveda Treatment for Leucoderma and established almost 100% cure rates in Leucoderma.
Its include two way tretament,

1.External application- which include


Vitiligo Oil
Vitiligo Cream

2.Internal Medicine-

It will be in the form of Powder and Tablets,it will be effective source to Restart the internal Repigmentation.

The Duration of the Treatment will depends up on the White Patches and other Clinical History.