Tag: ayurveda

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Ayurvedic Principles for Diabetes Care

Ayurveda harnesses the power of herbs and spices for their medicinal properties. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory benefits, and fenugreek, known for its blood sugar regulation, are valuable additions to the Ayurvedic diet for diabetes…writes Dr. Govind

In a world where modern lifestyles often lead to dietary imbalances and health concerns, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda emerges as a beacon of holistic well-being. Ayurveda, the “science of life,” oers profound insights into maintaining balance and harmony within the body, particularly for those grappling with diabetes. The Ayurvedic diet, deeply rooted in this ancient Indian tradition, serves as a blueprint for fostering not just physical health, but a sustainable and balanced way of life.
For many with diabetes, the daily struggle centres on managing blood sugar spikes and dips. But what if there existed a natural, food-based approach to navigating this challenge? Enter Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic medicine, oering a powerful lens through which to view and manage diabetes.

Understanding Ayurveda’s Foundation: Doshas
At the heart of Ayurveda lies the concept of doshas — three fundamental energies that govern our bodily functions. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the building blocks of our body and an imbalance in these doshas is believed to be the root cause of various health issues, including diabetes.

For those with diabetes, understanding their predominant dosha becomes crucial. Ayurveda suggests that balancing the doshas through diet can alleviate symptoms and promote overall health.

Here’s a simple guide to embracing the Ayurvedic diet for diabetes:

Pacifying Foods: Vata, characterised by air and ether elements, is associated with irregularities and fluctuations. To pacify Vata, focus on warm, grounding foods. Opt for nourishing soups, stews, and cooked grains. Include healthy fats such as ghee and olive oil to lubricate the digestive system. Avoid raw and cold foods, as these can exacerbate Vata imbalances.

Pitta-Pacifying Foods: Pitta, fueled by fire and water elements, is linked to heat and intensity. For those with a Pitta imbalance, cooling and soothing foods are key. Embrace sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes found in fruits like apples and berries, as well as leafy greens. Limit spicy and acidic foods, as they may aggravate Pitta.

Pacifying Foods: Kapha, grounded in earth and water elements, is associated with stability and structure. To balance Kapha, opt for light, warm, and stimulating foods. Incorporate a variety of spices, such he as ginger and turmeric, to enhance digestion. Minimise dairy and heavy, sweet foods to prevent excess mucus production.

Mindful Eating Practices: Beyond selecting foods based on doshas, Ayurveda places significant emphasis on mindful eating practices. Chew your food thoroughly to support digestion, and savour each bite to enhance the overall dining experience. Eating in a calm and relaxed environment promotes healthy digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

Herbs and Spices as Medicine: Ayurveda harnesses the power of herbs and spices for their medicinal properties. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory benefits, and fenugreek, known for its blood sugar regulation, are valuable additions to the Ayurvedic diet for diabetes.

In a world inundated with fad diets, the Ayurvedic approach to nutrition stands out as a time-tested and sustainable solution for managing diabetes. By embracing the wisdom of doshas, choosing nourishing foods, and adopting mindful eating practices, individuals can cultivate a harmonious relationship between their bodies and the food they consume.

In the realm of the Ayurvedic diet, food is not merely sustenance; it is a conduit to balance, vitality, and holistic well-being. As we navigate the complexities of modern health challenges, perhaps the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda can guide us back to a place of equilibrium — a place where health is not just the absence of disease but the presence of vitality in mind, body, and spirit.

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Ayurveda: A holistic approach to healthy ageing and vitality

Yoga and meditation are used to complement the entire healing process. A very effective technique of meditation used in the treatment is a special candlelight meditation done in a group around a burning candle where everyone gazes at the flame for several minutes as long as possible and prays together…reports Asian Lite News

Life expectancy has increased by three decades since the mid-twentieth century. By 2030, one in five of the world population will be over 65 years old but longevity and old age are often accompanied by a variety of health challenges. Modern medicine has made a great deal of progress in aiding the ease of the ageing process but in order to lead a productive and natural health span, ayurveda has proven to play a very vital role in achieving healthy ageing and vitality.

Ayurveda, one of the world’s most authoritative holistic medicinal institutions offers very effective practices and therapies for healthy aging whilst focusing on holistic health involving physical, mental,emotional,and spiritual well- being. Specially designed and curated treatments at CGH Earth Wellness Experiences focus on prevention, building resilience and an anti-aging regimen to maintain and enhance vitality.

Dr. Jouhar – Ayurveda Doctor at CGH Earth Wellness Experiences said: Ayurveda with its origins in Ancient India,is often translated as the Science of Longevity. It works on the premise that the body is composed of three doshas or energies that need to be in synchronicity. What distinguishes Ayurveda from other medical disciplines is that it focuses on detoxifying, strengthening, and balancing the body and mind.Rasayana Chikitsa, at CGH Earth Ayurveda Centres is a holistic treatment for cleansing, rejuvenation and regeneration of all cells and tissues enhancing an individual’s energy. immunity, and intellect.

In Ayurveda, the concept of anti-aging is described as rasayana, which aims at maintaining excellent physical and mental health through a combination of a nourishing diet, herbal medicine, yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices. Rasayana Chikitsa, a two-week program at CGH Earth Ayurveda centres, involves a cleansing routine to eliminate toxins followed by rejuvenation treatments.Depending on the medical condition and Doshas, the Vaidya will determine the course of cleansing processes. Diet and nutrition are also integral to the treatment and aid with building overall immunity and strength.

Yoga and meditation are used to complement the entire healing process. A very effective technique of meditation used in the treatment is a special candlelight meditation done in a group around a burning candle where everyone gazes at the flame for several minutes as long as possible and prays together. This helps in gaining clarity, peace, and immense positivity. Another significant element of the CGH Earth Ayurvedic treatments is the practice of Satsang which involves listening to or reading the scriptures, reflecting on them, absorbing their meaning, understanding, and discussing the meaning of certain words and integrating their values into one’s daily life. This adds the necessary uplifting edge to the whole recovery process by enhancing positive energy.

Rasayana Chikitsa, a very thoughtfully curated program is only available at CGH Earth Wellness Ayurveda centres in Kerala. Kalari Kovilakom, a 200-year-old palace, is where history meets natural tranquility and Kalari Rasayana is spread over 8 acres of coconut grove land. These stunning living spaces complement the healing process with their nurturing and warm environment and an unobtrusive, quiet adherence to discipline.

So, delay the effects of ageing by committing to holistic health.

ALSO READ-Nepal seeks India’s help in Ayurveda research

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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Ayurvedic practices to calm Pitta dosha agitation

Almond oil can be beneficial for conditions related to vāta and pitta imbalancesas well as internal body heat. Avoid foods that are spicy, hot, sour…writes Nitika Kohli

Are you experiencing symptoms such as heartburn, inflammation, acid reflux, increased hunger and thirst, body odor, and feelings of anger and frustration? These could be signs of an imbalance in pitta levels within your body.

According to Ayurveda, every individual’s body is governed by three active energies known as doshas – Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha, and Kapha Dosha. The Pitta Dosha specifically regulates metabolic functions, thermoregulation, energy balance, pigmentation, visual processing, and attention. Imbalances in these doshas can lead to various health issues.

Here are three tips to help you balance the pitta dosha:

Follow a Pitta-Balancing Diet: Consuming naturally cooling and light foods can help pacify the pitta dosha. Opt for foods with a naturally sweet taste and include cauliflower, cucumber, leafy greens, pumpkin, peas, cilantro, ghee, coconut, and apples in your diet. Nuts like almonds, referred to as pittahara, are also beneficial for balancing pitta dosha. However, it is important to consume soaked and peeled almonds. Almond oil can be beneficial for conditions related to vāta and pitta imbalancesas well as internal body heat. Avoid foods that are spicy, hot, sour.

Practice Yoga: Engaging in yoga can help restore balance to the body. Specific yoga asanas that pacify pitta imbalances include Cobra posture (Bhujangasana), Cat stretch (Marjariasana), Child’s posture (Shishu asana), Forward bend (Pashchimottasana), seated wide-angle pose (Uppavistakonasana), and Corpse posture (Shavasana). It is important to maintain a moderate pace during physical activity to avoid excessive heat build-up. Additionally, incorporating meditation into your routine can help calm the body and regulate pitta levels.

Rest and Restore: Make time to relieve stress and promote relaxation for both your body and mind. Consider activities such as walking in nature, practicing breathing exercises, listening to music, or engaging in any other pursuit that brings inner peace and tranquillity.

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India News Nepal

Nepal seeks India’s help in Ayurveda research

Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava also attended the event which began on Friday…reports Asian Lite News

Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Friday sought India’s help in the research and exploration of Ayurveda in the Himalayan nation.

Inaugurating the 7th International Ayurveda Congress here, Prachanda said his government will promote health tourism by popularising Ayurveda and take decisions to systematise the imports and exports of the most essential medicinal herbs.

He promised to make Nepal’s oldest company manufacturing ayurvedic medicines Singhdurbar Vaidyakhana (currently known as Singhdurbar Vaidyakhana Bikash Samiti) vibrant and upgrade it as a national pride project.

“Policy decisions will be taken bearing in mind the need to fully operate the National Ayurveda Research and Training Centre and intensify research on indigenous herbs,” he said.

“The government is working on a policy to establish a centre for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and collecting and processing medicinal herbs at each of the seven provinces,” Prachanda said.

The prime minister sought cooperation from India’s Ministry of Ayush to help Nepal in the research and exploration of Ayurveda.

Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava also attended the event which began on Friday.

He said the government of India has prioritised and promoted Ayurveda by establishing the Ministry of Ayush.

Some initiatives have already been taken to forge cooperation and collaboration between the two countries to promote Ayurveda and naturopathy and also to produce medicinal herbs, he added.

Prachanda promised that steps will be taken to remove hurdles in the imports and exports of most essential medicinal herbs in order to facilitate the manufacturing of Ayurvedic medicines.

Prachanda said conditions will be created for exporting medicinal herbs and assured of government grants for farming herbs.

“We should focus on establishing Ayurvedic hospitals, funding exploration and research on Ayurvedic medicines, start manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines on large scale and promote Ayurvedic education,” he said.

Underlining the need for establishing more Ayurvedic hospitals, wellness clinics and yoga and meditation centres to promote health tourism in Nepal, Prachanda said a policy decision has already been taken in this direction.

He also said the government was planning to establish a 100-bed Ayurveda hospital in all seven provinces of the country.

Ayurveda experts, researchers, government officials, entrepreneurs and doctors from over a dozen countries including India, Germany, Australia and The Netherlands are attending the three-day conference aimed at popularising the Ayurveda system of treatment and promoting health tourism.

The conference is being organised in collaboration with Ayurveda-related national and international organisations including the Nepal Maharishi Vedic Foundation (NMVF), and the International Maharishi Foundation, according to Dr Kopila Adhikari, General Secretary of the Ayurveda Doctors Association of Nepal.

More than 250 delegates, including 100 international delegates, are attending the three-day conference under the theme ‘Ayurveda for all health’ which kicked off in Kathmandu on Friday, she informed.

NMVF President Dipak Prakash Banskota expressed hope that the conference would help in disseminating information about Nepal’s traditional ayurvedic system and Ayurvedic medicines to the world.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Kathmandu University and the Maharshi International University of the Netherlands to forge collaboration for conducting research and exploration on Yoga and meditation.

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Ayurvedic tips to cure congestion and sore throat

Gargling repeatedly with hot water added with salt, turmeric or Triphala Choorna is very beneficial in case of throat pain and hoarseness of voice…writes Dr Lakshmi Varma K

Winters in India are not the same throughout the country. While the northern parts do have colder winters, the south is usually more tropical and does not see extreme temperature variations. Nowadays, this situation is changing; the extreme climate change that has been gripping the globe has not left the country untouched. On one hand, the winter has become colder, foggier, and more polluted in the northern parts whereas the south is experiencing drastic temperature variations with colder nights and comparatively warmer days. This unbalanced climate outside has led to many health problems in the population.

A few such issues are the frequent cold, cough,s and chest congestion that affect the respiratory system.

These are more common in small babies and school-going children as they have a weaker immunity. The symptoms may include a blocked nose, running nose, cough with or without expulsion of sputum, sore throat, hoarseness of voice, wheezing, rhonchi sounds while breathing, chest congestion, and sometimes sinus headaches. The general relief mantra is keeping warm and taking hot potency medicines. Minor cases of cold and related respiratory problems can be effectively managed at home, but if the symptoms are severe consulting a doctor is always advisable.

Home Remedies:

. Gargling repeatedly with hot water added with salt, turmeric or Triphala Choorna is very beneficial in case of throat pain and hoarseness of voice.

. In babies below six months of age, medication is not really advised but the medicines can be given through breast milk by medicating the mother who in most cases may also be suffering from the same symptoms.

. A really effective herb that can help in improving immunity, digestion, and intelligence in babies and one that can be given even to the newborns is Vacha (Vach)/ Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus). The very small quantity of this dried herb is rubbed on a rough surface and the paste can be given with a little amount of ghee.

. Dry ginger is also a very effective herb in cases of cold and congestion. It can be used as an ingredient in masala tea, boiled with drinking water, or chewed in small quantities by both children and adults.

Quick fix your congestion and sore throat with Ayurveda.(photo:IANSLIFE)

. Another very important plant for cold, fever, and chest congestion in both children and adults is the Parnayavani (Sanskrit)/ Panikoorka (Malayalam)/ Karpooravalli (Tamil)/ Doddapatre (Kannada)/ Pathar Choor (Hindi)/ Indian borage/Mexican mint. The leaves of this plant are slightly warmed and crushed to extract their juice. This juice can be given along with honey. The leaves can also be used in drinking water.

. Tulasi is also a very handy solution for this set of symptoms. Water boiled with Tulasi reduces fever, cold, and congestion and improves immunity. Tulasi leaves can also be eaten directly after washing them.

. Trikatu is a combination of three dry spices that is usually given in diseases that occur during the winter. It consists of dry ginger, dry black pepper, and dry long pepper powdered together. This polyherbal is used in many formulations in ayurveda and is the major component of Dashamoolakatutraya Kashaya that is specifically given in conditions of cough, cold, and chest congestion.

. The most effective method of unblocking the nose and giving relief to the congested chest is exposure to steam. This process of steaming and induction of sweat is called sudation. Steaming can be done by exposing the chest and face to the vapours coming from hot water. For better liquefaction of the sputum herbs like Tulasi and Parnayavani can be added to the water.

Precautions

Even though many effective treatments are available for respiratory issues during the winter, it is always better to prevent such symptoms. Here are a few precautionary measures that can keep you healthy during cold spells.

. Always try to stay warm with a proper winter wardrobe.

. Especially cover the ears during travelling and at night.

. Do not drink cold water or eat anything refrigerated.

. Drink hot water preferably boiled with beneficial herbs.

. In places with high pollution and fog, it is essential to wear a mask for protection.

. Do not take a shower in cold water and do not sleep with wet hair.

. Children should be taught personal hygiene ethics so that they do not get infected by contact with sick kids at school.

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Food Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Ayurveda suggests to eat ‘right’

Ayurveda classifies obesity, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome as clinical disorders that together make up the Prameha syndrome. Almonds may be consumed to treat diabetes complications like weakness and frailty…writes Nitika Kohli

One of the central principles of Ayurveda is that no two people are alike, and no two people have exactly the same nutritional demands. There is no “one-size-fits-all” Ayurvedic diet because of this. The optimum diet is determined by a person’s constitution, sometimes referred to as their “dosha type” or “mind-body type”, according to Ayurveda. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the three types of doshas.

The doshas are mind-body forces that control all aspects of how our bodies operate, including how our bodies seem, how powerful our digestion is, how our thoughts and words flow.

Eat unprocessed and whole foods

The Ayurvedic diet states that increasing prana is the best way to raise ojas, the source of life force in the body. Foods that are rich in prana come directly from the earth. Their prana is the result of the fusion of the energies of the sun, the water, and the earth. One of the whole foods you can include are almonds. Ayurveda holds almonds in high regard for their nutritional value and ability to balance vata. When used in food preparation, almonds are well known as a rejuvenator, tonic, and nourishing nutraceutical product (functional food). It was also mentioned in many compound medicinal formulations with pharmacological effects in the ancient Indian medical systems. Almonds may be beneficial for prameha conditions. Ayurveda classifies obesity, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome as clinical disorders that together make up the Prameha syndrome. Almonds may be consumed to treat diabetes complications like weakness and frailty.

Make dinner as your lightest meal and lunch the heaviest

Your digestive fire is at its peak at midday, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. As a result, according to Ayurveda, you should eat your biggest meal of the day at midday, when your inner fire is blazing and you are more likely to be able to digest and assimilate food. Eat a lighter, well-prepared supper at least three hours prior to going to bed, and aim to get to bed at or before 10:00 p.m. Eating a large, filling meal late at night might tax your body as it goes through its night-time “rest and repair” cycles.

Your guide to eating right as per Ayurveda in 2023(ianslife)

Follow the 70-30 rule

In our families, we have been taught to finish everything on our plate, but according to Ayurvedic wisdom, one should only eat until you are satisfied. That would be about enough when you start to burp! Be careful not to overeat or consume meagre portions that leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied. Always consume between 70 per cent and 8 per cent of your appetite to allow the food to mix properly and continue to be digested. The 70-30 rule, which states that 70 per cent of your stomach should be filled and 30 per cent should be empty, should always be followed.

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Monsoons the best time for Ayurveda

Through the process of unblocking channels and releasing toxins from the body, an efficient detoxification technique called Panchakarma aims to boost the immune system and restore health and well-being…reports Asian Lite News

The monsoon offers a welcome respite from the summer heat and is also a wonderful time to fortify your body’s defence against illness.

The monsoon season in Kerala has historically and more recently, thanks to growing interest in Ayurveda, been a time when people engage in specific immunity-boosting rituals.

Preventive treatments to strengthen and fortify the body against ailments are advised by the Vaidyas (Doctors) of CGH Earth Ayurveda treatment centres, Kalari Rasayana in Kollam and Kalari Kovilakom in Palakkad. The monsoon season is an ideal time to undergo these treatments. Regardless of the season, treating a patient’s condition is necessary when they have an illness. For an efficient start to therapies, the monsoon months are ideal for addressing certain medical issues such degenerative diseases, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Ayurvedic literature claims that seasonal changes, such as the transition from summer to monsoon, reduce the body’s immunity, which leads to the buildup of metabolic poisons and the development of diseases.

Explaining the science, Doctor Firoz Varun, Chief Physician of Kalari Rasayana, said, “Our body has three bio-energies called doshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vata), which is a combination of the five elements in nature that determine the mental, physical, and emotional constitution of each person. These doshas undergo cyclic ups and downs on a daily, and on a seasonal basis.

“During the monsoon, the Vata dosha gets aggravated and goes out of balance. This creates a domino effect, causing imbalances in the other doshas too. Added to this,unhealthy lifestyle choices further intensify the situation and weaken the body, increasing the probability of diseases, metabolic disorders, stiffness in joints, and indigestion amongst other health concerns. Ayurveda helps tackle these issues reinforcing the immune system and leaving the body stronger and healthier, free from any chronic ailments.”

Treatment options include sattvic diet, yoga, meditation, cell rejuvenation therapies, cleaning and detox therapies, remedial treatments for certain disorders, and herbal medicines. Through the process of unblocking channels and releasing toxins from the body, an efficient detoxification technique called Panchakarma aims to boost the immune system and restore health and well-being. It slows down ageing, undoes the damaging effects of stress on the body and mind, and increases vitality, energy, and mental clarity.

The world-famous CGH Earth Experience Wellbeing Centers offer Ayurvedic curative programmes that promote holistic wellness for the body and mind. The healthcare routine used here is fairly strict and concentrates on healing the imbalances that develop in a person’s bio energies as a result of lifestyle diseases, seasonal changes, and other factors.

The tranquil, picturesque facilities in Kerala-Kalari Rasayana is located on the backwaters, while Kalari Kovilakom is housed in a former palace-create a nurturing environment with individualised attention and treatment plans that include medicine (external and internal), nutrition based on Ayurvedic principles (Sattvic cuisine), yoga, meditation therapies, and guidance sessions for leading a healthier life. At Kalari Rasayana and Kalari Kovilakom, treatment programmes begin after 14 days. Additionally, their doctors provide online consultations.

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Restoring traditional remedies

The Ayurveda enthusiast says: Many healing remedies and herbs are present in our kitchen, but we are not aware of the real usage for the same…writes Siddhi Jain.

The pandemic has left a lasting impact on lifestyles across the country, including a reconnection with the Ayurvedic way of life. According to Swati Sutaria Vakharia, an entrepreneur who aims to bring back age-old ayurvedic remedies using Grandma’s ‘nuskha’ (tips and tricks) in people’s lifestyles, Indian grandparents had plenty of such recipes which worked well for our well-being and healthy upbringing.

With this pandemic, people recollected our roots and the power of Ayurveda. It is a 5,000-year-old asset and gift to India that our ancestors have given us, by using herbs and plants in recipes to live healthy with purity. With time we shifted to other chemical-based products due to comfortable packaging, accessibility and time. I think the ease of usage and convenience had a major role in shifting us to low-quality products, Swati told us while explaining the power of natural recipes.

“When we talked to our grandmothers, we heard about this and followed many such “Nuskhe” in our lives to get rid of the issues. Child, spread this ‘hing ka lep’ around your navel if you have a stomach ache, it will get cured in minutes. Apply turmeric with cream on your skin and it will glow. But in the current age, we are unable to get the right quality ingredients,” she adds.

In India, there are multiple cultures and religions, and every group has its own home remedies, she notes.

The Ayurveda enthusiast says: Many healing remedies and herbs are present in our kitchen, but we are not aware of the real usage for the same.

“Nuskha is willing to bring those age-old recipes into our lives again by manufacturing them in a lab with effective formulation and ingredients to heal with the power of Ayurveda! We are willing to modernise our ancient way of healing to take them back into our new-age lifestyle,” she says.

Nuskha has a range of products, including raw forest honey, ayurvedic and natural oral care kits. They also have a three-drop therapy for belly button oils.

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