Enhancing immunity at MENTAL LEVEL

It is not only food we eat and lifestyle is important for enhancing immunity. It is our healthy mental approach that matters a lot. Immunity can be significantly increased with healthy mental approach.

• Optimism – Be positive in your approach. Sense of positivity brings joy to your mind. Moreover, it helps to channelize the flow of energy in positive directions.
• Avoid negative emotions of anger and envy as it creates unwanted stress on mind.
• Manage the stress positively.  Avoid the undue work pressure. 
• Keep a well managed routine of the day as it can prevent fluctuations of stress levels in mind. 
• Follow yogic postures as it induces relaxation in the body. Corpse pose (shavasana) makes the body in relaxed posture and reduces muscular tension.
• Regularly practice pranayama (breathing exercises) as it greatly contributes to reduce stress. It helps to lower elevated blood pressure, heart rate, reduce fatigue, improve sleep and enhance immune response. Most importantly, pranayama induces the flow of prana (divine energy) in the body and induces vitality in every minute cell of the body. 
• Meditating for short periods each day can greatly reduce anxiety and stress, improves quality of life and boost immune function as well.

Boosting immunity at PHYSICAL LEVEL

The very first step to boost immunity is to adopt healthy lifestyle.

• Don’t smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you consume alcohol, drink only in moderation. New researches have shown excessive alcohol consumption as it is toxic to immune system cells. It may lead to serious or life -threatening infections. 
• Good hygiene -Take steps to avoid infection such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meals thoroughly.
• Go for regular exercise - If you want to boost your immune system, go for more physical activities. If your heart rate rises up for just 20 minutes for around three times a week is associated with increased immunity. Because regular exercise enhances the level of leukocytes (immune system cells) which fights infection. It improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure and maintains body weight 
• Take meals at regular times each day. Regular meals prepare the body for a time of nourishment by increasing appetite and enhancing digestion.
• Get more antioxidants in your diet - A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and nutrients can boost immunity to help fight infection. Good antioxidants include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and zinc. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals so they can’t do any damage. In the latest researches it is found that when the balance between free radicals and antioxidants is upset, it may contribute to the risk of developing cancer, heart disease and age related disorders. 
• Adequate sleep - It boosts the immune system. Having an adequate amount usually 7 to 9 hours for an adult is essential to maintain good health. Fatigue increases your susceptibility to illness; you may have noticed you’re more likely to catch a cold or other infection when you’re not getting enough sleep.
• Laugh - Laughing decreases the levels of stress hormones in the body while increasing a type of white blood cell that fights infection.
• Go for regular medical screening tests for people in old age groups and risk category.
• Youthful body massage oil for men or women - It is ideal for any season.  It brings needed moisture to combat dryness of the skin. Massage oil possesses trans-dermal effect on overall health and helps enhance immunity. 
• Practice yogic asanas, pranayama – It will help to remove the physical stress or strain in the body . Healthy immune system lies in healthy body.

Enhance immunity at SPIRITUAL LEVEL

• Establish a regular habit of sitting in a special, quiet place each day. Analyze yourself.
• Aachaar Rasayanas - As mentioned in Ayurveda, it is our good behavior which enhances the immunity in our body. For example - Truth, love, devotion, helping nature, non violence and peaceful mind accelerates the positivity in the body and enhances the feeling of well being.
• Devotion or bhakti yoga or unconditional faith in God enhances a flow of positive energy in individuals and re- energies the body.
• Avoid negative emotions like excess grief, anger, envy and jealousy as it can lead to depletion of energy and immunity.
• Control over Senses – Lots of body energy is drained through eyes, ears and mouth. One should limit the use of senses as this may cause massive depletion of energy from body. For example - Excessive talking dissipates lots of energy.
• Visualizing nature in a calm and soothing environment. It helps to make you calm and quiet internally.
• Positive thinking in mind enhances the feeling of well being and immunity.
• Good Karma - According to Hinduism good karma, leads to good health and builds up energy levels in the body.
• Practice relaxation techniques - Chronic stress suppresses the immune system. So, we should learn techniques to reduce stress. 

Lowering stress levels can help you to sleep more soundly and choose more nutritious foods. Sound sleep can provide more energy. Ayurveda's holistic approach can help you develop a lifestyle that is good for your body and your mind while supporting health and immunity.

Ayurveda - Treat a DISEASE by enhancing IMMUNITY

Nowadays, many people are suffering with flu (Viral infection caused by influenza), recurrent bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections etc diseases. In recent 3-4 years many people got infected from swine flu (caused by H1N1 virus) and few of them died unfortunately. All infections occur because of weak immunity of the individual. We usually take anti-allergic for the same but forget the root cause of the disease. This worsens the situation.

In the beginning, if we try to suppress the disease with the symptomatic medicines, immune system of body gets disturbed. Immunity is lowered day by day. Need of medicine increases. Slowly body gets infected with many other health ailments.

In such cases, one should go for self - analysis. What the change happened in my body that lead to all these diseases .What had happened at mental or physical level which leads to the lowering of immunity.
We should adopt all the measures to enhance the immunity in the body so that we can prevent ourselves from diseases.

Ayurveda do not control but aims to cure the disease. It attacks the root cause of the disease. Principles of Ayurveda emphasizes on the richness of ojas in the body. Ojas is the vital energy of the body and can be compared to immunity of the body.

We should follow food regimens and daily activities which will enhance the metabolism of the body so that food we eat is digested properly. In this way, all dhatus rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), mansa (muscle tissue), meda (adipose tissue), asthi (bones), majja (bone marrow)  and shukra (reproductive tissue) are produced in excellent manner in the body.

Patient should enhance the immunity. In Ayurveda,  various ras-rasayana (tonics) which provides power to the body and fights diseases. Chawanprash, amlaki rasayana, giloy  and chitrak haritaki aveleha, all such medicines provide energy to the body to fight germs and enhance immunity.

When to consume - The biggest meal of the day

According to Ayurveda, different times of day correspond to three energies, expressed as vata (air) in the morning, pitta (fire) in the afternoon and kapha (earth) in the evening. In the present scenario, we used to consume big dinner between 6 pm and 9 pm, which is kapha time, when our digestion slows down as body prepares for sleep. Try to consume your biggest meal of the day between 10 am and 2 pm (pitta time) when digestive fire is at its peak. By eating a big and nourishing meal at lunch, our body will burn the food more effectively and prevent you from overeating at dinner.

If you want to lose weight and be in shape, you should focus not just on what to eat but also when to eat particularly for the biggest meal of the day. Some of the many benefits of a big lunch are:

• More Energy - Our body needs quality calories and nutrients for energy. Those who skip lunch because they claim to be too busy or not hungry lose out on giving the body what it needs to perform at its best.
• Avoid a big dinner - When you eat lunch you’ll be less likely to have snacks in the evening. This will prevent extra calorie intake. Moreover, if some people don’t take enough lunch, they are starved by the time they get home in the evening and eat a great big meal while sitting in front of the television. 
• Burning calories – If we consume big meal at lunch time, our body can burn off the calories through rest of the day. 
• Maintains Metabolism - Skipping meals also slows down your metabolism as the body shuts down to conserve the limited calories and nutrients it is receiving. We should not skip any meal and take lunch at the appropriate time.
• Increased Work Performance – Taking lunch at a regular time will enhance the work performance. It provides our body the necessary energy at right time to do daily work.

Taking lunch on regular basis in afternoon at right time is very much beneficial for health. Our digestion is at its strongest and we have the rest of the day to process and burn off food. But if lunch is your main meal and you are eating it late, this is bad news for your waistline. Skipping an evening meal is not necessary but eating the majority of food before 3pm could help weight loss efforts. 

YOGA FOR HAIR LOSS

Hair loss is not a serious health problem. If we loose up to 100 of hairs per day, it is considered normal depending on person to person or the climate.

Hair makes us look wonderful. But need a lot of care also. In modern era, undue stress, bad eating habits and pollution are quite harmful for hair. Consequently, we suffer with premature hair loss and graying of hairs. Yoga does wonder to curb hair loss and improve hair growth.

Yoga poses can help you to overcome stress, anxiety, indigestion, poor blood circulation in head, which are considered as main causes of hair loss.

Various yogic asanas like Adho Mukha Savanasana (Dog pose), Vajrasana (Diamond pose), Sirsaasana (Headstand pose), Pawanmuktasana (Wind releasing pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Ushtrasana (Camel pose) are very helpful for promoting hair growth.

Pranayama helps to maintain the blood circulation in the whole body. Various pranayamas like Anulom-vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Kapalbhati (Shining Skull), Udgeeth pranayama (Om chanting) enhances circulation in head and prevents the hair fall.

Meditation reduces stress, tension and anxiety at physical and mental level as well. Therefore, people experiencing hair loss should start practicing a suitable meditation technique to calm their mind and promote hair growth.

Along with this, we should consume healthy diet and follow healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet comprising of fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, protein rich diet like pulses, sprouts, eggs, fish, and dairy products.  In fact, the good thing about practicing yoga poses for hair loss is that you are not only rejuvenating hair growth but also reaping the benefits that yoga will have on your entire body.

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EYESIGHT ENHANCING TECHNIQUES

As the time pass on, muscles around the eyes lose their tone. When the muscles around the eyes lose their elasticity and become rigid, it reduces the power to focus different distances. Consequently, eyesight becomes weak. But eyesight is dramatically improved when the muscles of the eyes are relaxed.

Diet and lifestyle 

• One can go for the juice of ayurvedic herbs like amla or garlic for the same.
• Bhringraj oil and amla oil can be used to improve vision.
• You can rub a small amount of desi ghee on the soles of the feet to improve eyesight.
• Wash the eyes with triphala water to cure eye problems and enhance vision.
• One can use few drops of honey, ghee and sesame oil to improve eyesight.
• Consume almonds daily to increase eyesight.
• Drink lots of water, as your eyes need moisture to function properly and remain healthy. 
• Yogic technique Jal neti or irrigation of the nasal passage with warm water mixed with little salt is extremely beneficial in improving your eyesight as it clears the eyes and sinuses from blockage and congestion. 

Exercises 

• Without moving the head, move your eyeballs up and down as much as possible.
• Also, Move your eyeballs right and left without moving the head.
• Roll your eyeballs in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction (Each of this exercises can be done 10-20 times).
• Close your eyes tightly for minimum five seconds and hold them open for as long as possible. Repeat it about 20 times. This will improve blood circulation to the eyes making them stronger.
• Trataka - One can meditate by focusing on the flame of candle to improve eyesight.
• Warm your hands by rubbing together. Cover the eyes without touching the eyelids. It enhances blood circulation and relaxes the eyes. . 
• Netra basti – A technique mentioned in Ayurveda. Bathe your eyes with clarified butter to reduce strain and improve eyesight

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

It is a major problem of nowadays. Everybody wants to look slim and fit. In order to fulfill this purpose, we suffer with this disorder. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and the food they eat. It can damage your health and even threaten your life. Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder with three key features :

• Don’t want to maintain a healthy body weight
• An intense fear of gaining weight
• A distorted body image

Two types of anorexia - 

1. In the restricting type of anorexia, weight loss occurs by restricting calories (following strict diets, fasting and excess exercises).
2. In the purging type of anorexia, weight loss occurs by vomiting or using laxatives and diuretics.

Signs and symptoms

• Being slim, following dieting 
• Unnecessary reading food labels, measuring calories and weighing portions. Keeping a food diary or reading diet books.
• Pretending to eat. Not having proper diet.
• Making meal plans, cooking for others and eating less
• Never prefer to eat among others 

Major risk factors associated

• Body dissatisfaction  
• Strict dieting
• Perfectionism
• Low self esteem
• Troubled family relationships
• History of physical or sexual abuse

Treatment 

Psychotherapy - Individual, family or group therapy will be very beneficial in dealing with anorexia. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps the individual to overcome the negative ideas surrounding food and weight problems, while family therapy helps to deal with many conflicts in mind.

Drug treatment - There is no prescribed treatment available to cure anorexia. But medicines may be given to treat depression or any other underlying disorders.

Alternative medicine - Alternative medicine is quite effective in curing underlying disorders like anxiety and promote a sense of well being. Such treatments include yoga, acupuncture and meditation.

Ayurvedic treatment 

• Ashwagandha – It raises energy levels, boost appetite and reduce mood swings.
• Fenugreek - It is available in fresh, dried or oil forms. It helps to improve digestion and treats appetite loss effectively.
• Shatavari - It is a rejuvenating tonic and helps to induce positive feelings for emotionally unbalanced anorexics.
• Chamomile - It is used as a calming herbal tea. It significantly relaxes nerves, induces sound sleep, and promotes appetite.
• Probiotics - It helps in the treatment of anorexia nervosa by enhancing the concentration of friendly bacteria, strengthening the intestinal flora and balancing nutritional deficiencies.

Prognosis 

With treatment, anorexia can take a long time (weeks or months) to improve. It may take several years for anorexic to be completely better. Unfortunately, some people with anorexia die from consequences of anorexia. Causes of death include severe infections (because immunity lowers by low nutritious diet), dehydration, chemical imbalances in blood (such as low potassium levels) and even suicide.

Bed wetting in KIDS

Bed wetting is a very common problem associated with infants and small children.  It is a process of passing urine in bed at night by kids after the age when bladder control should have been established.

• Try to develop the habit of passing urine before going to bed.
• Limit the intake of drinks after in the evening .But if the child is quite active in playing games, then no need of limiting the liquid intake.
• Let your kids hold the urine for a long time in daytime. It will lead to bladder control.
• Children should avoid intake of fluids for around two hours before going to bed.
• Always support your child in a positive manner. Never discourage him or her .Tackle this matter with love.
• Giving a teaspoon of honey to your child before going to bed can stop the problem of bed wetting to a great extent.
• Banana helps in binding the stomach and thus can be used to prevent bed wetting at night. Give one ripe banana for breakfast and one banana at night before your child go to sleep.
• You can give one teaspoon of the pulp of Indian gooseberry (Amla) mixed with a pinch of powder of black pepper before going to bed.
• Give your child a little bit of cranberry juice before he goes to sleep as it is quite effective in helping your child to get control over his muscles and checks bed wetting.
• Every morning give your child a small piece of jaggery along with a cup of warm milk. It will give warming effect in the body and decreases the frequency of bed wetting.
• Take half teaspoon of dry mustard seed powder and add it to a cup of warm milk. Give this drink to your child at night an hour before going to bed.
• Experimentally, many parents have found their children stopped wetting the bed after they removed milk (at night) from the diet for a short period.
• Encourage regular toilet use in the day. Train your child to go to toilet every two hours to avoid the urgency.
• Do not give your child beverages and foods with caffeine in the evening as caffeine may increase the need to urinate.
• Restrict the amount of fluids after 7 pm.

BETTER TIMINGS OF MEALS

How much calories we take?
That is important but when to take is more significant question.

If you want to lose weight and be in shape, you should focus not just on what you eat, but also when you eat specifically the biggest meal of the day. We should prefer to consume our three major meals of the day regular at right time. According to Ayurveda, 24 hr day corresponds to the different doshas. Vata (air) in the morning, pitta (fire) in the afternoon (10am to 2 pm) and kapha (earth) in the evening. We should consume more in afternoon at pitta time when our digestive fire is high. Digestive fire in our body is directly linked to the position of sun. When the sun is hot in the afternoon, digestive fire is also high and starts diminishing as the sun sets in.

When we wake up in the morning after 8-10 hours of sleep, we feel fresh and energized .We should consume breakfast with in two hours. We can start day with some fruits to cleanse the internal system and after that we can take some food item but never skip breakfast. Because we should fuel in our body to do work.

Afternoon is the time when pitta dominates the body. At that time, we are ready to digest heavy meals like chapattis, vegetables and proteins. It is the time when our digestive fire is enough to burn the meals. But, unfortunately, we are too busy in the day to have fixed time for lunch and consume it later which leads to weight gain. Preferably between 10am to 2pm, an ideal time for having lunch .Moreover, we should eat majority of meals before 3 pm, to decrease the load on digestive system.

As the sun sets in, our digestive fire also lessens in strength from daytime to nighttime. At night, it is kapha time and our digestion slows down and the body prepares for sleep. We should consume light dinner which is easily digestible. We should consume food around 2 hours before going to sleep as it gives sufficient time to body to digest food. If we take light dinner at right time, our food is digested properly and ama (toxins) production is minimized which the main cause of diseases is according to Ayurveda. Moreover, night is the time when our body heals. Our body gets sufficient time to repair, revitalize and rejuvenate ourselves.

Keeping a regular time for major meals of the day helps in digestion also. Since a biological clock sets in, digestive system starts secreting enzymes at particular timing on its own. It is the reason why we feel hungry at fixed time of day. For example – At lunch time in office/school/college.

We can help our digestive system in following ways -

·         Right food

·         Right quantity 

·         Right and regular time

ENHANCING IMMUNITY IN CHILDREN

Immunity is the vital energy of the body. It is the power of the body to prevent or fight infections. If we have strong immunity, we will not catch infections very easily.

As children grow up, they prime their immunity by battling an ongoing series of germs, viruses and other organisms. That is why many pediatricians consider six to eight colds or flu or ear infections per year as normal.

In case of children, we can help them in daily practice to enhance the immunity so as to prevent from cough, cold and flu. We should encourage some do’s and don’ts in their life.

Do’s 

• Consume fresh fruits and leafy vegetables.
• Beans, whole grain wheat and legumes are really good.
• Blue berries are rich in anti-oxidants and good for enhancing your child's immunity.
• The micro - nutrients required for boosting immune system are vitamin C, zinc, iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium and selenium.
• Pay particular attention to the hygiene before and after each meal. Also take care of hygiene after playing outside, handling pets, blowing their nose and using the bathroom.
• Encourage a sound sleep in your baby. Newborns need up to 18 hours per day, toddlers require 12 to 13 hours and preschoolers need about 10 hours. 
• New mothers should be encourage to give Colostrum, the thin yellow "premilk" that flows from the breasts during the first few days after birth. It is especially rich in disease fighting antibodies.
• Encourage the child for exercise and activities. Exercise increases the number of natural killer cells in adults and regular activity can benefit kids in the same way.
• Allow to play in dirt or outdoors for sometime. Exposure to trace amounts of pathogens can give the immune system a workout. On the other hand, exposure to the outdoors may mean children come into contact with more potentially beneficial microorganisms that can support their bodies own cells in fighting infection.

Don’ts 

• Feed your child less sugar and other sweeteners. 
• Keep your babylean. Obesity can depress the immune system by interfering with the ability of white blood cells to produce antibodies. Recent researches had shown that overweight babies get twice as many infections as lean babies.
• If your child is in part- or full-time daycare, insist on careful hand washing while handling your infant. As much as possible, keep your child away from those who are coughing and sneezing. 
• Excess medication reduces immunity and weakens our body. So, the more you medicate your child, the more likely he/she is to fall sick again. 
• Processed foods like white bread, white pasta and anything made from maida should be avoided as it can suppress natural immunity. We should opt for healthy choices like unprocessed rice and brown rice as it can serve as wholesome meal and can be consumed daily.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Emotions are an integral part of being human. The capacity to feel is what makes us human, and what connects us to one another.   So, the more we refine our emotions, the more we are able to enjoy relationships, realize our deepest feelings, manage life’s conflicts with grace and create peace.

Emotional health and wellbeing is the experience of healthy self-esteem, self-respect and resilience.    It includes the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships with family or friends, your ability to manage various feelings and deal with difficulties.

Emotional health is doing your best to be proactive instead of reactive to the feelings that move through you in a given hour or day. Anger, jealous, grief, contentment and love, help you respond and interact with life and living. They have great impact on how you think and behave.

Emotional health refers to the presence of positive characteristics rather than the absence of physical or mental illness. Similarly, not feeling bad is not the same as feeling good. While some people may not possess negative feelings, they still require working out things that make them feel positive in order to achieve balanced mental and emotional health.

One can opt for following habits to be emotionally healthy -

• Be optimistic.
• Always have hope.
• Stay connected with society.
• Accept yourself as you are. Do not have over expectations from yourself.
• Express gratitude. Be thankful for what you have.
• Set your goals (Even fulfill small targets daily)
• Exercise regularly.
• Adopt mindfulness. It means that you are actively paying attention to the present moment 

Persons who are emotionally healthy have:

• A sense of contentment
• A craze for life
• Ability to have fun
• Ability to fight stress
• A meaning and purpose in their activities and relationships
• The flexibility to learn new things  
• A balance between work and play or rest and activity 
• The ability to build and fulfill relationships
• Self-confidence 
• High self-esteem

Childhood has a profound influence on how we relate to each other as adults. Many of the experiences we have in childhood leave a lasting emotional impression. So, if we are parents, we should try our best to provide our child a healthy childhood.

Nurturing our emotional health can transform our relationships. It can change the world for us.

CARDIAC CARE : AYUR-HEART (Cardiovascular health Supplement)

CARDIAC CARE : AYUR-HEART (Cardiovascular health Supplement)

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MANAS (MIND)

Manas (mind), a controversial issue in today’s era. There has been a lot of research done over this. In ancient texts, it has been clearly mentioned about manas, its identity. They have clearly explained manas (mind) and atma (soul).

Manas is not a physical object that can be touched or seen with naked eye.

Ayurvedic aspect of mind is quite broad and is clearly explained by the ancient acharyas. It is the self-consciousness that resides in the heart. Mind analyses and interacts between our experiences and inner sub-consciousness.

It is a great connection among our senses and outer world. If our mind (manas) is distracted or detached from present scenario, then our senses (eye, ear and nose) do not perform their functions properly. For example – If we are sad and do not want to get involved in conversations, then we miss what other persons are saying to us. It significantly justifies the identity of manas. Without manas, we are nothing but a dead body.

Manovaha srotas are the channels by which manas perform its functions. They can be compared with the nerve fibers which carries signals from brain to the body.

Three temperaments of mind (Mansik gunas that govern our BODY AND MIND effectively)

Gunas are impulse or influence. They are simply defined as character or quality. As the physical level, body is governed by vata, pitta and kapha. In the same way, three maha gunas are mentioned in ancient texts which govern our mind (manas). All these 3 types of gunas are present in everyone but each may be displayed in different contexts.

• Satva (Purity)
• Rajas (Action)
• Tamas (Impurity) 

The qualities of satva, rajas and tamas, predominant in the mind and can be altered according to lifestyle, diet and mental attitudes. Rajas (passion) and tamas (lethargy), are considered to be the causes of mental illness. All three gunas and their constitution in body affect the body and its functions

1. Satva (Purity) - It touches the spiritual aspects of life. More satva content in a body, more pure it is. Satvik personalities are those who are divine, pure and spiritual. It is considered as a very good natured person, very calm, intelligent and intellectual personality. He or she possesses positive aura around the body. Their company is really energizes us. Such individuals always work for the welfare of the world. He speaks compliments and avoids bad language, is never envy and is unaffected by greed and selfishness.
2. Rajas (Action) - This guna greatly signifies the activities of mind and represents the emotions like anger, fear, hope, envy, pride and hate. Person with more rajas in body are over-active. Different and irrelevant thoughts keep on running in their mind. 
3. Tamas (Impurity) - represents the dark side of mind. Lethargy, mental weakness, tension, poor memory and sluggishness are main characteristics of tamas.

All three gunas are equally responsible for the manifestation of various feelings in our mind. Balance of three gunas in body make mind strong and prepare it to bear emotions whether bad or good.

We can not avoid any of the three temperaments of mind as they all are equally important for us. They are required by the mind to perform various activities whether good or bad. But we should maintain equilibrium among gunas so as to keep the mind functioning well in good direction. We should try to follow sattvic diet and lifestyle so as to prevent tamas (evil) to rule over mind.

Basic line of treatment in AYURVEDA

1. To Remove the cause of the illness - It is primary step towards preventing the illness. For example - If there is no fire, then no smoke will be produced. Similarly, if there are no bad eating habits or poor lifestyle, then no disease will happen.
2. To increase the metabolic rate of the body - In Ayurveda, it is assumed that each disease affecting our body arises from malfunctioning of the digestive system due to which toxins (Ama) are produced and cause the illness. We should adopt the measures to improve the metabolic rate of the body so that the food we eat is digested properly and then assimilated in the body.
3. Detoxification of the body –In Ayurveda, toxin (Ama) is basic cause of illness and should be flushed out of the body through various purification methods like panchkarma. Panchkarma plays important role. It includes snehan, swedan ,vamana, virechana, nasyam, basti and rakta mokshan.
4. Rejuvenation of the body – Once the whole body is purified and the toxins have been removed, doctor should follow the measures to rejuvenate the body of patient. One can use various strengthening medicines including rasayana.
5. Rejuvenate the mind of patient – The illness affects the body as well as the mind of the patient. It creates undue tension, anxiety and stress to patient. So, various relaxing techniques should be followed to rejuvenate the mind like yogic asana, pranayama and meditation.

According to Ayurveda, ama (toxins) and ojas kshaya (low immunity) is the major cause of illness. We should focus on enhancing ojas and decrease ama in the body.

Concepts lying behind AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Ayurveda is a science which considers health in all aspects of physical, mental, spiritual and social well being. Some of the concepts lying behind Ayurvedic treatment are listed below:

1. Whenever we are suffering from a disease, we should focus on our inner self. Cause behind every disease is lack of energy - The OJAS
2. Improper diet and lifestyle lead to the imbalance of three biological energies - Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
3. Try to find out the positive causative factor. If possible, Always eliminate the positive causative factor first in order to rectify disorders. 
4. When we begin with treatment, our main focus should be on INTESTINES.
5. Improper digestion or metabolism leads to the accumulation of ama (toxins) in the intestines and other systems which will give rise to diseases in future.
6. We should follow healthy diet including food items and herbs which strengthen and help to detoxify & rejuvenate.
7. Since present day food items are not fulfilling the demands of our body, we should add certain Herbs (Rasayana) with regular meals just to replenish lost nutrients in a natural way.
8. Herbs - Ashwagandha strengthens the body, Dalchini lowers cholesterol, Hing maintains digestion, Brahmi boosts mental power and Jatamansi strengthens nervous system, are really good .Various rasayanas  are useful for our well being. Chavanprash boosts immunity, Trifla cleanses intestines and Trikatu boosts metabolism.
9. We should follow pranayama in daily routine to induce prana (divine energy) in our body. It boosts circulation and lets oxygen & prana shakti reach minute cells of the body.
10. Herbs (Rasayana) and Pranayama greatly contribute to build ojas (immunity – power to fight diseases) in the body.
11. NATURE AND HERBS ARE FULL OF ENERGY; WE SHOULD MAKE FULL USE OF THEM. 

INFERTILITY IN AYURVEDA

Being a mother is nature’s best gift to woman. But unfortunately, when a woman is not able to conceive, she feels like cursed. Reasons can be many.

Infertility means when a woman is unable to conceive after one year of regular sexual intercourse without using any kind of contraceptive. It possesses negative effect on the female psychology. It disturbs the physical, mental and social environment of the couple as well.

But when the cause is non-specific and unexplained, Ayurveda considers it as inertia or weakness of the uterus. According to Ayurveda, if the nourishment to reproductive tissue is impaired, then also infertility arises. Poor nutrition to tissues can arise due to impaired digestion and blocked micro-circulatory channels.

Ayurvedacharayas understood the pain of being infertile and that is why a broad description and treatment is mentioned in ancient text regarding the condition.  Various herbs and preparations are mentioned in ayurvedic texts to tone up the musculature of uterus, making it healthy and prepare its flora suitable for conception so as to tackle any kind of infection.

For pregnancy to happen or to have healthy child one should focus on ovum, sperm, uterus and nourishment. Ovum and sperm should be healthy enough to unite together and uterus should be healthy enough to hold the fetus. This can be achieved with proper nourishment of the body with balanced diet and consuming herbs or supplements which nourishes the shukra dhatu (reproductive tissue) of the body. Various herbs are mentioned in Ayurveda which can nourish the shukra dhatu are ashwagandha, shatavari and kaunch beej. These herbs surely improve the quality and quantity of reproductive fluid.

Reproductive fluids like semen and ovum are formed by long chain of metabolic transformations beginning from the digestion of food. Food is first converted into rasa dhatu. Then, further chain continues.

Ras--> rakta (blood)-> mansa (muscles)-->meda (fat)-->asthi (bones)-->majja (bone marrow)-->shukra (Reproductive tissue)

In this chain, ultimately the shukra dhatu is formed. Whatever we consume and metabolic fire of body affects the formation of shukra. We should also improve the metabolism at cellular level to provide proper nutrition to reproductive system of body.

Ayurveda mentions preparations of ashoka, lodhra, yograj, supari, mochras, aarogyavardhini, gokshuradi guggul, kanchnaaar guggul for strengthening uterus and making it viable for pregnancy.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RASAYANA (REJUVENATING TONICS)

Rasa in Sanskrit means essence or emotion and ayana means path. Hence, rasayana roughly translates to - The path of the essence. Rasa nourishes body, boosts immunity and helps to keep the body and mind in best of health.
Rasayanas are the rejuvenating tonics as mentioned in Ayurveda. They provide vital energy to our body. They are herbs which promote the circulation in the body and enable the vital essence to reach each and every cell of the body.
In the recent researches, it has been found that many leading diseases are caused by the insufficient levels of oxygen in the body. Studies show that when a cell is deprived of 35 % of required levels of oxygen for 48 hours, the cells can become cancerous even. In all such cases, rasayanas play a vital role.

• Rasayanas enhances the circulation and metabolism at cellular level. In fact, they let the oxygen to reach the minute entities and cells
• Enhances the assimilation and delivery of nutrients to the tissues and cells to maintain their structure and perform various activities
• Improves vigor and strength to the healthy persons
• Promotes longevity, general health and immunity (power to fight diseases)
• Rasayanas work like a buffer solution as they help us to achieve homeostatic balance in the body. They help to maintain the physiology of a system to be normal. So, they can perform in both ways: eliminating toxins and providing building blocks to various systems of the body.
• Relieves  the mental or physical stress in the body 
• Delays the aging process. 
• Enhances the immunity and prevent the diseases. Moreover, they prevent the diseases from reoccurring.

Thus, we can conclude that rasayanas are very potent energy boosters which enhance the body’s inner capability to fight infections OR prevent diseases.. 

3 BIOLOGICAL ENERGIES - VATA - PITTA - KAPHA

Three biological energies or doshas when vata, pitta & kapha

In balance        ---->           Leads to  WELLNESS
Out of balance ----->          Leads to  ILLNESS

According to Ayurveda, all living creatures and the universe are composed of three complementary energies or doshas:

• Vata, signifies movement
• Pitta, signifies transformation
• Kapha, leads to stability. 

These three doshas comprise five great elements (panch mahabhutas- air, space, fire, water and earth) that provide them their distinctive qualities.

• Vata is composed of air and space, 
• Pitta is composed of fire and water, 
• Kapha is composed of water and earth. 

We all are blend of vata, pitta, and kapha but possess one dominant dosha that determines things such as our personality and appetites.

1) Vata dosha leads to movement within the body. It involves all forms of motion in the mind and body like circulation, nervous transmission, elimination, peristalsis, breathing and the thought process. Vata influences the other doshas.

• Balance: Leads to creativity and vitality.
• Imbalance: Can produce fear and anxiety.

2) Pitta dosha leads to transformation and metabolism at physical and mental level such as digestion, metabolism, assimilation, immunity and processing sensory information.
Pitta dosha can be balanced by its opposite qualities: cool environment with cool, heavy, oily diet that is sweet, bitter or astringent.

• Balance: Brings contentment and intelligence.
• Imbalance: Leads to ulcers and anger

3) Kapha dosha controls all forms of fluid balance and structure in the physiology such as mucous, retention of water, physical strength, natural tissue resistance and proper body structure. Kapha dosha is balanced by its opposite qualities: exercising more, sleeping less, consuming light and dry foods with bitter or astringent tastes.

• Balance: Leads to love and forgiveness
• Imbalance: Can lead to insecurity and envy

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT - How ama (Toxins) affect body tissues (Dhatus) & leads to diseases

Dhatus (tissue) nourishes the entire body. In fact, it provides structure to our body. The word Dhatus is originated from of Sanskrit word dha meaning "support, that which bears".  Dhatu represents all body fluids and tissues.

There are 7 types of dhatus:

1. Rasa (plasma) 
2. Rakta (blood)
3. Mamsa (muscular tissue)
4. Meda (fatty tissue)
5. Asthi (bone and connective tissue)
6. Majja (bone marrow) 
7. Shukra (semen and ova)

The dhatus are the fundamental tissues of the body.
Each of the dhatus is built out of a previous one and is developed on the nourishment that comes from the digestion of food we eat. They are developed from and nourished by Ahara rasa (chyle) which is produced by proper digestion of food.

Food (Proper digestion)  ------------->               Ahara rasa (Nutritive fluid)

Ahara rasa (chyle) is the nutritive fluid which is produced from digested food.  It enters dhatu system and is converted into the first Dhatu (Rasa Dhatu). It nourishes all cells in the human body and is later transformed into blood.

When the digestion is not proper, ama is produced in the body and absorbed in all dhatus sequentially. As per Ayurveda, our body constitution depend on the seven dhatus. Thus, production of ama indirectly impairs the function of all systems in the body and lead to various disorders.

Food (Improper digestion)  ------------->    Ahara rasa                 +       Ama (TOXINS) 
                                                                               (Small quantities)                    (Large quantities)  

1. Ama affects rasa dhatu and causes malnutrition, weakness, lethargy, diabetes and liver disorders.
2. Ama affects rakta dhatu, cause many impurities in the blood and leads to acne, pimples, blemishes, skin darkening, hypertension and cardiac diseases.
3. Ama affects mansa dhatu and leads to various muscular problems like muscular dystrophy and myalgia.
4. Ama affects the meda dhatu and causes obesity and overweight. 
5. Ama affects the asthi dhatu and leads to osteo- arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis; spondylitis, hair loss and hair fall.
6. Ama affects majja dhatu and leads to malfunctioning of the bone marrow which disturbs the production of blood cells in the body.
7. Ama affects shukra dhatu and causes infertility, other diseases of reproductive tract and weakness of reproductive hormones.

Ama effecting dhatus (Tissues), srotas (Circulatory channels), doshas (Biological energies- vata, pitta, kapha) and kalas (membranes), leads to many ailments in the body. Thus, AMA (Toxins) is considered as an ultimate cause of diseases in Ayurveda.

Healthy approach towards life - OPTIMISM

Realists look at the things clearly but most of us attribute the events in our lives optimistically or pessimistically. Optimism is looking at a more favorable side of events and simply anticipating the best possible outcome in any situation. It has a wonderful effect on our health and mind too.

Benefits of optimism

• Provides better life span and live happily too.
• Helps to gain good health mentally as well physically. Optimistic persons have better health than a pessimistic one. 
• Performs better in any event whether sports or any other competition.
• Don’t give up easily until u get success
• Makes us emotionally stable and strong too. 
• Helps to withstand the challenges of life very well
• Enables us to experiences less stress than pessimists or realists. Because optimistic believes in their abilities and expect best things to happen. 
• Optimists enjoy the life to fullest and always look upon the better side of the picture. They believe that more positive things will happen in future.
• Induces a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
• Enhances the level of productivity.
• Enables you to opt for balanced approach in life by dealing with the constant negative thoughts which spring up.
• Enhances  your tolerance levels because it lowers the risk of you being irritated by useless matters 
• Raises your level of motivation.
• Promotes positive and healthier relationships.
• Enhances spiritual development and awakening.

Considering these benefits of optimism in life, one should always try to have positive approach in life. It costs nothing but have wonderful health benefits. It improves your physiological and psychological well being.

Brief account on Rajas (Quality of Movement and Activity)

Rajas influence all forms of movement and activity. These activities are required to get things done in life and to achieve our goals. When in excess, it brings restlessness, hyper-activity, pride, jealousy and competitiveness. It results in fear, anxiety and agitated behavior.

Rajasic personalities – These personalities are medium in intelligence. They are quite active in nature. They try to control the situations and dominate others. They can express emotions very effectively. Impulsive actions are taken that are later regretted and which disturb the mind. They incline themselves towards fanaticism. Their satisfaction levels are very high and are quite ambitious. They are highly manipulative in nature and can mould a situation which suits them very well. Hence, they can be considered as selfish persons also. People (with lots of rajasic content) value power, prestige, business and success on the material level. They hold their own beliefs very firmly and try to change others. Their minds are so full that they don’t really listen to any advice.

They tend to indulge themselves in routine activities excessively disturbing to the internal system. Excessive thinking, talking, traveling, spending more time on the telephone, hours on the computer, exposing to anything violent, will all possess quite disturbing effect upon the mind.

Sleep is disturbed or troubled by intense dreams. They do not feel fresh even after taking long hours of sleep. 

Rajasic Foods – Excess sweet, spicy, hot, salty and strong stimulants like tea, coffee, nicotine and alcohol comes under this category. Junk foods like potato chips and chocolate bars, pungent foods (such as raw onions and garlic), can lead to agitation and disturbance of mind.

Those of a rajasic nature never give unconditionally. It is always done with some expectation rather than genuine altruism. Relationships based mainly on their own needs and desires rather than on reciprocal interest and regard. Most legumes and beans increase rajas slightly.

If you want to balance Rajas, limit exposure to foods, people and situations which disturb our minds and increase exposure to more sattvik foods, lifestyle and people. 

Anything that increases satva will decrease rajas.

THREE PILLARS OF GOOD HEALTH IN AYURVEDA

According to Ayurveda, ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and brahmcharya (maintaining control over sexual urges) are three pillars of good health. As pillars provide support to a building and hold it firmly, these 3 pillars provide the basis of good health in human beings.

1. Ahara (Food) - The first and foremost of all three is food which serves as a fuel for our body. It provides us energy to do various activities. Every bite of food contributes to our health. Poor diet will lead to poor health and good nutritious diet will lead to good health. According to Ayurveda, we should consume food as per seasonal and daily regimens at regular intervals. Avoid junk food or unhealthy foods. Ayurveda recommends best foods for different individuals according to their prakrirti and dosha (vata, pitta and kapha) constitution. Pathya (foods we should take) and apathya (foods we should avoid) are also mentioned in Ayurveda. Following this, one can avoid many diseases and lead happy life.
2. Nidra (Sleep) - An ample sound sleep benefits us with good health and makes our body, mind and soul at rest for sometime. It re-energizes the body to do daily activities. Disturbed sleep adversely affects our health making us lethargic. Insomnia (lack of sleep) disturbs the normal body function and contributes to ill health. Sleep disorders leads to restlessness of mind. Good sound sleep is mandatory for healthy living. After a sound sleep in night, we feel better, our thoughts are clear and emotions are balanced. The ability to learn and retain any information increases. Sound sleep helps to reduce the mood disorders. Sleep keeps our heart healthy, reduces stress in body and mind also.
3. Brahamcharya (Maintaining control over sexual urges) - It literally means ‘Abstinence from sex’. But actually it means to achieve ‘Good control over sexual urges’. Everybody has to follow family life and involve in sex to produce children. But excessive indulgence in sex can have harmful effect over the body. It weakens body and mind. We should follow brahamcharya in our life.

The eight limbs of “ASHTANGA AYURVEDA”.

Ayurveda deals with almost every part of present day medical system. It has got specialization courses in medicine, surgery, psychiatry. There are eight components of Ayurveda as mentioned in ancient texts.

1) Kaya chikitsa (Internal medicine) - Cure of diseases affecting the human body. 

2) Kaumara Bhritya (Paediatrics) - Treatment of children

3) Shalaya Chikitsa (Surgery) - Removal of any substance which has entered the body (as extraction of darts, of splinters, etc.

4) Shalakya tantra (Eye and E.N.T) - Cure of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat by sharp instruments 

5) Bhutta vidya (Psychiatry) - Treatment of mental diseases.

6) Agad tantra (Toxicology) - Doctrine of antidotes 

7) Rasayana and Vajikarna tantra - Doctrine of Elixirs and Aphrodisiac

8) Prasuti tantra (Gynecology and Obstetrics) - Science 

OJAS, THE VITAL ENERGY OF THE BODY

Ojas is a Sanskrit word which literally means "vigor".

According to Ayurveda, it is the essential energy of the body which can be equated with the "fluid of life". It is said that ojas is the sap of one's life energy which can be equated with immunity. But when ojas is deficient, it results in weakness, fatigue and ultimately disease like cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ojas is refined result of metabolism of food at cellular level. Its primary location is the heart, from where it circulates in entire body.

According to Charak, during embryogenesis ojas appear in body. If a pregnant lady follows garbhini masanumasik paricharya, baby becomes healthy with good amount of ojas in body.

Ojas is said to be of two types:

1. Para Ojas exists in a quantity of eight drops and is located in the heart. Its loss leads to death.
2. Apara Ojas, is distributed throughout the body.

Causes of decrease in ojas

• Excessive injury and mental traumas will derange vata, leads to early aging and less Ojas. 
• Vomiting, diarrhea, heavy bleeding and too much sweating will cause reduction in fluid and ultimately, reduces ojas.
• Overexertion increases vata, accelerates aging process and reduces ojas.
• Excessive anger will derange pitta, resulting in disturbance of metabolism and decreases production of ojas.
• Excessive grief aggravates vata, disturbs sleep and reduces ojas.
• Undue worries and anxiety aggravates vata inside the brain causes dryness of ojas.
• Excessive hunger, fasting or dieting will reduce ojas.

Symptoms of low ojas

• Poor stamina
• Mood fluctuations and irritability of mind
• Mental and physical stress as well
• Increased sensitivity to minor environmental or social factors
• Poorly developed sexual organs
• Muscular weakness
• Suicidal tendencies in rare cases when ojas is extremely low

Factors which can enhance ojas in body

1. Aachaar Rasayana – It is our good behavior which can raise levels of ojas in our body. Truth, love, devotion, helpful nature, non violence, peaceful mind accelerates the positivity in the body and enhances ojas.
2. Rasayanas and vajikarna - Intake of nutritious food and herbs like amlaki, shilajit, ashwaganda, tulsi, giloy and  satavar  increases vitality – the ojas.
3. Sattvic diet and lifestyle - As satva guna possesses positive energy, induces spiritualism and energizes an individual. We should prefer to consume sattvic diet preferably vegetarian food items, ghee, almonds, dates, sweet fruits, fresh vegetables and rice.
4. Healthy digestion or metabolism should be maintained as it will produce more rasa to nourish body.
5. Eliminating Ama with the help of Panchkarma or by consuming castor oil or triphala at bedtime enhances ojas (flow of positive energy) in body.
6. Devotion or bhakti yoga - Unconditional faith in God or Super consciousness enhances a flow of positivity in individuals and re-energies our body.
7. Yoga postures and pranayama keeps our body fit and induces flow of divine energy (prana) in body.
8. Balanced diet – A diet having all nutrients in balanced state and provides full energy to body. It greatly contributes to maintain the immunity too.
9. Avoid negativity like excess grief, anger, envy and jealousy as they may decrease ojas.
10. Avoid excess fasting or dieting as it may put the body on physical stress as well as mental stress and decreases ojas.
11. Avoid over exertion as this creates unwanted pressure on the body and disturbs harmony among various systems and decrease the ojas.
12. Preserving sexual energy – Always try to preserve the shukra dhatu as it is the ultimate energy in the body. Do not indulge in excess sexual relationships. Ayurveda advises to go for regular sexual activity, but within limit.
13. Control over senses – Good amount of energy is dissipated through eyes, ear and mouth. We should limit the use of senses as this may deplete the ojas from body. For example - excessive talking dissipates lots of energy.
14. Proper sleep pattern – One should have adequate sleep. Go for regular sleep pattern. Avoid intermittent naps during the day.
15. Reverse the aging – Since aging process goes on, wear and tear of tissues increases and ojas declines. Include anti- aging herbs like ashwagandha, giloy and satavari to boost vitality. 
16. Maintain proper physical activity - Go for regular physical activities as it will maintain the flow of ojas in body and energies the body.
17. Sufficient physical or mental rest - Helps to regain lost ojas due to excessive workout.
18. Visualize nature in a calm and soothing environment. It helps to preserve age in body.
19. Good knowledge of self because it will help you know about your mind, body and constitution. It will inspire the one to follow eating habits or lifestyle that preserves ojas.
20. Meditation preserves ojas as it will give a pause to continuous usage of our senses.
21. BEFORE BIRTH, healthy uterus of mother nourishes a baby and provide with good ojas.
22. AFTER BIRTH, adequate or timely balanced nutrition in infancy helps in developing ojas
23. Positive thinking in mind enhances ojas.
24. According to Hinduism, good karma leads to good health and builds up ojas. 
25. If we follow dincharya and ritucharya properly, we can enhance ojas in body.

AMA (TOXINS), THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF EVERY DISEASE.

The word ‘Ama' means toxins generated as un wholesome product in the body due to weakening of digestive fire. This ‘Ama' is then carried by ‘Vayu' and travels throughout the body and accumulates in the weak areas of the body and responsible for manifestation of most of the diseases.

Cause of production of ama 

1. Ahara - All the food that increases kapha (water element), vata (air element) dosha and weakens the digestive fire, are mainly responsible for production of ama. Some of such food items are listed below:

• Dairy products
• Sweets and  oily foods
• Chinese food or junk food items 
• Excess salty, spicy and sour foods
• Black gram and fish
• Cold drinks and ice creams  
• Drinking lots of water immediately after consuming food slows down the digestive fire by diluting the enzymes. 
• Over eating 
• Consuming foods out of season 
• Unfamiliar food (asatmaya means opposite to healthy norm and non traditional foods).

2. Vihara – In our daily activities, we follow various practices that can aid in the formation of ama. They are listed below -

• Cold breeze and excessive wind
• Bathing with cold water
• Lack of exercise - It leads to amavata as the circulation of blood to and removal of toxins from the periphery is impaired.
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Sleeping at the day time 
• Emotional feelings of like passion, anger, greed, confusion, envy, grief, excitement and fear.

3. Constipation - It leads to the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body as the waste product of the digestion are not flushed out of the body.

4) Bacterial toxins are produced as a result of various infections in the body.

Symptoms of having ama in body 

• Waking up tired after a good sleep
• Generalized body ache
• Coated tongue especially when we wake up in the morning 
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of taste
• Thirst
• General weakness
• Feeling heaviness in abdomen, legs or body 
• Fever
• Shifting of pain in joints
• Constipation
• Indigestion 
• Gas, bloating or heartburn.
• Lack of mental clarity and energy

How to reduce the production of Ama in body?

We should avoid the possible causes that can lead to the formation of ama in body. Some of them are listed below -

1. Drink warm water throughout the day as it will help to cleanse the systems and micro-channels of circulation throughout the day.
2. As a home remedy, use spices like cumin (jeera), hing and turmeric (haldi) as they enhance the digestion very effectively.
3. Avoid consuming snacks, when we are not hungry actually. Since the food already consumed is not digested by this time. Always keep a minimum gap of 3 hours between two successive meals. 
4. Fasting can be done after a fortnight. Consume water and fresh fruits only. 
5. Whenever there is change of season, we should fast for 15 days addressed as ritu kaal in Ayurveda. It will cleanse the internal body systems, remove toxins and prepares the body for next season.
6. Avoid sedentary lifestyle or sleeping at day time as this activity weakens the digestive fire and enhances the formation of ama.
7. Avoid emotions like passion, envy, grief, excitement and fear as they affect the cellular metabolism.
8. Avoid constipation as it leads to accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body. Castor oil and triphala churna helps to get rid of constipation.
9. We should increase the intake of katu, deepan and pachan herbs. Kutki, sonth and garlic are very effective in enhancing metabolism. Thus, minimizes the production of ama.
10. We should facilitate the removal of ama (toxins) from the body by purification procedures as mentioned in panchkarma.
11. Various yoga postures help to stimulate liver and lessen the production of ama. For example – Vajraasana, Ardha matsyendrasana, Shalabhasana, Kapalbhati  and Bhastrika.
12. We should try to enhance the working efficacy of liver as it will increase the BMR in the body and reduces the formation of ama.
13. Adopting proper sleep pattern, maintains the agni in the body.
14. Consume heavy meals at noon, as it will facilitate the digestion.
15. Don’t eat too much in dinner as the food is not digested properly and assimilated in body. It will lead to formation of ama. Preferably, consume light foods at night.
16. It is also very important to set a routine time for taking main meals in a day as biological clock sets in and releases digestive enzymes at a particular set of time.
17. It is advised to go to sleep before 10pm at night otherwise pitta will induce the need of midnight meal which will further produce ama.
18. Wake up before 6 am, it will cleanse the body channels naturally.
19. Manage stress (by yoga, meditation) as it adversely affects the agni and creates ama.
20. Go for daily exercise regimen as this will keep body fit and fine. It will maintain the AGNI (metabolism at cellular level) in body.
21. Chew the food properly in mouth as it will help in mixing of enzymes in saliva and enhance the digestion and will lessen the ama.
22. Ayurvedic herbal preparation like lavana bhaskar churna can be used to enhance impaired digestion.
23. Sweating (hot water bath, sun therapy)
24. Adding sour fruits in diet like lemon, grapefruit and cranberry as they are good for cleansing micro circulatory channels.
25. Avoid consuming direct sugar as it produces ama. You can consume honey as it bears low calorie.

Stretch marks and herbal remedies to reduce them

Stretch marks can be defined as fine white to silvery lines on the skin that may develop 

• During pregnancy since the abdomen enlarges 
• During sudden gains in weight and/or remain after weight loss.
• Due to rapid growth during puberty 

Stretch marks are visible mainly on the abdominal wall but can also occur on the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts. In case of females, most common cause of stretch marks is pregnancy. There are few herbal remedies to reduce the appearance of stretch marks as mentioned below -

• Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells. Rub stretch marks with a piece of potato and allow the potato juice to cover the affected area. Then, wash away with lukewarm water.
• Apply aloe vera gel directly over the affected area. Leave it for few minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Keep your body well hydrated. It results in detoxification of skin pores and restores elasticity too.
• Apply lemon juice directly over the skin. It is acidic in nature and helps to heal or reduce stretch marks.
• Olive oil contains various essential vitamins and minerals. Massaging the affected area with warm olive oil gives good results.
• Castor oil which is used in many skin ailments is also beneficial in getting rid of stretch marks. Apply castor oil to stretch marks and gently massage in a circular motion for at least 15 minutes.
• Consume more vitamin C in your diet.
• Regularly moisturize the areas over skin prone to the development of stretch marks is very good to keep stretch marks at bay.
• Natural scrub prepared with the help of oats also serves to reduce stretch marks.
• Physical exercises focusing on abdomen, tone up the muscles thereby contributing indirectly to reduce stretch marks because excess gain or loss of weight contributes to the formation of stretch marks.
• Even yoga focusing on exercise and relaxation, helps to remove stretch marks.
• If you want to overcome the itching, take a warm shower followed by gentle oil massage.

DIABETES: Herbal Treatment and Diet

Brief account on Tamas or Inactive State

Tamas represents the dark side of mind. More tamas in body, more lethargy we are. It causes mental weakness in the body. Tamas is the way nature completes or destroys things. We need tamas to fall asleep and rest but excess of tamas make us dull, inert, lazy and depressed.

Tamasic personalities – These are usually lethargy and possess poor memory. They are stubborn in nature and never listen to the good advice of others. Tamasic people show little desire to improve physically or mentally, lack the will power and discipline to do so. Individuals with a strong tamasic nature engage in a self-destructive diet and lifestyle. Such individuals become increasingly less caring about themselves and others. It is unlikely that they will  go in company of good people, read holy articles and attend yoga classes unless dragged by someone else .Their mind possesses very poor judgmental qualities.  They are dishonest in approach and unclean in habits. They show no care for their own health.

They usually sleep heavily and it is difficult to wake them up.

Tamasic food - They used to eat, drink and have sex excessively. They like to have alcohol in large quantities. Leftover food items, deeply fried food, excessive meat, chicken, seafood, eggs and hard cheeses are known to enhance tamas in body.

Certain herbs and spices, such as nutmeg have a dulling effect on mind, are tamasic in nature. That is why, in cases of insomnia, nutmeg is used as a traditional aid to sleep. 

A tamastic diet benefits neither the mind nor the body. Prana, the divine energy is withdrawn, reasoning power of mind becomes clouded and a sense of inertia sets in. Immunity of body is destroyed and mind will be filled with emotions such as anger and greed. Overeating is also considered as tamasic.

Tamasic foods include alcohol, tobacco, eggs, drugs, meat, stale, overripe substances, overcooked and fried food.

Satvic food does not disturb the alertness of mind but tamasic food makes mind dull and sluggish. 

To Balance tamas means clearing out the cobwebs in the brain. Fresh air, peaceful meditation, dynamic exercise and sattvic food, lifestyle and environment will help to balance tamas. 

Since nowadays, we are suffering with stress and tensions. We should try to increase sattvic content in our diet and lessen the tamasic food. As this will help in creating peace to the mind and will enhance the alertness of the mind .

Diet and lifestyle for enhancing memory

A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Keep in mind that all cells need nutrients to continue their growth. This means your brain needs food that will provide the building blocks it needs to work well. More neurons and connections within your brain correspond to stronger memory and help the mind to work better. Certain foods and lifestyle habits can help your memory improve and will allow you to think with better clarity.

• Consume healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids which can be found in flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnuts, wheat germ and eggs.
• Consume antioxidants rich diet including blueberries (other berries too), carrots, garlic, red grapes, spinach, broccoli, soy, tea, tomatoes and whole grains. It protects the brain cells from damage.
• Dairy products are good for health like milk and curd. 
• The greatest sources of food to boost alertness and energy are soy, eggs and seafood.
• Hydrate your brain. You should drink at least four liters of water each day.
• Fiber rich foods should be included in diet. For example- dried fruits, apricots, dates, prunes, raisins, vegetables like broccoli, green peas and spinach, nuts like almonds, flaxseed, whole fruits like avocadoes, kiwi, oranges, pears and skin on apples, whole wheat grains, barley and brown rice.
• Multivitamins can be added as a supplement.
• Consume green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidant which protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. 
• Lycopene, found in tomatoes, could help protect against free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's.
•  Memory  include sweet potatoes, oranges, carrots, milk, ghrit (clarified butter), spinach and almonds.
• Broccoli, good source of vitamin K, is well known to improve cognitive function and brainpower.
• Do physical exercise as it increases oxygen to your brain and reduces the risk for disorders leading to memory loss.
• Always have a sound sleep. When you are deprived of sleep, your brain can’t operate at full capacity. Various functions of brain like creativity, problem solving abilities and critical thinking are compromised.
• Take out sometime to refresh your brain. Do more light hearted pastimes- hanging out with friends or enjoying a funny movie. Life that’s full of friends and fun comes with cognitive benefits.
• Man is a social animal. In fact, interacting with others may be the best kind of brain exercise.
• Laughter is the best medicine and that holds true for the brain as well as the body. Laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain. Moreover, listening to jokes and working out punch lines activates areas of the brain vital for learning and creativity.
• Keep check over the undue stress as it harms the brain cells. One can go for meditation to ease the stress.
• Activities that require using your hands are a good to exercise your brain. Enjoying a game of ping pong (table tennis), playing a musical instrument like guitar or piano, knitting and needlework are activities that exercise brain by challenging hand eye coordination, spatial temporal reasoning and creativity.