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Greying of Hair Palitya An ayurvedic perspective

Greying of Hair Palitya An ayurvedic perspective

Introduction

Healthy growing hair is always a sign of youthfulness & wellbeing. But nowadays, even before the age of 20, the hair starts to grey & that is referred to as Premature Greying of Hair. The exact causes are not known. Mostly greying is associated with some primary disease conditions like autoimmune disorders or metabolic syndromes. The growth intensity of grey hair is much more than black hair. The grey hair follicles are thicker & strong than normal hair.

Greying of Hair Palitya An ayurvedic perspectiveAccording to studies, by the age of almost 50 years out of the half population, there will be 50% grey hair. In men greying can be easily noticed in the frontal as well as the sideburns. In females, it is more prominent in the scalp boundaries. Gradually it progresses to other areas of the scalp. The genetic factors determine the progression of the greying process.

Pathogenesis of greying- Causes

Melanin is the pigment that is responsible for providing pigmentation to the hair. Greying of hair is caused due to the decreased production of melanin. While white hair is caused due to the absence of melanin. Genes play a crucial role in melanin production in an individual.

Fear or stress-related issues may or may not be a contributing factor. There are historical pieces of evidence that the British statesman Thomas Moore went white just by an overnight awaiting a jail execution. Also, there are other factors like smoking, radiation exposure, anxiety due to autoimmune diseases & other inflammatory diseases that can trigger premature greying. Studies elicit that smoker grey earlier than non-smokers.

It is a very distressing condition that leads to social isolation. It coexists in certain other disease conditions like hyperthyroidism, pernicious anemia, hereditary, malnutrition, skin diseases & malarial fevers. It is also triggered by mental disorders like stress, depression, fear & anxiety.

Ayurveda perspective of greying- Palitya

Greying of hair, as well as many hair diseases, are well explained with effective treatments in Ayurveda Samhitas. Palitya is the term referred to describe premature greying of hair. It is caused primarily due to the vitiation of pitta dosha as well as Agni. When the doshas are vitiated due to the improper diet as well as regimen, the vitiated dosha gets localized in the scalp region to produce greying hair. Ayurveda acharyas describe hair diseases in different chapters in different contexts.

 

The symptoms vary according to the dosha predominance and Famous Ayurvedic Doctor in Pune finds the exact dosha and cure the problem. The spitted hair, extreme dryness, coarseness, dry, & roughness are the symptoms of Vata predominance. In the case of pitta kopa, there is a burning type of sensation & yellowishness. In Kapha predominance, there is unctuousness, thick & white hairs are seen. In a predominance of 3 doshas, all the features are shown.

Line of treatment

In Ayurveda, the first line of intervention is to avoid the cause that leads to greying of hair. Mostly Nasya therapy is very effective in the treatment of this hair condition. For the same, there are various herbal oils mentioned in the classics. The medicines have to be chosen according to the degree of the dosha vitiation as well as the chronicity & strength of the patient.

Sahacharadi taila, Bringaraja taila, Nimba taila, Vidarigandha taila

In addition to these nasal oils, some local applications of herbal paste are found very effective.

Tiladi yoga & dughdhika karavira yoga are mentioned in the classics.

Additionally, internal medications should be taken as a part of shaman therapy

Vidaryadhi kashayam, manjishtadi kashayam, guluchyadi gana kashayam are good choices. These medicines are cooling & alleviates the pitta dosha. They purify the blood too.

Panchakarma therapies are chosen when there is high involvement of doshas. A mild form of virechana is recommended.

Avoid

Repeated chemical treatment of hair for cosmetic purposes

Unscientific use of hair products available in markets

Avoid excessive salty or spicy foods

Reduce exposure to pollutants

Reduce the use of laptops  & mobile phones during sleep hours

 

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Importance of Panchakarma

Importance of Panchakarma

Importance of PanchakarmaWe all boom in a fast-paced environment. The air we breathe, the food we eat & the water we drink is contaminated. Due to vast exposure to toxins, our body always needs repair & purification. The health inconsistencies arising out of these morbid living entices many diseases in the long run. Purification doesn’t mean mere warm water bath or sanitizing. What about our internal organs, do they deserve to be cleaned once in a while? Have you ever thought of purifying your body? Well, then it’s the right time to think about it. So how can you accomplish this more healthily? The solution is simple when Ayurveda is at your rescue. 

Ayurveda has the best remedy to ward off all body toxins easily. It has a complementary holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. It is gaining global attention due to its inimitable healing properties. It is very exciting that the modality of Panchakarma offers many choices. As the name suggests, it is the conglomeration of 5 purificatory therapies chosen according to the constitution, metabolic capacity & the health status of an individual. Hence, the importance, as well as the benefits, are far more than anticipated. When the disease progresses to a chronic stage, the body then requires a total purification to arrest the disease progression. Also, timely detoxification can preserve health as well as promote longevity. This can prevent the onset of diseases in the future. 

Collectively the 5 therapies or panchakarma are rejuvenating, curative & preventive if done properly. It also has a remarkable impact on our body & mind. Unhealthy lifestyle, stress & pollutants alter the body & reflect in the form of diseases. The causes of ailments sometimes remain hidden, as the accumulated toxins are the ultimate culprits.

Wonders of panchakarma

Improves the immunity of the body. Infections are common nowadays, bacterial, viral & protozoan, once you follow the Ayurveda lifestyle the daily routine & seasonal routine which includes purificatory therapy, you can defend against any type of external infection.

The brilliance of the panchakarma is seen where contemporary therapies fail to heal major complex ailments. This is where natural detoxification attains great attention as well as an implication. 

Purifies the body completely, it is not just about a particular organ or organ system.

Boosts body metabolism, balances the tridoshas & reduces weight naturally

The panchakarma therapies help to eliminate the excess fat, body fluids, circulatory wastes. This lightens the body & imparts strength.

Clears the blocked channels of the body

It relieves stress & anxiety

Tissue & cell rejuvenation

It provides clarity to sense organs. It improves vision & tones the skin

It reverses the degenerative process in the body & imparts longevity

It enhances new cell production & slows down the aging process.

Enhances the digestive capacity. It is observed that in most cases after panchakarma, the appetite & taste are improved. It improves nutrient absorption & nourishes the entire body. 

Naturally eliminates toxins. In most cases, the accumulated toxins give rise to bodily ailments. So, by the detoxification process, so many diseases can be prevented. The toxins or the metabolic waste that are accumulated are expelled completely. It helps to improve the overall health & wellbeing.

Decreases the addiction-related complications & controls drug dependence.

For an effective panchakarma treatment, it is necessary to consult an expert Ayurveda doctor & get the treatment accordingly. It should be done under strict medical supervision. 

Some information for you in a nutshell

What types of diseases can be managed effectively through panchakarma? It balances the Vata, Pitta & Kapha dosha in the body. Usually, it is recommended for all types of systemic illnesses where the dosa vitiation is at its peak. Specifically, it is found very effective in Musculoskeletal, neurological, gynecological, & respiratory problems including sinusitis.

  1. How many days does it require for a panchakarma?

It depends upon the therapy chosen by your doctor. The main procedure is always done after some preparatory procedures which include oleation & fomentation for 3/5/7 days.

  1. Are there any dietary restrictions before & after panchakarma?

A vegetarian diet that is easy to digest is mostly recommended before the process. After the therapies, depending upon the appetite gradually food is taken according to the digestive capacity.

  1. Are the therapies painful?

No, it doesn’t require any sort of physical or mental stress

  1. Who is eligible for panchakarma?

Anyone in the age group of 18 to 70 years can be subjected to the therapies. Also, for disease conditions & deaddiction especially smoking.

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Suvarnaprashan

 

 Suvarnaprashan explained in Ayurveda as a unique method of boosting the immunity and intellect of children. The modern days have left human being amidst a lot of stress, changing lifestyle which in turn affect the strength of individual both physically and mentally. This, in turn, requires best health and intellectual power. Hence Suvarnaprashan is one of the choice.

Suvarnaprashan:-

Dose: Can be given to age group of 0-16yrs according to age and weight.

Time: On every Pushya nakshatra an auspicious day which happens to come after every 27 days, given on this day it gives excellent benefits.

Benefits:-

Swarna prashana develops medha (mental ability), agni (digestive power), bala (strength), aayu vardhana(prolonged life span), it is also Mangalakara(brings in good virtues in child, positive attitude in life, optimism, power to overcome mental and physical hardships), Vrushya(attractive nature ), Varnya(It gives rejuvenative effects and tone ups the skin), Graha baadha nashaka(immunity to defeat diseases). Regular use of Suvarnaprashana make child very intelligent and he can remember all heard by him.

 

 

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How to take care of your health in the Rainy season?

 

How to take care of your health in the Rainy season

As we can see rainy season has recently started, and of course, we all like to enjoy this season. But along with this fun, we also invite a few diseases. According to Ayurveda, water and air are infected with germs and bacteria in the rainy season, which get along with viral diseases. Let’s understand how to take care of health in the Rainy season.

We usually see people suffering from Cold, Cough, Fever, Diarrohea, Uneasiness in this season. Other diseases that can be harmful are- Malaria, Dengue, Swine flu, Chikungunya, Jaundice.

Along with these other problems faced by elderly people are Joint pain, asthma, digestive disorders, and Vata Doshas. If these problems are not treated on time, it may increase its intensity.

So how to protect yourself from these weather conditions, viral infections, and unwanted disorders? All these questions can be answered by Ayurveda, lets see the vital role of Ayurveda in this.

To protect yourself from above the conditions keep this in mind- 

  1.  Drink boiled water
  2. While having vegetables or fruits clean them with saltwater.
  3. Avoid eating street food
  4. Take care of kids, as they are most likely to be prone to such diseases. If going for ayurvedic kadha or churna, take it under proper consult.

Points to keep in mind-

  1. Massage yourself with lukewarm sesame oil and then take a bath.
  2. To build your immunity boil milk and add turmeric and basil leaves in it.
  3. Oily food, last night leftovers, bakery food, fast food, spicy food can affect your health.
  4. Try to avoid combination food like Milk+ Fruits together, milkshakes, Milk+ Fish, icecream after having non-veg food.
  5. Eat 15-20 black raisins at night, it helps in the digestion of food and constipation problems.
  6. Drink lukewarm water before sleeping, it helps in weight control.
  7. To reduce Vata dosha from your body, Basti Karma is a very useful treatment in Ayurveda.
  8. Monsoon season using reduces our immunity, so to build it back eat healthy food and have warm water.
  9. Eat light food, which is easily digestible.

If you follow these points, you can stay safe from any infections or virals. Rains are always to be enjoyed but follow the above points to stay fit and as they say, prevention is better than cure.

 

In case you fall sick, feel free to connect on- 9423422379

with Dr. Geetanjali Thokal. She is the Best Ayurvedic Doctor in PCMC.

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Weight loss during the lockdown

For many, life has become a little more sedentary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown has taken away those morning walks and daily workouts at the gym. Now, add this sedentary life with ‘work from home’ and ‘stress eating’ – there’s no wonder if you start noticing the belly fat that wasn’t there before.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, being overweight or underweight involves an imbalance in five elements of the body and thee doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurvedic way of achieving balance and ideal weight is,

  1. identifying the dosha
  2. making appropriate adjustments in diet and lifestyle.

In the case of overweight or obesity (Medarog), Kapha-dosha is to be blamed and the ama needs be removed to shrink fat (Meda dhatu). Ama means toxins that are accumulated in the body as a result of improper diet, chronic stress, and environmental stressors.

Speaking of the factors responsible for the imbalance, here are the important ones:

  • less-healthful foods and beverages
  • not getting enough physical activity
  • heredity

Then there are certain disorders like hypothyroidism and medications like antidepressants and steroids that can cause sudden weight gain.

belly fat

Why Lose That ‘Extra’ Belly Fat?

For adults, overweight or obesity is defined based on body mass index, or BMI, a formula that relates your weight to your height. A healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 25 kg/ m2. If it’s 30 or higher, you are considered obese.

And, losing belly fat means ‘lower risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke’.

The Ultimate Diet Plan For Weight Loss

Many weight loss journeys usually start with this question: “Will I lose weight fast if I skip the meals?” Sorry to say but it causes more harm than good.

When it comes to all things weight loss, the simplest way to make impactful, lasting change is to form healthy eating habits you can stick with for life.

Here are some points to start with.

  • Avoid the terrible three: Salt, sugar, and white flour. These are big-time contributors to weight gain.
  • Include a high-protein food with every meal. Ideally, consume at least 20 – 30 grams of protein.
  • Fast (and fried) food and sweet are light on nutrients and heavy on ingredients. Meaning they will add excess calories and cause weight gain. So, just avoid them.
  • Fried fish, poultry, or lean meat also adds calories. Grilling, roasting, broiling, steaming, press cooking, and slow cooking are the healthiest ways to cook them.

Basic Ayurvedic Eating Practices

Here are some Ayurvedic practices that can ease your weight loss program during this lockdown:

  1. 1.      Listen to your stomach

It is important to maintain a healthy metabolism. So, eat three balanced meals daily; stop when you’re satisfied, not stuffed.

  1. Eat a Kapha-pacifying diet

Choose light, warm, and dry foods; eat less salt, sweet and sour foods. Snack upon more grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Also keep in mind this eating rule: “Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper”.

  1.     Sip warm water every morning

It aids in ama (toxin) removal and digestion. Here are some healing waters you could make at home to get relief from some conditions and to slim down.

  • Ajwain water: Boil 4 tsp carom seeds in 1 L water and drink it warm or cool. It’s a miraculous remedy for bloating.
  • Jeera water:Boil a few seeds (4 spoons) of jeera in water, it’s effective to suppress hunger and to prevent you from eating junk.
  • Ginger water:Boil a teaspoon of dry ginger powder in water and drink it regularly to relieve joint pain and to remove ama from the system.
  • Anantmool: It reduces body heat, cools down the body, and aids in weight loss. Add a teaspoon to hot water and drink regularly.
  • Coriander seed water: helps fix burning sensation associated with urinary tract infection.
  1.     Have dinner before 7 pm

Early dinner helps your system digest food better as well as in detoxification. Teeming with protein and fiber, moong dhal soup is an ideal starter for healthy weight management.

  1.     Sleep well

Modern science says sleep deprivation increases ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and leptin (satiety hormone), which means over-eating and weight gain. Sleep for 7-8 hours, be an early riser and most importantly avoid day sleep.

  1. Exercise

As with eating, how and when you exercise also plays a key role. Early morning sweat sessions and Surya Namaskar help in shedding some kilos around the belly.

What Else Ayurveda Offers To Lose Weight Fast?

The Ayurvedic approach to weight loss is more or less holistic – it involves everything from healthy eating to correcting the metabolism as well as strengthening the digestive system and overall wellbeing. Let’s check how it is achieved.

Udvartana Massage – the deep, dry massage with herbal paste and powders will not only tones the skin but loosens body fat and removes Kapha toxins from the body.

Weight loss Yoga – Dhanurasana, bhujangasana, shalabasana, ardhamatsyendrasana, trikonasana, and vakrasana are recommended for losing belly fat.

Pranayamas – Regular practice of different breathing techniques not only helps with weight loss, but it also promotes circulation, digestion, and also helps with focus.

Panchakarma therapy – These are detoxification methods. For weight loss, Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) or Basti (Medicated Enema) are recommended.

Ruling out ‘junk’ from the diet, adding a Kapha-compatible diet, and being active can seem intimidating in the first few days. Stick to the weight loss diet plan. Do not fret over the progress. You’ll definitely burn belly fat at home.

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Ayurveda and Psoriasis Treatment

Ayurveda is an ancient and holistic form of treatment. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that every person has a different energy pattern which is made of three types. These energies are known as doshas, and they include:

  • Vata energy controls bodily functions
  • Pitta energy controls metabolic functions
  • Kapha energy controls growth in the body

 

Psoriasis is said to be lifelong infirmity of the skin, where there is a rapid increase of the skin cells which causes white & red dry skin patches in affected regions. Psoriasis is non-contagious and usually affects the skin of knees, scalp, and elbows. In allopathy, it is said the cause is due to the overactive immune system and treatment involves oral medications, steroid creams.

Ayurveda and Psoriasis Treatment | Heal and Care Ayurveda

Symptoms noticed for Psoriasis:

  • Inflamed thick skin patches of white or red color.
  • Soreness around patches.
  • Thick, pitted nails
  • Cracked, bleeding dried skin
  • Emotional distress
  • Painful swollen joints
  • Raised skin bumps filled with pus
  • Restricted motion surrounding the joints

 

Reasons that lead to Psoriasis:

  • Change in Dietary habits & lifestyle, causing vitiation of Vata Dosha & Kapha Dosha.
  • Psychological and mental stress.
  • There are also several other causative factors that can be diagnosed by your doctor.

 

Ayurvedic psoriasis treatments

The following Ayurvedic treatments may also be used to treat psoriasis:

  • garlic and onions to purify the blood
  • paste of jasmine flower to relieve itching and to reduce inflammation
  • guggul to reduce the inflammation
  • neem to purify the blood
  • turmeric to reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling

 

Is Ayurvedic Treatment Permanent or Temporary?

  • Traditional medications believe that there is no permanent cure for psoriasis. Though, Ayurvedic treatment offers long relief, but not a permanent one.
  • Our body factor system is different, and so it may cure different people at different times with the all-over effect depending upon genetics.
  • Ayurvedic treatment by our Ayurvedic Dr in Pune is more effective, as it offers longer relief.
  • After giving Ayurvedic treatment, it has been noticed non-returning cases of Psoriasis as compared to conventional medications.
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Constipation treatment

Natural Ways to Treat Constipation!

What is Constipation? 

Constipation is a situation in which there is trouble in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened faeces. With treated and refined food habits on the rise, constipation is also becoming a problem. The food passing from the large intestine, where a large part of the water is reabsorbed and stool is formed. This is discharged from the body, and if there is constipation, this passing of stool can be hard, painful, and may be followed by bleeding too.

Constipation is a common problem in children as well as amongst elderly people. Nowadays children eat a lot more junk food compared to adults. Treating constipation should be a purposive effort as it does not have a single solution, mostly it is practical.

Natural Ways to Treat Constipation | Heal and Care 

  1. A blend of dietary changes includes all aspects like fiber; water, digestion, etc. can help in treating constipation efficiently. Drinking lukewarm water is a good treatment for constipation as it aids in cleansing the bowels.
  2. Ginger tea is yet another great treatment to cause bowel movements in the morning.
  3. A glass of warm milk with a little ghee is a good remedy for constipation.
  4. Having Isabgol husk with warm water or milk at bedtime helps in the easy passing of stools.
  5. Applying drops of lukewarm castor oil above the navel while going to sleep can help in easy passage of stools in the morning.
  6. Soak some raisins in hot water then let it cool down, crush and strain them. This is very useful for treating constipation in children.
  7. Drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water to avoid constipation but it should be divided into parts don’t drink a lot of water at the same time The artificial juices and canned drinks do not count in this, as they only make it worse.
  8. High-fat, processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine are major causes of constipation.
  9. Including small amounts of castor oil, and ghee help in lubrication and easy passage of the stools.
  10. Triphala, is a popular Ayurvedic preparation, it can be mixed with luke warm water and consumed to prevent constipation. This helps in the overall cleansing of the colon and it is a long-term remedy.
  11. Yogasans like Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving pose), Yoga mudra, Dhanurasana (Bow pose), and Vajrasana have major advantages on the digestive system, including releasing accumulated gas and passage of stools.
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What Eating Habits You Must Follow if suffering from PCOD?

What is PCOD? 

PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease nowadays renamed as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder or also called as a group of symptoms common among women of reproductive age. Females with PCOS may not have frequent or lengthy menstrual periods or excess male hormones (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release an ovum.

What causes PCOD?

The cysts are mostly caused due to hormonal changes and fluctuations in the body. It can also be genetic. PCOD can also be caused due to an unhealthy lifestyle that includes little rest, poor sleep and an unwholesome diet lacking in the appropriate nutrients.

Symptoms of PCOD- 

  • Acne growth
  • The extreme growth of facial hair
  • Weight gain
  • Difficulty in losing weight
  •  The extreme growth of body hair, which includes chest, stomach, back.
  • Irregular menstrual cycle
  • Extremely heavy bleeding
  • Severe stomach pain and cramps during menstruation
  • Problems while getting pregnant
  • Infertility
  • It can lead to repeated miscarriages
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Depression
  • Hormonal disorders
  • It can lead to diabetes
  • A higher risk of suffering from PCOD if left untreated is that it can lead to endometrial cancer

Diet for PCOD- 

Following a healthy diet along with physical activities and abstaining from smoking can help in reducing the symptoms of PCOD and prevent the disease.

  1. Increase the intake of fresh, green veggies.
  2. Reducing junk, fried food and most importantly, processed food.
  3. Reducing the consumption of alcohol.
  4. Cutting down on sugary, aerated drinks.
  5. Reduction in dairy products, as milk may increase the levels of testosterone in the body.
  6. Reducing or eliminating consumption of caffeine may help to increase the chances of a fertile reproductive system.
  7. Eat small healthy meals at regular intervals.
  8. Follow dinacharya and rutucharya described in Ayurveda.

For any concern or query, you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

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Ayurveda & Cancer

How is the cancer treatment in Ayurveda?

Cancer is uncontrolled growth which invades in different tissues causing abnormalities in the body. Such malignant growth caused by Cancer.

According to Ayurveda texts and principles, cancer can be co-related with different groups of diseases like Granthi and Arbud but in short, it is abnormal tridosha imbalance (vata, pitta, kafa) causing any growth, harming body mechanism caused as Cancer.

Ayurveda has its own principles to treat cancer i.e. Curative and Preventive:

  1. Curative Measures –

In this approach, the treatment is a symptomatic one. It depends on Upashay -Anupashay. Nowadays it is trend to divide patients into different groups according to their need to treat a disease.

A few examples are as follows:

  1. Patients already taking radio-chemo therapy- In this group of patients, mostly the aim is to minimize the side effect of these therapies and minimize doses.
  2. The patient has undergone Cancer surgery – Faster recovery from Surgical status along with allopathic medicine, ayurvedic medicine can be given.

The patient who has completed allopathic treatment – In such type of cases, one main point is to avoid metastasis i.e. recurrence of cancer cells. With the help of ayurvedic treatment, such a recurrent growth can be delayed or stopped.

  1. Improvement in quality of life –

Ayurvedic treatments provided by our Top Ayurvedic Doctor in Pune helps to improve the quality of life of the patient in all the above groups and patients who are unable to take treatment or who are in end-stage or refused the allopathic treatment. Ayurveda help to deal with a prognosis of cancer and improve life span.

Researchers have proved that Ayurveda treatment helps to cure cancer in different ways.

  1. Preventive Measures –

Preventive oncology is a growing field in foreign countries as well as in India. All ayurvedic treatments in all diseases take the approach of prevention. Prevention from causing factors and prevention from disease growth.

Hence with the help of Ayurveda, we can now set the preventive oncology practice in India with its own principles

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