BRONCHITIS

Your bronchial tubes are responsible for delivering air to your lungs. When these tubes become inflamed, mucus can build up. The coughing and shortness of breath this causes is known as bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually occurs due to a viral chest infection. Several types of viruses can cause it. Approximately 5 percent of adults report having acute bronchitis annually, and acute bronchitis is the ninth most common reason why adults visit their doctors.

It’s important to distinguish acute bronchitis from chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually lasts less than 10 days. However, the coughing can continue for several weeks while the inflammation is clearing. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, can last for several weeks and usually comes back. This is more common in people with asthma or emphysema.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of acute bronchitis aren’t specific. They mimic symptoms of other conditions, such as:

• Chronic cough
• Postnasal drip
• Pneumonia

Therefore, acute bronchitis must always be diagnosed by a doctor.

Common symptoms of acute bronchitis include:

• A cough, which may continue beyond 10 days and contain clear or colored mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• A low-grade fever or a high fever may be an indication of a secondary airway problems such as pneumonia
• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• A sore throat from persistent coughing

Children with acute bronchitis may experience:

• A runny nose
• Chills
• Back pain
• Muscle pain
• A sore throat
• If you experience any of the following symptoms, call Ayurkalp doctor:
• Unexplained weight loss
• A deep, barking cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• A fever of 100.4°f (38°c) or higher
• A cough that last more than 10 days

CAUSES OF BRONCHITIS
Bronchitis is caused by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, by viruses, bacteria, or other irritant particles.

Causes of acute bronchitis

• Virus infection
• Bronchitis is usually caused by viral infection.
• Acute bronchitis is normally caused by viruses, typically those that also cause colds and flu.

It can also be caused by bacterial infection and exposure to substances that irritate the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air pollution.

Causes of chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is caused by repeated irritation and damage of the lung and airway tissue.
Smoking is the most common causes of chronic bronchitis, with other causes including long-term exposure to air pollution, dust and fumes from the environment, and repeated episodes of acute bronchitis.

WHO IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING  BRONCHITIS ?
People at risk include:

• The elderly
• People breathing in irritating chemicals
• Smokers
• Those with a lung condition, such as asthma
• People with poor immunity.
• You can reduce your risk by hand washing, and if you smoke, cutting down or quitting. The annual flu vaccine is recommended for people with chronic bronchitis.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF BRONCHITIS

According to Ayurveda, bronchitis usually starts with some upper respiratory infection or exposure to an irritating substance. Poor diet, digestion and elimination can create an internal environment in the bronchial area that allows infection to more easily occur. Stress, poor lifestyle, bad circulation and lack of rejuvenative regimens can deteriorate the body's immune response to invading organisms in the bronchial area. We quickly see how many variables can predispose individuals to upper respiratory infection and the complications of bronchitis that occur when the infection becomes chronic.

The Ayurveda assessment of balance and imbalance does not simply identify the gross physical abnormality and match up drugs to a symptom. This is because people can have the same disease for different reasons. For example, ten people could walk into a doctor's office with a headache and have it for ten different reasons. Likewise not everyone has bronchitis for the same reasons.

Ayurveda evaluation determines the imbalances in the functioning modes of the body. These underlying imbalances are the root causes of a condition and must be removed if real healing is to occur. By determining the causal imbalances at the basis of a disorder, Ayurveda evaluation helps our Ayurveda Health Consultants address the fundamental source of ill health in the individual.

Since bronchitis can be influenced by many factors, such as diet, digestion, toxin accumulation, stress, exercise levels and daily routine, the Ayurveda approach to the condition is a comprehensive one that balances many physiological functions simultaneously.

Root Causes of Bronchitis as per Ayurveda
Following are the general types of imbalances at the source of most chronic conditions, including bronchitis.

• Toxins accumulating in tissues and blocking circulation.
• Poor nutrition.
• Poor digestion.
• Imbalance of the nervous system.
• Accumulation of physical and mental stress.
• Lowering of natural resistance and immunity.
• Disruption of natural biological rhythms.

The common modern medical approach to match drugs to symptoms does not completely address many of these factors. As a result, modern medicine often cannot fully remove the disorder and the condition becomes chronic. Chronic means that the condition persists over time even with the best modern medical treatment. Currently over 100 million Americans suffer from a chronic condition, indicating that some new approach is needed in our health care.

Your Ayurkalp Ayurveda doctor will provide you with detailed understanding of which foods to favor and avoid for your condition. Avoid foods that are hard-to-digest, excessively activate acid secretion, are clogging to the physiology and aggravating to the functioning modes that are already imbalanced in you. Favor foods that are easy-to-digest, do not stimulate acid secretion, are nourishing to gastric tissues, cleanse the physiology, strengthen digestion and balance your body's inner intelligence.

One of the great strengths of the Ayurveda dietary approach is that it contains knowledge of how to have a light, easy-to-digest diet that still is both satisfying and nourishing. Many individuals have easily followed this diet and have improved their digestion and energy while also reducing their symptoms.

There are some simple and effective home remedies for Bronchitis.

• Take 1 glass of warm milk and mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder to it. Mix them well and drink this milk 2 times everyday.
• Take 1 glass of water and add 1/2 teaspoon of licorice root powder into it. Allow the water to heat up for 15 min and then filter this water. Once cooled, drink this water 2 times every day for 1 week.
• Take some fresh holy basil leaves and chew them everyday.
• Take some fresh Malabar nut tree leaves and chew them everyday or take 2 teaspoons of liquid extract of these leaves with little honey 3 times daily.
• Take a mixture of black pepper, long pepper and dried ginger in equal proportion every day. This helps to strengthen the body’s immune system.
• Proper posture and deep breathing exercises of yoga are proven to be beneficial.
• Practice meditation as it helps to strengthen lungs and helps to relax our mind and body.
• Gargle with warm salt water for some relief.
• Take sufficient rest.
• Avoid smoking and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
• Take 1 piece of garlic and smash them. Swallow it either with milk or tea twice everyday.
• Take 5 cloves of garlic and crush them well. Now add this to 1 liter water and allow it to boil. Filter the water and give 1 teaspoon of it to children below 3 years every 3 hours. Give 1 tablespoon of this water every 3 hours to children above 3 years for good relief.
• Herbal oil massages are also very effective.
• Eat nutritious food, do stress management, change your lifestyle and maintain a proper routine.
• Ayurvedic treatments like Vamana and virechana therapy are very effective.

A simple change in day to day activities, the food we take and our lifestyle can prove to be a life saver at times. Less nutritional food, no proper exercise or a sedentary lifestyle can cause our body to lose immunity. It is thus important to take a diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, freshly prepared food, less spicy or oily food, etc. Water also helps in removing toxins from the body and so it is very important to drink plenty of water everyday. Along with some simple tips, follow any of the above home remedies to treat Bronchitis. For any reason, if you still find the symptoms to remain, kindly consult Ayurkalp doctor.

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine or back. In AS, the joints and ligaments along the spine become inflamed. The inflammation produces pain and stiffness that usually begins in the lower back or buttocks, and may progress into the upper spine, chest and neck. Over time, the joints and bones (vertebrae) may grow together (fuse), causing the spine to become rigid and inflexible. Other joints, such as the hips, shoulders and knees may also be affected. AS is a systemic and Rheumatic disease, which means it may affect organs.

CAUSES

Although the cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, there is a strong genetic or family link. Most, but not all, people with spondylitis carry a gene called HLA-B27. Although people carrying this gene are more likely to develop spondylitis, it is also found in up to 10% of people who have no signs of the condition.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

According to Ayurveda, Rheumatic pains are due to formation of toxins in the body called "Ama". According to modern science, these toxins can be corelated with auto-antibodies which are body's own defence system destroying body's own tissues. These toxins are known as "aama" in Ayurvedic terminology. So the concept of treating Ankylosing spondylitis is digesting the " aama" by giving herbs like Curcumin, Aamvatantak Ras, etc. Controlling the vata is also very important, after clearing the "Aama". Vata- the kinetic energy of the body is regulated by regular massage with Ayurvedic oils and consumption of Ayurvedic medicines. These medicines are helpful to digest the "aama" in managing pain and inflammation.

Sometimes the pain is quiet acute in ankylosing spondylitis. This painful condition in Ankylosing spondylitis and inflammation needs to be tackled quickly. So the herbal combination of various herbs which work instantly for painful joints is given.

There are very common herbs for painful joints which work insantly. The herbs are like Dry Ginger, Guggul, Turmeric (curcumin), Fenugreek, Ashwagandha, Sallaki (Boswellia), and Giloy (Tinospora). The extracts of these herbs are more effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of all types of joint pains including ankylosing spondylitis.

Constipation must be avoided at any costs in Ankylosing spondylitis. Constipation leads to vitiation of Vata, which may increase bouts of increased pain.

SYMPTOMS

Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Over time, symptoms might worsen, improve or stop at irregular intervals.
The areas most commonly affected are:

• The joint between the base of your spine and your pelvis (sacroiliac)
• The vertebrae in your lower back
• The places where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones (entheses), mainly in your spine, but sometimes along the back of your heel
• The cartilage between your breastbone and ribs
• Your hip and shoulder joints

LIFESTYLE

Besides seeing your doctor regularly and taking your medications as prescribed, here are some things you can do to help your condition.

• Stay active - Exercise can help ease pain, maintain flexibility and improve your posture.
• Heat fomentation - Heat applied to stiff joints and tight muscles can ease pain and stiffness. Try heating pads.
• Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit. Smoking is generally bad for your health, but it creates additional problems for people with ankylosing spondylitis, including further hampering breathing.
• Practice good posture. Practicing standing straight in front of a mirror can help you avoid some of the problems associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

HOME REMEDIES

• Mix powder of long pepper, black pepper, and dried ginger root in equal quantities. Take 1 teaspoon of this powder with lukewarm water, twice a day.
• Mix powder of fenugreek seeds (Methi), dry ginger and turmeric in equal quantity. Take one teaspoon of this mixture twice a day with lukewarm water.
• Massage with sesame oil twice a day. Massage will help you to improve blood circulation, reduces inflammation, stiffness and pain of the joints.
• Mix paste of four peeled garlic clove to 20 ml of mustard oil and heat on low flame, for 1-2 minutes. After cooling, massage the affected joints with this oil for getting relief from pain and swelling.
• Garlic milk, it is helpful to reduce inflammation, stiffness and pain of the joints.

• Garlic Milk : Ingredient

1. 2 crushed garlic cloves
2. 1 glassful of skimmed milk.
3. ½ teaspoon turmeric powder.

• Boil all above mentioned ingredient till the milk remains half in quantity. Now, add 1-2 tsp of honey (according to taste) and drink with chewing cooked garlic before going to bed at night.

ACNE - Yuvan Pidika

This is a problem which is encountered by almost everyone at the time of adolescence. Its prevalence is similar for both sex but the peak age of severity for males is from the age of 17 to 19, and for females it is 16-17. However, sometimes a person may experience the problem at an elder age too.

In our today’s life Acne is a common skin disease characterized by pimples on the face, chest and back. It occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. According to ayurveda acne is a message from your body telling you that something is wrong inside with your body dosha system like your stomach is upset, having acidity, changes in dietary habits or it means your moving from healthy diet to unhealthy diet or life style.

In Ayurveda acne is known as Yuvan Pidika. This is found more often in adolescent when there is excessive secretion from the oil glands, according to ayurveda distortion in the air (vat Dosha) and phlegm (Kapha Dosha) causes further distortion of the blood or Rakt Dhatu.

CAUSES

• Age: teenagers are more prone to develop acne.
• Cosmetics: Make-up and any other chemical treatment can make acne worse.
• Disease: If a person is having history of long term chronic illness or regular gastero-intestinal problem or Hormonal disorders can increase the severity of acne problems.
• Drugs: Acne can develop as a result of using certain drugs. (tranquilizers, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and steroids).
• Personal hygiene: Strong soaps, hard scrubbing, and pricking at pimples can make acne worse.
• Stress: Emotional stress can contribute to acne.
• Environment: Exposure to polluted environment & sweating can also make the condition worse.
• Gender: Boys are more likely to develop acne and tend to have more serious cases than girls.
• Diet: Fatty & oily foods can make affect acne.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• It is characterized by comedones (blackheads), papules (pimples), and pustules (blisters). Sometimes it leads to darkening of the skin, crusted, or puffy skin.
• Inflamed pores can cause pain or itching. The most troubling aspect of acne for many people is the scarring that can occur. And, while acne may not be very noticeable, individuals tend to be sensitive about their appearance. Teenagers especially may become concerned about the way other people react to them.

NUTRITIONAL INFLUENCES:
Eat a well-balanced diet high in fiber, zinc, and raw fruits and vegetables and avoid foods and foods high in iodine, such as table salt. In one experimental study, patients experienced a rapid clearing of acne following supplementation with one ounce of bran cereal daily. Drink plenty of water.

DAILY CARE :

• Gently wash-do not scrub-the affected areas once or twice every day. Use lukewarm water.
• Choose only oil-free cosmetics. Shampoo often and wear hair away from the face.
• Give dry pimples a limited amount of sun exposure.
• Do not prick or squeeze pimples. Keep Your Hands Away from Your Skin
• Reduce stress.
• Shave gently and avoid opening up existing lesions.

HOME REMEDIES

According to Ayurveda, Acne is caused due to aggravation of Kapha & pitta. A few easy and simple tips for Acne cure & prevention are:

• A popular natural remedy involve grinding down an orange peel into a mixture of water and directly applying it to the areas where acne is visible. The same can be done with lemon juice
• Garlic is noted as being able to cure a wide variety of imbalances in the body, including skin problems. In terms of acne, garlic is very successful in being able to significantly clear up acne problems. So long as you don’t mind the smell of garlic, you can rub the affected acne areas with garlic several times a day and ingest it daily in order to get the desired results.
• Cucumber is widely used in these mixtures. So it isn’t so surprising to discover to learn that rubbing grated cucumber over your face, eyes, and neck will help to prevent acne.
• Prepare paste by Lal chandan, and Jaiphal and apply on the affected area.
• Take 2 teaspoon rose syrup mixed in a glass full of water empty stomach once or twice daily ,application of rose water locally is also helpful in acne.
• Steam the face while boiling a few leaves of holy basil and Neem in water.
• Local application of coconut water and intake also helps in acne.
• Roast orange lentil (Masoor dal) in ghee. Allow to cool down gradually. Make paste with milk apply on pimple. Allow it dry, then remove gently with cold water.

BEDWETTING

Bedwetting is quite common in school-age children: they can’t control it, and most grow out of it. In the meantime, there are things you can do to help your child feel better about this issue.

FACTS

• Bedwetting is sometimes called nocturnal (night-time) enuresis. Childhood bedwetting is common in many families.
• Most children stop daytime wetting by about three years of age, and stop wetting at night by the time they’re five. Most preschoolers still wet their bed from time to time though.
• A lot of children grow out of wetting the bed by the time they start school, but some primary school-aged children still wet the bed.

CAUSES

The cause is likely due to one or a combination of the following:

• bedwetting runs in families
• The waking-up response to having a full bladder is not fully developed; your child does not have conscious control over bedwetting
• Your child's bladder cannot hold the amount of urine that they produce overnight
• Your child's bladder may be twitchy or overactive - this may cause wet pants or urgency (rushing off to the toilet) in the daytime
• Fluid restricting in the evening and at night does not stop bedwetting
• Constipation can lead to bedwetting
• Bedwetting is rarely due to urine infection, disease or child abuse
• Neurological problems: Abnormalities in the nervous system, or injury or disease of the nervous system, can upset the delicate neurological balance that controls urination.
• Emotional problems: A stressful home life, as in a home where the parents are in conflict, sometimes causes children to wet the bed. Major changes, such as starting school, a new baby, or moving to a new home, are other stresses that can also cause bedwetting. Children who are being physically or sexually abused sometimes begin bedwetting.

ANEMIA

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen in them) is low. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that enables them to carry oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all parts of the body. When the number of red blood cells is reduced or the amount of hemoglobin in them is low, the blood cannot carry an adequate supply of oxygen. An inadequate supply of oxygen in the tissues produces the symptoms of anemia.

Normal level of haemoglobin in adult females is between 12 to 16 g/dl while in adult males it is between 14 to 18 g/dl. When haemoglobin level falls below the minimum parameter, anaemia ensues. In Ayurveda anaemia is known as PANDU-ROG.

Many types of anemia can be mild, short term, and easily treated. You can even prevent some types with a healthy diet. Other types can be treated with dietary supplements. However, certain types of anemia can be severe, long lasting, and even life threatening if not diagnosed and treated. If you have signs or symptoms of anemia, contact our doctor to find out whether you have the condition. Treatment will depend on the cause of the anemia and how severe it is.

AMENORRHEA

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation — one or more missed menstrual periods. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea. It may be primary or secondary.

• Primary amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding and secondary sexual characteristics (for example, breast development and pubic hair) in a girl by age 14 years or the absence of menstrual bleeding with normal development of secondary sexual characteristics in a girl by age 16 years. 
• Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding in a woman who had been menstruating but later stops menstruating for three or more months in the absence of pregnancy, lactation (the ability to breastfeed), cycle suppression with systemic hormonal contraceptive(birth control) pills, or menopause.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the inner layer of the nose (mucous membrane) caused by an allergens. It's a very common condition, estimated to affect around one in every five people in the India.

Allergic Rhinitis occurs when the body’s immune system over-responds to specific, non-infectious particles such as plant pollens, molds, dust mites, animal hair, industrial chemicals (including tobacco smoke), foods, medicines, and insect venom. During an allergic attack, antibodies in our body, primarily immunoglobin E (IgE), attach to mast cells (cells that release histamine) in the nasal mucous membranes. Once IgE connects with the mast cells, a number of chemicals are released. One of the chemicals, histamine, opens the blood vessels and causes redness and swollen membranes. When this occurs in the nose, sneezing and congestion are the result.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Post-nasal drip
• Red, itchy, watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Itchy mouth, throat, ears, and face
• Sore throat
• Dry cough
• Headaches
• Facial pain or pressure
• Partial loss of hearing, smell, and taste
• Fatigue
• Dark circles under the eyes

CAUSES

SEASONAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS IS TRIGGERED BY POLLEN AND MOLD SPORES. SOURCES INCLUDE:

• weed in autumn. The most common seasonal allergen.
• Grass pollen in late spring and summer
• Tree pollen in spring
• Fungus, mold growing, on dead leaves, common in summer and autumn

YEAR-ROUND ALLERGIC RHINITIS MAY BE TRIGGERED BY:

• Pet dander
• Dust and household mites
• Cockroaches
• Molds growing on wallpaper, house plants, carpeting, and upholstery
• Smoke
• Smog

WHO GETS ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

The risk of developing allergic rhinitis is much higher in people with asthma or eczema and in people who have a family history of asthma or rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis can begin at any age, although most people first develop symptoms in childhood or young adulthood. The symptoms are often at their worst in children and in people in their 30s and 40s. However, the severity of symptoms tends to vary throughout life. Patients may experience periods when they have no symptoms at all.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

According to Ayurveda, Allergic Rhinitis (Pratishyaya) caused by decreased level of ojus (immunity) in our body and decreased level of ojus is due to accumulation of ama (toxins) through poor digestion.

Toxins created by improperly digested food are carried through channels, directly into the respiratory tract. Accumulation of these toxins creates malfunctioning of the nasal tissues. It releases substances known as IgE into nasal passages, along with inflammatory chemicals, such as histamines, which aggravates the levels of Kapha (Water) in the respective area, giving rise to different symptoms of allergies.

Therefore, the focus of Ayurveda treatment is to maintain functions of nasal mucosa along with improving Immunity, digestion, eliminating the build up of toxins and also reducing the blockage of nasal cavity due to increased KAPHA dosha. Ayurkalp recommend you all to take Ayurvedic treatment for your “Allergic Rhinitis” because Ayurveda is the only complete medical science, which can help you to cure Rhinitis from its roots.

TIPS TO PREVENT ALLERGIES

• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
• Avoid exercising outdoors early in the morning.
• Remove carpeting from your bedroom if you’re concerned about dust mites.
• Take showers immediately after being outside.
• Keep your windows and doors shut as frequently as possible during allergy season.
• Try not to rake leaves or mow the lawn.
• Bathe your dog at least twice per week to minimize dander.
• Keep your mouth and nose covered while performing yard work.
• Whenever you feel congestion, take steam inhalation.
• Do regular Pranayama.
• Drink only warm water when you feel thirst.
• Use the food which is processed with Turmeric, Pepper and Ginger.
• Avoid Kapha aggravated food like icecream, curds, banana, oily, fried, Chinese, sugar, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits and junk foods.
• Avoid Smoking, day sleep and suppression of natural urges.
• Avoid sleeping in the open and cover yourself properly before going to sleep.

HOME REMEDIES

1. Boil ½ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and 5-7 leaves of basil leaves in 200ml of milk. Now, add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Take 2-3 times a day to get quick symptomatic relief. Turmeric is a natural Ayurvedic herb having anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and very effective and very effective to boost your immunity (Ojus).
2. Mix equal part of powdered dry ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, black pepper and long pepper , take ½ teaspoon of this powder thrice a day with honey.
3. Boil ½ teaspoon licorice root powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder, and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with 8-10 basil leaves in a 100ml of water to prepare a decoction. When it become half on boiling, add ¾ teaspoon of honey. Drink lukewarm thrice a day slowly as like tea.
4. Take steam inhalation twice daily, the water may have camphor or few drops of Eucalyptus oil.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

When acid from the stomach leaks up into the gullet (oesophagus or food pipe), the condition is known as acid reflux. When we eat, food passes down the gullet (oesophagus) into the stomach. Cells in the lining of the stomach make acid (hydrochloric acid) and other chemicals which help to digest food. Stomach cells also make mucus which protects them from damage from the acid. But, the cells lining the oesophagus are different and have little protection from acid.

Secondly, there is a circular band of muscle (a sphincter) at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach. This relaxes to allow food down but then normally tightens up and stops food and acid leaking up (refluxing) into the oesophagus. In effect, the sphincter acts like a valve. When this valve fails and stomach contents are regurgitated into the esophagus, the symptoms of acid reflex are felt, such as heartburn. This condition is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD.

SYMPTOMS

• Heartburn: Heartburn is the main symptom of this problem. It is a burning feeling which rises from the upper tummy (abdomen) or lower chest up towards the neck. (It is confusing, as it has nothing to do with the heart!)
• Other common symptoms:

1. Sour taste in your mouth
2. Chest pain
3. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
4. Dry cough
5. Hoarseness or sore throat
6. Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)
7. Sensation of a lump in the throat

CAUSES

The primary cause of GERD is that acid enters the esophagus because of a leaky valve. There are a variety of reasons it happens, but essentially the esophageal valve that connect the esophagus and stomach is unable to shut properly and gastric juices end up “sneaking up the pipe” so to speak. Some common causes include:

• Eating before bed -Eating too close to bedtime and then laying down puts your body in a position that is abnormal for digestion which can cause acid reflux.
• Excessive exercise – Doing lots of long distance cardiovascular exercise like marathons can make it harder to digest the food you eat.
• Taking medications – Allopathic drugs like aspirin, ibroprofen, muscle relaxers, blood pressure medications, steroids and anti-biotic drugs can damage the gut lining causing acid reflux.
• Being overweight or obese – Putting on extra body weight can cause acid reflux by increasing pressure on your esophageal valve and may also be linked to low stomach acid.
• Smoking – Shown to damage mucus membranes, impair muscle reflexes, increase acid secretion, and reduce salivation smoking can lead to acid reflux.
• Hiatal hernia – Normally, the diaphragm helps keep acid from rising into the esophagus. However, if the upper part of the gut moves above this muscle that separating the chest from the stomach, acid can leak through.
• Pregnancy – The excess pressure from the growing fetus can sometimes be too much for the esophageal valve.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF GERD

According to Ayurveda, when we eat something, Pachaka Pitta (digestive enzymes and acids) is secreted in the stomach for digestion of food due to stimulation of Vata. Kledaka Kapha (Mucus) is also secreted for softening of food and the protection of stomach-wall from hot, penetrating secretions of Pitta.

In GERD or acid reflux, Pitta is aggravated and the quantity of pachaka Pitta gets increased & change from normal bitter taste (alkaline) to sour (acid) taste. This aggravated Pitta or acidic nature start to erode the lining of stomach and also damage to the muscular elasticity of valve situated at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach, which leads to GERD.

The Ayurvedic treatment of Ayurkalp Ayurveda focuses on balancing the aggravated Pitta dosha through classical herbal medicines as well as customized diet and lifestyle plans.

DIET

• Eat carbohydrate rich food as these are associated with no acid formation.
• Take more and more water as precautionary measures to reduce syptoms of GERD.
• Avoid Sour fruits & vegetables (citrus fruits, tomatoes, onion), pickles, oily and spicy foods, chocolate and excess intake of alcohol, tea or coffee.

LIFESTYLE

• Take meals in a relaxed mood at regular intervals.
• If you are suffering from stress and tension try to overcome them by practicing meditation and yoga.
• Take smaller meal

HOME REMEDY

• Indian Gooseberry (Amla) shows the calming effect on acidity.
• Prepare a mixture of rock candy (mishri), fennel, and green cardamom. Whenever you have feeling of heartburn, take 1 teaspoon of the mixture with a glass of cold milk.
• Bananas are full of potassium and can help to reduce acid reflux if taken daily.
• Drinking cold milk in small quantity after meals can help you to bring down acid reflux.
• Tulsi leaves naturally cure symptoms of acid reflux as these reduce the formation of gas and burning sensation in the stomach and chest.
• Eating of Jaggery subsides acid reflux.
• Mix equal parts of powdered fennel, licorice root, basil leaves, and coriander seeds. Take ½ teaspoon of this mixture with ½ teaspoon of powdered rock candy (mishri) 15 minutes before lunch and dinner.

Ayurveda Vs Allopathy

Allopathy, this is the term originated from a Greek root where allopathic means- which brings different effects not related with the pathology of the disease. A system of medicines- full of side effects, in lay man’s words but anyhow this has become a synonym for evidence based system of medicine or modern medicine. This is the glittery of this system which has made this system a “conventional system of medicine” and the power of money behind this has brought it as a front line medicine and now frontline systems of medicines have become alternative medicine.

None invests in a low income business and this is the bitter truth of the health sector.
We are here not to criticize any system of medicines and not telling and asking you to leave a system of medicines. Every science and scientific system has its pros and cons, but generally we are kept unaware about the bad effect of certain systems and these systems are always projected as the best, which is not even near the truth. We are here just sharing that what are the basic differences of Ayurvedic and Allopathic systems of medicine. Here is the brief study of the points where Ayurveda and allopathy differs from each other:

Comparision	Allopathy	Ayurveda
Side Effects	The name and its derivation suggest that this is a system of side effects.	Completely natural, so there is no issue of the side effects.
Approachs	Takes body in pieces- totally objective and incomplete. A physician of heart seems helpless to handle simple fever	Takes body as a whole. A complete physician is that who has knowledge of all the systems of medicines!
Evidence	Considered as evidence based system of medicine- but not that true. The way allopathic physicians’ launches and withdraws medicines it never seems to be an evidence based system of medicines.	Ayurveda has its own principles and Ayurveda do follow these principles. Evidence are defined in a peculiar way by Ayurveda. When Ayurveda follows the nature it directly means that it is following some natural wisdom and a universal truth, which need not to be launch and withdraw. This is the reason Ayurvedic Scholars have emphasized on the thought that Ayurveda has no end and no beginning even—no launch and no withdraw.
Wholesomeness	Allopathy is totally a system of physical health and moreover this science has become a bio-engineering and bio-mechanical system of medicines- where they believe to replace/change of the organs or systems in name of treatment, not much worried about the CURE.	Ayurveda talks about complete wellness- physical, psychological, spiritual, economical and as well social wellness. For Ayurveda wellness is a complete package, not a scattered issue.
Natural	Modern day medical sciences understand the value of being natural, but these have no natural aid for the body. They believe in chemicals and synthetic things alone.	Ayurveda is completely natural and it believes that to follow the nature is the only way to achieve the complete wellness.
Therapeutic Level	On therapeutic level, modern day sciences seem to be confused for most of the time. These talk about the treatments and management...but never think about the CURE and REPAIR	Ayurveda considers Cure of a disease as the only way to go for the treatments. According to Ayurveda there cannot be less than the Cure in a medical science.
Root Cause?	You keep on plucking the leaves of a tree and this tree will never end...because growth seems on its leaves and branches but the reason for this growth is only one- the Roots. Same applies on Diseases! Modern day medical sciences never understand this thing and they keep on suppressing the signs and symptoms alone- not concerned with the Root Cause of a disease.	Ayurveda understands the root cause first and then applies the same understanding to root out the disease from the body, this is the reason Ayurveda achieves the complete wellness and a state of cure and back to normalcy very easily.
Diet & Lifestyle	Modern day sciences are slowly accepting the role and usefulness of both diet and lifestyle but they don’t have any specific guidelines for both, this is the reason these modern sciences are never successful against the diseases neither in curing these completely nor in preventing these.	Ayurveda is all about how to live- life. So diet and lifestyle are main concerns of Ayurveda. Medicines are not that important as important is diet and lifestyle according to Ayurveda and this is being followed completely by Ayurveda.
Complete Eradication	As modern sciences believe in suppressing the signs and symptoms, these never appreciate to remove the disease causing factors from the body. In allopathy they believe to hide the garbage under good skin.	Ayurveda considers the detoxification as a primary part of the treatments and considers that until unless the disease causing factors are available in the body, diseases will keep on popping up again and again.

These are the basic differences in Ayurveda and Allopath systems. It never means that we ask/suggest/create hatred for some scientific systems of health. No doubt, in cases of emergency and trauma modern day medical sciences have done more than the miracles and have proven life saving for everybody.

Is Telemedicine Right for You?

How do you fit that long-delayed appointment with your doctor into your jam-packed schedule? Telemedicine may be your answer. Spoiler alert: We haven't figured out how to teleport you into medical offices yet, but telemedicine technologies can connect you with your doctor.

Telemedicine started with occasional two-way television consultations, but now it's expanding and may soon redefine modern health care. With the aid of wearable health monitors, computers, and video, doctors will be able to evaluate, diagnose, and treat you—all without your physical presence in their office.

These technologies offer convenience and huge potential cost savings, but they are not without controversy. Some doctors are concerned about the safety of prescribing drugs without examining the patient in person. Can they really assess what the patient needs over a video link? They also worry that telemedicine could depersonalize your health care. In addition, some medical problems will always demand a physical exam.
Still, some aspects of telemedicine are likely in your future, if they aren't already. Here's what you need to know about this form of health care, and how to use it for your advantage.

How is telemedicine used today ?

Telemedicine provides opportunities to keep people healthy and outside of hospitals. For example, in certain regions and medical practices in the India:

1. You can send a digital image of a suspicious rash, along with your medical history, to a doctor, who will review it, diagnose, and prescribe medication to treat it.
2. If you have diabetes, you can monitor your blood sugar levels at home and upload the readings to your doctor's computer, saving yourself a time-consuming visit. Irregular blood sugar levels would generate an alert to the doctor's staff to call you in for immediate intervention to prevent complications.
3. If you have hypertension, you can wear a monitor that tracks your blood pressure daily and transmits your results to your medical record, allowing your doctor to track your progress.
4. You can check-in with your doctor for follow-up care in your own home.

Is telemedicine right for you?

Here are some of the key pros and cons to help you decide. Among the pros:

1. Convenience. Need a quick consultation with your doctor? Telemedicine can save you travel time and the hassle of sitting in a waiting room with other sick people.
2. Increased rural access. There’s a shortage of doctors in many rural areas of the US. Telemedicine has a unique capacity to increase medical service to rural patients.
3. Cost and efficiency. Doctors often charge less for a telemedicine consultation than they do for an in-person visit. A telemedicine consult might cost ₹200 to ₹500, compared for ₹500 to ₹2500 for an office visit. In addition, telemedicine allows doctors to efficiently and closely monitor patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
4. Second opinions. Telemedicine allows a far-away specialist to evaluate your MRI, X-ray, or other scans and tests. This will help patients who want a second opinion, as well as doctors who want to consult with experts on complicated cases.

Despite this wide range of potential benefits, telemedicine still has its share of downsides:

1. Inadequate assessment. When consulting your doctor online you don’t get a physical examination. Certain non-verbal cues might still slip through the cracks. Your doctor must rely on your own descriptive abilities instead of his or her own expert touch. At worst, this could lead to an improper diagnosis.
2. A depersonalized experience. Telemedicine may be more impersonal than a face-to-face visit with your doctor. A good doctor-patient relationship is characterized by trust and intimacy. Patients often bring up issues during a doctor’s visit that go beyond their immediate health problem.
3. Electronic defaults. Technology is only as reliable as the electrical current that keeps it running. If your communication connection is disrupted, your session will stop instantly. Technical problems could complicate your online consultation or remote monitoring.

Bottom line: Aim to visit your doctor in person whenever possible. But if you can't be physically present due to work commitments or distance, consider a telemedical option. Consult your primary care doctor or insurance company to get more information and find out if telemedicine services are available to you.

Why Ayurveda ?

What makes Ayurveda so unique, effective, and inspiring?

1. Ayurveda addresses the root causes of disease and imbalance, rather than just mere symptom management.

In the modern medical system, which is relatively new, and based more on lab results, testing, and research than principles, there is an emphasis upon managing one’s symptoms while searching for root causes of health problems ‘out there’ somewhere (think germs, genes, etc.). The search process takes place primarily via the use of computers and other modern medical equipment.

In Ayurveda, however, we are trained to dig deep to discover the root cause(s) within a person’s own life, whether that be their diet, daily routine, work, relationships, thoughts, or some combination of all of these. The search process takes place right with the patient via asking the right questions and getting to know the person deeply. Once determined, Ayurveda employs its principles, which have withstood the test of time, to work to reverse the root causes. Ayurveda’s principles can be applied to any difficulty, even the most chronic conditions.

2. In Ayurveda, each person is treated as a unique individual and is provided customized wellness solutions.

Nowadays, when we go to a doctor, we are typically examined primarily at the level of the body and given a one-size-fits-all prescription to deal with our disease. And if we exhibit even the slightest bit of mental anguish, we are automatically labeled as being bipolar, depressed, or hyperactive, and accordingly given either antidepressants or ADHD medication to cope. The western medical system is designed such that doctors are encouraged to treat diseases, rather than people.

Ayurveda practitioners, however, spend more quality time with patients, building a relationship, and thereby focusing on the person first and the disease or imbalances later. A lot of care is then put into developing the most optimal diet, daily routine, seasonal routine, exercise regimen, yoga and meditation practice, herbal medicines (only if needed), and more for each person.

3. Ayurveda has a truly holistic definition of health that includes body, mind, soul, and senses.

A child who spends his entire day watching destructive and violent movies may start feeling depressed and hopeless due to what he is taking in through his eyes and ears, not necessarily due to inherent or genetic mental imbalances. But this same child may still easily be written off by doctors as depressed and given Prozac, which gives him side effects that keep him coming back to the doctor in an endless, vicious cycle.

In Ayurveda, the human being is seen as an integrated whole, with not only a body and mind, but also a soul and five senses, which are like the five doorways through which we take in and perceive the world around us. Because an Ayurveda practitioner would dig deep into the child’s daily routines and habits as part of the initial intake process, this practitioner would determine excess intake of violent films as a root cause of the child’s depression. The Ayurveda practitioner would not resort to prescribing medications right away. The practitioner would rather recommend the child spend more time in nature and only watch movies and read books that instill hope, joy, and inspiration, as a start.

4. There is an entire Subbranch of Ayurveda that focuses exclusively on how to actually be healthy.

The reason why a classically trained Ayurveda practitioner will not automatically resort to writing prescriptions is because there is an amazing two-pronged scope to the practice of this science. The first is known in Sanskrit as “Svasthasya Svasthya Rakshanam,” which means “protecting the health of the healthy.” The second part of Ayurveda’s scope is therapeutics to skillfully treat disease.

Ayurveda actually has a subbranch called Svasthavritta, which literally means “the protocols by which one can remain healthy.” Before prescribing medications, Ayurveda practitioners have an amazing toolbox of daily and seasonal routines, balanced food, sleep, and sex protocols (the three pillars of health, according to Ayurveda), yoga and spiritual practices, healthy exercise patterns, and communication strategies to equip you with.

5. Ayurveda empowers us to take health into our own hands.

Investing the time to learn new tools for your Svasthavritta health toolbox allows you to not only reclaim the health that Ayurveda teaches is our birthright – but to sustain it, too. There is no such thing as developing a dependency on the doctor in this system of health. In this way, Ayurveda does not attempt to “fix” patients, but rather truly sets us free.

What’s more is that Ayurveda actually teaches us that there is, in fact, a deep part of us, our innermost essence, which is always completely healthy. To learn and practice Ayurveda means to connect with countless incredible, drug-free ways to experience your wholeness. Grounded in unshakeable principles that have withstood the test of time, Ayurveda is just as beneficial today as it was thousands of years ago.

NAADI PAREEKSHA - Technique of Reading the Pulse

Naadi Pareeksha is the ancient ayurvedic technique of diagnosis through the pulse. It can accurately diagnose physical, mental and emotional imbalances as well as diseases. It is an intuitive science that our ayurvedic doctors use to reach the root cause of health issues and not just address the symptoms.

Everyone visiting Ayurkalp Ayurvedic Clinic for healthcare or wellness is subjected to Naadi Pareeksha, according to which specific medicines are prescribed.

Naadi Pareeksha is based on the principal of vibrational theory, in which the biological elements of the body i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha creates vibrations throughout the body. With the help of this technique, Ayurvedic physician perceives these vibrations and find out the status of doshas, which are responsible for your health or illness. When the range of proportion of doshas remains within the limit or equilibrium, it is called optimal health. When these doshas lose their equilibrium and become imbalanced, they lead to disease.

There are many points in the body, from where physician can easily find out the vibrational pulse. But, the the most common place is wrist from where pulse can be checked by physician easily and clearly (for males, the right hand wrist and for females, the left-hand wrist pulse should be taken by the physician).

According to Ayurveda, rhythm, amplitude and frequency of the pulse are associated with the movement of animals.
For Example, if you have imbalanced Vata dosha, the pulse at your wrist would be similar to the movement of the snake: fast, irregular, empty. Your wrist would be more subtle, as the snake moves quickly, creating irregular features.
During imbalanced Pitta, pulse would be similar to the movement of the frog, hopping, smooth, determined. Like the frog, its movement would be continuous "jump" into a regular rhythm and eye-catching.
And during imbalanced Kapha dosha, pulse would be similar to the movement of the swan, slow, wide, majestic and full.

On basis of above mentioned description of Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis and your complains, Ayurvedic physician perceives about the imbalanced doshas, accumulated toxins, impaired organ and pathological changes of specific parts of your body, which helps them to prepare a perfect prescription of required medicines to you.

Effects of Six Tastes on your body

According to Ayurveda, all foods are categorized into 6 tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent, which are required to be eaten to maintain good optimal health. Each of these six tastes has a significant role to play in the health of a person and it is good to have all of these tastes balanced in your diet.

SWEET
The sweet taste is consist of water and earth (Panchamahabhuta i.e Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth). It is highly nourishing and the most nourishing in all tastes. Sweet food nourishes our blood plasma, our tissue and soothes nerves. Examples of sweet foods are fruits, grains, sugars and milk.

SOUR
The sour taste is consist of water and fire. Sour food stimulates and boosts your digestion. Examples of sour foods are gooseberry, lemon, tamarind, wine and fermented products.

SALTY
The salty taste is consist of earth and fire. It provides solidity and structure to people, as well as grounding and it is also responsible for lubrication of tissues and activating digestive process. Examples of salty foods are sea salt, Himalayan salt, rock salt.

PUNGENT
The pungent taste is consist of fire and air. It stimulates our digestion, boosts food uptake and makes sure our waste products are burnt. Examples of pungent foods are chilli, pepper, garlic, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.

BITTER
The bitter taste is consist of air and ether. Bitter food tones the organs, increases appetite and is detoxifying. Examples of Bitter foods are bitter gourd and all leafy vegetables, etc.

ASTRINGENT
The astringent taste is consist of fire and air. It reduces secretions, particularly sweating and it is also responsible for absorbing water, compresses tissues and dries out fat. In excess, it causes dryness and thirst. Examples of Astringent foods are cauliflower, cabbage, cucumber, etc.

Nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, etc required by the body are covered in all the six tastes.Therefore, Ayurkalp recommend you all to take food with all six tastes that will not only satisfy your hunger and stimulates mind, but also provide you a good optimum health.

ASTHMA

Bronchial “ASTHMA” is a chronic disease involving the airways in the lungs. These airways, or bronchial tubes, allow air to come in and out of the lungs.When you breathe, air passes through your nose, throat, and enters into your lungs. Inside your lungs are branching tubes, called airways. In asthmatic person, the airways are often swollen and red (or inflamed). This makes them extra sensitive to things that you are exposed to in the environment every day or asthma “triggers”. A trigger could be a cold, the weather, or things in the environment, such as dust, chemicals, smoke, pet dander etc.

When someone with asthma breathes in a trigger, the insides of the airways make extra mucus and swell even more. This narrows the space for the air to move in and out of the lungs. The muscles that wrap around your airways can also tighten, making breathing even harder. When that happens, it’s called an asthma episode or asthma “attack”. (see the picture)

Asthma can start at any age. Sometimes, people have asthma when they are very young and sometimes, people get asthma for the first time when they are older.

ASTHMA TRIGGERS

In Asthmatic person, the airways are very sensitive and reactive to the various types of external factors, or "triggers." These triggers cause the airways to tighten and become inflamed and blocked with mucus, resulting in difficult breathing. An acute asthma attack can begin immediately after exposure to a trigger or several hours or days later.

Most common asthma triggers are:

• Infections: colds, viruses, sinus infections, the flu
• Outdoor allergens: pollens (trees, grasses and weeds), mold spores
• Indoor allergens: molds, animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches
• Food allergies (egg, meat, fish, nuts shellfish, etc.)
• Exercise
• Cigarette smoke
• Wood smoke
• Strong odours from perfumes, cleaning agents, etc.
• Air pollution
• Weather: cold air or changes in temperature and humidity
• Strong emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger, or episodes of crying, yelling, or laughing hard.
• Certain medications

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF ASTHMA

Bronchial asthma is known as Tamaka Swasa in Ayurveda under “Swasa Roga”. It is a kapha disease. Shleshaka kapha is the fluid that is present in the lungs and vitiation of shleshaka kapha leads to bronchial asthma. However vitiation of the vata and the pitta doshas can also result in bronchial asthma.

According to Ayurveda, the cause of asthma is in the stomach. Toxins created by improperly digested food are carried through channels directly into the chest and lung area. Accumulation of these toxins creates malfunctioning of the lung and airway tissues through several mechanisms.

Accumulated toxins irritate the linings of airways and trigger an inflammatory response to foreign particles, which are also harmful for the epithelial lining of airways. Epithelial lining of airways creates chemicals that help to inhibit broncho-constriction. This inhibitory effect is lost when epithelial lining is destroyed by toxins and the body's reaction to the foreign particles. Due to destroying epithelial lining, impurities start to clog the channels of circulation to the tissues and the channels that take nutrients into cells and waste out of cells. The end result is that the cells are not nourished properly, impurities starts to accumulate in them and the body's natural defence mechanisms against foreign particles become activated.

When body’s defence mechanisms over activated, inflammation and secretions of excess mucus fluid increases to help dilute and wash away impurities in tissues. When impurity build-up becomes so great as to make this process hyperactive, then the lungs fill up with fluid, airways are constricted and asthma results.

Therefore, the focus of Ayurveda treatment is to maintain functions of lungs and airways along with improving digestion, eliminating the build up of toxins or impurities and reducing the blockage of circulation to lungs and airways tissues. Ayurkalp recommend you all to take Ayurvedic treatment for your “ASTHMA” if you have because Ayurveda is the only complete medical science, which can help you to cure asthma from its roots through improving the function of lungs and airways along with improving digestion, eliminating the build up of toxins or impurities and reducing the blockage of circulation to lungs and airways tissues.

STEAM INHALATION FOR ASTHMATIC

Inhalation of medicated steam of Eucalyptus (Nilgiri) oil is helpful to reduce phlegm and mucus in Asthmatic person. Eucalyptol in eucalyptus oil is also helpful to reduce the inflammation of bronchial pathways for easier breathing.

If you are asthmatic and are on steroid medications, inhale Ayurvedic medicated steam of eucalyptus oil daily before going to bed at night. You will be able to lower your medications within 30 days.

PROCEDURE

Add About 4-5 Drops of Eucalyptus oil to a Bowl of Boiling Hot Water, place your head about 12 inches (30 cm) above the bowl and cover your head with a towel in such a way that the sides are totally closed. Keep your eyes shut and deeply inhale the steam through your nose and mouth for 1 to 2 minutes to Enter directly in to the Lungs.

If you feel that the treatment is getting too much for you, raise the towel so that fresh air is brought into the area and breathe through your mouth a couple of times and then resume the treatment. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, discontinue the treatment.

SCIATICA

Sciatica is a particular kind of pain in low back and lower extremity resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body, it is as thick as one of your fingers where it arises in the lower spine. It then travels from your lower back through your hip, buttock and down your leg where it divides into two branches at the knee. Each leg has its own sciatic nerve. Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk or a bone spur on the spine, compresses part of the nerve. This causes Sharp Shocking pain radiating from the Hip unto Thigh, Calf or the Toes in one or both the Legs. Numbness, Weakness and Tingling sensation along the path of the Sciatic Nerve are also the results of Compression, Irritation & Inflammation of the Sciatic Nerve. Sciatica pain increases when you sit or stand for long periods, or if you lift heavy objects. Bed rest can also worsens sciatica.

In Ayurveda it is known as Gridhrasi caused by aggravation of vata dosha. Vata dosha is one of the principle dosha in the body responsible for the movement and functionality of the body. In view of sciatica, vata is responsible for the movement of the muscles & the sensation of the nerves. Sometimes even kapha (dosha responsible for lubrication and bodily fluids) vitiation along with vata as vata-kaphaj - also causes sciatica.

CAUSES

Herniated Disks / Slip Disc
There are many reasons why sciatica may happen, although the vast majority of cases are caused by "slipped" disc or Herniated Disc.
Your vertebrae or spinal bones are separated by pieces of cartilage. Cartilages are filled with a thick clear material to ensure flexibility and cushioning while you move around. Herniated disks occur when the first layer of the cartilage rips. The substance inside can extrude and compress the sciatic nerve, resulting in lower limb pain and numbness.

Spinal Stenosis
Also called lumbar spinal stenosis, this condition is characterized by the abnormal narrowing of the upper or lower spinal canal. This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and the sciatic nerve roots.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) / Spondylolisthesis
This is one of the associated conditions of degenerative disk disorder. When one spinal bone (vertebra) extends forward over another, the extended spinal bone can pinch your sciatic nerve.

Bony growths (osteophytes)
Bone spurs or osteophytes are bony outgrowths on the edges of joints. Bone spurs form where cartilage is worn away (for example in arthritis) and bone is rubbing on bone. In an effort to protect the body, new bone forms on the edge of joints. This is called a bone spur. Bone spurs are not painful in themselves, but unfortunately, the bone spurs can rub on nearby bone or nerves, causing problems. In the spine, bone spurs can intrude into the space normally reserved for the nerves, thus causing sciatica.

Piriformis syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is an uncommon cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that connects the lower portion of your spine to your thighbones, which involuntarily contracts or tightens. When this happens it compresses the sciatic nerve beneath it causing sciatica. During piriformis syndrome pain may be worsen as the result of such commonplace events as sitting for long periods of time.

LINE OF TREATMENT FOR SCIATICA

As per Allopathic medicine, patient has to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to get relief in pain. NSAIDs treatment may provide excellent results period over a short but over time can lead to other serious health problems. The most serious side effects of these harmful drugs are ulcers, bleeding, kidney failure, and rarely liver failure. NSAIDs also may cause swelling of the arms and legs due to the retention of fluid from their renal effects.

As Sciatica pain is caused by aggravation of vata dosha that may resulted by strain to back, due to improper posture or structural damages such as ligament and tendon tears during various physical activities or lifting heavy objects, Ayurveda treatment focus on balancing the aggravated Vata doshas.

Aggravation of vata is also caused by week digestion because, your poor eating habits makes your digestion week which creates impurities or toxins. These toxins accumulate, circulate and buildup in your low back causing irritation of Sciatica nerve. Therefore, treatment through Ayurveda experts also focus on improving digestion and elimination of buildup of toxins along with cleansing the blockage of channels responsible for pain through natural medicines as well as customized diet and lifestyle plans.

Treatment at Ayur Kalp also includes some Rasayana medicines for Rejuvenation of low back with other bodily tissues to regain and maintaining natural strength and vitality.

HOME REMEDIES

• Mix powdered Ashwagandha roots, fenugreek seeds and turmeric in equal quantity. Take one teaspoon of this mixture thrice a day.
• Massage your low back with sesame oil twice a day. Massage will help you to improve circulation and reduce stiffness and pain.
• Mix 1 gram each of dried ginger powder and Pipli (long pepper) powder in 3 gms of triphla powder. Take this mixture twice daily for a few days.
• Hot fomentation is also one of the best home remedy for instantaneous relief from sciatica. Hot water bottle can be applied to low back or the place of pain origin.

Garlic milk, it is helpful to reduce inflammation, stiffness and pain of the lower back.

Garlic Milk : Ingredient

1. 2 crushed garlic cloves
2. 1 glassful of skimmed milk.
3. ½ teaspoon turmeric powder.

Boil all above mentioned ingredient till the milk remains half in quantity. Now, add 1-2 tsp of honey (according to taste) and drink with chewing cooked garlic before going to bed at night.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• Food which causes vitiation of Vata dosha has to be avoided, like potato, peas, soya, rice, curd and sour substances.
• One should not take very dry food devoid of oil because they are all aggravating factors for Vata – main cause of Sciatica. Purified butter or Ghee should be taken in sufficient quantity for pacifying Vata dosha.
• Conscious effort has to be made to maintain a proper posture while sitting.
• Avoid strenuous activities which increases stress on the spine.
• Hot fomentation on the lower back relieves the strain on the muscles.

DIABETES

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects quality of life and may even shorten a person’s life span. Diabetes mellitus (DM) means your blood glucose or blood sugar is too high. Your blood always has some glucose in it because your body needs glucose for energy to keep you energetic or active. But presence of too much glucose in your blood stream is not good for your health. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. Your blood carries the glucose to all of the cells in your body.

Insulin is a chemical or a type of hormone made by the pancreas. The pancreas releases insulin into the blood, which works as a key to glucose for entering into your body cells. If your body does not make enough insulin or if the insulin doesn't work the way it should, glucose can't enter into your body cells. It stays in your blood stream. Your blood glucose level then gets too high, causing diabetes. Excess glucose in the blood results in high levels of glucose in urine also, which is called glycosuria in medical science. This increases the urine output, which leads to dehydration and increased thirst.

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is categorized into two main categories and one subcategory. The categories are:

1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Type 2 Diabetes
3. Subcategory - Gestational Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. This type of diabetes is categorized as an autoimmune disease, which occurs when the body's misdirected immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Although genetic or environmental triggers are suspected but, the exact cause of type 1 diabetes—once referred to as insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetes—is not completely understood. It can occur at any age, most patients are diagnosed as teenagers or young adults. About 5 to 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. This type of diabetes is characterized as insulin resistance in the body. Because of this resistance, the body's fat, liver and muscle cells are unable to take in and store glucose , which is used for energy. The glucose remains in the blood. The abnormal build-up of glucose (blood sugar) can result in hyperglycemia (increased level of glucose in blood) and impaired body functions. Type 2 diabetes occurs most often in people who are overweight because fat interferes with the body's ability to use insulin, but it also can occur in thin people and the elderly. Family history and genetics play a major role in type 2 diabetes, inactivity and poor diet can also increase the risk.

Gestational Diabetes
Some women develop gestational diabetes during the late stages of pregnancy. Undiagnosed or untreated gestational diabetes can lead to problems such as high birth weight and breathing problems for the baby. It is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born. A woman who had it, her child is more likely to develop diabetes later in life.

Causes:

• Excessive intake of sugar and fats
• Excessive intake of heavy foods that is difficult to digest such as proteins and fats containing foods
• Lack of exercise or physical activity.
• Obesity
• Laziness
• Mental stress
• Hereditary factors
• Excessive Sleep in day time

Symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Increase thirst
• Increased hunger
• Blurred vision
• Poor wound healing
• Lack of interest and concentration
• Bodyache
• Prolonged and unexplained fatigue
• Numbness, tingling or burning sensations in the hands, legs or feet
• Gynecological fungal infections in women
• Sexual impotence in men

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF DIABETES

In Ayurveda, Diabetes mellitus (DM) is described under the heading of PRAMEHA as Madhumeha (Madhu means ‘honey’ and Meha means ‘urine’) which means flow of glucose or sugar in urine.

According to Ayurveda, it occurs due to vitiation of KAPHA dosha. But, in some conditions VATA dosha can also involve causing deterioration of Dhatus (body tissues), this is the reason why all vital organs are affected by Diabetes. Therefore, if left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, heart disease, and stroke as complications.

As per Ayurvedic concept, the other prime cause of Diabetes Mellitus is impaired digestion. As we know, the food we eat is digested by our digestive system to produce nutrient juice. This nutrient juice absorbed by the villi (Millions of tiny finger-like projection that protrude from the inner lining of the intestinal wall for rapid absorption of digestion products.) and mixed with the plasma. Plasma works as a raw material for building healthy tissues in body. It flows throughout the body like the sap in a tree, which delivers vital nutrients to the cells including Pancreatic cells, which secretes “INSULIN”. Due to poor eating habits and weak digestion, toxins or ama created and mixed with plasma. These toxins accumulate, circulate, and build up in the pancreatic cells (beta cells in the islets of Langerhans), which cause decreased rate of production of Insulin hormone.

In Charaka Samhita - An Ayurvedic text, it is described that PRAMEHA or Diabetes mellitus is of two types:

1. Sahaja Prameha
It occurs due to genetic factors and can be compared to Type 1 Diabetes, which can be seen mostly in lean individuals.

2. Apathya Nimittaja Prameha
It occurs due to unhealthy diet and lifestyle. It can be compared to Type 2 Diabetes, which can be seen mostly in obese individuals.

Therefore, depending on the physical constitution or Ayurvedic personality (prakriti) of individual and the current status of health, Ayurveda recommends two different types of treatment plans, which are very effective and successful for diabetic people.

1. Apatarpana (de-nourishment) and Samshodhana (cleansing)
This Ayurvedic diabetic treatment is prescribed to patient who is obese and heavily built. In this process, treatment focus on de-nourishment of fats and elimination of toxins from the body through various types classical ayurvedic medicines, exercises and diet plan.

2. Santarpana (replenishment) and Brumhana (body bulk promotion)
This Ayurvedic diabetic treatment is prescribed to patient who is chronically ill, with low immunity and underweight due to the draining of essential nutrients. This Ayurvedic treatment provides essential nutrients to rebuild body tissues in form of medicinal and diet plans, which helps patient to strengthen the defence mechanism without increasing circulating blood sugar, fats and other metabolites. This prevents further damage and ensures enhanced healing.

Diet and Lifestyle for Diabetics

• Eat vegetables such as Bitter Gourd, garlic, onion, string beans, cucumber and fruits such as Amla (Emblica officinalis / Indian Gooseberry) & Jamun (Jambolan / Syzygium cumini).
• Include at least one dish having bitter taste, in your every meal.
• Avoid sugar in any form - rice, potato, pineapple, grapes, and mangoes.
• Avoid sour, salty, oily and spicy foods.
• Fat should also be limited because due to accumulation of toxins, there may be a deficiency of pancreatic enzymes, making fat digestion difficult.
• Raw vegetables such as salad plays an important role in stimulating the pancreatic cells (beta cells in the islets of Langerhans) and enhancing insulin production.
• Have your meals at regular timings and limit your overall intake.
• Avoid sleeping in the daytime, which is responsible for aggravation of Kapha dosha.
• Start doing some light exercises such as walking. Exercise helps your body to use its blood sugar efficiently. It also helps insulin to work better and to control weight along with psychological wellbeing. Therefore, you should all try to do exercise for about 30-40 minutes in the morning and again in the evening. Yogic postures and Pranayama (breathing exercise) are also important part of the treatment of Diabetes.
• Avoid curd – Ayurveda says curd is one of the big causes of diabetes. Especially curd consumption at night is not encouraged as per Ayurveda concept.
• Avoiding fresh grains – Ayurveda encourages to use grains, which are at least one year old. So, new grains are to be avoided.

Home Remedies for Diabetics

• Drink two tablespoon of bitter gourd (karela) juice with 2 teaspoon of emblica officinalis (amla) juice, twice a day.
• Drinking a glass of water along with 10 tulsi (Basil) leaves, 10 neem (margosa) leaves on an empty stomach in morning.
• Mix powdered Fenugreek seeds and turmeric in equal proportion. Take one teaspoon of this powder with a glass of water twice daily.
• Put one cup of water into a copper vessel overnight and drink this water in the morning.
• Eating garlic every day, early in the morning on an empty stomach is helpful to reducing the level of blood sugar or glucose. It is also helpful to lowering blood pressure.
• Take 2-3 gms of powdered Jamun (Jambolan / Syzygium cumini) seeds with water, twice a day.

HYPERTENSION

Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common condition in which arteries have persistently elevated blood pressure or the elevated force of the blood against your artery walls.

Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and it is recorded as two figures:

Systolic pressure: It is the pressure in arteries when the heart contracts for pumping blood to the body.

Diastolic pressure: It is the pressure in arteries when the heart is relaxing and refilling with blood for pumping it in the body. For example, if your General practitioner says your blood pressure is 140/90mmHg, it means your systolic pressure is 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure is 90mmHg.

You are said to have high blood pressure / hypertension, if readings on separate occasions consistently show your blood pressure to be 140/90mmHg or higher. A blood pressure reading below 130/80mmHg is considered to be normal.

Since hypertension has no specific symptom, it became known to be a silent killer. If not detected at an early stage, it may lead to arterial, cardiac and renal damage. Nevertheless, hypertension can be detected if people experience some mild and pounding headache, giddiness, hazy vision, ringing in the ears, and disturbed kidney functioning. If continuously, it may lead to heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or paralysis.

AYURVEDA OVERVIEW OF HYPERTENSION

According to Ayurveda, Hypertension is known as Rakta Gata Vata. It involves all the doshas (Vata, Pita, Kapha ---- Biological elements of the body), the heart, and the blood vessels. Ayurveda says, unhealthy diet and lifestyle are the major and chief causes of hypertension. Unhealthy diet and lifestyles impair our digestive system leads to accumulation of ama / toxins (bad cholesterol and other fatty and harmful contents), which further lead to the high blood pressure.

The food we eat is digested by our digestive fire (jatharagni) to produce nutrient juice. These nutrient juice absorbed by our intestine and mixed with the plasma, which nourishes all other dhatus (body tissues) and aids in the production of healthy blood, which circulates all over the body through various channels (srotas).

In case of impaired digestion, toxins or ama created by improperly digested food mixes with plasma and makes it sama (combined with ama) or heavy. As a result, the blood thus produced also becomes heavy or sticky. When heavy blood with impurities circulates through various channels, toxins start accumulating in weaker channels or vascular system of the body. The accumulation of toxins and impurities in the vascular system creates lesions, stiffness, narrowing of channels or blockage of circulation. Therefore, blood exerts more pressure to circulate through these channels, leading to the condition of high blood pressure.

According to scientific studies, it is also stated that cholesterol and some other fatty content are responsible for narrowing and hardening of your blood vessels, which is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis develops over time from repeated accumulation of LDL or bad cholesterol deposition into the walls of blood vessels. Initially, your blood vessels continue to function properly, but over time the cholesterol or fat deposits harden. When this hardening occurs, your blood vessels become less flexible. These hardened areas don't allow the vessels to expand and relax properly in response to blood flow. The loss of relaxation and expansion of blood vessels from atherosclerosis leads to high blood pressure.

Mental stress, lack of exercise and poor flexibility also exacerbate the condition. Disruption of biological rhythms through improper daily routine can also disturb many physiological processes and depress the body's natural healing and balancing ability. All these factors play a big role in hypertension.

The Ayurvedic treatment of hypertension focuses on balancing the aggravated doshas along with improving digestion, eliminating the build up of toxins or impurities and reducing the narrowing of channels or the level of bad cholesterol through classical (Shastrokta) medicines as well as customized diet and lifestyle plans for balanced circulation throughout the body.

Diet recommend for Hypertension:

• Reduce the quantity of sodium or salt in your diet, extra intake of sodium lead to fluid retention and increase blood pressure.
• Eat potassium rich diet. Almost all fruits & vegetables have Potassium, which is essential for managing the blood pressure because potassium helps to balance the level of sodium in blood. Due to low intake of potassium, sodium can accumulate in your blood and causing hypertension.
• Foods to avoid: Fizzy drinks, Tea, Coffee, processed food, White bread, Chips, Pastry, Pizza, Cakes, Caffeine, Chocolate, Fast Food. Avoid non vegetarian food like red meat and eggs should be completely avoided due to its high salt content.

Lifestyle recommend for Hypertension:

• Regular exercise is the best way to keep hypertension at bay. Walking/jogging is a good exercise for hypertensive people.
• Practicing yoga and meditation is very effective. Regular yoga practice and meditation will also help in leading a stress free life because stress is also a big cause of hypertension.
• Sound sleep and proper rest is very essential. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep and proper rest
• Avoid anger, tension, anxiety and loud speaking as all these increases blood pressure.
• Simple breathing exercise will help in calming down the mind. Adopt breathing exercise whenever you are tensed, nervousness or anxious.
• Avoid Cigarette smoking, the chemicals in tobacco can damage the lining of your artery walls, which promotes narrowing of the arteries.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks, drinking can damage your arteries and heart

Home remedy for Hypertension:

• Take 2 peeled garlic cloves with water on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Eat “Triphla Powder” regularly at night with warm water. This will help you in constipation and bowels will remain clean.

What is Ayurveda ?

Ayurveda has been practiced for over 5000 years and is said to be traditional medical system of “INDIA”. Ayurveda means the “science of life” and it embodies and conveys the deep knowledge given to us by the ancient rishis (sages) of India. The aim of Ayurveda is to protect the health of a healthy person. To achieve this it takes care of the health in the following manner : -

- To protect health during the day (Dincharya)
- To protect health during the night (Ratricharya)
- To ensure right living (Sadvritya) - To live according to one's characteristic (Trividhya Upstumbh )

Ayurveda is based on the principle that the body is made up of 5 elements – space, air, water, fire and earth. When all these elements work in congruence they make a healthy person. While all of us have all the five elements, they are in different proportions in our body – making a person one of three Doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. An imbalance in any of these elements makes a person ill and a realignment of these humours can cure a disease. Doshas are the fundamental and characteristic principle of Ayurveda. Doshas works as physiological factors of the body and they are to be seen as all pervasive and subtle entities. Doshas are also known as "tridosha" , three Humors or three biological elements and are categorized as Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Akasha (space) + Vayu (air) = Vata
Agni (Fire) + Jala (water) = Pitta
Jala (water) + Prithvi (Earth) = Kapha

Doshas exist only in life state, after death they are left as panchamahabhuta (the origin source of doshas). Vata regulates movement, vibration, and impulse and is represented by the neural activity. Pitta is the principle of biotransformation and is the cause of all metabolic processes in the body. Kapha is the principle of cohesion and functions through the body fluids. When the range of proportion of three doshas remains within the limit or normalcy or equilibrium, it is called optimal health. When these doshas lose their equilibrium and become imbalanced, they lead to disease.

It is truly a holistic healing system working on body, mind and spirit. It works differently from western medicine, which tends to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Ayurveda, although compatible with western medicine, focuses on prevention, healing and maintaining health by achieving balance. Instead of simply treating the symptoms, the system of Ayurveda can both prevent and treat disease by eradicating it at its roots before it has a chance to manifest.  Each one of us has a unique balance called our prakruti. Your prakruti was established at the moment of your conception and will never change. Your vikruti is your constitution at the present time and it will show where you have strayed from your natural balance. When you are in balance with your own true nature, disease cannot penetrate.