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Ayurveda: The hindu school of medicine

Ayurveda is estimated to be atleast 5000 years old and got systematized around 1500 BC. Aitreya(Punarvasu) samhita is referred to as the oldest digest of Ayurvedic medicine. However Caraka ( Charaka ) samhita is well known and is supposed have been compiled by Caraka as the earliest known work on internal medicine in world history.

Ayurveda believes that every human body is comparable to cosmos. The universe is supposed to consist of "Pancha maha boothas" (five great elements). The five elements being earth, air, fire, water and ether. The primary constituent elements of the body are described as blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow, chyle and semen.

Ayurveda advocates a balance of three substances in the body. The three substances being wind/spirit/air (vata), phlegm (kapha), and bile (pitta). According to Ayurveda the imbalance of these vata, pitta and kapha is called tri dosha and is the cause of diesease in the body. In order to lead a healthy lifestyle one has to ( balance the dosha ) build a healthy metabolic system, attain good digestion and facilitate proper excretion of bodily waste. Ayurveda also recommends exercise, yoga, meditation and massage.

Ayurveda has 8 distinct branches:                              

* Internal medicine (Kaaya-chikitsa).
* Surgery (Shalya-chikitsa).
* Treatment of diseases of ear, nose, throat and eyes (Salakyam).
* psychiatry (Bhuta vidya)
* Mid-wifery and Paediatrics (Kaumarabhrtyam).
* Toxicology (Agada tantra).
* Prevention and building immunity (rasayanam).
* Aphrodisiacs (Vajikaranam).

The Panchakarma treatment is believed to facilitate elimination toxic elements from the body. In ancient India the Pancha karma regimen was utilized by people from noble families for rejuvenation of their body. It is believed that PanchaKarma promotes anti-aging and longevity. The treatment involves a series of procedurels such as speciel diet, fasting, massage with medicated oil and cleansing the body of impurities. Some of the cleansing procedures are Neti, Dhauti, Basti and steam bath. Some of the other processes are administering herbal medicine and performing yoga postures.

Yoga is derived from sanskrit root word yuj which means union. The ultimate objective being union of jeevatma(soul) with para brahma(supreme being). Yoga should be learnt under the supervision of a qualified Yogi.

Hatha Yoga involves control of body movements and breathing rituals.
The six functions ( shad karma kriya ) of detoxification of the body are :

• Dhauti - Procedure to cleanse the bodily impurities.
• Basti - Sending medicated liquid thru rectum for cleansing the colon.
• Neti - A technique for cleansing the nostrils.
• Trataka - Intense gazing at some object as a part of vision exercise.
• Nauli - Massage of internal organs by movement of stomach muscles.
• Kapalabhati - Rapid exhale-inhale with lungs acting like bellows to get relief from mucous problems.

AromaTherapy: Since ancient times people in India, China, middle-east and other Asian regions have been using volatile plant oils for psychological and physical sense of well being. Aromatherapy is not recognized as branch of medicine in many countries. The practioners of aromatherapy profess that essential oils when administered thru arial diffusion or direct inhalation may produce positive effect on mind and body. The essence/aroma of a certain plants, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits. In addition to inhalation many of these oils may be used in topical applications to various parts of body. Some of the plant leaves or roots (lemongrass, ginger etc) may be used for oral consumption in tea or soup. Some of the widely used plants are lemongrass, ginger, sandalwood, peppermint, lavender, thyme, clove, juniper, clove, cinnamon, sage and eucalyptus.

Marma chikitsa facilitates the circulation of prana (energy) all over the body. Vasista samhita describes the various aspects of marma therapy and identifies the various points on human body known as Marma points. These points are supposed to direct and control prana to various bodily organs and facilitate their proper functioning. Finger tips are used to channel energy from Marma points. Marma system claims to provide therapeutic benefits related to the sense of touching and channeling of energy by applying pressure thru fingertips from one human to another.

Abhyanjana: AKA Abhyanga is a process of self massage before taking bath. On a regular basis the body is gently massaged to improve circulation and stimulate the nerve endings. During festivals religious Hindus massage their body with oil ( Sesame/Castor or medicated ) and then take a hot water bath. Daily body massage is suppose to alleviate the body of doshas, relieve fatigue, provides stamina, promote quality sleep, improve complexion and the luster of the skin.

"And since food is essential to the origin of all living beings, guide us, O Lord Dhanvantari, on the proper regimen of food and drink" .....Sushrutha ( 600 BC )

How to eat (according to Ayurvedic system) :

• Try eating at regular intervals ( about same time every day)
• Eat only when you are hungry.
• Have your meals in a pleasant environment with little or no noise.
• Do not eat when you are depressed or mentally upset.
• Begin your meal with a prayer.
• Do not watch TV, listen to radio or talk on the phone while eating.
• Eat freshly cooked food if possible along with a little portion of raw salads.
• Chewing the food well is the most important part of a meal.
• Consume food in modest quantity and Leave about 1/4 or 1/5 of the stomach empty to facilitate proper digestion.
• Try eating vegetarian if possible and avoid processed food.
• Consume clean water which is tepid or at room temperature, Half an hour before or after the meal. During meals you may sip little water to quench the thirst.
• Take rest for about 10 minutes after the meal. After evening meal take a short walk instead of resting.

The information on Ayurveda and natural cures has been compiled by www.desitip.com.

Natural cures: A system that views disease as a manifestation of alterations in the processes by which the body naturally heals itself.
The cause of all diseases in the body is the accumulation of toxic and foreign substances in the body. Natural remedies treatment involves diet modification, natural source of nutritional supplements, Ayurvedic herbal medicine, accupressure, accupuncture, hydrotherapy, massage, magnetotherapy, joint manipulation and counseling on lifestyle.

Natural health foods

Wheat grass

Wheatgrass is the young grass of the common wheat plant. Wheat grass juice provide chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Claims about wheatgrass's health benefits include boosting immunity, curative properties and providing supplemental nutrition. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by humans. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the soil.

Carrot

One of the most popular vegetable used by nature cure enthusiasts.
Carrot contains carotene, a chemical that is converted into vitamin A by the body. Benefits of drinking fresh carrot juice:

prevent night blindness, make skin, hair and nails healthy.
help improve eyesight.
lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
improve colon health.
Strong antioxidant and hence an anti-cancer agent.
prevent bodily infections and promote better functioning of adrenal glands.
help regulate blood sugar.

There also claims about Carrot being helpful in the following cases : Obesity, blood toxicity, Inflamed Kidneys, Liver, Gallbladder, Colitis, Ulcer and Painful urination.

Celery:

Celery juice is rich in vitamin C , phalides which may help lower cholesterol and coumarins, that may be useful as anti-cancer agents. Celery may also contain various minerals and nutrients such as tryptophan, molybdenum, manganese, phosphorus, folate, dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, and pyridoxine(B6), thiamin(B1), riboflavin(B2).
Benefits of drinking celery juice include:

Anti-oxidants prevent damage from free radicals.
Improve immunity.
Contains luteolin which may regulate blood pressure.
Lower cholestorol.
Some people believe that Celery seeds can treat bladder and kidney diesease.

Apple:

Reported Health benefits of Apple :

- can lower cholesterol and improve skin health.
- contains flavonoid and polyphenols which are antioxidants.
- The skin of Apple contain pectin(galacturonic acid) that can help remove toxic substances from the GI tract.
- Contain malic acid and tartaric acid which can promote liver health and better digestion.
- Apple cider vinegar as a beverage is recommended for treatment of kidney stones.
- Contain minerals and vitamins that may help build healthy blood.

Flaxseed:

Reported Health benefits of Flaxseed :

Flax seeds have been found to be rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber content, lignans, manganese, magnesium and vitamin B-6. Researchers have found Omega-3 to be anti-inflammatory. Omega-3 fats help reduce the formation of blood clots, which can reduce the risk of heart attack. The presence of fiber in Flaxseed is useful for lowering cholesterol. Lignans have been found to be useful for balancing female harmones and prevent type 2 diabetes. The Omega-3 and Lignans have been found to aid in men's prostate health.
In tropical southern India, people use flax leaves and the fruit in cooking.

Grapefruit juice:

Reported Health benefits of Grapefruit :

• Contains Pectin a type of soluble fiber is effective in reducing the accumulation of arterial deposits, and the vitamin C enhances immune system and helps to strengthen and maintain the elasticity of arteries.
• Contains bioflavonoids which may halt cancer cells from spreading.
• Contains Lycopene which appears to have anti-tumor properties.
• Helps reduce the excessive production of cholesterol from the liver.
• Has a fat-burning enzyme and can help to absorb and reduce the starch and sugar in the body.

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