Urticaria (Hives)

Urticaria (Hives)

Definition
Urticaria (Hives) are red, itchy, raised areas of the skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They range in size, from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. Hives can be round, or they can form rings or large patches. They can occur anywhere on the body, such as the trunk, arms and legs. They are produced by histamine (the substance that plays a major role in many allergic reactions). Histamine dilates blood vessels and makes the vessel walls abnormally permeable. It also causes fluid to leak from the local blood vessels, leading to swelling in the skin.

Causes

• Combination of cold and heat
• Contact with excessive cold and heat
• Allergens in food
• Intestinal worms
• Suppressing the urge of vomiting
• Improper handling of Panchakarma (Vaman, especially Asamyakvaman)
• Eating incompatible foods
• Insect bite
• Contact with herbs such as Bhilawa (Semecarpus Anacardium) or Kaunch (Mucuna Pruriens)
• Arsenic usage
• Medicines, including certain painkillers, antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, codeine

Symptoms
Early symptoms might be excessive thirst, lack of appetite, nausea, congestion of eyes, and heaviness in the body. The primary symptoms of Urticaria are skin eruptions that itch and feel irritated. There may also be headache, flushing, and swelling. The patches of rashes are red or pink with pale, swollen centers, and darker red around the edges. They are known as hives or wheals. They can quickly change size, shape, and place.

Ayurvedic View
When a person comes in contact with cold air often, it causes aggravation of Kapha (Water) and Vata (Air). It assimilates with aggravation of Pitta Dosha (Fire) and spreads into the Rakta Dhatu (blood tissues). This leads to Sthan Sanshrya (relocation) in the skin, eventually causing Shitpitta or Urticaria.

Urticaria can also be an allergy. Allergies are an inappropriate response – either an overreaction or an inappropriate reaction – to the environment. These appear due to imbalanced immunity or aggravated body energies that lead to the formation of toxins in the body.

The line of Ayurvedic treatment consists of purification of the body of toxins with herbal preparations. Administration of digestive herbs restores the digestive fire and oils may be applied to nourish and tone the skin. Relaxation of the mind is also an important part of the treatment. Panchakarma treatment therapies such as abhyanga (massage), svedana (fomentation), vaman (induced vomiting) and virechen (induced lose motion) are known to be effective in treating Urticaria.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Avoid all sweets including sugar, jaggery, and alcohol.
• Avoid incompatible foods, sour foods, and heavy foods that are difficult to digest.
• Have freshly prepared, easily digestible foods.
• Eat cooked split gram (split legumes), bitter gourd vegetable, and pomegranate.
• Use honey rather than sugar.
• Use mustard oil for cooking.
• Fast for one day or have very light foods like porridge, boiled rice, vegetable soup, etc.
• Avoid suppressing the urge to vomit.
• Avoid exposure to wind, sleeping in the daytime, sunbathing, and excessive indulgence in sex.

Some Home Remedies

• The primary treatment is to increase the immunity of the body. An excellent remedy is to take 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder (Haldi) with a glass of milk or water two to three times a day.
• Massage the skin with mustard oil for 15 minutes, followed by a bath with lukewarm water.
• Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected area for 30-40 minutes or until the itching is reduced.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis

Definition
Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease, which causes inflammation and ulceration of inner lining of the colon and rectum. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and spreads upward to the entire colon. This disease can occur at any age but its onset is most common among people between ages of 15 - 40. Ulcerative colitis also appears to run in some families.

Causes
Autoimmune factors, food allergies, collagen disorders, genetic factors and infection are some of the factors that cause inflammation in cases of Ulcerative Colitis. According to Ayurveda, all the factors that imbalance Pitta are responsible for this problem. These include eating while watching TV or walking, excessive heat or exposure of the sun, excessive alcohol and smoking, excessive mental activity, skipping meals, spicy, sour or stale and infected foods, etc.

Symptoms

• Irregular bowel movements
• Bluish or yellowish undigested stool
• Abdominal cramps
• Unexplained fatigue
• Unpleasant body odor
• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite
• Occasional rectal pain
• Burning sensation in chest and throat

Ayurvedic View
Known as Pittaj Grahani in Ayurveda, Ulcerative Colitis is primarily a disease of Pitta Dosha, with varying degrees of Vata involvement in some cases. The excessive consumption of Pitta-aggravating foods and lifestyle initially damages both rakta dhatu (blood tissue) and mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue), leading to formation of ama that gets deposited between the villi in the intestines, forming a smooth coating that impairs the normal function and immunity of the intestines. Vata Dosha in the lower colon is also aggravated and in the early stages blocks the Pitta and Kapha channels, causing inflammation, mucous accumulation and edema.

Ayurvedic treatment of Ulcerative Colitis involves gently eliminating the ama, restoring healthy digestion and creating a bacterially-friendly environment in the body. After the basic strength and immunity of the body is restored, the treatment focuses on natural healing of the ulcers.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Have soup prepared by boiling split gram (split legumes), buttermilk, and yogurt prepared from skimmed milk and goat’s milk.
• Increase use of cumin seeds, coriander, and celery seeds in cooking.
• Avoid whole peas and beans, broccoli, potato, garlic, jaggery, yam, sweet potato and other indigestible foods; fried, oily and highly salted foods; and fermented and packaged foods.
• Improve eating habits by having food in calm surroundings without watching television, listening to music, or working on the computer. Chew the food properly and completely. Eat slightly less than your appetite.
• Avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol.

Some Home Remedies

• Have 1 glassful of buttermilk with ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of roasted cumin seed powder, and rock salt to taste. Have this twice a day with breakfast and lunch. (Avoid having it with the evening meal.)
• Mix powdered dried ginger root, black pepper, and long pepper in equal amounts. Take ½ teaspoon of the powder with water twice a day.
• Make a powdered preparation of cloves, cinnamon, green cardamom, and asafetida. Have 1 teaspoon of this powder twice a day with water.
• Make a preparation of ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg powder, ½ teaspoon powdered Indian gooseberry fruit and ½ teaspoon of celery seeds. Have this at bedtime with water.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo

Definition
Vitiligo or Leucoderma is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Similar patches also appear on both the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose), and the retina (inner layer of the eyeball). The hair that grows on areas affected by Vitiligo sometimes turns white. The most widely accepted view is that the depigmentation occurs because Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease - a disease in which a person's immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues.

Causes
In Ayurveda, the reason behind autoimmune diseases is mostly virudh aahar sevan, that is, eating foods that are opposite in nature (such as eating fish and milk together). This results in toxin formation inside the body, which ultimately disturbs the immune system due to which the pigment producing melanocytes cells get degenerated, causing Vitiligo.

Additionally, Vitiligo is said to be associated with certain auto-immune and inflammatory diseases such as Thyroid, Diabetes, Psoriasis and Pernicious Anemia. Vitiligo may also be hereditary; that is, it can run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop Vitiligo.

Symptoms

• White patches on skin, hands, feet, face, lips, etc.
• Premature graying of scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard
• Loss of color inside the mouth (esp. in dark-colored people)

Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, Vitiligo or Shivtra is caused due to aggravation of Pitta in the body. Pitta is an Ayurvedic humor that symbolizes fire and is manifested in the skin, along with other organs. Pitta is of five types. One of them is Bhrajak Pitta, which gives coloration to the skin. In the case of Vitiligo, Bhrajak Pitta gets imbalanced, leading to the formation of ama, which consequently impairs deeper body tissues such as rasa dhatu (nutrient plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscles) and lasika (lymph). This ultimately causes depigmentation of the skin.

The disease is deep rooted and needs specific treatment that includes right diet and specialized herbal combinations to pacify Pitta and cleanse ama from the body.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Whole grains like porridge and whole wheat products are better than highly refined carbohydrates like pasta
• Adequate hydration is an important component of healthy diet which should not be ignored
• Foods rich in Vitamin C such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green tea should either be avoided or consumed in minimal quantities
• Avoid eating non-vegetarian foods like fish and red meats, as they may be highly antigenic and may worsen the autoimmune process. Also avoid eggs, milk, and dairy products.
• Alcoholic and flavored drinks, ice creams, chocolates and any form of junk food is not recommended
• Avoid intake of sour foods like pickles, sour yogurt, and sour strawberries
• Neem in any form is useful. Mung dal is also good.

Some Home Remedies

• Take 5 teaspoons of turmeric powder and mix in 250 ml of mustard oil and apply on the white patches of skin, twice a day. Use this treatment regularly for one year.
• Drink water kept in a copper utensil overnight. This is known to have a stimulating effect on the melanocytes and thus helps in increasing melanin production.

Chronic Gastritis

Chronic Gastritis

Definition
Gastritis means inflammation of the mucus lining of the stomach. Patients suffering from Chronic Gastritis feel uneasy and uncomfortable during most of the day, and might also experience a persistent feeling of weakness.

Causes
The main causative factors of Chronic Gastritis include excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, sour, spicy, acidic foods and white flour products. Stress, anger and exposure to heat also lead to the aggravation of this condition.

Symptoms

• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Heartburn
• Abdominal pain
• Hiccups
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting, possibly of blood or material that looks like coffee-grounds
• Dark stools

Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, the condition of Chronic Gastritis is known as Urdhvaga Amal Pitta. It is primarily caused by an aggravation of Pitta Dosha (Ayurvedic humor representing Fire), which happens due to improper dietary habits and excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco. Aggravated Pitta impairs the body’s digestive fire, leading to improper digestion of food and production of ama (toxins). Due to aggravated Pitta, this ama becomes heating in nature. This heating ama gets accumulated in the body and increases the levels of gases in the stomach, causing the condition of Gastritis.

Ayurvedic treatment of Chronic Gastritis involves the reduction of aggravated body energies and the restoration of the digestive fire using cooling herbal preparations and Pitta-pacifying diet. Ayurvedic techniques of reducing tension and stress are also proven to be effective in treating this condition.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Patients suffering from Gastritis should fast for one or two days. They may be given warm water or juicy fruits such as grapes, apples, oranges, water melons, etc. during these days. The main idea is to detoxify the stomach by flushing out toxins.
• Stay away from coffee and carbonated or alcoholic beverages.
• Avoid processed and fermented foods.
• Also avoid rich gravies, sour, salty, and spicy foods.
• Do some amount of exercising daily; practicing Pranayama can be helpful.
• Drink at least 8-9 glasses of water in a day. Water will relax the stomach and clear all the toxins accumulated inside.

Home Remedies

• Mix together equal parts of powdered fennel, licorice root, basil leaves, and coriander seeds. Have ½ teaspoon of this mixture with ½ teaspoon of powdered rock candy (or unrefined sugar) 15 minutes before lunch and dinner.
• Make a powdered mixture of equal parts of rock candy (or unrefined sugar), fennel, and green cardamom. Whenever you feel heartburn, mix 1 teaspoon of the mixture in a glass of cold milk and drink.
• Chew 2-3 small pieces of ginger with salt before each meal. This will give fast relief from the uneasiness caused by Gastritis.

Bronchitis

Definition
Bronchitis is a condition in which there is an acute inflammation of the trachea and bronchi of the lungs, resulting in the accumulation and discharge of phlegm or sputum. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is of short duration and is cured within a few weeks, while chronic bronchitis persists for much longer duration.

Causes
Aggravated Vata (air) blocks the Kapha (water) in the respiratory channels, the movement of the air gets interrupted, and phlegm accumulates in the lung tissue. In order to expel this phlegm, there is a natural reaction of coughing, which results in Bronchitis. This can be attributed to many reasons like inhalation of smoke and dust, physical exertion, intake of foods and drinks that have a drying effect on the body, and the obstruction of the trachea by food particles. Another cause is suppressing the natural urges of the body, such as passing stool and urine, hunger, thirst, sleep, sneezing, breathing, yawning, tears, coughing, etc.

Symptoms
Irritation in the throat, cough, tightness in the chest, and difficulty in breathing are some of the common signs of Bronchitis.

Ayurvedic View
Ayurveda calls this disease Kasroga and considers it to be caused by poor digestion. Poor diet, poor digestion and incomplete elimination of wastes lead to formation of ama (mucus) in the lungs. This creates a favorable ground for growth of infecting organisms in the bronchial area. Stress, poor lifestyle, bad circulation, and lack of rejuvenative measures can deteriorate the body’s immune response to invading organisms in the bronchial area.

The Ayurvedic treatment of Bronchitis is aimed at simultaneously correcting lung and stomach functions. Herbs are given to ease troubled breathing and expel phlegm. At the same time, Ayurvedic digestive formulas are prescribed to enhance the digestive fire in order to kill pathogens.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Stay warm and drink hot herbal drinks.
• Suppression of natural urges should be avoided.
• Regular body massage with warm sesame oil helps to pacify Vata Dosha and softens the Kapha Dosha in the chest.
• Cover your nose when you are in smoky and polluted atmosphere.
• Take a steam treatment whenever you feel irritation in your throat.

Some Home Remedies

• In case of dry cough, massage the chest with warm olive oil followed by the application of a very warm, moist compress (fomentation).
• In case of productive cough, prepare a mixture of powdered dried ginger root, black pepper, and long pepper in equal amounts and store in an airtight container. Have ½ teaspoon of this powder mixed with ½ teaspoon of honey twice a day with lukewarm water.
• Mix ½ teaspoon of licorice root powder, ½ teaspoon of black pepper powder, and ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder along with 7-10 basil leaves in 1 cup of water. Boil until liquid is reduced to half. Add ½ teaspoon of sugar and drink it lukewarm twice a day.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) is a mood disorder, which means that the symptoms are disturbances or abnormalities of mood. Major depression is a more common illness, the symptoms of which are mainly those of low mood. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of both serious mania and depression. The person's mood swings from excessively high and irritable, to sad and hopeless, and then back again, with periods of normal mood in between. Different from normal mood states of happiness and sadness, symptoms of manic-depressive illness can be severe and life threatening. In fact, for those afflicted with the illness, it is extremely distressing and disruptive.

Causes
Bipolar disorder manifests due to imbalance of the physical doshas vata, pitta, and kapha and the mental properties satva, rajas and tamas.

How it happens
Bipolar disorder may result from a chemical imbalance within the brain. The brain's functions are controlled by chemicals called neurotransmitters. The control of neurotransmitters is through physical and mental doshas according to Ayurvedic perspective. An imbalance in these neurotransmitters may cause bipolar disorder. Aggravated pitta dosha causes aggravation of rajas property, which leads to high levels of these chemicals leading to mania. Aggravated kapha leads to aggravation of tamas property, causing a drop in the normal level of chemicals. As a result, the person may experience depression.

Vata dosha, especially prana vata, is also involved in the pathology. Aggravated prana vata causes premature death of brain cells that deal with mood and emotion. This causes the brain to lose control of mood.

Symptoms
Mania, Depression, or Mixed State. Symptoms are usually limited to distinct episodes of illness.

Treatment
Ayurvedic herbs used for bipolar disorder are adaptogenic in nature. They are equally valuable for mania or depression. The intent is not to force the brain out of a depressive or a manic episode by providing herbal uppers or downers but to balance the doshas and to normalize the production of neurotransmitters.

Diet
Fresh fruits, fruit juices, vegetables (raw or cooked or boiled), vegetable juices, sprouts, nuts, dry fruits, honey, milk, ghee, fresh butter, and buttermilk are the best to increase sattva and enrich the mind. Try to cut down, or if possible stop, the use of black tea, coffee, white flour products, chocolates, white sugar products, deep fried foods, hot spices, meat, fish, and eggs.

Lifestyle
Breathing exercises: Mind has a very close relation with breathing. A person has short and shallow breathing when anxious or stressed and has deep breathing when relaxed and happy. Next time you become stressed, watch your breathing. Try to slow it down. Take a relaxed position and breathe deep using the abdomen muscles. Let the diaphragm expand while breathing in, and contract while breathing out. This will immediately relax you. Exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques and Yoga postures are also recommended.

Other remedies
A gentle massage on the head (with or without oil), using your favorite aroma or fragrance, listening to soft music, chanting of "mantras" and prayers also help to relax the mind and thus should be used whenever possible.Applying oil on the body (abhyanga) at least once a week is a good method to relax the body and mind. Pouring oil on the forehead (shirodhara) is another popular Ayurvedic remedy for relaxing the tension in nerves and head.

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) patients suffer from excessive, unrealistic worry that lasts through six months or more; the issues could be health, money, career problems, or just about anything. Its symptoms could include trembling, muscular aches, insomnia/sleep disorders, abdominal upsets, dizziness, irritability and poor concentration.

Symptoms

Besides excessive worry and allied physical symptoms, Anxiety Disorder also encompasses

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Other specific phobias e.g. acrophobia, arachnophobia etc.

Causes

The various biological, psychological, and social factors that may cause Anxiety Disorder include:

• Heredity
• Brain chemistry
• Personality
• Life experiences

Quick Facts

• Anxiety Disorders cost the USA more than $42 billion a year, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
• More than $22.84 billion is spent on the repeated use of healthcare services, as those with Anxiety Disorders suffer physical symptoms as well
• People with Anxiety Disorders are three to five times more likely to need treatment/ hospitalization for psychiatric disorders.

Anxiety Disorder: The Modern View

Anxiety Disorders are treated with psychosocial therapies (including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, anxiety management and relaxation therapies and general psychotherapy). Medication includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Ayurvedic treatment of Anxiety Disorder

Ayurveda, which takes a comprehensive view of an individual's physical, emotional and spiritual conditions, attributes anxiety disorder symptoms to aggravated prana vata, a subsidiary of vata dosha which is associated with worry, anxiety and depression. Prana vata weakens the nervous system and triggers mental imbalance. It also weakens the neuro-hormonal system and nerve impulses. Ayurvedic treatment of anxiety disorder would involve curbing aggravated prana vata and increasing sattva guna, which envisages a stable and peaceful mind through self-realization and self-control, and appropriate changes in diet and lifestyle.

Amenorrhoea

Amenorrhoea 

Amenorrhoea (Greek: a - no; + men - month; + rhoia - flow) is the absence of periods. This is a normal (physiological) occurrence in girls before puberty (menarche), during pregnancy and breastfeeding (lactation) and following menopause. But failure to menstruate after puberty is called Amenorrhoea. It is generally regarded as abnormal by the age of 14 years in girls without other signs of secondary sexual development, or by the age of 16 in girls with normal secondary sexual characteristics. Absence of menstruation for six consecutive months before menopause in a woman who has previously had regular periods is also termed as amenorrhoea. The first condition is called vilambit artava (delayed menstruation) and second condition is called Artavavrodh (suspension of menstruation)

Following are the organs that are responsible for regular menstruation:

1. Uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina: It is very important to have normal physiology and anatomy of these organs.
2. Blood: It is important to have regular blood level.
3. Nervous system and endocrine system: Nervous system coordinates all the gynaecological organs with endocrine system with the mind of the woman. Thus, it is very important to have healthy nervous system.

Amenorrhoea is of two types

1. Primary amenorrhoea: If a girl has not had her first period by the time she is 16, this is known as primary amenorrhoea.
2. Secondary amenorrhoea: This is when a woman, who has menstruated normally in the past, stops having periods, temporarily or permanently. While many women skip an occasional period for different reasons, amenorrhoea is diagnosed if the woman has missed three or more periods in a row.

Types of Amenorrhoea according to doshas

1. Vataj: It is primarily due to aggravation of vata dosha.
2. Kaphaj: It is primarily due to aggravation of kapha dosha.
3. Vata-kaphaj: There is involvement of both the doshas. But vata is the prime dosha.

Nidan (Causes of Amenorrhoea)
According to the Ayurveda, perspective, imbalance of tridoshas and three mental properties lead to Amenorrhoea. Aggravated vata and kapha dosha and low pitta dosha are responsible for Amenorrhoea. Specifically, imbalanced or high apana vata is responsible for amenorrhoea. Located in the pelvic region, it controls the flow of menstruation.

Mental properties like high rajsic properties high tamsic properties and low sattvik properties of mind are responsible for Amenorrhoea.

The causes for Primary Amenorrhoea

1. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia: Eating disorders cause nutritional deficiency and deterioration of the dhatus (body tissues). According to Ayurveda, kshya or deterioration increases vata dosha. This aggravated vata dosha leads to Amenorrhoea.
2. Intense physical athletic training before puberty: Intense physical athletic training also causes deterioration of dhatus (body tissues). Kshya or deterioration increases vata dosha. This aggravated vata dosha leads to Amenorrhoea.
3. Extreme obesity: Extreme obesity causes aggravation of kapha dosha. Kapha dosha causes blockage of srotas and causes Amenorrhoea.
4. Drugs such as certain antidepressants may cause primary Amenorrhoea.
5. Chronic illnesses like thyroid problems, Anaemia, Chlorosis, Tuberculosis, diabetes cause aggravation of vata and kapha dosha. These diseases block the artavavahi channels, which leads to Amenorrhea.
6. Turner's Syndrome: This is when a woman is born with only one X chromosome (there should be two). Turner's Syndrome results in the woman having no ovaries, therefore menstruation cannot take place.

Congenital obstructive defects in lower genital tract e.g. non-canalisation of cervix, vagina or an imperforate hymen

Causes for Secondary Amenorrhoea

1. Stress: Negative mental feelings like stress, tension, anger, or sorrow affect menstruation. Very often, women do not have periods while changing jobs or schools, travelling, or when under emotional duress. Stress aggravates the prana vata. Prana vata is subdosha of vata dosha. It stays in the brain and controls our nervous system. Aggravated prana vata causes imbalance of the next subdosha that is apana vata. Thus, stress and tension create an imbalance of apana vata, which leads to Amenorrhoea.
2. Contraceptives: Some women on the oral contraceptive pill ("The Pill" and "The Mini-Pill"), and many women on Depo Provera injections experience no periods. Regular and prolonged use of these contraceptives can cause aggravation of vata, which leads to Amenorrhoea.
3. Rapid weight loss often caused by an eating disorder: Eating disorders cause nutritional deficiency and deterioration of dhatus (body tissues). According to Ayurveda, kshya or deterioration increases vata dosha. This aggravated vata dosha leads to Amenorrhoea
4. Excessive exercise: Exercising beyond one's capacity can deteriorate the dhatus (body tissues). Kshya or deterioration increases vata dosha. This aggravated vata dosha leads to Amenorrhoea.
5. Increase of cold temperament in the body at the commencement of menstruation or during menstruation also causes aggravation of vata dosha, which leads to Amenorrhoea. Thus it is very important to keep the body warm at commencement of menstruation or during menstruation.
6. Excessive lethargy and sedentary lifestyle aggravates the kapha dosha, which blocks menstrual channels, leading to Amenorrhoea.
7. Marijuana use and chronic illness can also cause Amenorrhoea.
8. Polycystic ovaries or ovarian tumour can cause Amenorrhoea.
9. Medical therapies: Occasionally, periods can stop after pelvic surgery or chemotherapy. Prescription medicines such as Haloperidol can also cause Amenorrhoea.
10. Hormonal disorders: Rarely, benign (non-cancerous) tumours can occur in the pituitary gland. This leads to an excess of the hormone Prolactin that can stop periods, and cause a milky discharge from the nipples. Disorders of other glands such as the thyroid, adrenal and the ovaries can also cause periods to stop but these are rare.

Common causes for both types of Amenorrhoea

Diet
Eating excessively cold, light, dry, or airy foods increase vata dosha in the body. Eating gas forming vegetables and fruits like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, lettuce, mushrooms, parsley, peas, yeast-based products, white flour and white sugar products in excess, also increase the vata dosha. Excessive use of fried foods, heavy creams and puddings increases kapha dosha. Gradual aggravation of vata and kapha dosha leads to blockage of artavavahi srota and causes Amenorrhoea.

Lifestyle
Excess physical exercises, improper ways of intercourse, use of artificial objects for reaching orgasm, sedentary lifestyle, no exercises, excessive cold or warm temperature also leads to an imbalance of dosha. Gradual aggravation of vata and kapha dosha leads to blockage of artavavahi srota and leads to Amenorrhoea.

Samprapti (Pathogenesis)
Let us see how this aggravated vata and kapha causes Amenorrhoea:

1. Aggravated vata or apana vata causes increase of digestive fire, impairing digestion at a subtle level. Impaired digestion causes accumulation of ama or toxins in the body. This ama leads to Amenorrhoea.
   
   It is like this: The food that we eat is digested by the digestive fire and is converted into nutrient plasma (rasa dhatu). This nutrient plasma nourishes all other body tissues (dhatus) like blood (rakta dathu), muscles (mamsa), fat (meda), bones (asthi), bone marrow (majja), and reproductive fluid (shukra). This nourishment for production of various tissues is carried through a network of channels to various parts of the body. Artava or menstrual blood is a part of rasa dhatu or nutrient plasma.
   
   When digestion is impaired, instead of the healthy nutrient plasma, ama or toxins are produced. This ama accumulates in weaker channels of the body. When this ama accumulates in rasavahi srota (which carries the nutrient plasma) or artavavahi srota (which carries the menstrual flow) and blocks them stopping the flow of menstruation, it can lead to Amenorrhoea.
2. Aggravated kapha also causes low digestive fire (mandagani), impairing the digestion at subtle level. This causes accumulation of ama or toxins in the body. This ama leads to Amenorrhoea. The food that we eat is digested by the digestive fire and is converted into nutrient plasma (rasa dhatu). This nutrient plasma nourishes all other body tissues (dhatus) like blood (rakta dathu), muscles (mamsa), fat (meda), bones (asthi), bone marrow (majja), and reproductive fluid (shukra). This nourishment for production of various tissues is carried through a network of channels to various parts of the body. Artava or menstrual blood is a part of rasa dhatu or nutrient plasma.
   
   When digestion is impaired, instead of the healthy nutrient plasma, ama or toxins are produced. This ama accumulates in weaker channels of the body. When this ama accumulates in rasavahi srota (which carries the nutrient plasma) or artavavahi srota (which carries the menstrual flow) and blocks them stopping the flow of menstruation, it can cause Amenorrhoea.
3. Aggravated vata and kapha dosha increases the cold temperament in the body, which leads to low pitta dosha or decrease of hot temperament. Menstrual blood is analogous to pitta dosha. Thus, low pitta dosha or low hot temperament leads to decrease or loss of menstrual blood.

Doshas involved: High vata, kapha and low pitta

Srota involved: Rasavahi srota and artavavahi srota.

Treatment

• Diet: A diet, which will increase pitta and pacify vata and kapha, is advised. It should be nourishing and easy to digest. Follow a hot and spicy diet, which is astringent, acidic, with garlic, onion, nuts, ginger etc. Herbal teas are recommended. Spices like black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, fennel, ginger, cumin, black pepper, fenugreek, clove, celery seed, salt, soya seed and mustard seed can be used for garnishing the foods. Milk and milk products are good. But avoid yoghurt, as it causes blockage of menstrual channels.
• Eating excessively cold, light, dry, or airy foods that increase vata dosha in the body should be avoided. Also resist from eating gas forming vegetables and fruits like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, lettuce, mushrooms, parsley, peas, yeast-based products, white flour and white sugar products in excess, as they increase the vata dosha. Excessive use of fried foods, heavy creams, and puddings increases kapha dosha so should be avoided.
• For obese persons, an anti-kapha diet is recommended.

Anti-kapha diet

• Dairy: Low-fat milk is recommended. Boil milk before drinking. Drink it warm. This makes it easier to digest. Do not take milk with a full meal or with sour or salty foods. Add a pinch of turmeric or ginger to the milk before boiling it. This helps to reduce the kapha increasing qualities of the milk.
• Fruit: Lighter fruits, such as apples, oranges, grape fruit, pineapple and papaya and pears, are recommended.
• Sweeteners: Honey is excellent for reducing kapha. Reduce the intake of sugar products, which increase kapha.
• Beans are recommended.
• Nuts should be avoided.
• Grains such as barley, chickpea and millet are recommended. Do not take too much wheat or rice, as they increase kapha.
• Spices are recommended as they decreases kapha.
• Vegetables such as sweet potatoes and root vegetables are good.
• Lifestyle: Follow a lifestyle that will increase pitta and pacify vata and kapha.Negative feelings like stress and tension should be avoided. Do not undertake physical or mental work beyond your capacity. Excessive intercourse should be avoided. Limit the use of contraceptives. Follow an active lifestyle, yet the exercises should be according to one's capacity. Both, excessive fasting and overeating are harmful. Smoking, drinking alcohol and using narcotics aggravates menstrual disorders.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a metabolic disorder, characterized by the excessive production of thyroxin by the thyroid gland. The increased metabolism causes loss of weight and symptoms such as trembling and sweating of hands. Goiter may also be present.

According to Ayurveda, impaired digestion of food leads to blockage of the minute channels causing an imbalance in the function of the thyroid gland. The first line of treatment is to clear these channels in order to balance body energies and restore the correct production and circulation of thyroxin.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Definition
Hypothyroidism may be caused by problems within the thyroid gland that causes insufficient circulation of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms show a decrease in metabolism, with the slowing of mental and physical activity. Patients may experience a variety of differing symptoms such as sensitivity to cold, dryness of the skin, constipation, anorexia, anginal pain, anemia and disordered menstrual function.

Causes
The prime cause of Hypothyroidism is the deficiency of Iodine. In many cases, this disease is caused by pituitary or hypothalamic disease or certain medications.

Symptoms
The typical symptoms of Hypothyroidism are:

• High levels of lethargy
• Coldness in the hands and/or feet
• Frequent constipation
• Frequent headaches
• Dry skin
• Obesity is also sometimes related to thyroid dysfunction

Ayurvedic View
Ayurvedic treatment involves clearing these channels in order to balance body energies and restore the circulation of thyroxin. Herbal preparations are administered to increase the digestive fire at a cellular level, restoring proper metabolism.

Diet and Lifestyle Advice

• Take adequate quantities of milk in your diet.
• Increase intake of rice, barley, Bengal gram, moong dal and cucumber.
• Coconut oil helps in improving body metabolism in thyroid patients.
• Avoid heavy and sour foods.

Some Home Remedies

• Mix equal quantities of long pepper (Pipali), black pepper and dry ginger powder. Consume half teaspoon twice a day with lukewarm water.
• Chew Licorice (mulethi) and Black Pepper in a 2:1 ratio three times a day.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Definition
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common condition that arises when there is an infection caused by bacteria. The infection usually starts in the urethra and then travels up to the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. There is a burning feeling when urinating and an increased frequency of urination. The condition is more common in females, as the urethra is smaller (becomes infected more easily) and near the anus (a source of contamination). Conditions such as diabetes, bowel incontinence, kidney stones, immobility, reduced intake of fluids, and pregnancy can also contribute to Urinary Tract Infection.

Causes
Increased intake of sour, salty, bitter, oily, spicy, and fried foods and tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages aggravate Pitta (Fire) in the body, which leads to the condition of UTI. Working in the sun or hot weather and excessive physical exertion aggravates the condition.

Symptoms
The most common symptom is a burning sensation while passing urine. There is discomfort, pain, or a burning sensation at the urethra. There may be the presence of pus or blood in the urine and fever. Also there is increased frequency of urination, along with the feeling of needing to pass urine even when the bladder is not full. The need to urinate during the night may increase.

Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, Urinary Tract Infection or Pittaj Mutrakrichhra, is caused by the aggravation of Pitta Dosha. Pitta is an Ayurvedic humor that symbolizes heat or fire. So, a diet and lifestyle that increases Pitta causes UTI. Aggravated Pitta produces heating toxins in the body. These heating toxins accumulate in the mutravahi strotas (urinary channels) and create an imbalance in the infection-fighting properties of the urinary system. It might lead to bacterial growth in the system, amounting to UTI. Many chemical drugs work on bacteria, but these do not work for infection-fighting properties and heating toxins. Thus, such infection can often recur. Ayurvedic medicine, on the other hand, balances the infection-fighting properties of the urinary system and pacifies heating toxins, thereby giving long-term relief to the patient.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Avoid intake of hot, oily, spicy, sour, salty, and bitter foods.
• Increase intake of liquids in the form of water, juices, coconut water, and other cooling drinks.
• Increase intake of pitta-pacifying herbs like green cardamom, coriander, red sandalwood, licorice root, etc.
• Avoid working in the sun or in a hot atmosphere such as near furnaces and boilers.
• Take a cold-water bath 2-3 times a day with ½ teaspoon of powdered red sandalwood added to the water.

Some Home Remedies

• Put 3 tablespoons of powdered coriander seeds and 1 tablespoon of powdered rock candy (or unrefined sugar) in a vessel (preferably an earthen pot) containing 3 cups of water. Keep it overnight. Mix well and drink 1 cup of the liquid 3 times a day. This is a very good home remedy for pacifying Pitta in the urinary tract.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of roasted barley water in 1 cup of water. Add ½ teaspoon powdered rock candy (or unrefined sugar). Have this twice a day. This is a very good diuretic and cooling preparation.
• Have 1 cup of radish leaf juice on an empty stomach in the morning.

Migraine

Migraine

Definition
A common neurological syndrome, Migraine is characterized by altered bodily perceptions, severe pounding headaches, nausea and irritability. This pounding or pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head or around the eyes and gradually gets worse. Bright lights or loud noises can worsen the condition. The headache can last for two hours or even up to two or three days.

Causes
Change in weather conditions, missing a meal, stress, alcohol and certain types of food items are considered to be common causative factors of Migraine. About 50% of women claim that their menstrual periods happen to be a significant trigger. Additionally, allergic reactions, exposure to loud noises or certain odors, smoking, or long exposures to computer screens/televisions could lead to Migraine attacks.

Symptoms

• Nausea and vomiting
• Altered mood
• Irritability
• Depression or euphoria
• Fatigue
• Excessive sleepiness
• Craving for certain food items
• Stiff muscles (especially in the neck)
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Increased urination

Ayurvedic View
The traditional science of Ayurveda does not regard Migraine as a case of prolonged headaches. On the contrary, it considers this condition to be caused by deep-rooted problems, including a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion.

Improper diet and lifestyle causes aggravation of Pitta (Ayurvedic humor representing Fire) in the body. In an aggravated state, Pitta impairs digestion, leading to production of digestive impurities (known as ama). This ama gets stored in the manovahi strotas (mind channels), thereby becoming the cause for pains in migraine.

A sensitive nervous system lowers the ojas (energy) in the body. Ojas is the essence of all body tissues and provides strength to the nervous system and body. If you have a strong nervous system, you are able to fight against problems and carry on with your work with a healthy mind. Lowering of ojas causes migraine-like problems.

Ayurvedic treatment of Migraine therefore is centered on the pacification of Pitta Dosha, and restoration of digestive function in the body. Nervine tonics are also recommended to enhance the ojas, relax the mind and give strength to the nervous system.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Avoid hot, spicy foods, fermented foods, white sugar, white flour products, and sour or citrus fruits, because they aggravate the Pitta in your body.
• Drink more water and eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains
• Avoid excessive sugar or salt, refined foods, animal products (meats and dairy), caffeine, tea, and alcohol, as these items will further lead to aggravation of Pitta.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun, as migraine headaches are predominantly a Pitta disorder and can be triggered by the hot sun.
• Head massage with Bhringraj Oil is also beneficial. This massage gives a calming effect to your nervous system.
• Headaches caused due to tension and worry can be alleviated through deep breathing and relaxation, especially in a lying down position in a quiet place. Inverted postures, or those where the head is lowered briefly, increase oxygen to the brain and can reduce headache-causing strain.

Some Home Remedies

• If there is a burning sensation, apply a paste of ground clay or sandalwood powder mixed with rose water.
• When the headache is due to inflamed sinuses, inhale steam with vinegar added to the water.
• Mix ¼ teaspoon of clove powder with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon oil. Apply this paste on the affected area for 20-30 minutes.

Panchakarma
Ayurvedic treatment therapies, known as Panchakarma, are also effective in treating Migraine pains. Nasya (administration of herbal oils into the nostrils) and Shriodhara (head massage) are especially highly recommended to such patients. Both procedures are aimed at removing the cause of the headache and the pain.

Hypertension

Hypertension

Definition
Hypertension (known as Rakta Gata Vata in Ayurveda) is elevated pressure of the blood in the arteries. The increase in blood pressure depends upon a person’s age, sex, physical and mental activities, family history, and diet. Normal blood pressure of a healthy adult individual is 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic.

Causes
Unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyles are the chief causes of hypertension today. Most of the food items that we consume – fast foods or items packed with preservatives and chemicals – create digestive problems in the body. Impaired digestion leads to accumulation of ama (toxins), which further lead to the high blood pressure. The food we eat is digested by our digestive fire (jatharagni) to produce nutrient plasma. This plasma nourishes all other dhatus (body tissues) and aids in the production of healthy blood, which circulates all over the body through various channels (srotas).

However, if digestion is impaired, the nutrient plasma ends up producing digestive impurities or ama. This ama mixes with plasma and makes it sama (combined with ama) or heavy. As a result, the blood thus produced also becomes heavy or sticky. This heavy blood (laden with impurities) circulates through various channels and toxins start accumulating in weaker channels of the body. When accumulated in the heart’s channels, these toxins cause narrowing of the channels. The blood has to therefore end up exerting more pressure to circulate through these channels, leading to the condition of high blood pressure.

Additionally, stress, anxiety and negative mental feelings also cause increase in blood pressure. Other causes could be history of BP in the family, obesity, lack of exercise, consumption of high-fat and low-fiber diet, excessive intake of tea, coffee, and refined foods, etc.

Symptoms
Hypertension rarely shows any symptoms; BP levels should be checked at regular intervals to ensure that the problem is diagnosed in time. Some of the symptoms that might be present are pain at the back of the neck (occipital headache), fatigue, palpitations and dizziness.

Ayurvedic View
The Ayurvedic line of treatment for hypertension is aimed at identifying the root cause of the condition and then administering herbs that can eradicate the problem from its roots. For this to happen, it is imperative that digestion is improved and the digestive fire is strengthened. Secondly, the toxins that have already accumulated in the heart channels have to be eliminated. And lastly, mind relaxation techniques – including meditation, yoga and pranayama – are recommended to ensure that the mind remains calm and stable.

Diet and Lifestyle Advice
Avoid meat, eggs, table salt, pickles, tea and coffee. Avoid smoking as it increases heart rate. Increase use of garlic, lemon, parsley, Indian gooseberry (amla), watermelon, grapefruit, skim milk and cottage cheese. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to lower blood pressure; brisk walking, jogging, swimming and athletics are good options. Laughter is the best medicine, as it relieves stress and anxiety, which are the main causes of high blood pressure in today’s lifestyle.

Some Home Remedies

• Make a juice of 3-4 garlic cloves, 10-12 basil leaves, and a small quantity of wheat grass. Have once a day.
• Take 2-3 peeled garlic buds with water on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of onion juice with an equal amount of honey. Take once a day for 1 week. Upon noticing improvement, continue for several more days.

High Cholesterol

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat present in the blood in small quantities. It forms a part of cell walls, nerve coverings and brain cells so it has an important function in the body. If this molecule is present in excess quantity in the body, it may cause coronary blockage.

Ayurvedic treatment consists of herbal medications that eliminate the toxins and mucus from the channels and restore the digestive fire to proper function. Advices on diet and regimen adjustments are also given to support treatment.

Headache

Headache

Definition
A headache is a symptom rather than a disease and may be caused by high blood pressure, insomnia, weak eyesight, sinusitis, hunger, anemia, listening to loud music, studying in improper light, emotional strain, overwork, constipation, and flatulence. In Ayurveda, headache is known as shirehshool. Headache may be accompanied with watering of the eyes, bleeding from the nose or giddiness depending on the body energy that is aggravated.

Causes
Improper diet and lifestyle causes vitiation (impairment) of the vata (air) and kapha (water). Vata is obstructed by the kapha in the head region, causing headache. As the pain intensifies, vata also vitiates pitta dosha (fire), causing a burning sensation in the head, nausea and vomiting. Headache is also often caused by emotional stress, overwork or insomnia.

Symptoms
A headache is characterized by pain in the head and may be associated with pain in the back of the neck and shoulders. Pain can be throbbing, cutting, or penetrating in nature when vata dominates, or burning when pitta dominates. The pain usually occurs sporadically (infrequently and without a pattern) but can occur frequently and even daily in some people.

Ayurvedic View
The traditional science of Ayurveda considers headache to be caused because of two primary reasons – a sensitive nervous system and impaired digestion. Improper diet and lifestyle causes aggravation of Pitta (Ayurvedic humor representing Fire) in the body. In an aggravated state, Pitta impairs digestion, leading to production of digestive impurities (known as ama). This ama gets stored in the manovahi strotas (mind channels), thereby becoming the cause for headaches.

A sensitive nervous system lowers the ojas (energy) in the body. Ojas is the essence of all body tissues and provides strength to the nervous system and body. If you have a strong nervous system, you are able to fight against problems and carry on with your work with a healthy mind. Lowering of ojas causes migraine-like problems.

Ayurvedic treatment of headache does not focus on simply alleviating the pain but aims at treating the root cause. Herbal preparations are administered to balance aggravated body energies and restore the digestive function.

Diet and Lifestyle Advice

• Have warm and easily digestible foods, boiled and steamed vegetables, soups, vegetable juices, porridge, brown rice and whole-wheat flour.
• Eat fruits like apples, papayas, mangoes, grapes and pears.
• Buttermilk, salads, and boiled rice sautéed with cinnamon, cumin seeds and garlic or asafetida are good in the daytime.
• Also, 5-6 almonds or walnuts and some raisins can be eaten each day.
• Avoid refined, oily, spicy, cold and stale food
• Avoid yogurt, especially at night.
• Avoid working for long hours continuously; take short breaks. Have a good night’s sleep in a dark room.
• Avoid overexposure to cold or hot weather. Cover your head with an umbrella, or wear a hat or cap when you go out.

Some Home Remedies

• If there is a burning sensation, apply a paste of ground clay or sandalwood powder mixed with rose water.
• When the headache is due to inflamed sinuses, inhale steam with vinegar added to the water.
• Mix ¼ teaspoon of clove powder with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon oil. Apply this paste on the affected area for 20-30 minutes.

Hair Loss and Premature Graying

Hair Loss and Premature Graying

Definition
Stress, worry, anxiety, and inadequate nutrition lead to hair loss and premature graying of hair. A certain amount of hair loss is considered normal, as old strands are replaced by new. When hair loss is excessive, care must be taken. Similarly, the graying of hair after a certain age is a normal phenomenon, but when this starts in the early years of life, one should look into for remedies.

Causes
Increased intake of fried, sour, spicy, salty, and fermented foods, as well as tea and coffee, aggravate the Pitta Dosha (Ayurvedic humor representing Fire) in the body. This Pitta accumulates in the skin of the scalp, leading to hair falling out and graying prematurely. Factors like excessive anger and stress are also responsible. Excessive consumption of alcohol and meat also aggravate Pitta.

Symptoms
The only symptom is loss of hair whenever one combs the hair and graying of the hair at an early stage of life. Some systemic symptoms of Pitta aggravation might also be present like acid stomach, nausea, excessive sweating, and intolerance to heat.

Ayurvedic View
Hair loss is known as Khalitya Paalitya in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, hair is a byproduct of bone formation and the tissue responsible for building bones is also responsible for the growth of hair. Early hair loss is related to body type and the balance of the mind-body constitution (doshas). People who have excess Pitta in their body are likely to lose their hair early in life, or have prematurely thin or gray hair. Excess Pitta in the sebaceous gland, at the root of the hair, or folliculitis can lead to hair loss.

Ayurvedic treatment of hair loss is aimed at pacification of Pitta through a customized diet and lifestyle regime, along with medication. A combination of diet, herbs, oil massage, meditation, aromatherapy, breathing and yoga can be beneficial in addressing the problem of hair loss and premature graying of hair.


Diet and Lifestyle Advice

• Avoid Pitta-aggravating foods like spicy, heavy, and oily foods, as well as tea and coffee.
• Avoid refined foods, refined sugar, junk food, and alcoholic and carbonated drinks.
• Increase intake of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and vegetable juice prepared from lettuce, carrot, capsicum, and alfalfa.
• Avoid using chemical products on the hair. Try herbal oils and shampoos instead.

Some Home Remedies

• Mix powdered Indian gooseberry (amla) and sesame seeds in equal amounts. Take 1 teaspoon twice a day with water.
• Heat 250 milliliters of coconut oil in a pan, and add 3-4 Indian gooseberries cut into pieces. Heat until the gooseberries turn dark brown or black. Use the oil for a hair massage 2-3 times a week.
• Take 1 cup of curry leaves and grind them with 1 cup of buttermilk. Apply this to the hair for 1 hour, and then wash the hair with an herbal shampoo.

Dandruff

Dandruff

Definition
Excessive shedding of dead skin from the scalp is known as Dandruff. Skin cells die and flake off, so a small amount of flaking is normal. Usually, the scalp skin dies and flakes off in a month, while in those suffering from Dandruff, this happens every 2-7 days. Apart from being a physical condition, Dandruff is also associated with social and self-esteem problems in many individuals.

Causes

• Increased intake of dry, cold, oily, spicy, and penetrating foods
• Hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands such as sweat glands
• Environmental allergens such as dust, cobwebs, sunlight, certain fabrics, soaps, shampoos and even certain types of food are sometimes responsible for dandruff
• Some people have skins that are sensitive to seasonal changes. These people are also very vulnerable to dandruff.
• Stress is directly related to dandruff. People who live in a constant state of anxiety are prone to dandruff.
• Excessive cosmetic hair treatments such as hair-conditioning and hair-coloring, using hair curlers, perms and hair-bonding often result in a weak skin and eventually lead to dandruff

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of dandruff are:

• Appearance of white flakes on scalp
• Dryness of scalp
• Continuous itchy feeling on the scalp
• Redness and irritation on the scalp
• Softness of the scalp skin
• Indigestion, acne or acidity may also be indicative symptoms

Ayurvedic View
Ayurveda places the problem of Dandruff in the category of Shodra Roga, which appears due to an imbalance of all three doshas (Ayurvedic humor). The primary doshas involved are Pitta and Vata. Pitta is an Ayurvedic humor which symbolizes heat or fire and Vata is dry and rough in nature. In an aggravated state, both doshas cause production of specific impurities, called ama, which are dry and heating in nature. These impurities accumulate in the deep tissues of scalp and contaminate them. Contamination of the deep tissues and aggravated Vata-Pitta Dosha cause itching and patches on scalp. Due to these factors, the scalp sheds larger than normal amounts of dead epidermal cells, which leads to the problem of dandruff.

The Ayurvedic line of treatment is to generally pacify Pitta and Vata through herbal medicines, as well as a tailor-made diet and lifestyle plan. Also, special herbs are administered to cleanse the body of accumulated digestive impurities.


Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Wash hair regularly 2-3 times a week with a mild shampoo.
• Massage your hair with oil every time before washing the head and hair.
• Avoid spicy, greasy, hot and penetrating foods, junk food, and aerated drinks.
• Have food with good nutritive value; include fiber-rich foods, salads, fruits, and lentils.
• Do regular yoga and exercises to minimize stress levels.
• Avoid scratching the scalp with hands or any other objects.

Some Home Remedies

• Mix 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) juice. Gently massage the scalp with this each day.
• After washing the head and hair, rinse the hair with a decoction prepared by boiling margosa leaves and Indian gooseberry (amla) in water.
• Add 10 drops of lemon juice to 1 egg white, and beat well. Apply to the scalp and hair once a week.

Childhood Asthma

Childhood Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. It is a lung disease characterized by difficulty in breathing, cough with sputum and some time fever. Children with asthma typically cough, wheeze, and experience chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Asthma in children and infants is a major health problem showing steady increase in prevalence both in developing and developed countries. The incidence of childhood asthma in Asian countries varies between 5.2 percent in Taipei to 30 percent in New Zealand and 10 percent to 17 percent in other countries.

Seventy-four percent of asthma attacks in children are experienced in children less than 5 years of age and 26 percent in less than one year of age. The ratio of male and female incidence is 2:1.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition where the airways become irritated and inflamed. As a result, the airways become narrower and produce extra mucus. This makes it more difficult for air to flow into and out of the lungs and causes the symptoms of asthma. Certain precipitating factors may be cause of further narrowing. This narrowing produces a unique wheezing sound during breathing.

Symptoms of Childhood Asthma
The symptoms of asthma may be mild, moderate or severe. They may include:

• coughing - chronic or recurring (worse particularly at night and in the early hours of the morning)
• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• pain or a tight feeling in the chest
• flaring of the nostrils when breathing in interrupted talking
• agitation

These symptoms tend to be variable and may stop and start. They are usually worse at night. Accompanying infection in the respiratory system turns the problem severe to dangerous. Emergency treatment is advised in such cases.

Triggering Factors

In children, an acute asthma attack usually occurs at the time of a cough and cold caused by a viral infection. Wheezing in children is most often caused by colds rather than by asthma. When they do develop asthma, it may be due to allergic reactions to irritants, or some other triggers or stimuli like those listed below:

• Irritants - dust, cigarette smoke, fumes and chemicals
• Allergies - to pollen, grass, medicines, animals, house dust mite, fungus or certain foods
• Infections - colds and flu
• Exercise - especially in cold, dry air
• Emotions - stress, laughing or crying very hard
• Weather

Ayurvedic perspective
According to Ayurveda, asthma in children can be of two types:

• Beeja dosha (genetic), or
• Sahaja (acquired).

Sahaja type of asthma is easy to treat, whereas asthma due to genetic causes (beeja dosha) wherein there is a history of asthma in the family, is difficult to treat. In some cases, it has been observed that after 8th or 9th year of age the problem disappears spontaneously. This type of asthma may have been caused due to the imbalance of kapha dosha.

Kapha is one of the three biological energies or doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) responsible for health and disease in every human being. It is a mucus like substance, which is dense, heavy, firm, stable, slow, thick, sticky, wet, clear and cold in nature. In asthma, kapha imbalanced due to various causes accumulates in the lungs and leads to blockage of bronchioles. The blocked bronchioles in turn produce symptoms of asthma.

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis

Definition
Allergic Rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. It is characterized by headache, itchy eyes and throat, runny nose with watery discharge and sneezing. In Ayurveda, such allergies are thought of being caused due to hypersensitivity of the nervous system.

Causes
Some of the causes include indigestion, inhalation of smoke and dust, staying awake in the night, sleeping in the daytime, exposure to cold and chilly weather, increased sexual activity, not being in balance with the season, and the suppression of natural urges.

Symptoms

• Tickling sensation and irritation in the nostrils
• Sneezing
• Body ache
• Headache and heaviness of in the head
• Watery eyes
• Running nose
• Cough
• Hoarseness of the voice

Ayurvedic View
Allergic Rhinitis from an Ayurvedic perspective is caused due to the ama (toxins) present in the body and due to low immunity. Accumulated ama aggravates the levels of Kapha (Water) in the body, giving rise to different symptoms of allergies.

Ayurveda believes in balancing the three doshas present in the human body, thus treating the disease on the whole. Treatment involves clearing the sinuses and expelling phlegm, alleviating the relevant dosha and detoxification. To permanently resolve this disorder, dietary and lifestyle adjustments may be necessary in addition to the strengthening of the immune system. Panchakarma is an effective means of treating Allergic Rhinitis.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Have freshly-prepared, warm food
• Avoid stale and junk food
• Kapha-aggravating foods like dairy, wheat, sugar, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, bananas, oranges and grapefruits should be avoided
• Cover your nose in dusty or cold surroundings
• Whenever you feel slight congestion, take a steam inhalation treatment
• Avoid sleeping in the open and cover yourself properly before going to sleep

Some Home Remedies

• Prepare a decoction by boiling 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 cup of water. Reduce the liquid to half. Add ½ teaspoon of sugar and drink lukewarm in the mornings and evenings in place of tea/coffee.
• Boil ½ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in milk. Add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Take 2-3 times a day. Turmeric is a natural immune booster.
• Mix ½ teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) fruit powder with 1 teaspoon honey. Take twice a day.

Cancer

Cancer

When, over a period of time, toxins collect at the site of a particular organ; it may result in fatal growth in its surrounding cells. The groups of cells accumulate and produce swelling at the site. Nearby cells and tissues are also affected if the toxins are not removed as the diseased cells are circulated to other parts of the body through the blood stream.

Treatment of cancer by Ayurveda is very in-depth and holistic in its approach. Ayurveda treats the disease according to the specific nature of the patient, the aggravated body energies involved and the body tissues that are affected. Treatment does not only focus on the area of the malignancy but on the entire system, as the whole organism must be returned to harmony for the disease to be treated permanently and not recur elsewhere. The body must be purified of the toxins that cause the cells to attack the body. Treatment includes the administration of blood cleansing herbs along with the adoption of a detoxifying diet. Circulatory stimulant herbs are also prescribed to promote circulation, shift stagnation of the blood, increase the efficient elimination of toxins and assist in healing the tissues. Immunity restoring herbs and minerals are given to boost the strength of debilitated patients.

A crucial part of treatment is relaxation of the mind. Suppression of emotion or emotional stagnation is a significant causative factor and obstacle to effective treatment of this condition. The patient needs to heal themselves at the very deepest level of their individuality. Meditation, counseling, yoga, pranayama and the studying of spiritual philosophy are all recommended for support in this aspect of personal healing.