Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease which usually affects middle aged persons, and is seen more in women than in men. Children too, may get affected. In this disease, the synovial membrane, or the covering tissue of the joints gets swollen, resulting in stiffness, pain and limitation of movement. In severe conditions, the joints may ultimately become deformed. A disturbed immune function is believed to be responsible for this disease.

In Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, rheumatoid arthritis is known as "Sandhi Vata". This is not to be confused with "Aam Vata" which is the name given to Rheumatic Fever, or the fever which causes pain and swelling in joints and also affect the heart.

Management Of Rhematoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis of recent origin usually responds well to standard anti-inflammatory treatment. However, by nature this is a chronic disease, and while symptoms can be controlled, there is presently no cure. Standard modern medicine may not be very helpful once the condition becomes chronic, or treatment may have significant side effects. It is in such patients that Ayurvedic herbal treatment may be very useful and effective. One major advantage of Ayurvedic herbal medicines in such an affliction is that medicines may be taken for long periods without any serious side-effects.

Ayurveda Mangement
Ayurvedic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis consists of the following procedures:
(i) "Snehan" ( use of local and oral medicated lubricants)
(ii) "Swedan" (local fomentation)
(iii) "Lep" (Local application of medications)
(iv) "Anuloman" ( mild laxative treatment for prolonged periods)
(v) "Raktamokshan" (blood letting)
(vi) "Dahan" (local heat branding ) and
(vii) "Shaman" ( symptomatic oral treatment).

Mahanarayan oil( containing mainly Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia) oil, Vishgarbha oil are some of the medications used for snehan procedures. While local application is quite simple, oral use of medicated lubricants is best done under the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner.While local fomentation can be done in several ways, "Naadi swedan" is the most effective. In this procedure, a jet of medicated steam is directed at the affected joints, usually after the snehan procedure. A decoction of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is usually used for this procedure.

Local Application
Local medicated applications include Lepgoli, Dashang lep, and a mixture of Shrung, Daruharidra ( Berberis aristata), Alum, and Rakta Chandan (Santalum album). Several medicated herbal ointments are also available.

Local pain can be immediately reduced by blood-letting. This can be done by syringe or using leeches. About 50 ml. of blood is usually withdrawn from a vein near the affected joint. Local heat branding is used by some physicians to reduce acute tenderness of the joints. Various special metal instruments are used for this procedure.Castor oil and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) treated with castor oil are used for mild, prolonged laxative treatment.

Oral Ayurveda Management
Oral medications include Maharasnadi decoction, Triphala Guggulu, Yograj Guggulu and Ashwagandharishta. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) compounds are given for prolonged periods. Multiple herbal compounds containing Guggulu are available, which are used according to the presenting symptoms and the staging of the disease as done by the Ayurvedic practitioner.

Diet Management
It is advisable to avoid very sour, salty and cold (refrigerated) food products, as also fermented products. Using tolerable amounts of ginger and garlic in the daily diet is helpful. Some yogic asanas have been found to be useful in arthritis, and may be performed regularly under the supervision and advice of an expert in this field. Vata-If arthritis is due to vata, your joints will crack and pop. They become dry and are not swollen as they may be if excess vata is not the cause.

Pitta-The arthritis is characterized by inflammation. The joint becomes swollen and is painful even without movement. It often looks red and feels hot to the touch.

Kapha-In kapha-type arthritis, the joint also becomes stiff and swollen, but it feels cold and clammy rather than hot. A little movement, rather than aggravating the pain, tends to relieve it.

General Treatment of Arthritis
Depending on a person's lifestyle, diet, and emotional pattern, either vata, pitta, or kapha goes out of balance. Then that particular dosha slows down agni (digestive fire), resulting in the toxic, sticky by-product of inadequate digestion known as ama.

Vata, the main active dosha, brings the ama into the colon, and from there it travels through the system and lodges in the bone tissue and in the joints, giving rise to the stiffness and pain characteristic of arthritis.

Ayurveda attempts to remove the ama from the joint and bring it back to the colon, and then to eliminate it. To do this, we need to keep the colon clean. It is best to determine the type of arthritis and manage it for the remedies recommended for the specific type. If you do not know whether the arthritis is vata, pitta, or kapha arthritis, take 1 teaspoon triphala at night with 1/2 to 1 cup warm water.

If you know positively which type it is, you can use the following (1/2 to 1 teaspoon with warm water):

Haritaki for vata-type arthritis
Amalaki for pitta-type
Bibbitaki for kapha-type arthritis

Ayurveda recommends general techniques for increasing the intensity of the digestive fire (agni) in order to burn up the toxins that are harming the body.

Hot, spicy foods and herbs, including galangal and cayenne are frequently used.

Detoxification diet
A three- to five-day detoxification diet is often prescribed. Vegetables, juices, spices and herbs are taken during the fast, which lasts until the body shows signs that the digestive fire is burning strong. These signs include a return of the appetite, a feeling of lightness and a clear coating to the tongue.

Enemas and other means of cleaning the colon are often used to help detoxify the body.

Ruby, garnet or other "hot" gems set in gold are used for all three types of arthritis.

Various oils may be applied to the skin in order to help the body clear toxins, relieve pain and restore mobility.

Mahanarayan oil improves flexibility, stiffness, muscle fatigue, and removes pain. It is mixed with sesame oil (1:1) and applied to the painful areas. This oil also breaks up blockages and begins to heal locally. After oil application, warm heat, yoga, bath, or mild exercise further improves this situation.

Narayan oil is good for muscle and joint pain, lower body circulation, and reversing imbalances caused by aging.

The patient may be asked to sit in a sauna, or may have steam applied directly to the afflicted areas.

A variety of herbs, spices and bitters are used in ayurveda. These are often applied externally or ingested. These are believed to cleanse the body and to relieve pain and stiffness. Mint, ephedra, golden seal, gentian, nirgundi, eucalyptus leaves, prasarini, quassia, coptis, scute, phellodendrom, aloe, guggul, du huo, ligusticum, Siberian ginseng, myrrh, and yucca are some of the herbs used.

Treating Vata-type arthritis

Diet-In addition to the general treatment, Vata-type arthritis responds well to a three- to five-day detoxification diet and an anti- Vata diet. This diet includes warm, heavy and moist foods that give one strength.

Herbs, Essential Oils-Take yogaraj guggulu, 1 tablet 3 times per day. it cleanses bone tissue, strengthens bones, and improves flexibility.

Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Haritaki with warm water Apply mahanarayan oil on the affected joint, followed by application of local moist heat. For example, apply the mahanarayan oil into the affected joint, rub it into the skin, and then soak your foot in warm to bearably hot water. Add a "teabag' of brown mustard seeds to the water. (Wrap 2 tablespoons of mustard > seeds in a handkerchief or cheesecloth to make the tea bag.)

Helpful yoga postures:

Forward Bend
Chest-Knee pose
Maha Mudra
Half Bridge pose

Treating Pitta-type arthritis
Pitta arthritis often has more pain and inflammation associated with it than other types.

In addition to the general treatment, Pitta-type arthritis responds well to a five- to seven-day detoxification diet and an anti-Pitta diet. Specific herbs for Pitta arthritis include guggul, sandalwood, aloe, saffron and chaparral. Apply ice packs on the inflammed part to quell the "fire."

Diet-The anti-Pitta diet consists of cool, slightly dry, and heavy foods.

Useful Ayurvedic Herbal Formulas

Take 1 tablet of kaishore guggulu (350 mg.) 3 times a day.
1/2 teaspoon sudarsban twice a day, washed down with warm water.
Brahmi and sandalwood oils (mixed together) are very beneficial.
Musta and nirgundi relieve pain.
Externally, apply cool castor oil or coconut oil to the painful area.
Apply a cooling substance, such as sandalwood powder paste to the affected part. Make the paste by taking 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder and adding sufficient water to make a paste. Rub it gently onto the joint.
If the joint is hot and inflamed, put an ice-bag on it. This will help to ease the pain and inflammation.

Helpful yoga postures:

Boat
Bow
Camel
Cow
Locust
Moon Salutation

Treating Kapha-type arthritis
Arthritis is classified as kapha when the joint is painful, swollen, stiff, and feels cold and clammy to the touch.

Diet-In addition to the general treatment, Kapha-type arthritis responds well to a one- to two-week detoxification diet. The anti-Kapha diet is light, dry and warm. Avoid cold, oily, and heavy foods.

Herbs
Pure guggul is best for this condition.

Punarnava guggulu tablets (250 mg.). Take 1 tablet 3 times a day.

Apply a paste of vacha (calamus root) powder externally to the joint. To make the paste, add sufficient warm water to 1 teaspoon of powder to make a paste.

If the joint fills with fluid, make an paste of equal amounts of punarnava powder and ginger powder. Mix 1 teaspoon of each with enough warm water to form a paste, and apply on the joint.

Hot herbs are also helpful, such as cinnamon, dry ginger, turmeric, trikatu.

HONEY AND OBESITY

The benefits of honey can be seen in your weight lossprogram as well. If you are trying to lose weight, honey can be of great help to you. But before we move on to the benefits of honey in weight loss we should address the concerns people have regarding honey.

Many people ask: Isn't honey a type of sugar? Does it notadd any weight? Won't the calories in honey negate your weight loss efforts?

You are right - honeycontains sugar. But unlike refined sugar, honey contains vitamins andminerals too. Normally, to digest sugar, the vitamins and minerals stored inbody are utilized, rendering the body devoid of these nutrients. Thesenutrients are essential to dissolve fats and cholesterol. Thus when you eat toomuch sugar you tend to increase weight not just because of the calories but dueto lack of vitamins and minerals. On the contrary, honey being a good source ofnutrients helps you in reducing weight.

Honey and warm water:Normally fat remains as an un-used resource in your body adding bulk and weight.It is believed that honey mobilizes this stored fat. When this fat is burnt toprovide energy for your daily activities, you see a gradual decrease in yourweight and obesity levels. It is suggested that you drink this honey (about onetablespoon daily), with equal amount of warm water.

Honey and lemon juice: Honey can also help in weight loss when consumed with warm water andlemon juice. Many people drink this formula first thing in the morning toreduce their weight.

Honey and cinnamon:Another useful recipe is cinnamon powder with honey and warm water. Take onetablespoon of cinnamon power, one tablespoon of honey and one cup of warmwater, mix the ingredients properly and drink this mixture empty stomach. It isnot clear how this mixture helps in weight loss; however, many people claim tohave derived benefits from its regular consumption.

Honey also improves your digestion and thus helps in weightloss. Hence honey is also consumed after dinner especially after overeating.

Finally, many people stop eating food to reduce theirweight. Beware of such practices. If you don't eat sufficient food (whichinvolves calories, vitamin, minerals, fibers) your immune system will becomeweak. Your weight loss program should focus on reducing the intake of caloriesand not stopping the intake of calories. Further, you should also increase the daily expense of calories by regular exercise.

SINUSITIS

Inflammatory diseases, mostly in the form of common cold are the most common disorders of the nose and accessory air sinuses. Most of these inflammatory conditions are viral in origin, but often they are complicated by superimposed bacterial infections having considerably greater significance.

INFLAMMATIONS
RHINITIS- The more elegant way of saying “common cold”. Most commonly caused by viral infection. They evoke a profuse thick phlegm or mucus discharge, thickened nasal mucosa, edematous, nasal cavities are narrowed and the turbinate are enlarge. These infections soon clear up, usually in a week if appropriately treated but only after 7 days if ignored.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS- It is initiated by sensitivity reactions to one of a large group of allergens perhaps most commonly the plant pollens. The allergic reaction is characterized by marked mucosal oedema, redness and mucous secretion. Recurrent attacks of non specific or allergic rhinitis eventually lead to focal protrusions of the mucosa producing so –called nasal polyps which may reach 3 to 4cm in length.

CHRONIC RHINITIS- is a sequel of repeated attacks of acute rhinitis. Most cases of common cold, inflame sinuses associated (bacterial infection) with systemic upset caused sinusitis.
Sinuses are hollow air spaces in the human body. They usually are referring to symptoms in one or more of 4 pairs of cavities or sinuses known as Para nasal sinuses.

These cavities located within the skull or bones of head surrounding the nose including-
• FRONTAL SINUS
• MAXILLARY SINUS
• ETHMOID SINUS
• SPHENOID SINUS

Each sinus has an opening into the nose for the free exchange of air and mucus and each is joined with nasal passages by continues mucous membrane lining.
Symptoms- location of sinus pain depends on which sinus is affected.
Maxillary sinusitis – can cause pain or pressure in the cheek and upper jaw area e.g. tooth ache, headache.
Frontal sinusitis- can cause pain or pressure in forehead, headache,
Ethmoid sinusitis- can cause pain or pressure between or behind eyes, headache.
Sphenoid sinusitis- can cause pain or pressure at the top of the head, earaches, neck pain Other symptoms are- fever, weakness, tiredness, cough that may be more severe at night, runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, bad breath, decrease sense of smell.

TYPES OF SINUSITIS
• ACUTE
• CHRONIC

Acute condition starts with common cold, which is caused by a virus – cold can inflame the sinuses, in chronic condition- the membranes of Para nasal sinuses and nose are thickened because they are constantly inflamed.
If a child having common cold with a clear runny nose does not mean this is sinusitis. If other symptoms can include a fever, cough, headache bad breath, sore throat, irritability, loss of appetite and less active, although facial pain and facial swelling is not always present. If these symptoms persist from a few days upto a month it is called acute sinusitis. If the problem lasting 3 months or more it is termed chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is relatively rare in children. If it is untreated then it can cause Asthma.
According to Ayurveda- Respiratory tract infection like pratishyaya, Peenasa (sinusitis), Kasa, swasa is produced as a result of vitiation of kapha dosha. The root of RT problems is digestive system especially related to stomach and small intestine. When ingested food is not properly digested due to mandagani (disturbance metabolic process), so undigested substances (AMA) contributes to an increase in phlegm, not only to mucus but also thickened fluids generally, because of vitiated kapha dosha, immunity of the body will get effect, so Ayurvedic treatment(Oral and Therapy) will help to increased the resistance power of the body.

TREATMENT- According to modern medicine
• antibiotics
• analgesics,
• corticosteroids
• antimicrobial nasal spray s
• surgical

ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA-Panch karma and Kerala therapy with oral medication is quite effective in sinusitis.
• Head massage with medicated oil is effective to prevent kapha from accumulating in head.
• Apply karproradi thailam on face, add 4-5 drops of this thailam into boiled water and take good steam.
• Nasyam-with Anu thailam is very effective to clear the sinuses.
• Sirodhara- continuous stream of medicated butter milk on forehead is very effective treatment.

ORAL MEDICINES-some of them are:-
• Dasamulakatutriyadi kashayam
• Indukantam kashayam
• Pathyaksha dhatriayadi kashayam
• Vasakadhyarishtam
• Allerkhand
• Agastya rasayan
• Dasamula rasayan

PREVENTION-
Avoid exposure to irritants e.g. Cigarette, and strong ordure from chemicals
Avoid exposure to anything from which you are allergic.
Avoid dry indoor environment and use a humidifier.
Keep your nose as moist as possible with use of saline sprays.

Do’s
• Vit A and Vit C rich food and fruits are very effective to treat sinusitis. Mango, pumpkin, tomatoes, carrot, papaya, leafy vegetables, milk contain Vitamin A. Amla, orange, lemon contain Vit C.

Don’t
• Fried, freezed, heavy food should be avoided.

Symptoms and treatment of Thyroid disease

Thyroid gland is situated in the neck and produces a hormone called thyroxine, which helps in regulating body metabolism. While deficiency of thyroxine hormone causes Myxoedema in adults and cretinism in children, excess of thyroxine levels could lead to exophthalmic goitre, Grave’s disease or Thyrotoxicosis.
Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis is a condition which is more common in women of age group 30 to 50 years. Such individuals show symptoms of irritation, over-anxiety, rapid heart rate, deep shallow respiration, diarrhea, heat intolerance, flushing, menstrual disturbance, fatigue and bulging of eyes. Though all of the said thyroid symptoms may not be present a few of such symptoms could be due to hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition caused due to inactivity of thyroxine. This condition can be caused due to deficiency of iodine or thyroid failure or pituitary dysfunction. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of vitality and overall hormonal imbalance. When hypothyroidism is left untreated for a long time it could result in myxodema which is distinguished by swollen skin and tissues.
According to Ayurveda, taking adequate quantities of milk can help in preventing goitre. Also rice, barley, Bengal gram, moong dal and cucumber are recommended for patients suffering from goitre. They should of course avoid heavy and sour foods. Herb that are found useful in treatment of thyroid disorders include Kanchanara, Jatamansi, Shilajita, Brahmi guggulu, gokshura, and punarnava.
As a home remedy, a fine paste of vegetable jalakumbhi can be applied over the affected area and the juice of jalakumbi can be given a few times in a day. This has a high content of iodine, the deficiency of which causes goitre.
Coconut oil which contains medium chain fatty acids which help in improving body metabolism,   is good for those suffering from thyroid disorders. The medicines used in Ayurveda for treating thyroid disorders include Kanchanar Guggulu, Ashwagandharishta, Amritadhaya taila and Mahayogaraj guggulu.
Apart from all this, yogic asanas like Sarvangasana, Halasana, Suryanamaskara, Suptavajrasana are found helpful, though Pranayama is the most effective for curing thyroid problems.

Dr Aravind T.V
Medical Officer
Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Therapy Centre
Bangaloru
vdaravind@gmail.com
9008115952

LATEST TRENDS IN THE MANAGEMANT OF PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a non-infectious, inflammatory disease of the skin. It is characterized by well-defined erythematous (reddish) plaques with large adherent silvery scales. The main abnormality in psoriasis is an increased proliferation of the skin layers due to excessive division of the cell in the basal layers of the skin. Severe itching may associate with the plaques. Dryness of the skin and silvery scaling are characteristics of this condition.

1% to 3% of the most population has Psoriasis. It is very common among Europeans and North Americans. It is often seen between 15 to 40 yrs of age.

The exact reason behind Psoriasis is unknown. There is frequently a genetic predisposition. A child with one affected parent has a 15% chance of developing the disease and this rises to 50% if both the parents are affected. Streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract may exacerbate the condition. Deprivation of sunlight influences this condition and mental stress plays an important role in aggravating the condition. Certain drugs like chloroquine, chlorpropamide, lithium and practaol may aggravate this condition.

The peculiar lesions will be raised and red with dry, silvery-white scaling. Size may vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Common sites are scalp elbows knees and lower back. Pitting of the nails is very common. Involvements of palm is not uncommon. Many may develop sero-negative inflammatory arthritis, which is characterized by multiple involvements of joints and pitting on nails.


Ayurvedic view:
Psoriasis Causes: Many basic Ayurvedic texts have explained skin diseases, which resembles Psoriasis. According these references, Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha. (Two of the basic energies/humors, which maintains our body equilibrium) Accumulation of low potency poisons (Dooshi vishas), are the basic pathological changes taking place in the system. Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that cannot be eaten together (Eg: diary products with fish), excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items etc can activate the pathogenesis. Alcohol and tobacco consumption will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda do emphasize on the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
Psoriasis Treatment: Coming to the treatment aspects of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda, it aims at the detoxification of the body or elimination of toxins from the body fluids. It is achieved by "Panchakarma" treatments.
Current schedule, comprising various treatment aspects of Ayurveda is aiming at a better control of Psoriasis. This includes internal and external medications purely of plant origin. Rough out line of this schedule is as follows. (i) Consumption of medicated ghee, considering the Dosha type of the Psoriasis and the person, for 5 to 7 days. (ii) Detoxifying, by inducing vomiting (Vamana) and purgation (Virechana). This is followed by medicated buttermilk dripping overhead (Dahara) and pasting the entire body with a paste of medicines and mud. (iii) Basthies (medicated enemas) are being done for 8 days and internal medicines like herbal concoctions; medicated ghee has to be consumed for at least 90 days.
Psoriasis Diet: A strict diet regime has to be followed during the entire treatment period and it is better to continue as vegetarian. Yogurt, black gram, chilies and salted thing have to be restricted. It is better to avoid refrigerated/chilled foods. Psoriatic must keep a state of mental calmness
Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Psoriasis :

Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)- Kakmachi - The juice of the leaves of the black nightshade can be applied locally on the affected regions. It helps in reducing the inflammation of the skin, and also has beneficial properties in allaying the pain and the itch.

Garlic (Allium sativum) - Garlic is a blood purifier. Eating a few cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach filters the toxins out of the blood and provides protection against psoriasis.

Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) - The flowers of the jasmine have good effects in the treatment of psoriasis. The flowers are crushed, made into a paste and are directly applied on the inflamed parts. This application reduces the pain and the itchiness of psoriatic inflammations.

Guggul is an Ayurvedic herb from a resin of a small tree, which grows in northwestern India, its useful in treating psoriasis. It has anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering actions, helps remove fat, excess fluids from the body and penetrates deep into the tissues. It is a effective Kapha- and Vata-pacifying supplement.

Neem is one among the best blood purifier and detoxifier known to Ayurveda. It enhances immune system and neem oil is an antiseptic in itself. Leaf extracts are used in antiseptics and can be effectively used in treating psoriasis. It destroys fungus and bacteria and is best for almost all kinds of skin diseases including redness of skin and itching.

Turmeric – the spice has a long history in Ayurveda, and is a primary component for cooking. The powdered form can be used with food, or is available as capsules as a dietary supplement. Due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, it relieves the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with psoriasis, arthritis etc.

• Dr Aravind T.V
• Senior Medical officer
• Cholayil Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Therapy Centre
• Bangaloru
• Karnataka
• 9008115952

Dhanvantari shloka

Om Namo Bhagavate
Maha Sudharshanaya
Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye;
Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya
Sarva Bhaya Vinasanaya
Sarva Roga Nivaranaya
Thri Lokaya Pathaye
Thri Lokaya Nithaye
Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupaya
Sri Dhanvantri Swarupaya
Sri Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Namaha

Dhanwanthari Suprabatham

Dhanwantri Gayatri , Ashtotram, Mantra and Stotram - with English sub-ti...