Tridoshas in Ayurveda

What are the Tridoshas?

Ayurveda's concept of the Tridoshas is unique to medical science. Ayurveda says the body is made up of Doshas (loosely translated to Energetic Forces), tissues (dhatus), waste products (malas). It is the Tridoshas' job to assist with the creation of all of the various tissues of the body and to remove any unnecessary waste products from the body. It is also the Tridoshas that influence all movements, all transformations, all sensory functions, and many of the other activities in the human body and mind.

Vata dosha

The Vata dosha is the most important of the three doshas. This is for two reasons. First, if Vata becomes imbalanced for long enough and sufficiently enough, it can also cause the other two doshas (Pitta or Kapha) to become imbalanced. It can even cause both Pitta and Kapha to become imbalanced; this is called a Tridoshic imbalance and is the most difficult to overcome. Secondly, Vata is the main driver or mover of the body, including the other two doshas, all the tissues (dhatus) and all of the waste products (malas).

Vata provides the following functions:

• All eliminations: fetus, semen, feces, urine, sweat, and a few others
• Assists with all the various metabolisms in the body (called Agni in Ayurveda)
• Controls all of the various movement of body (both physical & mental),
  including such things as respiration, heart beat, motivation and contraction of muscles
• Relays all sensory input from the various sense organs to the brain

Pitta dosha

The Pitta dosha is associated with fire or heat. Wherever there is transformation, there is Pitta (doing its job). Whether it is in the GI tract, liver, skin, eyes or brain doesn't matter, for these are all locations where Pitta works.

Pitta provides the following functions:

• Metabolism - at all the various levels
  from digestion of food to transformation of all other material
• Thermogenesis - maintains the proper body temperature
• Vision - converts external images into optic nerve impulses
• Appetite - the feeling of hunger and thirst
• Comprehension - of information into knowledge, also reasoning and judgment
• Courage & Braveness - to face the situation
• Complexion - gives color and softness to skin

Kapha dosha

Kapha is the heaviest of the three doshas. It provides the structures and the lubrication that the body needs. These qualities help to counterbalance Vata's movement and Pitta's metabolism. A big, heavyset football play or wrestler is a person with a predominance of Kapha.

Kapha provides the following functions:

• Strength - to perform physical tasks
• Moistness & Lubrication - to prevent excessive friction from occurring between the various parts of the body
• Stability - to add the necessary grounding aspect to both mind and body
• Mass & Structure - to provide fullness to bodily tissues
• Fertility & Virility - to produce healthy offspring

Health benefits of Bennicasa hispida पेठे के गुण

पेठे के गुण

पेठा या कुम्हडा एक स्वादिष्ट फल है. भारत में इसके फल से मिठाई का निर्माण होता है. इसे व्रत में भी लिया जा सकता है .

• आयुर्वेद ग्रंथों में पेठे को बहुत उपयोगी माना गया है। यह पुष्टिकारक, वीर्यवर्ध्दक, भारी, रक्तदोष तथा वात-पित्त को नष्ट करने वाला है।
• यह अम्लपित्त (एसिडिटी) में अत्यंत लाभदायक है. प्रातः काल पेठे की मिठाई दूध के साथ सेवन करने से अम्लपित्त में आराम मिलता है.
•  कच्चा पेठा पित्त को समाप्त करता है लेकिन जो पेठा अधिक कच्चा भी न हो और अधिक पका भी न हो, वह कफ पैदा करता है किन्तु पका हुआ पेठा बहुत ठंडा, ग्राही, स्वाद खारी, अग्नि बढ़ाने वाला, हल्का, मूत्राशय को शुध्द करने वाला तथा शरीर के सारे दोष दूर करता है।
• यह मानसिक रोगों में जैसे मिरगी, पागलपन आदि में तो बहुत लाभ पहुंचाता है। मानसिक कमजोरी-मानसिक विकारों में विशेषकर याद्दाश्त की कमजोरी में पेठा बहुत उपयोगी रहता है। ऐसे रोगी को 10-20 ग्राम गूदा खाना चाहिए अथवा पेठे का रस पीना चाहिए।
• शरीर में जलन-पेठे के गूदे तथा पत्तों की लुगदी बनाकर लेप करें। साथ-साथ बीजों को पीसकर ठंडाई बनाकर प्रयोग करें। इससे बहुत लाभ होगा।
• नकसीर फूटना- पेठे का रस पीएं या गूदा खाएं। सिर पर इसके बीजों का तेल लगाएं। बहुत लाभ होगा।
• दमा रोग – दमे के रोगियों को पेठा अवश्य खिलाएं। इससे फेफड़ों को शांति मिलती है।
• खांसी तथा बुखार- पेठा खाने से खांसी तथा बुखार रोग भी ठीक होते हैं।
• पेशाब के रोग- पेठे का गूदा तथा बीज मूत्र विकारों में बहुत उपयोगी है। यदि मूत्र रूक-रूककर आता हो अथवा पथरी बन गई हो तो पेठा तथा उसके बीज दोनों का प्रयोग करें। लाभ होगा।
• वीर्य का कमी- इस रोग में पेठे का सेवन अति उपयोगी है।
•  कब्ज तथा बवासीर-पेठे के सेवन से कब्ज दूर होती है। इसी कारण बवासीर के रोगियों के लिए यह बहुत लाभकारी है। इससे बवासीर में रक्त निकलना भी बंद हो जाता है।
• भूख न लगना- जिन लोगों की आंतों में सूजन आ गई है, भूख नहीं लगती, वे सुबह दो कप पेठे का रस पीएं। भूख लगने लगेगी और आंतों की सूजन भी ठीक हो जाएगी।
•  खाली पेट पेठा खाने से शारीर में लचीलापन और स्फूर्ति बनी रहती है .

Food that help Cleanse the Liver

Garlic-Just a small amount of garlic has the ability to activate liver enzymes that helps your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.

*Grapefruit-High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit increasea the natural cleansing processes of the liver. A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

*Leafy Green Vegetables-One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens literally suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream. With their distinct ability to nuetralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.
Try incorporating leafy greens such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens and chicory into your diet. This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

*Avocados-This nutrient-dense super-food helps the body produce glutathione, which is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins. Recent studies indicate improved liver health when avocados are eaten regular

*. Olive Oil-Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload that many of us suffer from.

*Walnuts-Holding high amount of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids which support normal liver cleansing actions.

*Turmeric helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out known dietary carcinogens.

*.Herbal Green tea is loaded with catechins, a type of plant antioxidant that has been shown in studies to eliminate liver fat accumulation and promote proper liver function. This powerful herbal beverage also protects the liver against toxins that would otherwise accumulate and cause serious damage.

Eat right for your good Health

Our diet is an essential factor for the formation of our body. It is clearly mentioned in 'Charak Samhita' that consuming improper diet in improper way is the main cause of 'Disease'.
According to 'Charak ,"An appropriate and suitable diet in a disease is equivalent to hundred drugs and any quantity of drug hardly compares to good results in disease without following proper dietetic  regimen"

  " When diet is wrong medicine is of no use.

When diet is correct medicine is of no need. " [Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb]   Ayurvedic classics have mentioned following principles for living full span of life with perfect health.
Diet should be regulated taking into account the 'Desha'(territory), 'Kala' (Season as well as time of the day) etc. On should be in a habit of taking all six 'Rasa' (tastes) in order to prevent nutritional deficiency disorders.
Time of consuming food : A person should take meal only when he feels hungry. Lunch should be taken early between 12 and 1P.M. this coincides with the peak Pitta period, Pitta is responsible for the digestion. Ayurveda recommends that the lunch should be the largest meal of the day. The supper should be lesser and lighter than lunch
Quantity of food : Generally half of the capacity of stomach should be filled with solids, ¼ ^th with liquids and rest kept empty for the free movements of body humors.
Sequence of consuming food :Madhur (sweet) rasa food like fruits are advisable to take in the bigining of meal, food with Amla and Lavana (sour and salty) rasa in the middle and Katu,Tikta,Kashay (bitter ,astringent and pungent) foods should be taken at the end of meal
Method of consuming food :
* Wash the face hands and feet before meal. Dine in an isolated neat and clean place in pleasant environment with the affectionate persons in sitting position.
* Eat only food prepared by loving hands in a loving way. This increases the vitality giving quality of the food.
* Food should be taken after complete digestion of previous one.
* Chew your food until it is an even consistency before swallowing.
* Hard items should be consumed in the beginning followed by soft and liquids subsequently.
* Few sips of water is advised now and then while taking meal.
* Heavy substances are contraindicated after meals and should be avoided
* Do not drink cold drinks just prior to or while eating, also don't drink large quantities of liquid during meals. This weakens digestion.
* Consumption of excessive hot food leads to weakness. Cold and dry food leads to delayed digestion. Intake of food prepared by giving extra
* Heat leads to 'Glani'. Hence consumption of such food should be avoided
Incompatible Food (Viruddha ahara) :

• Milk followed by fruits and vice versa.
• Soar substance along with milk.
• Milk with salt, horse gram, green gram & cow gram
• Wheat preparations in gingelly oil(Tila taila)
• Hot drinks after alcohol, curd or honey.
• Cold and hot substances together
• Banana with curd and butter milk
• Chicken with curd
• Ghee kept in bronze vessel
• Radish with jaggery
• Fish with jaggery or sugar
• Jingelly seeds with kanjika.

      Use of incompatible food leads to skin disorders, Gastro intestinal .Disorders , anaemia, leucoderma hyperacidity impotence etc. hence should be avoided.
General Rules about food consumption : How you eat your food is even more important than what you eat. Even foods, which normally cause greater imbalance, will be digested reasonable well if the proper rules are followed. Likewise, if you eat the correct foods in the wrong way, your digestion will be compromised and gas, indigestion and the formation of toxins will follow. If you follow these food habits and choose the correct foods then your digestion will be maximized and you will experience optimal digestion. Here are some Important Do's and Don't s -

• Do not eat while being distracted by television, excessive conversation or reading. Keep the mind present and pay full attention.
• Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit one to two hours after
meal or one hour before meal.
• Walk a while(100 steps) after meal to help digestion
• No travelling, exercise or sexual intercourse within one hour after meal.
• Avoid meals when thirsty and water while hungry.
• Avoid meals after exertion
• Avoid meals when you are having no appetite.
• Don't suppress the appetite as it leads to body pain, anorexia, lassitude, vertigo and general debility
• Don't suppress the thirst as it leads to general debility, giddiness and heart diseases.

      Consumption of the fresh, acceptable, easily available and compatible food with various nutrients is a key to lead a healthy life.

TOP 14 FOODS FOR HEART HEALTH

TOP 14 FOODS FOR HEART HEALTH:
1. Raisins: Antioxidants in raisins fight the growth of a type of bacteria that can cause inflammation and gum disease. Studies have proved the relation with gum disease and heart diseases.
2. Whole Grains: Whole grains contain antioxidants, phytoestrogens, phytosterols and soluble fiber that lower LDL are protective against coronary disease and help maintain a leaner frame.
3. Beans: Soluble fiber in beans helps bind cholesterol and keep it from being absorbed in the gut. When fiber is fermented, it produces changes in short-chain fatty acids that can inhibit cholesterol formation. Beans contain a variety of heart-protective chemicals, including flavonoids that inhibit the adhesion of platelets in the blood, which can help lower risk for heart attack and strokes.
4. Fatty Fish: Fish—especially “oily” kinds, such as salmon and tuna—contain omega-3 fats, which lower levels of triglycerides in the blood that may contribute to blood clotting. Omega-3s also lower blood pressure slightly and can help prevent irregular heart rhythms.
5. Yogurt: Research shows that probiotics in yogurt protect against gum disease, reducing the risk of heart disease. It also improves digestion and boost immunity too.
6. Nuts: Nuts are chock-full of vitamins, minerals, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and low levels of saturated fat, lowering incidence of heart disease.
7. Dark Chocolate: Moderate amounts of flavanol-rich dark chocolate has a blood-thinning effect, which can benefit cardiovascular health and boost the immune system by reducing inflammation, and the compound epicatechin helps preserve the healthy function of blood vessels.
8. Tomatoes: Along with Vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, fiber, tomatoes are high in lycopene, which works with other vitamins and minerals to prevent cardiovascular disease.
9. Apples: The strong antioxidant flavonoid compounds found in apples—quercetin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, kaempferol and other polysyllabic wonders—play a key role by preventing “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and decrease the buildup of plaque in arteries, as well as inhibiting inflammation. Apples are also rich in antioxidant-Vitamin C and pectin, a form of soluble fiber known to help lower cholesterol.
10. Berries: Increases levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and lowersblood pressure, two positives when it comes to heart health. The diverse range of polyphenols—a broad class of health-promoting plant compounds that includes anthocyanins and ellagic acid—provided by the mix of berries is likely responsible for the observed benefits like relaxed blood vessels.
11. Pomegranates: Help reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries and lower blood pressure. Abundance of polyphenols—including anthocyanins and tannins gives it high antioxidant capacity.
12. Bananas: The potassium in bananas helps maintain normal heart function and the balance of sodium and water in the body. Potassium helps the kidneys excrete excess sodium, thereby contributing to healthy blood pressure.
13. Popcorn: Popcorn is a whole grain and delivers polyphenols—antioxidants linked to improving heart health, even more than kidney beans (the highest vegetable polyphenol source) and cranberries (the best fruit source).
14. Green Tea: A daily cup of green tea significantly lowered their risk of developing gum disease (responsible for heart diseases)—the more tea, the lower the risk. The researchers believe antioxidants called catechins in green tea are the key. Catechins hamper the body’s inflammatory response to the bacteria that cause gum disease.

Diseases; Ayurveda concepts

Diseases; Ayurveda concepts

Disease is the state of body and mind in which a person experiences discomfort, pain and injury. The fundamental cause of disease is the imbalance of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and kapha. When the three doshas are balanced the body experiences health and the state of imbalance or disequilibrium is disease. The imbalance may be due to an increase or decrease in one, two or all the three doshas. The classification of disease in Ayurveda is done in various ways.

Ayurvedic Concept of Disease:

The Ayurvedic concept of disease explains pathological condition in terms of doshas, dhatus and malas. The Ayurvedic concept of disease defines two terms, vikruti and prakruti. Vikruti is the abnormal or diseased condition of the body while prakruti refers to the normal physiological and mental state.

Causative Factors of a Disease

According to Ashtang Ayurveda, the causative factors of a disease are an imbalance in any or more of the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha), the seven dhatus (rasa, rakta, mansa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra), agni and the three malas (mutra, purisha and sweda). The imbalance may be caused by the following conditions: "Asatmendriyarth Samyog", Aama, Pradnyaparadha and Parinama. "Asatmendriyarth Samyog" stands for improper or too much exploitation of the sense organs of vision, sound, smell, sense and touch.

Classification of disease in Ayurveda

One of the methods of classification of disease in Ayurveda is on the basis of the causative factors. Classified thus, we have three types of diseases: Adhyatmika diseases, Adhibhautika diseases and Adhidaivika diseases. Adhyatmika diseases have their source within the body, and may be further divided into hereditary diseases, congenital disease, and diseases caused by one or more of the doshas or body tissues. Adhibhautika diseases have their source outside the body and incorporate such things as injuries from accidents or mishaps, and according to modern terms, invasions by germs, viruses, and bacteria. Adhidaivika diseases are believed to spring from supernatural sources. This category includes diseases whose exact cause has not yet been found out. It includes ailments cropping up from providential causes, planetary influences, curses and seasonal changes. A more practical classification of disease convenient for treatment classifies the diseases into seven categories. Aadi- bala pravritta refers to those diseases that are transmitted through genes. Human beings are genetically predisposed to fall prey to such diseases. Janma- bala refers to those diseases that are present in the body from birth. Dosha -bala incorporates those diseases that affect the body when the body is suffering from an imbalance of the three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha. Under the category of Sanghata-bala fall those diseases, which are caused by trauma, both physical and mental. Kaala - bala refers to those diseases caused by seasonal changes. Daiva -bala signifies those diseases, which are caused by Gods or spirits. Svabhaava -bala incorporates those diseases that are a part of the natural change of the body with the passage of time. It includes aging and withering of the body.

The classification of disease can also be done as nija, agantuja, sharirik and manasik. Nija refers to endogenous diseases caused by disorder in the doshas. Agantuja stands for exogenous diseases that are caused by external reasons like injuries. Here too the imbalance of doshas does occur but only after the condition of the disease becomes pathological. The diseases caused by physiological disturbances are called sharirik diseases and those, which are a result of psychological disturbances, are known as manasik diseases. Ayurveda also gives the classification of disease according to their curative measures. Thus classified diseases can be Sukhasadhya, Kruchrasadhya, Yapya and Asadhya. Those diseases, which get cured very easily, are categorised under Sukhasadhya. Kruchrasadhya diseases take a lot of time to cure. Those diseases, which recur when the treatment is stopped, fall under the category of Yapya. Asadhya signifies those diseases that are incurable.

Thus, classification of disease is done in many ways in Ayurveda. Such an intensive classification system facilitates proper treatment of diseases.

Parinama in Ayurveda
 
Parinama refers to abrupt environmental changes, which makes the body vulnerable to disease.Parinama or kala also refers to the effects of time, and the natural physical transformation that are affected as time progresses. In short kala or parinama is defined as "being out of harmony with the rhythms and cycles of Nature". Ayurveda talks about several important cycles at a macrocosmic level, which in turn affects the physiological conditions of human beings.

Pradnyaparadha in Ayurveda

Pradnyaparadha is the improper use of intellect or wisdom that makes the body vulnerable to ailments.This means those thoughtless actions, which are undertaken without determining whether those actions will be detrimental to the proper functioning of the body. These actions may be verbal, mental or physical. The actions stimulated by pradnyaparadha worsen the tridosa system in the body and stimulates the gunas of rajas and tamas creating a pathway through which disease can enter the body.

Home remedies for Constipation

Top 10 home remedies for constipation

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Constipation is a condition that can cause the person suffering from it a lot of trauma. Although constipation can be a sign of a bigger problem like we explained in our previous post,  if your  medical check up has cleared you of any serious conditions, you could use simple home remedies to relieve the discomfort. Here are a few of them  that can work wonders:

1. Triphala powder or Triphala  Churna, consists of three fruits - Amla or Indian gooseberry, Haritaki(Chebulic Myrobalan) and Vibhitaki (Bellirica Myrobalan). It is a great  laxative and helps to regulate digestion and bowel movements. You can either have one teaspoon with warm water or mix the powder with honey. Having this mixture either before going to bed or early in the morning on an empty stomach can relieve constipation almost instantaneously. The advantage of this powder is that it is not habit forming and a completely natural alternative to chemical laxatives.

2. Raisins (kishmish) are packed with fiber and act as great natural laxatives. Soak a handful in water overnight and have them first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This remedy also works wonders for pregnant woman, without the side effects of medication.

3. Guavas (amrood or peru) have soluble fibre in the pulp and insoluble fiber content in the seeds. They also help with the mucus production in the anus and with peristalsis (a series of contractions within the intestinal lining that helps the passage of food in the stomach). 

4. Lemon (Nimbu) juice is recommended by most Ayurvedic practitioners. A warm glass of water with lemon and salt, first thing in the morning not only acts as a cleansing agent for the intestines, the salt content helps in quick and easy passage of stool. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water. Add a pinch of salt to the solution. Drink this juice on an empty stomach to relieve constipation.

5. Figs (Anjeer), either dried or ripe, are packed with fiber. For relief from constipation, boil a few figs in a glass of milk, drink this mixture at night before bed. Make sure the mixture is warm when you drink it. Using a whole fruit for this purpose is much better as compared to syrups that are available commercially.

6. Flax seeds (Alsi) are known for their fiber content, and can very well help you when it comes to constipation. You can mix flax seeds in your cereal every morning or just have a handful with warm water early in the morning.

7. Castor oil (Arandi ka tel) has been used for centuries as a sure shot remedy for constipation and has properties that can kill intestinal worms. If drinking a spoon of castor oil alone is not something you’d like to do, you could add a tablespoon of it in a warm glass of milk.  Have this mixture at night before bed to relieve constipation.

8. Spinach (Palak) have properties that cleanse, rebuild and renew the intestinal tract. You can have about 100 ml of spinach juice mixed with an equal quantity of water twice daily. This home remedy is the most effective method to cure even the most stubborn cases of constipation.

9. Oranges are not only a great source of Vitamin C but also have a large amount of fiber content. Eating two oranges every day, once in the morning and once in the evening can provide great relief from constipation. 

10. Seed mixtures with 2-3 sunflower seeds, a few flax seeds, til or sesame seeds and almonds ground together to a fine powder can help relieve constipation. Have one tablespoon of this mixture everyday, for a week. You can add it to your salad or cereal every morning. This mixture not only provides the necessary fiber content to relieve constipation but it also helps in rejuvenating the intestinal walls.

Diet tips to avoid constipation:

In order to avoid and cure constipation, it is essential that you maintain healthy food habits. Here are a few changes you could make in your diet to cure constipation:

• Avoid foods that contain white flour like maida, white sugar and other processed foods.
• Eat light regular meals, and make sure you eat at least 3-4 hours before you go to bed.
• Include fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.
• Adding condiments like jeera, haldi and ajwain in your food while cooking it is a great way to help digestion.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Make sure you have a glass of warm water every morning and before you go to bed.

Constipation is an entirely curable and manageable condition, all you need to do is keep some of these home remedies in mind and you should be well on your way to a happy morning.