Chikitsa (Disease Management)
Ayurvedi diet
Panchakarma
Purvakarma
Panchakarma: Five Basic Shodhans: Cleansing Methods
Basti:
Enema Therapy
Nasya: Nasal Administration
Raktamoksha
Chikitsa (Disease
Management)
Ayurvedic
treatment [Chikitsa]
does not mean suppressing the main
symptoms and creating some new ones
as side effects of the main treatment.
It is to remove the root cause and
give permanent relief.
There are
four main classifications of management
of disease in Ayurveda: shodan, or cleansing; shaman or palliation; rasayana, or rejuvenation; and satvajaya,
or mental hygiene.
The treatment
mainly comprises of powders, tablets,
decoctions, medicated oils etc. prepared
from natural herbs, plants and minerals.
Because the medicines are from natural
sources and not synthetic, they are
accepted and assimilated in the body
without creating any side effects
and on the other hand, there may be
some side benefits.
Along with
medicine, proper diet, exercise and
living style is also advised. This
is equally important. If we are taking
a medicine to remove the root cause
and at the same time we are taking
some food or following a life style
which is increasing the cause of disease,
then we may not get well or will be
getting less relief.
Dietary Regimen:- Proper selection of diet is necessary to avoid dosha
imbalance and is also used as a treatment
in many diseases.
Exercise Selection of proper exercise plays an important role in the treatment in
disease.
Panch Karma therapy is also used as a treatment
in many diseases.This
"panchkarma" or Five internal cleansing methods,is a most profound therapy in Ayurveda.
Yoga: Ayurveda teaches a very systematic and scientific way of life which is
important to pursue both materially
and spiritually.
Thus we find that the methods of treatment
are based on simple and natural principles.
Fundamental principles, health rules,
knowledge of individual constitution
of our body, use of various herbs,
minerals,proper
diet,exercises,Panch
Karma and Yoga therapy can be very
safely used to promote good health,
prevent diseases and acquire longevity.
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AYURVEDIC DIET
We all know that for healthy living
we require a balanced diet constituted
of protein, carbohydrates and fats,
minerals ,vitamines
etc.
Ayurveda has considered about the
diet in detail. The Ayurvedic diet
is one that not only nourishes the
body, but also restores balance of
'Tridoshas'
wich is very much essential for maintaining Health. Depending
on our dosha,
or constitutional type, some foods
can be beneficial, and others should
be avoided. These same foods may have
the opposite effect on another dosha.
The science of Ayurveda teaches that
right diet is the foundation of healing.
For maximum health and vitality, the
ideal diet is one that balances our
doshas.
Here we are recommending foods to
balance each of the three doshas.
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VATA
DOSHA
The qualities of vata are cold, dry, light, hard, and rough.
VATA PACIFYING FOODS:General : excess vata can be counterbalanced with nutritive
and tissue-building foods that are
warm, moist, heavy, soft and oily,
as well as foods with a sweet, sour
and salty taste. For example, vata pacifying foods include ghee, soft dairy products, wheat,
rice, corn and bananas. A person with
a vata constitution
should favor foods like hot cereal
with ghee, hearty soups and vegetables,
and whole cooked grains and chapatis.
Spicy foods are generally okay for
vata.
Vegetables : Asparagus, beets,
carrots, cucumber, green beans, okra
(bhindi),
onions and garlic , radishes, sweet
potatoes, turnips.
Fruits : Bananas, coconuts,
dates, mangoes, melons, peaches, all
sweet fruits in general.
Grains : Oats, rice and wheat
VATA AGGRAVATING FOODS: General : Foods with the vata qualities, such
as crackers, frozen desserts, and
large amounts of raw vegetables and
salads, will aggravate vata.
Also, refined foods such as white
flour and sugar, have light and dry
qualities and would be best avoided
by people with vata
constitutions.Pungent,
bitter, astringent; light, dry, cold
foods,stimulants
like smoking, alcohol, junk food,
sugar, tea (esp. long leaf teas and
green tea), brown rice.
Vegetables : Cabbage, cauliflower,
celery, brinjal,
leafy green vegetables, mushrooms,
peas, peppers (simla
mirch) potatoes,
sprouts, tomatoes, zucchini (tori). If you do have these vegetables cook them in pure desi ghee or unrefined til oil.
Tomatoes are best avoided except as
a small addition to salads.
Fruits : Apples, pears,
pomegranates.
Spices: Vatas can have almost all spices and herbs in moderation When
there is aggravated Vata,
the following are to be taken with
caution : coriander seeds (dhaniya
powder), fenugreek (methi
seeds), saffron, turmeric, parsley.
Avoid too much hot, dry spices such
as dried chili, which will aggravate
dryness.
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PITTA DOSHA : Pitta's properties are hot, sharp, oily and
light.
PITTA PACIFYING FOODS:
General : you can balance
excess pitta
with foods that are cool, dry and
heavy with a mild, naturally sweet,
bitter or astringent taste. For example,
milk, rice, beans, steamed vegetables
and fruit are good for pitta people. Mild spices like cumin, coriander and cilantro
are particularly beneficial for pitta.
Sweet, bitter, astringent; cold, heavy,
dry. Moderation, coolness, ghee, coconut
oil, olive oil, green coriander (dhaniya),
coriander seeds, cardamom, sprouts
and raw foods. Vegetables & Fruits:
can eat most vegetables and fruits.
Exceptions are given below.
Grains : Barley, oats, wheat,
parboiled rice.
PITTA AGGRAVATING FOODS:
General : pungent and oily
foods such as curry, fried foods and
spicy condiments, as well as spices
such as cayenne, garlic and dry ginger,
should be avoided by pitta constitutions. Pungent, sour, salty, hot, light, oily.
Stimulants like smoking, alcohol,
coffee, pickles, vinegar, fried foods,
spicy foods, fermented foods, curds,
almond, corn, til,
mustard oil.
Vegetables : Beets, carrots,
brinjal,
garlic, hot peppers, onions, spinach,
tomatoes.
Fruit : Sour and unripe fruits.
If there is aggravated Pitta avoid grapefruit, papayas, peaches, bananas, apricots.
Grains : Brown rice, corn, millet,
rye.
KAPHA DOSHA
The qualities of kapha dosha are cold, heavy, liquid
and unctuous.
KAPHA PACIFYING FOODS:
General : To balance kapha dominance, eat smaller amounts of food and emphasize
food with vata
properties of light and dry. Also,
foods which are dry, hot or sharp
are recommended, so look for foods
with pungent, bitter or astringent
tastes. Examples include puffed cereals
such as puffed rice or corn; small,
astringent grains, such as millet,
amaranth, and quinoa; and light, bitter
vegetables such as leafy greens. Spices
like ginger, turmeric and chili are
generally good for kapha
people.
Favour : Warm light food, dry food cooked without much water, minimum of butter,
oil and sugar, stimulating foods (ginger,
chillies,
pickles), raw foods, salads, fruits.
Vegetables : Generally all vegetables
are good, but if you are suffering
from any kapha
disorder like lung congestion, congestive
asthma, sinuses, obesity, heart disease,
diabetes, high cholestrol,
then avoid all sweet juicy vegetables
such as cucumbers, pumpkin family,
sweet potatoes, tomatoes, tori,
ghiya etc.
Fruits : Apples, apricots,
pears, pomegranates, dried fruits
in general (apricots, figs, prunes,
raisins)
Lentils & Legumes : If
the dosha
is not aggravated all except tofu
and kidney beans are acceptable.
Spices : All are good - ginger
is best for improving digestion, turmeric
is excellent for drying out the mucous,
chillies
are excellent for removing mucous.
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KAPHA AGGRAVATING FOODS:
General : Foods such as
dairy products, wheat, avocados and
oils have these qualities and will
increase kapha
in the body. Sweet, sour, salty; heavy,
oily, cold. Desserts, sweets, ice
cream, deep fried foods, possessiveness,
miserliness, laziness.
Vegetables : all sweet juicy
vegetables such as cucumbers, pumpkin
family, sweet potatoes, tomatoes,
tori, ghiya etc.
Fruits : All sweet juicy
fruits in general.
Lentils & Legumes : Tofu and
kidney beans.
Spices : excess salt.
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"Panchakarma"
Pancha Karma is the cornerstone to Ayurvedic management of disease. Pancha Karma is the process which gets to the root cause of
the problem and corrects the essential
balance of 'Tridosha'
in body. Pancha
Karma is not only good for alleviating
disease but is also a useful tool
in maintaining excellent health. Ayurveda
advises undergoing Pancha
Karma at the seasonal changes to clean
the body, improve the digestion and
to improve the metabolic processes.
Panchakarma
is a Sanskrit word that means "five
actions" or "five
treatments".
This age-old science of purifying
the body is an ancient branch of Ayurveda,
The Treatment in Ayurveda consists
of two main types.
One is Shaman Chikitsa, used to subdue the vitiated Doshas, due to which
any ailments may be produced. It is
administered by using various medicinal
herbo-mineral
preparations.
However, if the Doshas are vitiated
beyond a particular level, they give
rise to various endotoxins,
which have a tendency to be accumulated
in the minute channels. These are
beyond the level of pacification and
hence need to be eliminated or removed
from the body. In such cases, the
second type of treatment, which is
Shodhan Chikitsa or
cleansing therapy, is indicated. Since
it consists of the five types of main
therapies, it is known as the Panchakarma
Chikitsa.
Panchakarma has been given a special place in all the ancient Ayurvedic texts. Aacharya Charak, the author of the
most important ancient text on internal
medicine, has described a wide use
of Panchakarma
therapy for almost all the major diseases.
Two separate sections, Kalpa
Sthanam, and Siddhi Sthanam in Charak Samhita describe the details of special decoctions and other
preparations used for Panchakarma
therapy.
Panchakarma includes three parts namely:
Poorva Karma (Preparatory Methods)which includes
:
- Paachan (Digestion)
- Snehan (Internal and external oleation)
- Swedan (Fomentation)
Pradhan Karma (Main methods)which
includes :
- Vaman (Induced vomiting)
- Virechan
(Induced purgation)
- Basti
(Medicated enema)
- Nasya
(Nasal medicine)
- Rakta Mokshan (Artificial
bloodletting)
Pashchat Karma (Post-Therapeutic
Measures)which includes : This includes
Sansarjan
Krama (Specific
dietetics), DhumaPana
(smoking of medicinal cigars) and
some rules to follow specific activities.
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Purvakarma:
Pre-purification Measures Before the
actual operation of purification begins,
there is a need to prepare the body
in prescribed methods to encourage
the body to let go of the toxins.
The two procedures are 'snehan'
and 'swedan'.
Snehan is
the oil massage. Oil is applied to
the entire body with a particular
type of massage which helps the toxins
to move towards the gastro-intestinal
tract. Oil massage also makes the
superficial and deep tissues soft
and supple. Snehan
is given daily for three to seven
days, as indicated. Swedan
is sudation or sweating and is given
every day immediately following the
snehan. An herbal concoction may be added to the steam to
further loosen the toxins from the
individual. Swedan
liquefies the toxins and increases
the movement of toxins into the gastro-intestinal
tract. After three to seven days of
snehan and
swedan,
the doshas
become well "ripened". A
particular panchakarma
method is then given according to
the individual's constitution and
disorder, prakruti and vikruti, respectively.
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Panchakarma
Five
Basic Shodhans:
Cleansing Methods
1) Vaman: therapeutic vomiting or emesis
2) Virechan : purgation
3) Basti: enema
4) Nasya: elimination of toxins through
the nose
5) Rakta
moksha:
detoxification of the blood
Vaman: Emesis Therapy
When there is congestion in the lungs
causing repeated attacks of bronchitis,
colds, cough or asthma, the Ayurvedic
treatment is therapeutic vomiting,
vaman, to
eliminate the kapha
causing the excess mucus. First, after
the snehan
and swedan,
three to four glasses of licorice
or salt water is administered, then
vomiting is stimulated by rubbing
the tongue which triggers the vomiting
center through the gag reflex. One
may alternatively take two to three
glasses of salt water which will also
aggravate kapha
and then rub the tongue to induce
vomiting. Once the mucus is released
the patient will feel instantly relieved.
It is likely that congestion, wheezing
and breathlessness will disappear
and that the sinuses will become clear.
Therapeutic vomiting is also indicated
in chronic asthma, diabetes, chronic
cold, lymphatic congestion, chronic
indigestion and edema.
Emetic Substances: madan-emetic nut, madhuka-yastimadhu-licorice,
neem-bitter
leaf, bimbi,
kutaj-kurchi- conessi bark, murva-clematis, triloba-devdaru-deodar,
Cedrus deodara,
Salt, NaCl, ela-cardamom, nux vomica.
Indications for Vaman: used for all kapha type disorders good for pitta
headache, dizziness, and nausea will
help to release blocked emotions respiratory
congestion bronchitis chronic cold
sinus congestion kaphagenic asthma
Contra-Indications for Vaman: below the age
of 12 or over age 65 menstruation
pre-menstrual period (one week prior)
pregnancy emaciation delicate or sensitive
person with too much fear, grief or
anxiety hypoglycemia vata
prakruti
vata diseases
heart diseases during vata season acute fever diarrhea obesity
Virechan: Purgation Therapy
When excess bile, pitta, is secreted and accumulated in the gall bladder, liver
and small intestine, it tends to result
in rashes, skin inflammation, acne,
chronic attacks of fever, biliary
vomiting, nausea and jaundice. Ayurvedic
literature suggests in these conditions
the administration of therapeutic
purgation or a therapeutic laxative.
Virechan is facilitated with senna
leaves, flax seeds, psyllium husks or triphala in a
combination that is appropriate for
the individual person.
Virechan Substances: Senna, prune, bran, flaxseed husk, dandelion
root, psyllium
seed, cow's milk, salt, castor oil,
raisins, mango juice, triphala.
Indications for Virechan: allergic rash skin inflammation acne, dermatitis, eczema chronic fever
ascites biliary vomiting jaundice
urinary disorder enlargement of the
spleen internal worms burning sensation
in the eyes inflammation of the eyes
conjunctivitis gout
Contra-Indications for Virechan: low agni
acute fever diarrhea severe constipation
bleeding from rectum or lung cavities
foreign body in the stomach after
enema emaciation or weakness prolapsed
rectum alcoholism dehydration childhood
old age ulcerative colitis
Basti: Enema Therapy
Vata's predominant site is the colon. Ayurvedic basti
involves the introduction into the
rectum of herbal concoctions of sesame
oil, and certain herbal preparations
in a liquid medium. Basti, is the
most effective treatment of vata
disorders, although many enemas over
a prescribed period of time are usually
required. It relieves constipation,
distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual
disorders, kidney stones, heart pain,
backache, sciatica and other pains
in the joints. Many other vata disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle
spasms and headaches may also be treated
with basti.
Vata is a very active principle in pathogenesis. If we can control vata through the use of basti, we
have gone a long way in going to the
root cause of the vast majority of
diseases.
Vata is the main
etiological factor in the manifestation
of diseases. It is the motive force
behind the elimination and retention
of feces, urine, bile and other excreta.
There are eight main types of basti, according to traditional texts, each with their own
indications and contra-indications
as listed below.
1. Anuvasana
(oil enema) is used in pure vata
disorders and when a person is having
excess hunger or dryness related to
vata imbalances.
2. Niruha-Asthapana
(decoction enema) is used, among other
conditions, for evacuation of vata, nervous diseases, gastro-intestinal vata conditions, gout, certain fever conditions, unconsciousness,
certain urinary conditions, appetite,
pain, hyperacidity and heart diseases.
3. Uttara
Basti (through the urethra with men
or vagina with women) is used for
selected semen and ovulation disorders
and for some problems involving painful
urination or bladder infections. This
is not to be used for someone with
diabetes.
4. Matra
Basti (daily oil enema) is used by
someone emaciated by overwork or too
much exercise, too much heavy lifting,
walking too long of a distance, too
much sexual activity or someone with
chronic vata
disorders. It does not need to be
accompanied by any strict dietary
restriction or daily routine and can
be administered, in the appropriate
cases, in all seasons. It gives strength,
promotes weight and helps elimination
of waste products.
5. Karma Basti (schedule of 30 bastis),
6. Kala
Basti (schedule of 15 bastis;
10 oil + 5 decoction)
7. Yoga Basti (schedule of 8 bastis; 5 oil + 3 decoction).
8. Bruhana
Basti (nutritional enema) is used
for providing deep nutrition in select
conditions. Traditionally, highly
nutritive substances have been used,
such as warm milk, meat broth, bone
marrow soup and herbs like shatavari
or ashwagandha.
General Indications for Basti: constipation low back ache gout rheumatism
sciatica arthritis nervous disorders
vata headache
emaciation muscular atrophy
General Contra-Indications for
Basti (include but are not limited to the
following): Enema therapy should not be used
if the patient is suffering from diarrhea,
bleeding of the rectum, chronic indigestion,
breathlessness, diabetes, fever, emaciation,
severe anemia, pulmonary tuberculosis,
old age or for children below the
age of seven years.
for oil enemas: diabetes, obesity,
indigestion, low agni,
enlarged liver or spleen, unconsciousness,
tuberculosis and cough. for decoction
enemas: debility, hiccough, hemorrhoids,
inflammation of anus, piles, diarrhea,
pregnancy, ascites,
diabetes and some conditions involving
painful or difficult breathing. for
nutritional enemas: diabetes, obesity,
lymphatic obstruction, ascites. for urethra or vaginal enemas: diabetes
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Nasya: Nasal Administration
The nose is the doorway to the brain
and it is also the doorway to consciousness.
The nasal administration of medication
is called nasya.
An excess of bodily humors accumulated
in the sinus, throat, nose or head
areas is eliminated by means of the
nearest possible opening, the nose.
Prana, life force as nerve energy, enters the body through the breath taken in
through the nose. Prana
is in the brain and maintains sensory
and motor functions. Prana
also governs mental activities, memory,
concentration and intellectual activities.
Deranged prana creates defective functioning of all these activities
and produces headaches, convulsions,
loss of memory and reduced sensory
perception. Thus nasal administration,
nasya is
indicated for prana
disorders, sinus congestion, migraine
headaches, convulsions and certain
eye and ear problems.
There are six main types of nasya, as listed below.
1. Pradhamana
(virechan)
Nasya (cleansing nasya)
uses dry powders (rather than oils)
that are blown into the nose with
a tube. Pradhamana nasya is mainly used
for kapha
types of diseases involving headaches,
heaviness in the head, cold, nasal
congestion, sticky eyes, hoarseness
of voice due to sticky kapha,
sinusitis, cervical lymph adenitis,
tumors, worms, some skin diseases,
epilepsy, drowsiness, Parkinsonism,
inflammation of the nasal mucosa,
attachment, greed and lust. Traditionally,
powders such as brahmi
are used.
2. Bruhana
Nasya (nutrition nasya)
uses ghee, oils, salt, shatavari ghee, ashwagandha ghee
and medicated milk and is used mainly
for vata
disorders. It is said to benefit conditions
resulting from vata
imbalances such as vata-type
headaches, migraine headache, dryness
of voice, dry nose, nervousness, anxiety,
fear, dizziness, emptiness, negativity,
heaviness of eyelids, bursitis, stiffness
in the neck, dry sinuses and loss
of sense of smell.
3. Shaman Nasya (sedative nasya) is used according to which dosha
is aggravated but mainly for pitta-type
disorders such as thinning of hair,
conjunctivitis and ringing in the
ears. Generally certain herbal medicated
decoctions, teas and medicated oils
are used.
4. Navana
Nasya (decoction nasya)
is used in vata-pitta or kapha-pitta disorders
and is made from decoctions and oils
together.
5. Marshya
Nasya (ghee or oil nasya)
6. Prati
Marshya (daily oil nasya) This helps
to open deep tissues and can be done
every day and at any time to release
stress.
Substances Used in Nasya: brahmi, ginger, ghee oils,
decoctions, onion, garlic, Piper longum,
black pepper, curry pepper, rose,
jasmine, mogra
flowers and henna.
Indications for Nasya: stress emotional imbalances stiffness in the neck & shoulders dryness
of the nose sinus congestion hoarseness
migraine headache convulsions
Contra-Indications for Nasya: sinus infections pregnancy menstruation after sex, bathing, eating or drinking
of alcohol should not be used below
7 years or over 80 years of age
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Raktamoksha
Traditional Ayurvedic Method for Purification
and Cleansing of the Blood
Toxins present in the gastro-intestinal
tract are absorbed into the blood
and circulated throughout the body.
This condition is called toxemia,
which is the basic cause of repeated
infections, hypertension and certain
other circulatory conditions. This
includes repeated attacks of skin
disorders such as urticaria, rashes, herpes, eczema, acne, leukoderma, chronic itching or hives. In such conditions,
along with internal medication, elimination
of the toxins and purification of
the blood is necessary. Raktamoksha
is also indicated for cases of enlarged
liver, spleen and gout.
Extracting a small amount of blood
from a vein relieves the tension created
by the pittagenic
toxins in the blood. Bloodletting
also stimulates the spleen to produce
antitoxic substances which helps to
stimulate the immune system. Toxins
are neutralized enabling radical cures
in many blood born disorders.
Bloodletting is contraindicated in
cases of anemia, edema, extreme weakness,
diabetes and in children and elderly
persons. Indications for Raktamoksha:
urticaria rash acne eczema scabies leukoderma
chronic itching hives enlarged liver
or spleen gout
Contra-Indications for Raktamoksha: anemia edema weakness
young children old age during pregnancy
during menstruation
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