Category Archives: Ayurvedic Therapy

Free 4oz Essential & Fragrance Oils

Ayurveda and Elderly Health: A Detailed Analysis

Posted on by

Ayurveda is a charming and divine system of healing human beings. It states that aging is a natural process and with the help of Ayurveda, aging can always be a healthy aging making elderly people independent rather than depending others for fulfilling their routine tasks. Health is a comprehensive and of course a complicated term. According to Ayurveda, health is not just physical health or a body that is free of diseases, instead real health is the functioning of a healthy mind in a healthy body paving way for a healthy environment. Ayurvedic system of treating elderly health is termed as ‘Vridhopacharaneeyam’. The Sanskrit term ‘Geeryadi’ meaning degenerated has a close connection with the term Greek ‘Geriatric’ meaning elderly care (Geri- old age & latrics- care).

Ayurveda for the Senior citizens: Ayurveda pays special attention to the aged people as it aims in healthy aging and not mere longevity or extended life expectancy lacking robustness. Old age is known as Vardhakya in Ayurveda and one among the eight comprehensive branches that deals with the health of elderly people is known as Jara Chikitsa or Rasayana (also known as Geriatrics or Gerontology). This branch deals with stimulating, vitalizing, rejuvenating, fortifying and preventing the human body from aging symptoms. The basic objective of this Ayurvedic treatment is to improve quality of life rather than just extending the ‘quantitative number of years’. For this, Ayurveda recommends the use of powerful herbal medications, meditation, simple physical exercises, yoga, Ayurvedic essential oils and other natural remedies for improving the mental stability, physical strength, psychological power and supports a healthy skin.

Reasons behind the loss of strength during old age: Each individual has a unique body set up (dhatus or the constituents of human body according to Ayurveda) and his/her health depends upon the balance between the Ayurvedic body types or Doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha and the condition of Saptadhatu (seven dhatus). With aging, the vata constituent gets aggravated due to stress, strain, psychological weakness, imbalanced nutrition etc. Vata aggravation leads to inappropriate functioning of metabolism, respiration, digestion and the process of excretion, leading to health problems like heart disorders, musculoskeletal ailments, diabetes, hypertension, rheumatic illness, Parkinson’s disease, cardiac disabilities, Alzheimer’s syndrome, depression and much more.

Ayurvedic treatment for healthy aging: Ayurveda advises on a firm Ayurvedic routine, a nutritious diet, meditation, Rasayana treatment, utmost care, yoga, expert counseling and boundless love to grow old, hale and heartily with a strong immune system. Rasayana therapy is proven to revitalize the system of the aged person and gradually contribute to the progress of their mental and physical health. This treatment strengthens the immunity and increases the potential to tussle against diseases, interrupting its onset, trim down its rigorousness, speedup the period of recovery and fight against other symptoms and problems of aging. This effective Ayurvedic treatment along with Shirodhara, Abhyanga and Padabhyanga with Ayurvedic essential oils will recharge the aged individual and restore their lost energy due to aging. A renowned research article has proved that Ayurveda and Yoga has positive influence on self-rated sleep in geriatric population.

It is the most appropriate time to recollect a time-valued principle that says ‘Age is not a constant factor’ or you can never remain at Sweet 16 forever…………so love the elderly community and get ready as your 16 might soon turn 61 even before you realize it. As a symbol of your love for your aged Parents or your Grandparents, introduce them to the holistic world of Ayurveda for a healthy, happy and harmonized aging.

Thoughts for the day:

The old are in a second childhood. By Aristophanes

I truly believe that age — if you’re healthy — age is just a number. By Hugh Hefner

You may wonder that it is always ‘Thought for the day’ and why it is ‘Thoughts for the day’ today? It’s all because to signify that the elderly people need that extra care and love to keep them going on and on. Aging generally brings with it certain unavoidable things like loss of energy, loss of ability of the body for its regular functioning and a feel of insecurity and diffidence that life and the world needs them no more. Loving people above 60 is a great feeling and I’m sure that you will ‘live a perfect day’ by boosting their confidence to live for an extra day.

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, & Longevity by Swami Sadashiva Tirtha
  2. Aging & Blood Stasis: A New TCM Approach to Geriatrics
    By Yan De-Xin
  3. The Aromatherapy Companion: Medicinal Uses/Ayurvedic Healing/Body-Care Blends/Perfumes & Scents/Emotional Health & Well-Being (Herbal Body) by Victoria H. Edwards

Reference Links:

  1. Rasayana by Maharshi Charak Ayurveda
  2. Influence of Yoga & Ayurveda on self-rated sleep in a geriatric population.
  3. Ayurveda for Geriatric Care by Internaturalhealth

Ayurvedic Health Benefits Of Oil Pulling

Posted on by

What an amazing science is Ayurveda!!! Its brilliance can never be compared even to the best contemporary medicinal practices like the laser surgery. I’d rather call it as a Mass Medical Encyclopedia that has everything for treating infinite number of illnesses. Oral care is one among those exuberant wonders in Ayurveda.  Dental health is known as Danta Swasthya in Sanskrit terms and Ayurveda considers that improper oral hygiene is the root cause for numerous diseases including the most complex heart disorders. This is where the essence of oil pulling comes into picture. This Ayurvedic remedy is known as Gandusha or Kavala and is a part of the Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita. It has been reported to treat numerous health conditions ranging from sinusitis, migraine to asthma and diabetes along with comprehensive oral and dental health care.

What is Ayurvedic oil pulling? Oil pulling is a hearty treatment, which involves swishing of vegetable oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes. Ayurveda suggests the use of pure sesame oil for its rich nutrients, therapeutic properties and varied health benefits, for which it is rightly known as the queen of oil seed crops. This ancient remedy is popular across the globe and most of the people start trusting its healing potential after giving it a try with hesitation and lack of trust. It is the simplest of all the treatment in the world as you don’t need to swallow bitter tablets, undergo strict diet practices, and take up restricted lifestyle because oil pulling is just as easy as swishing water or using a mouthwash and spitting it out with tons of bacteria, toxins and other harmful bodies in the human system.

How to do oil pulling? Oil pulling is actually done by taking 1 tablespoon of any of the vegetable oils like sesame oil, olive oil, coconut oil or sunflower oil in your mouth and swish it for about 15- 20 minutes. Note that your stomach is empty before eating or drinking anything in the morning because this is the ideal condition to pull out all kinds of toxins from your mouth and your body.

Swish the oil back, forth and around your mouth and ensure that the oil is passed in between your teeth and cavities so it strengthens your gums, whitens your teeth, removes tough stains in your teeth, helps you get rid of plaque, tooth decay, tartar and thousands of bacteria that hide in between your dental bones and gums. Ensure that you do not swallow this liquid, which is loaded with toxins, germs, pus, mucous and other unsafe microorganisms. After 15-20 minutes the swished liquid will be in white, milk like consistency that needs to be spit out.

Ayurvedic health benefits of oil pulling: This simple yet effective treatment has been in practice among the traditional populace in India and many other countries where it is trusted to strengthen teeth, fortify your gums, support healthy dental system, treat halitosis, check tooth decay, treat dry throat, cracked lips and bleeding gums along with other major health disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, impaired vision, dry skin, gingivitis and periodontal disease, eczema, loss of taste, bronchitis, psoriasis, exhaustion, kidney problems, headache, anorexia, heart disorders, obesity, sinusitis and much more.

Positive health effects of oil pulling: According to Charaka Samhita, the Ayurvedic text, the benefits of oil pulling has been stated as “It is beneficial for strength of jaws, depth of voice, flabbiness of face, improving gustatory sensation and good taste for food. One used to this practice never gets dryness of throat, nor do his lips ever get cracked; his teeth will never be carious and will be deep rooted; he will not have any toothache nor will his teeth set on edge by sour intake; his teeth can chew even the hardest eatables” in Charaka Samhita Ch V-78 to 80.

Aim of Oil pulling: Just the same as the aim of other Ayurvedic treatments, oil pulling too aspires to enhance the functionality of the human body, nourish the senses, bring in a feeling of newness, uphold the clarity of mind, stimulate the spirit and rejuvenate the complete structure physically and mentally. Oil pulling is a brilliant therapy that is curative as well as preventative in nature.

An ancient remedy rediscovered: Oil pulling is a potent detoxifying Ayurvedic therapy and has acquired much popularity after it was reiterated and rediscovered by Dr. F. Karach in 1992 and he claimed that this powerful ancient remedy has the power to heal a wide range of illnesses from hormonal disorders to digestive problems and heart diseases. He has experienced the remedial power of this Ayurvedic therapy by himself and he has said that oil pulling helped him cure his chronic blood disorder that he was suffering for about 15 years and treated his severe arthritis in just three days. Dr. Bruce Fife, a specialized Nutritionist and Naturopathic Physician has also brought out various health conditions that can be successfully managed by the influence of regular oil pulling in the right manner.

How is oil pulling effective on the entire system? Oil pulling is often seen as a redeemer as it helps in preventing major surgery or other difficult medications for numerous chronic disorders. Ayurveda suggests that this therapy purifies, cleanses and detoxifies the entire system by removing all the harmful toxins from the body. This is because Ayurveda clearly explains that oil pulling thoroughly cleans the teeth, gums and tongue. Each segment of the human tongue is linked with many vital organs of the body like lungs, kidneys, stomach, colon, liver, spine, heart and small intestines. This is the real logic behind the Ayurvedic claim that oil pulling is effectual in treating the entire system absolutely along with an Ayurvedic routine, meditation and yoga.

I have started this simple therapy just few weeks back and trust me; my days have never been so fresh and keyed up. I feel like sending thousands of anti-health warriors out of my body daily when I spit out the ‘Toxins-Filled’ oil. Check it out and feel the difference, no it should be indeed called as a MAGIC…….

Thought for the day:

The best and cheapest dentistry is when the right thing is done extremely well the first time and it lasts.

Suggested Reading:

  1. Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by Bruce Fife
  2. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Vasant Lad
  3. The Coconut Oil Miracle (Previously published as The Healing Miracle of Coconut Oil) by Bruce Fife, Jon J. Kabara

Reference links:

  1. Charaka Samhita by Wikipedia
  2. What is Oil Pulling? by Oil Pulling A Wonderful Therapy
  3. Tooth brushing, oil pulling and tissue regeneration: A review of holistic approaches to oral health by Abhinav Singh and Bharathi Purohit. A review article from The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
  4. Oil Pulling for a Brighter Smile and Better Health by Bruce Fife from the Coconut Research Center

Ayurveda and Turmeric Essential Oil: The Natural Bond

Posted on by

You can seldom find an Indian kitchen without this noble herb named ‘Turmeric’, used since 4000 years in the ancient healing system known as Ayurveda. The power of this herb is being realized by the contemporary researchers and innumerable research studies prove its efficiency, fighting for its stand in healing even the most complicated of the diseases. Each and every part of the turmeric plant is beneficial in its own ways and the essential oil is extracted from the rhizomes or the roots of this plant and that is why most of the times, Turmeric essential oil is favorably called as Turmeric root essential oil. Whenever and wherever you talk about or think about Ayurveda, you can never neglect the essence and health values imparted by this grand herb known as ‘Kanchani’ in Sanskrit meaning ‘The Golden Goddess’.

Healing properties of ‘versatile’ herb Turmeric: Turmeric herb is scientifically known as Curcuma Longa. The essential oil extracted from  the roots or bulbs of  this Indian Saffron plant by steam distillation process is said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-allergic, digestive, vulnerary, carminative, astringent, cardiovascular, cholagogue, anti-tumor, appetizer, stimulant and alterative properties proven to be the best natural cure for the most problematical human illnesses like cancer, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, urinary tract infections, amenorrhea, hemorrhoids, gallstones, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) like Genital Herpes, Hepatitis-C etc, liver problems and even the most obscure skin disorders. Ayurveda suggests the use of turmeric in daily cooking for its priceless medicinal benefits.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Turmeric essential oil: Ayurveda has proudly named Turmeric as an ‘All-Purpose Cleanser’, insisting on the benefits of this herb in purifying the body from internal and external disorders. This energizing herb is meant to support the imbalance of Kapha body type (who are generally fat, obese and with a hefty body) with its warming properties and that is why Turmeric is used as an effective remedy in numerous natural weight-loss treatments. It also helps in resuming the function of pitta and vata body types also.

Nature’s shield against cancer: Cancer is hard to think and difficult to digest and I have personally felt the pain of losing my near ones to this deadly disease, being ignorant of the curative values granted by Ayurveda few years back. Turmeric has been used in numerous Ayurvedic treatments to help fight against cancer as it is said to restrain the development of fresh blood vessels in tumors and holds its growth. An accepted research in 2011 has witnessed that Turmeric essential oil has the capacity to fight against the free radicals in the body and act as excellent antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agents. Ayurveda’s uses of Turmeric oil as an effective tool for preventing cancer has again been proved by this research which says that Turmeric essential oil increases the level of Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and augment carcinogen detoxification in the human body and effectively function as a perfect cancer-preventing force.

Brilliantly assists the digestive system: Along with imparting irresistible aroma and flavor to the food, turmeric supports the function of the digestive system. The safety prescribing authority of herbs in Germany known as the German Commission E has allegedly approved the use of Turmeric in treating digestive disorders. It stimulates the mucous element in the gastric juices and aids in curing irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, constipation and other chronic digestive disorders. Turmeric essential oil strengthens digestion and eliminates the toxins that are stored in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pampers the skin perfectly: Turmeric is the beauty secret of Queens since the prehistoric period. Ayurveda suggests the use of Turmeric daily as it protects the skin from harmful bodies and gives a flawless fair complexion. You might have come across the use of Turmeric essential oil in innumerable skin care products in the market for it is celebrated to treat wounds, eczema, wrinkles, pigmentation of skin, pimples, acne, psoriasis, cuts, burns and other skin infections.

Other health conditions: According to Ayurveda, turmeric is said to reduce Kapha (mucous secretion) and hence it is used an as effective aid in treating respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, accumulation of phlegm, common cold, cough, flu etc. It improves blood circulation and helps in treating female health problems like amenorrhea, dysmennorhea, uterine tumors, endometriosis and cysts. It protects the liver, treats diabetes, kidney pain, colitis, food poisoning, headache, vascular dysfunction, blood pressure, inflammation, swelling and reduces excess cholesterol.

How to use Turmeric essential oil: This powerful essential oil can be diluted with carrier oils and used as a topical application or for a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Few drops of oil can be added to potpourris, vaporizers, candles or diffusers for combating germs in the air and protecting the environment naturally. It can also be added to your bath tub for an aromatic, healing, stimulating and energizing bath. Turmeric essential oil is generally ingested for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but it is strictly advised to consult an expert Ayurvedic Practitioner before using this oil internally and if you are pregnant or getting ready for a child.

‘All that glitters is not gold’ is a popular adage. With the bright golden color, Turmeric in the Ayurvedic world can be remembered by saying ‘All that glitters is Turmeric’ (rightly called as the Golden Goddess).

Thought for the day♥

He who has health has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.

                                                                                    -Thomas Carlyle

Suggested reading:

  1. Turmeric: The Ayurvedic Spice of Life by Prashanti DeJager MS
  2. Curcumin: The 21st Century Cure: Prevent and Reverse: cancer, depression and dementia, digestive disorders, diabetes, pain and arthritis, heart disease and more by Jan McBarron M.D.
  3. Turmeric and the Healing Curcuminoids by Muhammed Majeed, Vladimir Badmaev, Frank Murray

Reference Links:

  1. Turmeric: ‘The Golden Goddess’ by California College of Ayurveda
  2. Turmeric by University of Maryland Medical Center
  3. An evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive activities of essential oil from Curcuma longa. L by PubMed
  4. Uses of Turmeric in Ayurveda by IndiaNetzone