agni Archives - Doctor Rekha

Imagine you going about your day in perfect health and suddenly you have a fracture from a situation that’s not even close to danger like lifting a light object or a simple fall. This is the reality of osteoporosis – the silent disease. Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones turn weak and porous, with a risk of fractures. Though the condition is incurable, different medical systems offer a plethora of ways to manage osteoporosis. But if you are in search of a way to manage and even prevent osteoporosis naturally, Ayurveda is the answer. On this International Osteoporosis Day (October 20th), let us learn more about osteoporosis from the Ayurvedic perspective. Osteoporosis as per Ayurveda Every function in our body is governed by three biophysical energies or Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These Doshas are seated in one or the other tissue (Dhatu) of our body; moreover, they play a crucial role in our overall health Vata dosha primarily governs the bone tissue, or asthi dhatu. When Vata Dosha becomes aggravated due to different factors, it causes the Asthi Dhatu to degenerate (Asthi Kshaya). Watch this video to learn the early signs of imbalanced Vata in your body. Both vitiated Vata Dosha and Asthi Kshaya result in osteoporosis. But what causes the Vata Dosha to be aggravated in the first place? The contributing factors Your lifestyle plays a huge role. Some kinds of foods, your habits and even emotional states can cause Vata Dosha to go out of balance, affecting the health of your bones. Food (Ahara) Having food with less nutrition, not having adequate quantity of food and consuming food that aggravates Vata. Lifestyle (Vihara) Lifestyle factors, such as over exercising, overindulgence in sexual intercourse, staying awake at night, suppressing natural urges and obesity. Psychological (Manasika) factors Stress and overthinking can lead to aggravated Vata Dosha – the Dosha that governs mental processes, such as thoughts. Trauma (Abhighataja) Trauma to your body – a fall, an accident or injuries as a result of a surgery. Ayurvedic Treatment for Osteoporosis Ayurvedic treatments do not focus on just treating the symptoms, but also on finding and treating the root cause. The treatments to manage osteoporosis in Ayurveda include Asthigata Vata Chikitsa, Asthikshaya chikitsa, Bhagna chikitsa (fracture treatment) and herbal medicines. Asthigata Vata Chikitsa In osteoporosis, the root cause is mainly an aggravated Vata. Therefore, the primary focus of Ayurvedic treatment involves correcting the Vata imbalance and Agni. One can achieve this through diet and lifestyle practices, therapies, and herbal medicines. Diet Ayurveda considers food as medicine. Therefore, it is one of the primary ways to treat any health condition, including osteoporosis. The Ayurvedic diet for osteoporosis mainly includes foods that do not aggravate Vata Dosha. Foods that are freshly cooked and warm, and that have sweet (Madhura), sour (Amla) and salty (Lavana) taste (Rasa). Therapies These are some of the therapies that help balance Vata Dosha: Snehana Snehana or internal oleation is one of the preparatory steps (Poorva Karma) before Panchakarma. In this process, the healthcare provider, therefore, administers medicated oil to the patient. Abhyanga Abhyanga, or external oleation, involves applying medicated oil or fat on the body; furthermore, it is an ancient practice that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. This therapy helps remove toxins (Ama) from the body. You can also do Abhyanga at home as a part of your daily routine. Panchakarma Panchakarma or detoxification therapy, therefore, helps remove Ama from the body and, consequently, balance Vata Dosha. The steps of Panchakarma used to treat Vayu include Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Asthapana Vasti (enema using decoctions), Anuvasana Vasti (enema using oils) and Nasya (nasal instillation of oil or medicine). Check out this video to learn the complete Nasya procedure at home. These procedures are prescribed to the patient only if required, based on the impact of their condition and other health conditions. At my hospital, we offer a three-month gut health program to correct Dosha imbalances and Agni. Bhagna chikitsa A person with osteoporosis is always at risk of having a fracture; consequently, it is essential to take preventive measures. If there’s a fracture, it should be healed before starting any medication. Bhagna Chikitsa includes: Seka Pouring of medicated oils. Lepa Application of medicinal paste. Bandhana Bandaging the fracture for proper healing. Ayurvedic medicines Ayurvedic medicines with Brimhana (strengthening), Rasayana(nourishing) and Vata Hara (Vata pacifying) properties are given to patients to improve their bone health naturally. Osteoporosis results in fragility fractures – the fractures that do not otherwise happen in a particular condition. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 37 million fragile factors occur in people over the age of 55 every year. That’s 70 fractures every minute! This statistics highlights the importance of preventive care, which is possible naturally through Ayurveda. So, this International Osteoporosis Day, let’s start working on taking care of our bone health. What steps are you taking to strengthen your bones and improve your health? Let us know in the comments. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Agni or digestive fire is the most significant concept in Ayurveda. It controls all metabolic functions, like digestion, assimilation and elimination. In a nutshell, it is the energy that gets the food changed into nourishment and waste. It is the basis of good health and keeping it in balance is important for our survival. Types of Agni In Ayurveda, there are mainly three types of digestive fire: Jatharagni: This is an agni located in the stomach and top of the small intestine. It is responsible for breaking down food and thereby triggering the process of digestion. Bhutagni: This pertains to the fire element of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) that constitute the body. Every one of these elements, in fact, has its own Agni, which, consequently, allows for the transformation of food into bioavailable nutrients. Dhatu Agni: Here are the fires that are present in each of the seven Dhatus (body tissues) – Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (bone marrow), and Shukra (reproductive tissue). Dhatu Agni is responsible for the nourishment and the sustenance of these tissues. Role of Agni in Our Health Agni has various functions in our body. They include: Digestion and absorption: Agni is responsible for breaking down food into small particles for easy absorption and assimilation of nutrients. Metabolism: It is responsible for the metabolic processes that convert food into energy and tissues. Detoxification: Agni is in charge of helping the body get rid of toxic substances called Ama. Hence, it acts as a crucial component of internal purity and balance. Immunity: A robust and stable Agni helps the immune system function properly by facilitating the production of healthy tissue and immune cells. Promote mental clarity: Agni function is to favor mental features such as clarity, focus, and understanding. Hence, Agni is in charge of a clear and sharp frame of mind. My Personal Experience As a teenager, I suffered from acne. My skin was red all the time, so I used every over-the-counter product as well as prescription drugs hoping for some relief but without any effect. I didn’t get any relief until I turned to Ayurveda. My Ayurvedic doctor focused on normalising my Agni. We reworked my diet, included some herbs, and I practised mindful eating. In just a few months, my skin was clean and I started to have more energy and focus. This experience helped me to understand how important proper functioning of Agni is for the overall body health. Signs of Balanced and Imbalanced Agni Following are the key features of balanced Agni: Good appetite Proper digestion Regular bowel movements A light and energetic feeling. Imbalanced Agni, on the other hand, has the following characteristics: Tikshna Agni (Hyperactive Fire): It is the overactive Agni that can cause hyperacidity, heartburn, inflammation, and a burning sensation in the stomach. Manda Agni (Hypoactive Fire): A weak digestive fire, in turn, results in poor digestion, heavy feeling, bloating, and a tendency to gain weight easily. Vishama Agni (Variable Fire): Irregular results in interrupted digestion, sequential change of constipation and diarrhea, and often unstable appetite. Causes of Imbalanced Agni Several factors may contribute to the occurrence of imbalanced Agni: Poor Diet: Consumption of fried, oily and processed food will overburden and affect it. Irregular Eating Habits: Eating irregularly, overeating and skipping meals will result in the weakening of digestive fire. Stress and Anxiety: The emotional strain and worry can negatively impact the function of Agni and cause digestive disorders. Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyle may result in a slackening of metabolism and the weakening of Agni. Incompatible Foods: Consumption of wrong food combinations, for example milk with sour fruits, can affect your Agni and will give you digestive problems. Ayurveda and its Agni Balancers A balanced Agni is key to the health benefits. Ayurveda offers the following suggestions for achieving this state: Mindful Eating: Eat in a composite and quiet environment purposefully paying attention to chewing thoroughly and sensing the taste and texture of the food. Turn off your TV and refrain from using your smartphones while eating. Balanced Diet: Consume a diet that is natural, organic, and specific to your Dosha or Ayurvedic body type. Add spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric to help the digestion process. Stay away from processed foods and choose natural ones instead. Regular Meal Times: Keep your regular meal timing and do not skip any meals or overeat. It would be better to have your main meal, which is usually at noon when Agni is the strongest. Herbal Remedies: Consume Ayurvedic herbs and spices like Triphala, ginger, and cumin to help digestion and to enhance your Agni. Among the remedies I love the most is garlic milk which brings the gas and swelling down. Hydration: Chew warm water or herbal teas throughout the day. This will help digestion and prevent toxins accumulation. Consume warm liquids instead of cold beverages as they can tend to extinguish it. Physical Activity: Exercise regularly, whether it be yoga, walking or other forms of exercise, to stimulate Agni. Physical activity is needed to support a healthy metabolism and the digestive system. Stress Management: A regular practice of stress-reducing techniques like meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and mindfulness will not only support Agni but also overall well-being. Stress management should be given top priority in order to keep a healthy digestive system. Ayurvedic Methods for Strengthening Agni The following remedies can be practiced to improve your digestive fire: Ginger Tea: Ginger is known for its digestive properties, and what’s more, it can help stimulate Agni. First, prepare ginger tea by putting fresh ginger slices in boiling water. Then, add a dash of honey and lemon for additional benefits. Triphala: This is a traditional formulation of three fruits… Continue reading Agni- The Ayurvedic Secret to Health and Vitality

From bloating and constipation to IBS and diarrhoea, poor digestive health has become a sign of modern times. A sedentary lifestyle, improper meal times, unhealthy food choices and mental stress are some of the modern-day contributors to poor gut health. It is alarming to note that nearly 40% of adults suffer from gut issues, ranging from heartburn and bloating to acid reflux and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). According to Ayurveda, poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases. So, neglecting these problems could lead to severe conditions like colon cancer. The Reasons Your Gut Is Not Happy Fatigue, IBS, constipation, bloating, diarrhoea, unintentional weight changes, etc. are all signs of poor gut health. If you see it from the Ayurvedic perspective, Then, it’s time for you to hurry up and consult a doctor. One of the main reasons for your gut health issues is lack of sleep. The role of good sleep in digestive health is, however, often overlooked. Serotonin is produced in the gut; therefore, any imbalance can significantly affect its production. A weakened immune system can also lead to poor gut health. Your body is not capable of fighting diseases as it has not absorbed nutrients from the food. Another reason for digestive issues is excessive consumption of incompatible and processed foods. The Gut-Mind Connection The gut-mind connection has been scientifically proven. Unlike the popular adage ‘You are what you eat,’ Ayurveda believes that ‘you are what you digest’. Healthy digestion is vital to wellness. In Ayurveda, gut health is derived from ‘Agni’ – the digestive fire. It not only has a bearing on your digestion process, but it also influences your emotions and thoughts. Most digestive problems arise due to an imbalance in Agni. This imbalance in turn affects the Doshas and accumulates Ama or toxins. The GI system and the central nervous system are deployed and connected. Food can trigger mood changes. Ayurveda says, “Rogah sarve api mande agnou,” meaning, a low Agni or poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases – be it physical or emotional. It means your gut and mind are connected. Following a regular daily routine or Dinacharya is intrinsic to wellness as per Ayurveda. This regularity also goes a long way in maintaining a healthy nervous and digestive system. Furthermore, Ayurveda recommends mindful eating, which, in a way, means the mind and the gut are connected. Additionally, mindful eating is about involving all your senses as you eat. It makes you aware of the quality and taste of the food and portion control. This nourishes the inner Agni, thereby ensuring balanced digestion. Ayurvedic Ways to Keep Your Agni Balanced Here are different ways to keep your Agni on balance: Follow a diet with foods that are simple, light and easy to digest. Be consistent with your mealtimes. Avoid overeating. Avoid incompatible food combinations. Eat your dinner early. Have three meals every day. Maintain a gap of about 2 to 3 hours between your dinner and bedtime. Follow Dinacharya. Keep your body well hydrated. Avoid cold drinks and ice water as it dampens your Agni. Avoid processed and frozen foods. Have warm, freshly cooked foods instead. Ayurvedic Remedies To Soothe Your Gut Here are some Ayurvedic remedies that work best for your gut health: Consume black raisins to support digestive health. They relieve constipation and provide much-needed minerals and nutrients. Guduchi is an Ayurvedic herb that helps soothe gut inflammation. Consume it if you suffer constipation or poor appetite. Add licorice or Yashtimadhu to tea to soothe an acidic gut. Add cinnamon to tea or milk to promote better digestion. It acts as an antioxidant to eliminate oxidative compression in the gut. Use cardamom to reduce inflammation. Furthermore, it alleviates symptoms of indigestion, gas, and bloating. People have used cloves for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Triphala – a combination of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki can be consumed for better nutrient absorption and relief from constipation. Relieve nausea by drinking ginger tea. Add ginger while cooking to promote digestive health. Consume fennel to boost digestion. You can either chew fennel seeds after your meals. Alternatively, brew a fennel tea and have it. Carom seeds or ajwain is a wonderful carminative. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce bloating, gas, and digestive tract inflammation. Use black pepper and long pepper in food or tea to enhance digestive power. Practices For Better Digestive Health Incorporate these practices into your daily life to improve your digestive health: Try meditation to reduce the stress and anxiety that is part of modern-day life. Not only will you have better gut health, but you will also experience a healthier mental and emotional state. Eat foods that align with your Prakriti (body type). This helps prevent Dosha imbalances. Eat seasonal food. This practice maintains energy balance. Local produce is best as it is fresh and has not travelled thousands of miles to get to your plate. Enjoy your food but keep your gut happy too. Have foods that are easy to digest and follow mindful eating. Keep yourself active. Follow an exercise regimen that suits your age, fitness levels, and overall condition. Daily walks can kindle the Agni and build your digestive capacity. Though the principles of Ayurveda date back several thousand years, they hold relevance even today. Ayurveda gives utmost importance to gut health as it has an impact on your overall health. So, have foods that are digestible, follow a daily routine and keep away from stress. If you need any help with your diet. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Did you know, according to Ayurveda, your bowel movements can say a lot about your digestion, health of body tissues, presence of parasites, prognosis of diseases and overall health. To understand this, let us first understand the concept of Ama. If you do not digest the food you eat well, it converts into toxic waste known as ama, which causes overall imbalance in your body. In modern terms, we can correlate this to poor gut health. Bowel movement test for Ama There is a bowel movement test for Ama. If you have Ama, bowel sinks, and if you don’t have it your bowels will float. If you find out that you have Ama, you have an impaired digestive fire that needs to be fixed ASAP. Also, check out my other articles to know about how to improve your digestion. Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that, Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy and healthy life. If you are suffering from any gut issues, you can take our Gut Health Program. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

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Tag: agni

Osteoporosis Treatment with Ayurveda

Agni- The Ayurvedic Secret to Health and Vitality

Gut Health – Unlocking the Power of Ayurvedic Foods for Digestion

Your bowel movement can say a lot about you

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