Depression : Five physical symptoms

Depression is, indeed, a condition that causes prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness in individuals. Furthermore, it can significantly impact various aspects of a person’s life.  Experiencing sadness or feeling low is a common response following a difficult loss or experience. But how can you understand whether those are symptoms of depression?    Symptoms of depression   Here are some physical symptoms that help you know whether you have depression: Unintentional weight loss Digestive issues like lack of appetite, indigestion Abnormalities in the head, neck, and above regions include:  Aches and pains Noise in the ears Uncomfortable dreams The feeling of a void in the head Restless eyes Abnormal facial expressions Increased/decreased or irregular sleep Increase respiration /chest tightness      If these symptoms persist for longer than 2 weeks, it may indicate a severe form of depression. These symptoms may also indicate the presence of other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.    Is there any cure for depression in Ayurveda?   If you are moving around this question, then the good news is depression is not considered a MAJOR disease in Ayurveda and is treatable!   The treatment of depression in Ayurveda includes the following:   Yoga and meditation Overcoming depression requires balancing the Doshas. Consider incorporating daily meditation and yogic breathing practices into your routine to promote a sense of calm and balance for your Vata.   Medicines, diet and routines Yoga and meditation are the two main effective methods to treat depression while balancing the mind and emotions. Some postures like shoulder stand, fish pose and seated twist help stimulate blood vessels and rejuvenate the expressions. A regular diet, including fruits and vegetables, while checking it on a routine basis is vital to get effective results because it plays a key role in medication to cure the disease.   Detoxification Detoxification is designed, therefore, to assist your body in regaining health.  Each individual has a unique combination of Doshas determined by their genetic makeup and personality and can impact their well-being in various ways. Seeking the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor can help assess your unique body type (Prakriti) and offer remedies for it.   The cardinal symptom of depression is the feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness. In our daily lives, with life chasing us literally, it is normal to feel that way. However, if this feeling continues for over 14 days, do not stop yourself from seeking help. Luckily, it is very much treatable without much difficulty.     You  can join our  Health Programs  for mind and body detox. 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.

Conceive with Care : The Ayurvedic Essentials to Get Pregnant

Embarking on the journey to conceive is an extraordinary and hopeful chapter in many people’s lives.  According to Ayurveda, there are, in fact, 4 essentials (Garbhasambhava Samagri) for conception.  Whether you are just starting or have been on this path for a while, understanding these essentials can make the journey smoother.    The essentials to Conceive   Ayurveda lists out few essentials that are necessary for conception.     Fertile period (Garbhasaya Ritu)  From the 14th to the 16th day of menstruation, after bleeding stops, this period is, in fact, called Ritu Kala.  This is fertile phase of your monthly cycle and is therefore, very crucial.  It is the right time for conception.  The uterus (Kshetra)  A healthy, disease-free uterus is ideal for conception; furthermore, the uterus is home for the growing embryo. If there is any disease of the uterus, treat it before conception.    Nourishment (Ambu)  When food digests, Rasa Dhathu is formed. Its main function is Preenana or nourishment.  A growing foetus, consequently, receives nourishment from the mother’s Rasa Dhathu.  Hence mother’s nutrition is extremely important.     The gametes (Beeja)  Beeja means seeds. Specifically, it denotes the sperm (Shukla) and, on the other hand, the ovum (Artava).  It is said that, ultimately, the quality of the seedling depends on, in fact, the quality of the seeds.  The best way to improve the quality of Beeja is by following a healthy lifestyle and diet.    Tips to boost sperm health    Here are 5 simple ways by which you can boost sperm health:     Keep your laptops away from your lap  Keep your phones away from your pocket  Include cooling foods in your diet  Strictly avoid incompatible foods  Reduce stress and exercise more    Best foods for sexual health   You can also try the following foods to improve your libido and sexual health:  Pomegranate  Barley soup  Dates  Black gram soup with ghee and rock sugar  Moringa    If you are finding it difficult to conceive, remember, in fact, Ayurveda has  the  answers you seek for infertility. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor for guidance.     Furthermore, Ayurvedic treatment does not involve any painful procedures or strong medications.  It’s all about preparing your body by correcting the imbalances and administering Ayurvedic herbal combinations and formulations that enable natural conception.      Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) and also one of the best ayurvedic doctor in trivandrum city, living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   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.

Quantity of Food Guide for Optimal Health

In Ayurvedic nutrition, we do not count the calories or weigh the food in grams. The quality of food matters more than quantity.     Ayurveda thinks of food as medicine. This means the choices you make about what you eat can affect your health. When I treat my patients, 80% of the treatment involves coming up and implementing a suitable diet plan considering many factors, like their health conditions, body constitution (Prakriti) etc. And to decide on the quantity, we look at the digestive fire (Agni) of the patient.     Right Quantity of Foods you  should  eat !    Every individual is different and therefore, the quantity of food you can have depends on your Prakriti.     Kapha – less is more!  Kapha people have a low digestive fire and therefore, have a sluggish digestion. Therefore, the quantity of food they consume should be minimal. Excessive consumption easily causes Ama (toxic waste accumulation) and leads to more lethargy, tiredness, weight gain and other conditions.     Pitta- feed the fire!  Pitta people have a high digestive fire. If you eat less, the fire will not be satisfied, leading to acidity and heartburn. Hence the quantity of food should be more.    Vata – I’m unpredictable!  Vata people, on the other hand, have irregular digestion. It may be good one day, but bad on the other. Hence it is difficult to say whether Vata people should eat more or less. However, one general rule you can use is to eat until the stomach is half full.    In general, all Prakriti can aim at eating food until their stomachs are half full (leaving the rest for air and water). However, if you have Kapha or Vata predominance, choose your quantity wisely.  Now if you have no idea what your Prakriti is, please consult an Ayurvedic doctor. Do not attempt those online quizzes as most of them are not accurate.      Rules of eating right quantity of food        Ayurveda has set certain guidelines for eating.  They include the following:    Eat warm food, added with good fats.  Eat the right quantity, after the digestion of the previous meal.  Eat favourable food.  Eat compatible foods.  Do not talk or laugh while eating.  Eat neither too slow nor too fast.   Engage all your senses, body and mind while eating (mindful eating).    The last point is the most important of them all. Be aware of what you eat, how much you eat and how you eat and see how it has a positive impact on your overall health!        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.

Psoriasis With Nail Pitting: Uncovering the Hidden Connection

Psoriasis is a persistent skin condition characterized by redness, scaliness, and itchiness, often accompanied by silvery scales. Sometimes, you can also see nail pitting  in psoriasis. It can cause changes in the appearance of your nails, such as the development of pits. The pits are usually very small, less than 1 mm in diameter, around the size of a pinhead. However, on rare occasions, considerably larger depressions and even isolated punch-out portions are visible.    If you have psoriasis and you notice nail pitting with/without pain/brownish discolouration/nail separating from the nail bed, chances are, the psoriasis has now progressed from the skin to the nails. This is usually the second stage. It may affect the joints if not controlled immediately, leading to psoriatic arthritis!   Is there any treatment for psoriasis?   Ayurvedic medication can alleviate your symptoms since it is a chronic ailment with limited treatment options. According to a few studies, people with psoriasis may benefit from Ayurvedic treatment.    Ayurvedically, this affects the blood, muscles, lymph, and the skin. The primary line of treatment is, first and foremost, improving the digestive fire (Agni); additionally, it involves administering herbs suited to the patient to open up the channels. Furthermore, doing cleanses like Virechana is essential to purify the body.”   Things you must avoid if you have psoriasis   According to Ayurvedic experts, the cause of psoriasis is an imbalance of Vata and Kapha Doshas. Toxins (Ama), stress and overindulgence in foods such as seafood, yoghurt, and salty meals.   Therefore, if you have psoriasis, reduce the following as much as possible: Excessive consumption of tomatoes Heavy foods like milk, wheat and oily foods Mixing hot and cold foods Raw and uncooked foods Curd/yoghurt Eating food when the previous meal is not fully  digested. If you are noticing pitting of nails in psoriasis,  consult an Ayurvedic doctor  immediately. With Ayurveda, you can heal completely,  without even consuming strong medications.     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.

Pulse Diagnosis in Ayurveda: Myth or Medical Marvel ?

Pulse Diagnosis /  Nadi Pariksha     Ayurvedic medicine has used a traditional and holistic approach to improve a person’s health and well-being while also considering their mental, physical, and spiritual aspects for centuries.  The practitioners use various diagnostic methods to check the imbalances of mind, body and spirit leading to diseases. One of those diagnostic methods is Nadi Pariksha or pulse diagnosis.    It is widely believed that Nadi Pariksha is one of the mandatory parts of Ayurvedic treatment. But, it is not true. For ages, people have tricked us into believing that nadi pariksha or ayurvedic pulse diagnosis is compulsory for ayurvedic treatment.   The absolute truth behind Nadi Pariksha as a diagnosis tool   None of the ancient Ayurvedic texts – Caraka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya or Susruta Samhita has any major reference about pulse diagnosis. Then how can Nadi Pariksha be the mandatory part of diagnosis?   There is no doubt that the most comprehensive, authentic and recognised course to study Ayurvedic Medicine is BAMS. However, in those 6 years I spent studying to become an Ayurvedic doctor, there was not even a single subject on Nadi Pariksha except for a few words here and there. Why is it given little or no importance if it is the most a major diagnostic tool?   I studied Nadi Pariksha from my father while assisting his patients. He had told me that it was just one of the diagnostic tools and not the only tool.     Is Nadi Pariksha’s diagnosis so crucial in the treatment process?   Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis is a recent advancement in Ayurveda and is not based on the 3 original scriptures. It is just ONE of the diagnostic tools, not the only one of the most important.    I don’t do Nadi Pariksha even in my face-to-face consultations. I don’t find it necessary to identify a person’s Prakriti by Nadi Pariksha. With all humility- thanks to the universe and my gurus – within the first few minutes of seeing and talking to a patient,  his Prakriti becomes obvious. It is not a magical power, but it just comes from practice. For years, it has been believed that Nadi Pariksha is a mandatory diagnosis method to understand the disease, but the truth is it is just ONE of the diagnostic tools, not the only one of the most important methods of diagnosis techniques.  Unfortunately, today, people use nadi pariksha more as a marketing tool to attract others to Ayurveda.     Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) and also one of the best ayurvedic doctor in trivandrum city, living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   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.

Hair Growth Elixirs: Unveiling Ayurvedic Secrets for Luscious Locks

Are you tired of searching for the perfect supplement for hair growth? Look no further! The only supplement you need is Amla or Indian gooseberry. Amla is a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants, offering a natural solution to enhance hair growth, improve texture, reduce hair fall and even slow down premature greying.   Benefits of Amla   Amla is rich in vital vitamins like A and C to minerals like iron and calcium. These nutrients work together to strengthen hair follicles, promote healthy growth and impart a natural shine. The antioxidants in Amla play an important role in protecting your hair from damage. It prevents hair breakage and helps reduce premature ageing. Regular consumption of Amla can help retain your hair’s natural colour. The benefits offered by Amla are not just limited to your hair. It is also an anti-ageing herb that works wonders on your skin, keeping it supple and youthful. Amla also helps to improve your vision and your overall health. Amla is also good for all Doshas, especially Pitta Dosha. Even if the taste of Amla is sour, it has a post-digestive sweet taste that subsides Pitta, making it suitable for everyone. So, whether you’re Vata, Pitta, or Kapha dominant, Amla has something to offer for everyone. Ayurveda considers Amla not just as a food, but also as a medicine for its amazing health benefits. Its dual role as both nourishment and remedy makes it unique. Incorporating Amla into your daily routine does not just mean better hair; it also means better overall health.   How to incorporate Amla into your daily diet?   You can add Amla to your diet in the following ways: If you have access to fresh Amla, consider incorporating it into your morning routine. You can have it as it is or as a strained juice shot mixed with pepper (optional), not more than 30 ml in the morning. If you do not have access to fresh Amla, you can have a teaspoon of organic Amla powder mixed with ghee along with the first bolus of rice during lunch. Amla’s versatility makes it accessible to all, irrespective of your Dosha. Its benefits not only help your hair grow but also nourish them from the inside out. Amla is the perfect hair growth supplement that Ayurveda recommends. Want to improve your hair health? Join my skin and hair care program and see your hair transform! You can join our  Health Programs for mind and body detox.    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.

Acidity Remedy in Ayurveda

An  Ayurvedic remedy for Acidity  that  can help you from  eating late, which could worsen your health. Before that,  Imagine this: you are looking forward to attending an important meeting for the day, and you know you are going to eat late. If you suffer from acidity, this situation can be particularly challenging.    Ayurvedic remedy for acidity     If you are someone who gets acidity often, keep two essentials in your bag – rock sugar or Mishri and fennel seeds. Mix both and keep it in a packet. When your mealtime is delayed, do not let acidity take over. Instead, chew on a teaspoon of the mixture.      This Ayurvedic remedy, indeed, is a lifesaver for mild cases of acidity.  It is natural, soothing, and provides quick relief. Also, you can carry it with you wherever you go.     How this combination helps    The sweet taste of Mishri not only satisfies your cravings but also helps neutralize the excess acid in your stomach. On the other hand, fennel seeds, known for their aromatic flavour, are excellent for digestion. They have carminative properties, meaning they can help prevent the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.     Together, rock sugar and fennel seeds create a harmonious blend that can provide quick relief from acidity. It is a natural and Ayurvedic alternative to over-the-counter antacids, and the best part is that you can carry it with you wherever you go.     This combination works wonders in alleviating mild cases of acidity, providing a natural and soothing relief. However, if you have hyperacidity, the most important rule to follow is not to delay your meals.       If you find yourself battling with hyperacidity frequently, it is time to address the root cause – your gut health. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of gut health in overall well-being. Therefore, if you suffer from severe hyperacidity for a long time, do not take it lightly.      Fix your gut health and get rid of acidity with my 3-month gut health program. This program aims to restore the balance of your digestive system through dietary and lifestyle changes, exercise and Panchakarma and medicines (if required).   You can join our   Health Programs  for mind and body detox.   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.

Goat Milk Good for your health?

There are many discussions going on about whether the goat milk is good for your health or not. And one of the varieties of milk that is part of the debate is goat milk .   In this blog, let us find the answer to the question from the Ayurvedic perspective.   Properties of goat milk   Picture a goat in your mind—it is lean, always active, drinks lots of water and loves eating grass. Surprisingly, its milk also has similar properties. According to Ayurveda, consuming goat milk can help maintain a lean physique, enhance activity levels, boost strength, alleviate Kapha, and prove beneficial for conditions related to dryness and weakness   Ashtanga Hridayam Suthrasthana – an ancient Ayurvedic text mentions the following about goat milk.   Atyambupana vyayama katu tiktaashanair laghu।  ajam shosha jwara swasa rakta pitta atisarajit।।     This milk is beneficial for those who engage in excessive physical activity and consume a lot of water. It has a pungent or bitter taste, making it light and easily digestible. It is beneficial for conditions like emaciation, fever, and shortness of breath It also helps pacify conditions related to bleeding disorders (Rakta Pitta) and is effective in alleviating diarrhoea.   Goat milk for kids   Diluted goat milk with a lot of water is a good replacement for breast milk for babies. It also helps subside loose motions in babies and kids. But make sure that the milk is genuine.   As we navigate through the infinite number of debates surrounding milk consumption, the Ayurvedic perspective sheds light on the goodness of goat milk. It is a nourishing alternative even for babies. Our cultural practices, rooted in the wisdom of Ayurveda, continue to shape our dietary choices.   Whenever a baby is born in my family, the first thing people look for is a good source of goat milk. If you ask my grandmother, she will say  it  has lots of  health benefits for kids. But she may not know the reason.   That is how Ayurveda has been interwoven in our culture. It is high time we are appreciative of our culture and Ayurveda. Let us go back to our roots. Are you with me? Do you have similar doubts regarding your child’s diet? Then join our child care program today! We’ll help you. You can join our  Health Programs  for mind and body detox.   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.

Ayurvedic practices I would never do as a doctor

Coming from a family of Ayurvedic practitioners, Ayurveda has always been a part of my life. But it took me years and a personal experience to cement my trust in Ayurveda. I’ve diligently followed Ayurvedic practices in every aspect of my life since then. That includes things I have to avoid.      Things I won’t do as an Ayurvedic doctor    As an Ayurvedic doctor, here are 5 practices I would never do:      Waking up late For many years, I have been waking up at 5 am – be it on a regular day, during weekends, or even when I am on vacation. My first consult starts at 6 am every day and I am proud to say my team who assists me in my morning consults are also early risers. Waking up early before sunrise is, in fact, the first Ayurvedic daily routine mentioned in the Samhitas. Additionally, this practice sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.    Sleeping after 6 am I don’t do day naps. Like I always say, day napping is not for all. It is a Kapha increasing and Vata decreasing activity. You shouldn’t day nap if you are overweight or obese, consume oily and fatty foods excessively or if you have any Kapha-related conditions like diabetes, PCOS, hypothyroidism, etc.       Having cold water/drinks/juices or raw salads Raw salads, cold drinks, cold juices, cold water – all of these are Vata increasing and make digestion sluggish. You cannot live an Ayurvedic life without, therefore, taking care of your Vata!    Oiling hair overnight Leaving hair oil overnight is a 100% no-no for me. This may be a “traditional practice” but it is not an Ayurvedic practice.  Leaving oil overnight, consequently, increases the mucous and accumulation in the body.    Shower after meals As the sun sets, digestion also sets down. Hence if you eat after sunset, chances are you will not be able to digest the food completely leading to Ama- toxic waste build-up in the body. Showering is a cold practice. Digestion needs a warm environment. These two do not go well with each other. I try to take a shower 1 hour before a meal and never after a meal. If I have to, I would, however, do it after the meal has been completely digested.   As an Ayurvedic doctor, these are some of the practices I often recommend to my patients to avoid. Following the above-mentioned practices has been helping me lead a healthy life.       What are the changes you have brought to your life after you started following me? Let me know in the comments ❤️   You can join our  Health Programs  for mind and body detox.   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.

Holistic Healing in Ayurveda – The Ancient Science of Total Health

Ayurveda is often described as a “holistic” system of medicine.       But what does it mean for a medical system to be holistic, and why is Ayurveda considered one?      Here’s the answer.      Ayurveda teaches us to look at things from a macro level. Conversely, focusing too narrowly may often lead us to wrong conclusions.    Imagine asking a person who has never seen an elephant, for instance, to describe how an elephant looks by showing its trunk.  He might say that the elephant looks like a thick snake.     This is what happens when you don’t view things on a broader scale.      Treating the symptoms is of little use when you do not treat the whole person. This is why, in Ayurveda, we treat the whole person and not isolated symptoms.  Ayurveda looks at the whole person; in addition, it considers the link between their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.      Furthermore, Ayurveda recognizes that the human body and mind are connected to the environment and, in addition, the universe.” The system of medicine defines health as not merely the absence of disease, but a state of harmony and balance in the body, mind, and spirit.       Factors that influence the holistic state of well-being      To achieve this holistic state of well-being, Ayurveda, therefore, considers various factors that, in turn, influence an individual’s health.      Doshas   There are three Doshas (biophysical energies) – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that are present in everyone but in varying proportions.  Understanding one’s unique dosha constitution and imbalances is, therefore, essential for diagnosis and treatment.       Diet and nutrition   In Ayurveda, food is seen as medicine. What we eat affects not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being. A diet tailored to an individual’s body type (Prakriti), health conditions, and other factors, therefore, helps a person heal.     Lifestyle and daily routines   Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of daily routines and lifestyle choices. From sleep patterns to exercise, Ayurveda offers guidelines to maintain balance. By aligning daily activities with natural rhythms and considering one’s constitution, Ayurveda promotes overall health and well-being.       Medicines Ayurveda utilizes a vast array of herbs and natural remedies to treat various health conditions. In addition, practitioners recommend herbal preparations based on an individual’s Dosha and specific imbalances.     Yoga and meditation   Yoga and meditation have a huge role to play in promoting physical health; on the other hand, they also significantly contribute to mental health. These practices, therefore, help in reducing stress, improving flexibility, and aligning the body and mind; consequently, these elements are essential for holistic well-being.      Ayurveda acknowledges that individuals are unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and well-being.  If a person is suffering from health conditions, Ayurvedic treatment, therefore, involves diagnosing and treating the root cause. Furthermore, based on the diagnosis, all the above-mentioned factors are consequently considered to help the person heal.    That is why Ayurveda is called a “holistic” system of medicine.   Want to heal with Ayurveda? Book a consultation with me today!   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.