All About Pichu Treatment in Ayurveda

Have you always wanted a simple way to relieve pain, nourish the body and restore balance? Then, Pichu treatment is the answer.   It  is an ancient Ayurvedic method to get relief from joint pain, backaches, headaches and vaginal discomfort that has been used for centuries. Whether you’re suffering from chronic pain, stress or dryness, this therapy provides deep nourishment and healing.     The Power of Oil in Healing     Many people underestimate the power of oil therapy. However, Ayurveda emphasizes that oils act as carriers of healing properties, delivering nourishment deep into the tissues. Unlike modern pain-relief treatments that focus only on temporary relief, Pichu therapy works at the root cause, bringing long-term benefits.   Pichu is one of the most soothing and therapeutic treatments in Ayurveda, involving the application of a cotton pad soaked in warm medicated oil to a specific area of the body. The oil, infused with potent herbs, penetrates deep into the tissues, nourishing them, removing toxins, reducing inflammation and calming aggravated Doshas.    While it may sound simple, its effects are profound. This age-old technique not only relieves pain and stiffness but also calms the nervous system and promotes deep healing.     Pichu Treatment in Ayurveda     Pichu treatment is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridyam under Snehana (oleation therapy) and Panchkarma therapy.   The key to Pichu’s effectiveness is the warmth and the medicinal properties of the oil. Warm oil helps improve circulation, while the herbs in the oil provide targeted healing based on the condition being treated. Pichu is often used as a standalone treatment or as part of a Panchakarma detox therapy, especially for those suffering from neurological disorders, arthritis, joint pain, and stress-related ailments. The treatment is deeply relaxing and can be customized based on a person’s Dosha imbalance and specific health concerns.     Types of Pichu Treatments in Ayurveda     Pichu therapy is not just limited to one part of the body. Different types of Pichu can be used for various conditions, each offering unique benefits.     Yoni Pichu     ‘Yoni’ means ‘vagina’ and ‘Pichu’ means ‘cotton swab.’   One of the most remarkable uses of Pichu therapy is Yoni Pichu, a specialized treatment for women’s intimate health.   Many women suffer from vaginal dryness, burning sensation, itching, or discomfort, especially after menopause, childbirth, or due to hormonal imbalances. Vaginal health is often overlooked, and many women resort to synthetic lubricants, which may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying dryness or irritation.    If you have ever experienced any of these, this treatment could be life-changing for you. Yoni Pichu is a simple Ayurvedic remedy that can bring deep nourishment and healing to the vaginal tissues. It provides natural, long-lasting nourishment to vaginal tissues, improving overall intimate health.   How to perform Yoni Pichu   Take a sterilized tampon.  Dip the tampon in 15-20 ml of chosen oil until it gets fully soaked.  Lie down on your back with your knees bent.  Carefully insert the tampon inside your vagina as high as comfortable.  Make sure to pass the urine before you insert the tampon.  Leave it in place for about 20-30 minutes, then remove it gently.     Which oil should you use?   For pain in the vaginal area, use organic black sesame oil. For a burning sensation, use Shat Dhaut Ghrita (SDG cream). For vaginal itching, you can use Triphala Ghrita as well.   If vaginal dryness is due to menopause, using a combination of sesame oil and Triphala Ghrita can be very effective. The sesame oil provides deep hydration, while Triphala Ghrita balances vaginal pH and reduces inflammation.     Who should avoid Yoni Pichu?   If you are below 13 years old If you haven’t got your first period yet If you have never had sex During menstruation   This treatment is a natural alternative to chemical-based vaginal lubricants and can help women regain comfort and confidence in their intimate health.   Shiro Pichu   If you suffer from migraines, tension headaches, stress or insomnia, Shiro Pichu can be a powerful therapy. It involves placing an oil-soaked cotton pad on the crown of the head, allowing the medicated oil to penetrate and calm the nervous system.   ‘Shiro’ means head. In Ayurveda, the head is considered to be the inverted tree whose roots are at the top and trunk and branches spreading downwards. Just as the roots of the tree provide all the nourishment required for its growth, the head of the human body consisting of brain and major nerves provide the energy to the whole body. So, it’s crucial to maintain the health of the head with utmost care.    Shiro Pichu is particularly beneficial for those with aggravated Vata and Pitta Dosha. If you often feel restless, suffer from frequent headaches, or have trouble sleeping, this therapy can bring immense relief.   Benefits of Shiro Pichu   Relieves headaches and migraines Improves sleep quality Reduces scalp irritation and burning sensations Enhances mental clarity and concentration Provides strength to the weak nerves   Best oils for Shiro Pichu   Bhringraj oil – Great for stress and hair health Ksheerabala oil – Ideal for neurological imbalances Dhanwantharam oil – Reduces inflammation in the head and scalp   You can also add a gentle scalp massage after removing the Pichu pad to further relax the mind and improve circulation.     Greeva Pichu   Neck pain and stiffness are common in people who spend long hours at a desk or suffer from cervical spondylosis. Greeva Pichu helps relieve muscle tension and improves blood circulation in the neck area.     Benefits of Greeva Pichu   Great for relieving stiffness, nerve compression, and neck pain. Helps in cases of cervical spondylosis and frozen shoulder.     Best oils for Greeva Pichu:   Mahanarayana Thailam – Deeply nourishes muscles and joints. Karpuradi Thailam – Ideal for reducing pain and inflammation.   If you… Continue reading All About Pichu Treatment in Ayurveda

Onam: Celebrating Tradition with Ayurvedic Wisdom

In the Indian state of Kerala, it’s Onam festival in a few days.    Onam is one of the festivals that everyone in Kerala anticipates.   The festival celebrates harvest, mythology and tradition.    Beyond that, it is also when many Ayurvedic practices hold significance and go hand in hand with the traditions.    Let us learn more about it in this blog.    Tradition and Mythology   Onam festival is a mixture of traditions and mythology.    Celebrations are held to commemorate the legendary Asura king, King Mahabali, who is believed to have ruled Kerala.   The time of his reign was believed to be of unity, happiness, truthfulness, peace and prosperity.    It is believed that King Mahabali returns to Kerala to meet his subjects every year on Thiruvonam (the 10th day of Onam celebrations).    His return is celebrated with grand festivities, highlighting Kerala’s culture and traditions.    Beyond that, Onam teaches us the importance of values that once prevailed during the rule of King Mahabali.    These values are essential to building a harmonious society, which impacts your physical and emotional health.   Onam also marks the end of the monsoon season and the start of harvest season in the state.    Hence, Onam is also known as a harvest festival. The festival is celebrated with many cultural rituals, like Pookalam or flower carpets and traditional games.    The best part is the elaborate feast or Sadhya which is a blend of many flavours and tastes.    Beyond all that, Onam is also a time when many Ayurvedic principles come to the forefront.    They play an important role in restoring your physical, mental and spiritual health. Also, considering how the climate is stable during Onam, it is the best time to seek Ayurvedic treatments.    You can try cleansing therapies like Panchakarma to detoxify your body. Also, Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle practices help balance your Doshas and Agni (digestive fire).   When Ayurveda Aligns with Tradition   Kerala’s culture and lifestyle have incorporated Ayurvedic practices for a long time without intention.   Ayurveda believes in maintaining the harmony between body and nature.    That’s the same principle that Onam follows. The festival encourages us to live in alliance with nature.    The pookalam or flower carpet is one example. It is one ritual that honours the soil that sustains us and reminds us of our connection with nature.      Onam and Ayurveda   Many of Onam’s practices naturally align with Ayurvedic principles.    Sadhya   Sadhya or feast is a major part of Onam.    It consists of rice, side dishes, curries and pickles – all that form a potpourri of flavours.    We use natural and seasonal ingredients to prepare sadhya dishes.   Also, Sadhya satisfies all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent).    This is essential in maintaining a balanced diet according to Ayurveda.    Ayurveda recommends having foods that are warm, freshly cooked and easy to digest.  This holds true for Onam Sadhya.    The ingredients and spices used in the dishes are not only delicious, but they also have medicinal properties.    They help improve your digestion and boost your immunity.    Also, the sadhya is served in banana leaves, which is a sign of connection with nature.   Pookalam   Pookalam or the designs made of flowers on the ground is an important part of Onam.  People use ten varieties of flowers to make a pookalam. .    They include the following: Ceylon slitwort (Thumba) Little tree plant (Mukutti) Holy Basil (Tulsi) Hibiscus Ixora (Thechi) Butterfly pea (Shankhapushpi) Pagoda flower (Krishnakireedam) Golden trumpet flower (Kolambi poovu) White Orchid tree flower (Mandaram) Common Lantana (Aripoo)   Before,people used freshly plucked flowers to create pookalam. But now, most people buy them from the market.    The fresh flowers are rich in fragrance and colour, which is a way to connect us with nature.    Also, as you spend time creating pookalam, it makes you feel calm and mindful. This, in turn, helps your mental health.    Onam and Spirituality   Ayurveda is deeply rooted in spirituality.    The rituals of Onam have a spiritual connection and promote the messages of unity, love and balance. These qualities are all part of Ayurvedic philosophy.    Unity and harmony   Onam is a festival that is beyond the boundaries of religion, caste or financial status.    On the occasion of Onam, people from different walks of life, be it family or friends, get together to celebrate.    This unity and friendship displayed during the festival is equivalent to the Ayurvedic principle of Sattva which is the synonym of purity and balance.    This brings a significant impact on your mental health.    Gratitude   Onam is a celebration of harvest.    It is when the farmers receive the outcome of their months-long hard work.    Onam festival is, therefore, their way of expressing gratitude to nature.    The feeling of gratitude, therefore, stems from contentment. Consequently, this emotion reduces anxiety and stress.   Ayurvedic Principles in Modern Onam Celebrations   In today’s fast-paced world, Ayurvedic principles hold more significance than ever.    Onam has many Ayurvedic principles naturally integrated into its rituals.    Also, the festival being a symbol of unity, heritage and spirituality reminds us to live a balanced life in harmony with nature.    Consciously integrating Ayurvedic practices will help us further,    Going for Ayurvedic treatments around the time helps detoxify your body and strengthen your immune system.    It also helps boost your energy levels, which is very much needed during the festivities.    Onam is not just a festival that reflects Kerala’s culture, traditions and mythology, but also celebrates Ayurvedic principles.    The festival teaches us to experience a deeper connection with nature, harmony and togetherness.        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… Continue reading Onam: Celebrating Tradition with Ayurvedic Wisdom

Ayurvedic Treatment – Things to Know if you’re travelling to India

What does the word “Ayurveda” remind you of? For most people, especially if you’re not from India, it’s the massages (thanks to our tourism ads!. Massages are definitely a part of Ayurveda. But, beyond that, Ayurveda is  a traditional “system of medicine” like Allopathy or any other that helps you heal from diseases. As an Ayurvedic doctor, I can say from my experience that a large part of Ayurveda has been commercialised today to fit the modern society. But the truth is real Ayurveda is still relevant today. It has solutions to almost all health conditions. So, if you’re planning to come to India to experience Ayurveda, make sure that what you experience is real, authentic Ayurveda. And the best way to do that is understanding the basic Ayurvedic practices and principles you may come across and be well prepared.       Understanding Ayurveda     Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that primarily focuses on healing health conditions not by just suppressing the symptoms, but by treating the root cause and helping individuals be in their best of health.  That does not mean just physical health. Ayurveda emphasises the balance of mind, body, and soul in supporting health and wellness. Treatment in Ayurveda does not focus just on the symptoms of a health condition. Rather, it focuses on finding the root cause of your condition and healing from the bottom so that the disease does not recur in the long run.    Ayurvedic treatments are usually majorly through food and a combination of lifestyle practices and herbal medicines. Also, remember that anything that is Ayurvedic isn’t always safe. You cannot blindly follow an Ayurvedic diet or have Ayurvedic medicines without guidance.  Ayurveda believes that each person is different, in terms of their constitution, Dosha dominances and health conditions.  So, do not simply go for an Ayurvedic treatment just because your friend or relative tried it and got positive results.  It’s always best to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor to figure out a treatment plan that works best for you.     Popularity of  Ayurveda Among Foreigners     People have long started looking for natural ways to heal from health conditions rather than popping one pill after another. As a result, Ayurveda has seen a rise in popularity globally since COVID happened.  However, many countries still do not accept Ayurveda as a system of medicine. Hopefully, things would change with the growing popularity of Ayurveda around the world.      How to Prepare for Your Trip for Ayurvedic Treatment?   Here are some tips to follow before you start your Ayurvedic journey:   Research and Plan   Research well about Ayurvedic clinics or hospitals and ensure that the services they offer are authentic. Make sure that the doctors are well qualified. It’d be great if they prepare their own medicine at the clinic using traditional methods. A real Ayurvedic doctor will only recommend treatments to you based on factors like your body type (Prakriti), Dosha imbalances and health conditions.    Consult an Ayurvedic doctor   If the Ayurvedic hospital you opt for offers online consultations, go for it before flying down for treatment. In my online consultations, I talk to my patients to know about their health conditions and requirements in detail.  After I have a clear idea of their Prakriti, Dosha imbalances and health conditions, I come up with a treatment plan that works for them.  You should consult a skilled Ayurvedic doctor who can advise you on the treatments considering your Prakriti, Dosha and health conditions.   Pack Accordingly   Choose your outfits carefully, e.g. casual clothes for yoga/meditation sessions.  Take note of the climate, for example, monsoon in Kerala can be cold and summers can be hot and humid. So, pack accordingly.   Key Ayurvedic Treatments   Here are some common Ayurvedic treatments which you can have in India.   Sukha Chikitsa   If you are a generally healthy person, but would like to further enhance your health, Sukha Chikitsa works the best for you.  This treatment strengthens your immunity and boosts your energy levels, preventing you from being prone to diseases very often.    Panchakarma   If you’re someone who follows content related to Ayurveda, you might have come across this treatment.  Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic therapy that helps remove the accumulated toxins or Ama and rejuvenate your body through the following five steps:    Vamana Virechana Basti Nasya Rakta Moksha   Abhyanga   Abhyanga means massage. It’s the Ayurvedic treatment that involves massaging the whole body with, preferably, organic black sesame oil. Abhyanga helps improve blood circulation, reduce stress and improve overall health.   You can also do it at home.        Shirodhara   Shirodhara is one of the best treatments if you have a stressed mind.  During this treatment, medicated oil or liquids are poured in a continuous stream on the forehead. Shirodhara is known to pacify the mind, reduce stress and help in sleep.   Swedana     Swedana is an Ayurvedic steam therapy. In this treatment, sweat is induced in the body through different methods. It is one of the preparation procedures for Panchakarma.  Swedana opens up all pores of the body, releases toxins and relaxes muscles. Instead of choosing the treatments you need by yourself, it’s always safe to seek the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor.    Yoga and Meditation   Many Ayurvedic centres provide daily yoga and meditation sessions along with treatments.  Consult with your Ayurvedic doctor to check whether you need these sessions as you get treated.  Yoga and meditation help keep the equilibrium between mind, body and spirit. It promotes flexibility, acts as a great stress buster and makes the mind clearer.   Ayurvedic Diet   According to Ayurveda, a poor gut health is the main cause of all illnesses. And this is best treated through dietary corrections. Ayurveda sees food as medicine. This is one philosophy I strongly believe in and use in my treatment.  80% of my treatment is mainly through food. Only the rest 20% consists of herbal medicines,… Continue reading Ayurvedic Treatment – Things to Know if you’re travelling to India

Hormonal Imbalance Treatment with Ayurveda

As an Ayurvedic doctor, I often have patients consult me with different health conditions. And one of the reasons for some of the health problems, especially for women, is hormonal imbalances. Health conditions, such as PCOS, hypothyroidism, etc. are all results of hormonal imbalance.    In today’s fast-paced world, hormonal imbalances have become increasingly common. Factors such as stress, poor diet, environmental toxins and sedentary lifestyles can influence the balance of your hormones. The common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, weight gain and low energy levels. While conventional medicine offers solutions like hormone replacement therapy, many individuals seek natural alternatives to restore balance to their hormones without side effects.    In this blog, let us explore how Ayurveda offers natural methods to balance hormones effectively.   What is Hormonal Imbalance?   The endocrine system is made of endocrine glands. These glands secrete hormones that are necessary to carry out a variety of functions in our body. Endocrine glands do not have channels or ducts to carry these hormones. Therefore, hormones are discharged directly into the bloodstream. The pituitary gland, pineal gland, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes and ovaries are among the most crucial endocrine glands in the body.    Hormones play a crucial role in our growth, digestion, sexual desire and reproductive health. They are also responsible for our cognitive processes, emotions, regulating our body temperature, and satisfying our thirst.    An excess or deficiency of a hormone in the body can lead to hormonal imbalances and eventually diseases. This situation can occur due to various factors, such as feeling stressed, having a poor diet, or experiencing health issues.     Hormonal Imbalance as per Ayurveda   Ayurvedic texts do not have a direct mention of the endocrine glands. However, they do have mentions of symptoms due to the increase or decrease of hormones in different contexts.    Influence of Doshas on endocrine glands   Doshas cannot be considered as hormones, as they lack form and also because Kapha and Pitta Doshas are stagnant and need to be mobilized by Vata Dosha. However, their functioning can be considered similar to hormones.    Pituitary gland   The pituitary gland,  also known as the master gland, is located in the brain. This gland secretes hormones that control the operation of some of the other endocrine glands. Similarly, Prana Vata, Sadhaka Pitta and Tarpaka Kapha – subtypes of Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas are also located in the head. When these Dosha subtypes work together, they can be considered similar to the functions of the pituitary gland. Also, the Dosha subtypes have an influence on the pituitary gland and its functions.   Thyroid gland   Ayurveda considers the throat as the seat of kapha. This is exactly where our thyroid and parathyroid glands are situated. The movement of Udana Vata and Prana Vata – two of the Vata subtypes also happens in the throat. So, you can say that Kapha, Prana Vata and Udana Vata oversee and influence the functioning of your thyroid and parathyroid glands.    Adrenal glands and pancreas   Adrenal glands and pancreas are situated in the abdomen, which is also the seat of Ranjaka Pitta and Pachaka Pitta – Pitta subtypes, Kledaka Kapha – one of the Kapha subtypes and Samana Vata – a Vata subtype. Therefore, these Dosha subtypes do influence the functioning of the adrenal glands as well as the pancreas. Also, since the Udana Vata moves upwards from the navel towards the throat, it also has an influence on the endocrine glands.   Testes and ovaries   Similarly, the testes in men and ovaries in women are located in the pelvis, which is primarily the territory of Apana Vata. Therefore, the vata subtype oversees the functioning of the glands.      Treatment of Hormonal Imbalance with Ayurveda   Every year, I have a lot of patients who join my women’s hormonal health program as well as thyroid and PCOS reversal programs to have their hormonal imbalances corrected with Ayurveda. Though the treatment can vary with the health condition, Prakriti (body type) and Dosha imbalances of the patients, here are some of the common treatment approaches I follow.   Dietary Modifications   According to Ayurveda, poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases. If your digestive fire (Agni) is not in balance, it can affect your digestion. Food, when not digested, turns into Ama (toxins) and the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body can lead to diseases and even disrupt your hormonal balance. Therefore, treatment for hormonal imbalances with Ayurveda often focuses on improving digestive function mainly through dietary changes.   If you are someone who follows my Instagram page or reads my blogs, you might be aware of how 80% of my treatment involves food as medicine. Only the rest 20% involves medicines, that too if necessary. Therefore, my treatment plan for patients with hormonal imbalances primarily involves dietary corrections.   In Ayurveda, diet plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance. Foods are categorized according to their taste (Rasa), energy (Virya), and post-digestive effect (Vipaka), and individuals are encouraged to eat according to their Dosha type and current imbalances. For example:   Vata-pacifying foods, such as warm soups, cooked grains, and nourishing oils, can help calm the nervous system and balance Vata hormones.   Pitta-pacifying foods, such as cooling fruits, vegetables, and grains, can help reduce inflammation and balance Pitta hormones.   Kapha-pacifying foods, such as light, dry, and spicy foods, can help stimulate digestion and balance Kapha hormones.   Herbs, herbal remedies and herbal medicines   Some of the common herbs and medicines that help with hormonal imbalance according to Ayurveda include the following:   Licorice This is one of my favorite Ayurvedic herbs! Licorice or Mulethi helps regulate cortisol levels and supports the adrenal glands. You can have licorice in the form of tea, tonic or extracts, but with the advice of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.    Turmeric Curcumin – the active component of turmeric has anti-inflammatory… Continue reading Hormonal Imbalance Treatment with Ayurveda

Seasons Change, So Should Your Ayurveda Routine

With changing seasons, our bodies undergo various changes. You might experience Dosha imbalances, seasonal allergies, gut health issues due to varying digestive fire (Agni) and more. But you don’t have to worry! Ayurveda offers the perfect advices to take care of yourself with the changing seasons. In this blog, let us delve deeper into the principles of Ayurveda and how they guide us towards optimal health and wellbeing, particularly in alignment with the changing seasons.   Understanding Ayurveda   Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that focuses on the physical, mental and spiritual well being of a person. It is not just about treating health conditions; Ayurveda can also be considered as a way of life that ensures the overall wellness and well being of an individual.  At its core, Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique, with their distinct constitution, or “Prakriti,” which is determined by the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These Doshas govern various physiological and psychological functions in the body and are influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, environment and the changing seasons.   Seasonal Wellness from Ayurvedic perspective   According to Ayurveda, the key to maintaining good health lies in living in harmony with nature’s rhythms, including the cycles of the seasons. Each season influences the doshas with its own set of qualities.  Therefore, Ayurveda recommends seasonal adjustments to diet, lifestyle and daily routines to maintain balance and prevent imbalances or illnesses. For example, during the hot summer months, when Pitta Dosha tends to be aggravated, Ayurveda advises consuming cooling foods and beverages, such as fresh fruits, salads and herbal teas, to pacify excess heat in the body. Similarly, in the cold, dry winter months, when Vata Dosha may become imbalanced, nourishing and grounding foods like soups, stews and warm spices help to counteract the cold and keep Vata in check.   Ayurvedic Treatments for Seasonal Wellness   In addition to dietary and lifestyle recommendations, Ayurveda offers a wide range of treatments and therapies to support your health with changing seasons.    Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage)   Regular massage with organic sesame oil or Sheeta Tailam (during summers) helps to lubricate the joints, nourish the skin and calm the nervous system. These massages are particularly beneficial during the dry, cold winter months.   Panchakarma   This Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy involves a series of cleansing procedures designed to eliminate toxins from the body and restore balance to the Doshas. Health professionals often recommend Panchakarma during seasonal transitions to reset the body and boost immunity.   Herbal remedies Ayurveda employs a vast array of herbs with specific properties to address imbalances associated with each Dosha and season. For example, herbs like Tulsi are known for their adaptogenic and immune-enhancing properties. they, therefore, make an ideal choice for supporting overall health and well-being throughout the year.   Ayurveda and Seasonal Routines   Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicine take into account the natural properties of the elements. The different combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) form the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).  The varying characteristics, such as mass, heat, feel, compactness, etc., are present in nature, including the different seasons. These characteristics directly influence our physical, mental and overall well being.  Understanding the characteristics of each season is crucial for making necessary adjustments to your diet and lifestyle in order to maintain good health. The ancient Ayurvedic texts advise adhering to a schedule that aligns with the six distinct seasons in their region.  We will simplify things – routines, foods and more for each of the four seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. But they can vary depending on your location, your Prakriti and Dosha imbalances.    Routines for the Autumn season During autumn, Vata’s dominance brings cold, wind, dryness and restlessness. Adjust by adding warm foods and fats like ghee, dressing warmly, and having warm oil massages. Opt for seasonal foods, warm water, and less cold foods like salads.   Routines for the Winter season In Winter, colder weather worsens Vata and increases Kapha. Neglecting season-appropriate routines may lead Vata-dominant individuals to have dry, cracked feet, poor sleep and distress. Vata types can stick to Autumn routines. But Kapha types should opt for warm, light foods and aromatic spices like black pepper and mustard, with less oil.   Routines for the Spring season During Spring, increasing warmth melts built-up Kapha qualities, causing phlegm and allergies. For renewed energy, engage in more movement like walks, gym or yoga. Massage dryly, and consume warm, dry foods with bitter greens and spices. This season is also ideal for detox or Panchakarma.   Routines for the Summer season In summer, Pitta-dominant individuals must take extra care in the hot weather. Stay cool by avoiding midday sun, walking in forests and using Sheeta Tailam for massages. Try relaxing yoga and cooling pranayama, like Shitali and Sheetkari, along with meditation. Stay hydrated with drinks like coconut water, and have cooling and seasonal foods.   Consult an Ayurvedic Doctor   Incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your daily life isn’t just enough. It’s essential to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor for personalized guidance to ensure your overall well being. An Ayurvedic doctor assesses your Prakriti, identifies imbalances, and recommends personalized treatments.   Embracing Emotional and Mental Wellbeing   In addition to physical health, Ayurveda also places great emphasis on emotional and mental wellbeing. According to Ayurvedic teachings, the mind and body are intimately connected, and imbalances in one can manifest as symptoms in the other. Therefore, we encourage practices such as meditation, yoga, and Pranayama (breathwork).  They help promote relaxation, reduce stress and cultivate mental clarity and emotional balance. In this fast-paced world, Ayurveda reminds you to slow down, reconnect with nature and prioritize our health and well-being. By aligning our daily routines with the changing seasons and understanding our Prakriti, we can cultivate vibrant health, balance and vitality in our lives. So, let us embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda; furthermore, let us embark… Continue reading Seasons Change, So Should Your Ayurveda Routine

Ayurvedic treatment and its truth

When you think of Ayurvedic treatment , the first thing that comes to mind is Panchakarma and body massage. What if I tell you it is because your mind has been tuned to think so, thanks to the commercialized version of Ayurveda you often see in the various forms of marketing.  Do not believe in a friend, uncle, aunt or an Ayurvedic doctor who tells you ” Got skin issues, bone & muscular issues, chronic diseases, or just random headaches? Head to an Ayurvedic center, enroll yourself, and undergo a 15-day Panchakarma & body massages!”   That’s not “real” Ayurveda; that’s more of “commercial” Ayurveda!     The truth about Ayurvedic treatment     The truth is Ayurveda treatment is much more than Panchakarma and body massages. A few diseases may need Panchakarma first, but that’s only in “a few” of the diseases. For the rest, it is only the last line of treatment. Ayurvedic treatment for most diseases is about treating the root cause through dietary and lifestyle and medicines, if required. If the patient’s condition does not subside, the doctor may advise panchakarma. Panchakarma is all about detoxifying your body, i.e., removing the toxins (Ama) accumulated in your body. It is just one of the many parts of Ayurveda treatment. Unless you address the root cause of your health condition, panchakarma is really of no use.   Why I do not support “commercialized” Ayurveda   This is my own story and experience.  Before starting my practice, I worked in 2 clinics in Dubai and one in Kerala. In all these three clinics, I have been asked by the management to prescribe mandatory body treatments and Panchakarma for every single patient, whether the patient needed it or not. They offered me decent commissions for every treatment I prescribed. This was totally beyond my ethics of practicing Ayurveda, and I never lasted long in any of these places. From the point of view of the clinic, it was more commercially viable for them when they looked at their fixed and variable costs – the cost of rent of the facility, the salary of therapists, the medicines used for body treatments, the licenses, etc. However, that is not authentic Ayurveda. Ayurveda is all about understanding the patient in and out. It includes understanding their body constitution (Prakriti), lifestyle, health conditions and prescribing a treatment plan that is best suited for them. If it does not get better, you can try body treatments. If you have a disease, do not jump into getting admitted and doing panchakarma and body treatments.  First, consult an authentic Ayurvedic doctor who will help figure out the root cause of your health condition and offer you a personalized treatment plan that involves dietary and lifestyle changes and medicines, if needed. They’d recommend Panchakarma if it’s absolutely necessary.   Choose “real” Ayurveda   Certain conditions require panchakarma, and it is vital. However, today, people misuse it to the extent that every disease treatment begins and ends with panchakarma and body treatments. I never lasted long in any of these clinics as I would not change a bit from my ideologies and ethics of practicing a system in which I have invested my whole life in. That was the triggering point to not depend on any clinic and start my own. I know I am talking about a billion-dollar industry, but it is what it is. Let us bring back real Ayurveda treatment !   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.

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.