Managing Chronic Health Conditions With Ayurveda

The prevalence and rise in the number of people suffering from chronic health conditions globally has sharply grown. From autoimmune disorders and diabetes to obesity and arthritis, chronic conditions significantly affect the quality of life of those suffering.  The growing number of people suffering from chronic disorders has placed a substantial strain on the healthcare systems and resources. The figures of deaths in India and across the world accounted for by diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases are alarming.  These NCDs (non-communicable diseases) are a leading cause of death. Obesity is a global endemic that has increased the instances of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Recently, many have turned to Ayurveda to address this health crisis mainly because of its distinctive perspective of balancing the body’s doshas and integrating it with simple lifestyle practices.   Ayurveda as a holistic therapy   Ayurveda is a healing system that encompasses the body, mind, and spirit. It emphasizes lifestyle management to treat health conditions. AThe system of medicines provides a personalised approach to address the imbalances. When the Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas are not in balance, the body can develop chronic illness.  Healing this imbalance involves detoxification, improvement in digestion and stress reduction strategies. A person with a Vata imbalance can have  warm and moist foods while a person with Pitta imbalance can have cooling and calming foods.  Chronic health conditions are the result of internal and external factors that result in toxin (Ama) build-up and reduced digestive fire (Agni) according to Ayurveda. Physiological influences, genetic predispositions and environmental factors contribute to the development of chronic conditions. Chronic illness is attributed to a lack of energy. Improper lifestyle habits can cause toxins to build up.    What are chronic health conditions?   Let us understand chronic illnesses – those that last a long time, often a lifetime. They are most often autoimmune like neurological conditions, chronic pain and metabolic imbalances. Chronic conditions differ from acute conditions as their symptoms are persistent leaving the patient in pain, emotional pressure and social reclusiveness.  Globally, it is noticed that chronic conditions are a major issue as they are prolonged and require continual medical attention. Ayurveda has been effective in treating chronic health conditions at a nascent stage and they can be prevented from worsening. It goes to the root of a problem and treats it rather than suppressing the symptoms. Today’s fast-paced life, dietary and activity changes, have given rise to increasing prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Obesity and smoking are associated with these conditions. The incidences of diabetes have also sharply risen.  Such chronic health conditions have to be managed with a strict diet lest it affect other organs like the eyes, heart, nerves and kidneys. Arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can be managed with an early diagnosis and treatment therapy.  Rheumatoid arthritis results in inflamed joints and degenerated joint cartilage. Patients suffering from this chronic condition suffer swelling and pain resulting in reduced joint mobility.   Autoimmune Diseases   Autoimmune diseases are mostly treated with immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the symptoms. However, as per Ayurveda, the gut and lifestyle will need rectification to address the malfunctioning immune system. Various herbs such as Maricha, Shunthi, Saindhav Lavan, Pippali and Haritaki can reduce the toxin build-up. Ayurvedic herbs such as Vasa, Guggulu, Neem, Guduchi and Patola Patra help rectify metabolism. It is important to boost Ojas to provide the immune system with nourishment. The immune system is then corrected by calming and nourishing it.   Asthma   Asthmatic patients suffer from recurrent bouts of wheezing and breathlessness. Asthma is usually associated with irritants and allergens. While steroids and inhalers are prescribed to patients, the patient suffers a reduced quality of life.  Ayurveda incorporates herbs like cardamom, licorice, Tulsi, Pippali, cinnamon and Vasaka to relieve airway blockage and congestion. Incorporating herbal teas, warm soups and cooked vegetables can also help.  It’s also important to follow regular mealtimes. Avoid smoke, pollution, pollen and dust to avoid triggers. Certain yoga postures and pranayama can strengthen respiratory muscles and open the chest.   Chronic Gut Issues   Treating gut-related and digestive issues involves the incorporation of a wholesome diet along with a healthy daily routine, exercise and medicines (if necessary). The diet aligns with the body constitution (Prakriti), health conditions and Dosha imbalances.    Ayurvedic treatments to treat chronic conditions   Following Ayurvedic practices can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent disease progression. Ayurvedic treatments begin with identifying the Dosha (body energy) imbalance in the body. With therapies, oils and diet correction, Ayurveda helps treat anti-inflammatory conditions to manage chronic health conditions.   Panchakarma   Panchakarma is a detoxification therapy that helps remove toxins and rejuvenate the body. This five-pronged specialized treatment encompasses therapeutic oil enemas (Basti), massage with herbal oils (Abhyanga), herbal steam practice (Swedana), purgation (Virechana), and Nasya (nasal medication).  Panchkarma prevents tissue damage and prevents recurrence of autoimmune disorders.    Lifestyle routines   Ayurvedic regimen involves Dinacharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen). These encompass: Waking up before sunrise Tongue scraping and oil pulling Abhyanga or self-massage Yoga Breathing exercises (pranayama) Meditation Retiring early at night   Following a routine consistently helps strengthen the mind-body connection and lower stress levels.   Benefits of following an Ayurvedic way of life   Ayurveda emphasizes mindful eating. You should avoid overeating and distractions during mealtimes. The lifestyle and diet can be modified as per the season and also the Prakriti of the person.  The usage of oils helps in lubricating joints and can assist those suffering from arthritis. Good sleep hygiene can also go a long way in keeping several chronic conditions at bay. Meditative practices help strengthen the mind-body connection and lower the stress levels.  A calm mind can handle the stresses associated with the fast-paced lifestyle of today.  If you need any help with your diet or health conditions, reach out to us anytime!

Treatment for Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Ayurvedic Treatment of PCOS   Ayurveda considers PCOS as “artava dushti” which translates to menstrual abnormality. This happens due to vitiation of Vata, Pitta & Kapha. However, the highs and lows of vitiation varies from patient to patient. There are various treatment in Ayurveda for PCOS.       Types  of   Treatment protocols     1 – Vihara (Lifestyle)   Sleep is the most important parameter to corrected as sleep irregularities are one of the main causes of PCOS as per Ayurveda Moderate exercise to half of one’s strength and capacity is ideal. No extreme, strenuous workouts are advised. Meditation, breathing exercises like Kapalbhati, daily Abhyanga (oil massages) are also helpful.    2 – Ahara (food)   A customized diet that balances the vitiated doshas is ideal. Eg. If the patient presents with PCOS due to excess Kapha imbalance, the diet should be light. Vata imbalance – the diet should be nourishing. Reducing inflammatory foods like black gram, yoghurt and night shades like capsicum, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants etc will also help. Overall, having light, easily digestible well cooked foods with good fats added is important.    3 – Internal medicines   In my practice, for most cases of PCOS that come to me, I do not usually prescribe medicines. I put them on a 3-month diet and routines protocol based on their imbalance and they get better. In cases where internal medicines are required, there is no one-size fits all in Ayurveda. The medicines vary from patient to patient depending on the imbalances.       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 the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life.   If you are suffering from PCOS, you can take our three-month PCOS Reversal Program. You can also join our other Health Programs for mind and body detox. And If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also follow me on Instagram.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        … Continue reading Treatment for Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)