Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma [Shwas rog]

In today's stressful modern urbanised living, incidence of Asthma is considerably increasing. The rapid industrialisation , excessive crowding , Increasing pollution are some of the factors responsible for this increase in incidence of Bronchial Asthma.
It has been stated that 15% of Indian population suffers from Asthma and in developed countries like USA every year there is 10% increase of Asthmatic patients
Every now and then we come across patients of Asthma seeking Ayurvedic treatment and advice. This is because of the versatile approach of Ayurveda to root cause of the problem and it's belief in preventing the disease rather than treating it.
Ayurvedic Concept : In Ayurveda, Asthma is known as 'Swas Roga'

Samprapti (Pathogenesis) : The vitiated 'Pranvayu' combines with deranged 'Kapha dosha' in the lungs causing obstruction in the 'Pranavaha srotasa'(Respiratory passage). This results in gasping and laboured breathing. This condition is known as 'Swas Roga'
Types of Asthma : Five types of 'Swas Roga' are described in Ayurvedic texts
1]Maha-shwas
2]Urdhva-shwas
3]Chinna-shwas
4]Tamak-shwas
5]Kshudra-shwas
Among these five types first three are not curable. 'Tamak-shwas is 'yapya'(Controllable) and is difficult to cure. The last one is curable. More than 75% of the cases belong to last two catagories.

Cause of Asthma :
A] Factors related to diet:Excessive indulgence in lablab beans ,black grams, raw milk, soar curd, excess salt, flesh of aquatic and wet land animals.
Excessive use of 'Ruksha'(dry) and 'Guru'(heavy) diet, excessive use of cold water and cold drinks.
Excessive use of 'Abhishandi'(Kapha producing) diet, Excessive use of not easily digestible and irritant food.
B] Factors related to work :Excessive exposure to dust and smoke.
Excessive wind, cold, cold bath or excessive heat, sun bath.
Exhaustive exercise, walking, excessive sexual activities.
Supression of natural urges
Psychological factors
C] Other Factors :Trauma to vital organs viz. - chest, throat
Asthma may be as a sequaelae in other diseases like -
Fever, Long standing common cold, Tuberculosis , Anaemia, Heart disease, Poisoning etc.
Preventive Tips for Asthma : 

1. Avoid cold and damp places.
2. Go for morning or evening walk, do yoga mainly 'Pranayama'
   
3. Avoid over eating . Take light dinner one hour before going to bed
   
4. Avoid Tobacco, wine and smoking
   
5. Keep rooms well ventilated . Avoid air conditioners, coolers and direct air of fan
   
6. Avoid perfumes , Agarbatti. Mosquito repellents
   
7. Drink boiled water in plenty
   
8. Avoid over exercise and over indulgence in sex
   

       
        Treatment for Asthma :
A] During attacks - Apply warm 'Til tail' over chest and back .Apply fomentation
        Take 'sunth powder'1/4 tea spoon+'Kali mirch' 6+'Kala namak 1/4 teaspoon+ 5 leaves of 'Tulsi' Boil this mixture in 200 ml water reducing it to 50 ml. Filter and sip it.
        Medicines -Ayurvedic medicines are very safe and cure the problem to a great extent. Few common medicines are -Swaskuthar ras, Sitopaladi choorna, Vasavleha etc.
B] Treatment in between Attacks - 'Rasayan -chikitsa is advocated for'Pranvaha shrotasa'(Respiratory system). For example -1] 'Vardhaman pippali rasayana.'
2] Take 'Agastiprash' - 2 tsf daily.
3] Lung Tonic - Make paste of Black resin,dates, long pippali and honey,in equal quantity.Take one teaspoonful of it morning and evening with warm milk.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common ailment for which Ayurvedic help is being sought these days.

Disease process in Arthritis:

         According to Ayurveda mostly pains are caused by the aggravation of vata (air) dosha. Arthritis is a condition which is caused by accumulation ofama and aggravation of vata. (Ama is a toxic by-product of improper digestion. )This ama circulates in the whole body and deposits or gets collected at the sites which are weaker. When it deposits in the joints and at the same time there is aggravation of vata , it results in a disease called amavata. Thisamavata is arthritis.

Remedies for Arthritis:

• As described above ama and vata are the main causes, so efforts should be made to digest amaand to reduce the vata. The digestion should be improved so that no further ama is produced. Efforts should be made to relieve the pain and inflammation. This is the line of treatment according to Ayurveda.
• Fasting is very beneficial for digesting the ama. The fasting be complete or partial depending on the strength of the person, season and place. Two tea spoons of lemon juice mixed in 250 ml. of warm water and a tea spoon of honey is good to take twice a day -morning and evening.
• body massage with sesame or mustard oil helps to reduce the vata and thus reduce the pain. The joints affected by pain can be massaged for longer time.
• Light exercise is useful but you must know your limits: as a general rule if any exercise, including walking, causes pain after one hour, you have crossed your limit.
• Liberal intake of orange juice or sweet limejuice or Vitamin C enhances the efficacy of any anti rheumatic drug, since Vitamin C can reduce skeletal pain.
• Guggul is a very helpful herb for curing arthritis. If available it can be taken in one to 3 gm dose twice a day after meals with warm water. BUY GUGGUL ONLINE
  Contra-indications: Not recommended for people with kidney disease or acute rashes.

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Diet and Regimen for Arthritis:

• Foods which are easily digestible and do not make wind or gas are good. Vegetable juices and soups are good. Juices of carrot, beat root and cucumber mixed together is also beneficial. Green salad with a dressing of lemon juice and a little salt is also good. Fruits like apples, oranges, grapes and papaya can be taken. Cooked vegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin are good. Cooking with spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, asafetida, garlic, fennel and turmeric is also helps a lot.
• Avoid eating hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets, wind forming foods like cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and potatoes should be prohibited. Avoid taking too much tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate and cocoa, excessive smoking
• Sleeping during day time, staying up late in the night and mental tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief etc., should be given up. Regular physical exercise and every day massage with oil, once or twice a week, should form an important part of life style.

Ayurveda For Alzheimer's - Part 2

Treatment Modalities for Alzheimer’s disease in stages: 
Stage 1:
No impairment.
Normal functions. Candidates do not exhibit any memory problems to the Doctor.
What Happens in the brain? No remarkable changes.
Healthy brain, cerebral cortex and Hippocampus.
Treatment modalities aimed at preventing Alzheimer’s:

• Wholesome diet to the mind and body.
• Regulated life style
• Being a good judge in differentiating between good and bad. And acting accordingly.
• Not getting too much engrossed in sensory pleasures.
• Learn sharing, when you give your possessions you give very little when you surrender your self it is true giving. When you give with joy that is the reward. When you withhold it you perish.
• Treat every one equally, looking at both pleasure and pain with an equal eye. Look upon well wishers and neutrals as well as mediators, friends and foes, relatives and objects of hatred, the virtuous and the sinful with the same eye.
• Be truthful, to yourself and to your dealings in life. People who lie are under a constant fear and stress. Try to know the truth of this life. The mind, body the senses and the gross or the physical body are all perishable, and hence do not grieve on this body. The soul residing in this body is eternal and imperishable therefore do not grieve over it.
• Be free from malice, friendly and compassionate towards all beings and always be forgiving by nature.
• Look after elders and keep yourself engaged in their service. When you work with love you bind yourself to yourself, to one another and with god.

These Diet modalities and life style habits have been formulated for each and every individual. Though these may look a little impracticable and a little heavy if you abide by them even in the slightest way the mind is less disturbed and more tranquil on the contrary if you do not abide them conflict occurs in the subconscious realms and these cause mental disturbances and diseases.
Stage 2:
Very mild cognitive decline
The candidates feel as if they have memory lapses. When they are talking and may forget familiar words, names or every day objects but may not exhibit during a checkup.
What happens in the brain?
Mild disease; moderately enlarged ventricles, shrinking cortical. And Hippocampus.
Treatment:

• Wholesome diet and lifestyle.
• Pranayama: Breathing techniques to rejuvenate your brain cells. The main effects of Pranayama manifest in the nervous system and in the subtle psychic energy body .The breath is known as thread of life and depending on it’s action the entire life process is refined, balanced or else thrown out of proper order.
• Panchakarma therapy. A special part of treatment in Ayurveda aiming at removal of toxins from the body and servicing it for a better efficacy.
• Shiro Dhara: Medicated liquids are poured on the head with an appliance called as Dhara patra which is suspended from the ceiling or from the bracket of the dhara table. Promising treatment in maintaining the restoration of necessary oxygen, blood supply and glucose to the brain cells.
• Nasya. All medications and therapies administered through the nasal passage are called as Nasya. This therapy is considered the best and the most specific treatment for the diseases of the head because when the medicines are administered through the nose they spread throughout the head and it’s constituent parts and influence all the beaneries and the diseases situated in these parts.
• Shiro Basti: A therapy where medicated oil is kept on the head for a specific period with the help of a cap. This is recommended for diseases like Parkinson’s, Hemiplegia, mind and generalized cerebral atrophy.
• Shiro lepa: Application of medicated pastes on the scalp is called as Shirolepa and is recommended for all psychic disorders.
• Rejuvinating medicines like Brahmi, to keep the brain cells well nourished. Ayurvedic mineral supplements given to normalize the depleted tissue elements. Chyavanprash
• Educating on the benefit of developing hobbies such as drawing, sculpturing dancing etc and playing indoor games like scrabble, computer games, chess etc.

Stage 3:
Mild cognitive decline. Friend’s family and coworkers begin to notice changes in memory, concentration and behavioral pattern.
Clinically recognizable by the physicians.
What happens in the brain? Severe disease severely enlarged ventricles, severe shrinkage of Hippocampus and severe cortical shrinkage.
Treatment.
1.Continue Stage 2 treatment.
2.Good nursing care

Ayurveda For Alzheimer’s - Part 1

Those who had seen Mrs. Wagle in early eighties had picturised her as a lady of Magnetic personality, proud and totally confident - an epitome of a devoted wife and an excellent homemaker. She was a pillar of strength for the functioning of the rest of the household and a wife who would stay night after night with her husband in ill health and praying him back to health with rock bound faith. Today Mrs. Wagle after almost 20Years is unperturbed, unconcerned and undisturbed even on death of her husband. She has sunk into profound memory loss and failed to recognize even her husband --- a disease medically termed as Alzheimer’s (dementia) a brain disorder which is irreversible.
Mrs. Wagle underwent Hysterectomy in mid eighties. Shortly after this she started having problems of short-term memory loss. Forgetfulness is a natural part of menopause and ageing and none of them considered getting an expert evaluation done for her. In two years they noticed that there was a decline in her ability of managing finances or making calculations. She started developing an escapist behavior and would simply shrug from undertaking new activities and complex tasks. These are initial signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
The disease slowly progressed to long-term memory loss. She developed loss of reasoning; difficulty in communicating with others, decreased judgment abilities and found it difficult even in performing daily activities. Initially, precaution had to be taken to ensure safety and comfort because she was prone to wandering and getting lost.
In mid eighties, she sank into moderate degree of dementia. She had profound memory loss that interfered with her daily activities and she needed help from others to complete them. She was in a state of confusion and her judgment power also was severely impaired. Her sleep pattern suffered and there was hostility and verbal outburst in her behavior pattern. Most of the time she had a vacant look in her eyes.
In late nineties Mrs. Wagle was graded as having severe dementia. She developed severe impairment of mind and body. She no longer recognized her spouse and children. She had no sense of time or current location. Verbal communication was decreased to a point of phrases or mere syllables. This was when her husband passed away in the year 2000. Recently her communication degenerated to complete inability to speak. She was in the bed needed help for dressing, bathing, grooming, eating and toileting. Though her heart was ticking she was unaware of her surroundings.
What happens in Alzheimer’s? 
People with Alzheimer’s experience difficulties in communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning. These problems are so severe that they could affect the individual’s work, social activities and family life.
Inside the brain are hundreds of billions of nerve cells connected by trillions of fibers called axons and dendrites .The activity between them controls your thoughts, feelings, drives, aspirations, and personality. This control center of all that you do think and feel is very vulnerable to its environment as it floats in a bath of cerebrospinal fluid just like a fish in a tank absorbs whatever is put in the tank. In Alzheimer’s disease many conditions like the reaction to foods drugs, herbs, body activities, lifestyles and sometimes genetic mapping etc create a confused interlacing of these fibers followed by neurotic plaques, granular vascular degeneration, Brain sink age and decreased amount of brain chemicals involved in communication called neuro transmitters. All of these changes impair the function of the brain cells and eventually lead to cellular death. The sad part is unlike other cells the brain is unable to regenerate new neurons.
Ayurveda terms this as smruthi nasha, caused by the depletion of dhatus or tissue elements and upward movement of the excessively accumulated bio energies. Intellect is pure, transparent, sharp, accurate, and subtle. The abode of intellect, which is the carrier of the three types of gunas- satvik, rajasik, tamasik, gets disturbed and their balance is lost. Satvik guna, which represents purity and consciousness, gets visually impaired by rajas, (the attribute of mind which usually represents energy and dynamism) and. Tamaa ,(the attribute of mind representing passivity and ignorance). manovaha srotas channels carrying cyclic impulses principally responsible for memory is kindled by the satva or the intellect.When this is completely evolved in tamaha or darkness the person is effected and there is malfunctioning of the mental activities. It is easier to prevent alzhimer’s then looking for treatment for correcting it.

Coping up with Alcohol

Getting clean from any substance isn’t easy. There are a variety of social, emotional, and cognitive factors that can contribute to the addiction in the first place, and more still that can weigh on a person after the habit stops. Overcoming withdrawal symptoms is one of the first steps toward becoming alcohol-free for the long-term. It can be hard to do but getting clean is possible. Here at Futures of Palm Beach, we can help.

Understanding Withdrawal

For those severely addicted to alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can begin to set in less than a few hours after the last drink. Symptoms of withdrawal can include hand tremors, heart palpitations, dehydration, irregular blood sugar levels, nausea, sweating/hot flashes, insomnia/restlessness, and seizures, according to the American Family Physician.

It is estimated that approximately 2 million Americans each year go through some form of alcohol withdrawal, while only 10 to 20 percent of them are treated at hospitals or other health facilities. Getting treatment for alcoholism is absolutely imperative, especially if you have a heavy drinking problem. As is the speculation with the late singer Amy Winehouse, the effects of alcohol withdrawal can be so intense for some drinkers that the symptoms can become fatal. If you fit into this category, you should seek medical attention immediately for help with alcohol withdrawal.

Ways to Cope With Alcohol Withdrawal

Medically assisted detox from alcohol can be very crucial for some users but other coping techniques should not be ignored. For those with mild cases of alcoholism and those coming out of detox, there are still many emotional, psychological, and social factors that need to be dealt with. The urge to drink may still be there, but by exercising healthy coping strategies, you can ultimately free yourself of addiction.

• Drink water and replenish electrolytes to ward off feelings of dizziness, fatigue, and vomiting during withdrawal. This will also help with dehydration, an affliction many recovering alcoholics can suffer.
• Balance blood sugar levels by eating healthy fruits and vegetables. Alcohol can do damage to the liver, the organ that helps to metabolize sugar in your body. Because alcohol is metabolized into sugar, your body needs to balance itself out with the loss of alcohol.
• Develop a support system of friends, family, and peers to help talk you through cravings and other stressors related to your recovery.
• “Urge surf” through the desire to drink. “Urge surfing” is when you ride out the craving without fighting it and without giving in. The idea behind it is that your craving will subside quicker and you’ll learn to ride the wave through cravings.
• Avoid bad influences or drinking situations to keep temptation at bay.
• Medications like benzodiazeprine and disulfram can be used to ease some withdrawal symptoms.
• Employ relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga to balance yourself.
• Remember why you quit drinking! At one point you said to yourself “enough is enough.” When you’re coping with withdrawal, sometimes your brain can forget those reasons. Keep in mind the reasons why you wanted to quit in the first place to keep you on the right track.

Getting Help for Alcoholism

If you have found yourself wanting to quit drinking but can’t, call us at Futures of Palm Beach today. We understand the intricacies of addiction and know how alcoholism can impact your life. Whether you need intensive inpatient or outpatient care, or you just want someone to talk to, we can provide the support you need.

Alcoholism or Alcohol Abuse

Alcoholism or Alcohol Abuse is a disease that involves physical and psychological addiction to the drug alcohol. It is chronic, progressive and often fatal. Alcoholism is a major social, economic and public health problem, involved in over half of all unnatural deaths and almost half of all traffic fatalities. A high percentage of suicides involve the use of alcohol in combination with other substances. Additional deaths are related to long- term medical complications associated with the disease. The life-span of an alcoholic is shortened by an average of 15 years, as a result of the various complications of the disease.
This is why it’s best for an alcoholic to get treatment or even check into top alcohol rehabs with private rooms, if they can afford it, before it’s too late.

Alcoholism: causes and risk factors 
Heavy drinking over time -Drinking steadily and heavily over time can lead to dependence by altering the levels of certain brain chemicals, causing to crave alcohol to restore positive feelings or avoid negative ones. At-risk drinkers are men who consume 15 or more drinks a week, women who consume 12 or more drinks a week, or anyone who consumes five or more drinks per occasion at least once a week. (One drink is defined as a bottle of beer; a glass of wine/ spirits)
Genetics -genetic makeup may cause brain chemical imbalances and make more susceptible to alcohol dependency. Genetic factors may account for about half the total risk for developing alcoholism
Psychological factors- Some people drink to relieve stress, anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. Having certain clinical emotional disorders, such as severe depression, increases the risk for alcoholism. Social and cultural factors- social environment, which includes elements such as peer pressure, availability of alcohol and social acceptance of its use may also encourage the development of alcoholism.
Age - People who start drinking in their teens or earlier are at higher risk of becoming alcoholic. Rates of alcohol abuse are highest in people aged 18-29, and lowest among those 65 and older.
Gender - Men are more likely to become alcoholics, although the incidence of alcoholism among women has increased over the past 30 years.
Symptoms and signs of alcoholism 
Alcoholism includes the following general symptoms:

• Craving: a compulsion to drink.
• Tolerance: If the body is alcohol-dependent, it might need to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to feel its effects.
• Memory problems; confused or sluggish thinking; difficulty concentrating.
• Losing interest in activities that used to bring you pleasure.
• Mood changes (anger, irritability).
• Personality changes (becoming jealous or distrustful).
• Neglecting your physical appearance.Physical symptoms may include:
  
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shaking in the morning
• Poor eating habits and loss of appetite
• Stomach pain or cramps or Diarrhea
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the legs and hands
• Red eyes, face or palms
• Unsteady walking or falls
• Blacking out

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may vary from mild to severe. The more common, milder symptoms may include:

• . Craving: a compulsion to drink.
• . AutonomicHyperactivity- sweating,Tachycardia,Hypertension,Hyperhydrosis,Pupilarydil ation
• . Tremors-Eye lids, Tongue, Hands
• . Restlessness
• . Anxiety
• . Shaking hands
• . Insomnia
• . Increased heart rate
• . Rapid breathing
• . Increased blood pressure
• . Elevated temperature and sweating
• . Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting

Severe withdrawal symptoms, or delirium tremens (DTs), may include

• . Extreme agitation
• . Seizures (Rum Fits)
• . Delusions or hallucinations- Tactile, Visual, Auditory

Allergic Rhinitis

As per the World Allergy Organization, allergic rhinitis and asthma are on a rise in India. Currently with an incidence rate of 26%, allergic rhinitis is more prevalent than its associated disease asthma with an incidence rate of 10-12%.

With increasing incidences of allergic disorders, it is important to take care.

Allergic rhinitis is the most common of the allergic diseases. Caused by dust, mite, animal dander and pollen, it is characterized by running nose, sneezing, congestion, itching sensation in nose and eyes.

Pollen allergy is caused by pollen grains and characterized by early morning sneezing in pollen seasons, slight rise in temperature and watery eyes. Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). It is characterized by cough, congestion and wheezing.

What is Allergy?
Allergies are abnormal reactions of the immune system to substances that are otherwise harmless. When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to react. Eyes, nose, lungs, skin and stomach are most prone to react to allergies. Allergens are foreign substances that can cause an allergic reaction. Pollen, dust, mite, food are common allergens.

Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory allergies : 
Ayurveda or the Science of Life has answers for respiratory allergic disorders. There are many preparations explained in the text books of Ayurveda and found to be useful in the management of allergic respiratory disorders. Herbs likeHaridra (Turmeric) , Tulasi (Holy Basil) and Adulasa (Vasaka) are widely used in treating such disorders. The anti-inflammatory properties of Haridra help in effectively combating allergies, Tulasi helps promote optimum respiratory comfort by reducing the symptoms of allergy, while Vasaka normalizes the lung function. It contains active compound vasicine, which is brancho-dialator.
Other common type of Allergy is Hay Fever

Allergies

Allergies occur when a hypersensitive immune system reacts to a common or unusual substance. In some people it is hereditary, but one can also develop an allergyat any time in his or her life. Any substance, whatever its origin, is a possible allergen. Foods, chemicals in foods, medicines, and environmental factors, includingpollen, parasites, dust, animal hair, and chemical toxins, for example, can all cause allergic reactions almost anywhere in the body.

Ayurveda sees ama (toxins) and low immunity as the primary causes of most allergies. Ama can settle at the digestive level or in the various tissues, with different symptoms at each level. Ama toxicity aggravates blood and Pitta, or it can aggravate Kapha, with different symptoms.

HAY FEVER
Most of us are familiar with the symptoms of hay fever, or seasonal allergies, whether we have them ourselves or know someone else who does have- runny nose,sneezing, itching eyes, scratchy throat, and itching, swelling, or hives on the skin. Often, people seem to have a cold. With more severe reactions, one might suffer from asthma and other breathing difficulties, aches and pain, gastrointestinal reactions (for example, diarrhea), or rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Seasonal allergies can occur anytime, but they occur most often during spring and early summer, when plants and trees are flowering and producing pollens, the most common allergens. Seasonal allergies are also fairly common in the fall - many people are sensitive to the molds produced by decaying leaves and other plants. Animal feathers, hairs and dust cause similar symptoms.

Ayurveda sees hay fever as a Kapha-Pitta disorder; however, people with a Vata constitution suffer most from it, because it is also due to immune disorder and hypersensitivity of the nervous system:

Symptoms & Dosha predominance-

* Vata aggravation often produces headache, insomnia, and anxiety.

* Pitta aggravation produces yellow nasal discharge, feverish feeling, burning eyes, and skin rashes.

* Kapha aggravation produces whitish sputum and heaviness and dullness in the body. If the sinuses are congested, there may be a dull headache around the region of sinuses.

General Treatment

[A] Home Therapies

In all cases, nasal medication is recommended for controlling and preventing seasonal allergies. Use medicated sesame oil made with licorice, agaru (aquilaria agallocha), bilva (aegle marmalos), kantakari (solanum xanthocarpum), lotus, and nutgrass. Then put one drop in each nostril at bedtime. Use this for 4 weeks.

Medicated oil specialy prepared for Nasya ' Amrut Bindu' is very effective.

[B] Herbs

For Vata & Kapha - Take trikatu (dry ginger, black pepper and long pepper powder in equal amount) 20 mgm.+ basil 250 mgm. + 10 mgm. cloves, camphor, and coriander each. It is advisable to take this mixture 3 times a day with warm water. Start before hay fever season. & take the mixture till the season is over.

[C] Diet

Avoid heavy foods, cold drinks, and dairy products (including cheese and yogurt), that increase Kapha and decrease digestive fire. Also, follow diets that rebalance your own pattern of doshic imbalance.

Vata treatment

Home Therapies

* Follow the " Unit increase/unit decrease "Rasayana treatment described in the section on asthma.

Pitta Treatment

* During an attack with Pitta aggravation, take a tea made with licorice, cardamom, and santalum album. For making tea - take equal proportion of dried herbs + 4 times water. Boil it. Reduce till 1/4th.

For Pitta pacification, bitter herbs & blood cleansing herbs like dandelion, barberry or echinacea should be taken. Take any of these herbs in dose of 1 to 3 gms. a day for 2 weeks.

Home Therapies

* Inhale medicated vapor made with water, basil leaves (holy basil, if possible), and eucalyptus oil.

* Do nasya (nasal medication) with coconut oil 2 times a day. Put 2 –3 drops of oil in the nose at bedtime.

Kapha Treatment

[a] Herbs

* Take 50 mg. of camphor and cloves and 1 gram of basil twice daily for 2 months.

[b] Prepared Medicines

* To ease Kapha aggravation, take 2 tablets of guduchi, three times daily with a tea made from basil, cloves, and camphor for 2 weeks.

[c] From the Ayurvedic Physician

An Ayurvedic physician would recommend medicated therapeutic vomiting to balance Kapha and prevent the recurrence of seasonal allergies.

[d] Yoga and Breath Therapy

It is common for hay fever to start with symptoms that are similar to colds and sinus problems. To prevent symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and congestion, practice nasal cleansing with water (jala neti) regularly to purify the entire upper respiratory tract and prevent recurrence of allergic attacks. Use a special pot with a spout - a neti pot - available for this purpose, and make nasal cleansing a regular part of your daily hygiene.

Deep breathing or regular practice of [anuloma viloma pranayama] can also prevent attack.

When hay fever allergies are chronic, practice (Kapalabhati) regularly to increase the patient's stamina.

Other common type of Allergy is Allergic Rhinitis

AIDS

AIDS- MODERN CONCEPT
AIDS is an acronym for the 'Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome'. AIDS is not a single disease but it is a syndrome- a set of diseases, which results from the destruction of the body's defenses by human immune deficiency virus, HIV.
The virus that causes ' Aids' - HIV belongs to a family of viruses known as retroviruses. HIV looks like a rolled up porcupine. It contain two snakes like single strands of RNA along with reverse transcripts firmly wrapped up in a core, giving HIV its characteristic appearance.
On entering the white blood cells known as CD 4 cells, HIV produces its own DNA and sees to it that this gets inserted into the DNA of the host cell. The viral DNA has enough power and information to direct the destiny of the cell. It can force the cell to manufacture several new copies of HIV. However due to certain trigger and regulatory mechanisms, the viral DNA lies dormant in the host cell for several years before it begins to do the damage.
People infected with HIV may take 7 - 10 years to develop AIDS.
AIDS AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE
According to Ayurveda the AIDS disease may be correlated with "Kshaya' or "Ojakshaya' meaning loss of energy. The Symptoms and causative factors and treatment for the latter are found mentioned in many ancient Ayurvedic tests like, Charaka Samhitha, Bhavaprakasha,Vaidyachintamani and Chakradatta etc., Shosha is another condition, which results from loss of energy that is similar to AIDS.
The disease is caused by the dominant kapha dosha along with the other doshas tends to block the path for the flow of rasadi dhatus in their respective locations thus resulting in the deterioration of saptha dhatu Rasa(plasma), Rakta (blood cells),Mansa ( muscular tissue), Meda (adipose tissue), Asthi (bony tissue), Majja (bone marrow) and the Shukra (reproductive tissue). thus resulting into the disease.
The major symptoms are:

• loss of appetite, drastic loss of weight-emaciation
• fatigue and lethargy
• susceptibility to allergies and contagious diseases
• skin irritations
• bronchial disorders, often leading to tuberculosis of the lungs
• damage to intestinal flora resulting in diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis and
• wide fluctuations in body temperature. prolonged fever
• sleeplessness etc.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR AIDS: 
All seems not lost for the HIV infected persons as the Ayurvedic supplements are proven to be harmless without any side effects and there can only be improvement and not deterioration.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT PLAN FOR HIV
The first step to stem the disease is to ensure a good and healthy atmosphere for the patient. He should be surrounded by well meaning friends and relatives who must affirm that the disease state is totally curable. Nothing negative should be discussed before the patient.
The patient should be given nourishing food which is easily digestible. He should be encouraged to do easy exercise which does not strain his fragile health. He should be kept engaged in fruitful activities which strengthen the good tendencies inherent in him.
Initially, the patient is given tonics and rejuvenators (Rasayanas) to boost immunity levels and to strengthen the system and stimulate appetite.
After gaining some strength, shodhana (elimination) techniques are used to expel toxins from the body through enemas, purgation and emesis. The medications administered at this stage are not hard or drastic, but soft, ghee-based so that the patient withstands them with ease.
Secondly the blood is purified with appropriate medications. Liver corrective measures also play an important role.
A strengthening diet along with medicated ghee preparations and soups is recommended. But spicy, oily and acidic foods are to be avoided. A little alcohol is recommended as anupana (carrier) to aid the digestive process, and also remove blockages in the flow of Rasadi dhatus, i.e. srothorodha.
Patient is advised to do regular exercise. If the patient is incapable of exercising or running due to weakness, then steaming (swedanam) is also recommended. reason behind this is 'Heated blood is said to weaken, and even destroy, the virus in some cases'.
Experience has shown that certain herbo-mineral compounds prepared as per the formulae prescribed by sages like Agasthya, Charaka, Sarangadhara and others for the treatment of Kshaya have brought about significant results in improving the condition of AIDS patients. The Rasayana and Vajikara effects of the these medicines are good for the patients.
Some of the propritery ayurvedic medicines achieving good improvement in the quality of life of patients include 'Chyavanprash', 'Raktavardhak' for Immunity building and 'Sookshma triphla tabs' to keep awaythe the infection.
CHYAVANPRASH:
An example of an Ayurvedic remedy which may be of use in the treatment of persons diagnosed with AIDS is 'Chyavanprash'. 'Chyavanprash' is most useful and most popular rejuvenator tonic(Rasayana) of Ayurveda.
This is an Ayurvedic herbal formula which increases ojas, and restores the digestive, eliminative, respiratory and sexual systems. It is frequently employed in wasting conditions where it has been clinically shown to improve health and assist with weight gain. The main ingredient in Chyavanprash is 'Amalaki'- the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), which has the highest yield of natural source vitamin C, with 3000 mg per fruit. It is also a rich source of naturally occurring anti-oxidants including bioflavonoids, vitamin B-complex and carotenes (vitamin A). Studies suggest that this berry possesses antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It assists digestion, lowers high blood pressure and lowers blood cholesterol. Clinical research has shown that it accelerates repair of muscle and skin and enhances natural anti-inflammatory substances. Chayvanprash also contains about 35 others herbs which amplify and augment the effects of its main ingredient; such a powerful formulation may indeed be helpful in the treatment of persons who have been diagnosed with AIDS.

Acne Treatment-2

Continued>>>> Ayurveda 'the science of Healing' definitely have a solution for this. Ayurveda considers Vata, Pitta and Kapha as building blocks of body constitution and it deals with the diseases by applying various Medical, Surgical and Parasurgical methods of treatment. In Ayurvedic medicinal texts this disease is mentioned as Tarunya Pitika. The etiopathology of the disease is considered due to vitiated Blood (Rakta Dushti) along with vitiated Kapha and Vata. Vitiated Kapha blocks the normal excretory function of skin and get the waste material stagnated inside, producing symptoms like itching, pustules and nodules formation. Vitiated Rakta that also get stagnated and produces multiple irruptions, redness, raised local temperature, thick bloody discharge from the boils and abscess formation. Then irritation, blackish discoloration and ugly scar formation is worked out by Vitiated Vata. Here the principle of Kha Vaigunya i.e. weak portion of the body where vitiated Doshas gets stagnated, works to produce various symptoms of the disease. To get rid of the problem, thispathophysiology of the disease should be break down and for this purpose the disease causing vitiated doshas should be either removed from the body or to be purified with local and systemic medication. Raktamokshan (Blood letting) is a well-accepted treatment for Vitiated Rakta Dosha. As only the circulating blood is acts as a carrier of all vitiated doshas and responsible for the disease producing pathology, the process of removing this stagnated blood i.e. Raktamokshan will prove significant to treat the disease. Leech application for Raktamokshan is one of the Para surgical methods described by Sushruta. The affected tissue here remains congested with the stasis of blood and Leech therapy improves microcirculation to tissues by removing this stagnated and vitiated blood. Hirudotherapy also improves capillary tissue perfusion and thus supplying proper levels of Oxygen and Nourishment to skin. Similarly, the Sheet and Madhur properties of Jalauka (Leech) pacify the provoked Rakta resulting into resolution of the disease. Trials were carried out working on this line of treatment and proved very beneficial. Dramatic improvement was observed not only in symptomatology but also in skin luster and glow. Much better results can be obtained with supplementation of internal medicine and local application of Lepa (Face pack). Face pack made up of Lodhra(Symlocos racemosus), Vacha(Acorus Calamus), Dhanyak(Coriandrum Sativum), Chandan(Santalum album) and Ushir(Vettiveria Zizanioides) is very beneficial. Smooth paste of Jatiphala(Myristica Fragrance) will help to remove black spots of remnants of acne. Blood purifiers like Sariva(Hemidesmus Indicus), Anantmula(Tylophora Asthmatica), Guduchi(Tinospora Cordifolia) and Manjishtha(Rubia Cordifolia) are used for internal medication.2 Above mentioned Ayurvedic line of treatment gives very significant result in management of Acne Vulgaris and will be very beneficial to society by relieving the physical and psychological upset which is caused by this disease.