You look onto the mirror, to see your pretty face,

But don’t see anything else, except a haze

A big pimple now has occupied the space

All you can hope that it leaves no trace!

The Pimple

With the hormonal changes taking place and body constantly evolving, pimples give a traumatic time with ugly breakouts here and there on the face. In severe cases it may appear on upper chest and on the upper parts of the shoulder hitting our self-esteem and putting us in an all-time low situation. The insecurity and dejection is hard to cope with, especially in an age bracket of 13-23 years.

Growth of the pimple

Each of the hair follicles in our body is connected to a gland that secretes an oily substance to lubricate skin. To do that, a substance known as sebum needs to move up the hair shaft and out the opening of a follicle. But sometimes the sebum acts almost like a glue to dead cells being shed by the skin. Together they form a soft plug that blocks the shaft while the sebatious gland continues to produce sebum. The growing blockage can stimulate local bacteria like staphylococcus to reproduce. Increased bacteria will lead to reactions from the immune system, pimple being the visible evidence of this process. White puss is formed from the accumulation of sebum, dead cells and bacteria; the redness is caused by the inflammation as the immune system tries to kill the bacteria.

Ayurveda’s Perspective:

Ayurveda attributes the growth of a pimple mainly to the faulty food habits and the triggering hormonal changes inside the body.Excess Kapha, which controls the production of sebum, results in clogging of the pores. An imbalance in Vata results in impaired digestion and accumulation of toxins .The imbalance of Pitta affects the blood resulting in inflammation. This combination  Organic Essential Oils of impaired digestion, accumulating toxins, inflammation, and over-production of sebum creates the perfect environment for the overgrowth of bacteria resulting in pimples. The overgrowth of bacteria is only an effect of the underlying imbalances, but not the ultimate cause of pimple. Ayurveda advices well balanced diet and healthy time-schedule for the intake of food. The irrational food habits include Adhashana (consuming food at short intervals), Virudhashana (consuming incompatible foods like fish and milk together) and Vishamashana (which involves consuming food with disregard to body cravings).

Prevention and Treatment:

PANCHAKARMA:Panchakarma is effective in correcting imbalances and eliminating the harmful Ama out of our system through the body’s own channels. Panchakarma purifies the skin at a very deep level and involves daily massages, oil baths, herbal enemas and nasal administrations. Ayurveda recommends panchakarma as a seasonal treatment for maintaining beautiful skin free of pimples. Some of the processes of panchakarma effective in curing pimples are:-

VAMANA OR MEDICATED VOMITING: Suitable medicines are orally given to induce vomiting. This procedure is very useful in blockage of subtle channels or srothas of facial skin.

VIRECHANA OR MEDICAL PURGATION: It is a cleansing method, performed by giving bitter, astringent and sweet herbal purgatives which bring down abnormally increased pitta principle. This procedure is beneficial in stages of inflammatory changes.

NASYA: This Ayurvedic treatment is beneficial for all doshas, particularly vata and kapha. Nasal administration of suitable medicine is effective in chronic clinical conditions of pimple.

AYURVEDIC HERBS

Ayurvedic medication involving herbs has been effective in treating pimple problems.Various medicinal herbs are used in Ayurveda which effectively help in eliminating the scars.

NEEM – All components of the neem tree are strongly anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. This excellent cleanser is used for a wider array of skin problems.  Scrape the neem trunk with a small knife, wash them thoroughly and dry them in the sun. Powder them and make a paste out of it with water and apply on skin. Repeat this procedure regularly. Neem’s concoctions are effective in removing excess oil resulting in a healthy skin.

BASIL – Basil leaf’s anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti spasmodial properties help in preventing pimples and make your skin supple and brighter. Two effective ways in using this herb are:

1. Put 2-3 dry basil leaves in one cup boiling water. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes. Strain it and let it cool. Apply the water on your face with cotton wool. Do this twice a day.
2. Place turmeric powder and basil leaves in a bowl of water, which has just been boiled. Cover your hair with a towel. Create a mini-steam bath for your face. Make sure to wash your face immediately afterwards as it removes dirt and oil more easily from open pores.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek can be an excellent ingredient for your home-made beauty product. Fenugreek is also used in face packs to help prevent blackheads, pimples, wrinkles, etc. A paste made from fresh fenugreek leaves applied regularly to scalp before bath helps hair growth, improves hair complexion, and reduces dandruff.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has anti-bacterial and de-clogging properties which help in drying out acne.  The most important property of cinnamon is that it brings blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin aiding in blood circulation. Make a mixture of cinnamon powder & honey and Buy Essential Oils Online apply on your pimples before you go to bed. Wash it with warm water when you wake up in the morning. Do this for a fortnight and watch your pimples disappear.

Diet

Ayurveda recommends the usage of fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds and raw nuts for a healthy and beautiful skin. Since skin is the largest organ of the body, it is the first to loose moisture and become dehydrated. Drinking 7-8 glasses of water daily will help body’s self-cleansing, self-purifying systems to be in perfect working condition to protect skin from toxicity. Eating foods rich in beta carotene such as carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe and other yellow-orange fruits & vegetables is effective for healthy hair. Avoiding spicy, oily, bitter, sour and processed foods will be highly beneficial.

So, why wait? Try Ayurveda, the natural way of healing…

Let your pimples disappear, and never come back again. After all, face is the reflection of your mind. A smiling face means a happy you! Keep smiling!

SupernaturalAyurveda revealing secrets for staying active& agile everyday

Frozen shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitisis a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It occurs as a result of inflammation, scarring, thickening and shrinkage of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint.Signs and symptoms are shown gradually and gets worseover time. Usually it occurs on any one side, only in rare cases it spreads to the other shoulder too. Now Frozen Shoulder is a commoncomplaint almost affecting about two to five percent of the general population.

Some myths on Frozen Shoulder:

• It happens only to people mostly aged in 40’s to 60’s.
• Women are more prone to frozen shoulder than men.

Causes

The ligaments and tendons that make up the shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement.

It can be majorly due to particular causes like synovitis (the lining of a joint becomes inflamed), rupture of the capsule etc. A history of trauma, arm in a sling for long time, immobilized in a specific position for a prolonged period etc. can also result in the disorder.
Diabetes too is a commonly associated condition with frozen shoulder.
Symptoms

Symptoms are variable depending on its cause. Pain is the usual symptom which is accompanied by muscle spasm and limitation of movements. It often worsens at night especially when lying on the affected side. People having frozen shoulder find difficulty with normal daily tasks such as dressing, carrying bags and working. Muscle wastage also may be evident due to the lack of usage.

Tests

The physical examination by a doctor is needed to check for pain and evaluate your range of motion. Frozen shoulder can usually be diagnosed from signs and symptoms alone, X-rays or an MRI may be taken to rule out other structural problems.

According to Ayurveda- frozen shoulder is known as Apabahuka that comes under vata nanatmaja roga. The vitiated vata dosha absorbs the fluid (kapha) of the joint causing Ababahuka.

Treatment

First and foremost, it is essential to carry out a careful clinical examination as many diseases of diverse originsare frequently associated with musculoskeletal symptoms.
1) Physiotherapy is quite effective in acute condition.
2) Anti-inflammatory drugs.

Home remedies

Try and practise the usage of the affected shoulder in extremity in daily life activities as possible within the limits of your pain and range-of-motion constraints.

To relieve pain, applying heat or cold to your shoulder will help.
Ayurvedic treatments-

If frozen shoulder is caused by secondary group than the other ailments, the Panchakarma and Kerala therapy is very effective. The aim of the Ayurvedic treatment is to bring vitiated vata in equilibrium.
Most popular therapy is pizhichil, which implies pouringthe medicated oil over the body with more concentration on affected shoulder for about 45 to 60 minutes. It is a process of fomentation.

Elakizhi– Special herbal pack massage with Pizhichil gives strength to the muscle and improves the mobility of shoulder joint.
Nasyam –It is one among the famous panchakarma therapy; known to be a powerful rejuvenating treatment.

Requirement of Therapy– 7, 14 or 21 days course depending on the severity of the symptoms along with oral intake of medicines for 3-4months.

Oral Medication – (Mentioning a Few)

• Sahacharbaladikshayam
• rasnadikashyam
• Dhanwantharam kashayam
• Saptasaramkashyam
• Balarishtae
• Dhanwantharishtam
• Yograjgugulu

Headache is a term which literally describes pain felt anywhere in the head. It poses certainly the commonest, probably the most ambiguous and sometimes the most difficult clinical problem. A migraine headache can cause intense throbbing or a pulsing sensation in one area of the head and is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine attacks can cause significant pain from hours to days and may be so severe that it may cause thevictim to settle down in an eccentric dark & quiet place distant from the tangible world. Some migraines are preceded or accompanied by sensory warning symptoms (aura), such as flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling in your arm or leg. The right medicines, combined with self-help remedies and lifestyle changes, can make a big difference in terms of curing these terrible headaches.

Migraine attacks may be caused by variety of factors such as menstruation, flashing light, lack of sleep, physical & emotional stress and anxiety.Allergies to certain types of substances like Cheese, red wine, strong perfumes, Chocolate, sour fruits, skipping meals, can be the common precipitants.

Attack

A migraine attack usually lasts from four to seventy two hours, but the frequency with which headaches occur varies from person to person if it is not treated or cared in time. You may have migraines several times a month or much less often.

When you have a migraine attack, you may experience the following symptoms:

• A pulsating and throbbing pain on one side or both sides of your head
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to Light, Sounds and even Smells
• Excessive Sweating.

According to Ayurveda- Triggering factors cause vitiation of vata and kapha. Vitiated vata covers the kapha in the arterial wall. This vata avrita kapha affects the dhamanis of brain and decreases the circulation, leads to headache, and sensation of vomiting. Avrita kapha clears after vomiting and patient has relief from headache. In more simple terms – The repeated mucus accumulation in the Vascular System that connects brain reduces the circulation of blood to brain inducing severe head-ache and sensation of vomiting. Most of the times, after vomiting the mucus congestion is cleared which passes us an immediate relief from the headache.

Prevention and Treatment:-

A carefully recorded history and a meticulous examination followed by full explanation of the nature and occurrences of migraine are necessary to exclude the other diseases which are associated with migraine.

In migraine, it is always better to avoid the conditions that can trigger the issue,as it’s universally quoted,“Prevention is better than cure”:-

Here are certain things to focus in order to avoid the intensification of the attack:

• Avoid bright lights
• Get a sound sleep & try not to sleep late
• Don’t skip meals; make habit to take frequent meals at right intervals.
• Always Keep in mind what you eat

If Migraine happens habitually two weeks before the menstruation, then low level of progesterone hormone might be responsible for this problem;so please consult your doctor accordingly.

If one gets migraine attack then,

• Try &lie down in dark room or at-least find a room far off from heavy sounds and strong lights.
• Put an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the head.

Or else as soon as you feel the headache- take analgesics/painkillers or other medicines to reduce stress and pain and go to sleep.

Treatments in Ayurveda:

In Ayurveda, Pancha karma and Kerala therapies are effective.

• Shirodhara- A continuous stream of medicated oil is dripped on the forehead along with a gentle massage all over the body which relaxes,smoothens and maintains the circulation in the brain by reducing the spasm of the blood vessel.

• Nasyam is also advised.

• Siroabhyanga-Special medicated oil is poured on top of the head and is left for some time. A gentle massage is then given for the head for relaxation.

Requirement of Therapy–After the 7, 14 or 21 days course of Shirodhara, Siroabhyanga is advised which will help benifit you a permanent cure along with intake of medicines.

Here is the list of a few oral medications:-

• Drakshadi Kashayam
• Varnadi Kashyam
• GuduchyadiKashyam
• DrakshadiLeham
• Balahathadithailam for applying on head.

If it is related to menstruation then, have uterine tonics which maintains the hormonal balance eg:-Musalikhadiradi Kashayam, Asokarishtam, Kumaryasavam.

Did you know that thyroid patients when treated with holistic Ayurveda have better healing chances…? Well, you heard it right, the very own ancient Indian medicinal practice has the best cure for the millions of thyroid sufferers worldwide!

METABOLISM AND THYROID GLAND

Certain biochemical processes which take place inside the body are influential in the growth, repair, response and maintenance of our life. These processes are collectively called as metabolism and are performed by a line of endocrine glands. They secrete hormones into the lymph and blood, and helps in the sustenance of any living organism.

Thyroid, a butterfly shaped endocrine gland situated at the lower part of the neck, plays an important role in body’s metabolism. Without a functional thyroid, a living organism would not be able to break down proteins and will be incapable of processing carbohydrates and vitamins. Thyroid secretes thyroxin, which stimulates the consumption of oxygen, leading to the metabolism of all cells and tissues in the body. The result of this process is a healthy physical growth.

The over-secretion (hyperthyroidism) and under-secretion (hypothyroidism) of thyroxin in the body result in unbalanced chemical changes accounting to numerous health problems.

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON THYROID DISORDERS

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal practice, terms the bio-chemical (metabolism) process as ‘agni,’ responsible for all the activities inside the body, up to the cellular level. Major literatures of Ayurveda share its clear idea about thyroid disorder and its treatment. Ayurveda attributes the cause of thyroid disease to the imbalance of tri-doshas caused by climatic conditions, impure water intake, in-nutritious foods and unhealthy dietary habits. Kashyapa Samhita (a treatise on Ayurveda attributed to the sage Kashyap) ascribes some climatic conditions like coldness, dampness, water stagnation and heavy rains in the promotion of this disease.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

The inadequate functioning of thyroid gland results in the reduced levels of thyroxin secretion which leads to hypothyroidism.  Ayurveda attributes the root cause of this dysfunction to the vitiated Kapha and Pitta doshas. Sluggishness of bodily functions, depressed muscular activity, slow pulse, hoarseness of voice, decreased immune functioning with recurrent infections, constipation, irritability, sensitivity to cold, depression and dry skin are some the symptoms of this disease.

Having a 30ml decoction with the bark of Kaanchanaaraor Punarnava plant twice a day on an empty stomach is efficient in treating mild cases. Kaanchanaara guggulu and Punarnawaadi guggulu, the pills containing these herbs are popularly used for the treatment of this disease.  Certain other recommendations include the consumption of foods that are naturally high in iodine such as fish, shell fish, white onions, potatoes, asparagus, etc.  Ayurveda also prohibits foods that naturally slow down the functioning of the thyroid such as cabbage, mustard-greens, cauliflower, maize, sweet potatoes, and spinach for the patients suffering from hypothyroidism.

HYPERTHYROIDISM

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that encompasses several different diseases, all characterized by production of too much hormone, resulting in an overactive metabolic state. Many of the body’s processes speed up with this disorder; rapid heart rate, palpitation, shallow respiration, frequent bowel motions, menstrual disturbance and excessive fatigue are some of the symptoms of this disease. Intake of foods that are natural suppressors of thyroid gland is a natural remedy for this disease.

Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, mustard greens, spinach and radishes in your diet can decrease the secretion of thyroxin. Certain other food items that trigger the hormone like iodized salts, sea foods, red meat, dairy products nicotine and alcohol should be avoided.

Dandelion Leaves – The paste of these leaves along with clarified butter is efficient in treating goiter, the main disease caused by hyperthyroidism. The mixture in lukewarm should be applied to the swollen area of the neck. Leave it for 20 minutes. Doing it daily for two weeks will yield great relief.

Flax Seeds – Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners used the anti-inflammatory properties of flax seeds to cure goiter. The seed is a powerhouse of anti-oxidents which is effective in countering the disease. Make a thick paste by mixing two tbsp. of crushed flax seeds with equal amount of water. Apply it on the throat.

YOGA

The massage and stimulation that thyroid glands receive while practicing yoga, is beneficial for the balance and functioning of the entire endocrine system. The Asanas also helpin proper functioning of the gland, by developing blood circulation and flow of energy. Some of the yoga stances that curtail thyroid dysfunction are:

Matsyasana and Halasana: The stretching and compression involved in these yogasana’s rejuvenates and revitalizes thyroid gland and wards off any illnesses present. These miraculous Asanas also renew energy, lower stress, and reduce the muscle and joint stiffness accompanied with thyroid dysfunction.

Pranayama: The improper functioning of thyroid can lead to mood swings and depression. It becomes very difficult for the patients to attain peaceful mind and body. Pranayama, the most important breathing exercise in yoga induces calmness and concentration needed for the person.

Ayurveda is undoubtedly your best resort in dealing with thyroid dysfunction. The herbs collected from the lap of nature are safe and highly effective in treatment of this disease, and when accompanied with miraculous yoga stances and healthy diets, you can keep your worries at bay.