Author: Dr.Sandeep Krishna sandeep

Varicose veins or varicoses triggered by weak valves in the veins of the legs, refers to a condition wherein your veins become swollen, dilated and overfilled with blood.

The condition is generally caused by excessive pressure and burden on the legs or the abdomen. All veins have one-way valves to ensure that the blood flows towards the heart. Malfunctioning of these valves allows blood to flow backwards down the veins and results in an overload of pressure when standing. This excess pressure leads to widening of the veins which in turn results in valves not getting closed properly, blood then flows back into the leg and causes varicose veins to develop. Varicose veins may be dark in colour or may retain their original colour, ranging from a light purplish-red to almost a navy blue.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins is known as Sira granthi in Ayurveda and is caused due to the vitiation of Vata dosha. The imbalanced Vata dosha creates increased pressure that affects the valves and elasticity of the veins resulting in the condition.

Factors that cause Varicose Veins According to Ayurveda

A number of things can increase your likelihood of developing varicose veins, including:

1. Activities bearing excessive pressure on the veins like weight lifting, excessive walking, standing for long periods of time etc.

2. Age – People with age more than 50 are prone to the condition more.

3. Gender – Women are more prone to have the condition

4. Sudden weight rise during Pregnancy

5. Overweight

6. Family history

Symptoms of Varicose Veins according to Ayurveda

1. Aching pain in the legs

2. Numbness in the limbs

3. Veins that appear twisted and bulging

4. Burning or throbbing sensation in your legs

5. Discoloration of the veins or skin

6. Dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein

7. Tiredness in legs

Management of Varicose Veins According to Ayurveda

As varicose veins is a condition due to the vitiation of Vata dosha, Ayurveda recommends treatments directed towards pacifying vata dosha. A vata-pacifying diet regimen is advised with a practice of carefully chosen yoga asanas and physical exercises.

Along with herbal medications, treatments such as Dhara over the legs, Abhyanga (Ayurveda Therapeutic massage over the area)  Vataraktha chikitsa, Sira Vyadha (blood-letting treatment), leech therapy etc. play an important role in normalizing the circulation.

Herbs in Ayurveda encompasses several therapeutic properties that is extremely good for both mind and body. Incorporating these herbs in your daily diet will not only help boosting your immunity levels but also will help healing ailments. The herbs positively affects one or all of the three doshas viz. Vata, Kapha, Pitta; and are considered the most effective when taken consistently over the longer term.

From weight loss to beautiful skin to overall vitality, herbs can transform your health in so many ways!

Here are the top 6 herbs of Ayurveda and their key benefits –

1. Neem

One of the most powerful blood purifiers and detoxifiers in Ayurveda, Neem is extremely essential for human health. It is recommended both for internal as well as external use. It is also ideal for all skin diseases, wound healing, skin damage and works wonders for eczema and psoriasis skin flare-ups. Neem leaves could be pounded and made into small balls, which when taken on an empty stomach proves to be a wonderful blood purifier and proffers many other additional health benefits.

2. Ashwagandha

Known as a potent Ayurvedic herb with multiple health benefits like relieves stress, boosts energy, increases immunity, imparts good sleep, delays the process of ageing, Ashwagandha is extremely beneficial for good health. Take 1/2 teaspoon cooked in milk or sweeten with 1 tsp of raw honey.

3. Brahmi

It is the best supplement for the health of the brain and nervous system. Having brahmi regularly fights depression, promotes calm, clear mind, improves memory and concentration and boosts mental function. Brahmi is tridoshic and extremely beneficial for high Pitta related conditions. Take it every morning boiling it in water and consuming as a tea, or boil it in milk and consume.

4. Shatavari

According to Ayurveda, Shatavari is known as the ideal herb for women of reproductive age. It strengthens and energizes female reproductive system and also helps the transition into menopause more peaceful. The herb is also an immunity booster, and helps in maintaining high energy levels. Mix half to one teaspoon of Shatavari in warm milk, and add honey to taste.

5. Turmeric

Ayurveda recommends Turmeric in a large variety of ailments and also for enhancing the natural beauty. It balances all the doshas, but is more effective in balancing the Pitta dosha because of its blood-cleansing and liver-cleansing properties. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and also encompasses unique wound healing properties. Consuming turmeric milk regularly will provide multitude of health benefits.

6. Tulsi

Tulsi is one of the most essential herbs of Ayurveda that possesses numerous health-giving assets – It is highly beneficial for fever, cough, congestion, bronchitis and other diseases of lungs. It also embraces anti-inflammatory properties, anti-asthmatic and anti-infective properties. Tulsi is extremely good for treating skin disorders as well. According to Ayurveda, Tulsi alone is capable to withstand the toxins in your system and at the same time elevate your resistance against diseases.

An amazing masterpiece of Ayurveda known to invigorate and rejuvenate the inner you, Abhyangam is one of the most important practices to maintain a healthy body and mind. The meaning of ‘Abhyanga,’ is the application of oil to the body. It is the process of oleation, smearing medicated oils all over the body followed by gentle massaging of the whole body.

The herbal oil used for this purpose is decided by the Ayurvedic physician on basis of the patient’s Dosha Prakriti. A variety of Ayurvedic techniques are applied along the energy channels (Srotas) of your body in a synchronized manner to restore the flow of vital energy, Prana. Also, the systematic massage with Ayurvedic herbal oils help squeeze out toxic accumulation from the channels. Abhyangam treatment addresses imbalances within the body and works to bring a person’s Dosha back into its original state.

The massage along with steam bath produces great results. The effects are compounded since the heat and steam allow the medicated oils to seep into the body and nourish them from the inside.

Miraculous Benefits of the Therapy:

1. Eliminates toxins
2. Boosts Immunity
3. Increases energy
4. Balances the nervous system
5. Increases blood circulation
6. Reduces joint pain and increases flexibility
7. Cleanses the lymphatic system
8. Reduces fatty tissues
9. Eases stress-related problems
10. Lowers blood pressure
11. Improves sleep

PROCEDURE:

The patient is laid on a massaging table and warm medicated oils selected and prepared according to his/her Dosha type, is applied on him. A gentle systematic massage is done on the whole body and fundamentally more on the required body parts by trained therapists, for around 30 to 60 minutes depending on the body type.

After the therapy the patient is said to take complete rest for some time for the oil to be absorbed in the body. Light digestible diet would be advised after the bath.

The ancient science of holistic medicine Ayurveda, views heart as the most pivotal part of a human body and the seat of human consciousness. Heart health thus is a direct reflection of our state of balance or imbalance.

According to Ayurveda, heart befits to be the fundamental dwelling for the tridoshas – vata, pitta, kapha and also plays a vital role in the function of number of internal body channels called Srotas. These channels are responsible for circulation of energy, wastes, various constituents like dhatus (tissues) and prana (air). Heart is also home to the most refined and essential form of Ojas (epitome of immunity, strength and vigour in a human body) that is said to sustain the activity of heart, consciousness and life itself.

According to Ayurveda, optimal heart health depends on a balance of the mind, emotions, body and spirit. Here are few recommendations for a healthy heart from Ayurveda –

1. Regular practice of yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) is advised by Ayurveda for reducing stress levels that is termed as the most common cause of heart diseases.
2. Ama or the toxic residue formed due to undigested harmful food is the major cause of heart diseases and all the problems that happens in a human body. Ayurveda recommends intake of healthy foods in a suitable quantity for proper digestion.
3. Ayurveda suggests walking as an excellent exercise for good heart health. It’s ideal to take a 30-minute walk every day in the morning.
4. Ayurveda recommends massages with warm vata pacifying oils once in a week. This helps in keeping away aches and pains, improves circulation, relieves mental and physical fatigue, and reduces blood pressure and heart rate.
5. Amla (Indian gooseberry) is very beneficial for the heart. It is recommended to add Amla in your daily diet for good heart health.
6. Ayurveda recommends heart-healthy diet including lots of fresh fruits, whole grains and vegetables, heart-friendly spices like fresh-ground black pepper and turmeric.
7. Obesity is a very common reason for heart disorders. Reduce weight if you are overweight or obese.
8. Avoid too much of tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking.
9. Ayurveda recommends a program of internal cleansing (Panchakarma therapy) with every change of season to help your body flush out ama (toxins).
10. Drinking water kept overnight in a copper pot strengthens heart health.

Having healthy bones & joints is the best solution to keep #arthritis away. On the occasion of World Arthritis Day, here are 7 guidelines recommended  to keep your bones and joints healthy –
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Keeping your weight within a healthy range is one of the best things you can do for your joints. Weight-bearing joints, such as your knees, hip and back, have to support your body weight so the more you weigh, the more work they have to do.
2. Exercise
Weight-bearing exercises can help keep your bones healthy. High impact activities like dancing, skipping, jogging or running are great, but if you have frail bones or a history of falls, low-impact exercise like walking are also beneficial.
3. Perfect your Posture
Slouching is not good for your joints. Standing and sitting straight would help to protect your joints from your neck to your knees. When lifting and carrying, following the right posture is important for both your joints and bones.
4. Eat Right
In order for a good bone and joint health, an adequate supply of the right nutrients is required. Foods rich in amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties rich foods like dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, broccoli, berries, ginger etc. are recommended for bone and joint health.
5. Get enough Calcium and Vitamin D
Consume enough Calcium as the body needs this nutrient to build strong bones and teeth and keep them strong as you age. Food sources of calcium include milk, leafy green vegetables and beans. Also, Vitamin D is essential for bone health since it helps the body absorb calcium. Sources of Vitamin D include Sunlight, fish, eggs, milk, mushrooms and cod liver oil.
6. Don’t smoke and drink excessively
Loss of bone mineral density is associated with tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol also affects the liver thereby affecting the function of vitamin D — the bone vitamin, thus causing weak bones. So it’s recommended to stop drinking and smoking for a better bone and joint health.
7. Avoid too much salt, sodas and fizzy drinks
Too much salt in food causes us to lose calcium through urine to release extra salt. Also, Sodas and fizzy drinks may limit our ability to use the calcium we consume because of its phosphorous content.
#WorldArthritisDay #ReflectWellness #KrishnenduAyurveda

Yoga is an excellent way to boost bone health! Here are few yoga poses recommended by #KrishnenduAyurveda that will help strengthen the bones and maintain the body posture –
1. Utakatasana (Chair pose)
The chair pose is excellent to strengthen your hips, which is one of the most common areas to suffer bone loss.
Steps:
1. Stand straight with your feet slightly apart. With your palms facing downwards, stretch your hands to the front without bending your elbows.
2. Slowly bend your knees and push your pelvis down gently as if you are sitting in an imaginary chair.
3. Make sure you keep your hands parallel to the ground. Sit straight and lengthen your spine and relax. Ensure that your knees don’t go beyond your toes and keep going down slowly.
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)
This yoga asana works your spine, abdomen, glutes and legs. It provides relief from pain that comes with osteoporosis.
Steps:
1. Lie flat on your stomach and position your palms at the side of your head, on the floor.
2. While breathing out, push your hands to elevate your buttocks. At this point your toes should be touching the floor and your legs should be straight
3. Hold this position for about 30 seconds
3. Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
The asana will also strengthen your lower back and spine, preventing a compression fracture.
Steps:
1. Stand straight with your feet apart at a distance of three and half to four feet. Turn your right foot out by 90 degrees and left foot in by 15 degrees.
2. Align the centre of your right heel with the center of your left foot’s arch. Make sure the weight of your body is equally balanced on both the feet and they are pressing the ground.
3. Inhale and exhale deeply as you bend your body to the right downward from the hips. Keep the waist straight allowing the left hand to go up in the air while moving the right to come down to the floor. Both the arms must be in a straight line.
4. Rest your right hand on the floor outside your right foot, or the shin or the ankle, whatever is convenient without affecting the sides of the waist. Stretch your left arm toward the ceiling, parallel to the shoulder tops. Ensure your body is bent sideways and not backward or forward.
5. As you inhale and exhale, come up, bring your arms down to your sides, and straighten your feet. Repeat the same on the other side.
4. Setubandhasana (Bridge pose)
Setubandhasana gives an excellent stretch to your chest, back and neck. It can also relieve pressure on your back and make your spine strong.
Steps:
1. Lie on your back. Keep your feet hip distance apart on the floor and fold your knees. Knees and ankles must be in a straight line.
2. Palms facing down, keep your arms beside your body. Slowly lift your lower back, middle back and upper back off the floor while inhaling; gently roll in the shoulders; touch the chest and the chin but don’t bring the chin down, support your weight with your shoulders, arms and feet. Both the thighs must be parallel to each other and to the floor.
3. Breathe easily and hold the posture for a minute or two and exhale as you gently release the pose.
5. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
The light backward stretch in Bhujangasana or cobra pose can help strengthen your wrists and spine.
Steps:
1. Lie on your stomach with forehead resting on the ground and your toes flat on the floor. Keep your legs together and allow your feet and heels to lightly touch each other.
2. Palm downwards, place your hands under your shoulders, keeping your elbows parallel and close to your torso.
3. Inhaling deeply, slowly lift your head, chest and abdomen while keeping your navel on the floor.
4. Pull your torso back and off the floor with the support of your hands. Curve your spine one vertebra at a time.
* Even if it means bending elbows initially, keep your shoulders relaxed. Ensure that your feet are still close together. Breathing out, gently bring your abdomen, chest and head back to the floor.
#Yoga #ReflectWellness

Colorful, crunchy and juicy, Capsicum or bell peppers comprises of highest level of anti-oxidants and also many vitamins & minerals that helps you maintain a healthy body devoid of any disease.

Here are 7 amazing health benefits of the superfood –

1. Good for Heart
Large quantity of potassium present in Capsicum help lowers the blood pressure and prevents blood clots. Also, consuming it regularly helps blood flow and circulation which reduce chances of heart attack.

2. Pain relief
Special compound found in capsicum called “Capsaicin” blocks the pain from skin to the spinal cord. It can be used in treating headache, knee pain and severe cold. When its juice is applied externally, it reduces severe pain.

3. Prevents Diabetes
Regular consumption of Capsicum has another beneficial role: it controls diabetes and helps to maintain a steady blood sugar level in our body.

4. Cancer prevention
Capsicum contains compounds known as capsaicins that prevent carcinogen from binding with DNA and provide some protection from cancer.

5. Burns calories
Eating capsicum speeds up the metabolism and helps burn more calories. It also reduces weight gained due to a high fat diet.

6. Good for Digestion
Regular consumption of Capsicum has a good effect on gastrointestinal problems like flatulence, stomach upset, diarrhea and even abdominal cramps. Also, it has a beneficial role in healing stomach ulcers.

7. Good for Healthy Hair
Red bell pepper is good for hair growth, and also stops hair fall. It is rich in Vitamin C which helps to strengthen hair follicles. Applying bell pepper juice effectively improves blood circulation of the scalp and helps hair to grow thick and black.

When juicing bell peppers or capsicums for any remedy use as above, squeeze in lemon juice to taste as the juice of lemon helps “blunt” the taste and make it flavorful.

#FoodforGoodHealth #ReflectWellness #KrishnenduAyurveda

Lemongrass tea is a refreshing beverage that encompasses a myriad of healing benefits.

1. Helps Digestion
Drinking Lemongrass tea regularly promotes healthy digestion. It helps treat digestive health problems like indigestion, constipation,
heartburn, bloating, flatulence, stomach spasms etc.

2. Controls Cholesterol Levels
The anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis action of lemongrass helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. Also, the high potassium content in lemongrass also helps lower and regulate blood pressure. Drink the tea regularly to help lower your cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels.

3. Cleanses and Detoxifies
Regular consumption of lemongrass tea helps cleanse and detoxify the body.

4. Reduces Arthritis Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, lemongrass helps treat arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout and other types of joint pain. Mix lemongrass oil with coconut oil in
a 1:2 ratio and rub it over the affected area. Leave it on for a few hours before rinsing it off. Do this daily for a few weeks for optimum results.

5. Induces Sleep and soothes Nervous System Disorders
A cup of lemon grass tea can calm the nerves and muscles to aid in more peaceful sleep. It also promotes a healthier nervous system and can assist in the fight against anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and chronic fatigue.

#FoodforGoodHealth

According to Ayurveda, indigestion and low digestion is the cause for many diseases and illnesses; digestion thus is always the key to healing and feeling at our best. Agni symbolises the ‘digestive fire’ in Ayurveda that is responsible for breaking down the food and other things we consume, taking in what is useful and eradicating the rest.

When our digestive ability, or Agni is strong, our body eliminates waste products efficiently and produces a subtle essence called Ojas which infers strength that is required for the body. Current lifestyle which includes improper eating, lack of proper food habits, sedentary daily routine leads to a weakened digestive system and Agni resulting in toxic remains called Ama getting stored in our body. As per Ayurveda, this is the root cause of all diseases.

Here are few important Ayurvedic tips and home remedies for Digestion –

1. Have a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger with a few drops of lemon juice with few pinches of salt before meal to stimulate the Agni.
2. Sip on ginger tea throughout the day, and with meals.
3. Eating turmeric and black pepper together stimulates digestion.
4. A glassful of warm water with a little honey and a few drops of lemon juice added to it is good for improving digestion when taken on an empty stomach.
5. Sleep on your left side. This facilitates digestion and removal of toxins.
6. Drink warm water with lemon in the morning and throughout the day.
7. Lunch should be the largest meal of the day as that is when your digestive fire is the strongest.
8. Avoid cold drinks with your meals as it might hamper and slow down the digestion process.
9. Practice not eating anything 2 to 3 hours before bed.
10. Try drinking a cup or two of warm water upon waking, and a large glass (about two cups) of warm or room temperature water 20-30 minutes before your meals.
11. Chew well while eating.
12. Mediate regularly

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common disorder where blood pressure in the arteries remains abnormally high befitting to be a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack, heart failure etc. The increase in blood pressure largely depends upon a person’s age, sex, physical and mental activities, family history, and diet. Normal blood pressure of a healthy adult individual is 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Hypertension

Hypertension is known as Rakta Gata Vata in Ayurveda. It can be caused due to vitiation of any of the three doshas viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, though the contribution of the Vata dosha is more responsible.

Factors that Cause Hypertension according to Ayurveda

1. Stress and Anxiety
2. Unhealthy diet
3. Sedentary lifestyle
4. Obesity/overweight
5. Smoking
6. Alcohol
7. Vitiation of Vata Dosha

Symptoms of Hypertension according to Ayurveda

1. Palpitations
2. Dizziness
3. Insomnia
4. Constipation
5. Chest pain
6. Irregular heartbeat
7. Headache/Morning headache

Management of Hypertension through Ayurveda

The treatment of Hypertension or High blood pressure aims at restoring the balance of doshas, particularly identifying the dominance of the vitiated Dosha and administering cures accordingly. Majorly the line of treatments include avoidance of the triggering factors such as smoking, alcohol, stress etc., strengthening the digestion process and digestion fire (Agni) and eliminating the toxins (Ama) accumulated in the body.

Yoga, Pranayama are suggested for mind relaxation ,while Shiro Dhara,Thakradhara & Panchakarma treatments such as Virechana, Vasti etc. are generally recommended for eliminating the toxins and excess doshas from the body.

Home Remedies

1. Garlic is highly recommended by Ayurveda for high blood pressure. Consume one to two cloves of garlic daily with your meals.
2. Indian gooseberry (Amla) is an effective home remedy for high blood pressure. Drink Amla juice daily in the morning before breakfast for effective results.