Dealing with Hair Loss, the Ayurvedic Way

Ayurveda believes that hair fall control is very much associated to the body type and also the stability of one's mind-body structure. Ayurveda considers the hair as a byproduct of bone formation; the tissues which are responsible for formation of bones are also responsible for the growth of hair..

Hair fall is thereby considered to be a problem of pitta-dosha in Ayurveda and its excess in the body is the chief cause of hair problems.. Ayurvedic hair loss treatment measures are known for their effectiveness, and they include diet, meditation, yoga, and a conventional medicated herbal oil massage.

As hair fall is considered a problem of the pitta-dosha, one needs to identify his or her bad eating habits that are contributing to the increase of pitta in the body. Pitta is increased by excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meats as well as excessive smoking. Pitta is also aggravated by eating too much of fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods.

The popular herb as recommended by Ayurveda is the Bhringaraaja. Known as king of hair, it promotes hair growth across the scalp and effectively stops and eventually reverses balding and premature graying. It also helps to calm the mind promoting sound sleep. Bhringaraaja (Eclipta prostrata) is taken internally and used externally as Bhringraj oil and is an excellent rejuvenator.

Further prescriptions include Aloe-Vera juice, fresh juices of carrot, alfalfa, lettuce and spinach, as well as the daily consumption of yogurt. Of course, the power of green leafy vegetables in preserving hair cannot be underestimated either. On the other hand, alcoholic drinks have an animosity with hair so they are best avoided.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.

Ayurveda's Success Story Abroad

Despite Ayurveda's 2000-year long history as a robust indigenous medical system of India, it has a dynamically, continually changing past and present: as Ayurveda spreads from the East to West and encounters new influences, it has become redefined by cultural and social biases.

Beginning in the 1960s, Ayurveda has begun to be advertised as "alternative medicine" in the Western world. Due to different laws and medical regulations in the rest of the world, Ayurvedic practices or terminology have also been adapted specifically for Western consumption, notably in the case of "Maharishi Ayurveda" in the 1980s.

Ayurvedic  and European doctors initially encountered one another through the spice trade that also exchanged botanicals and pharmaceuticals. Some Indian medicinal knowledge had already spread through texts and oral transmission. Later, the export of medicines along with the basic knowledge of their traditional applications became an intentional, large-scale commercial enterprise. By the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, during the British colonial period, this exchange reached its peak. Colonial Britain and British scholars initially took a keen interest in the ancient medical system and encouraged the study and practice of Ayurveda.

Besides the initial pre-colonial and colonial transfers of Indian medical knowledge, Ayurveda arrived to North America and Europe as Indian immigrants spread across the globe. However, very little information about Indian medicine (homogeneous or otherwise) became accessible to the public. In the 1970s and 1980s however, the political and social environment was largely characterized by an effort and rebellion against the mainstream. During this time, Ayurveda came into public view primarily through the New Age movement that rallied around the work of a few individual spiritual leaders. 

Today, Ayurveda has specialized its chief market even further to young, white, middle to upper class society. The past couple of decades have brought a surge in products, books, and classes that address proponents, through Ayurvedic versions of beauty care, yoga, aromatherapy and weight loss programs. Interestingly, this trend has reached India as well; even modern Indian Ayurveda is being marketed for both Indian and Western audiences.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.

Ayurveda during the Winter Months

Winter, the dark and cold season can really test our body and minds – with a plethora of coughs, runny noses, sinuses, joint pains and depression, just about everything is slow and dull. It thus becomes important to strengthen our immunity system. One might have noticed that people feel hungrier during winters, which is quite normal given the fact that digestion is stronger in winters. Hence, the body is capable of nourishing itself better.

Hectic lifestyles, pollution and irregular dietary habits result in the accumulation of toxins in the body - which contribute to a general imbalance, ultimately resulting in illnesses of various sorts. Ayurveda recommends releasing these toxins, and the ideal time for this is during the onset of Winter, Spring and Fall. Mild therapy is strongly recommended by Ayurvedic doctors to beat the winter blues too.

For starters, this is the time for the body to balance. Panchakarma and detoxification does exactly that for our body by eliminating toxin. Because of this, the absorption of the nutrients within food also increases drastically. Light therapeutic body massages with Vata balancing herbal oils, head massages and Shirodhara are highly recommended for this period. It is often seen that allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, allergies and cough and cold problems get aggravated during the winters. Ayurveda suggests a Nasya therapy, one of the popular therapies of Panchakarma to get rid of these symptoms if treated on timely basis. It is a short course of 8-11 days carried out under the supervision of expert Ayurvedic doctors.

As per the general myth, Panchakarma is not only about oil therapy. Oil therapy pertains more to the Purvakarma which is performed before Panchakarma and involves oil massages, herbal steams, etc. While Panchakarma refers to five treatments that purify the body and soul and evacuate the vitiated Doshas from the body. The five elimination techniques are Basti (medicinal enemata), Vamanam (induced emesis), Virechan (medicinal purgation), Nasya (nasal administration) and Raktamokshan (blood-letting). Which Panchakarma therapy will suit a given person as per their constitution and ailments or complaints is prescribed by the Ayurvedic doctor.

As far as the toxins are concerned, they are primarily accumulated in the large intestine, which acts as a waste bin for the body. This causes symptoms like the fullness of the abdomen, gas formation, excess belching and yawning, headaches, hyperacidity, irritability and joint pains. Hence, it is important to improve the digestive system and clear the large intestine. Basti plays a significant role in such conditions. Basti is a therapeutic process in which medicated oils and herbal preparations are used to flush toxins from the intestinal tract. Basti offers greater healing benefits than traditional water-based colon cleansing because the herbalized oils enter the deeper tissues and eliminate fat-soluble toxins.

The quality and efficacy of the oil used plays an important role in such therapies. Unlike most small setups, special care should be given on hygiene and cleanliness. Since Panchakarma and other therapies involve sensitive treatments like Basti, Vamanam, Virechanam and Netratarpana, it is important that the room is dust free. The clinics must use disposable items only and specially sterilized equipments. In addition, there should be expert doctors present at all times at the time of the treatment along with well-trained therapists.

There are special therapeutic Yoga classes held at the Baidyanath Life Sciences clinic every morning. These classes are open to all of the public at very nominal prices and is complimentary for most of the patients in the clinic. Asanas, meditation, pranayam and kriyas are all part of the Yoga classes. To provide the best in Ayurveda for Nagpurians, medicines, doctors or mental and physical balance is what the Baidyanath clinic aims for. A lush green garden and a soothing ambience , and helpful and smiling staff makes one instantly comfortable.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.

When does one visit a Wellness Spa?

With today’s hectic lifestyle and world of intense competition, stress has become a major part of our lives. Irregularity in dietary habits, excessive intake of junk food and pollution are a few things we keep complaining about but do little to rectify. All of these things nevertheless result in the accumulation of toxins in the body. It is important to get rid of these toxins, and it can be done through Detoxification and Stress Relief packages. Modern Science now believes that the cause of degeneration, decay and premature ageing lies in free radicals or toxins in the body. In fact, most of the degenerative diseases such as hypertension, joint pains, arthritis, diabetes, immunity deficiency disorders, indigestion, strokes, arteriosclerosis and heart ailments can be traced to this singular reason.

Ayurveda has long understood the significance of cleansing the body of all types of toxins. Therefore, it suggests an apt cleansing process called “Pancha Karma” to eliminate all such undesirable toxins from the body. It involves various detoxification processes. Baidyanath Life Sciences has introduced Detoxification for the Nagpurians, keeping their lifestyle in mind. Hence, the entire process is suggested for 8 days, with one having the option of increasing the duration as well. The process includes special Ayurvedic Massages, Herbal steam, Nasal administration, Ayurvedic Basti and Shirodhara. All processes are done under expert supervision and with customized decoction of herbs just for you.

To this end, the Baidyanath Group have come up with a state-of-art Therapeutic & Wellness Spa, situated at a lush green area of Nagpur, Civil Lines. It hosts a range of spa facilities and a group of highly trained doctors who provide customized packages for its esteemed clients. It conducts not only Ayurvedic massages and treatments, but also Aromatherapy, Natural Facials, Body scrubs and various wellness and de-stressing packages. It is no more than what one would think an Ayurvedic spa would be – it’s clean and hygienic with all modern amenities and a soothing ambience. It has vastly experienced Ayurvedic doctors and Vaidyas for consultation who prescribe customized treatments as per the patient's complaints.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.

The Three Doshas of Ayurveda

The functioning of the human organism, as stated by the core principles of Ayurveda are controlled by three humours, also referred to as doshas. These three humours make up one's bodily constitution and its study and application has thereby come to be known as the Tridosha theory.

The doshas are the Vata, Pitta, and the Kapha and the central concept of Ayurvedic medicine lies in the theory that good health exists when there lies a finite balance between these three fundamental humours, with any sort of imbalance, however slight, leading to a modicum of disease or ill health.

Of the three, Vata is the key. Being the wind element, the other two doshas in the Pitta and Kapha cannot move from their centers until and unless the air within the body carries them forward. The Vata dosha affects the windy humour, gout and rheumatism, and is primarily present within the chest, thoracic and throat regions through its five sub-doshas. 

Pitta in turn is the bilious humourm, or that secreted between the stomach and intestine and flowing through the liver, and permeating the spleen, heart, eyes and skin. Its chief quality is heat, and is the energy principle which uses bile to direct digestion and hence, metabolism.

The final dosha in the Kapha represents the body fluids principle which relates to lubrication and the internal carriers of nutrients within the blood stream, and comprises the mouth, tongue and lower back regions from a primary perspective.

Through birth and prolonged specific behaviour, one dosha may be dominant, or a combination of two, and less rarely, some people have all three doshas in relative balance. All Ayurvedic physicians believe that these ancient ideas, based in the knowledge discovered by the Rishis and Munis, exist in harmony with physical reality. These Ayurvedic concepts allow physicians to examine the homeostasis of the whole system. 

An Ayurvedic doctor may thus establish one's dominant body type through the feeling of the pulse, before administering any form of treatment.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment

Massage Your Flab Away

Did you know that a wholesome body massage does its bit to aid weight loss? Dr Chelemela Srinivas Rao, Senior Physician with Baidyanath Life Sciences, reveals the secret.

You've heard of the tried and tested techniques of sweating out in the gym, regular swimming, skipping from one diet plan to another, and such for knocking off those annoying extra pounds. But have you ever surmised just lying down and relaxing to lose weight? Well,there is good news for you from Ayurveda if all you wish to do is relax!

Dr.Chelemela Srinivas Rao, physician with the Baidynath Life Sciences team reveals the secrets of weight loss, the Ayurveda way. "The weight loss programme includes four important steps",says Dr Srinivas, as described below.

#1. Abhyangam

This is a general massage where two technically trained therapists massage your body in a synchronized fashion, from head to toe and using high quality herbal oils.

How it works: This massage aims at applying pressure on the muscles, thus mobilizing the fat cells present. It also improves blood circulation, repairs the worn out tissues and tones the muscles.

#2. Steam Bath

The Abhyangam is followed by a conventional steam bath. This enables the release of the prevelant toxins through the hair follicles.

#3. Kashayadhara

This is a medicated bath with specially prepared medicated decoctions.

How it works: The medicated decoctions are poured on every part of the body in an oscillating pattern. This again mobilizes the fat accumulated and opens all the blocked channels within the skin.

#4. Udwartham

This is a powder  massage. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it makes use of only dry powder and the massage is done against the growth of the hair, for deeper penetration.

How it works: Massaging with powders like trifala converts fat to blood plasma. This treatment is given with oral medications if necessary.

The diet to be followed includes a lot of fibres and greens. Avoiding spicy and oily food is preferable.

Benefit: The Ayurvedic way of weight loss is good for people who are aiming for an overall weight loss programme. Moreover, one can also avoid stretch marks, saggy skin and get a glowing complexion, from head to toe. On an average about 6-8 kgs can be lost in a span of 3-4 months using the Ayurvedic technique to fight flab.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment

The Seasonal Variations of the Ayurvedic Diets

Ayurveda, though a science created thousands of years ago, has yet gone great lengths to draw an idealistic correlation between the constitution or dosha of our body and the handful of seasons through the calendar year. It philosophizes that our health is affected by the qualities of the climate we live in, where our outer environment acts as a strong influence towards our inner world.

For instance, damp, cold and wet air catalyzes coughs and colds during the winter, due to various environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind, rain, clouds, atmospheric pressure and sunlight, all of which collectively affect our health. Ayurveda prescribes a suitable, healthy and nutritious diet for such environmental surroundings and more, which can broadly be divided into the three set seasons as observed in India.

1. Summer

Not only should one avoid sunlight during the Summer months of April and May, but also eat less of food abundant in fats and oil, and strive to reduce the intake of meat. Sour, salty and pungent foods should also be avoided, as they tend to increase the pitta. Thereby, the diet that mainly consists of sweet, bitter, cold and light items that pacify the pitta is advisable. Cold food items can also be taken to combat the heat of the summer, and since the strength of the digestive system hits a trough during this period, sleeping during the daytime is not recommended. 

2. Monsoon

The wet monsoon months sees are three doshas vitalized. Thus, a light diet and less oily food are advised, as the digestive power is still not upto full strength. It is also best to consume as much fluids as possible, and while one should not follow this regime mechanically, attempts to clear the accumulation of the doshas from your system must be made as any increase of the doshas during the monsoon months might result in an illness. It is also recommended to consume foods through the day on a lush green plantain leaf.

3. Winter

Winter is a season where a moderate consumption of oily foods is encouraged, along with a proportionate consumption of fat to guard against the prevalent cold. Fluid intake can be reduced, and an extra sprinkling of salt into the dishes is encouraged. As with all of the other seasons, the doshas are best balanced by reducing the amount of food consumed through the day, with the last meal of the day being the lightest in comparison with the first.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment